It’s Time for Your Comeback

 

All of us make mistakes yet very few of us believe that anything good can come from them. We tend to supersize our wrongs and minimize our successes. If we’re to live a satisfied life, we have to learn to turn our mistakes into miracles.

 

Not everything that comes against you is from the pit of hell. God allows a difficulty or a hardship to occur in our lives so that He can bring something greater out of our circumstances. Things may be going the way you planned but you’re not going to end where you are. He has every intention of fulfilling your destiny. There is more for you than you realize. What’s waiting in your future is far greater than what’s happened in your past. Today I challenge you to look at your setback as a setup.

 

As a young cartoonist, Walt Disney faced many obstacles. Newspaper editors would constantly turn down his work. They thought he had no talent. They said that he had no imagination. One day, a minister in the church approached him to do some work for him. Disney was broke and he lived at a tiny place infested by rodents. It was the worst possible condition for him to be inspired about his work. One day he saw a little mouse running around in his humble abode. It made him sketch a new cartoon. That was the birth of Mickey Mouse and the rest is history.

 

Today you might be in a dark place. You may not understand why a chain of negative things has happened to you. Your business may not have turned a profit yet. You don’t even see the end of the tunnel, much less the daylight. The rent is past due. The creditors are calling. The boss is demanding and even your spouse is unhappy. The whole world seems to be caving in. If this is true, I have some good news for you. God is setting you up. It’s time for your comeback.

 

One day little Tommy came home from school visibly distraught. His mother found a note in his pocket. The teacher had written, “Your Tommy is too stupid to learn. Get him out of the school.” This made his mother mad because little Tommy was partially deaf. His mother pulled him out of school and she began to teach him at home. That little boy not only began to blossom under the loving care of his mother, he went on to become the great Thomas Edison even though he had only three months of formal schooling! 

 

Friend, it’s time to take off the labels; no matter who has written you off and who has said that you’ll never amount to anything, God has put a blessing on you and nobody can reverse that. Don’t believe every expert in your industry. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Believe in God and listen to your own inner voice. Trust your own instinct more than you value your friends. You’re not handicapped. You are not washed out. Your best days are still out in front of you. God has more in your future than all the failures in the past. If you keep the right perspective, God will help you rise above your mediocrity.

 

In 1914, Thomas Edison lost his factory to a fire. It was his lifetime of achievement. He was 67 years old. He had very little insurance. Edison watched helplessly as his lifetime effort went up in smoke. However, instead of lamenting, he said, “All our mistakes are burnt up. Thank God we can start anew.” Three weeks later, he invented the phonograph!

 

Friend, setbacks are inevitable. Learn from your mistakes but remember that God is not finished with you. He has plans for you that you do not know. He has the right people lined up for you. He has the right clients waiting for you. You’ll find your dream job. You will come into a great inheritance. Your children will come home to be a blessing to you. Your health will spring forth and you’ll live long to fulfill your divine destiny. Today, have a fresh attitude in life. You’re about to start a new chapter. Take off the labels people put on you. There is inspiration even in a despairing situation. God is setting you up. In the words of Chris Tomlin’s famous song, “Into the darkness You shine, Out of the ashes we rise, There’s no one like you. None like you! Our God is greater. Our God is stronger. God you’re higher than any other…” You’ve gone through the death. You’ve gone through the burial. Now it’s time for your comeback!

 

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18 NIV).

 

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Enjoying Everyday Life

Life is complicated. Our experiences of past, and present, pressure can rob the very life God has given to us. When we’re not careful, it’s easy to lose sight of the wonderful gift called today. God wants us to enjoy our lives.

The demands of life can squeeze the joy out of us. If we’re not careful, life will run us over and we’re going to waste valuable time stuck in a rut. I’ve found most of the time we’re griping about today was once an answer to our prayers. Often we’re waiting for the big miracle but I’ve learnt that life is a combination of tiny miracles. We will be wise to recognize them, glorify God, and enjoy everyday life.

