​     Bum Phillips, former coach of the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans) once made the comment; There are two types of coaches in the NFL: them that have been fired, and them that are going to be fired. There are two types of people in the world as well, those who have been hurt and those who will be hurt. However, when we are hurt, hurt does not have to destroy us. Christ offers us hope in dealing with our hurts.
     We cannot escape being hurt or avoid feeling the emotional pain of hurt at times. At some time or another, we will all get hurt—either by the circumstances of life, or by friends, or by people we trust, or even by own foolish actions. When we commit to follow Christ, we do not receive an exemption from getting hurt. However, Christ offers us hope in dealing with our hurts.
     No one is exempt from being hurt, but thank God no one is exempt from the opportunity of knowing the hope God wants us to enjoy. Therefore, we wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield (Psalm 33:20). Christ offers us hope and help in dealing with our hurts (Matthew 11:28-30). May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Clark Tatum

​The book of Job is the Old Testament’s definitive statement on the subject of the goodness and righteousness of God in the light of human suffering. If God is all-powerful and entirely good, why does He permit His own people to suffer? Many assume that all suffering is a result of sinfulness on the part of the sufferer which is not true. We may not completely understand His ways, but we must know God is always seeking the spiritual and eternal welfare of humankind. God can use anything and everything that happens, to make better people of us (Romans 8:28). The trials through which we go provide a proving ground for the strengthening of our faith (1 Peter 1:6-9). Let us never blame God for trouble, but rather look to him for help. 

Clark Tatum

​A sales manager and two of his sales reps are walking to lunch one day when they come across an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie appears, saying, “I'll give each of you just one wish.” One rep is quick to speak up first. He says, “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! He's gone. The next rep speaks up. “I want to be fishing in a stream in the Colorado Rockies.” Poof! He's gone. The genie turns to the sales manager and says, “Your turn.” The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.” It makes a difference who has the last word, doesn't it?
 
The question is: who, or what, will have the last word in your life today? Will your choices today be driven by ambition, revenge, or mere whim? Or will the Word of God have the final say? Paul said, “Let the word of Christ dwell richly within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs...” (Colossians 3:16). Do you know what he is saying? He is saying; Let God's Word guide your life today, and every day. It makes a difference who has the last word. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ….” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Clark Tatum