Motivation Monday: The Gift of Life

Today you have been blessed with the gift of life. God has you on this earth for a reason. You have a purpose.

God has placed you in this moment for you to make an impact for His Kingdom. There isn't a task too small or a move too insignificant if it is a part of God's plan for your life. All you need to do is step out and do what God has called you to do!

Too often we put off for tomorrow what needs to be addressed today.

We consistently allow fear to hold us hostage.

We trick ourselves into thinking that we don't have anything left to offer.

We look at others and reinforce the lie that we aren't as good as they are.

God's purpose for you is just that: for you. There is no one else on this planet who can achieve God's plan for your life other than you. If you don't fulfill what He has purposed for your life, that plan that He designed for you falls to the side. If you don't go after the destiny that the Lord created you to achieve, that you're purposed to accomplish, that you're assured to obtain.... why are you here?

Don't let today go by without going after what God has for you! Don't allow the hours to slip past without you embracing God's will for your life! Don't let frustration, complacency, or procrastination steal another minute of your destiny!

Today you have been blessed with the gift of life. What are you going to do with it?

Verse of the Day: You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

Start Running!

How long have you been staring at that dream?

Seriously, how long have you been looking at it?

You've thought about it this way. Dreamed about it that way. Talked about it to her. Wrote about it to him.

But when are you going to stop holding onto your dream and get to living it? You can only stare at the finish line for so long. Unless you start running, you'll never really know what it's like to finish the race. Stop camping out at the starting line and get to running!

The Israelites had wandered for forty years trying to make it to their Promised Land. When they finally arrived at the river Jordan, they could see their promise. They witnessed it's riches, and they could see what blessings were waiting for them. They could have sat at that bank and dreamed about possessing that land all they wanted. But they would have never experienced it if they didn't step out in faith and go and possess their land.

They had to follow God's instructions. They had to remain diligent in what He told them. They had to unsheathe their swords and fight. They had to get out and do the work in order to posses their promises.

What work do you have to get out and do? What instructions do you need to start following? What steps do you need to make?

Go ahead and start running! Stop holding on to what could be, and start walking out what will be! Make your way toward the finish line. Get started, so you can finish strong.

Verse of the Day: Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. Deuteronomy 1:21

Wednesday's Word: Keep Going!

Today I wanted to share some scriptures from God's Word to help encourage you as we've reached the midpoint of this week.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,

despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Hebrews 12:1, 2

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13, 14

Look to those witnesses who have run before you. Remember the testimonies of those who have gone down similar paths, faced similar challenges, and overcame. Keep going! You can and will overcome anything that faces you!

Don't let sin trip you up! Don't allow your past mistakes to keep you from moving forward! Keep going! You have a high calling with a great reward waiting on you! You have a life of purpose to fulfill! Keep moving forward in the Lord!

It doesn't matter how long it's been, it doesn't matter how hard the road is... If Jesus endured the cross knowing the the joy that waited on the other side for Him, we can endure any temporary pain knowing the joy of our promise in God is waiting for us on the other side.

Let the Word work on the inside of you today. Stay encouraged. Keep pushing. Your victory is sure. Your promise is solid. You can and will obtain it - all you have to do is keep going.

Motivation Monday!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Today I want to motivate you to move into your purpose and destiny this week. Step out in faith and walk in the purpose God has called you to. In order to get something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done. This week, do something new so you can see new blessings around you!

In order for God to move David from the pastures to the palace, David had to do something he had never done. (1 Samuel 17) Sure, he had fought bears and lions that had gone after his sheep, but David had never seen battle. Yet, when Goliath mocked the Lord, David knew he had to act.

David used what he had been through in his past to step forward into the newness of his future. His time of worship and praise had confirmed in him the greatness of the Lord. His time defending his flock gave him the courage to step forward and defend his God.

