A Moment of Hope

The expression, "Act like you've been there before!" comes from legendary football coach Vince Lombardi. It was a favorite saying of my college basketball coach, Dean Smith, as well. Here's what these coaches meant. Play each game with confidence! Winning begets winning. And when you do win, don't act surprised. Or get too excited. Or too cocky. Enjoy the victory and keep playing each game with confidence, believing you'll win the next one as well. This belief system is biblically rooted. Luke 11:5-11 is the story of the friend who knocked on the door of another friend at midnight to get some needed things for his family. He kept on knocking. His friend was sleepy, warm in bed, and didn't want to answer. But because of his friend's "persistent audacity" the door was finally opened. As illustrated through this Bible story, "Act like you've been there before!" can also mean confident persistence. It's a quality of prayer that moves God's hands because it prays like it's been there before. It's the confidence that God has answered in the past and will answer now. And tomorrow! The confidence that keeps on praying no matter what.

Douglas MacArthur spoke this truth, "It's fatal to go into war without the will to win it." Are you aware that Christ followers are constantly at war (Ephesians 6:12)? We are. Our enemy is Satan and he is the supreme enemy of our souls. His job description is to kill, steal and destroy anything and everything that God created (John 10:10a). Including me and you. This ongoing, spiritual war will continue until one of two things happen. One, you leave this earth to join Jesus in heaven. Or two, Jesus returns to this earth. But here's the wonderful catch: We have already won the war! "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). We proclaim thanks to God who always leads us in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14). Over the enemy and all his wiles. So, if we are in a war, we need to be in it to win it! And the surest way to win is to remain close to Jesus, the victor over sin, death and the devil. He has already won for us! We fight against the enemy, knowing the victory is already ours. What good news!

What's a simple but surefire way to experience more success in your life? Today, stop doing one stupid thing! Something that is hindering you from moving forward in life. When we come to faith in Jesus, we become brand new people on the inside. We are re-created, new creations living in vital union with Christ. We do not merely turn over a new leaf, we begin a new life under a new master, God. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Such a sudden change of that magnitude is extremely overwhelming. Where to begin? How? In what area of my life? It's why you must begin with one simple step. Do a life inventory. Find one thing that you're doing – one thing that clearly isn't working for you – and change it. Just one, no more! You can start working on the next one, and the next one, after you have changed one stupid thing. Over time, it's a pathway to success and life change. Today, stop doing one stupid thing.

How do you define and measure true success? In my opinion, true success is doing the best you can with what you have. Period. It's not defined in comparison with what others are doing or have accomplished. But what you have done with what God has given you. I'll never forget something my college basketball coach, Dean Smith, wished for one year. He wanted the "Coach of the Year" award to be given to the coach of a team that lost 20 games - and won only ten! But that coach had done the most with what he had on his team. Coach Smith believed that that was the coach who experienced true success. He did an extraordinary job with mediocre talent. Which is far more difficult than consistently winning with exceptionally talented players! When you stand before Jesus one day, all he will desire is for you to have done your best with the talents he gave you (Matthew 25:14-30). This is God's definition of true success. God will never compare your success to another's. And neither should you.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19). What's God's favorite game to watch his children play? It's not "Show and tell!" but "Go and tell!" Jesus wants his followers to just go into the world to be witnesses to people "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This means sharing the gospel to both those in your community and to those throughout the world. To those who have never heard the name of Jesus. Too often in our Christian lives we play "Show and tell." It's all about us. The emphasis of the Christian life is what Jesus can do for us. My needs and wants, not his. But the Christian life is to be lived for Jesus and his glory. It's all about him. It's not "Show and tell" but "Go and tell!" Pray today that God would lead you to one person who needs a word about Jesus's love and forgiveness. Then tell them! And feel your heart warmed with God's favor and encouragement. This is why you were created!

The famous conductor Leonard Bernstein once said that the most difficult position to play in the orchestra is second fiddle. How true! Everyone wants to be first. The superstar. The champion. The greatest. The hero of the story. Yet Jesus said, "The greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11). And that's exactly how Jesus lived his life. As a servant to his followers. The best example of this profound truth is the Savior of the world taking a towel and a basin and washing his disciples' feet (John 13:1-13). What a courageous demonstration by Jesus, displaying the essence of Godly leadership and influence. Humility in action. May all of us learn to play "second fiddle" in God's orchestra. It is through servanthood that we become great in God's eyes.

