Days of Purpose & Destiny

I hope everyone has had a chance to purchase my new book! If you haven't you can purchase the book HERE. Recently, I was interviewed on Big Gospel Express 1570, and I have uploaded some snippets for you to enjoy.

Have a wonderful day of destiny!

Afternoon Ti: Got 22 Minutes?

Hey, do you have 22 minutes? Well, if you do, check out this TED talk from Rick Warren. It's an old clip, but the insight he shares is timeless! I love to talk purpose, and this man has tapped into a whole 'nother level in the genre.

Enjoy!

How Does God See You?

When the angel of the Lord visited Gideon, he greeted him as a "mighty man of valor". (Judges 6:12) Gideon did not hold this sentiment. He saw himself as the youngest son of a poor man in Israel. One of the lowest on the totem pole. But God didn't see Gideon that way. God saw Gideon as a valiant warrior who would lead Israel to crush their enemy.

Abram had no children. Not one solitary child to carry on his name. But God saw him as the father of nations, and changed Abram's name. (Genesis 17:4, 5) For years, Abram was called a "father of nations" while he had no children. God saw that Abraham's future was filled with descendants who would become God's chosen people.

When Gabriel visited Mary, he called her a blessed and favored woman of God. (Luke 1:28) Mary was puzzled with the greeting. She didn't see anything particularly special about herself. But God knew she was destined to give birth to the Messiah.  The Lord knew that she was worthy to raise the Son of God.

How does the Lord see you? What name does He have for you?

So often we allow our present situations the authority to dictate how we see ourselves. But we need to begin to see ourselves the same way that God sees us. While we are noticing our lack, our need, and our failings, God sees our victorious, prosperous, destined selves.

Today, go before the Lord and ask Him to show you how He sees you. Allow your Heavenly Father to minister to your inner man the great person that you really are. You are God's special creation. You're not ordinary. You're not average. You're not plain.

You're unique. You are one of a kind. You are God's spectacular child!

Verse of the Day: Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:14-17

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)

You Can Do It!

Today was one of those wake up and hit the ground running kind of days. There's nothing like getting awakened out of your sleep with multiple requests for substitutes from teachers who can't come in. Then having each sub on your list unavailable to come in. Praise the Lord for strength and a working brain. I definitely needed it this morning. I was up to the daunting task and able to work everything out.

The Lord dropped in on Moses one day and made some pretty daunting requests. Moses had fled for his life from Egypt and had found a safe haven in the desert. Here, he had married a wife and established a way of living for himself by tending sheep.

Then God showed up.

The Lord asked Moses to return to Egypt. On top of that He asked Moses to speak to the Pharaoh. On top of that the Lord wanted Moses to ask the Pharaoh to release his Israelite slaves. On top of that Moses was to lead these freed slaves into the Promised Land God had chosen for them.

Whew!

Despite these drastic and intimidating requests, Moses chose to answer the Lord's call. He chose to be obedient to the tasks the Lord had placed in his path. We all know the epic results that followed.

What is God asking of you? Has He awakened your spirit to a great challenge? Is He asking you to take on a task that seems daunting?

One thing you can be sure of: you can do anything that God asks of you. If He's calling you to do it, you are well able to take on the challenge. Don't allow fear and intimidation to keep you from your great calling in God. You can do it!

Verse of the Day: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Stay Faithful!

This past week, my church has been reading the book of Nehemiah. This man of God was a bold, determined, prayerful man of God. I encourage you to read his story. It has definitely helped push me back into what I know God has placed in my hands.

When Nehemiah heard about the state of the wall of Jerusalem, he was so moved that he gave up his distinguished position in the king's palace and travelled back to Jerusalem to make things right. He gathered together the people of Israel and inspired them to work as a team to rebuild the walls.

There were people who ridiculed Nehemiah's mission. There were naysayers who dissed the quality of his work. Enemies sent up threats to attack his efforts.

At every turn, Nehemiah consulted the Lord in prayer. His resolve to stay prayerful kept him from making mistakes. His connection to God maintained his strength and resolve to finish what had been placed on his heart.