Thirteen year old Athena, from Britain, passed away this summer. She was a victim of cancer but she never let her circumstances dictate her life. While cleaning out her room, her parents discovered a 3,000-word long, secret letter written on the backside of her bedroom mirror. Here’s an excerpt from the letter she left behind: 

“Happiness depends upon us. Maybe it's not about the happy ending, maybe it's about the story. The purpose of life is a life of purpose. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. Happiness is a direction not a destination. Thank you for existing. Be happy, be free, believe, forever young. You know my name, not my story. You have heard what I've done, but not what I've been through. Love is like glass, looks so lovely but it's easy to shatter. Love is rare, life is strange, nothing lasts and people change. Love is not about how much you say I love you — it’s about how much you can prove its true. Every day is special, so make the most of it, you could get a life-ending illness tomorrow so make the most of every day. Life is only bad if you make it bad. Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about. I want to be that girl who makes the bad days better and the one that makes you say my life has changed since I met her!”

Friend, live life with a passion! Enjoy the small things, for one day you’ll wake up and realize that they were the big things! You’ll attract whatever you focus on. Instead of dreading things, learn to enjoy the trips to the grocery store. You have money to buy what you need. When you hit traffic, thank God that you don’t have to walk or wait hours for a bus. Keeping the house clean can be a chore but know that there are millions who’d love to live in your palace. Kids may be cumbersome but greater joy is to remember that we’re preparing them for life. You may have a health issue and it may be restricting your life but aren’t you glad you’re still breathing? Any day is better than being six feet under! Let us enjoy life to the fullest.

Recently I met Mac. He is 82 years old. He told me how he exploited life in his younger life. He lived on Park Avenue and made millions. He traveled the world and owned expensive real estate. Today Mac is frail but he gets around. He has not lost the zest for life. He’s slowed down but you can still see the excitement in his eyes. He has regrets but he is more focused on the future than his past. He attends church regularly. He sings in the choir. He gives a big chunk of his possessions to help the work of God. He meets with his son every Wednesday for coffee. He attends network groups. Mac laments about the time and millions he lost but he takes pride in finding Jesus in his heart. Mac is living life to the fullest.

Friend, are you enjoying life or simply enduring it? Don’t just breathe — live! If you have kids, you’re rich. If you have dirty dishes, you have food to eat. If you’re stuck in traffic, you have a car to drive. If you have piles of laundry to do, you have plenty of clothes to wear. If you have Jesus, you have hope. Don’t just live for the big events in life, enjoy the morning walks. Smell the roses. Play with your kids. Enjoy reading the Bible with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Thank God for the three green lights in a row or finding a parking spot of your choice. Like my friend Mac, you learn to appreciate the small things in life. Change your perspective. Enjoy everyday miracles. It will change your life!

“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (James 4:14,17 NLT).

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Desire More for God

We are driven by desires. We strive to get to a better place with our lives. We want more comfort, better living conditions, plenty of affluence and influence. While none of this is wrong, our desire for God is more important in this life and beyond.

Yesterday, I met with two young ladies. We’ll call them Becky and Chelsea. They’re smart, beautiful, and full of purpose. They are highly successful in their own careers and they’re modest about their achievements. Both of them have traveled the world and lived overseas extensively, helping people that are less fortunate. Chelsea is a property manager but her real passion is to work with new immigrants giving them job skills and other valuable support; introducing them to our God. Becky has a booming business but she is constantly looking for ways to help others. Her dream is to have a restoration center healing God’s servants from around the world! Their love for God and His people is impeccable! What inspired me about these ladies is that they love life to the fullest but they also love God with their whole heart. As a matter of fact, everything they do is an overflow of their obedient commitment to Christ. My friends are marked for success!

I believe every human being is born with a God-shaped void in their hearts. We try to fill it up with busyness, relationships, building ourselves a name, fame, and a fortune. Climbing the corporate ladder is great but make sure it’s not leaning against the wrong wall. How we get there, and what we do when we arrive, make all the difference. The same is true in raising a family, growing a business, or even serving God in the ministry. Martha was busy ministering for Jesus. Mary ministered to Jesus. Mary was preferred! Nothing can fill the void in your life that only God can. He has reserved all the right to our love and affection. He laid His life down to express His love for us. Do you desire more for God as you do for material things in life?