Your past has prepared you for your purpose. Your future is staring you in the face. Move forward! God has already given you the victory! Remember what God has already done for you. Remember what He's already brought you through. You didn't go through those things just to have an experience. Those things weren't just to be landmarks on your path of life. They were put there to prepare you for your purpose in God!

So, don't be afraid to move in purpose today! Don't be afraid to go after your dreams this week. Step forward and get the victory that God has already given you! Trust in what God has instilled on the inside of you. Have faith that He has already taken you through what you needed to go through in order to take your next steps.

You CAN Do It!

Go 'head and slay that Goliath and get your promise from God!

Verse of the Day: Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Get Uncomfortable!

We live in a society that is programmed to make us comfortable. However we want to live our lives, we can do it to our personalized pleasure. The world is ready to bend at our command in order to make us comfortable. We can live, work, and play to our own specific pleasures.

Yet, it is life outside of our comfort zones that challenges us and causes us to grow. If we stay inside of our own little bubbles and never stretch beyond our own borders, we will never reach our full potential.

Often God asks us to do something beyond our comfort level. He comes to us asking us to stretch ourselves beyond what we know and love.

He asked Abraham to leave the comfort of his homeland. (Genesis 12:1) He told Moses - a self-proclaimed man of slow speech - to speak on behalf of a nation. (Exodus 4:10-12) The Lord called Isaiah - a foul mouthed man - to prophesy His holy word. (Isaiah 6:1-5) He called David - a shepherd of no reputation - to be the greatest king Israel had ever known. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)

Each time the Lord was ready to do a great work, He chose someone whom the world would never think of to fulfill the task.

What is God asking you to do? How is He asking you to stretch beyond yourself?

Sure, you may have excuse after excuse as to why you can't possibly do what God is asking. But, think about it - God is asking you to do it! He will never put more on you than you can handle, so... you can definitely do all that He is asking of you.

Don't allow yourself to remain comfortable. Step out of the bubble and stretch to your high calling in the Lord! Trust in the God who created you. He knows your true capabilities and gifts. He knows what you can do better than your own self. Allow Him to lead you to your great destiny in Him.

Step forward and watch what God does with you!

Verse of the Day: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:11, 12

Inspired to Action!

Inspiration can come in many ways. We can see someone working and get inspired. We can hear a speech, attend an event, or even just watch a sunrise and be inspired.

But inspiration is not enough.

Inspiration is a feeling. Inspiration is something that takes place on the inside. What we do with inspiration is what matters. Lots of people get inspired one way or the other only to allow that feeling to pass. They bask in the animated feelings for the moment, but quickly lose sight of what they had experienced.

In order to properly utilize inspiration, you have to allow it to transform itself into motivation. You have to get provoked to do something with all of those happy, bouncing feelings on the inside. You have to set a goal.

Then you have to allow motivation to turn into action. So many people get stuck on motivation and never move to action! (Myself included) We love to be inspired. We get motivated after sitting down and envisioning ourselves being successful and thinking about how we can better our lives. But somewhere in the midst of putting our hands to do the action we lose all of our resolve.

Today, take some time to move further into action. Don't just think about what you can do, form out a plan and do something on that plan. Send an email, call a contact, write a proposal, buy the healthier option... Take action today!

The thing about action is once you start a ball rolling - it's rolling! You're on your way to the end goal. Today, get that ball rolling (or rolling again). Pray and ask the Lord to help you translate your inspiration into motivation into action. And if you have no inspiration, ask the Lord to fill you up with what you need to get going. Then, get going!

Verse of the Day: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Praise In The Midst of Adversity

Today is starting off to be... a day. Things are not going as smoothly as I would like, I have items piling up that all need prompt attention, I have one major problem I have to figure out asap, and I'm not feeling so hot physically. Plus, I logged on here and could not think of one thing to write on. Not one.

Today was shaping up to be the perfect set up for stress, negativity, and frustration.

BUT...

I am choosing to fix my mind to be positive. I am choosing to fix my attitude to be pleasant. I am going to give God praise for another day of life! I am going to praise God for employment! I am going to lift up my hands and thank Him for health and strength!

