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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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).

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Stay Focused and Achieve More

Much of our productivity and purpose is lost when we get sidetracked by the small things that don’t produce big results. When we learn to stay focused on the task in front of us, then we’ll finish our job early, listen better, and solve problems faster.

Many believe that by multi-tasking they can get more done in less time. However, just the opposite is true. When we try to do too many things at once, it usually takes longer and there’s often a higher chance of error in what we try to accomplish.

Generally speaking, women tend to be better at multi-tasking then men. God wired our brains differently. I’m not trying to stereotype but women tend to handle more details at once better than men. Of course, if we can do more without sacrificing quality then it is commendable. However in most cases, it is better to stay focused on one job at a time. When we engage in multiple functions at once such as texting and driving, we may even risk our lives!

One of the best ways to stay focused is to make daily, weekly, monthly, even yearly goals. When we create a schedule, we’re essentially telling our time where to go. When we have a clear roadmap of what we need to do, and stay focused on chipping away at it throughout the day, we’ll see better results in accomplishing our goals. In today’s society, we’re busier than ever but not necessarily producing more. If we don’t have a “to do list” we can easily be carried away by checking our Facebook status, posting Instagram pictures, and phone calls from time-wasters.

Taking on one task at a time is effective. For example, if you have a pile of dishes, laundry, and carpet to vacuum, it is better to first tackle the job you like the least. When we start a project, we have the maximum energy and our body, and mind, is not as tired as it would be later in the day. Finishing a task gives you a sense of accomplishment and that motivates you to take on the next task with a better attitude. At work, we should try to attack the job that brings the most reward. If you’re in sales, you should be most focused on making new sales instead of getting bogged down in policies, procedures, and keeping your desk organized. If we’re in administration, we should be focused on managing our top producers, accounts, legalities, production, and customer relationships. Staying focused on most rewarding task will pay off in the long run.

In the Scriptures, even Jesus stayed focused on the task at hand. He didn’t panic at the urgent. He stayed faithful in doing one thing at a time. This is exemplified John 11:5-6. Jesus “delayed” two days longer in the village where He was when He got news that Lazarus was sick unto death. However, He understood the principle of staying focused. When Jesus got done in the village and arrived at Lazarus’ house, his sister Martha lamented, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days! Jesus didn’t panic. He called Lazarus out of the grave! In the case of Jesus, staying focused brought greater glory to God by raising the dead.

Could it be we’re wasting valuable time, effort, and energy by trying to do too many things at once? I know people whose schedules are so packed that they don’t even have time for their families or time to relax and rejuvenate. They are busy like a bee and one day they wake up to find out that their honey is gone. May I recommend that a better way is to stay focused on your work but also stay focused guarding your time with God and your family and friends? When we guard our time with God, we’re infusing power, innovation, and efficiency in our day. Friend, let us not shoot in the dark and do whatever comes on our way. If we’re to be excellent and efficient in what we do, then we have to be intentional about staying focused. You can’t do everything at once. Staying focused and doing one thing at a time will make us more productive, satisfied, and deliver greater rewards. I pray and declare that you’ll be more focused on God, family, relationships, and your health. Let’s stay focused and achieve more.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV).

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Permit God to Prosper You

It is amazing how many people limit themselves to prosper! Nobody wants to be poor yet very few take the initiative to prosperous. Most people don’t prosper because they have the wrong concept of prosperity.

Allow me to share a few definition of prosperity I came across on the internet. Prosperity is the state of flourishing, thriving, good fortune or successful social status. Prosperity often encompasses wealth but also includes other factors such as happiness and health. Prosperity is referred to as flourishing, easy living, well-to-do, very lively and profitable, doing a roaring trade, peace and favor. My own definition of prosperity is to thrive in our relationship with our Creator (from whom all blessings flow), having plenty for our families and plenty left over to help others. Prosperity is not just measured with money but it also includes good health, peace, and harmony and sterling relationships.

When I was getting started in the ministry, I was taught by well-meaning mentors that money was evil. We’re to shun money and embrace poverty. It wasn’t hard to do. It didn’t take any faith or hard work. We’re already so poor. It was a great struggle to do the work of the ministry due to lack of finances. I remember, once a friend offered to give a generous donation. I flatly refused wanting to look pious and not interested in “filthy lucre.” I kicked myself all the way back home thinking all the people we could have helped with that donation. I’ve come a long way since then! I’ve learned prosperity is defined by now how much we earn or hoard for ourselves but how much we give away to improve and impact the lives of others (especially with the Gospel of Christ). Let me share a few thoughts I’ve learnt about prosperity.

