March 30, 2025
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) ~
YOU CAN DO IT
Ah, Spring. Baseball’s Spring Training just came to an end here inArizona and in Florida. Not so surprisingly my Padres finished with about the worst record in the Cactus League. I do have to admit that in last year’s regular season, it messed with the muscle memory of my eyes to look at top of the standings list rather than the bottom but I think I could get used to it.
Speaking of baseball, do you know how the career of one the alltime greats got started?
Willie Mays began his major league baseball career with only one hit in his first 26 at-bats. Though he went on to hit 660 home runs (fifth on the all-time list), and steal more than 300 bases, his debut was so unimpressive it seemed unlikely he would last more than a few weeks as a big-leaguer, let alone become one of the greatest to play the game.
The turning point for Mays occurred when his manager, Leo Durocher, found him crying in the dugout after yet another miserable performance at the plate. The coach put his arm around Mays and said, “What’s the matter, son?” Mays said, “I can’t hit up here. I belong in the minor leagues.”
Durocher said this to Willie Mays: “As long as I’m manager of the Giants, you’ll be my centerfielder.”
You know how the story ends. It wasn’t long before Mays began hitting the ball, and he was on his way to becoming a legend of the game.
If Willie had been left alone in the dugout that day, his career might have ended before it started. Fortunately for him and for baseball someone believed in him even when he didn’t believe in himself. Durocher’s speech wasn’t “You’re a disappointment. Do you know how much you’re costing the team? You’re on the verge on blowing your big chance!” He simply said, “I know that you can make it.”
Is there someone in your life who needs your vote of confidence? Someone who’s ready to give up? Someone who no longer believes in their ability to do what God has called them to do? You have the opportunity to lift them up. Your words your confidence can help get them back on track.
TheApostle Paul recognized the value of encouragement in the lives of believers. Have you ever noticed how often in the New Testament the words “strengthen” or “build up” accompany the word “encouragement?” When you offer encouragement to others, you quite literally renew their strength. That’s why Paul challenged us all to find those we can encourage and build up.
Take a look around you today. There may be a future Hall-of-Famer who needs a good word from you. Give them some encouragement.
And in that vein, let me encourage all you at First Southern for all you are doing. You are actively giving generously to theAnnieArmstrong Easter Offering. You are literally helping to reach thousands of people in NorthAmerica trapped in sin, addiction, loneliness, and helplessness to find hope in Jesus Christ.
Blessings on your week as you take time to encourage someone in need of it. I do look forward to seeing you on Sunday for worship as we come back to the final part of 1 Corinthians and my sermon series: Good News for the Not So Good.
Pastor Terrell
N. Pleasant View Drive Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
“Come, Now is the Time to Worship” “Worthy of Worship” “Better is One Day” “I Love You, Lord”
Welcome & Offertory Prayer LET US DO GOOD
“Create in Me a Clean Heart” “Hallelujah for the Cross”
FIRST CORINTHIANS
Good News for the Not-So-Good Worship Order 1 Corinthians 14:26-40
Offerings and Connection Cards will be collected in the Offering Boxes located just inside the two main entrances into our Worship Center, as well as in the Office Hallway.
928-772-7218
fsbcpv@firstsouthernpv.org
www.firstsouthernpv.org
Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265 PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org
Worship Pastor Bart Young 928-254-8713 PastorBart@firstsouthernpv.org
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