How to Build God’s House

 

Every time I come back from a missions trip I’m fired up about the Church in America. Any attempt to bring people to church is commendable. As in the Church in Asia, if we follow God’s ways, our churches will explode.

 

We do so many things to attract people and often with very little results. I know pastors and church leaders have good intentions but when we’re building God’s House, we’ve to use His blueprint. Today let’s discuss how to make your church grow.

 

Check your motives. Why is often the answer to how! If we get our motives right, we’ll find God on our side to attract people to His House. The main reason for a church to exist should be to worship God corporately and win souls to Christ. Anything less than keeping the focus on God will stifle our church growth.

 

Focus on praise and worship. Teach your congregation to come to church to worship God. We need to shift our thinking from, “What I’m going to get” to “What I’m going to give to God.” When we go to God’s House to give for what He has already done this week, we’ll find more of God’s blessings following us. Where there’s a heart full of praise there’s little room for complaints. Gratitude should be our attitude for going to church.

 

Meet the needs of the people. A church is not a place to display God’s perfect saints. Church should be more like a hospital where the broken-hearted, hurt and lost people find love and hope in Christ. The Church in Asia is thriving in spite of severe persecution and hardships because every believer going through rough time is prayed for personally. One of the best ministries you can establish in a church is a prayer ministry team who will take time to pray for the lost and hurting people.

 

Minimize the money talk. Commercialism is rampant in today’s modern church. Problem is the more we talk about giving money to church the more we turn people away from it. Begging, pleading and manipulating people to give more every week isn’t very inspiring. People know it costs money to pay staff, electric bills and maintain a building. A better way to encourage people to give is to tell and show them what their money is doing to change people’s lives.

 

Feed, not beat the sheep. Not your church; but many churches focus on preaching messages that are condemning and loaded with guilt trip. We all need correction and exhortation from time to time. But if we preach rules and laws as staple then we’ll lose people. Sinners know they’ve sinned. They need to know that God still loves them and they can return to Him. Facilitate people to encounter God! Preach the message of hope, healing and personal empowerment for daily living. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

 

Promote community. We have a need to belong. God made human beings to live in community. Our churches should have small groups where they can interact with each other, know their names and do life together. When we serve each other in homes, we add value to each other and make them feel like belonging to the family of God.

 

Talk about world missions. There’s a severe drop in churches that are talking about reaching the world. Those who are talking are not doing much about it because they feel it’s a drain on their finances. Yet, just the opposite is true. If you want your church to flourish, put world missions on the forefront of everything. The dearest and closest thing to God’s heart is the salvation is mankind. When we challenge our people to reach the world, we invite God’s favor into our churches. Last but not the least, support Israel!

 

“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:18 NLT).

 

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Don’t Answer to Your Critics

One of the greatest tests of maturity is how we handle criticism. If you’re doing anything worthwhile with your life, people will talk. How we learn to handle criticism will determine how far we will go.

I used to be a very insecure person. I didn’t take criticism well. I had to defend myself in the most insignificant things. I created scenes and embarrassed people. Often I was winning arguments but I was a small person inside. As I began to develop God-fidence, I started to handle criticism in a much healthier way.

Have you noticed that the only people who get criticized are those who are doing something? Usually they’re criticized by people who are not doing anything. Let me sound the alarm. If you want to do anything significant with your life, you’ll be criticized. Don’t sink down to the level where people are talking down on you. You protest, “Sandy, that’s not fair. Why can’t I tell them off and put the record straight?” Here’s why. They’re not going where you are going!

In my language, there’s a saying, “Let the elephant walk and the dogs bark.” The bigger you are the less you need to defend yourself. Let your walk do all the talking. When God begins to promote you, all sorts haters will come out of the woodworks. Don’t defend yourself. Let God be your judge. He will pay you back.

