Monthly Archives: October 2013
October 21, 2013
Inside and Out
When God looks at your heart, what does He see?
Everyone has an outer life and an inner life. The outer life is our public life that people can see. The inner life is made up of your thoughts, attitudes and motives. Only you and God know what’s going on inside. Too many people go around today pretending — acting one way, yet on the inside, they’re thinking something totally different. Their heart and their actions don’t line up. We have to understand that God looks at the inside. We can fool a lot of people, but we can’t fool God. God would rather us be open and honest than for us to go through life pretending or wearing masks. Today, take inventory of what’s going on inside of you. Are you at peace? Are you overlooking offenses? Do you believe the best in people? Are your heart and actions lining up? If not, it time to get balanced and lined up. Make sure your inside and outside are in agreement with each other. If we saw inside you today, what would we see?
October 20, 2013
Loyalty
Have you ever noticed that righteousness and loyalty go together?
In other words, if we’re not being loyal — to our family, friends, country, job — then we aren’t going to experience the best. Loyal people are honorable people. When you’re loyal, you stick with someone through thick and thin. When you’re loyal, you keep your word to people — even if you get a “better” offer. Loyal people are respectful of their country and leaders. Loyal people honor their parents and defend their family. When you’re loyal, you are a person of integrity. You build trust with others. Is this an area where you can rise higher? Are you faithful in the things you’re committed to? Can you be more loyal? Don’t let the distractions of everyday life keep you from being dedicated. Look for ways to show honor to those around you. Is there something you need to set aside for the sake of a loved one? Show love by staying loyal. When you are tested if you have been a loyal person, you won’t be questioned as severely. A person of integrity will be able to own their mess, because they aren’t perfect. Are you showing loyalty today?
October 19, 2013
Learning Process
No quality reveals a person’s true character more than integrity. It is the cornerstone of our life.
One thing I’ve learned is that just because God puts a dream in our hearts doesn’t mean it’s going to happen without any opposition. See, God is going to grow us up. He’s going to mature us. He’s going to prepare us to handle the destiny He has in store. I think about Joseph in the Bible. Starting out, he didn’t have a whole lot of wisdom. He was young and immature, and God had to do a work in his life. Joseph probably shouldn’t have told his brothers about his dream that they would one day serve him. Well his brothers were not nearly as excited about that as he was. Long story short, Joseph had to go through some things to grow up and be ready for the purpose and destiny God had for him. It’s the same way with us today. You may have a dream in your heart that seems a million miles away, but just like Joseph, God can take you from the prison to the palace in one step. During the growing process, keep yourself focused on Him and allow Him to do His work in your life. Keep a humble attitude of faith before Him, and He will lead you and guide you into the destiny He has prepared for you. Is your integrity keeping you on track today?
October 18, 2013
With Friends Like…
People who aren’t fulfilling their destiny will try to discourage you from fulfilling yours.
They may not do it intentionally, but they’ll tell you what you can’t do and how things won’t work out. They’re quick to remind you of all your impossibilities. Your relatives, co-workers and friends may try to talk you out of your dream, but that’s because God didn’t put that promise inside of them; He put it inside of you! You have to remember that other people don’t determine your destiny; God does. He holds your destiny in the palm of His hand. If you will keep believing, God will not only bring it to pass, He will do more than you can ask or think. Don’t let someone else’s unbelief keep you from believing. Don’t let other people talk you out of your dreams. It’s time to get into agreement with God. He says you are well able. He says you are equipped. He says you are qualified. He says you are anointed, called and appointed to fulfill every dream and desire He’s placed within you. Are you being discouraged by someone today?
October 17, 2013
Letting Go of Hurts
In order to move forward in life, we have to “let go of the past.”
Have you ever wondered exactly how to do that? First, understand that we take hold of things in our minds with our thoughts. Our thoughts become words and actions that determine the direction of our lives. It’s that simple. If you want to choose a new direction for your life, you have to choose new thoughts. If you want to let go of the past, you have to quit thinking about it, quit talking about it, and quit reliving every negative experience. Oftentimes, when we see someone who has hurt us, that pain and offense is stirred up, and we start thinking about what happened again. But in that moment, you have a choice to make. One of the best things you can do, instead of rehearsing the hurt, is to pray for that person and speak blessing over them. Remember, forgiveness is for you. Letting go of bitterness is for you. Don’t let the past hold you back from what God has in store for your future any longer. Get past the past by choosing right thoughts because God has victory and blessing in store for your future. Are you letting go of past hurts?
