Building People. Spreading Hope.

Showing posts with label Joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joy. Show all posts

Sunday, September 7, 2014

5 Lessons from the Church in China

 
As many of you know, I just returned from another mission trip to China. Every time I go there, I’m amazed at the believers. In spite of severe persecution, opposition, and difficulty, they continue to follow Jesus with their whole heart.
 
While it is not fair to compare the Church in China and the Church in the West, we can learn valuable lessons to improve our own spiritual journey. We don’t have to invite persecution or hardship into our lives, however, we all should be New Testament believers. Here are some of the trademarks of Christianity in China.
 
1. Christians in China are joyful. In spite of severe persecution and limited freedom to worship, believers in China exude this fruit of the Spirit. They travel long distances, sometimes up to three hours one way, to get to a meeting where their civil liberties taken away and even thrown in jail. However, instead of complaining about the tiring journey, the inconvenience of walking, or taking multiple modes of public transportation, they jump right into the praise and worship wholeheartedly.
 
2. They love and care for each other. Unlike our churches in the West, the believers in China are connected with each other. If one doesn’t show up, they all go to that person’s home to make sure they’re ok. When believers come with concerns in their hearts, they’re not hastily sent away by the leaders. They take the time to pray and minister to their needs, both spiritually and physically. We had one sister crying bitterly for the healing of her four-year-old son. I was so touched by the way the whole church responded. They cried with her, hugged her, and made her feel like it was their own child who was sick. Wow, what empathy and compassion! People really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
 
3. They are a giving church. While China continues to prosper, most people in China are poor. The Christians have even less because of discrimination in the workplace. We went to many homes where they fed us their best, even when it cost them half a month of their salary or more. One lady, with a little cell phone shop, came to us twice and put a substantial amount of cash in our hands. It wasn’t much in American money but to her it was a huge sacrifice. We found that churches often eat together after the service even though it was just rice and wild vegetables and mushrooms from the village. They don’t get hammered every Sunday to bring their tithes and offerings but they give far more than 10% of their income to the church.
 
4. They are grateful. The church in China is quick to give thanks to God for everything. When we gave them your Bibles, they acted like we gave them a brick of gold. Of course, the Word of God is that precious to a believer but they were so thankful that many were kissing the Bibles. One of our teams was intercepted and thankfully everyone was released by the authorities without much hassle. Now the family/church has to relocate because it is not safe anymore. They’re grateful that they’re not in jail! We heard no complaints, only praise.
 
5. They pray. The Church in China doesn’t just talk about prayer but they actually pray. You cannot fall asleep during prayer because after every sentence the whole congregation agrees in unison saying, “Amen.” Often for security, we’d ask the believers to keep their voice down. We’d start off softly but within minutes they were praying at the top of their lungs. It’s wonderful to see their fearless petitions to God and He hears them.
 
While it is not wise to compare cultures and congregations, it is good for us to learn from each other. All these qualities in the Church of China are actually from the Book of Acts. When we love and serve God with our whole heart, our lives and church should reflect the New Testament Church. Today, instead of saying, “Oh that’s good for China,” I want to encourage you to have a closer relationship with our Lord. Let us not just seek His Hand but also His Face. Jesus said, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” When we do, like the Church in China, His blessings will overtake our lives.
 
“When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed” (Jeremiah 29:13 MSG).
 
Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org
 
Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 
 
 

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Pay It Forward


Most of the time we’re so focused with our own lives that we don’t have the time to think about others. Life is a cycle. What we do for others God will make sure to do for us. When we help those in need, we’re depositing into our own future.

Today, my friend Tyler is hosting his second Pay It Forward event. It will benefit several charities including Build International Ministries. For those of you who know Tyler, you know about his Texas-size heart. He is an exceptional chef but his real mission in life is to help people and expand God’s Kingdom on earth. Every time I talk to him, he’s got a people project on his mind. He’s an outward focused young man of God. Today he’s making history by paying it forward by hosting this fundraiser event. Everybody say, “God bless Tyler!”

One of the greatest hindrances to helping people is to think we don’t have what others need. We look at our time, talent and treasure and nod our heads in despair. I’ve learnt, instead of looking at what we don’t have and giving up, a better approach is to look to God and let him orchestrate our means to help others. First the decision and then comes the provision.