In the midst of what seems like chaos and awaiting stress, I am choosing to remember the great God I serve. I am choosing to think on His goodness and love. I am making the choice to adjust my actions and reactions to His will.

I will not succumb to stress. I will not get a nasty attitude. I will not grow frustrated. I will not get sick!

I WILL rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will rejoice! I WILL give thanks in the midst of adversity, because I know the Lord is working all things together for my good. I will acknowledge God in all of my ways, since He will guide my feet on the right paths. I WILL give Him all my problems, concerns, and troubles... He'll take care of them much better than I ever could.

SO...

Today is going to be... a great day! Because of all that's going on around me, I will get to experience the wonderful saving power of my Heavenly Father. I will get to experience the greatness of His peace that passes all understanding. Today, I will walk in the comfort of His strength.

Today, make sure you lean on the great God you serve to bolster you through any hardness you face. Don't allow your emotions and attitude to take on negativity. Remember the majesty of your Savior. Take hold of your benefits in Christ! No weapon formed against you will prosper. You can and will succeed!

Verse of the Day: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

The Right Time

This morning I was cruising through my social media apps and I ran across some pictures of an event one of my colleagues hosted. Viewing those pictures was like seeing one of my dreams in real life except I was supposed to be there! I was supposed to be the host! I was supposed to be the one smiling in those pictures.

My heart felt a twinge of pain seeing someone else enjoying something that I had set up as a future goal for myself. And then I wondered if I should pursue what I had in mind at all. Would it now be seen as copying? Could it be as special if someone else had already done it?

But then I had to look at myself. I had had that idea for a long time. I did nothing with it. I just tucked it in the back of my mind for a later date. I couldn't be that mad. My friend had the same idea and ran with it. She put in the work, and she got to enjoy the benefits of her labors.

Then again, maybe it wasn't time for me to strike out. Maybe it wasn't my time to do that project. Maybe I was supposed to hold on to that idea for some more development to come. Who knows?

What I do know is that God doesn't bless us with dreams and desires just for us to sit and let them bounce around in our brains. He doesn't give us inspiration just because. He wants us to go out and do something. He told us to go into the world and preach His gospel. We can't just stand by while the world whizzes past.

Even if I wasn't supposed to move on my idea, I should have been at least covering it in prayer. That's one something I should have been doing. I need to be more focused on God's instructions for me in order for me to know that I am exactly in the spot He has for me. That will save me from looking at others and feeling disappointment about myself. When you know you're in God's will for you, you don't worry about what someone else is doing.

Do you have dreams and visions bouncing around in your head? Are you communicating with your Heavenly Father about the timing of those ideas? Do you know if you're in the right spot for your life right now?

Let's all begin anew today. Let's all take some time to pray and ask God to guide our footsteps. Let's all make an effort to follow the directions that God has for us. Let's use other people's success for our motivation not our disappointment. Let's all make the moves to get on God's timing and see how the glory of God shines in our lives as a result.

Verse of the Day: I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

Seeking the Spotlight

We live in a time where everyone wants their piece of fame. If they're not lining up by the millions to go on reality shows, they're posting videos on YouTube. If they aren't on YouTube, they're begging for followers on Twitter.  If not on Twitter, they're agonizing over how many "friends" they have on Facebook. Parents are pushing their children to be the next great star and thrusting them onto world stages.

This world is crying out for their fifteen minutes of fame whether we want to see them or not.

Jesus warned about seeking notoriety. In Luke 14:11 He said, For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. I believe this is why so many people in the spotlight fall away so often. They've blown themselves up, and, in the end, they don't pass under pressure and scrutiny.

Jesus says that those who are humble will be exalted. Those who do things in secret. Those who act out of the kindness of their heart, not looking for acknowledgement. Those who choose to give of themselves whether they are thanked or not. These are the types of people God looks for to exalt.

