God Wants You to Prosper

Most Christians are taught that money and God cannot mix. We’re indoctrinated to believe that somehow poverty is holier than riches. This negative way of thinking has kept people poor more than anything else. When we embrace prosperity (body, soul and spirit), prosperity will come.

Jim came from a very poor and humble background. When he was young, his father lost his job. The family had to live in a camper van in a relative’s yard. They all worked as janitors and security guards at a factory. Jim himself had to work an eight-hour shift after school.

Broke as a joke, it was no laughing matter for Jim to dream big and envision himself making it big in life. He had an unusual talent; Jim could make anyone laugh. In 1985, a broke and depressed Jim drove his old beat-up Toyota up to the Hollywood hills. Sitting there overlooking Los Angeles, he wrote himself a check for $10 million for “acting services rendered.” He post-dated the check five years and put the check in his wallet. The check remained there until it deteriorated but he made it. Jim made millions with his comedy and acting. Today, a Hollywood superstar, Jim Carrey is worth $150 million!

Why do some people prosper and others don’t? One simple answer is vision. Most people are content with a “me and my four and no more” mentality. Others dream dreams – big dreams and work towards them. They realize that life’s not just about them but making an impact on others. Like Jim Carrey, you may be broke right now but if you keep the right vision of prosperity in front of you, one day you too can influence many for God.

Today, change your thinking. See yourself as prosperous. Believe that God wants to prosper you. Everything about God is lavish and expansive. He created the universe, the diamond mines, and the oil fields. He’s not going to be unsettled if you begin to experience abundance. Your desire for wealth is from Him. He knows that you want to help people and bless the world with the Good News of Jesus. It takes great resources to change lives.

Don’t depend on your paycheck or business. Scientists have discovered that our brain is active when we sleep. Your mind is so active during sleep that it can even make new discoveries! How is that possible? That’s God speaking to you in your sleep! Make God the Source of your life. He will give you ideas and inventions. Your stocks will suddenly double. Your roofing business will explode because of a storm coming through your city. Your main competitor will move to another state. A sudden inheritance will come into your hands. You’ll save tens of thousands of dollars through a lower paying mortgage refinancing. A sudden promotion will take you from being the receptionist to CEO of the company! Friend, God has ways to prosper you that you haven’t yet considered. Don’t look to the east, west, north or south for promotion; look up!

In the Bible, Abraham is called to be the father of faith. He believed in God’s promises even when his circumstances looked impossible. He was a hundred years old when the promised son, Isaac, was born. This was a great victory for God. What many people do not know or talk about is that Abraham came from an idol-worshipping family. But when He began to follow the True and Living God, he began to prosper. “The man [Abraham] became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy” (Genesis 26:13 NIV).

It is interesting that many Christians embrace Abraham for his unflinching faith but they don’t want to talk about his wealth. The Bible says in Ephesians 3:14, “So that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith” (ESV). Abraham honored God with his faith and God had no trouble making him one of the richest men of his time. God wants to prosper you!

Today, believe that it is God’s will to promote you. See yourself with great resources and then you’ll have it. Make a list of ways you’re going to give to God’s work when your income doubles, triples, even quadruples. Not even the sky is the limit. It’s our own limited thinking that keeps us in lack. God is all about abundance. Just keep the focus on others instead of yourself. Believe that you’ll make more this year than any other year before. I pray and declare that you’re blessed to be a blessing. You’re strong. You’re creative. You’re full of God’s health and healing. You’re the head and not the tail. You’re above only and not beneath. You’ll lend and not borrow. If you believe and act towards it, you’ll eat the good of the land. I love you and I’m praying for your influence to increase!

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2 NAS).

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: https://www.facebook.com/BuildInternationalMinistries

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/

Remember Their Sacrifice

Our love for God should be reflected through the values our country stands for. Today, as we celebrate Memorial Day in America, it is good to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live the life we now have.

In his book “I’m No Hero,” U.S. Navy jet pilot Captain Charles Plumb tells the story of his flaming plane going down in the enemy territory of the Vietnam War zone. After seventy-five combat missions, he was shot down by a surface-to-air missile in the dense jungles of Vietnam. Plumb ejected and parachuted himself out of the flaming jet only to glide himself in the enemy’s camp. He was captured as a POW. He was tortured beyond what is humane, but somehow he survived the horrific six years in a communist Vietnamese prison.

