Be Ambitious for God

Since the day we were born, most of us are taught to be happy and pursue happiness. It is not wrong to be ambitious. However, if that is the focal point of our existence, then we’re missing the boat. The greatest happiness you’ll ever find is experiencing God on a continual basis.

Being ambitious for God is not about performance. It is having a desire to please God in everything we do and make decisions affect Him. God has given us the freedom to choose. We have entered into a relationship where everything is based on love and trust. When we wake up every morning and ask God for His direction, we’re being ambitious for God. When we leave our homes looking for people to help, we’re being ambitious for our Master. When we’re representing Him with honesty and integrity in the marketplace, we’re standing out for our God. If we’re not intentional about these things, we will have little impact for our Lord and Savior.

William Carey, the great missionary to India, said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things from God.” When we set spiritual goals, we’ll have an opportunity to achieve them. If we involve God in our personal lives, homes and at work, we’ll change our world for the betterment of God’s Kingdom.

In our personal lives, we can start with a commitment to connect with God daily. A recent survey in America showed the average household has 4.4 Bibles. Fifty-seven percent of those people only read their Bible four times a year or less. Young people are moving away from the Bible. A majority (57%) of those ages 18-28 read their Bibles less than three times a year. Only twenty-six percent of Americans say they read their Bible on a regular basis (four or more times a week). We all agree that our country is on a moral decline, but what are we going to do about it? I challenge you to read the Bible every day. Start with only a chapter or even a verse. Keep the Bible in your favorite couch. Have a set time (morning is the best) to read the Wisdom Book. When you give God’s Word priority over your life, you’re honoring God, and He will honor you back in everything you do. In communist China, underground Christians share one Bible between dozens of believers. Leaders get arrested and thrown into prison for owning a Bible or conducting a house church. Is there any wonder, China is on course to become ‘world’s most Christian nation’ within 15 years?

The best Christian homes take their families to church. This is a great start but don’t just be a pew-warmer. Yes, we must gather together in the house of God. But we will have little or no impact if we do not honor God in our own homes. J. Edgar Hoover said, “If discipline were practiced in every home, juvenile delinquency would be reduced by 95%.” What children get, they give to society. When kids watch their parents living in harmony, honoring each other, and living a God-fearing life, they will pick up on it. They too will model their lives to be ambitious for God. The greatest investment we can make on our kids is not to leave a great inheritance, or give them a great education in their career, but to help them encounter God and pursue His plans for their lives. The world doesn’t need more professionals; we need more disciples of Christ.

At work, we can be ambitious for our God as well. In certain religions, they take time out in the middle of their work hours to worship God. Why are we afraid to bring our faith to work? Allow me let you in on a secret. If you’re the best producer and hardest worker at your job, management doesn’t care what religion you practice. I’m not telling you to be obnoxious, but to gently, quietly, and deliberately live your faith at work. If you do not compromise your character or your faith, you’ll be working for God at your job and make the devil pay for it!

Friend, set some impossible goals for the extension of His Kingdom. Don’t just settle for giving 10% of your income to God. How about joining a neighborhood evangelism team? Serve at a local food bank. Visit the elderly, homeless and the prisons. Go on a missions team with Build International. The possibilities are endless. If you have a desire to attempt great things for God, He will make is possible for you to experience great things for Him.

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV).

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Have a Burning Desire

A burning desire is the starting point of any accomplishment. It may sound unreasonable but most people do not have a strong desire for anything. Those who know what they want and go after it usually get what they want.

Human nature is to want. However, if our “want to” is not bigger than our circumstances then we’ll live a limited life. How big is your want to? Just like a small fire cannot give much heat, a weak desire cannot produce great results. Throughout history, those who had a strong desire changed the world. You too can change your world with a burning desire to get anything you want.

