I love baseball season because for the most part I get to watch my sons play at least 1 game during the week. This week we’ve been on the road so I managed to get a play- by -play update from my wife, Lori. Josh who is 13 came in to pitch at the bottom of the 4th inning with bases loaded, no outs. They were down by 8 but he was able to help his comeback and win the game. Eli’s game was during our concert so I wasn’t able to get the minute-by-minute. His team won 15-2. I couldn’t wait to get the details so I called him as soon as I got back to the hotel. Unfortunately, he was already asleep. Bummer! A few minutes later, my phone rings. “Hey Dad, it’s Eli.” “E, what’s up? I thought you were asleep!” “I was, but Mom told me you called and I wanted to tell you about my game. I walked twice, hit a double to the fence, caught a hard line drive at 3rd and by the way, I got the game ball!” “Game ball!” Okay, I know it’s little league rec baseball. But man, when you’ve never had the opportunity to play organized sports and your son wins the game ball, you get the picture. I was ecstatic!

It’s 1:45 am and I’m still up. I’ve been reminiscing about Eli’s short career so far. I remember the significant victories and the tough defeats when we got totally annihilated. I remember his power hits and the at-bats when he struck out “looking”. I’m reliving the “Sportcenter-highlight” catches and the routine “pop flies” that he dropped. My favorite memory is when he hit his first home run! It’s pretty amusing to see an 8 year old hit one over the fence and then round the diamond with an “I just conquered the world look” while pointing to the sky. I’ll never forget it!

As you can tell, I’m a pretty proud Dad. I love my sons! There’s nothing they can do to change that. Sure they can be unruly at times and wreak havoc like nobody’s business but still, they’re my sons. I especially get frustrated when they disrespect Lori or come across ungrateful but I can’t help but love them. Whether they hit a home run and win the game or strike out and lose it, it makes no difference. I love them just the same.

Can you imagine how God must feel about us? I heard a song the other day that says “He dances over me and quiets me with His love.” The human mind cannot fathom or grasp how wide, deep and everlasting His great love is for us.

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).

I don’t know what you might be facing today, but God the Father loves you no matter what. You might have struck out a few times. Maybe you’ve dropped some routine “pop flies.” You’ve tripped over yourself trying to run the bases of life. You’ve been called “out” more than your share! Remember, He is mighty to save you. He is not yelling at you from the dugout. He is with you encouraging you to swing! Don’t chase the ball, wait for your pitch. Your time is coming! But today while you are standing strong at the plate, waiting for that curve, fastball or change-up, He is cheering you on waiting in love to give you the GAME BALL!

On Deck,

Joe

Romans 14:7-8
For we do not live to ourselves alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

On my way to the airport last week for a five day run, I realized that I didn’t have my wedding ring on. I was running late so I couldn’t go back to get it. After 17 years of wearing that ring, I felt extremely bare without it. It might not seem like a big deal to some, but for me it was really weird. I knew I was still married, still loved my wife but nevertheless, I felt out of sorts for most of the trip. I felt a little embarrassed standing in front of people, talking about families and healthy marriages, and I didn’t even have my ring on.

A ring represents who we belong to. What we stand for. It tells others who or what we value. It can be a symbol that we’re spoken for, ones stance on purity, a friendship, a championship, a graduation year and so on. As followers of Christ, it’s important that we remember to wear our “ring”! Whether you know it or not, people are watching you. Who do you belong to? What do you represent? You’ve heard it before, you may be the only Christ someone will ever see. Are you representing His love, peace, forgiveness, friendship, work ethic, joy and kindness. When you encounter people on a daily basis, what is the impression you leave? What condition do you leave them in. If there is a need, are you filling it? If there is a hurt, are you healing it?

Don’t forget, it’s not about who you are, but whose you are. You belong to Jesus. He is the groom and we are His bride. We can do all things because He lives in us. Are you wearing your ring? Is it “blingin’” bright? Make sure the world knows you’re married and who your married to!

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord: be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)

I walked into an early morning prayer meeting the other day to meet with some men from our church. I discovered 4 of my friends pacing and crying out to God, reading scriptures and declaring His faithfulness while one of my friends was alone, sitting very quietly in the front row of the sanctuary. I noticed him very somber and deep in meditation. As the meeting went on, I felt compelled to go over and pray for him. I could sense that this man was in need of clarity and direction from the Lord. I began to realize he was “waiting” on the Lord. I wished so bad that I could tell this man the answer to whatever it was that he was in need of, but these words came to me gently but loudly: “It’s just a matter of time!”

I left the meeting with a peace for my friend but also with a revelation for myself. Sometimes, it’s the “waiting” that is more beneficial to us than the answer itself. Why? Because it’s in the “waiting” that we can really develop the trust in God that we need to have on a daily basis. It’s the “waiting” that builds perseverance and character in us that other wise we may not have. It’s the “waiting” that helps us to build the eagle-like strength that helps us lock our wings and soar over the clouds of doubt and fear. It’s no coincidence that David encourages us twice in the same verse (Psalm 27:14) to “wait for the Lord”!