God has given us all dreams and visions for our lives. Those dreams may involve you "blowing up" or becoming really well-known. There is nothing bad in making a name for yourself. It's the spirit that you go into that realm that determines things. Are you going after your dream to get yourself fame and fortune? Or, are you working to help enrich the lives of others? Are you working on your craft because you're so big and bad? Or, are you giving the talent or gift God has given you out as an offering back to Him?

God doesn't care about your status, fame, or fortune. He could care less how many people know your name or what great things you've been able to accomplish... even if it's in His name. What He does care about is your heart. He's looking at your motivation. He's looking at the state of your spirit.

Are you humbly going after your dream giving credit where credit is due? Or, are you going forth in a spirit of pride and selfishness only looking for personal gain?

Be careful how you go forth in your purpose and destiny! You don't want your arrival at the top to be short lived.

Verse of the Day: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had...he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names... Philippians 2:3-5a, 8, 9 (NLT)

Afternoon Ti: Your Reward

I apologize for the late and missing posts. It's graduation season, and I am in the midst of a flurry of activity!  This morning was our Senior Awards ceremony, and I had a lot of things to pin down and get in order to make the ceremony run smoothly.

Watching the faces of the kids light up when their name was called reminded me of how everyone loves to be pointed out and recognized for something. It could be a job well done, a prestigious achievement, or a simple acknowledgement, but we all want to be noticed, we all want to be thanked, we all want to feel approved.

Sometimes our desire for approval makes us do things and behave in certain ways merely for the reward we believe is coming at the end of it all. We do things looking to get. We give out betting on receiving back.

That's not the way Kingdom minded people should live. We should not live in a manner that looks to get something. We shouldn't be looking for rewards or accolades. We shouldn't be looking for the approval of the people around us.

The only driving force in our lives should be pleasing God.

Don't always look for a person to point you out. Yes, it is nice when someone notices the great things that we do, but that should be icing on the cake, not the cake itself. If we never receive a thank you, a gift, a smile, an acknowledgment, a medal or certificate... the only thing that should matter is that God saw what we did. His approval is what sticks. His accolades are what lasts. His acknowledgment is what really gets you into greatness.

What's wonderful is that God sees and knows it all. He's got treasures, crowns, and gifts waiting on you that far exceed anything anyone down here can give you. And, His gifts last forever!

Verse of the Day: ...I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

Your Success

This morning I was blessed to catch Pastor Mike Freeman's broadcast on television. He said something that caught my ears: "You are the main ingredient to your success."

He elaborated on how God has already stacked the deck for us. God has given us His Word, His Holy Spirit, His wisdom... He's given us the talents, gifts, and attributes we possess and has placed us in the right spot for us to take advantage and live a fully sustained life.

The only thing we have to do is grab onto what He has given us, and do the work. If we never move, we'll never see the greatness God has placed on the inside of us. This is powerful when you think about it.

What if Abraham had never left the comfort of his homeland and didn't move out like God told him?

What if Moses decided to stay in the comfort of the wilderness and live out his days as a shepherd instead of going back to Egypt to free the Israelites?

What if Joshua thought that the instructions that God had given him about marching around Jericho were just too ludicrous to work?

What if David had cowered at the sight of Goliath like all the other men of Israel who laid eyes on the giant?

What if Esther had come to the conclusion that it was too risky to go and see the king unsummoned?

All of these people stood on the brink of success and made the decision to go after what God had laid out in front of them. They chose to step out in faith and do the work that the Lord was calling them to. And their lives were never the same. Once they chose to move, God was able to steer them to their greatness.

Are you living a life of greatness? Are you experiencing the thrill of serving God in the exact capacity He created you for?

Or, are you still trying to decide whether or not you're going to follow after His word?

No matter how bizarre, uncomfortable, complicated, or unheard of... if God has shown you what you're here to do, your best bet is to put your hands to the plow and walk down the path. Your life's success hangs in the balance. Don't miss out on the greatness that could be yours.