Once, a young man asked Socrates the secret to success. Socrates told the young man to meet him near the river the next morning. They met. Socrates asked the young man to walk with him toward the river. When the water got up to their necks, Socrates took the young man by surprise and dunked him under the water. They boy struggled to get out but Socrates was stronger and held him down. When the boy started to drown, Socrates raised the boy’s head out of the water. The first thing the young man did was to gasp for air. Socrates asked, “What did you want the most when you were under water?” The boy replied, “Air.” Socrates said, “That is the secret to success. When you want something as intensely as you wanted air underwater then you will have it.” This illustration may seem too drastic but friends, there’s no shortcut to success. An acorn has to decide if it wants to become a giant oak tree over a period of struggle and persistence to survive or lunch for the squirrel.

Napoleon Hill said, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe the mind can achieve.” Many Christians do not know what the Bible has promised them because they don’t make time to read “the will.” When we take time to study God’s Word, we can learn what God has promised us and appropriate it for the good of others. When you have a burning desire for something you will do anything to get it.

In Mark chapter 2:1-12, Jesus is confronted with a paralytic. When his four friends couldn’t get to Jesus through the crowd in and outside the house where He was teaching, they climbed on top of the building. What they did next was unthinkable! It wasn’t even their house but they tore open the roof and lowered the paralytic down right in front of Jesus. I’m not sure if it was the burning desire of the sick person or the desperation of his friends, who didn’t want to have to carry him around any longer, that healed this man. However, one thing is for sure, they displayed their faith in God and they had a burning desire to see this paralytic healed. When Jesus saw their faith, He healed the paralytic and forgave his sins. That is a shining example of a burning desire. These friends wouldn’t take no for an answer. A burning desire will compel you to take action. What is your burning desire? Do you have a promise from the Bible to go after it? Today is the day, now is the time.

The scripture says, “For He satisfies the longing soul. And the hungry soul He filleth with good” (Psalm 107:9 ASV). What that means is you have an open invitation from your heavenly father. If you desire the salvation of your loved one, you have it. If you need healing -- it’s yours. If you are struggling for resources -- He is your Provider. If you’re having sleepless nights, God has promised sound sleep. If you’re fighting a legal battle, the victory is yours. Job, promotion, increase, and influence can all be yours if you want it badly enough. How big is your want to? Are you ready to breakout and prosper? Don’t just do it for yourself, do it for your family. Do it for your community and your country. Together, let’s change our world for Jesus!

Whatever you desire, make sure you’re helping others. When your desire lines up with God’s, you can achieve anything. I proclaim and declare that you’ll fulfill every obligation. You will live in divine health. You’ll have meaningful relationships. Your business will thrive again and your family will not be ashamed. Good days are ahead of us. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. I love you and I’m praying for you!

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 ESV).

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You Have What It Takes

Our attitude is one of the greatest assets we have. We can use it to our own advantage or we can use it against ourselves. When we accept that we’re complete in Him we don’t have to strive for success.

I heard of an older man who made his living selling balloons at a fair. He had balloons of many different colors, including red, yellow, blue, and green. Whenever business was slow, he would release a helium-filled balloon into the air. When the children saw the balloon go up, they all wanted one. They would come up to him, buy a balloon and his sales would go up. All day, he continued to release a balloon whenever the sales slowed down. One day, the balloon man felt some tugging at his jacket. He turned around and a little boy asked, “If you release a black balloon, would that also fly?” Moved by the boy’s concern, the man replied gently, “Son, it is not the color of the balloon; it is what’s inside that makes it go up.”

The same principle applies to our lives. It’s not so much what’s around us that matters but what’s on the inside that counts. Here’s what I’ve learnt in life. We don’t need a lot of talent, education, connections or a ton of money to succeed in life. We need the anointing of God. When God breathes in your direction, it will take you further than someone who has exceptional talents. In case you’re wondering, God has anointed you with favor like a shield (Psalm 5:12).

