What Do You Do When You Have Been Betrayed?

Betrayal is a weapon found only in the hands of the ones you love. Your enemy has no such tool, for only a friend can betray. Betrayal is a violation of trust, an inside job. It would be easier if it was a stranger, a random attack or that you were a victim of circumstance. But betrayal isn't like that. When you are betrayed, you are the victim of a friend.

It is more than rejection. Rejection opens a wound, betrayal pours the salt.
It's more than loneliness. Loneliness leaves you in the cold, betrayal closes the door.
It is more than mockery. Mockery plunged the knife, betrayal twists it.
It is more than as insult. An insult attacks your pride, betrayal breaks your heart.

When betrayal comes, what do you do? Get out? Get angry? Get even? You have to deal with it somehow. How did Jesus treat being betrayed.

Jesus Called Judas Friend

(Matthew 26:50 NIV) "Jesus replied, "Friend, do what you came for." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him."

Of all the names I would have chosen for Judas it would have not been friend. What Judas did was grossly unfair. There is no indication that Jesus ever mistreated Judas. There is no clue that Judas was ever left out or neglected. When, during the Last Supper, Jesus told the disciple that His betrayer sat at the table, they didn't turn to one another and whisper, "It's Judas. Jesus told us he would do that!"

It is even more unfair when you consider that they betrayal was Judas's idea. The religious leaders didn't seek him, Judas sought them. Judas went to them and asked how much he could get for Jesus. Somehow the betrayal might have been more palatable or understandable if Judas had been propositioned by the leader, but he wasn't. He propositioned them.

Then he betrayed Him by calling Him Teacher - a title of respect. Then the kiss - an exchange between friends - a expression of affection. Nothing that Judas said or did warranted such a response from Jesus.

Jesus Understood Judas Had Been Seduced by a Powerful Foe

Jesus was aware of Satan's whispers in Judas's ear. He was aware how powerful and cunning they could be. After all, Jesus had heard them for Himself. This was no demon or even demons that was after Judas, this was Satan himself.

Jesus knew how hard it was for Judas to do what was right. He didn't justify what Judas did. He didn't minimize the deed. Not did He release Judas from his choice. But He did look eye to eye with His betrayer and try to understand. As long as you hate your betrayer, a jail door is closed and a prisoner is taken. But when you try to understand and release your foe from your hatred, then the prisoner is released and that prisoner is you.

Perhaps you don't like that idea. Perhaps the thought of forgiveness is unrealistic to you. Perhaps the idea of trying to understand your Judases is simply to gracious.

What do you suggest? Does harboring anger solve the problem? Will getting even remove the hurt? Does hatred do any good? The hurt should not be minimized, nor should one justify the actions of a betrayer, but we must understand that justice won't come this side of eternity and demanding that your betrayer gets his or hers share of pain. will in the process, be most painful to you. Life is not fair. God never said that it would be.

(John 16:33 NIV) ""I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.""

Troubles are part of the package. As long as you are here on earth there are going to be betrayals, disappointments, death, sickness and sin. That is all part of the troubles and tribulation that come with living here on planet earth. Don't look for fairness here - look instead where Jesus looked.

Jesus Looked to the Future

(Matthew 26:64 NIV) ""Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.""

While going through hell on earth, Jesus kept His Eyes of heaven.
While surrounded by enemies, He kept His Mind of His Father.
While abandoned on earth, He kept His Heart on Home.

Jesus took a long look into the homeland. Long enough to see His friends.

(Matthew 26:53 NIV) "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?"

And seeing them up there gave Him strength here on earth.

So what should we do when we are Betrayed?

Offer them Compassion.
Offer them Understanding.
Keep your Eyes Focused on Jesus Christ.

(Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. {2} Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I can't do this - it's impossible!

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengths me."


Adapted from Max Lucado

A Biblical Understanding of Trials - Part One

A Biblical Understanding of Trials

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

What is the Purpose of Trials?

A trial is the process of proving the quality or worth of something or someone. Trials are tests of your faith, patience or endurance through the process of suffering.

