What Do You Do With Criticism?

I'm sure you've felt it too...the sting of criticism. Whoever said "... but words can't hurt me" was lying or delusional. They do hurt...and like it or not, it is a part of life and ministry. So, what do we do with it?

First, don't just dismiss it. Process it. It could be that the other end of that thorn is a rose. It could be a valuable gift wrapped in rough paper. The revelation hidden in the criticism could be a key to the growth that unlocks your future.

Move past the manner in which the criticism was given and the personality of the one it was given through to the thing that is being criticized. Is the criticism warranted? What can you do different? Ask God to let you see the situation through that person's eyes. What can you learn from their observation? How can you grow?

If the criticism was totally unwarranted, then just dismiss it and forget it.  Let it slide off like water off a duck’s back. Let it go. Don‘t dwell on the criticism because that can drain you of productivity and sidetrack you. Refocus on your priorities and keep moving toward what God has called you to do.

Everyone is not going to agree with you or even like you for that matter, but then everybody doesn’t like coffee either. It is just beyond me that anyone could not enjoy a hot cup of coffee! Sorry for the segway. The Bible actually carries this point farther, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you…” (Luke 16:26 NKJV) Scripture plainly warns us to be wary if everyone is bragging about you. I’ve never had that problem, how ‘bout you? (Continued tomorrow)

Red Mercedes

It was Pittsburg Steelers coach, Ray Horton’s last day on the job. His new assignment is with the Arizona Cardinals as the defensive coordinator. One of the people on his “Say Goodbye To List" was a cook Maurice Matthews. Maurice was always a fun guy, always teasing Horton that he was coaching in “his” position or “When are you going to let me drive my car”, referring to Horton’s shiny red Mercedes.

Horton’s always teased back, “Man, you can’t afford the gas for that car!”

But Horton had more than a final goodbye in mind. His question probably surprised Matthews. “Man, can I borrow whatever money you got on you?” Regardless of the questions rattling in his brain, he pulled out a twenty and surrendered it to the coach.

The car keys jingled as Horton handed them to Matthews with the explanation, "sold for $20!"

Don’t ya just love the generosity of this coach! There is another reality that I love even more;  Our God is a generous God.

The prophet Elijah asked the widow woman a similar question, “Give me what you have.” From the burning bush, God asked Moses what he had in his hand. Oh, and Jesus asked the rich young ruler the same question. I believe it is the question God is asking believers today, “What do you have in your hand?”

What ya got? The widow woman had a little meal and some oil.  Moses had a stick, The ruler had money. Whatever ya got, give it to Him; move to a place of surrender. That place of surrender positions you to receive from God. That act of obedience releases blessings. It 's in more areas than just financial. I’m not talking about how to get a car. I’m talking about releasing the blessings of God into your life. Releasing His favor, His joy, His peace and His abundance into your life.

What is your talent? Are you stewarding that talent? Are you developing, using and surrendering it to God. What about your money and your time?  Have you surrendered them to God’s plan?

I am so glad Matthews surrendered his twenty dollar bill to Horton; and I’m so glad God is even more generous and capable than Horton. Thank you Mr. Horton, you made my day. Thank you God, you make me able to enjoy every day.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Steelers-coach-sells-Mercedes-to-team-cafeteria-?urn=nfl-wp4503

The King is Here

Hugh Latimer was an influential leader in the reformation; a very dangerous time to be trying to influence people that "we are saved by grace and not works." Queen Mary was the daughter of Henry VIII and was known as “bloody Mary” for killing Christians. However, King Henry VIII actually killed more Christians than she did. Bishop Latimer understood the cost of his commitment and shares his personal thoughts at the beginning of one of his sermons in his role as the royal chaplain. " Latimer, Latimer, thou art going to speak before the high and mighty king Henry VIII., who is able, if he think fit, to take thy life away. Be careful what thou sayest. But Latimer, Latimer, remember also thou art about to speak before the King of kings and Lord of lords. Take heed that thou dost not displease Him."

How would your ministry be different if every time you prepared for a service, if every time you spoke or touched people, you reminded yourself "I am about to speak before the King of kings and Lord of lords and I must be careful that I don't displease Him"?

http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA146&dq=Be%20careful%20Latimer%20the%20king%20is%20here&ei=haYmToLEB4bq0gG-1cXoCg&ct=result&id=SUQHAAAAQAAJ&output=text  Acessed July 20,2008

The Biblical  Treasury The Sunday School Union 1882

Beth Moore: The Hair Brush