Christ followers go through all kinds of stages and phases as our faith develops. Sometimes we may suffer small setbacks. Sometimes even large ones. Why? Because we are flawed humans living in a fallen world with broken people. Sometimes we are faithless. But God is always faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Think of Abraham, the father of our faith. He walked with God. Heard his voice. Obeyed. Then disobeyed. Then obeyed again! Here is Abraham's story: He went to Egypt and told his wife Sarai to lie and tell others she was his sister and not his wife. Abraham knew the pharaoh would seize her because of her beauty, bring her into his harem, and perhaps even kill Abraham (Genesis 12). So, he devised this plan. Bottom line: Abraham trusted his own methods over God's. What did God do? He brought Abraham out of Egypt back to the Promised Land! To begin anew. To start over. God renewed his covenant with Abraham. God gave him a new beginning. A fresh start. As God does with all of us as well. Through Jesus's love and forgiveness, he gives second and third chances. New beginnings, all filled with Jesus's enormous grace.

"For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things" (Philippians 3:18-19). These verses make it crystal clear: the godless have one thing as their destiny - destruction. The reason? Their god is their belly. If you're wondering what that means, it is this. Feelings, biblically, are rooted in the stomach area. It's where emotions that often drive us are housed. Meaning feelings have become God to the godless. Whatever I feel must be true. Even if it's contrary to God's clear directives. "Their God is their belly" also represents humans who worship physical pleasures – instead of God himself – the Creator of pleasure. They worship God's gifts rather than the Giver of all that we enjoy. Healthy living comes when God rules over every part of us. Our passions. Lusts. Pleasures. Feelings. Emotions. When this happens - God controlling all our desires - we obey God no matter what we may personally desire or feel. May we learn from Paul's letter to the Philippians, a word to all of us for all times. And when the facts about God's truth inform our mind, our feelings will rightly follow.

If you want to lead the orchestra, you'll have to turn your back to the crowd. Why? Because leaders cannot be people-pleasers. People are fickle. Changing their minds from one moment to the next. One day they adore you and agree with your every sentiment. Then, the next day they don't and become your loudest critics. Once Paul learned this truth, it set him free to preach the gospel. He knew that if he tried to please people, he could never have chosen to follow Jesus and preach the gospel (Galatians 1:10). The truth of the gospel offends people (1 Corinthians 1:23). If you are leading others for Jesus's glory, lead well. But realize you may need to turn your back to the crowd. And that's okay. You are leading your orchestra to create a beautiful sound for God's ears alone.

It's an oft-quoted phrase in the business world today, coined by Benjamin Franklin in the 1700's: "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." It must be true given its staying power! Are you aware that this truth is deeply rooted in Scripture? The Valiant Woman plans ahead. "She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar" (Proverbs 31:14). "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty" (Proverbs 21:5). Wise leaders plan months and years ahead. "A ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order" (Proverbs 28:2 NIV). How to wisely prepare? Think ahead! To your next month. The next several months. The next few years. To the end of your life as you approach meeting your Creator. Be prepared as much as possible. For if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.

It's an often-quoted precept, but eternally true: Holding on to bitterness is like drinking arsenic and expecting the other person to die. Hebrews 12:15 speaks of a "root of bitterness." One that goes deep into your soul and is so very difficult to root out. When there, it will most often defile others who live around your bitterness. It's like an infectious disease. Spreading as quickly as a contagious virus. Most will move away from you, not wanting to be infected with your bitterness. How to get rid of it? At the first offense, forgive as Jesus has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). Dig it out. Root it out. Extract it so deeply that it is unable to take root again. God's grace given to you by Jesus is meant to be given away to others. Jesus even forgave from the cross those who put him there (Luke 23:34). As his followers, we are to do the same. Give grace to others as you have received it. Forgive as you have been forgiven. If you don't, it's like drinking arsenic and expecting the other person to die!

Sometimes Jesus calms the storm. Sometimes he calms you amidst the storm. Jesus, the Lord of the universe, is quite able to calm any storm surrounding us with one word: "Peace!" (Matthew 8:23-27). And the storms cease. Many of us can attest to a time when Jesus spoke a word and a miracle occurred. A child was conceived. A job was provided. A need met. Amazingly. Supernaturally. Sometimes God does that. But sometimes, Jesus doesn't calm the storm - but calms our hearts amidst the storm. He simply says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" (John 14:27). Many of us know this reality as well. Jesus's promised presence amidst the storm, even though the storm has not been stilled. Both are miracles. Both are realities of this life. Therefore, worship him. And let us always praise the One who oversees both life's outward and inner storms of our hearts.

God, I've got a few questions for you! How often we all say this, if only to ourselves. There are mysteries in this life. Secret things. Hidden things. Happenings in our lives that we can't begin to understand. And never will - until eternity (Deuteronomy 29:29). Suffering is real and often causes people to say at times, "When I get to heaven, God, I've got a few questions for you!" When I hear this, I always point people to the book of Job and his extraordinary suffering. Job had more than a few questions for God! He had dozens and dozens. After expressing them, God appeared to Job and asked, "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?" (Job 38:4). Which reminds me: When I appear before God, I won't be asking God questions. If anything, he will have questions for me! And then I will simply bow my head in humble adoration that I'm with him forever. Reminded that he controls everything in the universe. And is always worthy of my praise and worship.