One day, Plumb and his wife were enjoying a meal together in a restaurant. A young man from another table walked up to theirs and said, “You’re Plumb. You are a fighter jet pilot. You carried out missions in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. Your jet was shot down!”

Perplexed, Plum asked, “Who are you? How did you know all this?”

The young man replied, “I packed your parachute sir. I guess it worked!”

Filled with gratitude, Plumb replied, “Yes it did! If your chute hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t be here today.”

That night he could not sleep, thinking about the young sailor who saved his life. How many times Plumb walked past those sailors in navy uniform with a bib flipped backward and didn’t even bother to say, “Good morning, how are you?” or shake their hand? In his mind, he was a fighter jet pilot – a class apart from the lowly sailors. He began to imagine how the sailors who spent long hours delicately weaving the material and packing the silks of each chute; at the end of the tireless and monotonous completion, the sailor who was holding the life itself of someone whom he did not even know.

Today, Plumb lectures to thousands, crisscrossing the country asking this one question: “Who is packing your parachute?” Sometimes in the daily challenges of life, we miss what is really important. We fail to say hello, please or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, or just do something kind for no reason. Don’t let that be you.

You see, we all have people behind us who pack our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parachutes. None of us made it here on our own. When you look back at the long line of people who have helped you, it is only fitting to think about how you can help someone else. Your life today is the aggregate of God’s goodness and the kindness, sacrifices, and investment in others.

It is not enough to be grateful to them in our hearts. Let us express to them what their sacrifice means to us. We cannot do anything to those who made the ultimate sacrifice but we can honor those who are left behind.

Today, let us reach out to someone who lost a loved one. Go knock on their door and bring them something to lift their soul. Call someone who has lost a son, or a daughter, a father, or an uncle and let them know how grateful you are for their sacrifice. If you know or see a serviceman in uniform, buy them their lunch. Stop them in their tracks and take a moment to thank them for their daily service to protect our country. If you are part of a family who lost a loved one, we want you to know that we remember! Let us not take anything for granted. Let us value the freedom we have and honor those who paid the price for it.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 ESV).

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: https://www.facebook.com/BuildInternationalMinistries

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/

God Will Pay You Back

We’ve all had unfortunate things happen to us. Someone takes advantage of us. Someone steals our just rewards. Even a lack of recognition for our hard work can hurt our feelings. We don’t have to be numb to our feelings but if we keep a good attitude when the wrong thing is happening to us, then God will pay us back in due time.

My 14-year-old son Daniel is in Royal Rangers (the Christian version of Boy Scouts); he’s been enjoying this program for several years now. Once a week, he gets to hang out with a group of boys and do boy things. He has always worked very hard for his merits therefore he is ahead of most kids his age.

Recently they had a graduation ceremony. Daniel was the youngest of the lot to get the Gold Medal Award (GMA). Unfortunately, not all of leaders were in favor of him getting the recognition even though he had met all the requirements. It was a long, drawn out drama and finally they allowed him to receive the honors he had earned. 

Maybe you’ve been done wrong. You worked hard for the commission but the sale went to another person. The house you were hoping to buy was sold under your feet. You may have gone through the training, putting in the extra hours, but you didn’t get the promotion you were praying for. You cleaned the house all day but you weren’t appreciated for it. You may have been betrayed in a relationship or a business partnership. No matter who did you wrong, God will pay you back with double the honor.

This is what happened to my son Daniel. Not only did he get his Gold Medal Award in time, he got to meet with the Mayor of our city (pictured here). His outpost had sent many requests before for previous candidates but this was the first time the city officials decided to recognize Daniel in front of the whole city council. Not only that, it was broadcasted live! Even though a few people were against my son, God honored him in front of higher authorities and a greater audience. God paid him back double for his troubles. In the same way, if you keep your peace and stay in faith, God will pay you back more than what you’ve lost.

People do unpredictable things when they’re hurt, insecure, jealous, or threatened by another person. If you try to defend yourself, God will stand back. But if you take the high road, keep calm, and stay in peace, the Lord will fight the battle for you. I’ve learned that the higher you rise the more critics will come out of the woodworks. But if you stay in faith and trust God instead of taking revenge, He will make things right for you. The world may not be fair but God is!

