Kevin Burrell

Monday May 25, 2026 “The Appointment in Brooklyn” By Kevin Burrell “Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone, as though we had never been here.” Psalms 103:15-16 Baseball Coaches and Scouts A young financial investor lived in Manhattan and worked long hours in a glass high-rise tower on Wall Street. One morning, on his way to grab coffee before work, he stepped into a crowded subway station. As he walked down the stairs, he noticed a strange man standing across the platform. He stared directly at him. For a moment, the man’s expression seemed to change—part surprise, and part recognition. A chill ran through the young professional. Shaken, he rushed to his office and told his manager what had happened. “The man looked at me as if he knew something terrible,” he said. “I can’t stay here. I need to get away.” His manager laughed at first, but seeing how frightened the investor was, he handed him the keys to his car. “Take the day off,” he said. “Drive somewhere. Clear your head.” The investor immediately left Manhattan. To put as much distance as possible between himself and the mysterious man, he drove across the city to Brooklyn, found a hotel for the night, and convinced himself he was safe. Later that afternoon, the manager happened to pass through the same subway station. There he saw the strange looking man. Approaching him, he asked, “What is your name?” The man replied, “My name is death.” The manager replied, “Why did you frighten my employee this morning?” The man looked puzzled. “I didn’t mean to frighten him,” he replied. “In fact, I was surprised to see him in Manhattan.” “Why were you surprised?” “Because, you see, I have an appointment with him tonight in Brooklyn.” Life is short! It’s fleeting. It passes more quickly than we can imagine. None of us know the date or day of our appointed time. The sports world experienced this last week when 41 year old Nascar driver, Kyle Busch suddenly and unexpectedly died. That event stunned the sports world. The truth is that Death is no respecter of persons. Whether you’re 21, 41, 61 or 81…Death has an appointed time with everyone. The Bible doesn’t encourage us to wait until we graduate, get married, settle down or retire before we begin living for Christ. The wise person knows their time is limited. Whether you’re at the start of life, the prime of life, or are looking back at life. If you wait until tomorrow, tomorrow may be too late. Hebrews 9:27 says: “It is [appointed] unto man once to die, and after death comes judgment.” C.T. Studd put it this way: “Life on earth twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Listen Closely: Psalm 103:15–16 reminds us of a sobering truth: your life is fragile and fleeting. Like grass that flourishes for a moment and then withers, your days are passing quickly. Your pursuits, possessions, and achievements that seem so important today can disappear in an instant. Time moves relentlessly forward, and every life eventually reaches its appointed end. Yes, you have an “appointment” on the calendar . . However you don’t know the day or the hour. Live your life with the end in mind. Make it count. Make an impact. To live your life with the end in mind is to ask yourself daily: “Am I investing my life in what will last for eternity?” Living your life centered on Christ is never wasted, because it is lived for the One who conquered death and promises eternal life to all who trust in Him. (John 3:16) As your days pass like the grass of the field, I encourage you to use them wisely—by loving God, loving others, and faithfully following Jesus—so that when your earthly journey ends, you will hear His words . . “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) Love God. Love People. Live Sent. Be Worth Being, Kevin

@WatsonGeneA 💯 GW!!!

If you can play, we will find you. Get back into your communities and pour into each other. Teach your young players to become great leaders, husbands, and fathers. There is NOTHING more important than this!