It was the night before I was going to marry Marilynn, now over 40 years ago. My dad was going to perform the wedding service the next day. Dad was a great dad. Present and involved in my life. A role model in so many ways. I admired and loved him very much. I look forward to seeing him in heaven again one day. I had hoped that Marilynn and I would one day have children. So, on the eve of my wedding day, I went to dad to ask him for the best advice he could give me if the Lord would one day give us children. Dad didn't hesitate. Immediately, he responded, "My best advice for you on how to be a good dad to your kids? That's easy. Love their mother." It's a consistent biblical message. Paul adjured husbands to love their wives as Jesus loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). How great was that love? Jesus was willing to die sacrificially to give the church life, as Christian husbands should for their wives as well. Eventually, God did give Marilynn and me three children. One girl and two boys. How much I have loved all three! But I especially love their mother who has meant more to me than words can ever express. Thanks dad, for your wise words. I remember them well, especially this Father's Day.

"Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy" (Isaiah 61:7). The prophet Isaiah revealed God's promise – to double the Israelites' portion of what they'd previously lost – to them while they were still in Babylonian captivity. God repeated the same promise to the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:12). God intended to restore double to the Israelites as they returned to their Promised Land. How does this promise hold true for us today? As we trust in the Lord, we are to rest assured that after our difficulties abate, God will restore double for all we've been through. God upheld the same promise to Job after his trials (Job 42:10). All that Job had lost, God restored double. Would you dare believe this today? Amidst your loss, to believe in faith that God is good? And He can and will double your trouble.

What is hidden from you is not hidden from God. We live in a temporal, visible world. God lives in an eternal, invisible world. If the life of Job teaches us anything, it proves that God oversees the eternal, invisible world. And what happens there - in heaven - influences what happens here - on earth. As Job went through much pain and suffering, the one thing he did not know was what was occurring in the heavenly realm (Job 1-2). That God had permitted his suffering. And Job's decision to remain faithful to the Lord had implications for what God was permitting Satan to do. That should bring comfort to us as well. When we are passing through deep waters or going through fiery trials, God is with us (Isaiah 43:2-3). He has not deserted us. He will never leave us or forsake us. If you're facing a situation today that is inexplicable to you, remember, God sees all. Directs all. Permits all. Remember, what is hidden from us that we don't understand, is not hidden from God who knows all. He knows. And understands. What's happening to you is not catching God by surprise. And God promises to use it all – both our triumphs and our sorrows - for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28).

Think of the last time you found yourself in a situation where you didn't know how to proceed. Couldn't decide what to do. Arrived at a stalemate. Not sure of the next step. What does God expect us to do when we find ourselves in predicaments such as this? The answer is nothing. It's quite simple, really. If you don't know what to do, don't! Wait on the Lord. As fallen people we are prone to taking matters into our own hands. Trying to solve our problems ourselves. Often, we only make situations worse. Waiting gives God time to change people and circumstances. And us as well. God strengthens us during our times of waiting like no other time (Isaiah 40:31). It's why we wait. "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14). God always wants what's best for us. Trust him. Wait on him. And when you don't know what to do, do nothing. God will eventually show you his next step.

God gives the best to those who leave the choice to him. Consider the story of Abraham and Lot. Their herdsmen were in constant strife with one another (Genesis 13). The land wasn't big enough for both of their herds. So wise Abraham goes to Lot and allows him to decide which land he wants. Abraham probably knew that where there is strife, there is every evil thing (James 3:16). What does Lot choose? What is best for Lot. Lot chooses the land in the Jordan River valley, lush with water and green grass. But it's also the land closest to Sodom, a city filled with wickedness and perversion. As time goes by, Lot and his family move closer and closer to Sodom and eventually Lot arrives at its gates, symbolizing he was a judge and leader in this deplorable town (Genesis 19:1). We later see how Sodom's godless influence was imbibed by Lot's daughters. On the other hand, Abraham let God choose for him. As a result, God gave him the Promised Land for as far as he could see and walk. It was a better land, a land where he raised his son and family. And through Abraham, his family, and his descendants living on that land, the entire world has been blessed (Genesis 12:3). When making decisions, let God lead you. Crucify your desire for what seems best in the world's sight. Let God lead you to make your choices for you. When you do, God will always give you what is the best.