Verse of the Day: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

Motivated to Move

After Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them in Jerusalem. The disciples were obedient to Jesus, and waited in prayer. Once the Holy Spirit came on them they received His power, might, and direction. And they were motivated to move out and spread the gospel.

The disciples traveled all over to various cities near and far spreading the good news of Jesus to everyone they encountered. They weren't worried about having connections, knowing people, or even whether they would be safe. They were only concerned about spreading the love of Christ.

In their journeys, they encountered many hardships: prison, mocking crowds, open challenges from other religions, inquiries from the government, beatings, and even death. Yet they continued to spread out. They stayed motivated in their endeavors. They allowed the fire of God to keep burning in the pits of their stomachs to the point where they would not be silent.

They had received their mandate from God, and they stuck to it.

What has God asked you to do? What fire did He strike in your heart for you to carry out? Are you still motivated to move? Or, has your initial zeal died down?

Make sure that you are staying motivated to do what the Lord has told you to do. Don't get weary in well doing or allow the cares of the world to distract you to stagnation in the things of God. Keep going! Keep running! Keep working the vision that God has given you.

Because of the consistent efforts of the apostles, the gospel had a firm foundation on which to thrive and was spread all over the world. We have the Bible today because of their work and diligence in the things of God.

Who knows what your faithful efforts for the Lord will produce? Who knows what future generations will be impacted by your obedience to God's word. Keep it up!

Verse of the Day: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1, 2a

Being a Believer

The tragedy that befell Trayvon Martin has been haunting my thoughts this past week. Looking at his innocent face and knowing how he was taken away breaks my heart. It's sad that this is the nation that I live in.

Yesterday at my church we wore hoodies in honor of Trayvon. We prayed for his family, this nation, and covered our children under the protection of Jesus Christ. I'm glad that we have the power of the Holy Spirit to cover and guide us. I'm glad we have the Lord's protection and can hear His voice. It comforts me to know that I have His angels watching over me.

I had the privilege of bringing the Word on yesterday as well, and I spoke about what it means to be a believer. As believers in Christ, we are to go into the world and preach the good news to every creature. We are to be sharing God's love with everyone that we come across.

Jesus also instructed us to make disciples out of those who believe. A disciple is a follower of Christ. A follower of Christ adheres to His commands, and they try live their lives in ways that are pleasing to God. Too many people in this world claim Christ but do not reflect that claim in their daily walk.

You never know when someone's time is up. That person you come across may be dead tomorrow. Do they know Jesus? Have they been cleansed of their sins? It's our responsibility to present them with that option.

Even those who we come across that know God may need to get to know Him a bit better. Are they hearing from God? Do they know their purpose in God? Are they practicing biblical principals in their lives?

Can you imagine how brightly this world would shine if everyone who was saved lived their lives like Christ asked us to?

We say we believe in Christ. As believers, we should be doing the one thing He asked us to do before He left this earth: Share the amazing gift we received from Him with the world.

If we do our part, we could drastically reduce the number of tragedies like Trayvon's in this world.

Verse of the Day: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

Who Do You Look Up To?

Today's a little busy in my corner of the world. I've been running around this school all morning! Thank you, Lord, for the ability to think on my feet!

Joshua had a stellar role model in Moses. Joshua served Moses from when he was young. In serving Moses, Joshua got to see how God miraculously led Israel through the wilderness. He saw how Moses interceded on behalf of the people. He learned how to lead. He discovered how to stay humble while standing on a large platform. He also saw the consequences of disobedience to God.

As a result, when it was Joshua's turn to see with the eyes of the spirit and go forth in his calling, he was able to connect with God and deliver the correct report. Joshua was a stellar student and was able to lead Israel along the right path after Moses' death.

Who do you look up to? Who inspires you to move forward in your purpose? What principles are you gleaning from the mentors in your life?