Friday May 22, 2026 “I Saw…I Thought…I Felt” By Kevin Burrell “When [I saw] that the men were scattering… [I thought], ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me’… So [I felt] compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 1 Samuel 13:11–12 Baseball Coaches and Scouts Have you ever felt the weight of mounting pressure while facing an important life decision—knowing that one wrong choice could have devastating consequences? In moments like these, fear can cloud our judgment, urgency can overpower wisdom, and emotions can push us to act before seeking God’s counsel and direction. Like Saul in 1 Samuel 13, we often find ourselves caught between panic and patience, struggling to trust God when circumstances seem to be falling apart around us. Yet it is in these critical moments that our faith is truly tested—not by what we see, think, or feel, but by whether we will remain obedient to God despite the pressure. Saul’s downfall did not begin with rebellion. It began with fear. The pressure was mounting. His army was leaving. The enemy was advancing. Samuel had not arrived yet. In Saul’s mind, delay felt dangerous. Silence felt threatening. Waiting felt irresponsible. So instead, Saul acted out. His explanation reveals the dangerous progression that often leads us away from obedience: 1) Fear of Urgency: “I Saw” Saul said, “I saw that the men were scattering.” What he saw around him became louder than what God had spoken to him. Fear thrives in what we see: shrinking numbers limited resources unanswered prayers delayed promises uncertain outcomes Faith says: “Even if things are falling apart around me, I will not abandon the promises of God and what He told me.” Sometimes the greatest act of obedience is simply refusing to panic. 2) Impulsive Actions: “I Thought” Saul continued, “I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me.’” What began in his eyes moved into his mind. Fear unchecked becomes imagination. And imagination unchecked becomes impulsive decision-making. When emotions become our counselor, wisdom is usually dismissed. Impulsive actions are often born from assumptions instead of surrender. Just because something makes sense logically does not mean it is aligned spiritually. 3) Consequences of Disobedience: “I Felt” Finally Saul said, “I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” Feelings became permission. Not every action done “for God” is approved by God. Poor decisions can cost deeply. What seems like a small compromise in the moment can become a turning point in your life, influence, and leadership. Believers are not called to be led by fear, assumptions, or emotions. We are called to be led by God. Listen Closely: In every season of pressure, you must remember that fear distorts what you see, impulsive thinking corrupts what you believe, and unchecked emotions can lead you into disobedience. Saul’s mistake was not simply offering a sacrifice—it was allowing urgency to replace his trust in God. When life feels overwhelming and decisions carry heavy consequences, God is not asking you to panic; He is asking you to remain faithful. True faith is revealed when you choose obedience even under pressure. “I Saw—I Thought—I Felt” Love God. Love People. Live Sent. Be Worth Being, Kevin

Grateful for these three men and their consistent heart to follow Christ, love others well, and make disciples with their lives. Their faithfulness, humility, and commitment to the Great Commission are making an eternal impact. Blessed to walk alongside men who truly live it out.

Wednesday May 20, 2026 Are You A “Fan or Follower?” By Kevin Burrell “So why do you keep calling me “Lord, Lord!” when you don’t do what I say?” Luke 6:46 Baseball Coaches and Scouts There’s a big difference between being a baseball “fan” and being a true “follower” of a team. A fan wears the jersey on game days. They know the stats, discuss trades, celebrate victories, and post highlights online. But when the season gets hard, when the team starts losing, or when following them becomes inconvenient, many fans quietly fade away. Their loyalty is emotional, casual, and comfortable. But true followers are different. True followers stay committed through losing streaks and rebuilding seasons. They follow the draft. They know the minor league prospects. They show up and post up when it’s cold, inconvenient, expensive, or disappointing. Their loyalty changes how they spend their time, money, energy, and attention. They don’t just admire the team from the stadium seats, they are invested. They are all in! Jesus confronts us with that same distinction in Luke 6:46. Many people are fans of Jesus. They like His teachings. They admire His compassion. They may wear the label “Christian.” They attend church when it’s convenient, quote Scripture on social media, or speak positively of Him in conversation. But admiration is not discipleship. A fan of Jesus wants inspiration. A follower of Jesus wants transformation. A fan knows [about] Jesus. A follower [obeys] Jesus. Jesus is not looking for spectators in the weekend church crowd, cheering occasionally while living however they please the other six days of the week. He calls disciples onto the playing field, people willing to trust Him, surrender to Him, lock eyes with Him, walk with Him, and follow Him even when it’s inconvenient or costs something. That’s why this verse is so piercing. Jesus says, “Why do you call Me “Lord, Lord” if you refuse to do what I say?” The title “Lord” means master, authority, leader. And He said it twice. Our obedience reveals whether those words are genuine or merely religious language. Following Jesus means loving our enemies when it’s hard. Forgiving when we’d rather hold a grudge. Serving instead of demanding. Giving instead of clinging. Trusting Jesus when the storms of life are relentlessly blowing. Fans applaud Jesus when it’s convenient. Followers obey Jesus because they belong to Him. Listen Closely: In the kingdom of God, there are no bleachers for fans. Jesus never called you to simply wear the jersey, or cheer from the crowd. He called you to lock eyes with Him, take up your cross daily, and follow Him. What would it look like for you to let His words actually lead, in the area you’ve been holding back? This verse isn’t about calling you out. It’s about bringing you into an intimate relationship with Him. Where “Lord” isn’t just something you say. It’s something you live under everyday. So be honest with yourself. When it matters most, who is actually leading your decisions? The encouraging truth is that Jesus never asked for perfection — but He does ask for surrender. Real followers stumble, fumble, and struggle; but they continue pursuing obedience because their hearts are committed to Him. Today is a good day to ask yourself: Am I simply a “fan” of Jesus… or am I truly “following” Him? Love God. Love People. Live Sent. Be Worth Being, Kevin

