You Have More in You

You know there is more in you. You dream about it. You see it and feel it in every fiber of your being. .You even daydream about the untapped potential that is burning in your heart. You can try to ignore that burning desire. Your thoughts will tell you, I am too old. I am too young. I am not disciplined enough. I have missed too many opportunities. I have suffered too many setbacks. I am too much of this or not enough of that. It is not meant for me. Your mind will tell you many things, but your heart tells you that there is more in store for you. Do not brush that off. That is your destiny calling you. Those feelings and desires are signs that there is more in you. If you trust them and stay in faith, being your best, you will climb to new heights and go on to make history.

Sometimes, when we have tasted a little success, our complacency can keep us from God’s best. You may be satisfied with your current position in your job, but could it be that you have the potential in you to manage your department? You may be working for a company and there is a growing sense of dissatisfaction brewing in you. Could it be that God is prompting you to start your own company? Or how about feeling you have reached the pinnacle of your success and now it is time for you to give back. Could it be that God is leading you to start a ministry and get involved in missions, helping the poor and widows in foreign lands?

When Sir Edmund Hillary failed in one of his attempts to scale Mt. Everest, he was called to give a speech on his experience. He paused at one of the slides of Mt. Everest, shook his fist and announced, “Mt. Everest, you’ve grown all you can but I will grow bigger from my experience and conquer you!” Soon after, Edmund Hillary became the first person to climb Mt. Everest.

What about you? Are you growing? Are you stretching? Are you looking for new ways to advance your career, influence more people? You have seeds of greatness in you. You were not created to just live and die and nobody knew you were here. You were destined to leave your mark. Since God put the dream in you, He will equip you to fulfill it.

Sometimes when we have suffered a setback or things are not happening on our timetable, we tend to give up on our dreams. We did not get the promotion, the doctor’s prognosis was not good, or a relationship did not work out. Life has a way of pushing our dreams down. Now it has been years and we are convinced that the good life has passed us by. We bury the relationship, we bury the promises to get healed, and we stop trying to get free from addictions. But there are seeds of greatness still in you. Just because you gave up does not mean God gave up on the promises He made to you. What He started, He will fulfill. Do not bury your dreams under low self-esteem, disappointments, and mediocrity. The dream is still alive. There is more in you. If you dare to believe, God will bring it to pass.

This is what happened to Moses in the Bible. As a young man, God gave Moses a dream that he would lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses was excited about his future but he made a mistake. He saw an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew slave, so he killed the Egyptian. Moses had to flee the country and spend 40 years in the backside of the desert hiding. I can imagine how he felt—condemned, disappointed, and finally he buried his dream. He thought he had blown it and now he did not deserve what God had put in his heart. But God is so merciful. He does not give us what we deserve. Even when we give up, He does not abort a dream. At the age of 80 God visited Moses in a burning bush and revived his dream. God told him what He had told him 40 years earlier: go back to Egypt and deliver my people. Moses went and did just as God had promised. He delivered the people of God out of Egypt.

Have you buried a dream because life happened? Did you give up on a promise that God gave to you? I encourage you to stir up the dreams God has put in your heart. If God did not have another victory ahead of you, you would not be here. You have more in you. Your destiny is calling you. Your best days are still out in front of you. If you dare to believe and act on it, you will climb to the pinnacle of your success. God is with you and, more importantly, He is for you. Do not let limited thinking or a failure in the past hold you back. Today is a new day. You have what it takes. You can be who you want to be. You can do what you want to do. You can have what you want to have. Release what is in you. You cannot awaken someone who is pretending to be asleep. Awaken your dreams. Take the limits off. There is no limit to what you and God can do. There is more in you.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6 NLT). 

Help Us Spread Hope: www.buildinternational.org

Building People. Spreading Hope.

Coming Out Better

We all go through challenges and difficulties that we do not always understand. I know plenty of people who have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus, but God never ends in a minus. He will bring you out of this mess and turn it into your message. Not only will He restore what you have lost, but you will come out of this better than you were before. 

I recently talked to a friend who fought a legal battle for five years. It was a long and exhausting struggle, and we kept praying for breakthrough; however, the court date kept getting pushed back, the deposition required more time, and there seemed to be no way to settle the dispute. The pandemic lockdown meant that there were no court hearings for several months. Then, out of the blue, my friend got a call inviting him to talk to the judge via Zoom video conferencing, and the opposition agreed to settle the case immediately. My friend not only got back everything he had lost, but he also received 1½ times more than what he had originally invested in this case. All legal and corresponding expenses were paid in full, and it ended up costing the other party five times what my friend had originally asked for.

