Seek God and Blessings will Follow

It is human to thrive for a good life and success. We want our family to do well and prosper. There’s nothing wrong wanting the fine things in life. However, God wants us to put Him first so that He can bless us to become a blessing to others.

In our modern society, work and career have been idolized. Since we’re kids, we’re programed to decide what we want to do instead of asking what God wants us to do. Our education and career is based on how much money we can make. While work is a strong Bible word, life was not meant to be spent on making a living. We’re created to know Him and make His name known. When we seek God, blessings will follow.

Moses was the son of a Hebrew slave. God’s divine providence landed him in the royal palace of the Pharos. The same people that wanted to kill him ended up adopting Moses as their own son. He grew up with affluence, name and fame but he had no purpose. One day he killed an Egyptian and it catapulted him to seek after God in the wilderness. There, God molded him for forty years (Moses was a stubborn man; it won’t take you that long). In pursuit of God, Moses had an encounter with the Almighty. Moses came down with the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God. The rest is history – Moses became the deliverer of the nation of Israel in slavery. Moses sought after God and not only blessings followed him but through Moses a whole nation was blessed! You too are called to be a blessing to the world.

My brother Neil was a successful businessman in his early twenties. I was in college at the time and every time I saw him he loaded me with money. Sometimes, he literally had money falling out of his pocket and didn’t bother to pick it up. He was filthy rich. After my graduation Neil and I decided to take a mini vacation together to the neighboring country of the Mount Everest. As we went around visiting the underground churches (people were thrown in prison for being a Christian there), my brother Neil heard the Gospel: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33). Neil gave his heart to God and decided to seek after Him. Fast forward twenty five plus years, today Dr. Neil Anderson is touching millions of lives bringing the Gospel to the persecuted countries. God has blessed him with ten times more than he could have ever imagined.

Many people hesitate to serve the Almighty because they feel God is going to take away what they enjoy. It is just the opposite from the truth. When we make up our mind to give God the preeminence, we’ll begin a life of adventure and abundance like never before. God is still looking for a few good men (and women) who would sell out to Him and His cause. As we make resolutions for the New Year, I challenge you to put God in the driver’s seat and fasten your seatbelt for the ride of your life. Playing it safe is overrated. Try the exhilarating life God has in store for you. I guarantee, you’ll not be disappointed.

This is what Abraham did in the Bible. His family was idol-worshippers. But Abraham had an encounter with God; he became a God-Seeker. When he started out in that faith journey, he barely had anything and the hard, barren landscape held no promises for him. Yet, Abraham plunged himself in the Almighty Hand of God. At the end of his days Abraham was rich not only in material blessing but also in relationships, health and influence. God made him to be the Father of many nations.

What about you my friend? Are you satisfied where you are? Are you content with your lifestyle or do you want more? I believe God has much more in store for you. God has exciting things to reveal to you. Will you seek after God? Will you love Him with all your heart, mind and soul? If you do, He will take you to places you’d never imagined. You’ll leave this planet knowing that you’ve made a difference. Seek God and blessings will follow.

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world” (James 4:8 NLT).

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Four Keys to Abundant Life

As we come to the end of this year, it’s time to reflect what has happened and more importantly, why it has happened. While we can never go back to our past, we can take measures to ensure that our future looks bright.

Many people I know have thrown in their towel and are ready to move into the next year. However, the way we end something is how we enter into another. If it was a year to forget, we should consider why things went wrong. We shouldn’t feel guilty but make adjustments. Insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result.

Jesus said, “The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy but I have come so that you may have abundant life” (John 10:10). Let me share with you four keys that will produce abundant life.

1. Decide. Everything we are, everything we have is because of the decisions we made in the past. You’ve heard the expression, “What were you thinking?” Truth is, most of the time we’re not thinking when we made the dumb decisions. If we’re going to enjoy life, it is imperative that we learn to make good decisions. There are five major areas we have to make wise decisions - God, family, relationships, money and health. When you’re dealing with any of this, take extra time to hear God and do what His Word says. Take counsel. Wise decisions will produce wide harvest.

