Living Breakthrough Minded

Discouragement and disappointments are common in life. It’s easy to settle down and accept life the way it is. Not much is required if we want to live a no-significant, mediocre life. However, God wants us to live breakthrough minded.

When we’re going through a down time – a sickness, legal battle, troubled relationship or joblessness, it’s easy to think, “There’s nothing happening for me.” God feels like a million miles away and our circumstances seem to suck the life out of us. Today, I want to encourage you to live breakthrough minded. Expect something to change so drastically that it will impact your whole life.

Once, King David was facing a monumental battle with the Philistine army. They were greatly outnumbered and the odds were high against them. David prayed and asked God to give them victory in an impossible situation. As David and his men went out to fight a huge army, God gave them victory. Later he described, “God has broken through to my enemies like the bursting forth of water.” When they left, David named that place Baal-Perazim, which means, “God of the breakthrough.”

I’ve had many Baal-Perazim experiences in my life. My mother died when I was one year old. When two ladies adopted my brothers and I and took us to an orphanage, it was a Baal-Perazim moment for me. When I got accepted to attend one of the most prestigious colleges, it was a breakthrough moment. When God called me to the nations which have developed into an international ministry, it was a Baal-Perazim moment for me.

However, life doesn’t always go as smooth as we want. Our negative experiences can eclipse our positive encounters with God. Today you may be sitting in a dry spell of your life. You’re still without a job. The house is not selling. No prince charming has come into your life and your bills keep stacking up. Your child is acting up and the sickness is still limiting your life. What to do when nothing seems to be working?

When you feel overwhelmed with problems, lack and difficult circumstances, remind yourself that our Lord is the God of the breakthrough. Like the bursting forth of water or a tsunami, God will sweep every struggle away from you. His flood of blessing will invade your marriage, family, finances, peace and health. His flood of favor will bring you multiple job offers. You will marry the person of your dream. Your children will be mighty in the land. God will put resources in your hand to evangelize the world. You’ll go from barely get by to having more than enough.

Friend, if we need to receive God’s breakthrough, we have to have to live breakthrough-minded. That means you wake up every day expecting God’s goodness to overtake your life. Instead of singing the blues, sing God’s praises for the coming miracles. We have to put on an attitude as if the victory is already here. That is called faith. Faith is to celebrate God’s power to change our current situation while we’re still in that situation. When we’re breakthrough-minded, we’re giving our best to every person we meet and our work. We’re looking our best because you may meet the person of your dream. You’re making plans to serve because God is going to heal your sick body. When God opens the floodgates, it will wash away your sorrow and bring about a new spring in your lives. Are you getting excited? Do you see yourself ready to leave Mediocreville and move into God’s Garden of Eden where there is peace, provision and tranquility? Friend, I believe with all my heart, this is your day! I declare: A breakthrough is coming. When it happens, it will change everything in your favor. Get ready and prepare for the flood of God’s goodness to overtake you. I love you and I’m praying for you!

“As of right now, I’m making a covenant with you: In full sight of your people I will work wonders that have never been created in all the Earth, in any nation. Then all the people with whom you’re living will see how tremendous God’s work is, the work I’ll do for you” (Exodus 34:10 The Message).

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Staying in Peace

We all have the opportunity to get upset, stressed out and irritable. Storms of life can hit us every once in a while but we don’t have to allow the storm to get in us. When we’re in peace, we’re in a position of power.

The other day I had some concerns in my mind when I allowed the enemy to steal my peace. I got irritable and took it out on my son Daniel. He couldn’t understand why I was so nit-picky about stuff normally I don’t care about. Later I had to apologize to him for allowing things to get out of hand. When we lose our peace, people who are closest to us end up paying the price. This is not a good way live.

Recently I was in India and a gigantic typhoon hit the state right next to where we were. We barely escaped! Everything on its path was rooted out. Millions of people lost their homes and many lost their lives. It is sad that people who have so little to start with can lose so much! A storm can be devastating but in the center of a storm is what is called the “eye of the storm.” In spite of its destructive behavior the eye of the storm is as calm as it can be. In the same way, when our lives are rooted and grounded in God’s Word, we can remain calm in spite of storm all around us.

