Let's Play Ball In Winston Salem

Matthew 19:26 (KJV) 26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Recently much has been said about the new ballpark being built for the Winston Salem Dash, here in downtown Winston Salem. Thankfully I have remained ignorant of the politics and the economics surrounding this building project. It has certainly caused quite a stir in our wonderful city.

Construction of the new stadium was halted for many months until the city council voted unanimously to contribute $15.7 million in additional financing to help build the new park. The city of Winston Salem initially gave $12 million in 2007 to build the ballpark.

I drive by the unfinished stadium often. I imagine the symphony of sights and sounds that could soon fill this side of town. I long for the day when children will be laughing with their parents and neighbors will be sitting with their friends; everyone enjoying an evening of entertainment with the city skyline shining in the background. I am naive enough to know, if you build it they will come!

Meanwhile I am somewhat saddened by the unseemly fixture of the unfinished ball park. It is a monument to a dream that should not die. Why should we always drive by and imagine what could have been? Winston Salem has too many “home run hitters” for us to “strike out” in our attempt to build this new field of dreams. Let’s play ball in Winston Salem!

Let’s remind ourselves daily that we can… and we will!

In keeping with the purpose of this blog,
I pray for Winston Salem:

Lord Jesus I thank you that nothing is impossible with you. I am grateful that when we are weak we can be strong in you. Often we are haunted by unfinished business, unchallenged limitations, and unfulfilled dreams.

Help us God to finish what we start. Teach us to walk through our weaknesses and overcome our obstacles, through the power of your great name, Jesus! Inspire us to believe in the impossible in every area of our lives because of our relationship with you.

Jesus I pray that you bless every Winston Salem church. I pray that you raise up among us people of God, that believe in the best for our city and for your kingdom. Give insight to every pastor in the churches in Winston Salem. May they inspire us from your Word to dream big and never walk away from unfinished business.

Philippians 4:13 (KJV) 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.







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Starting Over In Winston Salem

2 Chronicles 7:14 - 15 (KJV) "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place."

Richard Carver is a reporter with the Winston Salem Journal. I don’t know him personally, but he blessed me this week in a special way. On June 24th Mr. Carver reported that “BusinessWeek ranked the Winston-Salem metropolitan statistical area at No. 7 among the nation's "top 20 best places to start over."

BusinessWeek stated, "If you've been laid off or are just looking for a new place to start your career -- or life -- over, here are 20 places in the U.S. where companies are hiring and the quality of life is high.”

In keeping with the purpose of this blog, I pray for Winston Salem:
Thank you Jesus for this wonderful news. I am so grateful that you have allowed me to live in Winston Salem, North Carolina. I appreciate so much that you are helping our community survive and thrive during these challenging times.

Thank you Lord for this wonderful report. May it stir up a groundswell of gratitude, as our neighbors throughout Winston Salem acknowledge the favor that You have extended to our city.

I pray for Winston Salem. Jesus please move in the hearts of those that move to Winston Salem with a desire to start over. As they seek new beginning in our Winston Salem businesses, prompt them to seek new birth in our Winston Salem churches.

Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayer. Thank you Jesus for the praying people and the committed clergy of every Winston Salem church. Thank you for the quality of life in our region that is greatly enhanced by the spiritual passion of our residents.

Matthew 6:33 - 34 (KJV) "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."