How to Keep Your Job, Watch Your Mouth

Chiefs Running Back Larry Johnson was only 75 yards away from breaking the team record when he was released, all because he couldn't watch his mouth. Following a loss Johnson belittled his head coach and directed a gay slur towards a heckler on twitter. The next day he used the gay slur again towards members of the media in the locker room. Whether we realize it or not words are powerful and should be used wisely.

Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." In other words watch the foul language. Words should be used to build up others and not tear them down.

Sometimes we may forget God made everyone. So when we call them ignorant, ugly or a gay slur we are talking about God's creation. It cost Larry Johnson his job in Kansas City, it could cost you even more.

For more scriptures on words see:Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 3:8, Proverbs 16:24

Complaining is not the way to solve problems

After coming off the bench in his first game with the Memphis Grizzlies Allen Iverson made it perfectly clear he is not satisfied with his role. Iverson played 18 minutes and scored 11 points. Following the game Iverson was asked how he felt."I had no problems (physically.) I had a problem with my butt sitting on that bench for so long," Iverson said.

Keep in mind Iverson is in his first season with the Grizzlies. He missed all eight preseason games and the first three regular season games with a hamstring injury. If the coach decides to have him come off the bench Iverson should let his game do the talking and see if things improve as time goes on. Instead, the 34 year old proceeded to gripe about how he's not a bench player or a sixth man.

Philippians 2:14 states do all things without murmurings and disputings or in other words complaining and arguing. Ultimately you are complaining against the sovereign God who controls all things. That surely is not pleasing to the Saviour!

In Numbers the children of Israel who complained to God about being in the wilderness died before reaching the promised land. Whether its complaining about your coach, spouse, boss or whoever it may be that is not pleasing to God.

He sees what you are going through and the proper response is to rejoice knowing that his plans are perfect. No matter what, rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, in every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

True Friendship:Taking one for the Team

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird have a book coming out in November titled "When the Game was Ours." In the excerpts released Magic shares some interesting details about how his close friendship with Isiah Thomas has deteriorated over the years. Magic accused Isiah of spreading rumors he was gay/bisexual when he was diagnosed with HIV back in 1991. Johnson also admitted he played a role in keeping Isiah off the dream team in 1992.

It is very surprising to me that Magic would air his dirty laundry so to speak in such a public forum. In the book Johnson said the failed relationship with Thomas is the biggest personal disappointment of my life.....nothing else is even close. Those are some strong words. However, true friendships are based on love and the Bible says love never fails. (I Corinthians 13:8)

Colossians 3:13-14 says, Forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.

Friends may say things about you or do things to you that hurt deeply. But as Christians we are commanded to forgive just as Christ has forgiven us. That is what love is all about. Magic is writing a book and bringing up incidents that happened nearly 20 years ago. The motivation behind this all seems to be selling books and making money. It's ironic, Magic always had great vision on the court, I guess he doesn't see making amends would be the best play in this situation. Regardless of who is right or wrong we should do what's best for the team or in this case friendship.

Staying on Track

Alabama moved up to number two in the latest college football poll. However, Head Coach Nick Saban wants to make sure his team isn't drinking the kool-aid in other words getting caught up in the hype. Whether you like him or not Saban realizes if the Tide does not put in the work that it took to become the second ranked team in the country they will not stay the second ranked team in the country for long.

Likewise as Christians as we begin to develop in our walk and become mature in the faith we can't forget the foundational principles we have learned. Hebrews 2:1 says, Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip. We should never forget the basics. Jesus showed his love for us by dying on the cross, in turn we show our love for him by dying to self. It's not our will but his will.

As Alabama climbs in the college football poll they can't forget the fundamentals and the hard work it took to get to that point. As God promotes us let us not forget the fundamentals (reading the Bible, praying, and going to church). As long as we work hard on those three things we are sure to stay on track.

Changing the way you think

http://www.truthaboutit.net/2009/09/deshawn-stevensons-new-tattoos-and-abe-lincoln.html

Just when you thought you had seen it all DeShawn Stevenson proves you have not. Getting tattoos has become part of the NBA culture. But getting a tattoo across your neck, come on that is way over the top. Stevenson's latest tattoo is of a five dollar bill with Abe Lincoln smack dab on his adams apple accompanied by a 5 on both sides. Wow, what was he thinking? It doesn't stop there. He also has the backwards P logo for the Pittsburgh Pirates on his cheek and to top it all off he has a little crack at the top of his forehead symbolizing people try to break him but he never cracks.

I don't have any tattoos and the focus of this article is not whether having one is right or wrong. However the Bible does address the topic in Lev. 19:28. Ye shall not make any cutting in your flesh for the dead nor print any marks upon you. I am the Lord. You can also refer to Deut. 14:1. You can interpret those scriptures however the Spirit leads you.

