August 21, 2013

Preparation

If you show up to compete with your very best preparation and effort, then you honor yourself and team. Regardless of the outcome, you win.

God will use our experiences in life as stepping stones to prepare us for what He has in store next. The Bible tells us that He’ll even take the things the enemy tries to bring against us and turn them around and use them for our good. He is always leading us on a journey of preparation. That’s why it’s so important to keep our eyes focused on Him. We have to trust that when we are submitted to Him — even if we don’t understand — He is ordering our steps. If something is not happening on your timetable, remind yourself, “God knows what He is doing. He has my best interest at heart. God is preparing me.” While you’re waiting, don’t make the mistake of trying to figure everything out. If you’re constantly trying to figure things out, that will only frustrate you. Turn it over to God. Declare, “God, my times are in Your hands. I’m not going to worry because I trust that You are leading me on a journey of preparation for all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me.” Are you ready to do your very best today?

August 20, 2013

Limitations

Self-imposed limitations, anxiety, fear of failure, fear of criticism–all seem to go away, and you’ll find you can hear the voice of truth.

When was the last time you said “I can” out loud? It’s not something people think to do every day. In fact, most people tend to focus on  their limitations. They focus on their shortcomings. But 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! Why don’t you begin to open yourself up to possibilities in your future by simply saying, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength?” At the stoplight, when you’re waiting in line, any time you have a second just quote this verse 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 blessings that He has in store for you. Are you letting self-imposed limitations stop you?

August 19, 2013

Voices

We all have little voices in our head. Some talk louder than others. Our destiny depends on how we respond.

Every day we get “reports” from the news, our experiences, our friends and family, and many other sources. We also get reports from the Word of God, which oftentimes, contradicts what others are saying. That’s when we have a choice: do we believe what we hear in the natural, or do we believe the report of the Lord? Just because we don’t see a way doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a new level. He has explosive blessings that can blast you out of debt and into abundance. “Well, I don’t think I’ll ever get well. You should see what the medical report says about me.” No, that may be true according to medical science, but we have another report and it says, “You will live and not die. God is restoring health unto you.” With men it may be impossible, but with God all things are possible. Choose today to believe the report of the Lord. Stand strong no matter what is going on around you knowing that He is leading you into victory in every area of your life! Which voice are you listening to?

August 18, 2013

Insecurities

We all have insecurities, so we use those insecurities to prevent us from trying because we don’t want to think of the consequences of trying and failing.

Many people feel inadequate to do anything for God. God doesn’t see you as inadequate, He sees you as complete. In the Bible, Gideon was hiding out from his enemies. He was afraid and didn’t feel equipped to do what God called him to do. Gideon was focused on his circumstances and his limitations, but God was focused on what He could do through Gideon. Gideon felt weak, but God saw him as strong. Gideon felt unqualified, but God saw him as ready to do the job. Gideon felt insecure, but God saw him as full of boldness. Sure enough, when Gideon obeyed God, against all odds, he ended in victory! What can God do through you? It isn’t about how qualified you feel. It isn’t about how talented you are; it’s really about how yielded you are. When you obey God, when you trust Him beyond trusting your circumstances, that’s when His power becomes available to you. That’s when He can work through you and bring about greatness in every area of your life. Are you willing to try in spite of your insecurities?

August 17, 2013

Confident Confidence

Many people lack the confidence to do the simple things in life, let alone challenge themselves to greater things.

A lot of the time when people face challenges, their natural tendency is to look for  comfort in things that are familiar. It may be work, an activity or relationships; and of course, we all know about “comfort food.” But, those things only bring temporary comfort.  According to Webster’s dictionary, comfort means to give strength and hope; to ease grief or trouble. No matter what difficulty you may be facing today, God wants to bring you comfort. Like a mother cares for her child, He longs to give you strength, hope and confidence. Turn to Him. Receive His love. Let go of things that would hold you back. Let Him heal your heart and give you strength for the future. Let Him empower you to rise up and overcome every obstacle in Jesus’ name. Are you lacking in confidence today?

August 16, 2013

Complacency

For the best, success does not lead to complacency, They are wired to handle the changes yet still maintain focus on the process.

If you watch television for any length of time, it won’t be long before you see products and pills advertised to make you thinner, smarter, younger looking, more successful and ultimately claim to change your life. But the truth is all you need in order to change your life is already in your hand. God has given you the ability and the power to be transformed into the person He created you to be. I heard somebody said, “Sight has to do with what we can see, but vision has to do with what we can be.” The reason some people are stuck at the same level is because their vision is limited. They don’t see themselves growing, increasing, being promoted or getting healthier. All they see is more of the same. More lack. More struggle. More defeat. They’re producing what they’re seeing. Don’t let that be you! Instead, let the truth wash over you and renew your thinking. See yourself the way God sees you.  See yourself becoming stronger, healthier and wiser. Change the picture you have of your life, and you will change your life. See yourself the way God sees you and receive the wonderful blessings He has in store for your future. Are you seeing yourself the way God sees you?

August 15, 2013

Focus on What You Have

Focus on what you have today.

The Bible talks about how God has given us the power to enjoy what is given to us. That simply means that I don’t have the power to enjoy your life. You may have more success, more money, more friends or a better job, but if you put me in your life, I’m not going to enjoy it. We are uniquely designed to run our own race. When we truly understand this, we won’t be tempted to compare or wish we had what someone else has. You won’t think, “If only I had their talent…” No, if God wanted you to have that talent, He would have given it to you. Instead, take what you have and develop it. Make the most of it. Don’t think, “If only I had her looks…” No, God gave you your looks. That’s not an accident. The life you have has been perfectly matched for you. Now, you’ve got to do your part and get excited about your life. Be excited about who you are — your looks, your talent, your ability, your personality. Are you focusing on what you have today?

August 14, 2013

A Boost

It’s easy to be someone’s friend when they’ve got it all together, when they’re walking in success and winning.

Anybody can believe in people after they’re successful, after they graduate, after they’re promoted, after they get their big break. But, people need our support the most before they get their breakthrough. They need us to look past their faults and failures and see their potential. Most times, people just need a little “push” of encouragement to keep them moving forward. We should always put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and see things from their perspective. You may have some good advice that could save them a lot of heartache and pain. Don’t keep it to yourself. Pick up the phone. Help them win. Maybe you excelled in a college course that they’re struggling in. Don’t sit back and think, “Too bad. They’ve got to learn it the hard way.” When you help others rise higher, you are fulfilling your mission. Share your love, support and encouragement. Invest life in others, see their potential, and together, you’ll rise higher into the blessing God has for you. Are you encouraging others today?

August 13, 2013

Growing From Failure

Failure is not fatal unless you refuse to grow from the experience.

We all go through a pruning process. God will prune our lives so that we can bear much fruit. To “prune” means something is cut away, something is removed. In other words, maybe a good friend that you counted on moved to another city. Maybe a business shut down that you were connected to, or a relationship went a different direction. God knows what you need in your life in order to grow and flourish. Sometimes when things happen that we don’t understand, we have to just trust that He is working behind the scenes preparing you for increase, preparing you to go to another level. Don’t put a question mark where God has placed a period. When you’re going through transition, don’t get bitter. Don’t get down and think it’s the end. Don’t start thinking that you’re a failure. Have the attitude, If you will accept the change and stay in faith, God will open new doors. He will bring new opportunities, new friendships, and take you to another level of His glory. Are you growing from your failures?

August 13, 2013

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