Speak Life into Your Marriage

 

Marriage can be bliss or it can be a curse. God instituted marriage therefore; it is supposed to be a blessing. God is always for a good marriage but it’s up to two people to decide what the quality of the relationship will be.

 

We all know people who are enduring marriage. Life is short and a marriage is to safeguard a life of peace, pleasure, and prosperity in the safety of a mate. Unfortunately, many marriages today are suffering because one or both partners have given up on their marriage. They’re enduring instead of enjoying each other. Today I want to give you five keys that will breathe fresh life into your marriage.

 

1. Have a vision for your marriage. Without a goal, anyone can be lost in transit. Unless we have clear goals, we’ll be confused at best. A goal can be spiritual, financial, physical, or emotional. Unless both spouses know what they want from each other, it is hard to please the other person. Talk about your expectations, write them down, and then revisit them periodically to make sure you’re making progress. Life comes in seasons. Stay current with your needs and the season you’re in. 

 

2. Speak life. Our lives are as good as the words we speak. This may sound absurd but there’s tremendous power in our words. Think about it! God spoke the world into existence. When we speak positive, uplifting words over ourselves and each other, we’ll eat the fruit of it. Words are like an echo; whatever we send out will come back to us. It is easy to make sarcastic, hurtful, and cutting remarks but like a burn, those words sting our souls for months to come. On the contrary, when we make a positive deposit of building our mate up with words, it’s like putting money in a savings account. You can draw all you want, limited only by what you put in. If we’re drawing more than we deposit, one day we may have to face a bankruptcy. When you’re upset and you feel like speaking out the most is the time for you to say the least. Make a habit of saying something good about your spouse every single day. A person can live on a kind, appreciative word for a month! Speak life.

 

3. Focus on what’s working. Forgive and forget what your partner did in 1957! Bury the past and forgive quickly. Fight for peace and not for winning arguments. Most people make the mistake of focusing on what’s not working. Remember, nobody is perfect — not even you! If we’re using all our energy looking for faults then we’ll not have any energy left to find the gold in the other. Remind yourself why you fell in love. Find ways to unite. Invest in each other. A marriage left alone is like a beautiful garden only to someday be taken over by weeds. If you stay focused on planting good seeds, your garden will continue to produce beautiful flowers.

 

4. Communicate. People are not mind-readers. Find a way to express your feelings without the drama. You have to be precise but you also have to be diplomatic. Don’t tell it the way it is. When, and how, you share your feelings is as important as what you share. Ninety percent of our communication is non-verbal. Hold hands, look each other in the eye. When we say a hard thing in a kind way, it’s a lot more palatable. When you make a mistake don’t make excuses. Be the bigger person and say, “I made a mistake. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” Become a lifelong learner of communication.

 

5. Enjoy each other. Nobody likes to be around a stick in the mud. Yes, we need to save for the future but don’t be stingy. Details are important and the house doesn’t get cleaned by itself but why don’t you do it without complaining about it. We live in a stressful world. Take a leisurely walk in the park, go to a movie, and take a vacation without the kids. Have plenty of sex. You have the license; use it before it expires! Even the doctors are now saying that it’s good for your body, emotions, spirit, and soul! Never let the magic die in your marriage. Remember, fun doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It’s time, effort, and creative thinking that keeps your marriage fresh. Have fun with each other.

 

Finally, honor God with your marriage. Say and do only things you would say and do if God was present with you. In case you’re wondering, He’s always with you and He is always for your marriage. I’m praying for you.

 

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT).

 

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Making Marriage Work

We live in a society where even the definition of marriage is being challenged by secularism. A simple and age-old definition of marriage is the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.

A good marriage can be the most fulfilling thing in life. A bad marriage can be equally dissatisfying and make life hell on earth. With the help of God, and a little bit of work on our part, a bad marriage can be good and a good marriage can be better. Today let’s look at a few principles that make a marriage work.

1. Build trust. A marriage is the most intimate relationship on earth. Therefore, it requires highest degree of trust. When we’re building each other based on trust, we’re empowering a marriage. Trust is simply believing, accepting, and cheering for the best in the other person. Trust can be earned but it’s at its best when it is a gift. We can allow bitter experiences of the past to poison our marriage or we can rebuild with the gift of trust. If we’re to have a good marriage, we have to work on building trust. God trusts us; shouldn’t we trust each other?