Whatever your need is today, God has the answer. However, don’t try and skip the “waiting” part. It might be exactly what you need. It may be the very thing that gets you over the hump and keeps you from stumbling in the future. Remember that even when it might seem to be the darkest of situations, the dawn “always” comes after the night. Hold on! You will see the goodness of the Lord today. He will be faithful to complete the good work he began in you. Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning! Be encouraged, “It’s just a matter of time”!

Peace,

Joe

It is 1 o’clock in the morning here in Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s been a whirlwind since we landed last Friday and I will never forget this experience. For the past 5 days we’ve had the privilege to meet some of the most beautiful people in the world.

South Africa is a wonderful country with very hospitable people. They are easy to hang with, love their sports and are always trying to feed you. As you can imagine, we feel right at home. However, they would tell you themselves that their history has been a “struggle”. The segregation, racism, oppression and poverty have wreaked havoc for a long time in this country. It wasn’t until the early 90’s when things started to turn around. I wouldn’t give it the respect it deserves if I tried to explain the details on the changes, how they came about and how far this country has come in such a short amount of time. I would highly recommend some personal study and research on “Apartheid” and it’s destruction.

Just a few hours ago, we were blessed to be able to sing in front of thousands of young South Africans as they sang along at the top of their voices. Dancing, chanting, jumping and worshipping with hands lifted to heaven. Shouting unto God with a voice of triumph! It was a thundering sound that will forever be etched in my heart. It was a cry from deep down. No longer a desperate weeping because of anger or sorrow. But a jubilant and unmistakable celebration of “Freedom”! How sweet it is to witness a people, once bound by slavery and the darkest of times, now “Free” to “Be Free”!

The challenge for South Africa is the same challenge that people everywhere are faced with today. How will we use our freedom? In Galatians 5:13 its says- “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love”. Our Pastor Rice Broocks put it this way, “Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want to do. It the power to do what you ought to do”! What will you do with your freedom? How will you use it? Remember, it was purchased with a very high price. Don’t waste it! Don’t take it for granted. Don’t abuse it! Freedom isn’t free! Someone died so you and I could be free!

PSALM 103:1
O MY SOUL, BLESS GOD. FROM HEAD TO TOE, I’LL BLESS HIS HOLY NAME! O MY SOUL, BLESS GOD, DON’T FORGET A SINGLE BLESSING!

Some of you may know that this week we, The Katinas are celebrating 20 years of full time ministry. Our wives are putting “something” together for us this Thursday evening. I say “something” because while they’ve been planning this for months, we’ve been totally in “the dark”. We have no idea what’s happening! It’s exciting but I must confess, my brothers and I are a bit nervous. Usually we are the ones planning and putting the “show” together. It could get interesting. We’ll keep you posted!

At times we can become so driven and focused on the future. But there are moments when it is just as important to “remember” the past. When I reflect on the countless miles we’ve traveled, the beautiful people we’ve met, the lives that have been impacted, and the journey we’ve ventured so far, I am amazed at God’s enduring love. When we were just kids on and island dreaming that some day God would use our lives and music to touch the world. Wow, time flies when you’re having fun.

I encourage you today, to “remember”! Think about how God’s mercy and provision has kept you going. Remember how and what He’s set you free from. Meditate on how much He loves you. Bless Him! Praise Him! Thank Him! Worship Him! Even if you’re facing the most difficult of challenges, it is God who is faithful and will bring you through. If you’re past is too dark and you just want to put it behind you, remember that in God the best is yet to come!

Remembering God’s grace,

Joe

Philippians 2: 3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

In Rick Warren’s bestseller Purpose Driven Life, the very first words of the first chapter state the following, “It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.” Do you realize this simple fact? You were created for more than just to be happy or fulfill your own desires. God commands us to “look out” and to “reach out”!

Over 80% of churches in America are dying. Why? Pastor Ray Johnston of Bayside Community intelligibly explains, “Churches have become a holy huddle. For the most part it’s a place where Christians are taking care of Christians. We have lost our passion to reach out to the unbeliever and those that are in need of a Savior.” It seems as though we’ve forgotten that our churches and homes are supposed to be a hospital for the sick. A place of refuge and strength for the weak. A place where lost people can find their way home.

When is the last time you reached out to your neighbor? Do you even know your neighbor? Have you had someone over for dinner that doesn’t go to your church? Who doesn’t agree with your faith or even believe in God? Do the people that you’re in contact with on a daily basis know what you stand for? Or only what you’re against. The Bible says that it is God’s goodness that draws people to repentance. When others see you, do they encounter “God’s goodness”? If we’re going to see our lost loved ones come to know Christ in these last days, it is high time that we get our focus off of ourselves, and look out to the needs and interests of others. Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it!

Until next week,

Look Out!
Joe