Once, Jesus was teaching to thousands of people. It was getting late and people were hungry. Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “I want you to give them something to eat.” They were in the middle of nowhere. There were no grocery stores or other source of food. At first glance, it may seem like Jesus was asking them to something impossible. But here’s the key. God will never ask you do something without first giving you to ability to it. The size of your problem is an indication of the size of your victory that awaits you. Your miracle right now is within your reach. You can handle it. You have what it takes.

At the command of Jesus, the disciples began to make all sorts of excuses. Finally they said, “Jesus, all we have is five loaves of bread and two fish from a little boy but what is that among so many?” Jesus said, “Bring them to me.” He blessed it and the rest is history. What situation you’re in? Bring it Jesus. He will bless it and make you overflow.

Like a helium balloon, what makes you go up is what’s inside. Are you powered by Jesus inside or are you striving on your own? William James of Harvard University said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering the attitudes of their minds.” When we have the right mental and spiritual attitude, we can achieve anything in life.

You have what it takes! You lack nothing. You’re not stuck. You have options. God is breathing in your direction. Healing is yours. The legal situation is there to propel you to the next level. One touch of God’s favor is going to bring you the biggest client in your business. You’re not an orphan left alone on earth to fight life through on your own. Jesus said, “The Holy Spirit is your Helper.” Instead of looking at how bad your situation is why don’t you look at how big your God is? He turned water into wine, parted the red sea, raised the dead and fed thousands. Certainly, He can take care of you. Friend, you have what it takes. God is working. Give Him some praise. The answer is on its way. I’m praying for you!

“So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (Colossians 2:10 NLT).

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Look Beyond Your Circumstances

When we are faced with difficulties, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the situations in our lives. Problems, trials, and temptations come to everyone. True champions are those who learn to look beyond their circumstances and who hope in God’s interventions.

Anyone can complain but you are better than that! When we face problems with a winning attitude, we will see everything from a different perspective. The bigger the problem, the bigger the victory! The Bible says that the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. That means, when you’re living a God-pleasing life, everything will turnout for your good. What looks like a setback is actually a setup to propel you to the next level.

If you received a negative report from your doctor, don’t just look at it and say this is my lot. The people in medical science are doing everything that can to get you well. But there are times when the problem is beyond the doctor’s abilities. You have to make up your mind and say, “I know I will overcome this sickness; this too shall pass. I’m not moved by what I see; I’m going to live by what I know.” When you look beyond your circumstances and put your faith in His Word instead of your fate, God will honor you.

Recently I was ministering in Laos. While it is a beautiful country, it is one of the five communist countries still remaining in the world. Pastor Khamphone has suffered much persecution in the hands of the communists but God has always been faithful to Him. Once, he needed $40,000 to complete the roof of his church. He had no way of coming up with such astronomical amount. So he prayed. One day Pastor Khamphone received a phone call from a stranger. He went to pray for this businessman who was in dire straits. After prayer pastor Khamphone came home not expecting anything. The next day the Laotian businessmen sent a bag full of money. When they counted, it was exactly the $40,000 they needed to complete their church roof! In your times of difficulty, remember that God has ways that we do not know about. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Today Pastor Khamphone leads 700 churches! King David said, “Those who hope in the Lord will not be ashamed” (Psalm 25:3).

You may be going through a fierce financial battle. Don’t throw up your hands and say, “This is not working. There’s no way I can pay my bills on time. I will spend rest of my life paying off my mortgage.” These may be your financial affairs but don’t underestimate God’s intervention. Once, Jesus was faced with tax collectors. Jesus didn’t have a bank account or a secret stash of cash hidden somewhere. He ordered Peter to go fishing. Odd as it was, Peter obeyed and the very first fish he caught had a gold coin in its mouth to pay for their taxes. What’s my point? When you’re in a financial crisis, go fishing. Seriously, Jesus created the world’s wealth yet He taught us to trust in God’s provision in times of our needs.