We all have hurting people around us. This world is broken. Not operating as God originally intended. We have broken bodies. We are in broken relationships. We live and work with broken people. So then, how are Jesus's followers to live in this broken world? First, we are all called to serve others (Mark 10:45). We are to raise up our spiritual antennae to sense the hurting people around us. To be a walking ICU to those who are hurting. ICU? Think about it. Medical personnel are always on high alert. Their ears are attuned to every need around them. Every strange beep and sound. And they respond immediately, with urgency and compassion to those in need. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). As Jesus comforts those in need, may we do so as well. His followers and disciples, living as he lived. Noticing and caring for those who are hurting. Be a walking ICU to those around you throughout your day.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Only God fully knows the extent of our pain. Grief. Sorrow. Failure. It's why we should never say to a hurting person, "I know how you feel." Why? Because you don't. You have not been through exactly what this person has been through. You have not walked through every step of life in their shoes. Yes, you may have experienced a similar situation, enabling you to practice empathy. However, it's impossible for one human being to experience the exact same feelings as another. But God's understanding knows no limits. He understands us fully. Here's the best thing you can do for those who are hurting: Practice the ministry of presence. Simply sit beside them. Be there for them. Care for them. Love them. And if you must say something, tell them of God's great love for them. And his promise to heal their hurts and bind their wounds (Psalm 147:3). Sometimes sitting in silence is the best way to offer comfort. Let your physical presence be your strongest statement of support. Your loving presence will be what the suffering person will never forget.

Walk softly around a broken heart. Consider this lesson from the book of Job. During a time in Job's life when he was immensely suffering, three of Job's friends attempted to comfort him. At first, they were quiet. Listened. Wept with him (Job 2:11-13). But shortly thereafter, their attitudes changed. They began pontificating on why Job was suffering. They suggested that his suffering was because of his sin. And they deeply hurt Job's heart. God didn't like it either! At the end of Job's trial, God chastised the three men and told them to go apologize to Job (Job 42:7-9)! They had wrongly caricatured God. They did not understand what was happening in the courts of heaven - in the invisible, eternal world where God dwells. We are to "mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). Meaning, instead of offering easy answers, we should practice empathy. When we are willing to enter into the pain of a suffering friend, we follow the example of Jesus, who came to bear our pain and be with us as we suffer. So remember, walk softly around a broken heart. Our physical presence with a hurting friend can be our best way to comfort and support.

Every experienced mountain climber will share this reality: The steepest part of the mountain is right before the pinnacle. It's a life lesson for us all. When we are moving forward in life with a dream, hope, or vision, it's often the very last push for success that's the hardest part. The most difficult to navigate. Seemingly and suddenly unable to achieve. That's why we should never give up! Keep our eyes focusing upward throughout our call to follow Jesus - especially as we are right at the summit. God called you to begin the good work you are doing, and he will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). And always remember as you continue climbing those last, few, hardest steps: Nothing is impossible with God (Matthew 19:26).

Mother Theresa once said, "You'll never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you've got." This truth is illustrated through the life of the apostle Paul. When you think you're having a bad day, read about the suffering Paul endured time and time again. He was rejected. Beaten. Shipwrecked. Persecuted. And much more (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). Despite Paul's intense hardships, he remained faithful to the Lord. Even after receiving "a thorn in my flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7). No one knows to this day exactly what the "thorn" was. Physical? Relational? Emotional? Psychological? It must have been very painful. Paul concluded it was sent from Satan. But it was also chronic. God never took it away (2 Corinthians 12:6-10). Where did Paul land as he contemplated his persistent problem? That Jesus's grace was sufficient for him. And God's power was somehow perfected in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). In everything he had faced in life. In all he would face in life. Back to Mother Teresa's quote. It's only when we have nothing else - only Jesus – to help us through life that we fully realize his grace is all we need. Wise words from a woman who personally knew this great truth.

We are blessed to be a blessing. How has God blessed you? Make a list. Write out all your blessings. God told Abraham that he was going to bless him. Make his name great. Make him a great nation. Through him all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). But here was the catch: God said he would bless Abraham so that he would be a blessing (Genesis 12:3). Now go back to your list of blessings. Yes, give thanks to God for them all (1 Thessalonians 5:18). An attitude of gratitude honors the Lord. But ask God now how you can be a blessing to others with all the ways God has blessed you. That's the proof of true thanksgiving in your heart.

Your holiness or your happiness? Which is more important to you? To God, our eternal holiness is far more significant than our momentary happiness. Of course Jesus wants us to be happy. That's the essence of the Beatitudes where the word "blessed" can also be translated as "happy" (Matthew 5:1-11). In these verses, Jesus gives us a roadmap for happiness. But God is much more concerned with our eternal personhood than our temporary state of happiness. God's desire is the purity of our character. Why? Because we are commanded to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Happiness comes and goes. Being holy lasts forever. Work today on being a holy person in God's sight. Seeking his will above all else. Making obedience to him a master passion of your life. Allowing the Holy Spirit to conform you to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29). Because God is much more concerned with our eternal holiness than our present happiness.