This is what happened to a man named Mordecai in the Bible (Book of Esther). He was a Jew and once he had saved the king’s life from a certain coup. Unfortunately, nobody remembered his contribution to saving the king’s life. One night, King Ahasuerus couldn’t sleep. He ordered his servants to bring him the book of the records from the library. Of all the thousands of books, they picked the one with Mordecai’s story in it. There it was found that Mordecai had saved the king’s life from an assassination plot. It prompted the king to ask, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?” They said, “Nothing.” Long story short, it was Mordecai who was honored through the city and his enemy Haman was hung in the gallows. We should never wish evil against our enemies. But rest assured, God knows how to make it up to you. He will never allow you to go through a tough situation without honoring you for it.

Friend, no matter who has done your wrong, today it is time for you to give it up to God. He cannot fight for us as long as we take matters into our own hands. But if we trust him with our troubles, He will do what we cannot do. He will not only reward you but He will make sure that he does it in front of your enemies. Our God is a great equalizer. You’re the head and not the tail. You’re only above and not beneath. He will not cause you to shame.

Today, I challenge you to let go and let God. Like my son Daniel, He will honor you in public. Just like Mordecai, He will bring you to remembrance at the right time. Don’t seek revenge on those who have done you harm. If you release those offenses to God, He will make you soar like an eagle. You’ll go to new heights that you’ve never dreamed of before. I love you and I’m praying for you.

“Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours” (Isaiah 61:7 NLT).

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: https://www.facebook.com/BuildInternationalMinistries

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/

How to Make the Most at Work

Human nature is to magnify the small problems. The longer we stare at our problems, the bigger they look. If we’re not setting the tone for our day with a positive attitude right at the beginning, our circumstances will probably set the tone for us in a negative way.

One reason we feel bad about ourselves is because we complain. We dislike the traffic. We don’t like our jobs. Our boss is too stiff. Our co-workers are lazy. We feel unappreciated and so on and so forth. However, when we change our attitude, we can change our lives.

Let me give you some perspective. Think about the person who doesn’t have a car, a job, or a nice environment to work in. Think about the person who is battling a long-term disease. Think about a family who is going through a divorce or a foreclosure on their house. Even worse, they just lost their loved one to a dreaded disease.

People go through extreme difficulty every single day. While we complain and throw a fit over petty things, others are fighting life or death situations. Somebody would love to have your job, your health, your vehicle, your house, or your income.

Our lives gravitate towards our thoughts. What we constantly think about, we bring about. If you’re expecting clients to be demanding, they probably will be. If you’re planning to have a tough day, you probably will. On the contrary, if you believe that today you’ll hit that sales goal, you probably will. If you believe that you’re favored by the Power on High, you’ll be the most productive employee in the company. Whatever you believe, you’ll experience.

The famous Zig Zigar said, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Years ago, I worked at a nation-wide computer retail store. Most people there had a sour attitude at work. They didn’t like the management. They were offended at a customer. They complained about the constant change in the company policy. They had relationship problems at home and they brought it to work with them. I was going through a difficult phase in my life with some of my own personal problems. I was a sales person but very quickly I realized how blessed I was compared to those around me. I was in a negative environment but I didn’t allow the negativity to get in me. I began to reach out to my co-workers. I took time to listen to their frustrations. There was one guy who was struggling so I got lunch for two of us the whole time I was there. I prayed for them in the break room. Amazingly, I got promotion after promotion!

Don’t misunderstand me; I wasn’t perfect at all. Once, I stormed into my manager’s office and let him have several pieces of my mind. I took off my Christianity for a while and cussed him out. My manager was shocked! Half an hour later, when the Holy Spirit began to deal with me, I went back to my manager and asked him to forgive me. He was relieved!

I spent most of my time at work trying to help customers or co-workers. I became the go-to person with difficult customers or employees. I was the minister in the marketplace. As I helped others, my sales increased. I was making more on my off days than when I was present because the cashiers were putting sales through in my employee number. In a short time, I became one of the top performers in the company among thousands, winning all sorts of trophies, vacations, and awards. Change your attitude about work! Jesus said, “Give and you’ll receive.”