2. Be Diligent. I’ve met many people with wish-bone but only a few have any backbone. Unlike popular myth, God wants us all to do well in life. He gave us able body, mind and strength to think, pray, connect, work and do what we can. When we do our due diligence, God will play His part. I heard of a young man who wanted to work for a department store in the east. He wrote over 300 letters applying for a job. Not one replies! Finally he got all his savings together and bought a train ticket to New York. Upon arrival, he was spellbound! When he got to the building, the interviewer pointed to a stack of letters they had received from this young man. Baffled, the young man said, “Why didn’t you reply to my letters?” The interviewer said, “We knew you’d come!” Needless to say, the young man got hired and spent the rest of his life building a great company and making tremendous contribution. How diligent are you about doing the things God placed in your heart?

3. Declare. What we say demonstrate what we believe. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of heart, man speaks.” When we say thing that are contrary to God’s Word, we’re sabotaging our own future. It may feel good at the time but it will rob us. You can’t have a poor mouth and a rich life. You can’t always talk sickness and have health. You can’t talk lack and have abundance. You can’t talk defeat and expect victory. The Bible says, “Death and life is in the POWER of your tongue.” Notice we exert power over lives by the words we speak. God created the heavens and the earth by declaring His Word. We too can create our world by speaking positive, uplifting, kind, life-giving words about ourselves and of others. Faith works both ways of what we speak. You can speak faith for abundant or a defeated life. Change your words and it will change your world!

4. Be Determined. Our culture and society have conditioned us to give up anything that is hard or not fun. Always remember this, when you want something really bad, there will be oppositions. The enemy will fight you the hardest when you’re about to reap your harvest. You gotta be determined to outlast the enemy! If you have a big struggle, you have a big victory coming. Paul didn’t pray for all the problems to go away but he prayed that they will have strength to go through the difficult things. If you haven’t figured this out it, life’s a fight. You can fight to win or lose by default. I suggest you be determined and fight till the end because Jesus and I are praying for you!

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP).

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Emmanuel: God with Us

Merry Christmas my friends! Today is the best day of the year for me. Christmas is a reminder that there’s hope no matter how bad the situation may look like. God’s love for the human race was made perfect through the Gift of Jesus our Lord.

Christmas was the day when God became flesh. He sent heaven’s most prized possession to redeem us back from the eternal hell. For centuries, religion is man reaching out to God but Christmas is God reaching down to a fallen human race. Christ made a way for us to be reunited with our Maker in heaven. I just get excited thinking about God’s big idea to be born as a small human being. It takes a human to understand another. Jesus gave up His Sonship in heaven and was born to live among us. He name is Emmanuel: God with us.

Recently, I came across a poem from the famous Detroit folk poet Edgar Guest. He wrote for the Free Press for many decades, eventually publishing over 11,000 poems. I think this poem describe our Lord perfectly for me.

I’d rather see a sermon
            than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me
            than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil
            and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
            but example’s always clear;
And the best of all preachers
            are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
            is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it
            if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action,
            but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver
            may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons
            by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you
            and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding
            how you act and how you live.

Christmas is when God came to live among us. He didn’t just show us the Way to God; He walked with us. He was fully God and yet a total human being. He understands us.

Friend, if you’re a little unsure of where your life is right now, know that you’re not alone. God with us - Emmanuel is right there with you. He is leading the Way for you. He knows your name and your pain, tears, suffering, struggles and all. Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” For God so loved YOU that He gave His only Son... Christmas is a time of miracle. If God can orchestrate a supernatural virgin birth, He can handle any of our impossible situations. He loves you too much to leave you where you are right now. Better days are right in front of you. You don’t have to be alone anymore. His grace is made perfect in our weakness. Won’t you give your heart to Jesus? He’s Emmanuel: God with us. Merry Christmas my friend! You’re prayed for and celebrated. JOY to the WORLD the Lord has come. I love you!

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?” (Romans 8:32 The Message).

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Better Than We Deserve

One of the greatest expressions of Christmas is to realize God sent His Son to give us better than we deserve. We should never be arrogant with God but we should also not be fearful and timid to accept God’s best in our lives.

Christmas is the time when many people feel trapped in their past. They regret about what life could have been. While it’s not bad to do some soul-searching and not repeat our mistakes, it’s never right to feel condemned about our past. The Bible says that the devil is the accuser of the brethren. If you’ve done wrong and repented for it, you have nothing to regret about. There’s nothing you’ve done that is beyond God’s reach to forgive. Don’t beat yourself up for what happened in the past. Accept God’s love, forgiveness and mercy.