Nehemiah's faith led him to do what would have seemed impossible. With his leadership, the group was able to rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem in fifty-two days.

What did God lay on your heart? What moved your spirit so much that you knew God was calling you to action? What 'wall' is waiting on your rebuilding touch?

Don't allow the haters, the detractors, or your enemies to keep you from completing what God has placed in your hands. Stay faithful to what you have been called to complete. You are in the midst of walking out a miracle. You can't give up!

Today, purpose in your heart to keep going. Stay prayed up, so you can finish the work. God gave you the project. Don't let it fall to the wayside.

Verse of the Day: So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4:6

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

Live Your Calling

Jesus came to earth to drastically improve our lives. With Him, we are reconciled back to God and can live eternally with the Lord. That eternal life begins when we accept Jesus. We don't have to wait until we get to heaven to experience our heavenly benefits.

In fact, Jesus showed us how to live when He was on the earth. Jesus walked in His calling and saw results. As He walked out His purpose, multitudes were drawn to hear His sermons. When Jesus stepped out in faith, miracles happened. His ministry caused people of all walks of life - shepherds, farmers, fishermen, carpenters, tax collectors, priests, and more - to experience the wealth of His wisdom.

I'm sure it wasn't easy. Jesus had to take time away to refresh Himself. At times He tried to escape the crowds only to have them follow Him to His hiding places. His own disciples at times did not understand His teaching. And then one of his closest disciples betrayed Him.

Yet, Jesus kept His eyes on the ultimate goal: salvation for all mankind. And because He persevered, He was able to reach His goal, and His one life became the saving grace for all of us.

Are you living out your best life? Are you walking in your call and enjoying the results? Are you seeing the fruit of following God's will? When troubles come, do you keep at it remembering the bigger picture?

It may be hard at times to live out our higher calling. Yet, because of Jesus, we have the added benefits of being God's children. Whatever we set out to do within God's plan will be successful. Sure, roadblocks will come. Yes, we will get tired. And there will certainly be people who let us down and even betray us.

Still, we can keep going knowing that our destination is sure... we can keep working knowing that we will reach our purpose in the Lord... we can endure the temporary pain seeing the great joy in our future.

Keep going. Don't give up. Remember Jesus' example. He's called you to follow in His footsteps. There's something great that you have to accomplish. There's a victory with your name on it. Go ahead and walk in your calling. Embrace your purpose and watch how your life will be blessed.

Verse of the Day: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10b

Loving Me!

For the month of January I took a leave of absence from social media. No Twitter, no Facebook, no Instagram... I didn't even check up on my favorite blogs.

Those 31 days were awesome!

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy social media. I like staying in touch and seeing what's going on in the lives of my friends, associates, and the celebrities I follow. But, honestly, sometimes scrolling through news feeds can be... depressing.

God has blessed me to be in touch with some amazing people, and logging on every day and seeing the latest engagement status, news of the launch of someone's business, pictures of my people enjoying fabulous vacations, and reading about how certain folks I know are becoming the news can be a bit tiring... and intimidating... and daunting. Especially when I know I'm not where I want to be in my life quite yet.

So, taking a break from all of that allowed me to focus on me. I got to enjoy my own sphere free of influence from outside sources. Instead of thinking about how much so-and-so is doing, I was able to focus on what I'm supposed to be doing. Instead of wondering how this person was able to get so far ahead, I was able to plan out my next few steps.

I was able to narrow my focus. I was able to see the greatness inside of me and not allow myself to belittle it just because someone else I know is doing their thing with a different flair.

My sabbatical may be a bit longer as a result of this.

Today, praise God for the greatness that He's placed on the inside of YOU. Embrace your uniqueness. Savor the place you're in right now. Enjoy the gifts, attributes, qualities, quirks, and personality that the Lord has blessed you with.

What do you do to stay focused? How do you keep your destiny walk free from distractions?  