This is what happened to my friend Tyler. He had been sharing with some mutual friends of ours to become the title sponsor for today’s Pay It Forward event. When he approached our friends they were very open and willing to help. They’re some of the most generous people. But they have their limits too. The lady said they’ll help if God brought some extra funds into their hands. As Tyler was sitting in her office a white envelop slipped out of her drawer. She had been looking for that envelop for a long time but she couldn’t find it. She had prayed, “Lord, if you help me find it, I’ll bless someone with it.”  Inside was the exact amount Tyler had requested for them to be the title sponsor! God made sure to provide for Tyler and our friends when they made a decision to help those in need.

I heard a story about strangers paying it forward to buy coffee and pastries at Starbucks. It started with just one customer paying for the person behind him. The next customer was so impressed and thankful that he wanted to do the same. The next customer did the same thing. An unbroken chain of forty seven customers paid it forward for the person coming after them. One customer paid for six drinks in the van after him! Helping people is inspiring and contagious. This is why I’ve dedicated my life to helping others. For the last twenty seven years, thousands of people have given their time, talent and treasure to impact eternity. I’m so grateful to YOU and the lives we’re able to change.

When you become outward focus, God becomes laser focused on you and your own need. It doesn’t have to be money. One of the best things we can give to people is our words of encouragement. Bill Gates (Microsoft) and Steve Jobs (Apple) were frenemies. In the dying days of Jobs, he received a letter from Gates. Despite their business battles over the years, they had mutual respect for one another. Jobs cherished Gates’ letter so much that he kept it by his bedside until he passed away. Friend, you may not have a lot of resources right now but can you write a letter of encouragement? I have an “encouragement” file where I keep all the heart-warming letters and cards I’ve received by mail and emails. When I feel discouraged I just read three or four of those letters and I get back my joy and purpose and spring right back to action. Pay It Forward – someday it will come back to you.

Friend, nothing is more satisfying than living a life of giving. God loved us so much that He gave… You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving. Be a part of making an impact in someone's life. God will provide if you make a decision. You don’t have to do anything big. Like the Starbucks customers, buy someone a cup of coffee. Like Gates, take time out of your busy schedule and write a heart-warming letter to someone who needs hope. A small act of giving beats greatest good intentions. The only Jesus many will see and experience is YOU. Pay It Forwards – it ALWAYS comes back to you!

“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 ESV).

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

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

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Broadcast Yourself


We live in the age of media, social networks and webcams that bring instant attention to whatever we want to promote. Often things we see are not very wholesome. But there’s a way you can broadcast yourself without costing you a dime.

Smile.

Yesterday, I got the biggest compliment when someone said to me, “You always have a smile on your face!” I’m not conscience of it anymore but yes there was a time when I made it my personal growth plan to “learn to smile.” Our smile has powerful implications. Researchers say it take forty seven muscles to frown but only four to smile. Today we’ll look at many benefits of smile and laughter.

Our smile is the billboard that either draws people to us or repels people from us. When we smile, we’re saying, I like you; I’d like to get to know you better. If our eyes are the window to our soul, our smile is the window to our heart. When we smile, we express the joy in our hearts. A smile breaks down barrier and makes us welcoming to strangers.

When I was in “smile training” I made me think happy thoughts or a funny incident to get me going. I’m sure, at times, people thought I was stupid. But that didn’t stop me from my smile exercise. Soon it became so part of me that I was smiling naturally. I didn’t have to fake it or manufacture it. I had a cheerful continence without making any effort. Now, everywhere I go people are drawn to me because they feel welcomed to talk to me.

I’ve always felt awkward watching Christian movies where Jesus is characterized as a serious, mystical figure. Sometimes even his voice is altered and it sounds very fake and religious. In a recent version, Jesus is smiling when He comes out of the waters of baptism. He plays with the kids and jokes with the disciples. I believe that Jesus was a lighthearted man. People felt safe to be around him. His smile made people comfortable.  His smile broadcasted His heart.