One of the things Jesus came to deliver on earth is God’s mercy. Unlike many people think, God is not waiting for us to make a mistake so He can punish us. Sin cannot be punished twice. He has already dealt with our sins on the cross. The gifts that are under your tree is nothing compared to the Gift that hung on the tree. He doesn’t give us what we deserve; He gives us what we can never earn for ourselves. God’s mercy is so great for us that He gave heaven’s most prized possession. While we were yet sinners, Christ loved and died for us. That is God’s mercy! We don’t have to perform, we don’t have to keep the rules and the laws; we just have to accept His mercy. When we humble ourselves at His mercy seat, we inherit the royal robe, the signet ring and the welcome home banquet. God has forgiven you. Now it’s time for you to forgive yourself.

A great many people today are sick in their bodies. I have a friend who hasn’t had a good night’s sleep for weeks. Others are fighting terminal illness. No matter what your sickness or physical illness are God sent His Son to restore your health. We should respect medical science but never underestimate God’s power to heal. The Bible says that He’s the greatest Physician; He’s more than a doctor – He’s our Healer. No sickness is too hard for Him to heal. He can even bring the dead back to life and you’re not dead yet! Friend, I want you to muster up a new hope today. Visualize a mental picture of you – healthy, happy able to live the dream you once envisioned. I encourage you to put up your pictures on the mirror and walls when you’re strong. Every time you see yourself, say this prayer, “Thank you Lord for divine health springing forth in my life. My best days are ahead of me. I will live full and healthy life that you have for me through Jesus. By His stripes, I’m healed.” 

 

Many people cannot accept better than they deserve because they’re prisoners of drugs, alcohol, depression, addiction and emotional pain. If this is you, I have good news for you. Jesus came not only to give us eternal life (in heaven) but also abundant life here on earth. Friend, the Good News of Christmas is that captives will be released and the oppressed will be set free. God is not mad with you; He is madly in love with you. There’s never going to be a better time than this to let go of your hang ups and receive God’s free flowing mercy. God’s not like Santa checking His list twice to see if you’ve done good enough to bless you. He has already decided to bless you. Christmas is the evidence! He will give us better than we deserve.

A great way to show our gratitude to God’s grace and mercy is to forgive those who have hurt us. Too many Christians today are guilty of holding a grudge against one another. Don’t let that be you. The Scripture teaches that when we harbor unforgiveness and resentment, it becomes a root of bitterness. When the root is bad our fruits will be rotten also. When you forgive, you let a prisoner free – that prisoner is you. Don’t seek to pay people back. Don’t take revenge. When you let go and begin to trust God and trust people again, you’ll see the glory of God’s power in your life. God has better things in store than we deserve. What do you have for God?

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10 ESV).

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I Was In Prison

This is the time of the year when many lock themselves behind invisible walls. They have been hurt, betrayed or mistreated. It may have happened recently or a long time ago but they lock themselves in various prisons.

We should not underestimate the pain of others. It is never right when someone is hurt. However, if we allow bitterness, anger and resentment to fester us then we get locked behind self-imposed prison walls. It is not healthy for us and we hurt ourselves. Instead of holding grudges, Christmas is a good time to forgive and let go of past disappointments.

Yesterday, I was privileged to minister in a maximum security prison in east Texas. It was my first time in an American prison. I was very touched by the people we met. Eric is a forty four year old man. He’s serving a 38 year sentence for murder. I’ve never met a broken man like him. Eric lived a reckless life. He’s been HIV positive for almost twenty years. But he found the Lord in prison and now lives a God honoring life. His father is a minister and his family has been praying for him. When I asked him how I should pray for him, he said, “I’ve been holding grudges against my brothers because they don’t come to see me.” I told Eric what I’m telling you! I had the opportunity to pray with him and ask him to forgive his brothers. When I left him, he had a brilliant smile. Please remember Eric in your prayers. I told him that we’re going to pray for him.

When we don’t forgive, we’re allowing ourselves to be hurt and controlled by other people over and over. Prisons of anger, unforgivness, bitterness, self-pity, depression are far more dangerous than criminal prisons. Many people right now are trapped in the prisons of substance abuse, alcohol and other addictions. It is easy for us to point fingers and look down on them. Instead, we need to have compassion and pray for our friends.

In the twenty fifth chapter of Matthew Jesus welcomes those who offered a cup of water to the poor in His name. He said, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” The surprised audience says, “When Lord? When were you in prison and we came to you?” Jesus replied, “When you do it for one of the least of my brothers, you did it for me.” What Jesus is saying is to reach out to the poor, suffering, crying humanity. People see God when they see us. Jesus can only touch people through us. He can heal and deliver people when we stretch out our hands of compassion.