Once, Prophet Elisha was passing through a small city. A bunch of young people began to make fun of him calling him bald. Elisha was annoyed but he didn’t respond to the negative talk. He simply prayed. When he turned around, two female bear had come out from the woods and mauled forty-two young men! There are two lessons to be learned here. Number one; never make fun of a bald person! Number two; don’t criticize a Man of God. Friend, don’t worry about your critics. Instead of defending yourself, use all that energy to advance yourself. God will vindicate you. Let the elephant walk…

This is what a young British lad did when he failed in sixth grade. He tried a hand at politics but there was no room for him there. He was defeated in every single election for public office. Multitude criticized him. Winston Churchill continued to serve and inspire his countrymen on the radio. At the age of sixty two, he became the British Prime Minister and saved his country from the Nazi invasion. Last month I had the privilege of standing under his monument in the middle of the busy streets of London. Once people criticized Churchill but today people from all over the world come to pay tribute and celebrate his life. When you learn to ignore criticism, you too will inspire many others. Ignore the criticism and keep moving forward. You’re going places where no one else has gone before!

One of the worst critics you’ll ever face in life is yourself. When we belittle ourselves, it is far more destructive than any other criticism against us. Too many people today look down on themselves. Don’t let that be you. You’re created in the very image of God. He breathed His life into you. You are God’s perfect ten! Your failure is an event; it doesn’t define who you are. The Scripture says that the devil is the accuser of the brethren. Don’t assist the devil by thinking one iota less than what God made you to be. You’re God’s most valued possession. Our performance has nothing to do with God’s acceptance of us. He loved us while we were yet sinners. Accept His grace and forgiveness. There’s nothing wrong with you!

Friend, let’s grow up. You don’t have to answer to every critic. Use the criticisms to fuel you to your next level. Don’t seek revenge. Let God be your vindicator. Don’t judge others and you won’t be judged. God will pay you back for the backtalk. You’re going places where no one else is going. Greatness awaits you at the top. I believe in you! Let the elephant walk…

“God will vindicate the righteous” (Psalm 37:6).

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Put On God’s Favor

As finite human beings we can only think, do and achieve so much by ourselves. When we call on God’s favor, we’ll attract more of it. When we have God’s favor working in our lives, we’ll live a supernatural life.

One of the benefits of following God is that we come into His favor. That means, God watches over us and executes special things for us. We don’t deserve it, most of the time we don’t even expect it but God sends special favor just to put a smile on our face. Our job is to recognize God’s favor and thank Him for it when it happens.

Yesterday, I was at the Honda Service Center because some warning light had come on. Darrel has been servicing my car for a long time. When he checked me in he warned that it could take a while and cost a bit of money. Obviously, I wasn’t thrilled to hear about the cost. When Darrel got done after almost two hours I was ready to pay anything and get out of there. When I went to the payment counter, Darrel said, “Mr. Anderson, you don’t have to pay anything.” He had found some way to cover for my cost. I was ecstatic! I thanked him and left with my car keys. Half way to my car I turned around and asked, “Darrel, if I were to pay you for the work, how much would it cost?” Darrel said, “Three to four hundred dollars!” I smiled and left quickly before he could change his mind. When I sat down in the car, I began to thank God for His favor in unusual places. I’m praising Him by acknowledging His goodness!

One of the things we can do to live a victorious life is to be aware of God’s favor. Just like we put on our clothes before we leave our homes, we have to learn to put on God’s favor before we face the world every day. In front of the mirror, when you’re driving, put on God’s favor. When we call on God’s favor and expect it, we’ll attract more of it. Every day, before I leave home, I release God’s favor upon my life. I like to think of God’s favor like a force field that surrounds me wherever I go.

In the Bible, a Persian King Ahasuerus was looking for a bride to be his queen. There were plenty of young ladies qualified for the vacancy. In the middle of all the beautiful women from rich and famous background was a simple Jewish girl named Esther. She was an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai. When it was time for King Ahasuerus to choose, he picked Esther to become his wife. What was that? It was God’s favor over Esther. Friend, no matter what you’re going through today, do not underestimate the favor of God. When your life pleases God, He will make you stand out in the mob.

Friend, your business may have been slow but don’t write off God’s favor. Sales numbers may look depressing but God is not finished with His favor yet. The sickness may have lingered longer than you expected – don’t give up without calling in God’s favor. The debt may have been there for years but one touch of God’s favor will eliminate it. Friend, the more we’re aware of God’s favor, the more we’ll attract it. God has 101 ways to bring us favor.

 

When we live right before God, it is our inheritance to live under the blessings of God. One of the things we can actively do to bring God’s favor into our lives is to proclaim it. Allow me to speak a blessing of favor into your life today.