Jesus was on a boat in the middle of the sea when a great storm arose. The disciples were helter-skelter trying to keep the boat from sinking. When things got out of hand they realized Jesus was in the boat! They woke Him up and complained, “Don’t you care we’re about to die?” How many times we do the same! If they only knew who was in the boat with them! Following God doesn’t mean absence of troubles but it means presence of God in the midst of our storms. Jesus was in tuned with God, He rebuked the storm and everything calmed down. Submit to God and rebuke your storm!

One of the greatest peace stealer in our lives is our finances. When we’re worried monetarily, we can be in great turmoil. Too much or too little of funds can steal our peace. No matter how much or how little finances we have, it will do us good to remember, God owns it all. We’re merely stewards to manage what belongs to God. A barely get by mindset will always steal our peace for not having enough; greed will have the same effect on us. The best way to have peace regarding our finances is to be content with what we have while pursuing to get what we want.

Another area that robs our peace is our relationships. People who are closest to us can be the greatest source of conflict. In these times, it will serve us good to remember that we’re on the same team. Relationships flare up when one or both parties are troubled about something. Seek first to understand before you seek to be understood. When we fight with our loved ones, we’re shooting friendly fires. Don’t let that be you.

Physical illness can be a great source of discouragement. Since our body, soul and spirit are interconnected, it’s easy to lose our peace when we’re not feeling good. This is the time to communicate how we’re feeling. Most of the time, people around us will give us more space if they know that we’re not feeling up to par. A key to getting well is not to dwell on our sickness. We’ll produce whatever we meditate on. You cannot talk sickness all the time and expect to have health. Faith comes by whatever we hear ourselves talk… (Sandy’s version)!

Friend, nothing is more regretful than to live our lives all stressed out, worried, creating havoc in our own lives and those we love. I challenge us all to stress-proof our lives. Before we say anything, let us consider how it affects the other person. Have an abundance mindset. Don’t let your situation dictate your life. Don’t respond to everything ugly you read or hear. Be the big person and don’t repay evil for evil. When you’re in peace, you’re in a position of power.

“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord” (Hebrew12:14 NLT).

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Fight a Good Fight

Today in America, we celebrate the war veterans. Millions have sacrificed and given their lives for the cause of defending the innocent and this great country. We salute the Veterans!

One thing we all have to learn in life is to fight a good fight of faith. Anything worth possessing will require a fight. We don’t fight with guns and swords but we have to learn to fight spiritual battles. If we don’t have the right mindset, we won’t win. Today let’s look at a few winning attitudes.

Keep the right perspective. When you’re fighting life’s battle, never allow the size of the problem to overwhelm you. If you keep the right perspective, it will be easy to overcome any adversity. When David faced Goliath, he didn’t call him a giant. He said, “You uncircumcised Philistine.” In the Old Testament, circumcision was a reminder of God’s Covenant with His people. Today, you have a covenant with God’s favor and blessing through the work of our Lord on the Cross and by His Holy Spirit. If you have a big problem, you have a big victory coming your way.

You’re a victor not a victim. When problems flood into our lives like waves, it’s easy to feel small, neglected and forgotten by all. In the Bible there were twelve spies that went to spy out the land of Cannon. Ten of them returned feeling defeated before they even faced the enemy. They said, “We’re like grasshoppers!” Yes, the problems may be overwhelming but you’re not a grasshopper, you’re the child of the Most High! You’re not a victim, you’re a victor. Say with me, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

Build a support team. Jesse Cottle joined the Marines in 2003. Six years later as he was dismantling an explosive device in Afghanistan, it went off leaving him a double amputee. Despite his injuries, Cottle met his beautiful wife Kelly and they married a year ago. A picture of Kelly carrying her husband Jesse went viral on the internet because it portrayed his love for his country and her dedication to love and support her husband unconditionally. Jesse was interviewed saying, “It was tough and it is tough in general, but I just kind of always had the attitude that it's really tough now but things will just be okay, and I had my family around me I had good friends and basically just my faith really helped me to carry me through.” Veteran’s Day is a good reminder that no man can fight a battle on his own. Rambo may look good on the silver screen but in real life, you need friends and family like Kelly who will believe in you and support you in the heat of the battle.