2. Have fun. We all know couples who don’t have the love, respect, or intimacy they once had. They’re not thriving, they’re just surviving. This is a sad waste of time, effort, and energy. When we’re in a below-par marriage, we’re wasting a beautiful thing God gave us to enjoy. Any marriage can be reignited and exhilarating again. Date one another. Enjoy, not endure. Do fun things together. If your marriage is struggling, then I want to infuse new hope into your relationship. Loosen up and see your marriage transformed!

3. Forgive quickly and frequently. Karma is people getting what they deserve. Christianity is Jesus getting what we deserve! Let people off the hook. The Bible says, “Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged” (I Corinthians 13:5 NLT). Every good marriage requires quick and unlimited forgiveness. When we forgive, we don’t bring up and punish people for the same “crime” again and again. If you struggle with forgiveness, remind yourself how God forgives you every day. Forgive your spouse the way God forgives you. Alexander Pope, a British poet from the sixteenth century said, “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” You can try to get even or you can try to be like God!

4. Revisit your expectations. Life comes in seasons. What was once essential is now obsolete. Many couples are working very hard but they’re shooting in the dark and it’s making them frustrated. It is healthy to talk about each other’s expectations. Create a safe environment to talk. Take your guards down and communicate your current needs and aspirations with each other. Most couples work hard at pleasing each other. However, they’re often trying to give what they want for themselves. Learn to adapt to the preferences of your spouse. I recommend that you revisit and write down your expectations every 3-5 years. Stay fresh. Stay current. Stay connected. Remember, no one person on earth can give you everything you need. Only God reserves that right!

5. Get rid of selfishness and pride. This is elementary but an alarming number of marriages are stuck in this low level. The Scripture says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). You can be right or you can have peace. Peace is superior. Another definition of marriage is death to self! If you want peace, pleasure and prosperity, die to your selfishness and pride. Find ways to unite and shun what divides.

Friend, whether you’re married or single, these principles will build a strong marriage. Shake off the hopelessness and the disappointments. Today is a new day. People change for the better. You can take no chances and have a mediocre life or you can make some changes and revitalize your marriage like never before. Trust. Forgive. Communicate. Have some fun. Give your marriage a total makeover. I pray for a baptism of God’s love to seal your marriage. I declare peace, passion, and prosperity to rekindle your love life. Embrace the spouse God has given you and you’ll live happily ever after. I love you and I’m praying for your marriage to prosper.

“Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting” (Ephesians 5: 22, 25 The Message).

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Strength for the Day of Adversity

There are times when we all go through hell on earth. It is human to be confused, cynical and doubtful. We feel unloved and distant from God. Our confidence runs low and our expectations shattered.

Unlike popular belief and religious inclination, God is not mad at you. Instead, He is madly in love with you. He knows our deepest, darkest thoughts. He has witnessed our every failure and heartache. Today, if you are in a spot of bother, I want to give you four A’s to help you out of your pit.

#1. You are accepted. That means God’s love reaches you no matter where you are. There is no VIP sinner that God cannot rescue. He accepts you just the way you are but He loves you too much to leave you the way you are. Nothing we do can earn God’s favor. We just have to embrace God’s grace. You are accepted – just the way you are!

#2. You are approved. Sometimes we try too hard to impress God. It is in our nature to try to “earn” our salvation. But like the credit card companies, Jesus has already pre-qualified us. It should be our utmost concern wanting to please God with our lives. However, some people have what I call “approval addiction.” Today, I’m telling you that you don’t need to strive anymore. As a child of God, you belong to the family. There’s nothing wrong with you. You are approved by the Almighty God. You don’t have to impress people nor compare yourself with anyone else. Just like Jesus, God is saying to you, “This is my son/daughter, whom I love; with him/her I am well pleased!” You are approved by the Creator of the universe.

#3. You are anointed. This means God has given you special favor and power to go through a hard thing in an easy way. When you are anointed you can do amazing feat! This is what happened to Samson. God had anointed Him to deliver the Israelites. Once, he was in a precarious position with his enemies. A thousand Philistines had ambushed to kill him. But the Spirit of Lord came upon Samson. He found a jawbone of a donkey lying on the ground and with it, he killed a thousand Philistines! Friend, the Spirit of the Lord is with you. You too are anointed to handle a tough situation.