Three primary Greek words are translated as "trial" in the New Testament. Each has a slightly different emphasis in meaning, yet they all reveal God's purpose for trials and suffering.

Dokimion... proven faith - A testing trial in which your faith is proved genuine. - "These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7)

Purosis... refined character - A fiery trial through which your character is refined, as gold is refined (implies suffering). - "Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Peirasmos... tested commitment - trial or temptation through which the quality of your commitment is tested.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

God Meant if for Good - Genesis 37-50

Wherever he went, young Joseph incited resentment and jealousy. This favored child of Jacob needed refining, and it was no wonder that his brothers determined to do away with him after he bragged that one day they would bow down to him (see Genesis 37:5-11). Joseph's story illustrates how God smooths the rough edges of our character by various trials and testings that build confidence in His purpose and provision for us.

The sands of abrasion were very real in Joseph's life, for God used his trials of rejection and suffering and years of undeserved punishment to soften him. Joseph's self-centered spirit was replaced with compassion even for those who had tried to harm him (see Genesis 45:8-11). More importantly, Joseph learned to trust God. His most powerful pronouncement was made when he told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:10)

What are Some Truth About Trials?

Trials are experienced by everyone. - Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Trials have a divine purpose. - "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Trials last only for a while. - "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." (1 Peter 1:6)

Trials are controlled by God. - "God... will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Trials strengthen you in your weaknesses. - "I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Trials come with God's grace for endurance. - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

What Process is Possible During Trials?

Little apple seeds that grow into large apple trees go through a process of change. A process is marked by a series of natural, gradual changes that lead toward an end result. This is exactly what God has in mind when He allows trials to enter your life. If, like the seed, you are willing to die to self, God will begin a process in you that can result in great spiritual growth.

"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (John 12:24)

The Process ... In the Psalms

Trials turn you to God. - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?' These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:1-6)

Trials bring God to you. - "You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." (Psalm 10:17)

Trials motivate you to cry out to God. - "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me." (Psalm 142:1-3)

Trials lead to personal examination. - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

Trials draw you back to God's will. - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." (Psalm 119:67)

Trials draw you to God's Word. - "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." (Psalm 119:71)

Trials produce a hatred of sin. - "Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin." (1 Peter 4:1)

Trials produce a heart of humility. - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 126:5)

How Do You Handle Critics???

A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first 10 years, his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?” The monk replied, "Food bad.” After another 10 years, the monk again had an opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, "Bed hard.” Another 10 years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, "I quit.” "It doesn't surprise me a bit. You have done nothing but complain ever since you got here."

John Mason in You’re Born An Original, Don’t Die A Copy, writes, “You can always spot a failure by the way he criticizes success. Those who can – do. Those who can not – criticize. Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it in the first place. If it were not for the doers, the critics would soon be out of business. Envy provides the mud that failures throw at success. Whoever criticizes to you will criticize about you. If someone belittles you, he is only trying to cut you down to his size.”

So, How Does One Handle The Critics?

One should listen to it & evaluate the merit of it. - Evaluate the merit of the criticism independent of the person: Is the critic accurate? Do they have a legitimate concern? Often this involves time of speculation and prayer. This is why it is good to surround yourself with godly people who can help you with this process. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—“ (Proverbs 1:5 NIV)

Secondly, look at the source of the criticism. - What is their intent? Do they have an agenda in mind? Are they chronic complainers? “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” (Proverbs 20:11 NIV)

Finally, determine if action should be taken, whether it be a change or an apology. - Correction and self-control will lead you through life.” (Proverbs 6:23b)

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who are the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

April 10th, 1899, Theodore Roosevelt

Two Important Words!

Two Very Important Words!

A while back, I picked up a book called Heart at Work compiled by Jack Canfield & Jacqueline Miller. In the book, Steve Wilson tells the story of Norman Guitry was giving a lecture to group of freshman students preparing for service in the Mental Health field. What he said was remarkable:

"Everything you need to know about mental heath can be summed up in only two words. Ninety-five percent of the mental health problems we deal with today could be eliminated if everyone would practice this two word prescription, if everyone would live by these two words."