Friend, don’t be a rollercoaster Christian – up when you have some good news and down when you don’t see anything happening. I’m not making light of your grave situation but I am asking you to cast all your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you. He loves you too much to let you suffer. You may have even brought this situation upon yourself but don’t you dare make excuses for your bad brakes breaks. Our God is slow to anger and full of compassion. He’s a merciful God. Plead mercy! Trust in Him and learn an expensive lesson. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick” (Mark 2:17 NIV).

Let me speak a blessing over your life. You will overcome every obstacle standing in your way. You will live and not die and proclaim the works of the Lord. You will come out of your financial challenges better off than ever before. You will lend and not borrow. You will meet the person of your dreams. You will go on that mission trip. Your business will thrive again. Your children will serve God. You will live the happy, healthy, and abundant life Jesus died for. Instead of considering your circumstance, consider your God. I am ministering in India but I’m praying for you today!

Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God” (John 11:40 NIV)?

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Resurrecting Your Dreams

Every single one of us goes through life with some disappointment, loss, or broken dreams. This doesn’t mean we’re failing but it shows that we’re trying. The only difference between success and failure is when we stop trying and give up.

Many people are living a down, defeated and mediocre life because they have given up on themselves. People debate that the richest place on earth is not the diamond mines of Africa or the oil fields of the Middle East. However, I’ve found that the richest place on earth is the graveyards where dreams got buried without ever being fulfilled. Witty inventors, engineers, doctors, scientists, authors, business persons, politicians, actors, artists are buried in there because people gave up a little too soon. They died with their dreams still inside. Today, my challenge to you is don’t die with a dream still in your heart.

In the Bible, if someone stole an ox, he had to pay back five oxen. If someone stole a sheep, he had to return four more. Proverbs says the thief will have to return seven times more than what he stole. In Isaiah, God promised that He would pay you back double for your trouble. Notice the principle, God always gives you back more than what you’ve lost!

Our co-workers in India work among the slum dwellers. They minister to the poorest of the poor, who spend their day looking through the garbage or doing menial jobs. Their ambition is to find something – in the trash. Our evangelists are faithful to share the Gospel with them. By the grace of God, a large number of slum-dwellers have come to know the Lord. Their prayer to God has been for a better life. You know, there’s a special place in God’s heart for the poor.

One day, the slum-believers got news that the government was going to widen the road and their little shacks were going to be demolished. They were in total despair! But they prayed and trusted the Lord for their safety and protection. Not many days after the “bad news,” they got another report. The local government was going to give them a substantial amount of money so each of them could have their brick and mortar house. They were also promised one government job (steady income) for each family for the rest of their lives for the inconvenience of having to move away from their “homes.” What looked like a disaster for the slum-dwelling believers became a huge blessing from the Lord.

Friend, sometimes what looks like a setback is actually a setup. Right now God is getting you in position to promote you! You may feel defeated and discouraged but instead of feeling despair, why don’t you trust in God that somehow, someway, He will turn your tears into triumph! Remember, nothing happens to you; everything happens for you. Your greatest battle ground will become your biggest harvest field. It’s time for you to resurrect your dream.

Today as you celebrate Easter, remember, no other man in history has done what Jesus did for us. Painful as it was, our Lord went through the experience of Calvary because He saw the crown and not the cross. He kept the resurrection in focus.

You too have gone through the death. You’ve gone through the burial. Now is your time for resurrection! When you look beyond your pain, suffering, and disappointments, then you’ll find it easy to get to your resurrection. Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Friend, just because a few things have gone wrong in your life doesn’t mean God is through with you. You have kept the faith. You’ve helped a multitude of people. You’ve sacrificed for your family. You have taken a stand for God. You’ve kept your integrity.

Don’t just think that your reward is coming, your reward is here. Today is the day. This is the week. This is the month. This is the year! God never aborts a dream. I pray and declare that every dream you’ve received from God will come to pass. All of the dreams you buried will come back to life. You’ve gone through the death, you’ve gone through the burial, now is the time for your resurrection. Happy Easter!

“We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance” (Psalm 66:12 NLT).

