September 11, 2013

Find a Way

When things are difficult or adversity has appeared, true leaders find a way to stand.

Are you facing a difficulty or test that seems like it’s been lasting a long time? our tough times are really only momentary. Compared with eternity, our troubles don’t last long at all! As you stand strong in faith during times of adversity, you are building faith and success. If you are in the middle of tough times today, look to God. The Bible says that He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He is the One who writes faith on your heart and then develops it to completion on the inside of you. He is building strength in you, He is depositing joy in you, and He is empowering you to make it through. Today, be encouraged because what you are facing is only temporary. Victory is on the way, and it’s closer than you think! Keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping in His Word because He is faithful, and He will complete what He’s started in you! Are you standing strong in adversity today?

September 10, 2013

Lead and Follow

Leaders are people who are willing to follow when it is called for. They are courageous and steadfast in their beliefs. They do what is necessary.

A true leader knows when they are not qualified to lead. When this is the case; they are willing to follow the ones that are qualified. A true leader is one that doesn’t always have to be out front. Many leaders lead from the middle. When their time to be out front comes however, they are more than ready and prepared. Leaders stick to truth, they know the real from the fake. A real leader will do what has to be done to accomplish the mission, in a win-win manner. When you see leaders that are only looking out for themselves, watch out because they will fall soon. Don’t get hit by a falling leader. Stay with the truth, stick with what is right, maintain your moral compass. Do whatever is required of you to maintain your integrity. A true leader will see the truth and go toward it.  Just because someone is a true, real leader doesn’t make them perfect, no one has that quality. They do admit their mistakes and wrong choices and strive to make things right. A true leader will do what is necessary; even step aside and let someone else leader until their time has come. Are you willing to do what is necessary today? Am I willing to do what is necessary today?

September 9, 2013

Staying Focused

A lack of focus for even a short period of time can cost you.

Staying focused for a long period of time can be difficult for some. But even for those that lose focus for a short time period it can be costly. It is imperative that we stay focused on the important things in our lives. We have to focus on what we can do, the other is not for our attention. There are only a few things that we can actually do and have control over. Those are the things that we need to focus on. Determine what it is in your life that requires your immediate attention. What is it that you are in control of? Notice I didn’t say who, we aren’t to control other people. By focusing on what we control and what we are supposed to do; we cut out a lot of distractions. Remember, losing your focus even for a short time can cost you. Stay attentive on your responsibility. Stay focused on what you are supposed to do. Are you staying focused today?

September 8, 2013

Think Positive

You will be surprised how positive thinking impacts your performance.

Whether you realize it or not, God has already given you everything you need to live the life He’s called you to. You don’t need to feel stressed out, worried or afraid. You don’t have to wonder if you’re “good enough” to receive from God because God’s blessing has nothing to do with your performance. He has already blessed you and given you everything you need by His divine power! The world’s system tells us to strive, toil and scrape to get what we want. Our culture puts limits on people because of their natural abilities, resources, background or circumstances. But with God, there are no limits! By His divine power, you are equipped, well able and strong. You are covered by His grace and mercy, and you are empowered to do all He has called you to do! The next time you start thinking “I can’t…” or “I don’t have what it takes…,” attack those negative thoughts with the truth by declaring, “I have what it takes; I am well able; and I am equipped by His divine power at work in me!” Are you thinking positive about your performance today?

September 7, 2013

Giving Credit

For the most part, anytime you begin to succeed and walk in the fullness of your destiny people are going to criticize. People will judge you. People will be jealous. But you know what? That’s their problem. Don’t apologize for what God is doing in your life. When you make excuses for God’s goodness, when you downplay His blessings and favor or call it luck or coincidence, really, that’s an insult to God.  God is the One giving you the ideas. He’s the One that’s giving you the creativity. He’s giving you the strength to succeed. He gave you the favor. He gave you the good breaks. As long as you stay humble and give Him all the credit, you have nothing to apologize for. We should be examples of His goodness, peace, hope, joy and life. Today, don’t shrink back from giving God all the credit. Don’t downplay your blessing. Thank Him and praise Him for what He’s doing in your life now and what He will do in your future. Remember, God does love you and has a awesome plan for your life. Are you giving God credit for the good things taking place in your life today?