My kids have three cats! I was out of my mind to allow them three kittens (they grow)! Seriously, they’re cute and they add a lot of joy. Fang is always getting into mischief. I have to get on to her more than the other two. However, it is Fang who jumps onto my couch every morning and cuddles with me while I’m having my tea and reading my Bible. She likes to do that throughout the day. I like all of our cats but Fang gets preferred treatment because of her affection for me. Many Christians go to God only when they have a need. There’s nothing wrong with asking God for stuff. But if our relationship is based on getting and not giving, then we’re living too shallow.

In the Bible, we find David always having a desire for more of God. He rose early in the morning to seek after Him. He took time to recall the blessings He received from God. He magnified God while he was surrounded by his enemies. David made God’s name famous. In return, in spite of his humble background, God made him the king of Israel and called David a man after His own heart. What about you? Do you have any conversation with God that does not involve your benefit? Do you ever ask God, “What you can do for you?” Do you actively seek for ways that will make His name great? Do you have a bucket list of what you want to do for God? You have goals for your own family and personal career but do you have a goal for your spiritual development? These questions are not to make you feel bad but if we don’t have a desire to live more for God, we’re not living life to our highest potential.

Let’s become lovers of God. He owns it all except our hearts. The Holy Spirit is a Gentleman. He will not occupy what you don’t surrender. It’s great to have goals and dreams and accumulate stuff but I’ve never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse! Nothing wrong in making a name or having fame but there’s nothing right doing it without God. Talk to Him regularly. Read His love letters, the Bible, to you. Know Him and make His name known to the world. Let’s be like my friends Becky and Chelsea and desire more for God. King David always made time for God, so can we. Like our cat if we get cozy with God, our lives will go better for us. Friends, I challenge you to desire more for God. When we live a God-pleasing life, everything else will automatically fall in place. God wants you. How much of God do you desire?

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1 NIV).

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How to Heal a Broken Relationship

Conflict is inevitable. People hurt us and we do the same to others. Nobody can be perfect 100% of the time. It’s only human to make mistakes. When a relationship is strained, we should take the high road and try to bring healing to the situation.

I find that most people want to repair a severed relationship. However, they don’t always have the tools to bring healing to a conflict. When we intentionally reach out to the other party, it honors God. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” Today, let’s look at a few tools that will help us mend a broken relationship.

Initiate the dialogue. Most people want to repair the damage but they want the other person to initiate things. If we can just swallow our pride, we can see great things coming out of the reconciliation; it doesn’t matter whose fault it was. The person who reaches out first is the bigger person. Be the bigger person.

Allow the anger to settle. When a relationship is damaged, people tend to be extra sensitive. When people are upset, it’s not the right time to make apology. Reaching out too quickly can hinder more than it can advance the cause for peace. Depending on the weight of the offense, it’s generally good to give someone at least 48 hours for things to cool down. People are high strung when they’re emotionally charged. Time doesn’t always heal everything but it can make things easier to deal with.

Don’t make light of the offense. No matter what caused the relationship to break down, understand that the person is still hurting. Right or wrong, people have the right to their feelings. It becomes harder on the person offended if we make light of our action. One of the best things to do is to take ownership of our action. We can say, “I’m sorry that I hurt you. I didn’t mean to. I will make sure that it doesn’t happen again.” Then shut up. Don’t try to explain yourself.

Be gracious to forgive. When people make sincere apology, don’t humiliate them by withholding your forgiveness. It takes a lot of humility and emotional strength to apologize. When people recognize their mistake and try to repair the damage, be a decent human being and minimize the shame. When we keep meddling with the offense and “keep the record straight,” we’re adding fuel to the fire. Never threaten or give ultimatums. He or she may not say the exact words you want to hear but you’re better off accepting the apology instead of dragging him or her through the mud again.

What goes around comes around. We have a tendency to forget that we too need mercy. When we’re being stiff about an offense, we’re hurting ourselves the most. People may not be fair but God is. When we don’t forgive others, God will not forgive us. What we don’t deal with now can haunt us for generations to come. Let’s forgive and bury the hurt. Life is too short to hold on to a grudge.

It may take time. Healing a relationship may not be instantaneous but it is worth it. When we try to hurry the other person, we risk delaying the process. Allow people some space. The bigger the offense the longer it may take to reconcile. Let them process your apology. If they’re big enough, they’ll come back to reconcile with you.

Be at peace with yourself. Some people will never forgive you no matter what you do to mend a relationship. If you don’t get a response after repeated attempts, let it go. You cannot force people to reconcile. Just do your part and allow God to vindicate you. Go on with your life.