Verse of the Day: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Following the Holy Spirit

Observing Jesus ' ministry, you can truly tell that He listened to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was obedient without question, and, as a result, He was able to do things that had never been seen before.

Jesus' followed the Holy Spirit when He fasted and prayed for 40 days in the wilderness. At the end of that powerful fast, the devil Himself could not tempt Jesus away from His purpose on the earth!

When Jesus came out of the wilderness, He was able to identify the 12 men who would be His faithful disciples for the next three years. He was able to see into the heart of the foul mouthed Peter, Jesus was able to see the potential of the tax collector Matthew, He was able to see the untapped greatness of the "sons of thunder" James and John.

Jesus went on to have the most prolific ministry in the history of this planet. He worked miracles like raising people from the dead. He preached sermons that still inspire people to this day. He formed relationships with people who needed God's love. He debated the religious scholars of His day and established God's new covenant on the earth.

When the time came for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, He remained obedient still. Knowing that the Father was leading Him to give up His own life for the world, Jesus stayed obedient to the will of the Lord. He never wavered in what God was showing Him.

What is the Holy Spirit leading you to do? Are you remaining obedient in everything being asked of you? Consider your own ministry. Is it flowing in it's full potential? Or is your disobedience holding it back?

The Lord will never steer you wrong. All His plans are to bring you to a prosperous, successful position. Don't let your own doubts, insecurities, and unbelief cause you to miss out on God's awesome plans for your life!

Verse of the Day: ...nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:42b

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

Stay In Your Lane

I am blessed to know some pretty amazing people who are doing great things for the Lord and living in their destiny and purpose. Looking at them, I am grateful to see how God can take someone and elevate them as they walk out what He created them to do. It just motivates me to want to better in my own life as well.

Just last night I had to remind myself to "stay in my lane" and not get sidetracked because of what I saw someone else doing. I had to remind myself that just because I can do something, doesn't mean I should do it. God has a unique calling that is all mine. If I go stepping in someone else's lane, I'll only trip up myself.

It reminds me of David's desire to build the Lord a temple. He had the means to do it. He was the king of Israel, he definitely had the riches, and he loved God so much. The Lord deserved a dwelling place where He could dwell permanently, not some tent. David knew he had a vision to show honor to the Lord.

Yet God told David to stay in his lane. He had called David to the battlefield. It was David's purpose to destroy the Lord's enemies. God had purposed for another man to build his temple. So, David obeyed the Lord and did not build Him a temple. (2 Samuel 7)

A lot of times we can mean well in some of the projects we set out to do. Something just grabs our hearts, and we set off to get it accomplished. We can have all the plans and abilities to get it done. Yet, it never was a part of God's plan to have us take on those projects.

Make sure you are staying in your lane and doing what God wants you to do. Don't get distracted with what someone else is doing. Even if you have a great idea, run it by the Lord and make sure it's in His plans for you. As you stick to what God has for you, you'll see great success and your life will be blessed.

Verse of the Day: Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Psalm 143:10

Who Are You Really?

When the angel of God visited Gideon, he hailed him as a mighty man of valor. At the time, Gideon was hiding out by a wine press trying to scrounge food for his family. He was youngest son of a poor family. Gideon in no ways felt he was a mighty man of valor. (Judges 6:12-15)

Yet, the angel of God called him so. The angel saw Gideon how God saw Gideon. Gideon hadn't even fought one battle. Yet God knew that inside of Gideon there was a mighty man of valor that needed to be pulled out at that moment.

Mary was told she was highly favored among women and was troubled at the thought. (Luke 1:28, 29) She was a young, virgin girl. No real credits to her name. She had done nothing significant or extraordinary, so why would she be favored?

Yet, Gabriel saw her as the Lord saw her. Mary was chosen to bear the Son of God. She alone was the one considered worthy enough to bring the Savior into the world. God knew that inside of her were all the attributes necessary to bring forth and raise the Lamb of God.

Do you know how God sees you? Have you considered what God has hidden on the inside of you that he wants to pull out for His glory?