Sam Antonacci’s ranks among rookies since he debuted on 4/15: AVG: 2nd (.298) Runs: T-5th (16)
SB: T-4th (3) OBP: 2nd (.391) OPS: 3rd (.816) wRC+: 2nd (134) Antonacci has made an immediate impact on an up-and-coming White Sox team 🔥

“The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From His throne He observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so He understands everything they do.” Psalms 33:13-15 • God sees all. Observes all. Knows all. Nothing escapes His eye.

Monday May 18, 2026 “Navigating Transitions in Life” By Kevin Burrell “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will not fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 Baseball Coaches and Scouts It’s that time of year again, HS and College graduation. Recently, my wife and I experienced this as well. On December 19, 2025 our family celebrated a milestone we will never forget as our son, Zach went back to college and graduated from Kennesaw State University with his B.B.A. in Finance. It was a day filled with joy, gratitude, pride, and accomplishment. Years of hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice led to this moment. Yet as exciting as graduation is, it also marks a transition — the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. The truth is that life is full of transitions. Whether it is high school, college, a new job, a career move, marriage, the birth of your first child, retirement, or walking through the loss of loved ones — transitions are unavoidable. Some transitions are exciting, while others can be painful and uncertain. However what matters most is not simply the transition itself — it is how we spiritually navigate those transitions that is vitally important. God never intended for us to walk through life’s changes alone. His Word gives us wisdom, direction, and stability for every season of life. Below are three very important principles to remember when navigating transitions in life. 1. Stay Grounded! “Remember who you are and where you came from.” [Deuteronomy 1:29-31] Moses reminded the people that above all else, they needed to remember the faithfulness of God. Transitions in life have a way of making people forget. Success can create pride. New opportunities can create independence. Difficult seasons can create fear. However staying grounded means remembering: Who God is. Who you are in Him. Where He has brought you from. Stay humble. Stay thankful. Stay rooted in God’s truth. When life changes, God does not. 2. Stay Centered! “Every transition creates options, every option brings choices, and every choice brings consequences.” [Deuteronomy 30:16-30] With every new season comes new opportunities, new relationships, and new decisions. Moses challenged the people to choose life by loving God and walking in His ways. Transitions often test our spiritual priorities. A new career may challenge our integrity. Marriage may challenge our selfishness. Success may challenge our humility. Loss may challenge our faith. The danger is not failure, often it is distraction. When your life is not spiritually centered, your decisions become emotionally driven instead of spiritually guided. Stay centered on God’s purpose, not just your plans. Every choice matters. 3. Stay Focused! “When you’re not focused, things get blurry.” [Deuteronomy 30:16-20] Focus determines direction. One of the greatest influences on your future is the people you choose to walk with through life. The friendships you build, the voices you listen to, and the influences you allow into your life will shape who you become. Show me your five closest friends, and I’ll show you who you’ll become in five years. The people surrounding you will either: Strengthen your faith or weaken it. Encourage your purpose or distract from it. Push you toward wisdom or toward compromise. The quality and direction of your life is deeply connected to the people you choose to surround yourself with. Listen Closely: Graduation is not simply the completion of a degree, it is the beginning of a new journey. And the same is true for every transition in your life. The key to navigating transitions successfully is spiritual stability and discipline. So whatever season of life lies ahead for you, remember: Stay Grounded! Stay Centered! Stay Focused! God will faithfully lead you into what comes next. Love God. Love People. Live Sent. Be Worth Being, Kevin

Antonacci giving his ALL to get out of the 7th 😲 📺: go.chsn.com/cws-vs-chc

To see the game as it should be played watch Sam Antonacci. All ML players are gifted. Sam squeezes every ounce of ability out of himself everyday. He’ll make mistakes like all young players but he gives the Sox 100% of himself daily. For all you young players this is how to play