Stevenson's tattoo goes well beyond the images imprinted on his neck to what is going on inside his mind. Ephesians 4:18 refers to the mindset of the Gentiles. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of the heart.

As Christians we are called to live in the world but not to be of the world. Though we live here we are called to be a light not to blend in with the ways and cultures of the world. That can only happen when you are renewed in the Spirit of your mind. (Ephesians 4:23) Don't get caught up, ask the Lord to renew your mind today.

Unity:By Focusing on others everyone gets ahead

During the past week there were a pair of disturbing skirmishes in the sports world. One between teammates and the other between two teams at the same university. One involved rookie Coye Francies of the Cleveland Browns. he entered the locker room soaking wet after being the victim of a rookie prank. He hurled a bucket of water and ice at a teammate then rushed another one and threw a punch before being restrained. Later Francis said it was all in fun.

The other incident happened between the Kansas football and basketball teams. On two separate occasions players were seen shouting racial slurs and punches were thrown. Jayhawks guard Tyshawn Taylor even injured his hand throwing a punch.

If you can't get along with the other athletes at the university who can you get along with? The same goes for teammates. On the field coaches urge players to put the team above self. The Bible urges us to put others above self in life as well.

Romans 12:10 says, Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
Philippians 2:3-4 states, Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.

Of course it takes a lot of practice to live like that, but it is well worth striving for. A team should be a family and whether on the field or off a family should look out for the needs of other members. If the athletes at Kansas or the Browns teammates would have realized we're all in this together those incidents could have probably been avoided.

It all boils down to the self centered attitude that permeates teams and society. It is important for us to rid ourselves of that attitude and to be sure we don't have an inflated view of our self. Whether we are on a team or not this mindset should be applied to all of our relationships. When teammates focus on helping others the team gets ahead. Likewise when people focus on helping others everyone gets ahead.

Just Thankful To Be Alive

Since death is so prevalent in our society many times we are unaffected by it, unless we know the person who died or someone close to us loses a cherished family member or friend. Two young people died recently that made me stop and think about life. One was a high school football player from the Mobile area. 16 year old Josh Creagh died in a car accident. The other was 21 year old Angela Williams from Chicago. She was the daughter of a family friend who died from cancer.

My heart goes out to their families and I have no idea why they died so young. However, it does make me realize even at 29, how brief life is.

James 4:14 says, Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. Psalm 144:4 says, Man is like a breath, his days are like a fleeting shadow. Wow!!! Here today and gone tomorrow.

Since life is so short it is important to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour to reserve your place in heaven for eternity. There is no time to hold on to grudges, and let disagreements linger we need to make the most of our days.

We should be living lives that impact others not wasting time doing all types of foolishness and childish things. With so many people dying it is important to be thankful to be alive. The best way to show that you are thankful is to live a fruitful life, one characterized by good works.

Kodi Burns: The Wild Ride to Achieving Your Dreams

http://www.local15tv.com/sports/default.aspx?articleID=267575


On Saturday Auburn topped Mississippi State 49-24. Junior Quarterback Kodi Burns lead the way with 4 touchdowns. It was like a dream come true for the second time. To understand the significance of this you have to go back in time.





As the clock turned to midnight and a new year began on January 1st, 2008 Burns felt on top of the world. He had just scored the game winning touchdown in overtime leading Auburn to victory over Clemson in the Chick-fil-A-Bowl. He was sure to be Auburn's quarterback of the future. But the 08 season brought a new offensive coordinator and a new QB Chris Todd who ended up starting instead of Burns. The Tigers went 5 and 7, truly a disappointing season for Burns and the team.





After the season Head Coach Tommy Tuberville stepped down, enter New Coach Gene Chizik. Consequently the slate was wiped clean and Burns again had a shot to be the starter in 09. However a couple of weeks before the season began Chizik named Todd the starter. It happened again. Burns addressed the team and urged them to rally together in what Coach Chizik called a truly inspirational speech. Personally, he vowed to help the team anyway he could.





In the season opener Burns scored the first touchdown. In the 2ND game he scored 4 TD's. After a year of disappointment and setbacks Burns is now enjoying the success he always dreamed he was capable of.





What are you willing to endure to achieve your dreams? Will you continue to go along for the ride even if it takes many unexpected twists and turns? If you were Burns would you have transferred or maybe quit the team? Would you have stuck around and just been bitter?





Burns success story brings to mind the story of Joseph in Genesis Chapters 37-41. This is a condensed version. Joseph had a dream that his family would bow down to him. Upon revealing his dream to his brothers they were jealous and sold him into slavery. Joseph ended up in Potiphar's house as a servant (Sometimes along the way you might think well, how will I get to my dream from here?). The Lord blessed Potiphar's house because of Joseph.