"God can't steer a parked car." It's a hackneyed phrase you've likely heard before. The reason behind its staying power? It's true. Have you ever tried to steer a parked car? It's impossible. Without a moving car, the power steering cannot work. The wheel won't turn to the left or the right. You're stuck. Exactly where you are. With no ability to change course or move forward. Do you want to see change in some area of your life? Take the first step. Start moving in the direction God is leading you. He will direct you. His Word says so. "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way" (Psalm 37:23). When you take the first step, God's power steering kicks in. He directs your next step. And the next one. And the next one (Proverbs 16:9). Keep moving toward the Lord! Let him direct your steps. And you will eventually arrive at the destination where he is leading you.

Did you know that delayed obedience is the same thing as disobedience? It is. The Bible says, "Without delay I hurry to obey your commands" (Psalm 119:60 GNT). Consider what would happen if a parent told a child to do something. But instead of obeying, the child hesitates. Waits. And then delays obedience some more. Then finally says, "Well, let me think about it for a while." Parents don't let kids get away with that. Neither does God. If God has spoken to your heart, and you know what you are to do but aren't doing it - that's delayed obedience. Which is really disobedience! You can't expect God's favor and blessing in that posture. When God tells you to do something, do it! Immediately. For delayed obedience is disobedience.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). When we follow Jesus, he does speak to his people. He will lead us to exactly where we need to be. That's a promise he has given to all his followers. If you haven't heard Jesus's voice recently, here's a question to ask yourself: When did he last speak to me? And here's the follow-up question: Have I obeyed what Jesus told me to do when he last spoke to me (Isaiah 30:18)? Consider this biblical illustration. God told Abraham to leave Ur and go to Canaan where he would settle. Abraham left Ur, but stopped at Haran. For 15 years. 15 years! The next time Abraham heard God's voice was after he left Haran and continued on to Canaan - where God had commanded him to go. Where he was supposed to be. Do you see the point? It was only after Abraham obeyed God when he heard his voice the first time that Abraham heard God's voice again for the next step in his life's journey. Don't expect Jesus to speak to you if you haven't obediently done the last thing he told you to do. When Jesus speaks and tells you to do something, first obey him. Then, Jesus will tell you the next step he wants you to take. And the next one. And the next one. Until you go home to be with him forever.

Have a L-I-T-T-L-E faith. What? According to Jesus, I thought we were supposed to have an enormous, vast, gigantic faith? One that can move mountains (Mark 11:22-24). We are. But also think about your faith this way: Every minute of every day, have a faith that says: L: Leave I: It T: To T: The L: Lord E: EVERYTHING Every day, give everything to the Lord. In faith. Surrendering it. Letting go of it. In his hands. Believing it's all taken care of (Proverbs 3:5-6). When you do this, your faith grows. Your little faith becomes a big faith. And that's what God wants more than anything else.

Make sure God's Spirit and Word - both together - are in your daily life. Sadly, Christians too often emphasize one over the other. But both are very important for the mature Christian life to occur. God places his Spirit inside us when we are born again (John 3:3). When our old life dies, Jesus puts his new life in us. Then the way the Holy Spirit can grow in us is through the study of God's Word (John 17:17). Our faith increases. Intimacy with Jesus begins. But do note that we need both the Word of God and the Spirit of God together as we continue walking with Jesus all the days of our lives. It's the never-ending process of discipleship. For the Word without the Spirit causes us to dry up. The Spirit without the Word causes us to puff up. But the Word and the Spirit together allow us to grow up. Commit to keeping God's Word and Spirit an active part of your faith journey. When you do so, your faith will not become stagnant, but will continue to grow.

What is Jesus's divine order for his followers' faith to work? You do and I will. Note the order. Commit it to memory. First, we do. Then, Jesus will. Do. Will. Our human brains are inclined to embrace this backwards mentality: "Jesus, if you first do (fill in the blank), then I will (fill in the blank)." We've all done it at some time or another. As did Jesus' disciples (Matthew 14:22-33). We say: "If you do the miracle, then I'll believe." Jesus says, "If you just believe, then I'll do the miracle." We say: "If you calm the waves, then we will get out of the boat." Jesus says: "Get out of the boat, then I'll calm the waves." Without faith it's impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Where do you need to take that first step? Get out of the boat? Move toward Jesus? You do…then see if God will.

Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden won more NCAA basketball trophies than anyone in history: 10. His coaching acumen has informed thousands of coaches and players through the years. There's one thing Coach Wooden would do at the beginning of every season before the first practice ever began. He'd lecture and show his players how to smooth out their socks before they put on their shoes. Rub out all the uneven places. Smooth them on the bottom and sides. Why? Because the one thing that can so easily put a player on the sidelines is blisters on his feet. They can happen quickly, suddenly and painfully. And the player can be out for weeks with this malady. Learning and practicing little things in life can often be what determines success or not. That must be why God said not to despise the day of small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). Meaning, before you move on to the big challenges in life, make sure you are properly taking care of the small things. God wants us to pay careful attention to every detail in our lives, especially what can cause blisters: sin. If not paid close attention to, a small sin can become a big, destructive sin. One that can sideline you for a long time. And success will become elusive. First, smooth your socks. Small beginnings are key to big success.

"From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'" (Matthew 4:17). Repent! It's the MIA word in the Christian vocabulary. Bring to mind the words most commonly associated with Christianity: grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, peace, etc. Yes, they are all important aspects of the Christian faith. But the one word that seems to have been forgotten among Christians is repent. It means change. Turn around. Go in a different direction. Or simply, "Stop it!" To receive Jesus's grace, mercy and forgiveness, repentance must first occur. Life changes. A new direction in how you choose to live. Otherwise, you've not truly understood what it means to come to faith in Jesus. Jesus's first word in preaching was repent (Matthew 4:17). We should never forget this extremely important word in our Christian vocabulary. And actually leave our old, destructive life behind.

What do vastly successful people do that sets them apart from others? They dream dreams. Big dreams. Dreams so huge only God could make them come true. And they work hard and diligently to achieve them. Most successful people are able to see things others don't see. Can't see. They are visionaries. Brimming with inventiveness and creativity. God willingly pours out his Spirit to enable his children to dream dreams and see visions that desire God's glory to be exemplified and expanded (Joel 2:28, 32). But hard work is also needed for big dreams to be accomplished. "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). Success requires perseverance. Dedication. Determination. The will to press on. An unwillingness to give up. Do you want success in your life? Dream big. Work hard. And your dreams just may come true. Because success usually demands lots of inspiration and perspiration.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34). Followers of Jesus are expected to lead with love. This means assuming the best in others until proven otherwise. If you are skeptical, wary and distrustful of others - expecting them to let you down - then you'll view whomever God brings into your life with suspicion. Guarding yourself. Living with the purpose of not being hurt. Missing out on the love God intended you to receive. However, when a person disappoints you because of their bad character, then yes you should have your guard up around that person going forward (1 Corinthians 15:33). But until then, love others as Jesus has loved you. Reread the biblical characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Assume the best in others until prove otherwise. And enjoy the loving relationships God has placed in your life.

"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Romans 5:3-4). If I was delivered once, I can be delivered again. Hope is one of the strongest forces in the universe. Without it, it's hard to continue to live. Consider this illustration. An experiment was once done on rats. They were placed in a vat of water. For hours they swam furiously. Finally, they started to give up, resigning themselves to the fate of death. At the last moment, they were rescued. Dried. Fed. Allowed to rest for several days. Then they were placed back into the vat of water. What was different the second time? Instead of swimming for only a few hours before giving up, they swam for 24 hours straight before resigning themselves to drowning. Why the difference in hours? They believed that since they had been saved once before, they could be saved again. Think of a time God has come through for you. Firmly fix it in your memory. Think about it for several minutes. Don't you feel hope arise in your heart? You simply know that if God did it once, he can do it again! Persevere. Don't give up. Hope does not disappoint.

NFL quarterback Carson Wentz created AO1 as a reminder of how to live out his faith in every area of his life - especially with the cruel critics in the NFL. It was his way of making sure he kept God at the center of his life, not the fickle opinions of others. What does AO1 mean? Audience of One and that one is Jesus. Wentz came to realize that he was playing to an audience of one: God. Seeking only God's approval. Not man's. Defining true success as doing his best with what God had given to him. Nothing more, nothing less. This should be our perspective as well. To seek only God's approval (1 Thessalonians 2:4). To live each day simply doing our best for him. Our one true desire? Hearing God's applause. We do this because we have come to a profound reality: People make lousy gods. Live AO1 in your own life. Play to an audience of one - Jesus. When you do so, the opinions of others will no longer matter.

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus cautions his disciples to beware of the leaven of Herod (8:15). In biblical times, leaven was a symbol of evil or corruption. And King Herod was the poster child of this leaven—an egotistical political figure widely known as a tyrannical ruler. What exactly was Jesus warning his disciples about? He was warning people of the danger of cozying up to political powers and thinking that they can ultimately change a society. It will never happen. Herod is a primary example of why, as Jesus knew. Herod manipulated his politics and people for his own power, as many politicians today continue to do. Herod colluded with whatever or whomever he needed to in order to maintain power. Sound familiar? Jesus was clearly warning his followers that politics cannot bring in his kingdom. And those with political power will often use anyone they can to grab and keep power. Be careful about putting your hope in a donkey. Or an elephant. Or any political process or person. Only the Lord Jesus controls all. And his animal is the lion. The lion of Judah. And Jesus's kingdom is not of this world. But it will last forever. Until his kingdom comes, Jesus warns us to be aware of the leaven of Herod!