Appreciate what you have. Another very powerful image worth remembering on Veteran’s Day is of a Marine wife sleeping on the floor in front of her husband’s cascade draped with a U.S. flag, the day before her husband was to be buried. What a gripping reminder for us all to love the people in our world a little more hug them a little tighter and appreciate them a little more. None of us know how long they’re with us. Never take your blessings for granted. Let’s appreciate our loves ones.

God is fighting your battle. To fight a good fight of faith, we must do our part but never forget that you’re not alone. What we cannot handle, our God can. Nothing you’re facing today is too difficult for Him. The Bible says that God has put all things under our feet. No weapon formed against you will prosper. He will make a way where there is no way. Now change your perspective. You’re not weak, defeated or a victim. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. Fight the good fight of faith. Great it is to dream the dream, when you’re young by the starry streams but greater it is to fight life through and say at the end that the dream is true.

“The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:14 NLT).

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Doing Business in Deep Waters

Inside each of us is a desire to do great things in life. When we experience a few setbacks, we tend to tone down our dreams and settle for a mediocre life. If we want to accomplish great things we have to nurture a big vision.

The Bible talks about doing business in great waters. It talks about experiencing God’s miracles in the deep waters. When we’re splashing around in the shallow it is safe.  When you’re in the deep waters, out in the middle of the sea, you have to trust and depend on God for your very survival. You have to take risks but the payback is the great treasures in the depth of the ocean floor.

I want to talk to primarily business owners today. However, these things are applicable to anyone who wants to make a big impact for God. Your dreams and purposes are not there by chance. The Creator of the universe put those desires in you. You’re born for such a time like this. The wealth of the world is stored up for you. God knows your heart is not just to provide for your family but also to touch the world with your influence and resources. Today, let’s talk about a few principles that will propel you to your ultimate destiny.

Believe in the dream God placed in your life. When you set out to do great things for God, you’ll have many opportunities to abort your dream. God will always give you some people who will believe in you but most of the time you have to be your biggest cheerleader. Protecting your dream will be one of your greatest challenges. Very few Christians believe that God wants them to become wealthy and change the world. There’s a small-mindedness that keep most people limited in the shallow waters. It will require all your faith and determination to do business in deep waters. Protect your dream. God is with you in the deep!

There will be oppositions. Great visions will have great oppositions. It comes with the territory. When Joseph had a dream, his own family was the first to laugh at him and tried to steal his dream. He went to the pit, then to the prison but ultimately to the palace to become second in command in the country. Moses faced a similar fate when he struggled for his own survival. But God’s grace led him to the very heart of Pharos’s house floating in a basket. He became the deliverer of the great nation of Israel. David would still be known as a shepherd boy had he not faced his Goliath. Daniel faced the lion’s den. Jesus had to flee to another country as a child to escape the great slaughter. His whole life was marked with challenges but He championed all of life’s trials when He rose again from the dead. You too my friend possess the same potential as the great men of faith before us. You can’t please every person and God at the same time. You will have oppositions but God has prepared a banquet table in front of your enemies. Those who oppose you now will see your success and marvel at God’s goodness in your life. Embrace challenges; it will help you rise higher.

Have some determination. If you build it, they’ll come! Most people give up without finishing the goals and visions God placed in their hearts. What they don’t realize is how close they were to accomplishing their dream! You’re closer than you think. You have come too far to go back now. Great treasures of the sea are in the deep. Give up the low life. Stretch towards heaven. It takes the same faith of a mustard seed to believe God for a $250,000 or a $5,000,000 business. With the later, you can have more influence to win our world for Jesus. You’ve got what it takes. God has the right people lined up for you. Your breakthrough is just in the horizon. Don’t give up until you see God’s miracles in the deep.