Friend, no matter how it started, a restored relationship is divine. You have the right to be sour and bitter against people who have hurt you but it is not right to allow poison to take root in your heart. You can either get bitter or get better. Make that call to apologize today. Send a card. Give a gift. Write that email. When we live life as a healer, we’re being like Jesus.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother” (Matthew 18:15 ESV).

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5 Ways to Start Your Day Right

How we start our day usually sets the precedent for how the rest of it is going to go. If we have a great start, we can expect a great finish. If we’re not intentional about starting our day right, it is easy for us to fall off the wagon as the day goes by.

No matter what your past has been, remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life. What you do today will determine how your future is going to be. Let’s look at five things we can do to start our day right.

Sync with God. When we take the time to sync with our Maker, we tap into His potential in us. Spending time with God is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Making God the first priority in our lives plays it to our advantage. It brings us favor for the day. When we honor God with our time, He will honor us with His talents and treasures!

Honor your family. Our families are the most valuable to us. The world has a way to pull us down. When we wake up loving and blessing our family, we set a tone for positive experiences in life. Just like taking vitamins, give them your support right up front. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them. People are not mind readers. Say, “I love you. I believe in you. You can do anything. I’m proud of you!” Reassure them of your loyalty and commitment to them. When you have peace at home, you’ll have peace throughout the day.

Eat a healthy breakfast. We are a triune being. Our body, mind and soul are interconnected. If one part is not healthy, it will affect the other. If you had a million dollar race horse, would you feed it junk food and treat it ordinarily? You wouldn’t attempt to drive your car empty on gas and expect a smooth journey. Likewise, when we don’t eat a healthy breakfast, our body cannot give us the optimum performance. Eat selectively to put healthy protein and nutrition into your system. You’re made in the image of God. Your body is not only where you live but it’s where God lives. Honor God by honoring your body.

Reduce stress. A little bit of planning on our part can eliminate a lot of early morning drama. For example, fill up your gas tank at the end of the day instead of trying to do it before you head out to work. You already know that traffic is going to be unpredictable, why don’t you start fifteen to twenty minutes early every day? This means you may have to go to bed a few minutes earlier. Don’t burn the candle on both ends. If you’re chronically trying to find your keys, change your habits and place your car key right by the door every day. If you’re raising kids, make sure to prepare their clothes, shoes, and lunches the day before, not waiting until the morning rush. Planning ahead reduces pain for everybody. Reduce stress whenever you can!

Adjust your attitude. Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond. You can either be a thermostat or a thermometer. No matter what comes your way, don’t jump on the emotional roller coaster. You can control your emotions. No one can make you feel inferior without your permission. Just because people give you their toxic waste, doesn’t mean you have to take it. No one can make you upset, frustrated, and angry. You’re solely responsible for your own happiness. Time is how you choose to spend it and you have options. You can choose your career and the people you want to work for. Don’t allow other people and their behavior to put you in a bad mood. One of my friends says, “A bad attitude is like a flat tire; unless you change it you’re not going to go anywhere.” Be a bounce-back person. Not everything is going to go your way. Shake it off quickly and step it up. This day is a gift. Don’t let strangers, co-workers, or even your boss, steal the beauty wrapped up in it!

Friend, each new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. How you start this day will determine what the rest of your day will look like. Don’t fill your schedule with appointments. It’s better to be productive than to be busy. Let the Holy Spirit guide you today. Honor the people you love. Put proper fuel in your engine. Make someone’s day. Your attitude will determine your altitude. I pray and declare that the rest of your life will be the best of your life. Start today right!

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7 Reasons Why People Leave Church

 

People leave church for various reasons. Pastors, if you’re easily discouraged by people leaving then you have not fully understood your calling. Members leaving church is an occupational hazard. Stay-at-home Christians, you’re better off with imperfect believers than by yourself. The first one to leave the bunch gets eaten!

 

I find it amusing that while people from around the world are willing to put their lives on the line to be a Christian, believers in the West are leaving the church and even abandoning their faith. After talking to countless Christians and pastors, I’ve found a few common reasons why people leave their church. Today, my intention is not to criticize anyone but to shed some light and hopefully bring some understanding and reconciliation.