You may be facing challenges now. You may feel like something was taken from you that cannot be replaced. Perhaps you feel pressured or as though you are being squeezed for resources. The job market is down, and your health is not improving. Despite what you are facing, God is saying, “You are going to come out of this better off than before!” Once you experience God’s favor, healing, and promotion, you will look back and say, “Everything turned out for my good.” Without Goliath, David would forever be known as the shepherd boy. Without Pharaoh, the Israelites could not have plundered the Egyptians and entered the Promised Land. You too will come out of your difficulties with flying colors. God will make the enemy pay double for your troubles. 

When you see where God takes you—the favor, the promotion, the blessing, you will look back one day and say, “It all turned out for the best!” David will tell you that it was good that Goliath showed up. The Israelites will tell you that it was good that Pharaoh restricted them. Now stay in faith and trust that God has your back. He would not allow the pressure if it were not going to work for your good. You are going to come out strong, healthy, vindicated, promoted, and much better than you were before. On that day you will say, “That enemy didn’t defeat me; that enemy blessed me.”

The Book of Daniel tells the story of three Hebrew teenagers who refused to bow to an idol under King Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. When news of their rebellion reached the king, he was furious and had the boys thrown into a blazing furnace. The fire was so hot that the soldiers who threw the youths in were instantly killed. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, however, were untouched. Their clothes, hair and skin were unburned, and they did not smell like fire. Notice how God restores.

Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” When you come out of your trial, difficulties, or heartache, no one will be able to recognize the loss because there will be no scars, bruises, or damage to you or your reputation. God will restore your health, marriage, business, and mind. There will be no sign of depression, the marriage will thrive, and you will accomplish things that you had given up on. There will be no smell or sign of fire on you.

You may feel like you are in a fire right now or drowning in debt. The child maybe off course. The injustice and discrimination in the world seem unfair and unbearable. Let me remind you that you are coming out of this better than you were before. After living in slavery for 430 years, the Israelites left Egypt with great wealth. After five years of intense legal battles, God restored my friend to more than he could have hoped for. The Hebrew teenagers did not even smell like smoke after being in a fiery furnace. You may feel like going through some heat right now, but you are coming out stronger. You will rejoice, celebrate, and produce more in your future than you thought was possible.

Do your part and trust God to come through for you. He works on behalf of those who have faith. Thank Him in advance and say, “Father, thank you for my healing! Thank you for the salvation of my loved ones! Thank you for causing my business to prosper! Thank you that I will lend and not borrow! Thank you for helping me know and serve you better! Thank you for making a way, where I do not see a way!” When you declare His goodness, you release faith which is more powerful than positivity. You may be at a disadvantage right now, but you will come out of this vindicated, promoted, health restored, without the smell of smoke. In Jesus’ Name!

“You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:20 KJV).

Help Us Spread Hope: www.buildinternational.org
Building People. Spreading Hope.

How to Avoid Drought in Your Business

Many businesses are experiencing a slowdown due to the corona virus pandemic. In such distressing times, it is easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. However, what the enemy means for harm, God can turn around for your good.

 

In the 1860s, Mark Twin described Palestine–now Israel–as “a desolate country given over wholly to weeds.” The Negev Desert in Israel’s southern region accounts for half of the land mass. In 1948, the Jewish nation was born and has since become one of the world’s leader in agriculture. How can a desolate wasteland become a thriving nation in which 90% of its food supply is locally grown?

 

1. Creative thinking. Plato the Greek philosopher said, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” When we are faced with a challenging situation, we can either conform or confront. Israel’s success in agriculture started with innovation. Your brain is the most valuable asset in your business. You have the freedom to think. You can offer products and services to your customers in ways that others cannot through creative thinking.

 

2. Outsource. One of the keys to Israel’s agricultural achievement is outsourcing its labor force. Did you know that Israel has a contract with the government of Thailand who provide laborers to work on their farms? When they return home, they bring these success methods back to their country. It is a win-win situation for both countries. Can you identify parts in your business where you can outsource? Do only what others cannot do and let the experts handle the rest!

