Monthly Archives: September 2013
September 30, 2013
Difficult Day
We all face difficult situations in the course of our life.
Somebody isn’t treating you right; your business is not growing as fast as you had hoped, or maybe you’re single and still haven’t met anyone. It’s easy to get frustrated and anxious on the inside. You don’t understand why it’s taking so long or why things haven’t changed. Here’s a key: just because it’s an uncomfortable place doesn’t mean it’s not where you’re supposed to be. God uses difficulties to do a work in us. We grow in the tough times. That’s when our character is being developed. God will not allow a difficulty unless He has a divine purpose for it. If we’re going to reach our highest potential, we have to make up our mind, “I’m not going to live frustrated because I am uncomfortable. I’m not going to be upset because things are not happening on my timetable. I’m not going to fight against everything that I don’t like.” Instead, believe that God is doing a work in you. Believe that He has the best for you. And see yourself moving forward in the victory He has prepared for you. What difficult situation are you facing today?
September 29, 2013
Emotional Healing
I think healing our planet, one person at a time, is a noble cause to be involved in.
I don’t consider myself a healer, per se, what I try to do is to create a space where it’s simply ok for me and you to just admit that we are human and totally accept what that means. It means we are flawed. It means we have emotions. It means that all we really want is connection and to belong. And it also means that we make mistakes. I believe that we are all emotional beings. If we really think about it and admit it, we are all sensitive. And we can feel things. But – just because we feel things doesn’t mean that we are aware of what we are feeling or that we allow ourselves to feel fully without repression, disassociation or some kind of self-judgment. This is a complicated issue with many different angles. I’ve come to believe that if we can begin to liberate emotions that are trapped, afraid to come out – that we can take a giant step towards healing. It’s a journey, not a one-time thing, but slowly over time these things can change. Are you in need of emotional healing today?
September 28, 2013
Dreams
Everyone has God-given dreams and desires.
We all have goals we want to accomplish and situations we are believing will be turned around. Sometimes it seems to take longer than we originally thought. Sometimes, things don’t work out the way we planned, and it’s easy to lose enthusiasm. If we’re not careful, we’ll get discouraged and end up just settling where we are. But God doesn’t want us to settle, He wants to take us higher. But many times, people miss out on God’s best simply because they give up too soon. They don’t realize how close they are to their victory. Don’t let that be you today. Don’t give up just because things seem hard. You’ve invested so much, and you never know, just a few more days of believing, another few weeks of doing the right thing, another few months of staying in faith, and you could see that situation turn around. Remember, God is on your side! Keep standing and keep believing because you are closer than you think to fulfilling every desire He’s placed inside of you. Are you standing strong in your dreams today?
September 27, 2013
Integrity and Honesty
I believe there are a couple things that are basic to being a good person–integrity and honesty.
Integrity is a powerful attribute in the life of the of a successful person. Integrity means that you are dependable. You are a person of your word. You’re consistent and honest. You might say, “Oh, I’m a pretty good person. I do the right thing most of the time.” But understand, it’s the little things that mess you up. You can veer off course just a little bit, and before you know it, you’re miles away from your destination. Don’t allow the little things to keep you from your destiny; choose integrity — even when no one is looking. For instance, you might need some paper at home, but you shouldn’t take supplies from the office. Or, you might be running into a store for just a minute, but don’t park in the handicap parking spot unless you’re supposed to. If the checkout clerk makes a mistake and gives you too much money back, that’s a test of integrity! Remember, if you’ll be faithful and choose integrity in the little things. Be a person of integrity and open the door for God’s blessing. Are you a person of integrity and honesty?
September 26, 2013
Compassion and Forgiveness
Regardless of what you do, you must always remember that your actions and words have the power to destroy your reputation.
Is there something that you’ve done in your past that you’re not particularly happy about? A choice that you regret? The good news today is that you can be free of guilt and condemnation. You don’t have to live with that burden any longer. God’s mercies are new every morning. He’s not ever going to run out of compassion. He’s not ever going to run out of forgiveness. He’s not ever going to say, “Well, this is the last time I’m going to give you mercy.” No, you can have a new beginning every single day! Let that truth sink down deep into your heart right now. If there is anything from the past that you may still be carrying, take a moment and call on His faithfulness. Call on His mercy. Ask for His forgiveness. Let Him refresh and restore your soul right now. Thank Him for the work He is doing in your life and enjoy a fresh new beginning today. Don’t carry around the guilt and shame another day. Are you letting forgiveness and compassion clear your thoughts and heart?