Friend, no matter what you do, dream big. Expect great things from God. Don’t let the enemy steal the seeds of greatness from your heart. Embrace challenges. The magnitude of your problem is an indication to the size of your destiny. Don’t be surprised if your dream is taking longer than you anticipated. Get out of the shallow waters. The wealth of the world is yours but you have to launch out into the deep! God is with you and I’m praying for you.

“Those who sail on the sea in ships, who do business on the high seas, have seen what the LORD can do, the miracles he performed in the depths of the sea” (Psalm 107:23-24 God’s Word).

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Pick Your Battle Wisely

Much of our productivity time is wasted on unproductive conflicts. When we’re not intentional about the battles we fight every day, we can easily be sucked into minor things that drain major energy out of us.

Every day when we wake up, God gives us fresh energy, enthusiasm, faith and courage for that day. They don’t come in unlimited supplies because God wants us to trust Him in a fresh new way every day. When we depart from the purpose God put in our heart each day, we can run around in circles without making an impact. God wants us to be effective and productive with our emotional resources. If we’re getting frustrated, angry, and jealous and pouting over small things, we will not be prepared for a real battle that counts. What battle we pick will determine how big of a giant-slayer we will be.

At home it is easy to get frustrated about kids leaving their dirty socks in the middle of the living room. We can easily get upset if the lights are not turned off or a drawer is left open and the key to the car is always missing. It is easy to nag about the messy closet. It’s doesn’t take much to complain about the traffic. At work, we can be upset about the boss, incomplete project or false accusation. But really, in the big scheme of life, none of this matter. Peace, joy and harmony in the house is much more valuable than paying $10 extra for lights left on. It is better to just shut the drawer close than to make a big deal about it. A house where there is love, respect, honor and laughter is much more valuable than a sparkling clean house with full of strife. Pick your battle wisely so that you can enjoy the peace and tranquility in life.

Before we get all bent out of shape over a minor issue we should always consider how it affects our destiny and of others. If it’s a five minute problem, ignore it. If it’s a fiver hour problem, take note of it. If it’s a five year problem, invest time, effort and energy to fix it. I spent my whole life fighting small battles and it kept me from my destiny. Since I’ve learnt to choose my battles wisely, I have more energy and efficiency left to win the war. The more I let go of the small stuff the more God promotes me to bigger destiny.

In the Bible, when David was wondering around as a guerilla fighter, his men were protecting a rich man’s herd by the name of Nabal. In David’s time of need he sent for his messengers to request Nabal for help and give David and his men whatever he could for food and drink. Nabal means fool. He insulted David’s messengers and sent them back empty-handed. When David heard Nabal’s response, he was furious. He took four hundred men and set out on a vengeance to kill Nabal and all his men. In the meantime, Nabal’s wife Abigail heard from her servants how her husband had insulted David. Being smart, witty and long-sighted, she got on her horse with food, wine and supplies and met David on the way. Immediately she fell on her face, addressed David as Lord and calmed his anger. She then reminded David of his destiny as the King of Israel. Abigail brought sense to David and helped him to cease from anger and choose his battle wisely. Later, Nabal died and Abigail became David’s wife. (I Samuel 25). What’s the point of this story? Choose your battle wisely. David could have easily overrun Nabal and his men but that would have kept him from fulfilling his destiny as the King of Israel.

Friend, you can give people a piece of your mind and dish out evil for evil. It will make your flesh feel good, your ego get bigger but it will rob you of your destiny. Don’t be a fool like Nabal and say what you think or feel like doing. Think before you act. Choose your battles wisely. Peace is better than being right and winning arguments. Fight battles that will bring you spoils of war. Fight for your marriage. Fight for your children. Fight for your family. Fight for a just cause. Fight for world missions. Give up the low life. You don’t have to answer to every critic and win every argument. Be a bigger person. Take the high road. Choose your battle wisely.