Today put on a sun-dried, lemon-fresh attitude. Wear a big smile – it says you’re open for business. Take the first step to make someone feel like a million dollars. Buy your co-worker a coffee or a lunch. Hum a praise song of God’s goodness in your life. Look at your family picture at your office and remember that because of you, their lives are blessed. Set your mind in the right direction first thing in the morning. You’re born to do great things. I speak blessing, focus, creativity, favor, increase, peace and prosperity in your life this week. Change your attitude and you’ll change your life. I’m praying for you!

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT).

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: https://www.facebook.com/BuildInternationalMinistries

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/

My Graduating Daughter

 

It’s hard to believe that you’re graduating from high school today. You’ve reached the pinnacle of success because you can’t go higher than high school, right? ;) Your hard work, dedication, persistence, and commitment have finally paid off. Look back with pride on a job well done. Look forward with excitement to what lies in front but celebrate this moment because it’s yours to enjoy. You have a lot to be proud of and the world is waiting for the experience of you.

 

A wise person once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” You’re about to embark on your life’s journey. There will be many different voices trying to tell you many things. Hear them but most of all follow the still small voice in your heart because that is the Holy Spirit leading and guiding you. You and God will always be in speaking terms. He will speak to you louder about your own life than any other person in the world.

 

Today, I want to share seven secrets with you that will give you a head start in life.

 

Live with your heart. Now that you’re a graduate and you’ll soon go into college. You’ll hear many different opinions. They will try to redefine right and wrong. Many times, your own head will reason with you but always follow your heart. That is where Jesus lives and if you make Him the center of our life, everything else will fall in place. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV).

 

Be a student of inner beauty. You’re gorgeous! You can be grateful to mom for giving you the good looks. Being a girl, you’ll spend endless hours in your life trying to look beautiful on the outside. That’s good and you must have fun with it. But never let anyone mislead you in what is true beauty. Your weight, height, or color of skin doesn’t define who you are. God does! You’re beautiful because you’re the child of the Most High. He never makes anything second class. Spend at least equal time developing your inner beauty as you improve your outer looks. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD (still) looks on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7 ESV).

 

Work hard. Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams. Your hands can heal or it can tear down. Use your life to build. Don’t wait on anybody for a handout. Do your best and then let God do the rest. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. “The hand of the diligent will rule” (Proverbs 22:14 ESV).

 

Always show mercy. I’ve made so many mistakes that I can’t even count. But one thing I’ve learnt through my failures; God is a God of mercy. He doesn’t give us what we deserve. He always gives us better than we deserve because He is a merciful God. If you want to be like Jesus, quit throwing stones at people and show mercy. Only strong people can forgive. Always take the high road. Store up mercy because one day you’ll need it. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:5 ESV).

 

Have compassion. One of the greatest virtues you can have is to be compassionate towards the poor, needy, and hurting people in the world. When you’re compassionate with others, you’re being a “Jesus” to them. We’re most like God when we show God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion to those who deserves the least. “When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them” (Matthew 9:36 KJV).

 

Always build new friendships. It’s great to have close friends and you must be loyal to them. However, people are always cycling out of our lives. If you don’t invest in building new relationships, you’ll eventually run out of them. Friends are special but don’t idolize them. At any point of your life, if you have a handful of true friends; you’re rich! “Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family” (Proverbs 27:10 NIV).

 

Honor God with your life. In every crossroad of your life, ask yourself, “What will honor God in this situation?” The Bible is still the roadmap for life. Put the Word in you when you don’t need it and it will come out of you when you do need it. There will be tough times but remember you’re tougher. The Holy Spirit is your Helper and He is present with you always. Life’s a boomerang. Whatever you send out will come back to you. “'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind” (Luke 10:27 NLT).

 

Daughter, you’re amazing! Your one-of-a-kind smile, your warmth and thoughtfulness, gifts and talents they’re enough to make anyone proud. But it’s your unique blend of them all that makes you such a special person – someone so easy to love, and so deserving of anything good in life. Congratulations! Happy graduation! Happy future! I love you and always will. ~ Dad

 

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

 

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

 

Stay Inspired: https://www.facebook.com/BuildInternationalMinistries

 

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/

 

7 Keys to a Long Life

Everybody wants to live for a long time. It is a universal desire to be happy and healthy. However, many people are not living to their full potential because they may be putting the effort in the wrong places. I believe God wants us all to live a long, satisfied life.