 

1. Lack of vision. Allow me to paraphrase the famous Gettysburg speech by Abraham Lincoln, “This church, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that church of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Many pastors have the attitude that, “If you come to my church, you have to support my vision.” Just because you walk into a shop doesn’t mean you should be forced to buy any of their products. Likewise, a church should open its door to serve the people and not other way around. When people feel that they’re loved, valued and appreciated, they’ll bend over backwards to support the vision of their leader. Build people and they’ll build your organization.

 

2. Leadership. Every great leader knows leadership without relationship is futile. When a church is birthed, there’s a great sense of bonding. Because it’s usually small in number, the quality of relationship and the communication between the leader and member is strong. As the church grows, that bonding starts to deteriorate. Members begin to feel unloved, uncared-for, and disillusioned. I say this respectfully but many leaders are narcissists. Hard to admit but I was! Unless we deal with our insecurity and become servant leaders by shifting the glory from ourselves to God and the people we serve, they will eventually leave us. Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43 NAS).

 

3. Doctrine. It’s amazing how many leaders are willing to lose everything for their doctrine. They cut down others to exalt themselves. Truth is none of us have it all. God reveals Himself to us in different ways. When we exalt our doctrines higher than our Lord’s love for people, we’re creating division. You don’t have to change your doctrine but be secure and mature enough to accept other people’s opinions as well. People don’t care how much you know unless they know how much you care.

 

4. Pressure to perform. When a new family joins the church, they’re heartily welcomed, celebrated, and held in highest regards. After a few months, the honeymoon is over and the welcome wears off. Now they’re haunted every week to be there more, volunteer, and bring their tithes and offerings. Morality cannot be legislated and charity cannot be forced. We should teach people that 100% of everything belongs to God. Why are we so obsessed with the 10%? When members feel loved, valued, and connected, they’ll give much more than the legal requirement. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep,” not beat them! People do more of what you brag about and less of what you nag about. Appreciate, recognize, and honor people for what they do.

 

5. Community. 86% people come to church because of a relationship. In the heart of every human being there’s a desire to belong. Starting from the pastor, when the culture of the church is community, it will continue to thrive. People drag their family to church fighting traffic, they give their time, talent, and treasures year after year but never get a personal visit, phone call, or even a thank you from their leader. When people feel they belong, they stay together. Promote community through your reaching out!

 

6. Lack of integrity. None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. Whether it is a moral failure, an embezzlement of funds, or drowning in building debt, the congregation wants to know the truth and honesty. People are far more willing to forgive, forget, and move forward when we’re transparent than when we try to hide and cover up. We’re all professional sinners. Forgiveness, grace, and greatness belong to those who humble themselves, acknowledge their mistakes, and make themselves accountable. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

 

7. Offense. We all come from various backgrounds and baggage. Not all members are spiritually on the same level. Most churches often fail to teach interpersonal relationships. When we propagate a consumer Christianity, people will be shallow and easily offended. Teach people how to overlook an offense and forgive quickly.

 

Friend, if you’ve left the church for one or more of these reasons, I have good news for you. God loves you just the way you are and wherever you are. People may have disappointed you but Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. However, you can’t love God and avoid going to His House. Did you know Jesus went to church every Sunday? “And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day…” (Luke 4:16 ESV). If it was necessary for our Lord, don’t you think it’s good for us? While there’s no perfect church, God wants you to be part of His family. Take some time to think. You’re not only depriving yourself but you’re keeping your brothers and sisters from experiencing Christ’s riches and glory in and through you. Love God. Love people. Love God’s House. We love you. We miss you. We want you back!

 

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).

 

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

 

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

 

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God Is Setting You Up

None of us like to deal with the negatives in our lives. It is not easy to go through difficult, painful, and uncomfortable situations. However, if we train ourselves to trust God with our lives, He will make sure to turn things around in our favor.

While we cannot control every circumstance of our lives, we can keep a good attitude at all times. A great lesson I’ve learned is that nothing happens to me; everything happens for me. When I came to this realization, I became a lot less uptight about the adverse situations in my life. Now I know that my setbacks are actually setups in disguise. I’m learning to trust God.