How would your life change if you heard God say to you, "I've got this!"? He does. It's true. God oversees every area of your life. "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it" (Psalm 24:1, NIV). God takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" (Isaiah 41:13). Your name is engraved on the hands of the Creator of the universe. "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands" (Isaiah 49:16). Don't you see? God's got this! All your problems and concerns. Every area of your life. It's all in his hands. And all means all. Again, how would your life change if you really believed that God's got it all? You just might find yourself more peaceful. Less anxious. And more courageous in all you face.

My college basketball coach, Dean Smith, had a rule he implemented from day one. At the end of the game, holding a lead and being fouled by the opposition to shoot free throws, he would repeatedly say to us, "Sprint to the other end of the court!" Why would he do this? He wanted our energy level to say to our opponent, "We aren't tired. We will win this game!" This "sprinting" mentality should be the attitude of all Christians toward the enemy of our soul, the devil. No matter what happens to us, we keep sprinting forward. No matter what our age or what stage our life's game is in. With our eyes fixed on the author and finisher of our faith - Jesus our Savior - who awaits us at the finish line (Hebrews 12:2), we sprint. We run, with every ounce of energy in us, toward Jesus. If you are going through a season of weariness, don't let Satan know. Keep him confused. Keep running hard! Show the devil that you know the true race has already been won. Jesus was raised from the dead! Death is defeated. Eternity is yours. The enemy has been beaten! Forever! Keep sprinting! Why? Because he who lives in us is greater than he who lives in the world (1 John 4:4).

Do you believe God is the restorer of the broken places in your life? He is. The Bible says so. "For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah" (Jeremiah 30:3). God promises the Israelites that he will restore them to the land after they had been removed from it for 70 years. Plus, God restored the Temple that had been destroyed. And the walls that had been razed to the ground. God restores broken places in the lives of all his people. All of them. Think of it this way. God the Restorer is a repairman. You take something broken to him. You leave it with him. You trust that he has the means and ability to get the job done. And done well. Because you trust your repairman, you do not call him every five minutes to see if he's doing his job properly. You don't question his process or progress. You leave what's broken with him, knowing he will fix what is broken and return it to you at the right time. So it is with God our Restorer. We give him our brokenness. We pray that he will heal us. We wait. Trust. And know that he is faithful and able as the Restorer of our broken places.

Rust out or burn out? It's an important question we all need to ask ourselves. Especially as we consider how we want to live out our last decades on earth. Everyone who competes in games trains to win a prize (1 Corinthians 9:25). Winning requires focus, purpose and discipline. As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. Our prize is awarded by Jesus at the end of our lives, for our faithfulness as believers (2 Corinthians 5:10). How are you running your life's race? Bored? Stagnant? Sluggish? Rusting out? Blurred vision about your finish line? Or full force ahead? With great energy? Specifically focused? With enthusiasm? Giving all you've got? Burning out? Keep running strong! Until your end. Living for Jesus. Sharing him with others. Serving those in need. Giving your life away to others. And you will finish strong with a crown of rewards awaiting you as you cross this life's finish line.

The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek word "entheos" which means "the God within." When God is within us - through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit - how then can we not be enthusiastic? Joyful? Cheerful? Light-hearted? Enthusiasm is a key for success in the lives of Christ-followers. Scripture exhorts us to be "zealous" for what is good (1 Peter 3:13). To "not be slothful in zeal, but fervent in Spirit" (Romans 12:11). If Jesus lives in us, and He is the hope of our glory, should not His followers be the most enthusiastic, happiest, zealous, encouraging, upbeat and jovial people on the face of the earth (Colossians 1:27)? For we have found the secret to life: God in Christ lives in us. Empowering and strengthening us by the minute. No matter what obstacle or difficulty we may face. And we live successfully, in God, in His strength, and for his glory alone.

If you've experienced success in your life, then there are people around you who've helped you along the way. It's a requisite for success. Why? Because we all stand on the shoulders of other people. Those who've contributed to our achievement in some way. Through their words. Encouragement. Example. Wisdom. Time. Money. Faith. Prayers. Think of some of those people in your life. Ones who guided you to seasons in which you flourished. Maybe they were your parents. Coaches. Teachers. Coworkers. Friends. Siblings. The list goes on and on. Scripture commands the practice of thanksgiving. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Giving thanks to others requires your appreciation to be made known. For those who have steered you toward prosperous seasons of life, take a moment today and call, text, email, or write. Simply say, "Thank you. I am who I am today partly because of you." The means of your communication doesn't matter. It's your words of thanksgiving that do. We all stand on the shoulders of other people. Let's make sure we say thank you to them.