September 25, 2013
Disciplined or Punished
Discipline is attempt to change one’s behavior. Punishment is a negative consequence for wrong behavior.
People oftentimes use discipline interchangeable with punishment. However, there is a major difference between the two. When you are disciplined you know why you are being disciplined. There is a positive result that comes from the discipline. Punishment, on the other hand, doesn’t have a positive result, nor do you know why you are being punished. The same thing may be used in discipline or punishment, but the reasons for and why are totally different. When you want to change a behavior, whether your own or someone else’s, in a positive, learning way; the discipline is your best avenue. Punishment, in most cases, does not change the behavior. But make it even worse because the intention wasn’t to change the behavior in the first place. Discipline will make you a better person, punishment will make you a bitter person. Are you a discipline minded or punishment minded person?
September 24, 2013
Celebration Time
When a friend or family member succeeds, gets promoted, or experiences an unexpected break in life, how do you respond?
Some people wonder, “What about me?” Others criticize or say, “It won’t last long.” But really, the way you respond to other’s success will determine the level of your own success. Whether you respond in a negative or positive way, you are sowing seeds for your future. That’s why scripture tells us simply to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” God wants you to be successful. His commands are for your good. He doesn’t want jealousy or strife to enter your life or rob you of His blessing. Today, make it a point to find someone who is celebrating and celebrate with them. Congratulate them on their success no matter how small it seems in the natural. Rejoice with those who rejoice, sow seeds of blessing, and open the door for victory in your own life in return. Are you celebrating others today?
September 23, 2013
On Assignment
God has an assignment for you that nobody else can fulfill.
God needs you. He needs your gifts, your smile, your love, your passion. You are a part of His divine plan. You have something to offer nobody else can offer. Nobody has your exact personality, your exact looks. There is something unique about you. Don’t wear that “average” label. If you think you’re average, then you’ll be average. If you think you’re ordinary, then you’ll live an ordinary, “get by life” and never do anything great. The truth is, there is nothing ordinary about you. You have the fingerprints of God all over you. You have a destiny to fulfill, something greater than you’ve ever even imagined. Embrace His truth, embrace His love, and embrace the blessings He has in store for your future. Are you on assignment today?
September 22, 2013
Destiny Dreams
Oftentimes as children, we have dreams for the future, dreams of being ball players and actresses, super heroes and firemen.
However most of the time, they end up just being wishful thinking. As we get older, we grow out of them. It’s good to play and have dreams as children, but when we grow up, we have to know the difference between a God-given dream and a wish. I remember when I was a little boy, I dreamed of playing football for the New Orleans Saints. That was definitely a fantasy! Beyond our wishes though, we all have dreams placed inside of us by God. In fact, the Latin word for “desire” means “from the Father.” One way to tell if a dream is really from God is that the desire won’t go away. You may have had it for years, but you still can’t let it go. In fact, you may have tried to let it go, but it won’t let go of you. Today, I encourage you to search your heart and allow those God-given dreams to surface. He placed those desires inside of you for a purpose, and He’s going to use them to direct you into the destiny He has in store for you. Are you living your dream today?
September 21, 2013
Dream Time
It’s good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can actually become an idol?
If it’s all you think about, and you’re not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that’s out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to release that dream back to God. Sometimes we can get frustrated because we are trying to force things to happen on our timetable. Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly, but when we finally are willing to let them go, that’s when God can make it happen. If you’ll choose to release that frustration and not let it become the center of your attention, but instead, use that same time and energy to thank God that He’s directing your steps, you open the door for God to give you the desires of your heart. We have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we need. He’s the One who put those desires in us. We shouldn’t be consumed by trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are; to stay open and trust God because He has good plans in store for your future. Are you allowing God to work in your dreams today?