What are the two words?? Don't Belittle

He went on, "Don't belittle. Don't put people down. Don't make anyone feel small. Don't be judgmental or critical in ways that diminish another people's sense of themselves. Most of the problems of crime and abuse, academic failures, problems between bosses and workers, broken homes and addictions can be traced to low self-esteem. Don't belittle. Remember it. Teach it. Live it."

What Does The Bible Have To Say About This?

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE IN OTHERS - You will find what you are looking for everytime!
"Keep your mind on what is true, pure, right, holy friendly and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

LIFT UP AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER - Treat People the way that you want them to treat you! "You must encourage and help each other!" 1 Thessalonians 5:11

SPEAK WORDS THAT HELP AND HEAL RATHER THAN WORDS THAT HURT AND DESTROY. Words do matter! Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal." Proverbs 12:18

"Words Can Bring Death or Life! Talk too much and you will eat everything you say! Proverbs 18:21 (CEV)

Use your words wisely today! Build Up Others! Are you using your words to build others up or tear someone down?

Right or Wrong? That is the Question!

How many times, usually while watching the evening news, have you asked yourself the question, “How could they not know what they were doing was wrong?” It is amazing how seemingly wise and sane people can be blinded or demonstrate such a disregard for doing what is right.

How do you determine what is right and wrong? Years ago, Harry Emmerson Fosdick, professor at Union Theological Seminary, developed a formula that helped him determine right from wrong. It is incredibly practical as we struggle with that same challenge today.

Six Ways To Tell Right From Wrong

The Common Sense Test - Are you simply being foolish? How would you judge someone else if they did the same thing? “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2 NIV

The Sportsmanship Test - Are you playing fair? How would you feel if someone else did the same thing to you? If it is not right for everyone, it is probably not right for anyone. “Treat others the way you would want them to treat you.” Matthew 7:12 CEV

The Best Self-Test - Are you trying to be the best that you can be? Will it help you become a better person? “Work hard at whatever you do.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 CEV

The Publicity Test - If everyone knew what you were doing, would you still do it? It is surprising how the light of public knowledge changes our perspective and our behavior. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV

The Most Admired Person Test – Would the person you most admired do this? If you told that person about it, would you feel proud or ashamed? “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NIV

The Foresight Test – What can possibly go wrong? Could you live with the consequences? “Do not brag about tomorrow! Each day brings its own surprises.” Proverbs 27:1 CEV

Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. William Penn

So ... I'm Worried I May Be Worrying too Much......

First - the good news - Most people who worry are usually the more intelligent among us. (smile) You see, worry is just the misuse of a creative imagination filling our minds with "What if's." And usually, the more intelligent you are, the more creative you can be, the more "options" you dream up to worry about. So, if you aren't very intelligent ... uh ... don't worry about it. (smile)

So ... assuming you are intelligent ... let's think our way through this with a little logic. Think for a second ...

40% of what we worry about will never happen.
30% of the stuff we worry about has already happened ... and we can't change any of that
12% is needless health worries .... (I have a head ache ... thus I must have a brain tumor)
10% is worrying about what people think of us... (really ... since when can we really control that?)
8% - what we have left over for legitimate worries.

So .... We spend most of the time so worrying about the 92% we are so paralyzed by fear we can't deal with the 8% that matters! It can be exhausting worrying about all those things you have absolutely no control over whatsoever!!!

Now some people say they worry so much they just can't focus on that "illusive" 8%. Well ... isn't worry at it core focus? When we worry ... don't we focus in - laser in - rollover in our minds - that which we are worried (focused) about?

So .... if worrying is focusing on the the wrong things .... then what is the opposite of worry?

Class? Hello? Bueler ... Bueler .... Bueler ....

How about Thankfulness - Gratitude - Appreciation? Worrying is focusing on what "may" go wrong - thankfulness is focusing on what "has" gone right.