Here's what I consider to be a fundamental key to life: Seek to understand more than be understood. How do we do this? By practicing empathy. By listening carefully to what someone is saying. Trying to see life as they see it. Trying to walk in their shoes. Considering how others' life experiences - including their wounding - have shaped their opinions and ideologies. Once we understand the plights of others, we're able to hurt as they hurt. Weep as they weep. Mourn as they mourn (Romans 12:15). Understanding also means not offering easy, uninvolved solutions. Or giving simple, shallow answers. Understanding means listening. Being there. Caring. When done, your love for others increases. And their love increases for you, too.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19). Take a moment to let that profound truth sink in. Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to anger. Said another way, there's a reason God gave you one mouth and two ears. Here's what James knew. When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that our opinions are better than theirs. Our ideas, superior to theirs. Our knowledge, vaster than theirs. We are more important than they are. Listening too little is sin. The sneaky kind of sin that we often don't immediately realize we're committing. But we are. Jesus was a listener. And he commanded his followers to become listeners as well, "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 4:23). Talk less. Listen more. Life's best listeners are life's most successful people!

Are you looking for a way to change your spouse? To make him or her be more like you desire? Then choose to serve your spouse and not be served (Mark 10:45). Do it even if you don't feel like it. Ask Jesus to change your heart. Desire to live and act more like Jesus. Desire to serve, not be served. Then you may see your spouse become the person you desire him/her to be. Here's a great example. A husband says to me, "When my wife changes her attitude, I'll do something she loves: rub her feet." My response? "Rub her feet, which she loves, and you'll see her attitude toward you change." Guess what? He tried it. And it worked. Just do what Jesus would do - especially with your spouse. Not based on your feelings but choosing to do Jesus's will toward your beloved because it's simply the right thing to do. And see if your spouse starts becoming the person you've always wanted.

I have come to this deeply held conviction: Everything that happens on this earth must first be Father-filtered. If we are God the Father's children, and he owns us and oversees all we do, then nothing can come to us unless our Father in heaven gives permission. Look at Job (Job 1-2). Satan had to first ask for permission from God before he did anything with Job. Also, examine Peter at the Last Supper (Luke 22). Jesus told him that Satan wanted to sift him like wheat, and Jesus had granted it. For followers of Jesus - all of our life's circumstances - must first be filtered by our Father. He must first give permission before bad stuff comes to us from the enemy. That means that all circumstances, both good and bad, will be used by God to accomplish his great purpose for our lives (Romans 8:28). Job became a mighty man of faith who believed that no plan of God could be thwarted (Job 42:2). Jesus told Peter that Satan's sifting of him would be used so he could build other people's faith as they went through difficult times. Our Daddy in heaven is in all things and using all things for our good and his glory. Always remember: For God's children, everything must first be Father-filtered.

Every successful marriage demands divorce. "What?" you say. Have I lost my mind? Fallen prey to culture's lies? Of course not. Here's what I mean: Every successful marriage needs a divorce from self-love. Or said another way, the "me first" mentality. In over 40 years of pastoral ministry, I've done a study. I've examined why spouses get divorced. Here is the major reason: Selfishness. Either by one or often both people in the marriage. God's design for marriage is Genesis 2:24. It's a loving covenant where husband and wife are submitted to God and to serve one another (Ephesians 5:19-33). Eliminate selfishness in your marriage. Serve your spouse. And watch your marriage flourish. That's because every successful marriage demands divorce from self-love.

I have three proven words of wisdom for you. Words that will fuel your prayer life and grow your faith: How much more. Jesus taught it. In fact, he looked to nature to make his point. Especially to teach us about the futility of worry. "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them" (Matthew 6:26). Birds can't grow their own food, yet God provides for them. "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin" (Matthew 6:28a). Flowers don't provide for themselves what is needed for survival, God does. Our Creator cares for everything he created - birds, flowers, grass - no matter how big or how small, God provides (Matthew 6:25-34). Jesus then asks the profound question: How much more will God take care of our needs as human beings? The crown of his creation! Unlike birds and flowers, we were created in the image of God. We, humans, are the reason he sent his Son to die on a cross. We are the only ones whom God adopts into his family as his sons and daughters. If God provides for every need of birds and flowers - that will soon wither and die - how much more can we be assured that God will care for us, his image bearers? How much more. Three words. Keep praying and believing them. And experience more power in your prayers.