Monthly Archives: November 2013
November 30, 2013
Trials
When you view trials as negative you tend to respond negatively–get angry or bitter, you allow pride to rise up in you too.
It’s one thing to know that you’re going into a challenging season. You get prepared for it. You get mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches us off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of us. The Bible says that we shouldn’t be surprised by trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your win. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. Keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and right now, I declare that you will fulfill your destiny. How do you look at your trials today?
November 29, 2013
A Good Plan
When we are stripped of our agendas and facades we put up, we are left with a simple choice; trust God or don’t.
God opens doors of opportunity for us that no one is able to shut. We have to realize, sometimes He also closes doors because He has something better in store. We may see a logical opportunity, but just because it’s the logical way doesn’t mean that it’s God’s way. Just because it happened that way before doesn’t mean it’s going to happen that way next time. That’s why you have to stay open and keep trusting in God. If you’re narrow-minded and only look at the door that’s been closed, you may miss the door He has opened behind you. When you are able to let go of your own agenda and trust God, He’ll make sure you see those open doors. Our attitude should always be, “God, I surrender all to You. Have Your way in my life. I trust Your timing. God, I trust You to do it Your way.” Then, step back and see the open door He has prepared for you. Are you trusting today that God has the best plan for you?
November 28, 2013
Fight On
We all have obstacles that try to keep us from possessing what God has promised, especially in our dreams.
We have two choices: we can quit and live in mediocrity, or we can fight until we win. In the Bible, the children of Israel were camped right next door to their Promised Land. God had already told them He would give them the victory; all they had to do was go in and fight for the land. But, when they heard how big their opponents were, they had such a weak, defeated mentality that they just gave up. Their attitude was, “What’s the use of even trying? We’ll never defeat those people. We might as well just stay out here in the wilderness.” They settled for mediocrity because they weren’t willing to fight. Don’t let that be you! The battle you have to fight today is in your mind. You have to change your thinking in order to possess God’s promises. Start choosing thoughts of faith and victory. Declare that you are an overcomer. As you stand and fight and win the battle in your mind, you’ll move forward and embrace the promises and dreams that God has for you. Are you fighting for what God has for you today?
November 27, 2013
New Suit
Do you need a new suit today?
I’m not talking about physical clothes. I’m talking about what’s covering your mind and emotions. Are you clothed with despair and disappointment? Are you wearing ”heaviness?” If you’ve gone through a hurtful situation, the Bible says there is a time to grieve, and it’s important to release that hurt to the Lord.. Are the garments of yesterday weighing you down and holding you back? It’s time for a new garment. Don’t carry those heavy burdens around anymore. Choose to forgive those who have hurt you and praise God for what He’s doing in your life today. If nothing else, start thanking Him for the beautiful sunrise. Thank him for restoring you, even if you don’t see it yet. When you choose to do this, you will be as strong and secure as a tall oak tree, displaying His splendor all the days of your life. Are you ready for a new wardrobe today?
November 26, 2013
Care or Criticize
It doesn’t matter what others say about you.
One time someone asked me what I thought about two men he named, but I hadn’t ever heard of them. I just replied, “I’m sorry. I don’t know them.” He began to laugh and thought that was so funny. I asked, “Well, who are they?” He said, Scott, they don’t like you. They’re always talking about you.” He couldn’t believe that I hadn’t ever heard of them. I’ve learned that you can’t waste your time engaging in conflicts that don’t matter. There will always be critics. There will always be people that don’t like you, but we have to follow the example of Jesus. When He was falsely accused, He didn’t try to defend Himself. He gave no reply to the charges against Him. Remember, the critics cannot keep you from your destiny. They don’t define who you are. They don’t determine your worth and value. Don’t listen to the critical voices so you can focus on the destiny God has prepared for you. Are you focusing on those that care for you or criticize you?
November 25, 2013
Good Relationships
Relationships are so important in the eyes of God.
He desires that we live in unity and stay connected with one another. When we are transparent and pray for each other, something supernatural takes place. We open the door for God to heal our lives. When we walk in love and unity, our prayers become more effective, and His power is released through us. Living in peace and unity doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone around you all the time. It means you look for common ground. It means you reach out to others; you pray for them and help meet their needs. When we put the needs of others first, God will make sure our own needs are met. When we live with a servant’s heart toward others, it opens the door for God’s complete healing — physically, spiritually and emotionally. Are your relationships good in the eyes of God?
November 24, 2013
Living Your Process
Believe and trust the process. Get rid of any and all self-doubts.
Learning to walk in your destiny is a process. The first step is to get a vision, a clear picture that you can see. The next step is to trust — to believe in faith that it will happen. Then finally, you take a step of faith and live out what God has promised no matter what your circumstances or people around you have to say. First you dream it, than you believe it, and then you live it. Every dream I’ve ever had has followed this same pattern. We see in history that even great men and women walked through this process. They had to overcome doubts, they struggled on their journey, but they held on to what they knew wast their destiny and purpose in life. Today, if you are having a hard time believing what God has promised will come to pass, understand that you are in a process. Don’t empower doubt with your words. Instead, keep declaring that He who promised is faithful! Keep the vision in front of you knowing that it is for an appointed time. Dream it and believe it because it won’t be long until you are living the blessed life God has prepared for you. Are you keeping your destiny dream alive today?
November 23, 2013
Setback
Adversity is a part of life. Don’t let setbacks defeat you. Adversity can and will make you stronger if you let it.
The scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don’t have a dream or vision for your life, then you’re not really going to reach your fullest potential. Maybe at one time you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn’t turn out the way you planned. But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream. Just because it didn’t work out the way you had it planned doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have another plan. You cannot allow one disappointment or even a series of disappointments to convince you that your dream is over. It’s time to dig your heals in and hold on to the promises in your heart. Stir up those God-given dreams today and watch Him pour out His blessing upon you and fulfill every desire in your heart. Are you embracing what God has in store for you today?
November 22, 2013
Helping Others
God has a system that is based on the principle of sowing and reaping.
In other words, what you pour out to others will come back to you in increased measure. When you give generously, a generous harvest will return to you. When you help others succeed, you will find abundant success on your path, too. Are you helping others succeed? Are you helping others get ahead? There are some people in your life who hold the keys for you to reach your full potential. These are people that God has placed in your life for you to help along. The higher they rise up, the higher you will rise up, too. When you give generously of your time, talents and resources, you are setting yourself up for greater success. People will come across your path that will help you grow and reach your full potential. Do your part to step out and sow the seed. Be on the lookout for ways you can help others. As you give of yourself to help others grow, you’ll see increase in return. You’ll see success and live the abundant life He has prepared for you. Are you helping others succeed today?
November 21, 2013
The Best You
There was an article out recently that talked about how to reduce the risk of being laid off.
There are three main things that employers look for when deciding who to keep. They want to keep people who are positive, people who are versatile, and people who are always improving. Are you focused on developing your gifts in such a way that your company cannot make it without you? Do they notice that things don’t run nearly as smoothly when you’re not there? If you take a week off and nobody misses you, all the work gets done and sales are just as good, unless you’re the owner, it’s time to sound the alarm. If you’re not being missed, then maybe you’re not needed. You need to kick it into a new gear and start producing more than you have been. The Bible is clear, when we sharpen our skills, when we work with a spirit of excellence, we will stand before great men. Leaders will take notice. Promotion comes. Like cream rising to the top, you will rise higher as well. Remember, as you keep doing your best, as you stay faithful and keep growing, God will cause you to be noticed and move forward in the life of blessing He has prepared for you. Are you being the best you that you can be today?