In 1986, I was living in a little Himalayan kingdom called Nepal. My two brothers and I were young and heavily involved in ministry in spite of the waves of persecution that dogged the nation. We were trying to get more people saved and involved in our ministry. My brothers decided to send the brightest in the family to America to share the vision God gave us. We had saved a little money but mostly we begged and borrowed to buy me a one-way plane ticket to come to America.

When I landed in Seattle, WA, I was so excited to meet new friends and share about the Lord’s work in remote regions of the world. However, my excitement turned to horror when the immigration officer decided that I had the wrong visa. Even though I had a tourist visa for a short visit, they determined that I was planning to stay longer. Because I could only afford a one-way ticket, it didn’t help me clear their doubts. I was put on the next plane to return to Hong Kong where my flight to America had originated. I was devastated! The whole 12+ hours on the plane I couldn’t sleep. I felt so disappointed, distraught, and depressed.

I landed in Hong Kong alone! I didn’t know anybody there except for one missions organization we had had correspondence with. I went around like a chicken with its head cut off. I tried to meet people and share the vision God had placed in our hearts. I had no credentials and nobody believed me. In order to be polite, they’d refer me to someone else. Long story short, I ended up staying in Hong Kong for three months. It became the introduction of our ministry in China. Later, my two brothers and I moved to Hong Kong and I ended up living there for thirteen years. During those years, I travelled to more countries than I had ever imagined. Amazing things happened, both in my personal and ministry life. We reached millions of people. What the devil meant for evil, God turned into something great! I didn’t see it at the time but God had turned a setback into a set up. Friend, God always has your best interest at heart. He is ordering your steps and orchestrating something great in your future.

In the Bible, Jesus often asked people how long they had been in their adverse condition. He asked the man by the pool of Bethesda, “How long?” He said, “Thirty-eight years!” He asked the woman who was bent over, “How long?” She said, “Eighteen years!” Jesus asked the blind man, “How long?” People said, “Since he was born!” Why was Jesus so curious about knowing the length of time? I believe one reason was to prove that no matter how long our setback has been, everything is subject to change in His time. It doesn’t matter how bad or impossible your situation may look today, God is orchestrating your comeback! Everything is about to change. What looked like a setback is actually a setup.

Friend, did someone do you wrong? Did someone walk out of your life? Are you feeling robbed of your future? Is there somebody talking down on you? Did a friend or business partner betray you? Are you upset that someone else got the commission check? Are you feeling as lonely, disappointed, discouraged, and depressed as I felt not entering America? Today I’m here to remind you that if you trust God, He will make it up to you. What the enemy meant for evil, He will turn into something great. He has blessings in store for you that you cannot even imagine. Don’t try to figure out all the why’s. Let go and let God. Like Joseph in the Bible, He is about to crown you with honor. You’ve been in the pit. You’ve been in the prison. Now is your time to occupy the palace. Can you say amen to that? I believe and declare that your best days are still out in front of you. Your setback is actually a setup. Rejoice for the blessings God is sending your way. I’m praying for you!

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11 NLT).

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

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Give Honor

Much of our society is disintegrating simply because of a lack of honor. Our culture was built on respect and honor. When we honor people, we add value to them. In a culture of honor, people are empowered to high thinking and living.

Everybody wants to be on the receiving end of honor but few people want to initiate it. I’ve learnt that you’ll never have what you’re not willing to give. Great men and women are those who are secure in themselves. They can recognize the greatness in others. Our own peace and prosperity are directly tied to the honor we give to others.

Recently, a friend of mine joined me on a mission trip to China. One of his sons has lived a very colorful life and he’s finally coming around to serving the Lord. Just before we left for China, his son came to him and handed him $350 and told him that he wanted to honor his labor for the Lord. This young man works for a multinational corporation and they were laying people off left and right. His own job was on the line. He asked his Dad to pray that he would not lose his job. My friend prayed for his son and reminded him that a thousand may fall at his side but it shall not come near him (Psalm 91:7). Miraculously, the son survived the final cut. Today, he has a permanent job. He gets almost a whole month of paid holiday leave. He has full insurance benefits for his family. And he even has a 401K started in his name. You may think this is no big deal but you have to understand; this young man has never had a job this good. I believe that all of this happened for the young man because he honored his Dad by sending him off to serve God in China.

The Scripture says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12 NIV). In fact, it is one of ten commandments God gave us. When we honor people, we are honoring God.

