Monthly Archives: April 2013
April 21, 2013
Never Quit
The best aren’t the ones who perform like champs during the good times, but those who refuse to quit and find ways to win.
Sometimes, people get discouraged in life because things didn’t turn out the way they hoped on the first try. Maybe they put energy into a relationship but it didn’t work out. They tried that new business venture, but they are still struggling with their finances. Now they think it’s never going to happen. But, one thing we have to learn is that God honors perseverance. On the way to your “yes” you may encounter some “no’s.” You may encounter some closed doors, but that doesn’t mean it’s the final answer. It just means “keep going.” Remember, if God promised it, He’s going to make it happen. This is where patience comes in; this is where perseverance comes in. This is where trust comes in. Just because you don’t see things happen right away doesn’t mean you should quit. No, instead, rise up and press forward. Keep believing, keep hoping, keep enduring and keep asking because our God is always faithful to His word. Are you refusing to quit today?
April 20, 2013
Forget the Past
If you live life with the intention of making a difference in others lives, your life will be full, not empty.
Are you determined to forget what lies behind? I know many people don’t fully understand what it means to forget the past. They wonder, “How can I forget something that’s happened to me?” But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally or to overlook. See, you have to intentionally disregard your past so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from moving forward as much as past failures. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new. Remember, it doesn’t matter what’s happened in your history, it’s time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice today to press forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you intentionally disregard what lies behind and press forward, I believe God will pour out His favor, grace and blessing upon you and lead you into the abundance He has prepared for you. Are you forgetting what is in your past?
April 19, 2013
Answers
Have you been praying and believing for something that seems like it’s taking a lot longer than you thought?
Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their “due season” come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your answer. It always seems darkest just before the dawn arrives. God is faithful, and He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. Don’t lose your confidence today because your breakthrough is coming. And just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain once she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise. While you are waiting, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My day is coming. I will reap my harvest.” Are you ready to receive your answer to your prayers?
April 18, 2013
What Are You Giving
Giving of your time, expertise, and resources without expecting anything in return is an unselfish act that makes the world a better place.
What are you devoted to in your life? Being devoted to something is simply being loyal by giving of your time, affection and resources. Many people today are devoted to certain restaurants, television programs and even their cell phones! There’s nothing wrong with any of that, but we have to examine our own hearts and see if we are being devoted to the people God has placed in our lives. Are we honoring others above ourselves? The world’s system says to “look out for number one—yourself,” but God’s system says “look out for others, and I will look out for you.” Today, as you examine your own heart and life, ask the Lord to show you ways that you can honor others. One way is by simply being faithful to your word. Be a person of integrity and honor. As you live your life devoted to one another and honoring others, you are actually honoring God. He will repay you for your kindness and reward you in this life and in eternity. What are you giving today?
April 17, 2013
Dream Living
I believe advancing confidently in the direction of one’s dreams means doing what is important every day.
So often, people allow the opinions of others to hold them back and water down their dreams. We have to realize, there will always be critics in life. One of the most important things you can learn is that other people don’t have to believe in you in order for your dreams to happen. Other people don’t set the limits for your life — you do. It’s not what others say about you that affects your life, but what you say and believe about yourself. Other people’s unbelief is not going to keep me from believing in my dreams. When God puts a promise in your heart, it’s not up to other people to bring it to pass, it’s up to you! You don’t need everyone to validate you. You have to follow the voice of God for yourself and allow Him to order your steps. Today, know that God sees the hidden treasures inside of you. He wants to bring those treasures out and make your dreams reality. As you get rid of the old, defeated thoughts and replace them with what God says about you, you will remove the limits so you can live the abundant life God has in store for you. Are you living your dream today?
April 16, 2013
Living in Excellence
Excellence comes from striving, maintaining the highest standards, looking after the smallest detail and going the extra mile.
In today’s society, many people have accepted mediocrity as the norm. They do as little as they can to get by, always looking for the easy way out. If the boss isn’t watching, they’re playing on the computer. They simply go to work to pick up a paycheck, then wonder why they’re not promoted and don’t see increase. God is a God of excellence. Whatever we do, we should do it to the best of our ability and set the standard. Remember, you are ultimately working for the Lord. He’s the one who put those talents and abilities in you. You are a steward of the gifts He’s given. Other people may show up late. They may complain. They may cut corners. But don’t sink down to that level. You are called to excellence! I encourage you today, stay determined. Stay focused. Whether you’re a waitress, a truck driver, an architect, a police officer or a CEO, do it to the best of your ability. God is the one who brings promotion. When you set the standard, He will raise you up and pour out His blessing all the days of your life. Are you living in excellence today?
April 15, 2013
No Worries
Is there something that you are worrying about today?
To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. All that worry does is steal your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical body. It affects your sleep. You won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace. Decide today to put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises. As you focus on the truth you will begin to drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy; and you’ll be empowered to move forward into the life of blessing He has in store for you. Are you tired of worrying?
April 14, 2013
Mind Expansion
The greatest challenge you will ever face is that of expanding your mind.
So many people today are not really enjoying their lives because of the condition of their minds. They constantly dwell on negative, destructive, harmful thoughts. They don’t realize it, but the root cause of many of their problems is simply the fact that their thought life is out of control. They just dwell on any thought that comes. More than ever, we have to understand that our lives follow our thoughts. If you think negative thoughts, then you’re going to live a negative life. If you think discouraging, hopeless thoughts, can’t-do-it thoughts, mediocre thoughts, then your life is going to go down that exact same path. That’s why we have to take captive every thought and renew our minds with the Word of God on a daily basis. I want to challenge you today to think about what you’re thinking about. Don’t let those self-defeating thoughts linger in your mind. Instead, speak God’s promises over your life. Say what He says about you. Take captive every thought and renew your mind daily. As you do, you’ll be empowered to move forward into the abundant life He has for you! Are you speaking the truth today?
April 13, 2013
Dream Speak
When someone is pursuing their dream, they’ll go far beyond what seems to be their limitations.
When was the last time you declared “I can” out loud? It’s not something people think to do every day. In fact, most people tend to magnify their limitations. They focus on their shortcomings. But scripture makes it plain: all things are possible to those who believe. That’s right! It is possible to see your dreams fulfilled. It is possible to overcome that obstacle. It is possible to climb to new heights. It is possible to embrace your destiny. You may not know how it will all take place. You may not have a plan, but all you have to know is that if God said you can…you can! Today, why don’t you begin to open yourself up to possibilities in your future by simply stating the truth. At the stoplight, when you’re waiting in line, any time you have a second just speak the truth to yourself again. Let it sink down deeply into your heart. As you do, His word will transform you. Faith will rise up in your heart and will boldly embrace the destiny that He has in store for you. Are you speaking your dreams today?
April 12, 2013
Every Word You Speak
Every word you speak matters. Something you say may seem insignificant to you, but to someone else those words can be life changing.
When you use your words to lift someone’s spirit and speak words of vision and life over them, you are depositing seeds that will last throughout eternity. It’s especially important to speak vision into our children. As a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend, the children in your life need to hear on a regular basis that they can do something great with their lives. As parents, our words carry incredible weight. That’s why you should never put a child down. Don’t ever say, “You’re slow, clumsy or dumb. Why can’t you make good grades like your sister? Why can’t you hit the baseball like your cousin?” Those words are seeds. They can take root and affect that child many years later. Too many people have been crippled by low expectations. But today, all of that can change. Today, you can start to speak vision over yourself and over the people in your life. Today, you can call out the seeds of greatness in others and stir up the gift of God inside. Today, speak life, speak hope and speak vision. What you are speaking today?