“Thank you Lord, I’m blessed coming in; blessed going out. I’m the head and not the tail. The favor of God surrounds me. My children are blessed and mighty in the land. Even strangers will be good to me and my family today. As I show favor to others, God will bring favor into my life. I have God’s favor of plenty upon my life. I have overflowing, joy, peace and provision. I will have abundance for my family and plenty left over to bless others. As I follow God, I call in sales, commissions and bonuses to find me. I have the job of my dream. Promotion is seeking me. I’m God’s favorite and people around me acknowledge that. Divine health is coming into my life. I am healed! My marriage is blessed and prosperous. I’m above and not beneath. Today something gooooood is going to happen to me. I’m blessed and I cannot be cursed. Thank you Lord for sending me favor and causing me to stand out! I’m aware of your favor and I thank you for it. In Jesus’ name.” Friend, be aware of God’s favor. It’s chasing you down today! I love you and I’m praying for you.

“Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12 NIV).

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How to Increase Your Sales

You may not be directly involved in a sales job but all of us are selling ourselves. Whether we provide a service or a product or even peace of mind such as insurance, or a relationship - we all need to master the skills of sales.

I have many friends who have outstanding products but they’re sitting in the dark. Today, let’s discuss simple principles to jump-start your sales and bring you immediate increase.

First, the product! If you want great sale, you must have a great product. If the product is designed to provide a service or increase productivity then you have a valid commodity in hand. Know your product. Find out what it can do for people.

Market effectively. Big companies spend top dollars on advertisement for a reason – it works! How you market your product will determine how much it will sell. I have a friend who is very intelligent and has a great product to offer. However, his sales pitch is very confusing. He doesn’t have a clear presentation. Therefore, his business is struggling. If you want to increase your sales, you have to market the benefit of your products over and over with as many people as possible.

Build trust. Hoping to make a quick sale, many people make the mistake of pushing their product before building trust. We may succeed in making a quick sale here and there but if you want to build life-long customer base, then you have to invest time, effort and energy in your prospective customer. When we take the time to understand what the customer want and how to best serve that need, then we’ll have clients waiting on us.

Give a custom-made experience. Most successful businesses are those that are flexible. People don’t buy product or services; they buy the experience of you and your establishment. Recently, I was with my daughter Sabrina, buying breakfast in a cozy London restaurant. They had a long list of menu but I just wanted some eggs and hash brown. When I asked the waitress, she was more than willing to serve my request. It was delicious and I left a generous tip. The next day, we wanted to try a different restaurant. When we sat down I asked for the same breakfast. This time the response was, “We don’t have that on the menu; we don’t serve that.” I was taken back at the owner’s response and I almost wanted to leave. We’re the only people in the restaurant and I didn’t want to be rude. So we endured the unfriendly service. The difference between the two restaurants was vast in their attitude. One was there to serve and give us a custom-made experience while the other was just going through the motion. Guess where we ate breakfast the next day!

Be patient. A “no” for now is not “NO” forever. Customers are in the process of making decisions. Give people some time. In our recent missions trip to India, we’re driving to our meeting place when a young boy on the street approached my window to sell a banana. I like to help people but I also like to know their story. It wasn’t more than a minute when the youngster got tired of my questions. I had money in my hand ready to buy his bananas but he left! Soon we stopped to pay toll at a toll booth. Another young boy came trying to sell us corn. This young boy was hungry and he was patient. He started running beside our car when we took off. We stopped and gave him a day’s wage. The first boy got impatient but the second young man got blessed with hundred bananas!  What’s the point? Be patient. If your customers are not ready to buy right now, keep educating them about the benefits of your products and services. From time to time, go back to the “closed doors” and offer your services again. You’ll be amazed how your sales will increase!

Last but not the least; ask God for favor in your business. Bring God to work with you. He will open doors for you that no man can shut. You’re designed to have plenty. If you practice these simple principles, your sales will go off the roof.

“The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none” (Deuteronomy 28:12 NIV).

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Increase by Association

We can only go so far in life by ourselves. Show me your friends and I’ll tell you how far you’re going to go. People we hang around with have the power to bring life or death into our lives.