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Everything is About to Change

Where I live in DFW, and in most parts of this country, we’re experiencing spring taking over the gray state of life. What looked dead for months is suddenly coming back in full color. Trees are blossoming and wild Texas bluebonnets are everywhere.

What happens in the natural is often a symbol of what God is doing in the spiritual. For many of us, we’ve lived in a long dormant season of financial drought, sickness, loneliness, lack, and despair. Things may have looked dead for a long time but today God is saying, “Spring is coming back! I’m going to color your life beautifully, like you’ve never experienced.” Friend, your world is going to be filled with laughter, joy, peace, health, and wealth again. Everything is about to change!

This is what happened to a man named Hezekiah in the Old Testament. He had been sick to death. They didn’t have modern medicine or a cure for what may have been considered shingles today. Hezekiah didn’t know what to do so he called for a prophet to predict his future. Prophet Isaiah said, “Set your house in order. You will die.” This is not the verdict Hezekiah was waiting for. Amazingly, he didn’t get discouraged and accept defeat.

When you’re going through a rough patch, don’t accept the doctor’s report as the final decision. Don’t give into what the “experts” in the financial industry are saying. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Give them due respect but ultimately, do like Hezekiah did. The Bible says that he turned his face to the wall and began to remind God of all the good things he had done. Do not mistake this for earning God’s favor with good works, but when we remind God of our devotion, honesty, integrity and faithfulness to Him, it gets His attention. You’ve taken your family to church. You’ve financed the work of God. You have blessed your enemies. You’ve kept the peace at home and at work. Listen, ALL of that counts! NOTHING you do for God will be unrewarded.

Friend, God’s mercy is unfathomable. We cannot comprehend God’s goodwill towards us. He will change His mind if He has to in order to give us the good life we desire. What can separate us from the love of God? Nothing! Hezekiah reminded God of his good deeds and would you believe it, before prophet Isaiah could even get out of the building, God told him to turn around and tell Hezekiah that God had changed his mind! God added fifteen more years to Hezekiah’s life!

You may not understand what’s happening to you right now. But trust in Him. God will use your obstacles as your stepping stones. He will take your problems and propel you to the next level. The winds are shifting. The tide of God’s favor is rising. You’re going to get unstuck and sail the great ocean to do business is deep waters. Get a vision for what your life could be. Let it sink deep down in your spirit. God is not limited by anything. His dreams for you are bigger than your own. Right now God is putting things in place to give you an amazing future!

When Hezekiah heard the good news, he took off his grave clothes and put on his praise suit. He thanked God for the new season of increase coming into his life. He may not have felt any different but he knew everything was going to be alright. God had made an adjustment. The wind of favor was blowing in his direction.

The same is happening for you my friend. When you honor God with your life, He will honor you. Let me speak a blessing over you today. A new season of increase is about to break forth in your life. Your days of trials, lack, and hardship are coming to an end. Your enemies will be scattered and your victory will be sweet. You will overcome sickness and the bad habits that have cast a shadow in your life. You will live and not die and declare the works of the Lord. You will find your dream job and your days of loneliness are over. Laughter, increase, and influence will find you.  Now, would you give God some praise? Everything is about to change!

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness” (Psalm 30:11 ESV).

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God Has Provisions Waiting for You

None of us know what is in our future. We all worry – some more than others. Worrying is not a sign of weakness. However, if we want to live a peaceful, joyful, and productive life then we have to learn that God will take care of us.

When we learn to depend on God, we will live a carefree life. When we do not allow stress and our circumstances to dictate our lives, then we can enjoy every day. Today, no matter what you’re facing, you must know that God has provisions waiting for you!