“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city” (Proverbs 16:32 NLT).

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Closer Than They Appear

Modern inventions and convenience have made life so efficient that we like everything instant. Waiting is not something we enjoy, yet it is a big part of our life. Patience is still a virtue.

How we wait is vital to how long we have to wait. When we learn to wait with a good attitude, it becomes more tolerable. Waiting on God’s timing is vital to our growth and victory. The scripture says, “For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (Psalm 84:11 NLT). When we learn to trust that God is not holding back any blessing for us then we’ll live a more joyful life.

Have you ever noticed the words on the passenger side of the mirror? It says, “Objects on the mirror are closer than they appear.” Life is often like the words in the mirror. We get tired of waiting for our promise but God is saying, “Hold on to my promise; answer to your prayer is closer than they appear.” When a tough season seems to last forever, look in the mirror and remind yourself, “My victory is closer than they appear. I’m not going to give up now.”

We can learn from the children of Israel. The Promised Land was only few days journey. God was leading them. They started off with great joy and excitement. But somewhere along the way they became victims of doubt and discouragement. Instead of trusting God, they became fainthearted. Soon they began to murmur and complain. It wasn’t that they were lost but discouragement set in and a short distance turned into an epic journey! We must learn to wait patiently for God’s goodness.

You may have been waiting for God to move for a long time. It may be a health issue. You may be looking for a job. Perhaps it’s a legal situation. Others of you are concerned for your loved ones to be saved. In business, you’re waiting for the sales deal to close and the commission to come in. We all are waiting with different expectations. I have good news for you. Your answer is on its way! If the Lord were to move aside the curtains, you’ll know that your answer is closer than they appear. Some of you are only days, weeks and months away from your breakthrough. When it happens, everything will change! If you knew the appointed time of your miracle, would you give up now? How about a week or a month or even year?

God has a set time for your miracle. It won’t be one second late. Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean God is not working. There’s a story in the Bible where a high ranking army officer named Naaman was struck with leprosy. It was the scourge of the society then. A young Israeli maid told the commander’s wife that there was a prophet in Israel who has a cure for the dreaded disease. When Naaman met Prophet Elisha, he sent him to dip in the river Jordon for seven times. This was an insult for Naaman. He threw a huge fit. He said, “Why should I listen to this Prophet that I do not know? Is there not a cleaner river in my own country?” Finally, Naaman’s servants spoke some sense into him. I can imagine Naaman’s skepticism growing with every dip. Thank God, he didn’t quit. After the seventh time Naaman came out with brand new skin like a young boy! God kept His Word and performed a great miracle! (2 Kings 5:1-19).

What about your faith? Do you believe or do you doubt? Are you ready to forfeit your reward for which you’ve stood strong for so long? The answer to your prayer is closer than you think. Don’t be short sighted. Friend, you’ve come too far to turn around now. Hang in there. Wait with expectation from the Lord. With every passing day, remind yourself, “I’m one day closer to my victory!” God is working. Your breakthrough is closer than you think.

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:12 NIV).

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Wait Expectantly

A lot of our lives revolve around waiting. Waiting can be a vicious game. If we don’t know how to wait expectantly, we can be easily frustrated. When we learn to wait with a good attitude God will vindicate us and make sure that our waiting was worthwhile.

Like most of you, I’m not good at waiting. Waiting is like asking for a well done steak. Food always motivates me! If you ask for a well done steak and get a medium or medium rare it wouldn’t be what you exactly wanted. When you understand God is orchestrating your life, it will be easier to wait. God knows what you need, when you need and how to get it to you. So, don’t wait impatiently but rather wait expectantly knowing that in due time God will bring your expectation to pass.