Christmas is the season to be joyous and celebrate the festivities in honor of our Lord’s birth. It is good for us to take time off and spend it with our families. However, in the midst of our business, let’s not forget those who are captives in prisons. Not just the criminals but also those who are locked up in emotional prisons. Let us reach out and help those we can.

This month, our goal is to reach 100,000 souls for the Lord in India, Nepal, China and other parts of Asia. We challenge you to extend your hand of compassion and bring hope and healing to the people in captivity. We are also ministering to children and old folks by providing sweaters, shoes, blankets and food. Every one of them will hear the Good News of Christmas. Thousands will accept Christ as their Lord. Will you participate with your prayers and gifts? When we help those trapped in various prisons, we’re ministering to our Lord. What can be more appropriate Christmas gift we can give to our Lord on His birthday? Let’s celebrate this season of joy and share with those who have none.

“I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36 NLT).

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Spend Time with Your Family

Most people I know love to spend time with their family. I do know a few who do not like each other. A family is God’s idea. Whenever God designs something special, the enemy will try to distort it. We must honor and protect our family.

 

Of all the relationships we have, our family is what God chose for us. We may not like some of our family members but when we talk down on them we discredit their Maker. When we’re in harmony as a family, God commands His blessing there.

 

With Christmas approaching, most of us will have plenty of interaction with our family members. If we’re not careful, we can easily miss the opportunity to make some great memories. Today, let’s talk about a few practical things we can do and avoid to make great memories with our families.

 

1. Make a decision to enjoy your family. We usually find what we’re looking for. When we have a made up mind, we can easily enjoy the company of others. People love to talk about themselves. Don’t let that be you. Take genuine interest in others. Ask about their family, work, recreation, vacation and such. Avoid controversy. Don’t allow your past experiences to clout your mind. Don’t just endure; enjoy your family.

 

2. Don’t be selfish. Your values and likes are important. However, when our attitude is my way or the highway, we’re being off balance. Let other people decide what and when to eat, what games to play and what show to watch. The more we engage other people in the decision making process, the more comfortable everybody will feel. Ask, “What do you think?” And then do what they’re saying.

 

3. Don’t have fun at the expense of others. Family times are a breeding ground for sarcasms. It’s a lot of fun. I used to be a master at it. Unfortunately, it is a sinister in straining relationships. When we laugh to belittle others, we’re hurting people to the core. Follow the rule of respect and honor. What we send out will come back to us.

 

4. Accept people the way they are. When we allow people to be who they are, we’re making them feel at home. Some people like to talk others don’t. Some want to jump in and help others want to lounge. Some like to socialize others want to take a nap at every opportunity they get. Don’t think, “What’s wrong with them?” Don’t judge. Allow people to be who they are. Live and let live!

 

5. Go easy with the rules. If you have small children, give them a break. Certainly, we don’t want them to act without manners but family get together is not an ideal place to train your child. Give them instruction beforehand. Teach them after. If you have to correct them, take them to a private place and do it as quietly as possible.

 

6. Get out of the house. Walking, playing and fresh air do wonders to our body. Encourage everyone to some sorts of movement. This is especially important if you’re planning to eat a big meal together.

 

7. Keep God in the conversation. Deposit something spiritual in each other. We all have much to thank God for. None of us got to where we are or have what we have without His blessings. We can whine about a renegade society or include Him in our time with our family. When we make room for God in our conversation we’re passing on a Godly heritage.

 

Enjoy your family. Also remember the lonely, elderly and broken hearted. Include them if you can. What you do for others, God will make happen for you. Spend time with your family. They’re a gift from God!

 

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (I Timothy 5:8 NIV).

 

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God is Not Finished Yet

As we come to the end of this year, many have mentally transitioned into the next year. Maybe it has been a tough year for some. They want to move on to the next. But I want to remind you, God is not finished yet!

If there’s one thing I don’t like about God is that He often shows up in the last minute. In my younger years, it caused me great frustration. He was never late but frequently last minute. I lodged many complaints but His reply was, “Have I ever failed you?” That was the end of our conversation because God was never late!

One thing we’ll do good to learn is to wait for God until the last minute. You may not have what you hoped for. But if you wait patiently till the end, God will come through. If you have a medical condition, don’t just accept what the doctor’s report say. Instead, remind yourself that God is restoring your health even right now.