At work, you may have a challenging boss, co-workers, or a hard task. You may not see how to get past that negative situation every day. Sales may be slow and the market may be down. You may not have had a commission in a long time. You’re beginning to feel fatigued and get discouraged. Today, I have good news for you. Recently, a friend told me “Sandy, my boss is amazed! I’ve been at my work for only a few weeks and I’m already selling more than the people who have been there much longer!” I told him what I’m telling you, “You have the Joseph anointing. It’s not you, but God’s favor is working on your behalf.” It’s good to work hard and give our due diligence but when you call in God’s favor, He will go to work with you! Don’t complain, instead, stay in faith that God has 101 ways to multiply your efforts. Do your best and let God do the rest. God has provisions waiting for you!

Once, a man of God in the Bible was affected by a famine in the land. God told him to go to a city called Zarephath, where He had chosen a widow to supply his needs. When Elijah got there, the poor widow was collecting wood to make the last meal for her son and die. Elijah said to the widow, “First make me some bread and then your supply will never run dry as long as the famine last.” Amazingly, the poor widow agreed! She took care of Elijah and her supply never ran out. Friend, is there a famine in your life? Has it been difficult to pay your bills? Are you robbing Paul to pay Peter? Are you struggling hand to mouth? Today I want to encourage you. God has provisions waiting for you. My challenge to you is will you look to God as your Provider?

Some of you are concerned about the spiritual welfare of your family members. Pray for them. Be an example but don’t worry about them. God has provisions waiting for you. I heard of a young man that got into trouble and landed in prison. The family was very distraught and kept praying that God would save his life. In the prison, this young man and another inmate got in a fight over the remote control while debating what show to watch. In the middle of their heated argument, a large man walked into the scene. He grabbed the remote control from them. Petrified, the young man was leaving the room when the large man grabbed him and said with a gruff voice, “Sit down!” He started flipping through the stations and found an inspirational channel. The young man was convicted. He remembered his family trying to tell him about the Lord. He broke down and began to cry! Right there in the prison, the large man led the young man to the Lord!

Friend, God has provision ready for you. What do you need today? If you’re fighting a sickness, God will heal. If you’re having a problem in your relationship, God will restore. If you’re lacking and struggling to pay your bills; if your business is slow, God will bring increase. He has financial abundance waiting for you. If you are struggling with a long-term addiction, freedom awaits you. I request that you do two simple things: give your due diligence and then turn it over to God. Say it with me, “My God shall supply ALL my needs. I will obey and honor God with my life and He will honor me.” Now sing with me, “Don’t worry, be happy!” I’m praying for you my friend. God has provisions waiting for you!

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

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5 Facts You Must Know About Yourself

One of the main reasons why people struggle is our own perception of who we are. We often tend to identify and magnify the gifts and talents in others but we’re not so sure about our own abilities.

We get our self-esteem from various sources. It can come from parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Even religious leaders may have taught us not to think too highly of ourselves. We must be humble but if we don’t have God’s perspective on who we are, then we’ll go through life thinking less of ourselves.  Today let’s discuss five important facts you must know about yourself.

#1. You’re magnificent. Of all the breathtaking creations in the world, you’re God’s best! You’re created by design. When we accept that God made us in His own image, it changes everything. You’re stunningly beautiful. You have the smarts. Your personality matches with your purpose. You’re here in this time and space to change the world. Let this truth sink deep down into your heart. Say it with me, “I am magnificent!” Agree with God because that’s what He says about you.

#2. You’ve got what it takes. God has equipped you with the right gifts and talents. You don’t need to be anybody else. The original YOU is more explosive than all the dynamite in the world. Quit comparing yourself to others. Accept who you are. Take some time to discover your own uniqueness – flaws and all. Albert Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it’s stupid.” Find your mojo and be the best YOU that you can be! You’re a great husband, Dad, brother, and neighbor.

#3. You have the right connections. How many times do we suck up to people thinking they will open doors for us? There’s nothing wrong with trying to meet people and look for opportunities but you’ll have a greater sense of confidence if you accept that God is your source. He’s your strongest link to success. The Scripture puts it this way, “If God is for us, who can be against us!” Let’s stop the frustrating cycle of trying to impress people. Right now, God has just the right people and connections lined up for you to take you to the next level. If you focus on impressing God, He will impress others about you!