Recently, when I tuned into the radio, I heard a commercial claiming that we can lose weight without exercise, diet, or basically no effort on our part. They said that their technology can help us lose 10 pounds for only a small fee of a few thousand dollars. I’m sure there are people out there who will fall for it but don’t let that be you. Today, let me share seven keys to long life.

1. Eat regularly. I hope this is good news to your ears! Unlike popular belief, eating is not the problem. God made us to enjoy food. What we eat is the key. It is better to eat several meals a day than to starve and then eat all you can. Think of your body as a car engine. The more active we are during the day, the more fuel it will need to run smoothly. Eat slowly because it takes 20 minutes for the stomach to signal the brain that is full. People in France and China eat heartily and yet they’re not overweight because they take their time eating, laughing, and enjoying their meal in moderation. Try to avoid food at least two to three hours prior to bedtime.

2. Eat small portions. As we get older, our metabolism slows down. Our body takes three to four hours to process the food. When we snack all day, it gives the digestive system no rest. Small portions take a shorter time to process. Eat from a small plate; it will trick your eyes and brain into eating less because it appears as more. When we eat less, we feel more energetic.

3. Cut down on sweets. Sugar, salt, and heroine are all white substances that harm our bodies. An average American takes about 32 spoons of sugar every day! Is it any wonder that we’re the heaviest country in the world? Just because sodas and deserts come in large and meal portions doesn’t mean we’ve to finish it. We shouldn’t waste. But it is better to waste food than to waste your body.

4. Get active. No amount of diet or technology can substitute exercise. The methods really don’t matter as much as regularity and discipline do. I’ve learned that every bit adds up. I often take the farthest parking spot in a parking lot. There’s always space there and others don’t dent my car! I also break down my exercise time into two or three segments per day. Of course this requires dedication and discipline but later it even becomes enjoyable. I take this time to pray or listen to a podcast to learn something. Burning calories slowly is better than a fast and short burst of exercise. I walk for about 20-25 miles every week. You can do that easily!

5. Don’t smoke. If you do, get help and quit as soon as you can. Our dependency on drugs (even prescription ones) and chemicals will shorten our lives. Those harmful products come with a health warning for a reason. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. What you put in it is a test of stewardship. If you want to live a long life, you have to make the right choices.

6. Drive safely. Speeding may be thrilling and a habit but it will hasten your meeting with Jesus. I’m guilty of this myself but when we drive above the speed limit, angels are not obligated to protect us. Whether we agree or not, it is good citizenship to abide by the law of the land. If we want our kids to drive safely, we have to set a good example for them.

7. Pray for divine health. It doesn’t matter what your health condition is right now; you can get better. If you’re sick, Jesus can heal you. But God won’t do what you can do for yourself. Your body is not only where you live but it is where God lives. Pray for long, satisfied life. It is part of your inheritance in Christ. Every time I pass a certain landmark, I have a habit of praying, “Thank you Lord for a long satisfied life”. When we pray for divine health, quoting health and healing scriptures daily then we’ll live a long, satisfied life as God has promised us. I pray and declare health, healing, and wholeness over your body today and all the days of your life.

“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16 ESV).

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: https://www.facebook.com/BuildInternationalMinistries

 

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/

Mother's Influence Shape History

If you’re a mother and unsure of your calling, you must know what an amazing person you are! Mothers have an incredible weight on the human race. A mother’s influence on a child begins before he or she is born and continues for generations. If you’re a mother, we celebrate you!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Men are what their mothers made them.” It is the same for women as well. No other person makes sacrifices like a mother does. You may not understand your impact now but your dedication and perseverance will continue long after you’re gone. The burden you carry now, and the sacrifices you make in secret, will soon be rewarded openly.

The Bible teaches that when we’re living right and doing our best to please the Lord, we can pile up blessings and favor for our children and the generations to come. None of us got here on our own. Part of who you are today is because there was a praying mother, or a grandmother, or even a great-great grandmother, who took the time to honor God. They believed, they sacrificed; they made choices even though they’re hard to keep. They modeled a life of excellence and now you’re reaping the benefit of it.

In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul said to his young disciple Timothy, “I am reminded of your faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now lives in you.” What Paul was saying is that the faith in Timothy didn’t start with him but with his grandmother Lois and if he continued in the things of God, it would continue from generations to generations.  Mothers, what you do today will affect generations to come. The life we live, and the decisions we make, should make it easier for those who come after us.