Now then ... what about the 8%???? What do we do with that? Stick our head in the sand?? Nope - Faith is looking at the 8% square in the eyes and trusting that God will. God will what? Yes. God will provide. God will care. God will lead. God just will. That is having faith that God will do what He says.

So .... Where is your focus? On what might go wrong? or What has gone and is going right? And ... how is your faith quotient? When you look at the 8% of legitimate stuff - do you really thing God will keep His word? Or do you worry that it is all up to you? (smile)

EXERCISE: Take the first 10 minutes of your day - each day for the rest of your week - get a pencil and pad and write down (DON'T JUST THINK) the things that are right in your life. What you have to be thankful for. First of all ... you have internet access ... (WHOO HOO) ... probably 80% of the world doesn't. Second of all you are well fed .. (some of you more well than others ... ah hem) ... you eat better than 95% of the people in the world. You had a bed last night with AC (most of you) ... billions didn't. You have a spouse that loves/tolerates you? There are some reading this right now that would love that. Should I go on???? Or do you get the picture? So take a few minutes in the morning ... start your list. (No Bragging .... "I am thankful for my 2010 Corvette and my Supermodel Wife! ... grin)

So how bout it boys and girls????

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Matthew 6:25-34
Adapted from "The Noticer" by Andy Andrew

American Idol - Danny Gokey - Letting Go

I don’t know how many of you are American Idol Fans – but there is one competitor, Danny Gokey who is in the top five. He is a church music director. A few months ago, he lost his wife in a heart surgery very unexpectedly. He posted this on his “MySpace page” and I truly feel it is worth passing along.

Letting Go": Necessary Steps in Moving Forward. - Danny Gokey

One lesson I’ve learned from children that has had tremendous power in my life is “letting go”. If you have ever had to intervene in a bout between two children fighting over a toy, you'll notice the emotions running high, tears streaming down each child's face, and their precious hearts torn from what was perceived in their eyes as a huge conflict. After you correct them and settle the situation, within five minutes they have already restored their relationship between their former foe and are having even more fun than previously before the fight. Their hearts have not yet accepted or entertained the idea of depositing the seeds of bitterness or anger.

A child exercises the ability to let go of the hurtful situation and they move forward in their relationship with one another in life (notice how they always enjoy life because they don't harbor harmful emotions). I've noticed in my life that when my heart has gripped around a certain hurtful situation from the past, it hinders me from being able to move forward and fully enjoy living.

The most relevant situation that I can share with you is when my wife passed away. The emotions from losing my spouse were overwhelming, not to mention all the previous years of doctors visits, hospital stays, and the hardest thing of all having to watch my wife cry at times because of the pain. This all led up to the final outcome. Doctors told me she only had a 10% chance of dying during this operation and I felt we exhausted our options financially, spiritually, physically, and medically yet nothing worked. I was shocked from the sudden loss and left with the hounding questions: “why me” and “why her”, with an overwhelming pit of despair. Through that situation I became vulnerable to emotions I didn't want but barely resisted because of my analytical mind trying to reason every little detail. Bitterness, anger and resentment began to fill my mind and started to take root in my heart, which launched me into a 3 month deep depression. You see, I know many people would say that is normal. I do believe this is true within a certain balance, but I know in my heart of hearts what I was going through was not normal. I felt like I had to put on a face for everybody to cover what was really going on inside. Deep down inside, I felt there was not hope for me and I really wanted to die. If I had not dealt with this, it probably could have somehow or someway took me out. So, I began pray and cry out to God for help and I believe I found the answer.

The answer I found was exactly this; "let go" or "cause yourself to let go". I admit that answer was not appealing to me because I found no justice in it, and most of all it didn't instantly remove any pain. But I knew that if I continued down this road it would have a price that I could never afford to pay. You see, the cost of hanging on to the bitterness and anger was actually much greater than the cost of simply letting go. I was very reluctant to do it. At times it was hard and I literally had to cause myself (force myself) to let go. Letting go doesn't mean forgetting about Sophia but does mean releasing the toxic emotions tied to the situation. However, I can tell you today that I am able to enjoy life more and I'm grabbing hold of new opportunities that would have otherwise been lost. I’m not buried in my bed under my sheets at home being angry at the world and God, but I’m in the stages of healing because my heart is not bound by resentment. I’m able to see how her life and heart can touch countless others through this foundation and other avenues in her honor.