Every person He has created has a special purpose. God doesn't just have you here as a "filler" for all the other special people He created. No, you are special to Him as well.

Today, take some time and ask the Lord to show you how He sees you. Ask Him to reveal to you more of His purpose for your life. Ask God to help you to embrace His view of you.

You're not just some ordinary person. You are God's special creation for this moment and time. Stop seeing with your own eyes, and begin to see yourself with the eyes of the Lord.

Verse of the Day: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began... 2 Timothy 1:9

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

Worthy Walk

Paul exhorted the Ephesians to "walk worthy" of their calling in God. He asked them to remain humble, patient and loving towards one another. He told them to make every effort to stay united and peaceful.

Are you walking worthy of what God has called you to do?

God has called each of us to a special, specific task. Our lives are meant to be lived fulfilling His purpose and plan. Yet, we have to make sure that we are living in a way that honors the call of God on our lives.

No matter what the Lord has placed in our laps, whether it is in or out of the church, we have to make Him proud in how we live it out. Everything we do should be done in excellence, for we serve an excellent God. Our attitudes should be full of love, because our God is a loving God. We should not have any malice or discord with our fellow man. The God we serve is a God of unity.

Each and every thing we do should reflect that we are called of God and living according to His purpose. People should look at us and see God's love emanating from our beings. When others interact with us, they should feel the spirit of God in how we carry ourselves and conduct business.

Are you walking worthy of what God has called you to do? Are you bringing the Lord honor in how you live? The Word of God says that we are to do everything to God's glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31) So, your every word, deed, action, thought, endeavor should be done in a way to glorify God.

Today, strive to walk worthy of what God has called you to do. Actively work to be humble, patient, loving, united and peaceful. God has given you something precious, so live your life honoring your gift of life.

Verse of the Day: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

The Greatness Inside

So, the Olympics are over. I enjoyed watching people push themselves to their physical peaks and go after a goal with everything inside them. Some achieved golden glory, others were eliminated within the first few moments.

We saw these athletes in their glory, basking in the magnificent spotlight. What we missed were the years of hard work, the early mornings, the lonely training sessions, the tireless practices and workouts. We didn't see the events missed in order to train, the hours spent in the weight room, and the aching of tired muscles.

We all aren't Olympians. Yet, there is a greatness sitting inside of all of us. There is a greatness that we were created to achieve, a height that we were born to reach, a spotlight waiting for us to step into. All of us have something great that God wants us to experience not only to impact our own lives, but to impact the world.

It takes hard work and discipline to make it to the top. Not everyone utilizes what it takes to achieve great success. Some are too lazy, some give up at the first sign of failure, others don't believe in themselves and don't even attempt to try for greatness.

Are you working hard towards your goal? Are you striving to achieve the greatness God has planted deep within you?

Yes, the road may be lonely. Working hard is sometimes monotonous. Not everyone may understand our drive, and it can be discouraging when others don't identify with your dream. It can be difficult when roadblocks force you to change course. And using all your strength to keep moving forward can be tough.

Just know that God didn't plant the seed of greatness within you for it to go without sprouting into the great fruit of destiny. Remember that God created you to succeed. He's going to make sure that you make it to your purpose and destiny in Him.

Stay true to your call! Don't give up, and don't give in. You are a winner! You will reach the top, you will achieve your goal. As you continue to work in faith, God will help you achieve your destiny.

Verse of the Day: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

Know Where You're Going?

In studying the life of Jesus, one thing I love was His focus. Jesus knew His mission, did what He had to do to prepare for His purpose, and when His time came to shine, He went full steam ahead.

Jesus knew from an early age that He was on Kingdom business. As a young child, He spent His time in the synagogues and temple talking with the priests and religious leaders of the day. Jesus was well versed in Scripture and even had His teachers in awe!

Jesus didn't rush into His calling either. He followed the timing of the Lord. Jesus didn't start His ministry until He was about 30 years old. That leaves a significant amount of time where Jesus was in the background, hidden, preparing for His destiny.