Modern medical science is finding out the benefits of smile, laughter and a cheerful continence. The neuroscience section of the Discovery Channel lists some of the advantages of laughter. It lowers blood pressure. It reduces stress hormones. It increases disease-killing cells. It releases endorphins – a feel good hormone that reduces stress. It strengthens the immune system. It improves memory and creativity. I don’t know about you but I’ll smile all day just to get the benefit of any one of these. I love it when medical science proves age-old truths in the Bible. God’s Word says, A cheerful heart is good medicine(Proverbs. 17:22 NLT). Did you know in many nursing homes, old comedies are being played? It’s bringing healing and lengthening the days of its occupants. Laughter brings longevity.

In our recent missions trip to China, we’re standing in a long line trying to enter the Great Wall. It was a very hot day and there were no covers anywhere. Hundreds of people were packed like sardines. My team and I were all very uncomfortable. Suddenly, I spotted a little Chinese boy and his sister who were with their mother and grandparents. They were being impatient like us. I smiled and made some friendly gestures and immediately they responded. Soon we’re laughing, tickling, playing and providing entertainment to at least couple of dozen people standing in the line around us. The time passed must faster. When we’re about to enter the gate those two kids made their way in front of us to say bye to us. I put my hands on them and prayed a silent prayer for them to know Jesus and serve Him someday.

Smile my friend. It suits you. It will add years to your life. When we broadcast ourselves with a smile, people know we’re open for business. They feel safe to befriend us. We can be healing balm to those who are hurting. A smile, laughter and a merry heart does good like a medicine. Smile!

“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15 ESV).

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

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

Sunday, September 1, 2013

September will be the Month of Surprises


Everybody loves surprises especially if it is something good. When we get a surprise party or a gift, we know that we’re surrounded by loving people. Surprises are not frequent but they break the monotony of our lives.

When my children were younger, they couldn’t wait for their birthdays or holidays because they knew surprises were in store for them. They had countdown calendar and they lived everyday with expectancy. They knew something good was about to happen to them. As grownups we have to remind ourselves that we’re not God’s adults; we’re His children. As God’s children we should live with the same attitude. Say it with me, “Something goooood is going to happen to me.” We don’t deserve it but we have a loving, giving Father in heaven that looks for every opportunity to surprise us!

Some of you have been expecting a breakthrough but the surprise will supersede any of your expectation. God is poised to deliver special packages to your address with gifts and blessings you haven’t even comprehended. In fact, the bigger your expectation, the bigger your surprise will be.

Often when we’re told something good is happen to us, we get immune to hearing it. If it doesn’t happen in our timeframe, we get weary and we give up believing. In Matthew chapter twenty five Jesus told a story. In the parable of the ten virgins, all started off with great zeal and expectation to meet the bridegroom. But in the process of waiting, they got tired and fell asleep. Five of the virgins had come prepared so they carried extra oil with them. The other five had great hopes but they forgot to make provision for delays. When the bridegroom came as a surprise, the unprepared young ladies missed out because their lamps went out. In the Bible, oil is the symbol of joy and the Holy Spirit. When you’re going through a long period of waiting, it is easy to lose your joy. When we get our joy back we’ll usher in the greatest surprise of our lives. Get your hopes up. Raise the level of your expectancy. Instead of considering why it cannot happen, believe that it will. A surprise has nothing to do with your performance; it is a gift from God!

In the Bible, Naomi suffered one loss after another. First, her husband died and then her two sons. When she returned to her paternal home she was so discouraged that she changed her name to Mara, meaning “sorrow.” With all her life’s circumstances, she just couldn’t see her life any other way. A breakthrough came when Ruth, her daughter-in-law gave birth to a child. Naomi found a new purpose for living. Her joy came back and an amazing thing happened! Even in her advanced years milk began to flow through Naomi so she could nurse the new born baby. Have you lost your hope and sense of purpose? Has it been too long you’ve been waiting on your promise? I have good news for you. God is sending your “baby.” Your life will be filled with joy and purpose again and the rest of your life will be the best of your life! Can you get your joy back? You don’t have to manufacture joy. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