We all can learn something from someone else. Even someone else's mistake can help us to do better. If you don't have a quality man/woman of God who you can look to for guidance, you need to find someone! If you have that person in your life, be a good student and learn all you can!

God has placed someone ahead of or above you to help your way become smoother. Through their example you will learn what to do. Don't be like those other Israelites who missed out on their Promised Land experience because they never learned their basic lessons. Make sure you are a part of the Joshua generation that has learned how to follow after God!

Verse of the Day: And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses. Deuteronomy 34:9

Keep It Up!

This year we opened up talking about purpose and achieving progress in the destinies that God has given us. How have you been doing this past month? Are you still making progress? Are you still working towards your goal?

It can be easy to slip back into complacency. Working a vision is hard work. Remember, however, the great benefit! You are working toward your glorious purpose in God. You can't afford to stay where you are. Where you're going is much higher than your current place. Don't you want to go up?

King Solomon took seven years to build the temple. (1 Kings 6:38) Esther was in preparation an entire year before she ever laid eyes on the king. (Esther 2:12) Paul spent around three years after his conversion to learn from the Holy Spirit before he stepped into ministry. (Galatians 1:15-18)

Don't get discouraged in your time of preparation! Don't let the solitude, menial tasks, and foundation building keep you from completing your goal.

This time of blood, sweat and tears will be repaid with times of laughter, satisfaction, and joy! Keep pressing, keep working, and keep following the voice of the Lord. Don't get weary; your harvest is great!

Verse of the Day: He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. Proverbs 10:4

Looking For Inspiration

Keep Going!

Sometimes even knowing that you are headed toward a great destiny is not enough to stay motivated. We all hit points where we grow tired, lose our spark, or just hit a wall and can't figure out a way around it.

The road to greatness is not an easy one. It is purposefully challenging to ensure that those who reach the goal are capable of handling the prize. Working our way down this path will not always be what we want to do. We may want to sit down and take a breather.

We cannot afford to take a breather, and we cannot take our hands away from our task. A moment of respite can easily turn into another destiny missed. In these times that we have to encourage ourselves to stay motivated and reach out to our Heavenly Father to keep our fire burning.

The Bible is full of stories where the people had to stay encouraged. Moses encouraged Joshua in helping him obtain the land God promised to Israel. David had to encourage himself when he was living on the run. Nehemiah kept the people uplifted as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Paul's letters to all the churches were to encourage them to continue in their faith.

Don't let complacency win! Don't get weary in well-doing! Encourage yourself in the Lord. Remember why you started down this road. Remember the vision God has placed in your heart. Find a scripture to stand on. Spend some time in God's presence and let His love re-invigorate you. Play a song that gets your motor running. Listen to a sermon that speaks to where you are.

Everyone has moments where they want to give in. Most people actually do. But champions keep pressing, they keep moving, and they don't give up! Encourage yourself and keep going! Greatness is waiting for you!

Verse of the Day: And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day. Judges 20:22

Let's Go!

Let's go to work!

I am excited! I don't know if it's the new year, the fast that I'm participating in, or something else, but all I know is God is talking and I'm listening!

God has been showing me that this year is a year of living purpose. No more should we just be existing, dreaming, praying, and waiting. This year we will make our way prosperous! (Joshua 1:8) We've written down the vision, now let's go out and bring the vision to pass!

There comes a point when you've done all the planning, analyzing, and forecasting. All of the wisdom on how to take the next step has been gathered. There's no more research that can be done. It's time to step forward. Let's all make some moves this year!

How long are you going to wait to move? What more do you need to begin? God has put His vision on the inside of you; it's time for you to let it out. Start moving in your purpose, begin to live in the promise now.

Don't let this year pass by and having you sitting in the same spot where you began. Let December find you leaps and bounds ahead of where you are now! Think of how proud of yourself you and the Lord will be looking back at how productive you've been this year.

But it all begins with you taking that step to move forward. Things can't start happening until you start the ball rolling. Get to moving! Start your project, live the dream, walk on purpose! This is going to be a great year! Your work will make it certain!