Start with a big dream. If we have a “me and my four and no more” mentality, we won’t have much. True prosperity (love, joy, peace, relationships and finances) is to have such abundance that it will begin to overflow. You cannot have a small dream and great riches. God who created the oceans, the Himalayas, the stars and the vast universe lives in you. If you dare to put others first and dream big, He will fulfill your every desire. Permit God to prosper you.

Agree with God in your thinking. One of the greatest hindrances to prosperity is between our two ears. It is our stinking thinking that keeps us from getting ahead in life. Make God the source of your income. When we limit ourselves to our jobs, stocks, commission checks and businesses, we’re liming God. God has unusual ways to provide for us. Once, the Israelites craved for meat in the wilderness. There were about seven million of them on their journey to the Promised Land. God caused wind to blow and millions of quails flew right over their head and suddenly fall dead in the camps of the Israelite! Do not limit God with our finite mind. Let’s break free from the shackles of our past experiences and generational poverty mindset. You’ll receive as much as you see yourself possessing. That’s called faith.

 

Speak prosperity. You can’t have a poor mouth and a rich life. Say, “I’m blessed. I’m rich. I have abundance. I have plenty for myself and plenty leftover to bless the world.” The Bible says, let the poor SAY… I’m rich. Anyone can say I’m prosperous when they’re rich. That doesn’t take any faith. You may think it stupid to say, “I’m rich while I’m clearly broke!” Listen to what the Word of God has to say, “Even God, who quickens the dead, and calls those things which be not as though they were." Abraham was declared to be the Father of many nations long BEFORE he ever had a child. Faith in your prosperity has to do with the words of your mouth. Don’t beg, plead and try to twist God’s arm to bless you. He’s already convinced and ready to prosper you. Seek the Provider and provision will find you!

Last but not the least, if you want God to prosper you, do what is right before God. Have integrity before God. When we honor God with our words, life and actions, we will draw in God’s favor. Be kind to your spouse and children. Respect and honor those who are in authority. Help the poor and needy. Seek first the Kingdom of God and all the material things will be added to you. Allow God and yourself to prosper so that you can become a blessing to others.

“Let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant” (Psalm 35:27 King James 2000).

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How to Manage Your Money

I have several friends who come to me for advice on their money. God’s Word has a lot to talk about money. How we manage our money will determine how much or how little we’ll have of it.

There’re so many voices that want your attention regarding money. If you’re not careful, you can lose a lot by everything “experts” say. Like everything else, the best money advice comes from the Scriptures.

Be diligent at your work. It’s shocking how few people take their work seriously! Many don’t even show up to work. Since the fall of Adam, it is our task on earth to work. The good news is when we work, God has promised to bless the work of our hands. Hard working people will never have to beg for bread.

Be a person of excellence. I go to a certain service counter every month. The clerk’s body language tells me she doesn’t want to be there. It’s a mess when she folds my papers and staples it. I always have to un-staple and make it look decent before I file it. The Bibles teaches, whatever we do, we have to do it unto the Lord and give our best at it.

Have discipline. Pay your bills ahead of time. When paying your bills, take care of your “big potatoes” first. That’s your mortgage/rent, car payment, insurance, tithe, food, and savings and so on. When you put a few large potatoes in an empty jar, it will fit perfectly fine. Later you can pour a lot of rice into the pot and they too will fit around the big potatoes. In the same way, when we take care of our big expenses first, all the small expenses fit in.

Pay off credit card debt. Credit cards are a trap. If we’re not disciplined, we can lose cash fast. Most credit card companies charge 10-25% in interest. You may have a small or a large debt. Don’t be overwhelmed. Start paying more than the minimum every month. Stop using your card for further purchase. Cut it up if you can’t resist temptation. You’ll be amazed what miracle you’ll create for yourself if you simply start paying off your debt.

Save what you save. When you’ve paid off your credit card, student or a car loan or a mortgage, stash away the same cash in a savings or retirement account. When you begin to save, you’ll create energy and free yourself from living month to month. When you have a cushion to fall back on, you’ll have less stress and produce more.