 

3. Embrace technology. One of Israel’s success secrets lies in the implementation of high-tech drip and micro-irrigation. If they had continued using conventional irrigation methods, it would never have worked in the vast deserts. Likewise, we are living in a fast-changing world. The good news is that technology can help you better serve your clients. Are there any areas in your business where you can automate and let technology take over?

 

4. Find a niche market. If you are not comfortable with high-tech, focus on high-touch. Do not try to cater to everyone. In 1979, Israel’s agriculture represented 6% of GDP. In 2017, that number shrunk to approximately 2.3%. Israeli farmers are not trying to drive the nation’s economy, but they produce enough to cater to their own population. They do not have to import basic food. What about your business? Can you provide a more personalized service? Can you reach out to a more specific group of clients?

 

It was a lazy Friday afternoon when Diane got a call from a distraught woman who was sobbing on the phone, “I’m getting married tomorrow. My wedding dress was supposed to be delivered by noon but it’s 3:30 PM now. Can you please help me?” Diane comforted the young lady and promised to locate the package. She successfully found it in Detroit, more than 300 miles away from where the young woman lived. Her supervisors had gone home for the weekend and there was no one else to ask for help. So Diane found a Cessna pilot to pick up and then fly the wedding dress to Wilmington, IN.

 

On Monday morning, Diane got a call from the new bride who thanked her profusely while on her honeymoon to Mexico. Undoubtedly, it cost the company a large sum to deliver that package but here’s the beauty of the story. At the wedding, the bride told the guests how her wedding gown arrived just in time. Word spread quickly. There were high-powered executives in attendance who asked their employees to learn more about this exceptional delivery service. Soon they began to use them for all their deliveries. Today FedEx covers 220 countries and thousands of service centers globally.

 

It all started because Diane took a personal interest in one customer, providing high-touch service, and the rest just followed. If you focus on high-touch customer service, your business could reach great heights of success as well.

 

5. Make God your CEO. I believe the main reason for Israel’s success is because God blesses them. They are His chosen people. You, too, are handpicked and elected by God to do business. Listen to God’s voice and let Him guide you. When He leads, you will take new ground. One client can make up for your yearly revenue. Expand your mindset. If you can see it, you can achieve it. God is breathing life in your direction. Get ready for a stimulus package from heaven prepared exclusively for you. Can you thank Him for it? If so, I believe your business will continue to prosper and you will become a blessing to others.

 

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes” (Isaiah 54:2 NIV).

 

Help Us Spread Hope: www.buildinternational.org

Building People. Spreading Hope.

Supernatural Reversal

We all go through loss, discouragement, and defeat. Sometimes we lose our health, the stock market investments, or a friend who walks away without a reason. The good news is that what you have lost is not always permanent. God is about to turn things around for you suddenly!

I recently ordered a pair of jeans online. When I went to pick them up from a retail store, it wasn’t the right one. I asked the clerk to cancel the order. He did it without a fuss and returned the funds back to my account. I realize that life is more complicated than that, but I wonder how many of us do the complete opposite? We tend to easily accept negative situations, or a crisis involving our health, family, or finances. The Scripture says, “The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy.” It also says, “If a thief is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole” (Proverbs 6:31). So, whatever the enemy has stolen from you, you can reclaim it seven times over with penalty and interest!

The losses you suffered have not been fair. You may not see how things could ever improve again. You do not know how your investments will bounce back. You do not see how a relationship could be restored. The good news is that you do not have to know because God already does! He is initiating a supernatural reversal. Right now, He is working behind the scenes, lining things up in your favor. He is bringing the right people across your path. He is opening doors that no one can shut. You may have written off your future, but God does not abort a dream. Nor does He change His mind. What He started; He will finish. All you have to do is believe and thank Him for it!

In 2 Kings Chapter 6, Elisha was running a school for prophets. As the disciples grew in numbers, one of them proposed to expand the facility. Elisha agreed and they all went down to the River Jordan to cut down trees and bring them back. As one of the men was cutting down a tree, the axe head fell into the river. He cried out, “Oh no, master! It was borrowed!” Elisha asked, “Where did it fall?” The man showed Elisha the spot. The prophet cut off a piece of wood and threw it into the water. Miraculously, the axe head floated up to the surface. The disciple reached for it and picked it out of the water.