Recently, my kids got some kittens. They are playful, cute and all that. I’m new to having pets around the house. Not my choice but they bring a lot of joy to my kids. One of the things I love about these kittens is they know how to wait expectantly. They love milk. Every time someone opens the fridge they come charging. Then they sit there with a pitiful face waiting expectantly to get some milk. Often they’ve tricked me into giving them more milk than I should. I’m not suggesting that you try to manipulate God or go to Him only when you need something. God is not moved by needs. He is moved by our faith! But there’s a lesson we can learn and that is to wait for God with expectancy.

In the office, when you make cold calls, don’t just go through the motion thinking, “I’ve to make another sixty calls before I can get a yes.” You’re not depending on the law of probability; you’re waiting expectantly. When you feel sick on your body, don’t just wait to take that pill or go to the hospital. Wait expectantly for God to heal you. His Word should be the first insurance we claim. If you’re having trouble with your boss at work, don’t come home to your family all worked up. Instead, wait expectantly for God to move your boss along or even better – you take his/her place! When you wait patiently on God, anything is possible.

Our culture has conditioned us to be impatient. This can often rob us of the great future God is weaving for us. There is a plenty of examples in the Bible that should remind us of the benefit of waiting with expectancy. Abraham had to wait 25 years for his promised son Isaac. Joseph had to wait for 13 years to go from pit to palace. David had to wait for over 20 years to reign as a king. Even our Lord had to wait for three days and nights before He could have been resurrected. I’m not suggesting these long periods of wait but our attitude should be waiting with expectancy.

Most Christians struggle while waiting because that’s where faith is tested. It is not enough to be waiting. When we wait, we must believe God is changing things for better. Waiting expectantly means we take out our umbrella while we’re praying for rain.

One thing we can do while we’re waiting is to keep doing what we know is right. It is easy to get complacent and weary while we’re waiting for our breakthrough. That is what happened to the children of Israel on their way to the Promised Land. They forgot the goodness of God that delivered them and began to murmur and complain. That attitude held them back for forty years! Don’t let that be you. A good way to wait is to expect things to turn around any moment as did Paul and Silas in the prison. How would you act if I told you that your miracle is going to happen at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, four months from now? Would you be frustrated, questioning God and people every day until then? No. You’ll have peace and a quiet confidence that it is going to happen. When you have waited another day without results, instead of getting all sour and discouraged, say to yourself, “I’m one day closer to my victory.” This will keep you going with the right attitude. Another thing you can remember while you wait is to enjoy life in the meantime. Don’t put your life on hold just because you’re waiting in one area of your life to catch up. Appreciate the life you have now. Count your blessings in other areas. Be a blessing to someone else. When you’re busy helping others, time will go much faster and before you know it your waiting will be over with your prayers answered. Friend, wait expectantly. God is working. You’ll have what you’ve been waiting for. Now give Him some praise by faith. I’m praying for you!

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen” (James 5:7 NLT).

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You’re Born to Break Barriers

One of the greatest tragedies in life is to go through life without realizing our full potential. Even though God has fitted us with amazing gifts and talents, seldom we venture out to discover them. Self-limiting thoughts keep us from being our best.

In today’s society people are pushing the envelope in every imaginable way. This is because people get easily tired of the status quo. While the worldly people try to break barrier for ungodly cause, it is time for God’s people to rise up and push the limit for eternal purposes.

Jim Hines is a former American track and field gold medalist. Growing up with twelve brothers and sisters, Jim had no idea that one day he would break the world record. He had a vision of himself and he had good mentors. He was the first person to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 meters dash. Jim broke the barrier in the mind when others thought it was impossible. He went on to successfully defend his superiority for fifteen years! Once the other athletes took off the mental limits, many others went on to break the 10-second barrier.

Life happens in similar ways. We grow up believing we can do anything. We shoot for the sky but a few bad experiences put us in the prison of our own self-doubt. We settle for the average, mediocre life. Today, I want to inspire you to take off the limits. You were born to break barriers.