Today, you may be a single mom and the odds are against you. Let me remind you - you're anointed to raise that angel God has given you. If the job hasn't come through yet; it will. God has anointed you to endure this period of dry season. If your business is struggling, God has anointed you to persevere. Your business will thrive again. If your loved one is acting up, you must know - God is drawing him closer even now. If you are struggling in your marriage, the anointing will rekindle your love again. If you are buried in a mountain of debt, do what you can and God's anointing will decimate the rest! If you are battling an addiction, do not let people label you - a drug-addict or an alcoholic. No. You are a child of the Most High! See and declare yourself as one. The anointing will break every yoke (bondage).

#4. You are appointed. We are appointed to worship God. In the midnight hour, Paul and Silas were in prison. But they began to pray and sing praises to God. It was so powerful that it created an earthquake and it led Paul and Silas to be free again. I tell you, when you praise God in your midnight hour, miracles will take place. As long as we stay focused on our own misery, we will never rise to the level of victory God intended for us to have. Another great way to get out of our troubles is to help someone else. We’re appointed to help others (Acts 1:8). When we reach out to push people up we elevate our own position. Let us do what we can to help others win. Friend, God is not only with you, He is FOR YOU! Remember, you are accepted. You are approved. You are anointed and you are appointed.

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP).

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5 Traits of a Great Leader

Most of us would not consider ourselves as leaders but all of us are leaders to someone in some ways. We can abdicate our roles as leaders or we can step up to the plate and become the leader God wants us to be.

Like everything else the best principles of being a great leader is found in the Bible. Millions of people today are living below their potential because we’ve not understood the call to leadership. Let’s discuss a few traits of a great leader.

Leaders have vision. Everything rises and falls within leadership. Whether it is in your family, work, church or business, the vision of a leader gives it life and direction. The Bible says, without a vision people perish. If you want peace, financial stability and growth in your marriage, family or church, you will have to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve or where you want to go. Divide the vision into bite-size short, mid and long-term goals. Clear vision empowers people to accomplish individual and corporate task in a timely manner.

Leaders are excellent communicators. When we fail to plan we plan to fail. Communication is the key to every successful relationship and project. The more clearly we communicate with our team the better results we will have. Written down communication and repetition of the vision enables people to capture what needs to be done and what is expected of every individual. Different people may play different role but a leader’s job is to make each person feel important about their contribution. One of the best ways to get the best results you want is to inspect what you expect along the way. Every day, empower people by saying, “I appreciate you getting your school done on time.” “You’re amazing! I know you’re going to meet the deadline by 4:00 PM today. I believe in you!” People either live up to what you say or down to what you say. Effective leaders have a great follow up system in place.

Leaders engage the whole team. People’s personalities are different. Some of the quieter, unsocial people are also more creative and talented. A leader’s job is to recognize the different gifts in people. When we engage the least of the team-member by giving them equal recognition, they too will perform to their highest potential. The more we value people and gradually increase their responsibilities the higher they’re going to rise. Positive words of affirmation and sincere compliments bring out the best in people. Negativity does the opposite. A great leader knows how to engage the shy, introverted people by drawing them into the vision and giving them public recognition for their contribution.

Leaders empower the weak. Most people are beaten down by the world and have very little self-esteem. When they relate to us, they usually come with past baggage of insecurity, self-doubt and condemnation. A great leader knows how to inspire and empower a person with battered life experience. A phrase I use regularly is, “I believe in you! You’re going to do great!” When we speak faith into people, they will be faithful! A great leader always make people believe more than what they believe about themselves.

Leaders serve. The world’s definition of leadership is skewed today. It says the higher we go up the ladder the greater we need to be served. However, a great leader is one who knows how to stoop down to lift another person up. It takes a big person to do something small. Never be too big or too influential to serve others. If we want to serve God, we need to serve people. The ladder to success is the ladder to service.

Friend, you’re born to be a leader. Why don’t you get up from the sideline? Shut out the condemning voices of the enemy of your past mistakes. I declare: You’re born to do great things. You’re a great Dad. You’re an awesome mother. You’re a great wife. You can do anything you want. God has chosen you for a purpose. Walk in it! You’ve got what it takes. Leaders rise up; you’re the hope of our world!

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” (Mark 10:43-44 NLT).

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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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Speak Your Mind

Words are powerful carrier of the expression of our hearts. Words can build or words can kill. It’s not only what we say but how and when we say things can make or break a person. Our words have eternal impact.