Can you imagine Elisha’s boldness commanding a solid piece of iron from out of a fast-flowing river? That is because he knew that the power of God was operating in his life. Like Elisha, you too have the power to recall what belongs to you. Your health can be restored. Your children will become Christ-followers. Your investments will start to soar again. Your marriage will be healed. Like Elisha, do not settle for a negative report. God has given us the power and authority to receive whatever we ask Him for (Mark 11:24). You may ask, “Sandy, do you really think God will hear my prayers? Doesn’t God have bigger things to deal with?” Can I tell you something? “You are God’s biggest deal!” He cares about every intricate detail of your life. He delights in the prosperity (body, mind, and soul) of His servant—that’s you (Psalm 35:27)!

Some of my friends are facing heavy losses from the slowing economy, crashing stock markets, and the lack of business. I am telling them what I am telling you now: Do not be afraid! God is saying to you, “I am your Source. I am not limited by natural circumstances. I am your Protector, your Healer, and your Provider. I will bring supernatural reversal to all you have lost. You will lend and not borrow. You will be the head and not the tail. I will bless you so that you can become a blessing to the world” (Deuteronomy 28:12-13 ESV). Do not look at your adversities and think “My situation is hopeless.” Jesus said, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."

John Chapter 11 tells the story of Lazarus, a good friend of Jesus, who had fallen ill. When Jesus first heard about it, he seemed unfazed. He said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” He made his way to Lazarus’ house. By the time Jesus arrived, his friend was dead and in a tomb for four days. He did not consider the natural circumstances. By faith, Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out of the grave. Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

Friend, are there things dead in your life? Jesus is saying, “The dream within you is not dead, it is just asleep!” Dare to call them back! God does not start something and not finish it. If you believe it, God will fulfil the dream He put in you. He will bring about what He promised. Now do your part and start talking like it is going to happen. Thank God for it in advance. If you believe, you will see a supernatural reversal in an unprecedented way. You and everyone around you will be amazed and see the glory of God. Do you believe it? I know you do. I love you and I am praying for a supernatural reversal in your future with speed and finality!

“God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he'll have compassion on you; he'll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered” (Deuteronomy 30:3 MSG).

Help Us Spread Hope: www.buildinternational.org

Building People. Spreading Hope.

Living Under God’s Protection

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been dominating the world news, economy, stock markets, air travel, and life as we know it. There is fear and panic among people everywhere. But as believers, we can not only survive but also thrive through these turbulent times. 

Living under the protection of God is a big topic in the Scriptures. God has made specific provisions for those who choose to live under His protection. While many people are motivated by fear, the people of God can rest in peace, knowing that He is in control of our lives. He will not let any evil to come near us. We are not ignorant or condescending, but we do not have to let a virus dictate our lives. Let us look at seven things you can know/do during this time!

1. Do not fear. God is in control. He does not do anything random. He has a plan and a purpose. No matter what happens in our world, it must pass through the courts of heaven. God does not bring evil upon us but works through situations that we face. Do not get God mixed up with the devil. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). The affairs of our lives do not catch God by surprise. He is not wringing His hands thinking, “What am I going to do now?” He is not calling on the angels to discuss a bailout plan. No. He already has a solution before the problem began. God said, “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).

2. You have insurance. Before the various plagues struck the Egyptians, God said, “I will make a clear distinction between my people and your people…” (Exodus 8:23 NLT). One of the benefits of following Christ is that we are immune from the crisis around us. A ship does not drown when it is surrounded by water. A ship’s integrity is compromised only when water gets inside it. In the same way, you may be surrounded by plague but do not let it get inside of you. God promised, “So you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you” (Exodus 23:25 NKJV). 

 

3. Spend quality time with your loved ones. There is never enough time to spend with the people we love and care for. During this time of limited movement, take the time to bond with your family and loved ones. Sometimes the people who sacrifice the most for us are least appreciated. Why not pick up the slack and start serving your family a little more. Love and assist your family by being available and doing chores together like cooking or cleaning. Spend one-on-one time with your kids and let them know how important they are to you. 

 

4. Protect yourself. We are in the world but not of this world. Just because we’re Christ-followers does not mean we have to throw away our brains. Protect yourself by washing your hands frequently with soap. Avoid physical contact such shaking hands and giving hugs. Keep a distance of four to six feet between you and others. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Take vitamins and supplements to boost your immune system. 

 

5. Have a personal revival. When we are forced to distance ourselves from others and when we cannot even go to church for fellowship, it makes for a great time to experience a personal awakening. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Let us use this time of isolation to grow closer to God. Be still and ask the Holy Spirit if there are areas in your life where you can come up higher. When we are vertically strong, we will be horizontally successful also. 