Never act in fear. A friend of mine listened to an “expert,” motivated by fear, bought his book and few weeks later lost 25% of his life’s savings! Just because you see them on TV, listen to them on the radio or read their books doesn’t mean God wants you to take their advice. The best advice you can ever receive is to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow the peace of God in your own heart.

Don’t go for quick gain. When money starts to come easy; be on guard. Hard earned, honest living is still the best way to get rich. Of course, you want to be smart with your money but watch out for a quick buck. If it sounds too good to be true; it probably is! Be conservative. Build your wealth over a period of time.

Diversify. You’ve all heard, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” When we diversify our investment, we’re reducing our chances to lose it all. Don’t invest money in too many high risk portfolios at once. Invest in stocks, bonds and companies you know about. Don’t be naïve. Educate yourself. Only you are responsible for your own money.

Give it away. All rich and famous people have one thing in common – they all give away a lot of money. Obviously there’s a tax-benefit to giving but most rich people give because they have a heart for the less fortunate. The Bible says, when we help the poor, we lend unto the Lord. Cast your bread upon many waters and they’ll come back to you. (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

Friend, money is not the root of all evil – the love of money is! Work hard so you can give more away. Follow God and money will follow you. God knows your needs and how to get it to you. Today God is saying, “Be faithful in little things and I’ll make you ruler over much!” What are you going to do?

“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches” (Luke 16:11 ESV)?

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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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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).

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Dress for Success

A lot of books have been written about dressing for success. Our appearance makes people decide how they’re going to treat us. How we dress has an impact on how successful we’re going to be.

We have to pay attention to what we wear. However, today we’ll discuss dressing for success with our inner attitudes. In order to help us remember this lesson we’re going to discuss the acronym D-R-E-S-S.

Have Determination. Everybody wants to be successful but very few people have determination. It is not enough to have a wish-bone but we must have a backbone in our pursuit of happiness. If we give up easily then our strength is too small. In order to be successful, we have to have bulldog tenacity. Once you get hold of the vision, you must hang tight to it. Anyone can start but only those are rewarded who finish the race. If we want to have success, we have to be determined.

Take some Risk. Insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect a different result. Don’t just stay with what’s comfortable. Good is the worst enemy of the best! Stretch yourself to the new level. Take some risk. Don’t do anything foolish. Process it with your spouse and people who have your best interest at heart. Faith is all about taking risk and trusting in God’s ability to deliver. Everyone paints picture of Peter drowning in the water but he is the only man in history who walked on the water with Jesus! Make those cold calls. Do your due diligence. Take corresponding actions. Develop a communication system to be in touch with your patrons. Invest in educating yourself. Associate with the wise. A ship is safe in the dock but its greatest potential is unleashed when it sails in the vast ocean. You too will fly high in life if you step out of your comfort zone and take some risk.

No more Excuses. The Bible says, “The lazy person claims, "There's a lion on the road! Yes, I'm sure there's a lion out there" (Proverbs 26:13 NLT)! Yes, there will be challenges on your way to success but God has equipped you to overcome them. Quit saying, “This is too hard. It is not working!” Your life will follow your mouth. Get in the game. Have a “can do” attitude. “I've lived long life, Cadmos, but the glory and the memory of men will always belong to the ones who follow their great visions.” – Old Ptolemy speaking of Alexander the Great.

Be Sympathetic. In the run chase to success many people trample others to get what they want. Don’t sacrifice your family and loved ones at the altar of your success. It’s not worth it. Have a tender heart. Help the people God brings in your path right now. Be sympathetic to other people’s needs and wants. Your success is directly tied up to the measure you help others. The famous Zig Zigler said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”

Say Sorry. Nobody is perfect. You will make mistakes. The greatest in life are those who take ownership for their mistakes, turn away from them and move forward. When you make a mistake, simply say, “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” No buts… ifs… and because…

Dress for success! You’re born to do great things. God made you to leave a mark on this planet. You’re destined to win. You have what it takes. You are born to fly. Get your inner dialogues right. You cannot have a poor mouth and live a rich life. Have faith in God. Take some risks. Help others along the way. Every day when you wake up, dress for success with your inner attitudes. You and God are a winning team! I believe in you and am praying for you.

“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it” (Colossians 3:12-14 The Message).

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

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

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