Loving words keep a family together. Having a family is like running a bus station. People are going in all different directions. When we take time to sit down and talk together as a family, we’re adding value to each other. Most of our conversation can be mundane. If we want to see our family to thrive then we have to speak positive words of affirmation to each other. Some of us are good with words, it comes naturally but others of us have to grow in this area. People are not mind-readers. We can be very thankful and appreciative of our family but unless we verbalize our feelings, they’ll never know. We have to tell our loved ones, “I love you. I appreciate what you do for our family. I couldn’t have married a better person than you!” Some of my friends are excellent at this. Throughout the day they send messages to their spouse even on Facebook, expressing their love for each other. Thumbs up!

Our children are a product of many things. One of the most powerful influences that shape them positively for life is our words of approval and affirmation. As parents we have to give them many directives, repeatedly if you have teenagers like mine. One of the things I always make sure is that my expression of love, like, appreciation and approval of them supersedes any other conversation every day. Every time they finish a chore, I try to acknowledge and thank them. We say, “I love you” to each other all day long. They are growing up knowing that the underlying current in our household is one of love, respect, honor and appreciation. We must discipline, correct and set boundaries but let’s not bring them down with words of condemnation and criticism. Instead of harping on them what else they’re not doing right let us shower our children with positive words of approval and encouragement. Catch them doing something right and go on bragging about it. Children, like adults have the tendency to live up to or down to what they hear. Speak highly about your children – both at home and in public.

I go to a certain store to send money to our missionaries in the field every month. At the customer service sits a lady who is extremely rude. Once I had to call in the manager on her. Every time I went there it was like pulling teeth out. I have no idea why a grumpy person like her is stationed at the customer service. Her service or dis-service bothered me for months but then I changed my tactics. I began to greet her even when she didn’t greet me back. I began to appreciate her for dealing with all the difficult customers. I started vocalizing (by faith) what an amazing job she does! Slowly but surely, her attitude began to change. She started acknowledging me. She’s still a grump but my words are starting to take an effect on her. When you’re dealing with a difficult boss or at the grocery store or in traffic, bless them. I tell people at my bank or post office that I’m praying for them and I do – sometimes right there standing at the counter! Speak your mind and appreciate them for something – anything and you’ll see how they blossom.

One of the most powerful things we can do with our words is to share the Good News of Jesus with people we meet. We assume they know but they don’t. When you speak hope, healing and salvation to them, they too will become followers of Jesus. This is why I’m leaving the comfort of my home, family and luxury of America today to go back to the poverty, filth and masses of hopeless people in India and Nepal. My daughter Sabrina (14) and I are going to speak our minds about the love of God to over 5,000 lives. Will you pray for us? When you partner with us, you become a soul-winner. Our acts of service become expression of your love for our God.

Friend, let’s speak our minds. Tell your spouse how much you love them. Speak healing words of encouragement to those going through grief and tough times. Approve and admire your children more than you admonish them. Spread a little love and encouragement at work. Our words are more forceful than nuclear bombs. It can kill or heal a soul. Let’s use our words to impact eternity. I’m going to miss you these next few weeks. Know that you’re approved, loved and appreciated. I love you!

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).

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Have a Heart of Compassion

The longer we live the easier it gets to either harden our hearts or soften our attitude towards people. Part of the way God made us by design is to have compassion for others.

We don’t see it behind the facade people put on but deep inside, people go through hurt, lack, loneliness and misery. If we’re to be like Jesus, we’ve to live as a healer. The only way we can know about people’s innermost struggles and anguish is to have a heart of compassion.

Recently I was having a meeting with a young person I’d just met. I wanted to learn more about him. He is in his mid-twenties. The man works hard and loves his young bride. They’d moved here from another city in search of jobs. As we talked, I learned that they’re struggling financially. I dug a little deeper and found out that this Sunday is the wife’s birthday. The young man loves his wife dearly but he didn’t have enough money to take his bride out for a nice evening. I asked him, “How much money do you have in your pocket?” He told me that he had received $40 from selling his own blood just before he came to see me so that he could give his wife a nice birthday. I couldn’t hold back my tears. Looking at him you’d never guess that the young man is struggling financially. Usually I never carry cash in my pocket but that day I had a couple of hundred dollars in my pocket that I was able to help him with. Friend, let’s have a heart of compassion like our Lord Jesus. Church, let’s stop playing games and help those in need. Our churches will explode in spite of persecution as we see in Asia when we learn to genuinely meet the needs of the people. Don’t showcase the pastor or the worship team or the multi-million dollar facilities. Meet the needs of the hurting people and Jesus will be present in every meeting!