September 6, 2013

People Lifter

We all need somebody to believe in us more than we believe in ourselves.

We all need people who will push us up, so to speak. After all, there are enough people trying to push us down in life. There are enough people telling us what we can’t become and how we don’t have what it takes. I know in my own life, I wouldn’t be half of who I am if it were not for my wife, Melissa. She has spoken so much faith into me. She has called out the potential on the inside. I believe we all have the responsibility to do this for others. Let’s push people up. Let’s look with our eyes of love and see their potential and tell them what they can become. If you will be that person for somebody else, God will make sure somebody will be that person for you. Every person has greatness in them. You can cause your children to rise to a new level. You can be the catalyst for your family to do things they never thought possible. Your words have creative power. When you speak vision, that can be the seed God uses to thrust them to a new level. Are you lifting someone up today?

September 5, 2013

Tough Love

I have seen teams fall apart when the going gets tough, but with tough love I see teams grow stronger.

I believe in tough love. If you are a leader, manager, coach, teacher or parent, caring about someone often requires you to challenge and push them to improve, grow and reach their full potential. Even the best athletes in the world have a coach to push them. But for tough love to work, love must come first. We must love tough to bring out the best in those we lead! If people know you care about them they will be more receptive to you pushing them. On the other hand if you put tough before love you’re more likely to face resistance. As Andy Stanley says, “Rules without relationship leads to rebellion.” The old dictator tough, without love, style of leadership no longer works. Having spent time with a number of high school and college sports teams it’s clear that even athletes who seem to have it all want to know that their coach cares about them. The best coaches love their players and their players know it and play harder and are more loyal to that coach. The same is true for education and business. Research shows that test scores go up when students have a relationship with their teacher. Numerous engagement surveys show that people are more engaged at work when they know their manager / boss cares about them. So keep pushing your people to be their best. If you are parent like me, keep pushing your kids to reach their full potential. Your team needs your toughness to grow! But remember to put love first. Make relationships a priority. Your love will create the right conditions for growth to happen! Are you showing tough love today?

September 4, 2013

Change

September 4, 2013

Really Alive

Are you really alive?

A couple of years ago, I was watching the news when Captain Sullenberger successfully landed a jet airplane in the Hudson River. All 155 passengers survived. It’s known as “The Miracle on the Hudson.” A reporter asked one passenger what he thought about it all. He was soaking wet, freezing cold, a little bit frazzled, but he had this incredible glow about him, an excitement in his voice. I’ll never forget what he told the reporter, “I was alive before, but now I’m really alive.” My question today is, “Are you really alive?” Are you passionate about the life God has given you? Do you get up every morning with enthusiasm, pursuing your dreams? God doesn’t want you to just “be alive” or just exist or endure. He wants you to be really alive! You have seeds of greatness on the inside. There is something more for you to accomplish. Get excited about what God is doing! Lift up your eyes of faith to Him. Keep hoping, keep believing, keep trusting and keep living because God has a wonderful plan in store for you! Are you sure you’re really alive?

September 3, 2013

Ready Set

Do you really believe your time is coming soon?

God promises that there are set times in our future, but He doesn’t tell us when they will be. Your set time may be tomorrow morning at 9:47. You’ll get the phone call you’ve been waiting for. Your set time may be two years from now. You’ll get a good break that will thrust you to a new level. My question is, “Do you trust God enough to believe that your set times are coming?” Are you willing to wait with a good attitude? Are you willing to get a new perspective? Remember, that set time is already in your future. Don’t let the negative thoughts talk you out of it. The way you know that you’re really believing is when you have rest on the inside. You’re at peace. You know the answer is on the way. You trust that God is working things out. Today put your faith and trust in knowing your time is coming and enter into rest. Your set time is on the way! Are you believing in that your set time is close?