This is what happened to a man sitting by the Pool of Bethesda waiting to be healed for thirty eight years! The Scripture says that he had a withered hand. One day Jesus showed up and saw this man in great despair. Jesus asked, “Do you want to be healed?” The man replied, “I have no man to help me!” This man had resigned to his fate that nothing ever will change. He had written himself off. May be you’re in a place in your relationship and you’ve written it off. May be you’ve lost a lot of money in your business this year and you see no way to recover it. You may have written off a child or a legal situation. I’m asking you – don’t! God is not finished yet. We still have more than fifteen days left of this year. God can and He is poised to do the miracle you’ve been waiting for. Don’t give up, don’t give in. God’s UPS van is en-route to deliver what belongs to you.

It is good to plan ahead and look into 2014. But don’t leave this year without fully appropriating what belongs to you. God has your dream job in store. He has connections lined up for you. He knows what medicine will work to restore your health. If you’re a teacher, you haven’t taught your best lesson yet. If you’re in sales, you haven’t made your biggest sales yet. If you trust Him and stay faithful, a flourishing finish is waiting for you. God is not finished yet.

In the gold rush days, Darby’s uncle from Maryland had gone west to Colorado and eventually came across gold ore. When financing was secured Darby and his uncle returned to work in the mine. Initially things were going according to plan. The first remnants of gold they discovered were shipped to a smelter and the returns provided a promise that they could have one of Colorado’s richest mines. They continued to drill then the unthinkable happened! The vein of gold ore suddenly disappeared. At first they continued to drill taking themselves deeper into debt and despair. Then they finally decided to quit. They sold the drilling machinery to a nearby junkman and returned home. The Junkman didn’t believe that their mine had no gold. He hired a mining engineer. The finding was shocking! They found the vein of gold that Darby and his uncle had been seeking, was just three feet from where they had stopped digging. Junkman continued drilling and that is precisely where the gold was found.

Let me ask you a question. If you knew you’re three days away from your healing, will you quit? If you knew you’re going the make the biggest sale of the day, will you be discouraged? If you knew God was going to give you that dream job you’ve been praying for, will you stop sending those resumes? If you knew you’re going to meet the person of your dream next week, will you be discouraged? What about the mountain of debt? Will you throw in the towel if God was to cancel that debt? Friend, you’re only three feet away from hitting your “gold.” God is orchestrating things and people in your favor. Give him some praise for your breakthrough. You will build that orphanage. You’ll build that church God placed in your heart. God has great things in store for you. 2013 is not over yet. Let’s work hard and hold on to our faith and confession. God is not finished yet! I’m praying for you.

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 ESV).

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God will Use Your Shortcoming

What a wonderful season of the year this is! Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love to see happy faces, festivities and the hustle and bustle of shopping and good times. Unfortunately for many, this is the worst time of the year.

I know people who dread festivities, good times and enjoying themselves. They retrieve because they’d done something wrong in the past. Guilt, shame and regret engulf their lives. Some resort to alcohol, drugs and other self-inflicting vices. We should never judge people like that instead, reach out and try to include them in our circle.

I can speak for myself. I made many blunders in my life. Believe it or not, I used to be selfish, moody, insecure, unfaithful, unreliable, lying blankety blank. (I’m still working on some of these issues.) When I felt guilt and condemnation, I’d turn to do more of the same thinking, I’m good for nothing. I don’t deserve anything better. Thankfully, a series of event in my life catapulted me to take a hard, long look at myself. I had to decide whether to let the enemy’s voice win or accept God’s plan for my life. I chose the latter and what a ride it has been since then. Today, I’m able to minister to thousands facing those same issues.

Here’s what I’ve learnt. When you’ve done something wrong or something bad happens to you, there are three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you or allow it to strengthen you. If we have God’s perspective, we’ll always allow our weakness to strengthen us.

Many people sit on the sideline today because they made a mistake thirteen years ago. There are others who feel less of themselves because they don’t think they look beautiful nor have any talent. They constantly feel inferior amongst others. They look down on themselves and mistakenly give heed to the accusing voices of the devil. Don’t let that be you. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” God will use your shortcomings to thrust you into amazing things God has in store for you.