When the time came for Jesus to start His ministry, He made sure He followed the proper steps. He knew that He had to commit to fasting and prayer in order to prepare Himself. He also went through temptation from the enemy proving the strength of His convictions to fully follow God's plan. Jesus also was baptized by John the Baptist prior to going forth in ministry.

And once Jesus went into ministry, He was fully committed to fulfill everything that was being asked of Him. Jesus travelled from town to town preaching the gospel. He healed all that came to Him. He subjected Himself to the sneers and accusations of the haters. He mentored twelve men who would become His legacy after His death. Jesus stayed in constant prayer with the Father. And even though He did take time to rest, He was always ready with the Word of God for those who came to Him in need. Jesus walked out His purpose to the point of death knowing that He would be resurrected on the other side.

Jesus was a man who fully understood His call, purpose and destiny in God.

Studying Jesus' life inspires and challenges me in my purpose as well. Do I fully understand my purpose? Do I know my next steps? Am I able to withstand temptation when it comes? Can I remain faithful to the call in the midst of haters? Will I be able to stay true to the call even in times of pain and heartache?

Jesus is our pristine example of how to live a life walking with the Lord. He had such a relationship with God that He knew His exact steps and the exact timing of His life. Can you say the same? Do you know what season you're in? Are you walking in step with God's plan?

Don't just live your life without purpose. Don't allow time to pass you by without walking in your destiny. Whether you're planning, positioning, preparing, or walking it out, your purpose in God should be known to you. As you follow God's instructions for your life, you will make the impact He created you for in the earth.

Verse of the Day: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23

Believe in Yourself

I've said this earlier this year, but it bears repeating: God created you on purpose. He made you for a reason. He put you together as a part of His large divine plan. You're not here by accident. It's not a fluke that you're breathing.

So, why do so many of us suffer through doubt, indecision, and low self-esteem? Why do so many of us second guess ourselves? Why do we hesitate to act on the dreams and aspirations that are in our hearts and minds?

When God formed you, He put everything inside of you that you would need. He believed that His remarkable creation - you - would accomplish its purpose. He tucked those dreams inside your heart, He placed those visions deep in your mind. He put all that inside of you believing that you would be the perfect person to get the job done.

Don't let fear and unbelief stop you from reaching your purpose! Don't let your own self trick you out of accomplishing the very thing you were created to do! God put you together, gave you the breath of life, and allowed you to be born for this very moment in time.

He believes that you can do it. It's time for you to believe it for yourself.

Go ahead and reach for the stars. Step out of fear and into your destiny. Stop making up excuses and do what you feel in your heart. The Lord of All believed in you enough to place all of that inside of you, the least you can do is back Him up and get it done.

Verse of the Day: ...for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7b

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)

Moving Forward

Right now, I am so excited with what God has given me to do! I've been taking some steps to move forward in the call that He has given to me, and I'm excited to see the results.

When Abraham was first called by God, the Lord told Him to get away from everything he knew and go to a place God would point out. God told Abraham that he would become a great person and be the father of a great nation.

At that time Abraham had nothing indicating that he would be the father of a great nation. He didn't have a son; He didn't even have a daughter. His wife was barren. Yet, Abraham chose to believe the word of the Lord. He chose to step out and follow God's instructions. And Abraham's obedience caused him to move into exactly what God had ordained for his life.

What has God asked you to do? Are you moving forward in the plans He's laid out for you?

It can be scary to initially move forward with God's plans. Often God asks us to do things that take a lot of courage and faith. But, it is when we pull up that courage and tap into our faith in God that He is able to move. God's not going to move until we do our part. He works with our faith. And faith without works is dead. (James 2:17) If you're not moving, you probably aren't in faith.

Move forward with God today! Be strong and very courageous! God won't ask you to do anything you're not capable of. God will never lead you into failure. His promises are "Yes" and "Amen". (2 Corinthians 1:20) You will not fail. As long as you keep moving forward with God, you will always succeed.

Verse of the Day: Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him... Genesis 12:1-4a