September will be the month of surprise. Have you been waiting for your health to recover? This is your moment; this is your time. Jesus healed a man who had a withered hand for thirty years! Your sickness, no matter how long it has been has to depart. A few weeks ago a friend lamented, “Sandy, I don’t think my marriage will get any better.” I told him what I’m telling you. God will not only heal your marriage but He will restore it better than ever before. Some of you are waiting for a new job, promotion at work or the commission check. Get your joy back. Put on a new attitude. Your midnight hour has passed. A new dawn is breaking. Don’t run out of your oil of gladness. Others of you are waiting for a loved one to be saved. Don’t beg, don’t plead, and don’t try to hit them on the head with your preaching. Put on the garment of joy and thank God for your loved one to be saved. Friend, no matter what you’re facing, I declare, September will be the month of surprise. It will happen for those who will believe in God’s promises. Get ready! Get ready!! Get ready!!!

“Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning” (Job 11:17 NLT).

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

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

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

7 Secrets of Happiness


I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t want to be happy. Happiness is a basic human need. It’s a feeling that brings us joy, fulfillment and ecstasy. Happiness shouldn’t be our goal but it’s a byproduct of our thoughts, words and action.

Most people make the mistake of thinking that happiness is conditioned to external things. Some people think happiness is found in things and people. But happiness is an internal attitude. Today we’ll discuss seven secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life.

Happiness rule #1. You’re perfect! You’re made in the image of God. You have God’s DNA in you. Your behavior may need to catch up to your God-class status but never forget who you are. If you’re a Christian, you’re a child of God. He never manufactures junk. You’re smart. Good looking. Attractive. Disciplined. Funny. Creative and much more. Accept and embrace who you are.

Happiness rule #2. Dwell on positive thoughts. Your life will follow your thoughts. Bad things happen to good people. You don’t have to psyche yourself up to think negatively. They come automatically. Train yourself to look at the good in everything, and you’ll have a continual feast. A grateful heart does not have room for negative thinking.

Happiness rule #3. Get up quickly. The Bible says, a righteous man may fall seven times but he will rise up again. We all have weaknesses. We all make mistakes. The best thing we can do with our wrongs is to repent and learn from them. When we learn to pick ourselves us quickly after a disappointment, we’ll find happiness again.

Happiness rule #4. Find the best in people. Let’s face it. Most of our disappointment and discouragement come from people letting us down. Sometimes these people are the closest to our hearts. I’ve found that most people have something good in them that deserved to be recognized and celebrated. Let’s focus on the 80% good in people and overlook the 20% not so good. When we focus on the good, we’ll bring out the best in people.

Happiness rule #5. Forgive quickly. Forgiveness is a big idea. God invented it to redeem us from our sins. Without God’s forgiveness we’re all bound for eternal damnation called hell. When we forgive people and let go of the offense, we’re in God-class. When you forgive, you set a prisoner free – that prisoner is you! Let’s learn to forgive quickly because we need to be forgiven every day.

Happiness rule #6. Celebrate today! It took your whole life to get to today. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised. Today is a gift! Don’t live in the regrets of yesterday. The Bible teaches not to be over-ambitious about tomorrow. Celebrate the “small” things in life because one day you’ll realize they were the “big” things. Laugh often, love outrageously and give extravagantly. Every day, tell your loved ones how much they mean to you!

Happiness rule #7. Give more than you receive. The greatest joy in life is in our giving. No man is awarded for what he takes but what he gives. Winston Churhill said, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” When we deliver more than expected we’re setting ourselves up for happiness. Share your time, talent and treasure. For God so loved the world that He gave… If you want to be like God – give!

As you can see, there’s no deep secret to happiness for our lives. It’s you who holds the key to your own happiness. When we surrender ourselves to God’s will and live to bless others we will find the ultimate fulfillment in life.

“How happy is the man who has put his trust in the LORD” (Psalm 40:4 Holman).

Click Here to Take Part in our Missions Trip to China: http://www.gofundme.com/f1tgw

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

Saturday, June 22, 2013

A Glass of Milk


We live in a materialistic world where everyone is out for a grab. We work all our lives just to get ahead, collect a little more and save for our old age. There’s nothing wrong in providing for ourselves and saving for our future or leave an inheritance for our children. But if we’re not careful we can let materialism consume us.