C. S. Lewis said, “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” When we select our friends wisely, we’ll see a speedy growth in ourselves, our family, business and career. When we keep to ourselves or keep bad company it will hinder our growth and progress. People we spend time with have a great influence in our lives. It’s ok to help others who are negative, struggling, and making wrong choices but if they become our only friends then we’re going to stifle our own growth.

In the Bible, there are many examples of people who rose to the top due to the company they kept. We don’t have to have a “better than you” attitude but we must chose friends who will challenge us to go up higher.

Being a minister, I have to relate to different types of people. I take pride in making friends with those who are not “all together.” I love people who are falling short of the mark. Jesus was a friend of the sinners and I want to be like Him. I’m friend to all but I chose my inner circle very carefully. I know from past mistakes that having the wrong friend or no friend will steer me in the wrong direction. Jesus was available to all but He gave Himself to the twelve disciples and even a smaller group of people were His inner circle.

One of the advantages of having wise people for our friend is they open new doors for us. When we establish a mutual relationship, we can refer our friends to each other. This is why it is vitally important to build long-term relationships. If we’re calling on people only when we need something from them then our relationship is shallow and you can’t expect too much from it. But when we seriously invest our time, efforts and energy to enrich the life of the other person, we too will be blessed by God and our associates.

The Bible gives clear instructions on not to make close friends with angry, negative and lazy people. Friendship with a gossiper may be tempting but one day they’ll gossip about you. The Bible says, “Evil company corrupts good manners.” Choose your friends wisely.

When I look for a close friend, I pay attention to how they talk, how they spend their time and their love for the things of God. If their talk is constantly negative I wait for them. If they’re sour and critical, I avoid them from getting too close. I stay away from those who are lazy and time-wasters. I minister to all types of people but I don’t bring them home with me.

Another thing I’ve learnt in life is to have varieties of friends. I have friends who give me sound financial advice. I have others who teach me about relationships. Yet there are others who bring spiritual input into my life and my least favorites are those who are reminding me to exercise! ;) Seriously, if you want a balanced life, you have to have variation of friendships. When we have input into our lives by wise people, we’ll increase by association.

One of the best friends and associates we all can have is to have God on our side. When God is on our side and we’re on His, we can do anything. Don’t put God in the back seat and expect to have a smooth ride. You’ve heard people say, “Let God be your co-pilot.” I’m challenging us put God on the driver’s seat so that He can lead us to our destiny in victory. I guarantee you’ll increase by association when you have God on your side. Let’s choose your friends wisely.

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble” (Proverbs 13:20 NLT).

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Parenting with a Purpose

Kids are a lot of fun. They’re truly a gift from God. Our main job is to train and help them find God’s purpose for their lives. Easier said than done, parenting is one of the most challenging yet rewarding job in the world.

Our culture is having an effect on our children more and more. What was unacceptable just a few decades ago is normal now. Every parent has their right to raise their own kids but there are some Biblical principles, if followed, our children will be mighty in the land.

The other day, my friend was telling me how her daughter confessed to acting up and not having a best attitude with her mom. My friend is very passionate about raising Godly kids. When she asked her daughter what would prevent her from acting up again, she said, “Spending more time with you Mom!”

Kids spell love T-I-M-E. One of the greatest needs our kids have today is to spend quality and quantity time with their parents. When they feel loved, affirmed and accepted, they perform better all around. In our pursuit of happiness, business and career, sometimes we forget what we’re working for. Don’t let that be you. If we’re to enjoy our kids the rest of our lives, then it is wise for us to invest in them now. What we deposit in our children is far more important than what we deposit for them.

Discipline is one of the best ways to show love to our kids. We all need boundaries; why spare the kids? The Bible teaches us to train our children (age appropriate manner). If we don’t spare the rod when they’re young, our children will go through life with lot more success and lot less drama. When we spend time with our children, we earn the right to discipline them when and as needed. Discipline with love is how God deals with us. We should do the same with our kids.

Another great key to parenting is to focus on the majors. Don’t lose sleep over potty training your child. I’ve never seen a twenty-year-old going around in diapers. When we have a relaxed and easy going attitude at home, we’re sending a positive signal to our kids. Remember, people are more important than stuff. Dirty carpet can be cleaned but your kids will be kids only once. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

As the children grow older, teach them responsibility. They’re never too young to start. If we enable them to have an entitlement mentality, they’ll grow up thinking the world owes it to them. A better way is to teach them responsibility and reward them for it.