I’m an advocate of protecting the heart. Your heart is your real set of eyes. What I mean by that is that if your heart has become evil through seeds of anger and hate, you will interpret life and every person’s actions through those negative eyes. A person might come shake your hand and compliment you at work, and your heart might analyze what they have done as having some kind of hidden motive or agenda. You might spend countless hours wondering why they’re out to get you. On the other hand, if you have a pure heart you would shake your co-workers hand, accept their compliment and be touched by their kindness.

When I let go, that is when I was able move forward. The doorway to your future and destiny is only big enough for you to walk through, not you and your past. Past and future don't mix. It’s either one or the other. If you hold on to your past, your future will only be revisiting that past over and over again. I know it seems hard and it’s not the answer you might want to hear, but take it from someone who has been there. I can tell you, it has been 1,000 times better to just let go than it was to hang on and demand answers and justice. So many families are torn apart because of people’s unwillingness to let go by forgiving and forgetting. Many people tend to think that terrible situations and terrible relationships will somehow fix themselves. They think that emotions of anger and unforgiveness will bring about justice; yet scientific studies link those emotions to many harmful diseases, which often lead to an early death.

I've made a choice to be free. I've made a choice to cherish and be thankful for the wonderful times I shared with Sophia. It’s not easy. Some mornings I'll wake up and be plagued with anger and sadness, yet I CHOOSE to release those emotions and I CHOOSE to exercise gratefulness, which always makes for a better day. With that powerful principal, I was able to remove from my heart the roots and growth planted by the seeds of bitterness, and I allowed the seeds of thankfulness and joy take its place. Soon, I believe it won’t be as much of a battle because my heart will only harvest and cultivate those attributes.

I strongly urge you to examine your life, release and let go once and for all those things that have held you back. It could be a harmful self-image, disappointments, setbacks, wrong relationships or anything else that hold you in the pit of your past and keeps you from embracing your present and future. Become like a child and don't let your heart hang on to those things, but let it always bounce back with new hopes and second chances. The best is yet to come for you! Believe it, it’s yours for the taking!

Have a Blessed Day and be careful what you hold on too.

Mark

Kuna Indian Chief

Choices

Just some thoughts after preaching a 17 year old's Funeral.

When Your Expectations Aren't Met

There have been many occasions I have been disappointed, or had expectations that were not met. Over the past few years, God has led me to some principles from His Word that has given me guidance.

Philippians 4:4 (NIV) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

In this passage there are several things God lead me to understand.

1) vs. 4 - Rejoice in what God is doing. God is always at work. He is at work in my life, my church, my family and my community. There are times I see it, times I don’t. There are times I understand it, and times I don’t. There are even times I don’t like it – having God work in your life usually causes much pain and discomfort for a season – that is often very traumatic and difficult. But none the less, God is at work – are we are urged – even commanded to rejoice in that fact.

2) vs. 5 - Let your gentleness be evident to everyone. Interestingly enough, the Greek work for “gentleness” is also translated “patience” in other places. I often struggle with being patient before the Lord. But Paul says that I am to demonstrate my patience in such a way that it is evident to all who watch me. That patience is evident in the way I deal with people, with situations and even or perhaps especially, in dealing with disappointment.

3) vs. 6 – Go to God with everything. It seems in this verse that I face a choice: I can either take it to God in prayer or be anxious and feel that it is my job to solve or fix everything. I am coming to the conclusion that only God can change a person’s heart – and until that heart is changed, there is really nothing I can do. As pastor, I am called to preach/teach, model, lead and speak the truth in love – all to the glory of God. I have tried to get people to change patterns of life, change sinful habits, even modify responses to life’s situations – but ultimately, none of that will be lastingly changed until God changes a heart. So rather than fretting about it, if I understand this scripture correctly, I am to take it to Him in prayer and trust Him for the outcome. I still struggle with this one … (smile).

