Did you watch the Home Run Derby Monday night? What a treat. Josh Hamilton blasted 28 homeruns in the first round. A record! Even though he lost the event to Justin Morneau, Hamilton won the hearts of many.Hamilton is an unlikely All-Star. With all the potential in the world, Josh was the first pick in the '99 draft, signing a $4 million bonus that he would blow over 5 years on alcohol and drugs. He hit the rock bottom of his addiction in 2005. He was out of baseball for three years, having never made it out of the minor leagues. Now, three years later, he is having an incredible season in the Major Leagues. What an amazing comeback!
What's more amazing is how the grace of God has changed his life. Hamilton surrendered himself to Jesus Christ and says, "What I did was simple. I put God first in my life."
Today, Josh finds help from the Bible to withstand the temptations of his past addiction. A Houston Chronicle article explains, "Hamilton doesn't socialize with teammates if there's going to be alcohol. During a trip to San Francisco, he encountered several teammates in a steakhouse. He stopped by their table, said hello and returned to his hotel room. During trying times, he recites James 4:7, one of dozens of scriptures he says has helped. 'Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.' 'I've found if I remember Scripture, things go away.'" For more on Josh's story, watch his interview with Jim Rome.
We memorize a lot of things. Phone numbers to our favorite restaurants. Website addresses. Sports statistics of our favorite teams and players. Hamilton reinforces the positive value of memorizing Scripture. King David was empowered by this discipline. He says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).
If scripture memorization is good for a king, then it is good for you and me. To get started, try Mark 12:29-30. It will help you to remember to love God more everyday and to love others a little bit better.
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