My father didn't have the opportunity to finish seventh grade. He had to drop out of school, in order to help out the family income. His highest income was $200 per month. He wasn't rich financially but he was rich in his faith. What he couldn't do for himself, he prayed that his sons will do. God answered his prayers. I say it humbly but between four of us brothers, we've traveled to over 100 countries preaching the Gospel touching millions of lives. Last week my second brother became Dr. Neil Anderson. He crossed a barrier no one in our family has. Our whole family is very proud of his accomplishment. My father broke some barriers through prayer and my brother got his doctorate through discipline and hard work! Friends, you are made to break barriers. Enroll yourself and get the high school diploma. Finish that online college degree. Go on to become the master in your industry. You can go where no one has gone before. Only you hold the key to the height of your success!

In the Scripture, Peter was a simple fisherman. He was basically drifting along in life until Jesus showed up. He looked at Peter (who was known as Simon at that time) and said, "Simon, (shifting sand) you shall become Peter (solid rock)." After Jesus was through with him (his failure and all) Peter went on to become the cornerstone of the early church!

Friend, you're born to break invisible barriers. Like my father, you may have come from a poor background. You can become wealthy to provide for your family in abundance and have plenty left over to evangelize the world. Maybe you come from a long line of divorced family; today you can break that curse. Maybe you have bad habits and addictions that have been part of your life since you remember. You can break that barrier! Your business may have gone through a slow period; this week you can expect a resurrection! Don't just look at what the "expert" and media have to say; look up to the heavens. God's economy never slows down. Finish your education that has been burning in your heart. Like my brother Neil, you too can get the highest honors. Like Jim Hines, you're born to break barriers. You can be the first person in your family to be a doctor, politician, preacher, teacher, business owner, astronaut, scientist, author, athlete or an engineer. It doesn't matter how insignificant you are right now. Like Peter, you will become the cornerstone in God's Kingdom. You can do anything you dedicate yourself to be. Believe in yourself. Believe in God. Believe in people. You can break barriers. You have got what it takes.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt

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Consider the BIG Picture

Today, I sat through a presentation by the DFW Airport Authority. For the most part it was boring and tidbits of information I didn’t need. But there were some parts that caught my attention. I couldn’t help but think how God is like the Airport Authority trying to improve our lives putting us through a lot of “construction projects” we can care less about.

The gentleman giving the presentation was the VP of the DFW Airport and certainly a very skilled and learned man. He had plenty of slides and information how the Airport was going to improve everyone’s life and connect DFW residents to the world and the world to DFW residents. It was building huge infrastructures to improve the lives of millions. Certainly the end results were good. However, the pain of putting up with the inconvenience, tearing down the old and building up the new was inconvenient and uncomfortable. It sounded like God working with our lives – a lot of pain but in the end a world to gain!

Change is never comfortable. Stretching always makes us sore. When God shapes our character, allows us to go through pain, He’s imagining a better picture of you and me. He has a brilliant plan for each and every one of our lives. Through the chaos, uprooting and rebuilding process His ultimate plan is to make us a better version. He wants to build our character, change our habits and present us to the world to serve others better and faster.

When God got hold of Moses, he was a basket case. A Hebrew slave, growing up in the Pharos palace was the beginning after he’d escaped a mass slaughter of children. All hell broke loose once he had the call of God upon his life. Moses had just killed an Egyptian because of injustice. He was on the run. It took God years in the wilderness to “build” Moses where he can change the world. Like the DFW Airport expansion project, Moses had to put up a lot of inconveniences but what a finished project he was! He met God face to face in the burning bush and came down the mountain with the Ten Commandments. Moses the finished project of God is still talked about today!

Friend, you may be going through some upheavals in your life. You may not be able to see the benefit of all the pain and agony you’re facing. Be of good courage. You’re God’s construction project. He’s got a bigger, better and a brighter future in your future. Just like the DFW resident can enjoy the expansion plan of the Airport Authority in a few years, you too can enjoy the fruit of God working in your life. What looks like an utter chaos will turn into a beautiful garden decorated by expensive artifacts. You’re not a victim. You are a victor.