Later Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph into sleeping with her. When he refused she lied to her husband and said Joseph came on to her. He was then thrown into prison. (Sometimes you may feel wow, I did the right thing and this is where it got me!) In jail the Lord blessed Joseph.





The King's butler and cup bearer offended him and they were tossed in jail. They both had dreams which Joseph was able to interpret by God. ( Instead of being bitter he did it).





When the butler returned to the king's house Joseph asked him to put in a good word with the King to get him out of prison. The butler did, two years later....yes two years later! ( Good deeds are never forgotten even though it may take a while to see the fruit of them).





Pharaoh had a dream and upon the advice from the butler he called on Joseph who interpreted the dream. Pharaoh showed his gratitude by making Joseph ruler over all of Egypt. This happened when he was 30, his dream happened at 17. How long are you willing to endure to arrive at your dream destination?





For the rest of Joseph's story read Genesis Chapters 42-47. For the rest of Burns story keep an eye on the Auburn football team.

Anger gone overboard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTmqSbaZzNw

On the opening night of the college football season, Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount punched Byron Hout of Boise St. following the game. Hout appeared to taunt Blount before getting clocked. Blount then got into a minor altercation with his teammates and even the fans before being forcibly taken to the locker room. After the game Blount was apologetic saying he lost his head. The next day Oregon suspended Blount for the entire season. He was a senior hence his college career is now over. Anger gone overboard.

In the heat of the moment we all do things we regret. In sports athletes are so intense sometimes they get caught up in the moment. In life sometimes we are under such intense pressure we get caught up in the moment. But letting your anger get the best of you can be detrimental to your success.

I'm sure Blount has dreams of making the NFL and it sill may happen but the road just got a lot tougher. Having punched a guy on national tv has definitely tarnished his reputation. On top of that he lost the chance to impress NFL scouts during his senior season. Some may say the penalty was too stiff but when your anger goes overboard you have to accept whatever penalty is doled out.

I remember being in college when anger got the best of me on two occasions. Both of them took place on a basketball court. Since I am somewhat short, I always feel like I have something to prove and in both instances I felt I was getting pushed around. The opposing player was also talking trash which didn't help matters either. In both instances I ended up punching the guy just like Blount. I was lucky not to get kicked out of school. The point is controlling anger is a challenge.

The Bible says in Romans 12:9 Vengeance is mine;I will repay saith the Lord. Too often when we feel wronged we want to get even, taking matters into our own hands. That is where the problem lies and taking that course of action one time too many could be your downfall.

In James 1:19 the Bible says Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath. Sometimes we are quick to get angry before hearing the other person out or fully evaluating a situation. The scripture says swift to hear and slow to speak. Keep in mind we all have two ears and one mouth. If we all doubled up on our listening we could avert a lot of arguments that lead to anger. Of course this is not easy, we live in a violent world, from gangster movies to gangster rappers. Many people see violence in their homes. But controlling anger is an area everyone needs to work on. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. Let us pray that we don't always have to get even and that we will listen more. Otherwise if your anger goes overboard, one day you just might find your dreams going with it.

M. Beasley checks into rehab

Even though 20 year old Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat seems to be on top of the world, he has checked into a rehab for depression and substance abuse. The spirit of depression is real. I am amazed at the amount of people that feel like life is not worth living.

- "Y do I feel like the whole world is against me!!!!!!! Back on my FTW!!!!! I can't win for losin!!!!!!!!!!"

- "Feelin like it's not worth livin!!!!!!! I'm done"-

"not feelin this at all!!!!!"

These are the last words Beasley penned on his twitter account before it was closed. II Timothy 1:7 states God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Psalm 139:14 says I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Verse 17 says how precious are your thoughts toward me O God! How great is the sum of them! God made everyone and he made them with a purpose. So without God you will feel incomplete and if you are not fulfilling his purpose you will feel a measure of emptiness because you are not carrying out what you were created for.

Finding Christ is the first step, including believing on him, praying and reading the Bible. There you will find how much God loves you and all the wonderful things he has done and will do for you.

The second step is surrounding yourself with positive people. The enemy likes to get people alone and flood their mind with bad thoughts. Get around people that exude joy and that lift you up.

Finally if you ever feel down you have to talk, you must open up. The enemy loves to use the line: no one cares what you are going through, everyone else has their own problems to worry about. That is deception. Call a friend, a relative, call your parents, and let them know what is going on. Let's pray for M. Beasley a young brother with a lot of promise who has a whole life ahead of him.

Anyone reading who may be struggling you have a whole life full of blessings and promise awaiting you as well. Read Psalm 34, pick up the phone and call a friend. Pay a visit to your local church and ask someone to pray with you. Don't let the enemy cut off your future and block you from reaching your destiny. No matter how you got here you are important and your life is precious. Hang in there.