Spirituality is caught more than it’s taught. I know many Christian parents struggling to keep their kids interested in God. One of the best ways we can impart spirituality to our kids is to be an example. Read your Bible every day; spend time in prayer and fasting. Go to church regularly. Practice what you preach. Disciples are made not born.

As the kids reach adulthood, shift your parenting to consulting. Give advice and counsel only when it’s sought for. I’m planning to charge my kids for advice when they get older. Our children need the space to make their own discovery. They will make mistakes. Be gracious, understanding and patient. Don’t criticize, demean or condemn them. There’ll be enough people in the world to do that. Love, laugh and celebrate together. Don’t just endure your kids, enjoy them. If any of your kids young or old is not walking with God today, keep praying for them. They have no chance when you pray. You may not have had a good example of a parent but now you do. Let’s imitate our Heavenly Father! Parenting is an awesome responsibility. Let’s raise our kids with a purpose and enjoy them!

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 ESV).

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Health is Wealth

God created us in different shape, size and form. We’re not supposed to look like Barbie doll but we’re all supposed to live healthy. Our body is not only where we live but it is also where God lives. We’re responsible to take care of our health.

We’re all made up of body, mind, spirit and soul. Therefore, it is not just enough to focus on physical exercise we need to also pay attention to our mental and spiritual health. Today, let’s discuss some of the major areas we can improve our health.

Get active. There’s a tremendous awareness in our society about the benefit of staying fit. Many of you my friends are shining example of staying fit. Facebook is full of entries of exercise triumphs. I love it! Some of my friends are exercising both for them and me. Most of us however need to make an effort for it. I’m not greatly motivated to exercise but I’ve realized this, if I don’t do what’s needed now, I’ll live shorter and unproductive life. Here’s the simple key. Exercise! No matter what you do, how long and how often – get active. Anything you do is better than nothing.

Don’t worry! Worry and stress will send you early to grave. We’re all tempted to worry about something every day. When we worry, we change nothing. A Nepalese proverb says, “The tiger in our mind is bigger than the tiger in the jungle.” We often worry about things that have no basis for it.

Yesterday, I had lunch with an old friend. I had brought my laptop with me to show him some pictures of what God was doing on the mission field. I had put my computer down by my chair and when we got done visiting, I completely forgot about my laptop. I drove almost fifteen minutes before I remembered my laptop. I start to worry. I took a sharp U-turn but I was distraught. I had all my important documents in my laptop. Negative stories of my friends loosing stuff began to flood my mind. The tigers in my mind were becoming bigger and bigger. Finally, I remembered what I often advise people to do – prayer! I prayed briefly and asked God to protect my laptop. When I returned to the restaurant, I looked under my table and there was no computer. I panicked! When I asked the staff at the counter, she said, “What color is your computer?” I said, “It’s an HP, gray color.” Immediately, she handed me my computer. I was so relieved! I thanked God and walked away happy. The point of this story is: we can worry or we can pray. Prayer brings results worry destroys our health.

Watch your intake. A great emphasis has been put on our eating intake. It’s important that we eat and drink healthy. A lot more sinister enemy is what we feed our minds. When we watch negative news reports over and over, when we indulge in trash TV and internet we damage ourselves much greater than bad choices of food. It’s ok to stay current with news and world affairs but don’t get addicted to negative media or attitude. Keep a positive picture of yourself and the world. Protect your mental health by guarding what you read, listen and watch. The movies that play in your mind most frequently will be the reality you’ll live in life. Turn off the negative feeds.

Serve others. One of the most selfish things you can do for yourself is to serve others. When you help others, you release a happy hormone called endorphin. A sense of purpose, self-worth and significance will rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Reach out to at least one person every day. When you’re a blessing to others, God Himself will bless you. Friends, let’s take care of our body. Our health is our wealth!

“Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you” (Exodus 23:25 NIV).

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A Shift is Coming

None of us like to be last. We all want to be the first to be served and the first to cross the line to victory. However, you may be stuck in the back today. Don’t worry. A shift is coming!

