Bro. Hilton begins with the story of a young man who was the first draft pick in the Major league draft in 1999. He had a rocky start to his career with injuries and missed games. As he dealt with these, he turned to substance abuse including alcohol, and both prescription and illegal drugs. In 2004 he was banned from baseball. In 2005 he hit rock bottom when he awoke on his grandmother’s doorstep from a crack cocaine stupor. He was at a cross roads in his life. Fortunately he chose the right path and began a come back. He describes his recovery experience as a “God thing.” He recalled a dream where he battled with the devil with a baseball bat until he was exhausted and could no longer raise his arms. In June 2006 he was reinstated to baseball. Soon after, the devil began to return to his dreams. This time the dream was different. He would hit the devil and knock him down, but he would always get backup. At the point of giving up, he felt a presence. That presence was Jesus battling with him. At that point this young man understood the scripture “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Josh Hamilton fought many things in his recovery and has gone on to win batting titles and MVP awards and has played in the World Series with the Texas Rangers. He credits God for his recovery. Bro. Hilton shares this story to convey God’s message: Take my hand you can get up. You can make it.

Sin is defined as missing the mark. While many of us in the church lead what we would call a righteous life, if we are not doing something that God has called us to do, we are missing the mark. Bro. Hilton shares a very personal story from his life where he submitted himself to God’s will and it changed the course of his life. He gave up opportunities for football scholarships and followed God’s will that led him to Texas Bible College and the ministry. Even though we knew he was in the will of God, he struggled with many things and attacks from the enemy. Like many others, Bro Hilton questioned the will of God in his life and strayed from that path. He shares this story and asks the question: “Have you missed the mark?” What is it in your life that you are not doing that you know you should be doing? It is time to get up.