Blue Collar Man Dropping the Hammer Sam Antonacci #whitesox

Friday May 15, 2026 “Your Mouth Will Determine Your Influence” By Kevin Burrell “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 Baseball Coaches and Scouts Coach Reed was known across the state as a winner. Under his leadership, the high school baseball program had become a powerhouse. Championships filled the trophy case. College recruiters lined the fence weekly. Parents praised his discipline, and players respected his intensity. Coach Reed loved God deeply. He attended church faithfully, led team prayers and FCA Bible study group weekly. He often reminded his players that baseball was temporary, but character lasted forever. However there was one problem that Coach Reed refused to fully confront and surrender. His mouth. During practices and games, foul language spilled out constantly. He routinely used God’s name in vain, dropped F-bombs, and when players missed pitches at the plate or booted ground balls, he cursed like a sailor. When umpires made bad calls or missed pitches, he exploded. Sometimes his words cut deeper than he realized. One Thursday afternoon after practice, Coach Reed sat alone in his office. There was a soft knock on the door. “Come in.” It was Caleb, the team’s star pitching prospect. A quiet young man that Coach Reed admired for his humility, leadership and work ethic. Caleb hesitated. “Coach… I need to ask you something, and I hope you know I’m saying it respectfully.” “You always tell us to live for Christ on and off the field. You tell us our character matters, and our words matter because people are watching and listening.” He paused. “But sometimes during practice… the way you talk to us sounds no different than the coaches at schools that don’t even claim to follow Jesus Christ.” “I look up to you, Coach. A lot of us do. But some of the younger players have started cursing too. And honestly… when you call us names, it sticks with us longer than the plays we missed.” Caleb’s words landed heavier than any loss Coach Reed had ever experienced. After Caleb left, Coach Reed sat frozen in silence. For the first time, he heard his own words replaying in his mind — every insult, every curse word, every angry outburst, every careless phrase he had excused as “competitive fire.” Then his eyes drifted to the Bible sitting on his desk. He opened it almost instinctively and read: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Listen Closely: Your words carry power and influence; for good or for bad. If you claim to be a Christ follower and wear His team jersey, God calls you to be different. He calls you to avoid speech that is harmful, vulgar, harsh, or destructive — and instead use words that build others up. Every conversation is an opportunity to encourage, help, strengthen, and reflect the character of Christ. (Galatians 5:22-23) Before speaking, ask yourself: “Will my words leave this person better or wounded?” Will my words influence and point others to Christ or away from Him? A Coach will influence more people in one year than the average person will in a lifetime. Christian maturity is not only seen in your actions, but also in your words and the way you speak to others every day. “O Lord, set a guard over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3) Love God. Love People. Live Sent. Be Worth Being, Kevin

Hustle Double!!!! Gamer. Grinder. So rare today at any level of baseball to find hitters thinking double out of the box. Playing the game fearless. Pete Rose type mentality!!!

Wednesday May 13, 2026 “Number Your Days” By Kevin Burrell “So teach us to number our days that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 Baseball Coaches and Scouts Psalm 90 is a sobering reminder that life is fragile, fleeting, and far shorter than we often imagine. Moses, the writer of Psalm 90 understood something many of us quickly forget in the busyness of life . . Our Days Are Numbered! That realization is not meant to fill us with fear, but with wisdom. “Teach us to [number our days] that we may grow in wisdom.” Time management is life management. In other words, how we prioritize our time reflects our values and what’s truly important to us. Every sunrise is a gift we cannot store away. Every hour is an opportunity we will never get back. We spend so much of our lives chasing achievements, recognition, promotions, possessions, and the approval of people who will forget about us within five years. Yet God calls us to something deeper than worldly success. He calls us to eternal impact. To “Number Our Days” means to live intentionally. It means recognizing that time is one of the greatest resources God has entrusted to us. We steward money carefully, protect valuable possessions, and plan for the future—yet how often do we steward our time with the same care? Once a day passes, it is gone forever. The world teaches us to fill our schedules. God teaches us to fill our lives with meaning and purpose. A wise life is not measured merely by accomplishments; but by obedience, love, faithfulness, and the lives we touch along the way. The conversations we take time to have. The encouragement we give. The prayers we pray for people. The kindness we show. The people we disciple. And the love we pour into our families—these are the things that leave ripple effects into eternity. One day, our careers will end. Then what? Titles will fade. Applause will grow silent. Championship rings will sit in a safety deposit box. But the impact we make for God in the hearts of people will outlive us for generations. Jesus Himself lived with urgency and purpose. Though His earthly ministry lasted only three short years, He invested deeply in people. He stopped for the broken. He taught the overlooked. He served the needy. And He pointed hearts toward the Father. He poured His life into twelve fully trained disciples who changed the world. He never wasted a moment on empty ambition. We are called to live the same way. That may mean saying no to distractions that consume our attention but produce no eternal value. It may mean powering down the electronic device long enough to be present with our families. It may mean using our gifts not simply to build our own platform, but to build up others. Wisdom is learning the difference between what is urgent and what is eternal. Listen Closely: When you truly grasp how short your life is, gratitude grows. Petty things lose their grip. Priorities become clearer. Forgiveness comes easier. Love becomes more intentional. You stop assuming you have unlimited tomorrows and begin living with laser focused attention today. Each day is a seed. You can waste it, or you can plant it into the lives of people that matter for eternity. So ask God daily: “Lord, teach me to number my days. Help me steward my life wisely. Let my time, my words, my work, and my relationships leave behind something eternal.” Because a life well-lived is not one that simply gains the world—but one that faithfully impacts people for eternity long after you are gone. Life on earth will soon pass, only what counts for Christ will last. Number your days. Love God. Love People. Live Sent. Be Worth Being, Kevin