This is what happened to Zacchaeus in the Bible. He had two things going against him. He had a bad reputation as a tax-collector and he was short in stature. Understandably, Zacchaeus allowed his self-esteem to drop but deep in his heart, he had a desire for God. He wanted to do the right thing. He wanted to see Jesus. There was no way for sinner Zacchaeus to get close to the Holy Man but he was determined. So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree. You know, today, people everywhere are looking for Jesus. If we Christians were a little more sensitive to their need and less judgmental to their sins, many more will follow Him. That’s exactly what happened to Zac. Jesus overlooked all the people pressing on Him and looked straight to Zac and said, “Come down, we’re going to dinner together.”  Jesus saw the heart of Zacchaeus while people looked at his shortcomings. Friend, Jesus is looking at you today. If you’re wrestling with your past, let it go; there’s no future there. The enemy has kept you crippled for too long. Why don’t you accept God’s free gift of forgiveness and mercy? He has a life waiting for you that you cannot comprehend. Today is your day. Will you turn to Christ?

Friend, there’s no better time to get your life right with God than this time of Christmas. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” That’s Good News my friend. It doesn’t matter where you have been. What matters is where God can take you. Will you say this prayer with me? “Dear Jesus, I know I have sinned. I need a Savior. I accept you as my Lord. I repent from my sins. Give me the strength to overcome sin and bad habits by the power of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name.” Friend, if you prayed that prayer, you’re born again. Tell someone about your experience today and let the God of peace lead and guide you in all Truth. I’m praying for you!

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10 NLT).

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Declare Your Way to Victory

Hard to believe that we’re in the last month of another great year! For some of you, it may not have been the best yet but we still have time to declare our way to a flourishing finish.

A mature Christian is someone who knows how to wait expectantly with a good attitude. Often, we don’t get what we want according to our own timeline. It is those who wait patiently till the end will inherit God’s promises. When God puts a dream or a desire in your heart, you have to believe in that promise stronger than any circumstances that may indicate otherwise. It is called faith.

Your medical report may look impossible. The debt may look insurmountable. The job opportunity may not have come to you yet. Your children may look as lost as a heathen. The person of your dream is nowhere in sight. All the odds maybe stacked against you but know this – if God has spoken it, He will also bring it to pass. You may not see how but He will make up the commission for the whole year. In my language there is a saying, “When God gives He gives outrageously!”

This is what happened to Peter in the Bible. He was a professional fisherman. Along with his associates, he had toiled all night. They had caught nothing! In the middle of their deepest despair, Jesus showed up. He instructed them to cast their net in a specific place. I can hear the fishermen whispering among themselves, “We’re professional at this. Who does He think He is? Why don’t you stick to your teaching and let us do the fishing?” Thank God Peter didn’t act on his thoughts. He obeyed and cast the net at the promise Jesus made. They caught so much fish that their nets were breaking. They hauled two boats load of fish!

Friend, you maybe toiling all year for your “catch” but don’t give up now. If you don’t get discouraged and keep a thankful attitude, God still has a whole month to shift things in your favor. You must have unshakable faith in the promise of God. The legal battle may have dragged on but there’s a flourishing finish waiting for you. The debt may have slowed you down but you’re going to come out of it. The market may have been more down than up but your stock is going to roar. The house will sell more than you were asking for. Focus on God’s ability and not on your circumstances. When you magnify God, He will do amazing things beyond your wildest dream!

The key to getting over our problems is to declare victory before we ever get there. Our words have creative power to establish what we speak. The Bible says, you shall decree (declare) a thing and it shall come to pass. Of course, we have to take corresponding actions to what we’re saying. But when we speak out God’s promises, we breathe life to the dreams and visions God put in our hearts.

When I was in school, my friend Dhiraj fell in love with a young girl. They’re too young to get married. Back then, in our culture, the relationship between a girl and a boy had to be kept secret. But my friend was so in love that he made his intentions known to everybody. Soon Dhiraj was called to the principal’s office. While the girl was a genius, my friend was the opposite. But he had one thing going for him. He had made up his mind to marry this brilliant girl. The whole school was against him. They were forced to be separated. Dhiraj never lost the vision of marrying the girl of his dream. He kept declaring how he was going to marry his girl. Today they’re a happy family, living their dream.

Friend, what is your dream? What are you believing God for? What is the desire your heart? Don’t look at the bigness of your problem; instead shift your focus on the bigness of your God. Don’t pay attention to how you feel or what you see. Everything is subject to change in an instant. If God has said it, He will also bring it to pass. This December, declare your way to victory! I’m praying for you.

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them” (Mark 11:23 NIV).

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