#4. You have the favor of God. Your natural talents may not measure up but God’s favor will make up for your deficiency. Never be too lazy to do your best. After that, let God do the rest! That’s what the young shepherd boy David did. He was the anointed (favored) unprofessional and Goliath was the experienced professional. Get up each day and pray out loud, “Thank you Lord for giving me preferential treatment today. I have the favor of God. I expect victory and success in all I do.” My friend, this is the breakfast, lunch, and dinner of Champions!

#5. There’s always hope for you. Once someone told me, “You’ve lost the window of opportunity.” People have a hard time letting go of old memories but God will never write you off. Don’t let the sins of your past rob you of your bright future. No matter how down, defeated, or desperate you feel, you can come out of your misery in a split second. The first person you’ll meet when you decide to turn from your wrongs is Jesus. God is always there for you. His mercy endures forever! He is not mad at you, He is madly in love with you. Why don’t you take a moment now and make it right with God. Say this out loud with me, “Dear God, I made mistakes. I take ownership for my wrongs. I need your forgiveness. I accept the power of the Holy Spirit to fuel me from here on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Friend, no matter what you feel, always know these facts about you. You’re fearfully and wonderfully made. You are full of God’s can-do power. You have the right connections working on your behalf. God’s grace is sufficient for you. Nothing you do can separate you from the love of God. Now what are you waiting for? Go with God and make history!

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 NLT).

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Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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Mastering Your Money

Money is a big priority in our lives. Many talented people wasted their lives because they never learnt to manage their money. We do not always need more money.  If we learn to manage what God gives us, then we will become kings in life.

The other day I was talking to a young friend who is getting started in his financial business. He is a very hard working and honest man. As we were visiting, I casually shared my simple money views with him. I guess he was encouraged because he said, “Can you write those points for me?” I’m no Dave Ramsey, or Warren Buffett but today I will share with you what I have learnt about money.

First, don’t make money making your goal. The famous Zig Ziglar once said, “If you help enough people get what they want, you will always get what you want.” Money is a bi-product. There is nothing wrong in going after your dream job or wanting a profit from the business but if money is our main motivation, we’re running a poor business. When we follow God and maximize our gifts and the talent He has given us, money will follow. Seek God’s face more than you seek His hands.

Second, honor God by giving back. Be generous! The church has dwarfed people of faith by nagging members for 10% of their income. I say this with all due respect but this is not scriptural. There is nothing wrong with supporting our local churches, but church is people. We should be more concerned about building people than building buildings. In the New Testament, Jesus upheld the tithe but He didn’t stop there. He taught us to surrender ALL to God because it’s all His in the first place! God doesn’t want your money, He wants your life! This is what the church did in the Book of Acts and what a revolution they started! When we help the poor, the widows, and the persecuted, we’re advancing God’s Kingdom and accumulating treasure, both in heaven and here on earth. We should give according to what measure we want to get back. I challenge you to consider giving 80% of your income away. You may be tilting your head at me but try it and see what God does for you!

Third, pay yourself. Putting resources away for retirement, inheritance for the family, and investing are principles straight from the Scriptures. When we’re brainwashed to give everything away or never take a step of faith to bless others, then we have a skewed view of money. God instructed Joseph to save 20% for the famine to come. Joseph obeyed and the whole country was saved. Could it be, saving is God’s way for us also? God’s principle will still work if we only heed to His ways.

Fourth, pay your bills before they’re due. You would be amazed by how many people don’t pay bills on time. Remember, the pain of a bad habit can cost you much. Bank auto pay is a great way to pay our bills. Normally I have two days in a month when I pay my bills. I write the big bills first like giving a percentage to God, the mortgage, and so on. To eliminate late fees, I normally allow seven working days for the payments to process.