 

6. Talk about Jesus. Seasons of uncertainty and crisis are some of the best times to share the gospel as many hearts are open, willing, and receptive to the things of God. You do not have to be obnoxious about it. Nor do you have to barge into people’s lives waving a Bible, preaching guilt and condemnation. Be sensitive and on the lookout for those who are distressed and overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. We are the salt and light of the world. Let us use these opportunities to bring hope, healing, and wholeness through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

7. Declare God’s Word. Step away from the news and social media and tune into God’s promises. Shield yourself and your family by proclaiming Psalm 91 as often as you can. Let me say a prayer of peace, protection, and provision over your life: “Father, I declare that fear and anxiety leave your people immediately. I command the death and destruction of Coronavirus around the world. I proclaim sickness, disease, crisis, calamities, and plagues to flee from us. I thank you for protecting our children and senior citizens from catching anything that would be detrimental to their health. I thank you for strength and speedy recovery over those who have been infected. I declare that the only thing we will catch is the goodness of God, mercy, strength, health, longevity, favor, abundance, and a satisfied life.” You said, “The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV). Lord, we believe and receive your peace and protection in Jesus’ Name Amen.” 

 

“A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you” (Psalm 91:7 NKJV).

 

Help Us Spread Hope: https://buildinternational.org

Building People. Spreading Hope.

When Nothing Seems to be Happening

“So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

None of us like to wait. We want fast, if not immediate, results. Many people struggle when they do the right thing and don’t see the desired result. If a drought lasts for a long time, it can easily squeeze the life out of us. The good news is that everything can change instantly.

One touch of God’s favor blowing in your direction can do more for you than what you can do on your own in a lifetime. The challenge is to stay hopeful in trusting God when things are going slow.

Just because you don’t see any progress doesn’t mean there isn’t any. If God was to pull back the curtains and let you take a peek at what’s happening in the background, you would be amazed. Many people quit just before the major breakthrough is about to take place.

What to do when nothing seems to be happening?

Pass the discouragement test. One of the main things you have to battle is mental fatigue. When we begin to lose hope, it’s hard to stay pumped up. No matter how dark it looks, you have to have an internal dialogue and belief that things are going to change today.

We can learn a lot from a farmer. If he decides to gather a barn full of corn, he doesn’t just hope, pray, and expect the corn to appear miraculously. He does what he has to. A farmer prepares the ground, plants the seeds, waters, nurtures, and waits for the right time to harvest the corn. He doesn’t go back the day after and dig out the seed because it has not produced yet. He’s confident in the seed, the soil, and the law of sowing and reaping. He’s secure that his labor will bring forth much fruit.

In the same way, when you’re in a slow season, keep putting seeds on the ground faithfully – make those follow up calls, take your family to church, stand believing for your healing, attend the local chamber of commerce, and keep working on the marriage. Keep doing what you know. If you do the right thing long enough, you will reap your reward. 

Keep the right company. You should never hang around with naysayers. It will kill your spirit faster than the venom of a cobra. It is especially important while you’re waiting that you associate with faith-filled people. Anybody can tell you why it won’t work; you need to hear how God is going to turn things around. Feed on the positive. Overdose on God’s promises for your problem. Bad company corrupts good manners. The opposite is also true.

Lastly, have an attitude of gratitude. If God has done it once, He will do it again. Most criminals are repeat offenders. At times, that’s all they know. In some ways, they don’t know any better. They can’t help themselves. They know the system.

God is like a criminal. Ok, I better clarify that. Unlike doing wrong, God can only do what’s right. God has a track record of doing the best for you. That’s all He can do and will do.

God cannot but help you, bless you, empower you, open doors for you, and propel you to your next level of victory. You need to know how God's laws work by studying the Word.

Friend, you are His masterpiece. You are His pride and joy. You’re His fatal attraction. He’s fascinated and even intoxicated by you and your success. Don’t mix up the devil and God. The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy but Jesus has come to give us life and an abundance of it.

 

This is your time. This is your moment of favor and breakthrough. Tag, you’re it to receive God’s abundant favor, mercy, healing, and prosperity. Let’s get our hopes up. Let’s pitch our tent in the land of hope. Cast away the loss, the sadness, depression, discouragement, and disappointments. It’s a new day to experience God’s love and mercy. I pray and declare: you’re about to come into your promised land. I love you and I’m praying for you and your good success.

 

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

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

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