4) vs. 7 – Allow the peace of God to rule my heart and mind. When I do the things listed above, there is a peace that only God can give. Again, I would love to tell you that I experience this peace all the time, but I would be lying. (grin) However, I have experienced this peace often enough to know that it is possible – and that it is not something that I can find in any other place than total obedience to Him.

5) vs. 8 – Choose to focus on what is pleasing to God. On any given Sunday I can find what I truly want to find when I come to worship. It is totally and completely up to me what I choose to focus or dwell on. There are Sunday’s where people have been saved, baptized that I come away frustrated because I chose to focus and dwell on something other than what was pleasing to God. On those Sundays, those people were still saved, lives were still touched, God was honored, but I forfeited my right to experience the blessing because I was disobedient to God by choosing to dwell, focus or concentrate on something that might have not been to my liking or perhaps even to His liking. This is where I face a great challenge weekly – there isn’t a week when everything goes right and everybody is happy. So what do I choose to focus on? What do I choose to ingest into my heart? What do I choose to talk about? What do I choose to fill my thoughts with? It is totally up to me. And God will honor my choice with either a peace that passes all understanding or a heart and mind filled with turmoil, anxiousness, and misery.

Again – I wish I could tell you that I always get this right – I don’t. But when I don’t, it isn’t a problem with God’s Word, or even the situation that disappointed me, or the people around me, but rather it is an indication that I am knowingly choosing to disobey God and the principles of His Word. I have to remember to rejoice, for God is at work in my life.

Craig Biggio - Persistence

Craig Biggio—3002 Hits and Counting

This last Thursday night, June 28th, was a magic night at Minute Maid Park. Houston Astro’s Craig Biggio got his 3,000th hit during the 8-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies. During the game, Biggio had 5 hits—with the last hit a classic Biggio single as he beat an infield grounder out for a single. This extended the game so that Carlos Lee could end it in grand fashion with a walk off Grand Slam Home Run. What a great night!

Over his 19 year career, Craig Biggio has demonstrated excellence as a Houston Astro—both on the field and off. In the words of his peers, he plays the game the right way. As I watched Biggio play, I remember watching him and how he always hustled and excelled as he played for the Astros. His is a future Hall of Famer. Look at the qualities of people who excel at what they do.

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL WORK WITH ENTHUSIASM. Biggio has always had a great love and respect for the game, but he still plays the game with an unbridled enthusiasm. Regardless of whether the job is big or small, give it your best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter what the size of the audience. "Whatever your task is, put your whole heart and soul into it, as work done for the Lord, and not merely for men." Colossians 3:23

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL SHARPEN THEIR SKILLS. They never stop developing... growing... learning... improving. "If the ax is dull, and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success." Ecclesiastes 10:10 Whether playing catcher, center field, or second base, Biggio was constantly honing his skills—he was never complacent.

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL KEEP THEIR WORD. They are reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they will do. They excel because people of integrity are rare in our society. "Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful they are, but just try to find someone who really is!” Proverbs 20:6 Reliability beats talent in the long run.

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Even under pressure...or change...or unrealistic demands, they do not allow themselves to become negative. Biggio always pointed to the best in the team—even during difficult times. Complainers never excel at anything except complaining. "Do all things without grumbling or arguing...and you will shine out like a light in a dark world." Philippians 2:14-15 Remember "If the boss is angry with you, don't quit! A quiet spirit will quiet his bad temper!” Ecclesiastes 10:4

PEOPLE WHOM EXCEL DO MORE THAN IS EXPECTED. Every successful person has discovered this secret. In learning new positions, Biggio constantly took extra practice to be the best he could be. You will never excel by doing only what is required -- the bare minimum. Jesus said, "If anybody forces you to go a mile with him, do more, go two miles with him." Matthew 5:41

Craig Biggio has dedicated most of his adult life to being an excellent professional baseball player. What is it that you have committed to you adult life to? In what area are you going to excel? Shouldn’t we as Followers of Jesus excel in life?