Fifth, owe nothing to anybody. With 15%-29% interests, credit cards are daytime robbery. The Bible says, “The borrower will be slave to the lender.” Once I foolishly put $10,000 on my credit card to pay a conference bill for a number of people. It took me three years and thousands of dollars in interest to pay it off. Now I carry a negative balance on that card. Here’s my advice. Have no more than two major credit cards. Apply for the ones that give you miles or rewards for using their card. Stay away from retail store credit cards. Unless you know you’re able to pay the FULL AMOUNT back at the end of each month, do not buy on credit. Carry only one card in your wallet for emergencies and leave the rest at home – especially the ones you’re tempted to use the most. Be smart. Exploit the system, don’t be a victim of it!

Last but not the least, if you’ve messed it up in the past, ask God for mercy. Change your habits and ask God for a financial miracle. My friend’s $100,000+ debt was canceled by the IRS! I pray for financial miracles every day and God answers my prayers. My friend, ask God for favor, be generous, show some character, learn to live within your means and you’ll experience a financial tsunami you’ve never imagined before. I’m praying for you!

“Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, "The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant" (Psalm 35:27 NAS).

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Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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How to Validate the Feelings of Others

One of the greatest human needs is to be validated. Validation simply means to understand and agree with a person’s feelings. Our feelings are neither good or bad. It only becomes right or wrong when we act on our feelings.

Yesterday, my sixteen year old daughter came to me asking for a favor. She said, “Daddy, I just need to get something off my chest. I need you to listen to me about something. I don’t want you to say anything.” My first thought was, “Girl, you’re a great communicator! Who’s your Daddy?” I assured her that she had my undivided attention and she began to spill what was on her heart. I didn’t offer one drop of advice, kudos to me. We hugged, she felt better, and the world lived happily ever after!

What my daughter needed was validation. While this is a good start for a teenager, I myself have not always been so enlightened on the subject. I’m still growing in this area. As a typical man, I used to be very generous about offering solutions to people’s problems. After much pain and heartache, I learnt that most of the time people don’t want to be fixed; they want to be heard. People are dying to share what they’re feeling but they want to do it in a safe environment.

People are smart. Most of the time people figure out the solutions to their own problems. They don’t need me. What we all want is validation. When we’re in doubt, when we’re struggling, we want to process life with someone who understands what we’re going through and approves of our feelings. This doesn’t have to mean we believe the same things or endorse their actions. People have a need to feel safe emotionally, to air their ideas and hang them on the lines of our hearts for some fresh air as we do with our laundry. When we think, pray, and process with them, often they find the answers to their own problems.

So how can we become effective in validating others? We can learn from our Lord -- the master communicator. When He met with the woman at the well, He didn’t condemn her. He didn’t grab her by the throat and tell her that she was going to hell for her crimes. No; instead he validated her. He drew the negatives out from her heart and turned them into positives. He didn’t condemn her but He didn’t condone her actions either. He lovingly said, “Go and sin no more.” How easy it was for her to swallow that pill! Friends, if you want to be like Jesus quit throwing stones at people. Validate others. Let me give you a few tips.

First, learn to listen. When we listen without interruptions and offering advice, we create a safe environment. We show respect and dignity when we allow the person to vent without making them feel guilty for their feelings.

Second, share your own shortcomings. When people are feeling bad about themselves, they feel condemned. That is not the time to say, “I told you so.” In vulnerable situations like that, it’s best to validate the person’s feelings by sharing very brief story about your own failure. This will still keep the conversation on the other person but ease the burden of guilt.

Third, become a consultant. Give advice if, and only if, it’s asked. Share only when the person is open, willing, and ready to receive it. When they are hungry for advice, they’ll be more willing to change. One of the best things we can do to help others is to allow them time and space to come up with their own solutions.

Today, let’s validate someone. Don’t prejudge a person. People treat us like the clothes we wear. They only see what we show them. Let’s take the time to listen to people. When we validate others, we give them wings to fly!

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19 NLT).

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Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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