One of the first places we should practice honor is in our own homes. Often we’re slowest in honoring those who sacrifice the most for us. One definition of honor is to respect that which is given to someone who is admired. Husbands and wives can show honor to each other by doing what their spouse prefers. Husbands, honor your wives (I Peter 3:7). Wives, as long as you hold back in honoring your husbands with your words and deeds, he will never reach his full potential. Don’t be stingy in expressing honor. Let us set an example for our children and allow them to learn from us. You don’t have to agree with everybody but honor your parents, in-laws, outlaws, and those relatives who don’t think and speak well of you. No dishonorable situation is made better by dishing dishonor. Why don’t you become the agent of change and establish a culture of honor in your home? You’ll be surprised at how fast it catches on.

We should honor people in the marketplace. Honor your neighbors by turning down the volume of your party. In church, honor the usher and sit where he tells you. Give honor to the clerk at the store by being courteous. Prefer the other person. When we give heed to people in authority with a good attitude, we’re sowing honor. I’ve found that the amount of God’s favor in my life is directly linked to the honor I bestow on others. Let’s give honor because it glorifies God.

In the Bible, King Saul tried to kill David in spite of his loyalty to the king. On multiple occasions, David had the opportunity to hurt Saul but he understood the principle of honor. Could it be that David rose to the throne because he knew how to honor those in authority? Today we live in a culture where we’re quick to criticize anyone, from the President down to our own family members. Is this an area where God is prompting you to come up higher? Instead of criticizing, let us pray for them. Let us honor the people we love. Honor people by telling them what a great job they’re doing. None of us got here on our own. Let us honor our parents by calling them regularly and visiting them whenever possible. When we cultivate a culture of honor, we will raise the bar for all, God’s blessings will pursue us, and we’ll live long on earth. Friend, you are loved, celebrated, and honored. Remember, God's favor will be upon your life to the degree you honor others. I honor you!

“Give honor to whom honor is due.” (Romans 13:7).

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Positive Parenting

Parenting can be a nightmare. Many parents do not have a clue how to raise their children because they themselves had no role models themselves. Whether our experience was good or bad growing up, we all have help in our Heavenly Father.

We live in a pervasive society where anything goes. Biblical values are challenged by our society, community, even churches and our homes. If we profess to be Christians, it really doesn’t matter what we think. What matters, like everything else, is what God thinks about parenting.

I realize that many of you reading this may not have young children anymore but a parent’s influence never really goes away, no matter how old the children get. So if you feel that you’ve missed it in the past, you can still learn and impart Godly values to your children. Let’s look at a few keys to positive parenting.

1. Be positive. Parenting involves a lot of details. Children need constant reminder and guidance. Even when they get older, they need wise counsel. When we have a positive outlook in life, our children will learn from that. Most of the time, nothing is as bad as it appears to be. When we live a stress-free life, our children will grow in a positive environment. Practice peace and you’ll produce positive kids. Say to your child regularly, “You can do anything.” “You are beautiful and smart.” “I’m proud of you!” Positive reinforcements play a huge part in the formative years of a child and they seldom grow out of it.

2. Approve your child. People do more of what we brag about and less of what we nag about. When we brag on about our kids, most of the time they live up to what we say. A whole-hearted approval builds confidence. Certainly, they will make mistakes. Downplay the wrongs and highlight the right. Spend a bulk of your communication affirming your child. Be quick to say, “Yes.” Later you can add the conditions. The whole world is waiting to condemn your child. Show him or her some support by being on their side. You don’t have to endorse the wrongs but you don’t have to condemn your child either. Strive to be their biggest cheerleader.

3. Discipline. Love and correction go hand in hand. If your child is telling you what to do then you probably have a dysfunction in your home. The Bible says, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child.” If they’re young, the Bible’s remedy for discipline is spanking. Never correct your child when you’re angry. Tell them, “I’m about to spank you because I love you.” After you spank them, hug them and tell them that you love them. As the kids get older, you want to move from spanking to consequences. Teach them that privileges come with responsibilities. If they’re not respectful and responsible, they risk losing their privileges.