History confirms Jesus as one of the greatest person ever lived. One of the things that make Jesus so amazing is his compassion for people. Having a tender heart is a key to getting God’s blessing and favor in our own lives. The Bible says we’re liars if we say we love God whom we cannot see and not love our fellowmen all around us. C. S. Lewis said, “The more often we feel without acting the less we’ll be able to act and in the long run the less we’ll be able to feel.” If you don’t have a heart of compassion, you’ve lost everything! I love helping people. It keeps my own heart tender towards God. If I don’t help the people, God will still bring others to help them but I’ll miss out on the blessings. I’m greedy with God’s blessings!

Today, I was shopping for a guitar for our worship team in a music store. The store was busy. A young associate passing by asked me, “Can I help you?” I said, “Sure.” He was very kind and we struck up a conversation. He started mentioning Christians worship groups like Hillsong and such. I asked him, “Do you play in the worship team?” He said, “Yes, I used to play for my church when I used to go to college.” I asked, “Where do you go to church now?” He replied, “Oh, I don’t.” A little more probing revealed that his parents were missionaries. But he got hurt by the church and other Christians. I took time to hear his story right there in the store. I encouraged him and told him to not give up on God. I got his phone number and told him I was going to invite him out to lunch and have him play music for the Lord again. He was very encouraged and said, “I’ve never met a real Christian like you. You gave me a lot to think about.” I left the store knowing that God will turn this man around for His glory. How did it all start? A little bit of compassion goes a long way!

Friend, don’t get hard and callous toward people. Live with a tender heart. Reach out and help others. In turn, God will bless you more. The only Jesus some people will see is you. The only prayer some people will hear is yours. The only time people will feel God’s touch is when you touch others. This Wednesday I’m returning to India and Nepal. Our goal is to touch 5,000 lives. You can make a difference. Nothing is too big or too small. Please help if you can and share this post with others. Love your spouse and your family. Love the people God brings in your path. Having a heart of compassion will draw in God’s favor in your own life.

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

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God Is Speeding Things Up

We all know the laws of nature. You plant a seed, water and nurture it and in the process of time you reap a harvest. God also has rules and laws but there are times when He loves to speed up things in our favor.

You may be in a place in life where everything has gone flat. Nothing seems to be working. Your health is not well. You still can’t find a job. The promotion you’ve been waiting for is taking forever. No matter what your circumstances may look like, today I want to remind you that God is speeding things up. Your health is about to spring forth. Your biggest sales commission is about to come in. God is breathing His favor into your strained relationship.

Our God is a miracle working God. He is not limited by natural laws. Once, the Israelites were fighting against the Amorites at Gibeon. It was an intense battle. Joshua the leader of Israel prayed that the sun will stand still and it didn’t move for almost a day until the nation took vengeance on their armies. (Joshua 10). Now modern science is confirming that they’ve found the missing day from what God did in the Bible. Friend, God is not limited by laws of nature. He doesn’t always calculate two plus two equals four. He can go from 2, 4, 8, 16 to 160, 420 and any number He pleases. God knows how to speed things up in your favor.

Chandni was demon possessed for years. She had suffered much and spent all their possessions on doctors and hospital bills. As there are many in the villages of India, Chandni’s husband was a witchdoctor but he couldn’t even heal her. Just about that time our Bible School students began to evangelize her village. She came to the first meeting. As the students preached, her faith began to grow. She accepted Jesus in her heart. Every week she attended our worship meetings. This continued for six months and then one day Chandni was completely set free. As a result, her whole family including 124 others came to know the Lord. Chandni’s son is the pastor now and last April I had the privilege of ministering in their village! Friend, God is no respecter of person. What He did for Chandni, He will do for you. No matter how long it has been, He is going to speed up your healing and deliverance.