October 16, 2013
Overcoming Fear
Fear always presents itself much bigger than it really is.
It’s always the worst-case scenario. It always tries to get you worried, anxious, uptight and panicked. Fear’s goal is to separate you from God by trying to get you to doubt His Word. When fear comes, recognize that it has no power unless you give it power. Don’t give it power by speaking what fear speaks. Don’t give it power by meditating on it. Instead, let the power of the truth rise up within you. Say what God says. Remember, no matter how big fear presents itself, it’s no match for the power of truth. God is bigger than your problems and bigger than fear. Never let fear stop you from reaching your destiny. Be the difference maker you were created to be today. Never, never, give up. Are you overcoming fear today?
October 15, 2013
Fear of Failure
Don’t allow fear of failure to cause you to fail.
When you make a mistake, unfortunately, the critics come out of the woodwork. People will tell you, “You’re all washed up. It’s too late.” If you wear that label, it will keep you from the amazing future God has in store. God says, “My mercy is bigger than any mistake.” God says, “I can still get you to your destiny.” God says, “I will give you beauty for those ashes. I’ll pay you back double for the unfair things that have happened.” You wouldn’t be alive unless God had another victory in your future. Why don’t you take off the “washed up” label? Take off the “failure,” “guilty,” “condemned” labels and put on some new labels: redeemed, restored, forgiven, bright future, new beginning. Always remember, you have been made in the image of God. God did not make any mistakes. You are the perfect size. You have the right personality, the right gifts, the right looks, the right skin color. You are not an accident. God designed you precisely for the race that is laid out for you. You are fully equipped for this life, and His mercy is greater than any mistake you could make. Embrace the truth and the victory He has in store for your future. Are you overcoming a fear of failure mentality?
October 14, 2013
Still Passionate
Anything can become routine if we let it.
Anything can feel mundane after a while. Not long ago, I was talking to a professional baseball player. He has been in the big leagues about fifteen years. His life seems so exciting, far from routine, far from ordinary. He said, “No, Scott, it’s not what you think. We travel all the time. We’re always on the road, in hotels, eating out and away from our family.” The truth is that I’m sure he was excited about it all when he first started. There are probably things in your life that you were once excited about. When God opened the door and gave you that new job, that promotion, you were so excited. You called your friends. You knew it was God’s plan. Well, don’t let the passion wear off just because you’ve had it five years! When you met that person and fell in love you were on cloud nine. You knew it was God’s goodness. Don’t take it for granted. Are you still passionate about what God has done for you?
October 13, 2013
Changing Up
I used to say, “I hope things will change.” Then I learned the only way things change of me is when I change.
Sometimes, in order to walk in your destiny, you have to be willing to make some changes in your life. You have to be willing to examine where you are and what you need to move forward. This may mean that you need to change some friends that you’re spending time with. Maybe they were fine for a season in your life, but now you’ve outgrown them. This is a new season, and in order for you to rise higher, you have to break away from relationships that are limiting you. You have to develop some new relationships with people who are going to pull you up and inspire you to rise higher. And, this doesn’t just mean separating yourself from people who are holding you back spiritually. I’ve found that if you’re the smartest one in your group, your group is too small. Find people who will challenge you to stretch to the next level and become everything God’s created you to be. Choose your friends wisely and don’t be deceived. Surround yourself with people who will cause you to rise higher so you can live in the destiny God has in store for you. Are you ready to make some changes?
October 12, 2013
Word Up
The greatest power that we have is the power to choose our words.
Your words have tremendous power. No matter what you may be facing today, the words of your mouth can help set the course for your victory or set the course for defeat. You decide by what you say. When you wake up with an attitude of faith and expectancy and declare God’s Word, you will be strengthened and empowered by His Spirit. But at the same time, if you go around talking about your problems or talking about defeat, it drains your faith and sets your focus in the wrong direction. That’s why it’s so important, today and every day, to take inventory of what you are saying. When challenges and obstacle arise, declare that God is your refuge and strength. Keep the weeds out of your heart by letting go of bitterness and choosing to forgive. Stay in step with God with your words and actions and receive His strength and power to be all He’s called you to be. Are you choosing your words carefully?