4. Walk the Talk. Young children need constant guidence. As they become teenagers, they’re watching you more than they’re hearing you. You still have to speak into the heart of your child but make the transition from preaching to being. Character is more important than charisma. How they see you living at home is how they’ll grow up to become. Read your Bible, go to church, cultivate a culture of love, respect and honor with your spouse and your children. Ask for forgiveness when you make mistake. Put them in the environment where you want them to learn. Listen to your child with your eyes. Remember, children spell love T-I-M-E.

5. Be spiritual. Notice, I didn’t say be religious. There’s a huge difference between knowing about God and knowing God personally. If you have a daily, personal relationship with God, your child will eventually learn from your example. Say grace at the table before you eat. Start and end the day with prayer. Don’t just pray for your child, pray with them. All my kids are teenagers. By the time they got to about ten years old, they had to take turns in leading the family devotion. Everybody makes an input and everyone is respected for their contribution. Raise leaders at home and they’ll be leaders of the country.

Friend, there’s no cookie-cutter, sure-success recipe to parenting. We have a tremendous role model in our Heavenly Father. You have what it takes. You’re a parent because God trust you. Step up to the plate and become the parent God wants you to be. Be strong and courageous. I’m praying for you.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5 NLT).

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

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Permit Yourself to Prosper

Most people want to prosper. Money is an international symbol of exchange used to buy our daily necessities, lifestyle, and luxury. Money is a neutral object. It’s neither good nor evil but because of our skewed view of money, few seldom prosper.

Many people do not prosper because they have a mental block. They refer to money as “filthy lucre.” Others subconsciously think poverty is a virtue. I was one of them. Later, I learned that you cannot have what you condemn. In all my spirituality, without resources, I couldn’t help myself or others.

Today, I want us to take off the barriers that limit our prosperity. God wants you to live in peace. His will for you is abundance, expansion, running over. But don’t just stop there. That’s where most people fail the test. When we hoard for ourselves without giving out, we become the Dead Sea where no living creatures can survive. Unless we change our mindset about money, we’ll never have enough of it.

So how do we get money and more of it? One of the obvious ways to amass wealth is through hard work. Most people complain that they are under compensated. This may be true but when we work as unto to Lord, instead of our boss, business, or corporation, God becomes our Employer. He will make it up to you. Do your best at where you are right now but don’t settle there. If you need a job, don’t expect to just barely get by. Pray and believe God for abundant supply.

God wants you to be rich! There, I said it. Let that sink deep down in your spirit. God doesn’t want you to be hungry, lacking, and without. Our God has an abundant supply. He paves the streets of heaven with gold. He flung the stars into the universe. He decorated the cosmos with galaxies and milky ways. He is a big thinker. God doesn’t just want you have enough for yourself. Prosperity without purpose is pointless. He wants to give you riches so that you can reach out to help others. Why don’t you think big for your prosperity?

Li Ka-shing’s family fled China in 1940. They settled in Hong Kong but his father died of tuberculosis when Li was only fifteen years old. It forced him to quit school and work to support his family. First he sold plastics and later, he exported plastic flowers to the United States. By 1950, Li was able to start his own company. At first they manufactured plastics, later they moved to real estate, banking, cell phones, and myriads of other business ventures. Today, Li Ka-shing is not only Asia’s richest man with a net worth of $31 billion but he gives away millions of dollars to Israeli startup companies and charities around the world.

Li Ka-shing has a vision to acquire wealth; Christians must have one as well. Although we brag about our rich God, we’re seldom encouraged to be rich. We reason money has led a lot of people astray but water has drowned many also. It’s not material possessions that harm us but material things that possess us. It is love of money to the exclusion of everything else that destroys us. Let us put aside our superstitious ideas so that we can gain wealth to bless the world.

Prosperity is a state of consciousness and subject to interpretation. To a blind man, sight is his wealth. A dying man’s wealth is the extension of his life. If you have a family, you’re wealthy. If you can think, talk, and create, you’re wealthy.

The Bible says, “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NLT). Friend, God is not against you to becoming rich. Health is of God. Wealth is of God. Success is of God. Let us think, work hard, and ask God to prosper us so that we can become a blessing to many. I pray and proclaim financial prosperity over your life. Remember, there’s no glory in poverty; permit yourself to prosper. 

“Make sure you don't become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God, the God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery” (Deuteronomy 8:14 MSG).

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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