Materialism is not really a modern day problem. Once a rich young ruler came and asked our Lord, “What must I do to receive eternal life?” The Lord told him, “Sell all that you have and give it to the poor.” More than anything else Jesus was testing his heart because this man couldn’t detach himself from his materialism. Unable to heed Christ’s command, the rich young ruler walked away deprived of eternal life.

You’re probably a follower of Jesus and you have the assurance of eternal life. But are you free from materialism? Are you a worldly person who just can’t seem to have enough? I don’t believe God wants us to take a vow of poverty and barely get by. But if our world consists of me and my four and no more then we’re living a limited life. God wants us to live to the fullest. To maximize life, we have to live to give. When we give of ourselves, our time, talent and treasure we not only help other people but mostly we help ourselves.

I heard about a young man who was selling products door to door to put himself through school. He had only a dime left in his pocket and was very hungry. He decided he’d ask for some food from the next door he called on. But his plan was demised when a beautiful young lady answered the door.

Howard Kelly lost his nerve to ask for a meal; instead he asked for a glass of water. The young lady thought he looked hungry. Without saying anything she brought him a large glass of cold milk. The young man drank it almost in one gulp and asked, “How much I owe you?”

The young lady replied, “You don’t owe me anything. Mother taught me never to accept payment for a kindness.” Howard Kelly said, “I thank you from my heart.” He left her house both physically and spiritually strengthened as he was on the verge of giving up.

Years later, the young lady fell critically ill. The local doctors sent her to a big city where a specialist was called in to study her case. When the specialist doctor heard the name of the city his patient had come from he was intrigued! Dressed in his white doctor’s gown, he went in to see his patient. Immediately he recognized her from years ago. He went into his office and wrote out a consultation. After several months of intense treatment the young lady was ready to leave the hospital. The doctor went to his business office and requested them to pass the final bill to him for approval. Upon receipt of the bill the doctor wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to the patient’s room.

The recovering lady was afraid to open the envelop knowing that it would take her a lifetime to pay for her hospital bill. Finally when she had gathered enough courage to open the envelop she noticed the scribbling on the side of the bill. The words read: “Paid in full with a glass of milk.” Signed, Dr. Howard Kelly.

Friend, don’t spend your life just gathering for yourself. Share whatever God has blessed you with. Not just in terms of finances but also with your kindness. A kind word, a kind deed or a glass of cold milk can transform the life of another forever. Wear the blessings God gives you like a loose jacket so that nothing can stick to you. You can never help others and not be blessed by God. When you reach out to help others, you’re really helping yourself. You cannot take anything with you so why not spread it around? Live to give and you’ll never lack anything in life.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NIV).

Click Here to Give Hope: www.buildinternational.org

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Becoming God’s Pet


Recently my kids got three kittens. Don’t ask me why but somehow they convinced me. I must have had a moment of insanity. I’m a dog lover but these three furry balls have interrupted our lives with joy.

All three of them are the cutest you’ve ever seen. They run around, play and take cat-naps. Each of them has excellent personality and they’re adorable. When I walk to another room they follow. All of you cat lovers raise your paw if you know what I’m talking about.

I don’t like to play favorites but Cloud has got my attention. While Rue and Fang entertain us all the time Cloud will make sure to connect with me in regular intervals. In the middle of whatever they’re doing, Cloud will come by and rub its fur against me. It will cuddle next to my feet or on the couch. It will climb straight up my chest and almost try to kiss me. Don’t tell this to my kids but Cloud has got to be my favorite because she acknowledges me throughout the day. She has my favor and attention.

We all have heard about being the teacher’s pet but what does it mean to be God’s pet? I know it doesn’t sound very theological so take it in the right sense of the way: we’re all God’s pets. He loves us. He takes care of us. He feeds us and provides for our family. One thing God craves in return is our love, devotion and solidarity with Him. He has innumerable angels who worship Him like robots but God is pleased when we worship Him out of our own free will. Just like our kitten Cloud, in order to be God’s favorite, we must do three things.

Enjoy life. Nothing makes me happy to see these cats playing around. Our God is the same way. You may be in a place where you cannot see much into the future but don’t lose your song. Enjoy what God has given you. Express your passion for life. Don’t forget to make the most of what God has given you. God loves to see your cheerful countenance. He loves to see you be joyful and free. We’re created for His pleasure and He loves our smiles regardless of what we’re facing in life.