If you put up with the pain now, God is going to bring about your victory later. Start that exercise program. Open a savings account. Put up with your spouse a little kinder. Pour into your kids a little more. Go the extra mile for your boss. Forgive anyway. Be good to people for no reason. Think outside the box where nobody has gone before. It may be a little uncomfortable right now. Take it on a stride. A highway is coming. Brand name companies are going to flock to you just like they do at the airport. You’re going to be a person of value. Like the Airport Authority you’ll provide countless jobs. You too will provide for many families. You will go from barely getting by to a flourishing finish. God as all the right connections and the right breaks for your life. His projects are always on time so don’t fight it. You’re perfectly on schedule to reopen with a brand new, better and improved version of you.

During this reconstruction period the most important thing you can have is a good attitude. You can do that when you look at what’s coming and not focus on the pain you’re enduring now. The present suffering is just an indication of the future glory God is preparing for you. Don’t question everything hard in your life. Just thank the Lord for the blessings you have and trust Him for the finish that’s coming. You’re going to come out better than gold. Like an Airport, you’ll go on to touch many lives. You’re God’s construction project. Consider the BIG picture. Great improvements are coming your way.

“Behold, we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord” (James 5:11).

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Fight for Your Beans

Are you tired of fighting and feel like giving up? Are you in a place of long drawn out battle? Have you stood in faith for a long time and see no result? If you feel this way, you’re not alone. Life is a fight and we’re in it by default.

Before you give out a sigh let me tell you this, we’re in a fixed fight. We win. We have to put on our gears and show up at the rink of life but the match has already been won. No matter what our circumstances are God has already won the victory. You say, “Oh yea, so why are we suffering here on earth?” There could be varieties of reasons and I feel bad for your lack of fortune but God has already made a provision for our situation long before it ever became a problem. Everything facing you today is subject to change.

Among David's mighty men were highly trained soldiers who fought in his victories. Among these men were three who served as David's personal bodyguards. These men and their exploits are described in 2 Samuel 23. One of these men was Shammah.

The Bible tells us that the Philistines attacked the people of God. When the enemy came, Israeli soldiers ran away - all except Shammah! He took his stand in the middle of the field and defended his beans. The Lord brought about a great victory because Shammah didn’t cower down and had the courage to fight for what was his.

Anything of value in life will come under attack and you’ll have to fight for it. Most people I know are peacemakers. We don’t like conflict. We want to be left alone, living in peace. That is a healthy way to live. However, there also needs to be in each of us a warrior and a resolve to fight. If we don’t have this warrior mentality, we’ll easily roll over and give up our God given rights to the enemy’s threats. While we’re to live in peace, we’re never to let our guards down and allow the enemy to steal our joy, family, finances, health and our wealth. Jesus said, the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy but I have come to give you life and abundance of it. Don’t get our God mixed up with the enemy!

If you want to live in peace, you have to learn to fight. I’m not talking about physical fight but a spiritual fight. The enemy wants to steal from us what God wants to get to us. The spiritual and the natural are in constant fight. But don’t be discouraged. Jesus our big brother has already won the victory. Now you just have to declare victory over your situation with the Word of God.

If you’re sick, you have to declare, “By the stripes of Jesus, I’m healed.” If you’re lacking financially, you have to announce, “My God will supply all my needs according to His riches.” If you’re troubled emotionally, say, “I’m His beloved and He is mine. He understands how I feel. He will never leave me or forsake me.” No matter what battles you may be facing, remember, you’re in a fixed fight. Be bold and very courageous. The enemy is only a roaring lion. Jesus is the Lion of Judah with the bite!

Next time you’re tempted to think this battle is going to take you down, remind the enemy of his defeat on the Cross. The situation may look bad, you maybe outnumbered, the economy may look bad but the good news is God is still on the Throne and He is on your side. He that is for you is much more than he that is against you. Fight for your beans! You’re in it to win it.

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19 ESV).

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