The other day I was talking to a friend and she said, “Sandy, when I hear other people, it feels like everybody is taking me over. Everyone is getting ahead. They go on nice vacations and live in fancy houses. What about me? When will I get to enjoy life?” I told her, what I’m telling you. Hold on. A shift is coming! When we live life that is pleasing to God, He will fulfill His promises. The key is to wait patiently with a good attitude, doing the best you can, expecting God’s blessings to overtake you. Our God is a Rewarder. He will never take you through a hard situation and not bless you for it. Things may not look so bright right now. Don’t worry. A shift is coming!

Yesterday, I was at a grocery store. I had forgotten that it was the weekend and the whole city will be there. I don’t enjoy shopping, much less stand in long lines. I was disappointed but I was able to keep a good attitude. I saw a man trying to maneuver his cart to the back of my long line. He had only a few items in his cart so I asked him if he’d like to get in front of me. He was very grateful and got in. We’re still 10-15 away from the counter. Thirty seconds later a clerk came up to him and said, “Would you like to come to the front sir?” He was ecstatic! The man who should have been in the back of the line was now checking out in the front and I was second in line! What happened? A shift had taken place. I wanted God to get the glory. While he was paying, I said, “Brother, you have the favor of God in your life.”

Friend, you may have spent all your life paddling in the back row. You may have not had a good break since your business started. Your health may not have been up to par. Some of you my friends are struggling in your relationships. You don’t see how you’ll make ends meet. The bills come faster than you can earn. I have good news for you. A shift is coming. God is breathing in your direction. You’ll be able to send your child to school of your choice. You’ll be able to pay off your debt in a much shorter time. He will move people around in your favor. The sickness will suddenly leave you perplexing even the doctors. A shift is coming! Are you ready to receive God’s unmerited favor today?

I’ve been going to the nations to preach the Gospel for the last twenty seven years. I’m living my dream representing you on the mission fields. God’s favor, your support and our team are winning thousands to Christ every month. As much as I love ministering in various nations, I don’t enjoy the long 12-16 flights to get there. In my last trip I was flying out of London, when the captain put a smile on my face saying, “We’re going to arrive early because of the tailwind.” Same distance, arrive early! Friend, God is bringing some tailwind in your life today. Yesterday it was struggle but this week, victory awaits you. What looked like it’d take years to accomplish, you’ll achieve in the fraction of the time. Your health will spring forth. You’ll have all your bills paid and have plenty leftover to help others.

Friend, the wind may be blowing against you but don’t quit. The tide of the battle is turning. God allows the hardest battles to the strongest people like you. God is shifting things around. Jesus Himself is praying for you. The very thing that was against you will propel you to the next level. Like the stranger in the grocery store, God will bring you from the back to the front. Like the tailwind in my flight, He will cause you arrive earlier than you thought. Don’t just look at your natural circumstances. Jesus said, “The last shall be the first.” He will bring you from the back to the front. Rejoice. A shift is coming!

I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” (Isaiah 49:4 The Message).

Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org

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Do the Small Things Well

We all are attracted to big things. We like the feeling of achieving great things and making a big impact. However, most of life’s success is in doing the small things well.

Doing the small things might not get us as much attention or recognition but when we do the small things right, we create a miracle for ourselves. Dale Carnegie said, "Don't be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones will tend to take care of themselves."

That is so true! When we do the small things right, we’re setting ourselves up for big victories. It is a test of our character. Our character is like the root of a tree. The deeper the roots go the strong the tree becomes. Small things can mean, not to get offended so easily. It may be paying more attention to our diet. It can also mean forgiving someone or making a phone call to stay in touch with your elderly parents. When we diligently make those sales calls we’ll see the harvest coming in. Being kind to your spouse and patient with your children may seem like a small thing but it’ll make your family prosper. Friend, when God prompts you to do a small thing - obey quickly. Every time you obey God, there will be a reward waiting for you.

Once, Jesus met with a man born blind. When people asked Him whose fault it was Jesus said, “This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in Him.” Then He spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva and proceeded to put it on the man’s eyes. Jesus instructed the blind man to go to the Pool of Siloam and wash off the mud. It was a small thing but the blind man obeyed and he was healed! What if the blind man had said, “No, Jesus! This is too simple. Thanks but no thanks. I’ll pass.” It was the man’s obedience in a small thing that healed him.