This is why it is so important for women to realize their role as a mother. You’re not just cooking, cleaning, and serving the family. Every sacrifice, every hardship you endure, you’re impacting generations to come. When you keep doing the right thing while the wrong things keep happening to you, you’re storing up blessings and favor for your children.

Most mothers tend to downplay their role in society. They don’t realize that it is their prayer, giving, and sacrifice that change history. The Bible talks about Joshua and people of Israel being in a fierce battle. Moses was on a hill holding up the rod of God in the air. As long as Moses held up his arms in the air, Joshua won but when he got tired and put his hands down, the enemy started to win. Joshua didn’t realize this but the only reason he was winning is because Moses was up on a hill holding up his staff. Without Moses doing his part, Joshua and the people of Israel would have been defeated. In the same way, mothers are often invisible from the limelight of the society. But it is your prayers, hardship, and sacrifice that bring forth champions in the world. They win because of you! My challenge to us today is to live our lives in such a way that will cause others to win. Every right decision you make, you’re holding up your hands. You’re making it easier on those who come after you. 

Some time ago, I watched a documentary about the giant pacific octopus. She lays thousands of eggs and then doesn’t leave them for anything, not even to eat. When she gets really hungry, the mother octopus has been known to eat one of her own legs. The eggs hatch after many months of enduring care from their mother. Once they’re on their own, the mother dies. I know many moms who have given up everything for their children. Even if your children are not walking with the Lord now, your prayers will ruin their party until they come to Jesus. Today I want to remind you that God will never put you through something difficult without rewarding you for it.

As we remember and celebrate the contributions of mothers in our society, let us remember the words of President Theodore Roosevelt, “The mother is the one supreme asset of national life.  She is more important, by far, than the successful states-man, businessman, artist, or scientist.” Mother, your children and grandchildren or even a hundred years from now, someone in your family line will make history because of the choices and sacrifices you make today.

Mothers, today we remember you and we celebrate you. Thank you for all you’ve done. We love you and we appreciate your dedication and service! I’m praying for you today!

“Be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (I Corinthians 15:58 NLT).

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: http://buildinternational.blogspot.com/

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/

How to Be the Most Valuable Employee

Most people spend a substantial amount of time getting ready for work. It’s important to look professional for the job that you do. However, how we prepare ourselves internally has a lot more to do with our success than how we look on the outside.

Going to work can be a battleground. Things come flying at you at hundred miles an hour. Starting from the traffic to dealing with a difficult boss, employee, or a demanding customer, it can easily sap your energy quickly. Let’s discuss seven traits of a valuable employee.

Be at peace. When you’re at peace, you are in control. The more you can handle a stressful situation in a calm manner, the less frustrated you’ll be. Don’t be surprised at the unexpected demands and behaviors of people. Part of that is what you’re getting paid to handle. When you stay calm, cool, and collected, people respect you and you become more valuable. Inner peace produces outer success.

Attitude is everything. Your attitude reveals your character and it determines your altitude. Attitude is simply confronting a tense situation in a relaxed, easy-going manner. Unfair things will happen. You have to choose your attitude from the moment you get up or else the world outside will set it for you. Employers are dying to find people with good attitudes. You can be the most valuable employee in the company simply by having a can-do attitude. 

Be positive. This one quality will separate you from 90% of the people in your organization. People are so quick to tune in to the negative. Anyone can report a problem. You’re hired to solve problems. Bosses want to hear how it can be done. The bigger problems you solve, the better compensation you’ll receive. No matter what’s thrown at you, your first response should be, “Yes. We’ll get it done.” Don’t worry about the details; it’ll all fall into place.

Delay response. Not all matters require immediate response. Especially, when you’re dealing with a critical email, customer, or employee, it will be to your benefit if you delay your response. When you face a problem, put it on the shelf. I’m not saying ignore the problem but don’t rush into action. Life has an amazing way of working itself out. Sometimes the best action is no action.

Have integrity. Why and how you do something is as important as what you do. In life, always promise less and deliver more. Do what is right even when it’s hurting your bottom line. A true test of integrity is to think, “What will I do if I was on the receiving end of my action?”