@klocky7 Well…you could hit my man! Experienced watching it up close and personal. Miss seeing you. Be well bro.

When hearing of the passing of Bobby, my heart was extremely sad, and then it quickly went to reflection. I got to play for one of the greatest managers in baseball history. Bobby had a lot to do with me being a brave for 6 seasons. He truly believed that I could come off the bench and hit anyone, he was that confident in me as well as all of his players. He truly made you feel that you were better than you were, we’re having a better year than you were having, or believed you were an at bat or pitch away from breaking out from what ever funk you were in. He was the most positive and encouraging manager I ever played for. It’s the reason every player would run through a wall for him, he had your back! His respect for the Braves and his players was immeasurable. Bobby, you will be missed and I am thankful for the impact you had on me and my family! RIP Bobby Cox

If Satan can’t make you bad, he will just make you busy. So what matters most in light of eternity? Making Disciples! God is not simply looking for Coaches & Athletes with talent, influence, or platforms. He is seeking Coaches & Athletes who will become, Disciple Making Leaders!

Monday May 11, 2026 “Living a Life of Courage” By Kevin Burrell “But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.” Exodus 2:3 Baseball Coaches and Scouts What a name!—“Jochebed.” Ever heard of her? Don’t feel bad, most haven’t. Jochebed’s story is one of the clearest pictures of living a life of courage in Scripture. She was the biological mother of Moses. In a season where fear ruled Egypt and Hebrew baby boys were marked for death, Jochebed refused to surrender her son without a fight. She hid Moses as long as she could. She protected him with everything she had. She crafted a basket, sealed it carefully with tar and pitch, and placed him among the reeds of the Nile. Every detail was intentional. Every action was an act of love. But eventually, courage required something even harder. She had to let go. Ever been there? Imagine the weight of that moment. A mother placing her baby into a river she could no longer control. Jochebed could build the basket, but she could not steer the current. She could prepare Moses, but she could not protect him forever. At some point, her faith had to go farther than her hands could reach. Like a fork in the road, that is where courage and surrender meet. Many times we think courage means holding on tighter, fighting harder, controlling more. However biblical courage is trusting God when we no longer have control over the outcome. It is doing everything we can do — and then entrusting the rest to God. “Let go and let God” sounds simple until you are standing at the edge of your own “Nile River.” Maybe it is your child, your future, your career, your marriage, your health, your calling, or a prayer you have carried for years. We want guarantees. We want certainty. We want clarity. We want to know how everything will turn out before we release it into God’s hands. But faith doesn’t work that way. Jochebed teaches us that surrender is not weakness. It is courage in its purest form. She trusted that the God who gave her Moses was able to protect him better than she ever could. And God did more than preserve Moses’ life — He raised him up to become a deliverer for an entire nation. Listen Closely: What if the one thing you are struggling to release is the very thing God wants to use for your good, and for His glory? Courage means obeying God even when your fear is louder. Courage means trusting Him with your unanswered questions. Courage means believing that His hands are safer than your control. Sometimes faith looks like building the basket and sometimes faith looks like placing it in the river. Both require courage! Today, God may be asking you to release something you have been gripping tightly. Not because He wants to take it from you, but because He wants you to trust Him with it. The same God who watched over Moses in the Nile, is the same God who is watching over you now. You may not control the current, but you can trust the One who does. Love God. Love People. Live Sent. Be Worth Being, Kevin