...and HOPE does not disappoint us...

"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, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5

Last night, baseball's annual Home Run Derby was on center stage and the player who will be remembered the most from last night is not the champion, instead he was the runner up -- Josh Hamilton. In the first round of last night's Derby, Hamilton hit a record setting 28 home runs, many of which didn't just clear the fence but found the upper deck in the house that Ruth built. If you were to interview Josh after he set the record, he would not want to be remembered for his record, but for the great transforming power of his relationship with the Lord. Josh's story is one of complete brokeness, redemption, and the joyous hope that all who trust their life to Jesus Christ.

However, no one can tell his story better than Josh himself. Click here to read Josh's story in his own words. In the article, Josh candidly shares about his addiction to drugs, the night he hit rock bottom, and the extravagant grace the Lord extended to him. In the simplest terms, he explains, "It's a God thing. It's the only possible way."

May I never lose sight of the awesome hope that I have in Jesus Christ!