God anointed David when he was only seventeen years old. Yet it took him years to see a breakthrough in his life. David didn’t get discouraged; he used that time to write songs and psalms that we read today. One day he met the giant of his life named Goliath. The whole Israeli army was scared to death but God gave David supernatural favor to kill Goliath. The very challenge that looked like a mountain against him became his trump card of victory. Could it be that the problem you’re facing today is your stepping stone for something great? Our God knows how to speed up things. He sees your tears, obedience and faithfulness. He will not forget you. He’s poised to reward you beyond your wildest dreams.

Friend, our God is supernatural. He’s anything but ordinary. When you’re down to nothing, He’s up to something. He is working the most when nothing seems to be working. He knows what you need and how to get it to you. If He can make the sun stand still for a day, He can cause your problems go away. If He can deliver Chandni from demon spirits, He can set you free from your struggles. If God can use an adversary to set David up as a king then He knows how to promote you in front of your enemies. God is stepping on the gas. Your healing has been dispatched. Peace and joy are yours. God is fighting your battle. You’ll win the legal challenge. Your children will be saved and they’ll serve God. Hope in God. God is speeding things up. Your victory is closer than you think!

“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).

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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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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).

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Understanding Your Value

Many people go through life, feeling very little of themselves. I’ve been there myself. They entertain thoughts like, I’m not attractive. I’m not smart. I’m not educated.  I’ll never amount to much in life. The enemy wants to deceive us into believing that there’s nothing good in us. This is the enemy’s biggest lie!

Jesus said, “Love your neighbor like you love yourself.” This is not some ego trip prescription he gave us. He is not suggesting that we become narcissist and obsessed with ourselves. He is telling us to like and love ourselves so that we can love others.  This cannot happen until we understand our true value. The price of a commodity is not determined by the product itself but by what the market is willing to pay for it. God paid the ultimate price for you and me. You’re nothing less than spectacular!

Cynthia Ann was born on February 20, 1966. She was one of four children. Her brother Jeffrey died of leukemia when she was only ten years old. She had turbulent teenage years but astonishingly Cynthia graduated first her class from high school. She left to study engineering but in order to support herself Cynthia had to get a $4 an hour job shucking corn. So she quit college to take up a modeling job in Chicago.

Cindy had the perfect measurement to be a model. At five feet nine inches tall, she had the perfect figure. However, she had one flaw. Cindy had a mole on the left corner of her upper lip. How could this mole ever allow her to be a supermodel? In the beginning of her career, the mole was removed from her earlier modeling pictures. Later, Cindy came to terms with the mole on her face. She decided to go “natural” with her mole. A symbol of imperfection but it brought the greatest fame for Cynthia. It was the imperfect mole that separated her from the masses in the modeling industry.

Today, Cindy Crawford is a household name. She has appeared in more than 400 magazine covers. Cindy is considered one the greatest supermodels of our time. Certainly she’s beautiful all around but mostly she’s recognized all over the world by the mole in the corner of her lips. The one thing that should have disqualified her from stardom is the very thing God used to give her an unprecedented career in modeling. God will do the same for you!

Friend, don’t focus on your weaknesses, focus on your strength. Learn to think good about yourself. Many people mistakenly think that’s not being humble. Humility is not about us. It’s about accepting who God made us to be. It’s about ascribing everything we are and everything we have to our great God. Humility is deflecting the glory to our heavenly Father.

This is what our Master had to do for Himself. In Luke chapter seven, John the Baptist, sent his disciples to ask Jesus who He was!  Interestingly, Jesus did not say He was the son of a carpenter with no education and no sophisticated manners.  He didn’t say he was from a little town of Bethlehem.  He boldly said, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard; that the blind see the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.”  Jesus knew who He was. He knew His value and purpose on earth.  He was humble but He didn’t look at Himself as less or inferior. He gave full credit to His heavenly Father.

We must learn to do the same with our lives. When Jesus died for us on the cross, His blood made us worthy. We were sinners but His mercy bought us with a great price and now we are sons and daughters of God. It will be offensive if we did not accept God’s value on our lives. In God’s eyes, we’re priceless created in His own image. We don’t have to brag about ourselves but we can brag on God. We belong to the Royal class we belong to God’s own family. Shake off the insecurity. Like Cindy, overlook the mole and accept who you are. You may not be on magazine cover but you’re tattooed on God’s Hands!

In case you haven’t heard it lately, you’re beautiful, your future is bright and you’re extremely valuable. I’m grateful that you’re in my life. I’m praying for you!

“I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16 NIV).

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

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