Verse of the Day: And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:17 (NLT)

Living On Purpose

This past weekend we all marched into a new year. 2012 is in full effect, and most folks are rejoicing about their new opportunity to achieve something great. Everyone's Twitter, Facebook, and blogs were filled with declarations that 2012 will be "the best year ever" and that the new year would see them achieving their dreams and aspirations.

Everyone was taking note of the new windows, doors, chances, and openings that were suddenly available just because the calendar was changing to January 1st. And it's true: we all have an opportunity to begin anew. But can I say that the same old you is the one who is privy to all these new opportunities?

The same you that reveled in the new years of 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and as far back as you started realizing the new year was relevant is the you that's walking into 2012.

Now, we all grow and mature, but somehow we lose sight of our January 1st selves by mid-January. In a few weeks all of our excitement has dwindled to a simmer, and by February it's a distant memory. Those opportunities for greatness somehow fall by the wayside, and our aspirations to do better fall back into our normal output.

BUT NOT THIS YEAR!!!!

This year I offer that we live on purpose striving to do better, be better, and achieve more than we ever have before. This year we will change our mindset and begin to think with the mind of Christ. We will take on the work God has called us to do and watch our efforts bear fruit.

No longer will we just say the words. Nope, this year we will walk the walk and let our actions speak louder than our declarations. God has put us on this earth to achieve great things for Him, and this year we will purpose to get some of those things done!

Who's with me?

Verse of the Day: For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7a (AMP)

Tomorrows vs. Today

Right now many people are evaluating their lives and looking for ways to improve on themselves in the coming new year. Resolutions are being prepared, new classes are being enrolled in, and self-help books are being bought. All because the calendar is telling us that a fresh, new year is upon us.

However, every day we wake up is a fresh, new opportunity to do better than the day before. Each new day is a clean slate ready for us to get our shine on. No matter the day of the week or the date on the calendar, every time we greet another day is a time for us to go to a higher place.

All of us have areas that we need to improve. We all have projects that we need to start (or finish). We all know that we can do a bit better in how we are living.


Why wait until January 1st to start on a journey of purpose? Why not start now and experience the satisfaction of improving your life? Who knows what will happen tomorrow? Right now all you have is today.
 
It seems like we all live glorious tomorrows. It is in our tomorrows that we place our hard work, dedication, diligence, and productivity. Our tomorrows shine with the glow of completing projects and fulfilling dreams. Our tomorrows are the keepers of our destiny.
 
Yet if we do nothing today, we will never get to tomorrow. So, why not start today? Take today to start on that resolution. Use today as day one of that great project. Tomorrow is not promised, but today is here. Grab hold of it, and make it great!
 
Verse of the Day: So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15-17

Rise Above

This morning my co-worker was complaining how their happy mood was ruined by another person's grumpiness. I told him that he should never let someone else's emotions dictate his own. "You can choose to be happy," I said. "You can choose to rise above."

All too often we allow the cares of the day, other people's actions, and the like to blow our own emotions in helter-skelter directions. We catch an attitude because of someone else's behavior, we get depressed seeing someone else get what we wanted, we stop caring because it doesn't seem like anyone else does...

Yet we have the ability to choose to be happy. It's our choice to remain at peace. We can choose to dwell on the positives in life. We can choose to remain unaffected by others.

Since we know the Truth, possess the real love of God, and walk with Him as our guide, we have no reason to ever be swayed by what goes on in this world. We are possessors of the ultimate promise in Jesus, so why let a mere person stop us from walking in that light?

As you go about your day today, try to rise above any negativity that comes your way. Don't give in to the quick attitudes and refuse to dip into anger. Remember who you are in Christ, and what He has promised to you. Those little cares of the world mean nothing when compared to eternity. Don't let them keep you from walking in your eternal bliss.

Verse of the Day: The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Psalm 118:6