Focus on what’s right with you. Many of us are so trained to think on our faults that we seldom remember what’s right with us. We know God’s going to judge us for our wrongs but have you ever considered God’s going to reward us for the things we do right? The Bible says God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. When you take time to thank God for His blessings, provision, protection and prestige you put a smile on His face. When we take a bold approach toward God as our loving Father, we gain confidence toward Him and tap into heavens full support.

Hang around God. Mary and Martha the two sisters who loved and served Jesus, reminds us that it’s better to sit with God than to be busy for God. Martha was busy serving while Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.” This may not look fair in the human eye but God is more impressed with our presence than our penance. God doesn’t have favorites but if you want to grab His attention, acknowledge Him in everything you do. Involve Him in your decision making process. Remind Him of His promises. Say a quick thank you for what He did 15 years ago. Listen to a praise song and sing along to God with your grateful heart. Return to God what belongs to Him with your tithes, time and talent. Focus on God’s goodness and what’s going right with you. Spread some cheers. Just like our cat Cloud, when you hang around God, His favor will find you.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6 NAS).

Click Here to Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

Monday, June 3, 2013

Keep Your Joy


June is the month of JOY. However, we won’t have joy unless we’re intentional about it. The enemy knows the powerful force of joy therefore he will try everything to steal our joy. He will even use people who are close to us to rob our joy.

Often we use joy and happiness as interchangeable words. But there’s a major difference in these two words. Happiness is defined by our circumstances – what’s going on around us determines our level of happiness. Joy is a gift of the spirit. It’s an inside job that affects our outside world!

One way we can keep our joy is to identify our “joy-stealer” buttons. We all have areas in our lives that push our button. Maybe it’s the traffic. Maybe it’s customer complaints or making cold calls. Maybe it’s certain individual or even a family member. I used to have a friend who always made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough for him. He had a good heart to help others. But for some reason, he was always sarcastic how I wasn’t calling him enough or meet with him. I did my very best trying to please him but there came a time when it was stealing my joy. It is not our job to keep everybody happy. I had to turn him over to God and move on. What/who is your joy-stealer? Identify them and then try to get rid of that.

Some of you live and work with difficult people. I’m not suggesting you get rid of them. In these situations, you can pray for God’s grace to be sufficient for you. Overdose on the positive before and after you deal with them. I’ve found that most of the time when we’re caught in these situations, God is putting things in motion to take us to a higher level. New level; new devil! He’s trying to make us immune to negative people. Don’t be mad. Be glad. God is trying to promote you.

Another way you can keep your joy is not to focus on negative communications. A phone call, email, FB comment or a face to face confrontation can steal our joy. Don’t let that happen to you. When you meditate on a negative phone call, email message or a conversation, you let that person have control over you again and again. Resist the urge to play that phone call in your mind over and over. Don’t read that email or comment twice. Learn to shake off the negative and move on to the positive. This was such a hard lesson for me but I’m getting better. You can too! Keep away from anything that is draining your time, effort, energy and joy on a regular basis.

In order to keep your joy you have to have a relaxed, easy-going attitude. The more uptight we are the more easily we get irritable. When we live a stressful life – packing our schedule with appointments, procrastinating, being undisciplined we’ll lose our joy quickly. Let’s build better habits. Get up each morning and pray, “No matter what or who comes my way, I’m going to enjoy this day. So help me God!” Sometimes, all it takes is an attitude adjustment on our part to keep our joy.

What to do when we’re tempted to lose our joy because of our faith? This happened to Paul and many other people today. Paul was in house arrest when he wrote to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Friend, if Paul can rejoice after all that he suffered for the Gospel, so can we. The Lord says, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

Friend, joy is a powerful force. When you have joy in your heart, don’t forget to inform your face. Have a cheerful countenance. Shake off the criticisms. Overdose on God’s grace. Be an easy-going person. Be filled with the Holy Spirit so that JOY can burst out of you to touch, influence and change your world. I’m praying for you!

“You give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity” (Psalm 94:13 AMP).

Click Here to Change the World: www.buildinternational.org