 

Celebrate someone. The world is full of selfish and ambitious people who want to step on others to get to the top. A better way to get to the top is to serve others. When we appreciate, recognize, and celebrate the achievements of others, not only will they rise higher but you will go to the top with them. Be genuinely happy for your co-worker’s success. What you send out always comes back.

Don’t panic; pray. There will be the unexpected and the inevitable. There will be things beyond your control. What you cannot change, pray that God will. When you pray, you have power (from on high). Build a reputation of being a prayer person at work and you’ll be amazed at the respect you earn! Unlike popular belief, don’t separate your faith and work life. We’re all called to be light in the world. Your witness for the Lord is vital to win the lost.

Be a balanced person at work. Don’t let others run over you, but don’t be a slacker either. Showing up is half the job done. Whatever you do, do it with all your might and enthusiasm. When you do a hard task with a good attitude, you’ll accomplish your goal faster. Honor God in the marketplace and He will honor you. You’re the only witness some people will ever see. Instead of complaining, learn to enjoy work. It will benefit everybody around. I’m praying for you and your success.

“Do everything without complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14 NLT).

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: http://buildinternational.blogspot.com/

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/

Do What You Can

Not even a mosquito gets slapped on its back until it starts to act. Too many of us have too much knowledge in our head and do too little when it comes to action. It has been said that information is power. But power is released only when we act on the information we have.

I have met Christians around the world who say, “I’m waiting for more revelation from the Lord.” I understand what they’re trying to say but I always tell them what I’m saying to you. If we act on what we already know, not only God will reveal more of Himself to us but we’ll begin to see the power of God manifested in our lives like never before. Knowledge doesn’t change anything; action does!

Jesus said, “All who love me will do what I say” (John 14:23 NLT). One action is more valuable than a thousand good intentions. When we act on what we know, we unleash the power of God to work on our behalf. This is why faith is so important. It is not enough to just believe in what God can do but you have to act on what you know. Every person who received a miracle from Jesus not only believed, they acted on their faith. Action is a trigger to miracles!

Wilma Rudolph was born into a poor home in Tennessee. At age four, she had double pneumonia with scarlet fever — a deadly combination — which left her paralyzed with polio. She had to wear braces and the doctor said that she would never be able to talk again. Her mother heard the doctor’s report but she believed in God more. She told Wilma that with God-given ability, persistence, and faith she could do anything if she’d just act on it. That seed of faith took root in Wilma’s heart. She said, “I want to be the fastest woman in track on this earth.” At the age of nine, against all odds, Wilma removed her brace and took the first step. At the age of 13, she entered her first track meet and she placed last. Wilma didn’t quit. She kept working towards her dream until one day she came first in the competition.

At the age of 15, Wilma attended Tennessee State University where she met coach Ed Temple. After much hard work, sweat, and tears she earned a place in the Olympics. In the 100-meter final, Wilma was to compete against Jutta Heine who had been undefeated. But Wilma won the gold medal. She beat Jutta a second time in the 200-meter race. In the 400-meter relay, Wilma again faced Jutta. Wilma dropped the baton at the start as she watched Jutta shoot past her. Instead of lamenting, Wilma picked up the baton and ran like a thunder bolt to beat Jutta for third time and win her third gold medal. A paralytic woman became the fastest women on earth at the 1960 Olympics, all because she was brave enough to take the first step when the brace came off.

You are born to make history if only you take the first step that is in front of you. A Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with the single step.” If you want to do something big, start by doing something small.

Friend, what impossible situation are you facing today? If you’re looking for your dream job – get out there and send some resumes. If you’re looking for a new client, pick up the phone and make those calls you’ve been meaning to. If you’re lonely, get out there and meet some new people in church, youth groups, or other social events. If you need healing, don’t just confess the scriptures on healing but get up and do something by faith as if you have been healed already. If you have a mountain of debt, don’t wait to win a million dollars in a lottery; instead make the payments as you can, talk to your creditors and explain your situation to them. If you need more revelation of God’s will for your life, act on what you already know. Knowledge is good but action is the proper fruit of knowledge. If you take the step of faith and do what you know, you’ll be amazed at the miracle you create for yourself. God works where there’s faith and action. Take an action towards your faith and you’ll see and eat the fruit of your action manifested in your life.

“Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like” (James 1:24 MSG).

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

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

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/