I wonder how many problems we face today will disappear if we only obey to do the small things God is telling us to do. I used to be a hot-tempered driver. I had a lot of insecurity and agitation going on in my heart. One day the Holy Spirit spoke to me saying, “How long are you going to allow strangers in traffic to spoil your day?” At first I didn’t like hearing that. But I developed a personal growth plan to overcome. It took me almost six months to get over that one small thing. Now I say, “I love traffic!” I have peace like never before. It makes me more productive every day. Here’s the key. When we obey God in small things, God will make us ruler over much.

When you’re tempted to live a low life, dish out insult for insult - don’t give in. When you’re tempted to argue over a small thing, don’t fall in that trap. When you’re tempted to hold a grudge, remember that you too need forgiveness every day. When you’re worried about what other people think; think again. Your future is not in their hands but in God’s. You may say, “Sandy, why can they live this way and not me?” Here’s why. They’re not going where you’re going. You’re called to do great things in life. If we become obedient to God in the small things, He will promote us in big ways we’ve never dreamed of.

Friend, today I’m asking you to do the small things well. Pay attention to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit in you. The more you do the small things right, the higher you’re going to rise in life. Remember, God has a reward for every obedience. He will never take anything away from you without giving you something better. Do the small things well and you’ll see your life flourish like never before.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10 NLT).              

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There’s Plenty for You

Our vision is our future but yet there are so many people content with so little. If we can only raise our vision, we’ll have plenty for what we need and plenty left over to bless others.

One thing I love about our God is that He is a BIG thinker. He created the universe lavishly. His vision to save the world was equally outrageous! The Bible says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32 ESV)? If we’re to make a difference in our lives, family, community and the world then we too must think, talk and act like God. Our lives will only produce to the heights we envision ourselves to succeed.

What is your vision? Do you see lack, scarcity and mediocrity? Or are you a big thinker and even harder worker? Vision, hard work and patience will get you just about anything you want in life. In the early 70s, Honda’s vision statement was, “We will destroy Yamaha.” In the 60s, Nike’s vision statement was, “Crush Adidas.” Both have matured and evolved since then. If your personal ambition is to compete with others you’re wasting your resources in the wrong channels. Pursue your own dreams. There are seven billion people in the world today! Someone has a need of your service. No matter what business you’re in, remember this: people don’t buy products; they buy the experience of you. Nobody in the world can substitute what you have to offer to people. You can’t be everything to everybody. Focus on your strength. Don’t try to win everyone. Target those who understand your value, principle and cause.

This year, our goal is to reach 300,000 people with the Gospel. We are well on our way. By the grace of God, your support and the sacrifices of our native missionaries, we’ve already touched over 200,000 people. Next two months are our biggest outreach months of the year. One way we achieve our goal is to constantly remind the vision to ourselves and our co-workers. We don’t wake up in the last month of the year and say, “Oops, I guess we better work harder now.” We start off a new year in full steam and keep the momentum going throughout the year. If we do the right thing long enough, rewards will come. Consistency pays off.

Maybe you’re running a business today and you’ve had a slow year thus far. Don’t panic. There’s plenty for you! The so called “experts” may have a negative report. The Wall Street may say contrary to your belief in God’s ability. Your personal experience may not have been so good. Remember this: God has plenty for you. You will only acquire what you can aspire to achieve. If you think small, you’ll receive small. If you expect great things from God and work equally hard for it, you’ll have everything you need and more. Increase your capacity to receive from God.

A great stumbling block to our accomplishment is when we get bogged down to the details of how things should happen. Don’t misunderstand me. I believe in planning and strategy but never underestimate the power of God. He is a great finisher. What you didn’t achieve the whole year, He can bring to you just through one customer. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain. He knows the desires of your heart and He loves to see you fulfilled. Give God praise by faith. For if God be for us, who can be against us?

Friend, there’s plenty for you. This week, go out with a new spring in your footstep. Expect sales, business, favor and customers to come to you. God has already commanded those into your account. Now it’s your job to walk out by faith and meet your blessings. There’s plenty for you and plenty left over to bless the world. I’m praying for you!

“The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom” (Deuteronomy 28:13 NIV).

Click Here to Spread the Message of Hope: www.buildinternational.org

Book Sandy Anderson as Speaker: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net  

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl