Desire More for God

We are driven by desires. We strive to get to a better place with our lives. We want more comfort, better living conditions, plenty of affluence and influence. While none of this is wrong, our desire for God is more important in this life and beyond.

Yesterday, I met with two young ladies. We’ll call them Becky and Chelsea. They’re smart, beautiful, and full of purpose. They are highly successful in their own careers and they’re modest about their achievements. Both of them have traveled the world and lived overseas extensively, helping people that are less fortunate. Chelsea is a property manager but her real passion is to work with new immigrants giving them job skills and other valuable support; introducing them to our God. Becky has a booming business but she is constantly looking for ways to help others. Her dream is to have a restoration center healing God’s servants from around the world! Their love for God and His people is impeccable! What inspired me about these ladies is that they love life to the fullest but they also love God with their whole heart. As a matter of fact, everything they do is an overflow of their obedient commitment to Christ. My friends are marked for success!

I believe every human being is born with a God-shaped void in their hearts. We try to fill it up with busyness, relationships, building ourselves a name, fame, and a fortune. Climbing the corporate ladder is great but make sure it’s not leaning against the wrong wall. How we get there, and what we do when we arrive, make all the difference. The same is true in raising a family, growing a business, or even serving God in the ministry. Martha was busy ministering for Jesus. Mary ministered to Jesus. Mary was preferred! Nothing can fill the void in your life that only God can. He has reserved all the right to our love and affection. He laid His life down to express His love for us. Do you desire more for God as you do for material things in life?

My kids have three cats! I was out of my mind to allow them three kittens (they grow)! Seriously, they’re cute and they add a lot of joy. Fang is always getting into mischief. I have to get on to her more than the other two. However, it is Fang who jumps onto my couch every morning and cuddles with me while I’m having my tea and reading my Bible. She likes to do that throughout the day. I like all of our cats but Fang gets preferred treatment because of her affection for me. Many Christians go to God only when they have a need. There’s nothing wrong with asking God for stuff. But if our relationship is based on getting and not giving, then we’re living too shallow.

In the Bible, we find David always having a desire for more of God. He rose early in the morning to seek after Him. He took time to recall the blessings He received from God. He magnified God while he was surrounded by his enemies. David made God’s name famous. In return, in spite of his humble background, God made him the king of Israel and called David a man after His own heart. What about you? Do you have any conversation with God that does not involve your benefit? Do you ever ask God, “What you can do for you?” Do you actively seek for ways that will make His name great? Do you have a bucket list of what you want to do for God? You have goals for your own family and personal career but do you have a goal for your spiritual development? These questions are not to make you feel bad but if we don’t have a desire to live more for God, we’re not living life to our highest potential.

Let’s become lovers of God. He owns it all except our hearts. The Holy Spirit is a Gentleman. He will not occupy what you don’t surrender. It’s great to have goals and dreams and accumulate stuff but I’ve never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse! Nothing wrong in making a name or having fame but there’s nothing right doing it without God. Talk to Him regularly. Read His love letters, the Bible, to you. Know Him and make His name known to the world. Let’s be like my friends Becky and Chelsea and desire more for God. King David always made time for God, so can we. Like our cat if we get cozy with God, our lives will go better for us. Friends, I challenge you to desire more for God. When we live a God-pleasing life, everything else will automatically fall in place. God wants you. How much of God do you desire?

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1 NIV).

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Be Ambitious for God

Since the day we were born, most of us are taught to be happy and pursue happiness. It is not wrong to be ambitious. However, if that is the focal point of our existence, then we’re missing the boat. The greatest happiness you’ll ever find is experiencing God on a continual basis.

Being ambitious for God is not about performance. It is having a desire to please God in everything we do and make decisions affect Him. God has given us the freedom to choose. We have entered into a relationship where everything is based on love and trust. When we wake up every morning and ask God for His direction, we’re being ambitious for God. When we leave our homes looking for people to help, we’re being ambitious for our Master. When we’re representing Him with honesty and integrity in the marketplace, we’re standing out for our God. If we’re not intentional about these things, we will have little impact for our Lord and Savior.

William Carey, the great missionary to India, said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things from God.” When we set spiritual goals, we’ll have an opportunity to achieve them. If we involve God in our personal lives, homes and at work, we’ll change our world for the betterment of God’s Kingdom.

In our personal lives, we can start with a commitment to connect with God daily. A recent survey in America showed the average household has 4.4 Bibles. Fifty-seven percent of those people only read their Bible four times a year or less. Young people are moving away from the Bible. A majority (57%) of those ages 18-28 read their Bibles less than three times a year. Only twenty-six percent of Americans say they read their Bible on a regular basis (four or more times a week). We all agree that our country is on a moral decline, but what are we going to do about it? I challenge you to read the Bible every day. Start with only a chapter or even a verse. Keep the Bible in your favorite couch. Have a set time (morning is the best) to read the Wisdom Book. When you give God’s Word priority over your life, you’re honoring God, and He will honor you back in everything you do. In communist China, underground Christians share one Bible between dozens of believers. Leaders get arrested and thrown into prison for owning a Bible or conducting a house church. Is there any wonder, China is on course to become ‘world’s most Christian nation’ within 15 years?

The best Christian homes take their families to church. This is a great start but don’t just be a pew-warmer. Yes, we must gather together in the house of God. But we will have little or no impact if we do not honor God in our own homes. J. Edgar Hoover said, “If discipline were practiced in every home, juvenile delinquency would be reduced by 95%.” What children get, they give to society. When kids watch their parents living in harmony, honoring each other, and living a God-fearing life, they will pick up on it. They too will model their lives to be ambitious for God. The greatest investment we can make on our kids is not to leave a great inheritance, or give them a great education in their career, but to help them encounter God and pursue His plans for their lives. The world doesn’t need more professionals; we need more disciples of Christ.

At work, we can be ambitious for our God as well. In certain religions, they take time out in the middle of their work hours to worship God. Why are we afraid to bring our faith to work? Allow me let you in on a secret. If you’re the best producer and hardest worker at your job, management doesn’t care what religion you practice. I’m not telling you to be obnoxious, but to gently, quietly, and deliberately live your faith at work. If you do not compromise your character or your faith, you’ll be working for God at your job and make the devil pay for it!

Friend, set some impossible goals for the extension of His Kingdom. Don’t just settle for giving 10% of your income to God. How about joining a neighborhood evangelism team? Serve at a local food bank. Visit the elderly, homeless and the prisons. Go on a missions team with Build International. The possibilities are endless. If you have a desire to attempt great things for God, He will make is possible for you to experience great things for Him.

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV).

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Four Keys to Abundant Life

As we come to the end of this year, it’s time to reflect what has happened and more importantly, why it has happened. While we can never go back to our past, we can take measures to ensure that our future looks bright.

Many people I know have thrown in their towel and are ready to move into the next year. However, the way we end something is how we enter into another. If it was a year to forget, we should consider why things went wrong. We shouldn’t feel guilty but make adjustments. Insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expect a different result.

Jesus said, “The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy but I have come so that you may have abundant life” (John 10:10). Let me share with you four keys that will produce abundant life.

1. Decide. Everything we are, everything we have is because of the decisions we made in the past. You’ve heard the expression, “What were you thinking?” Truth is, most of the time we’re not thinking when we made the dumb decisions. If we’re going to enjoy life, it is imperative that we learn to make good decisions. There are five major areas we have to make wise decisions - God, family, relationships, money and health. When you’re dealing with any of this, take extra time to hear God and do what His Word says. Take counsel. Wise decisions will produce wide harvest.

2. Be Diligent. I’ve met many people with wish-bone but only a few have any backbone. Unlike popular myth, God wants us all to do well in life. He gave us able body, mind and strength to think, pray, connect, work and do what we can. When we do our due diligence, God will play His part. I heard of a young man who wanted to work for a department store in the east. He wrote over 300 letters applying for a job. Not one replies! Finally he got all his savings together and bought a train ticket to New York. Upon arrival, he was spellbound! When he got to the building, the interviewer pointed to a stack of letters they had received from this young man. Baffled, the young man said, “Why didn’t you reply to my letters?” The interviewer said, “We knew you’d come!” Needless to say, the young man got hired and spent the rest of his life building a great company and making tremendous contribution. How diligent are you about doing the things God placed in your heart?

3. Declare. What we say demonstrate what we believe. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of heart, man speaks.” When we say thing that are contrary to God’s Word, we’re sabotaging our own future. It may feel good at the time but it will rob us. You can’t have a poor mouth and a rich life. You can’t always talk sickness and have health. You can’t talk lack and have abundance. You can’t talk defeat and expect victory. The Bible says, “Death and life is in the POWER of your tongue.” Notice we exert power over lives by the words we speak. God created the heavens and the earth by declaring His Word. We too can create our world by speaking positive, uplifting, kind, life-giving words about ourselves and of others. Faith works both ways of what we speak. You can speak faith for abundant or a defeated life. Change your words and it will change your world!

4. Be Determined. Our culture and society have conditioned us to give up anything that is hard or not fun. Always remember this, when you want something really bad, there will be oppositions. The enemy will fight you the hardest when you’re about to reap your harvest. You gotta be determined to outlast the enemy! If you have a big struggle, you have a big victory coming. Paul didn’t pray for all the problems to go away but he prayed that they will have strength to go through the difficult things. If you haven’t figured this out it, life’s a fight. You can fight to win or lose by default. I suggest you be determined and fight till the end because Jesus and I are praying for you!

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP).

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Be a Friend of God

Many of us know God as our Creator, Savior, Judge, Father and so on. It is good to give him due respect and reverence for all that He is. One of the greatest ways we can know God is as a friend. This is an incredible privilege!

Recently in my home, we’re learning about being a friend of God. My children and I are having a lot of great discussions. Today, I’ll share a few thoughts about knowing God as our friend.

Friendship with God brings us to the even field. When we’re friend with someone, we’re blind to their social, economic or spiritual status. We relate to them just the way they are. We accept their good, bad and the ugly. Good friends don't keep track of each other’s wrongs. Neither does God. It should give us great confidence to know that God loves and accepts us just the way we are. He’s not expecting us to come up to His “standards” before He can be our friend. We have to just accept His friendship.

Friendship with God means we can talk about anything. Friendship between two people breaks down every barrier. We feel safe talking to friends about our deepest secrets and desires. We don’t have to worry about being misunderstood. We can have real conversations. When we’re friends with God, we can talk to Him when life is easy, and we can talk to him when life is hard. He understands our deepest emotions. He feels for our sadness, despair, dreams and hopes. He can handle when we’re upset and angry. We must also take time to hear and understand God’s heart.

Friendship with God is a two way street. Best friendships are those that are based on giving and receiving. If we’re the ones always asking, requesting and getting stuff from God then our friendship is warped. You cannot expect to have a healthy friendship if you’re always on the receiving end. When we love God as a friend, we take interest in the things that touches His heart. In the center of God’s heart is to bring the Good News to the poor. He wants to heal the broken hearted. He wants to set the captives free. He wants to bring liberty to the oppressed. Luke 4:18. When we get involved in these activities, we’re strengthening our friendship with God.

Friendship with God requires that we spend time with Him. When we value a friendship, we make time for that relationship. We spend at least eight hours a day because we value our job and business. What about our relationship with God? How much effort do we make to connect with him throughout the day? I can’t sit still in one place for too long. I don’t pray two hours every day. I pray to God frequently. They are normally short interactions. I don’t always ask for stuff from God. Most of my personal time with God is spent on expressing my worship to Him. I’m thankful for our friendship. I verbalize my gratitude to God out loud all the time. You too can strengthen your friendship with God by simply spending time with Him.

Friendship with God means we make sacrifices and give gifts. How many times has a friend called us in the most inconvenient time, and we still make ourselves available to him? If we’re to be close friends with God, we have to make some sacrifices. We have to say no to our flesh. We have to be proactive in doing what’s right in things that please God. Giving a gift of our loyalty to God will enhance our friendship. When we trust God in the darkest situation, our friendship is concrete. Let’s not just ask what God can do for us; let’s also focus on what we can do for Him.

It is an awesome privilege to be a friend of God. Let’s not take our friendship for granted. Let’s invest in the most important friendships of our lives by reaching out to God. His friendship is always motivated by love. He accepts us just the way we are but He loves us too much to leave us the way we are. Let’s be better friends with God. He calls us friend!

“I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me” (John 15:15 NLT).

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How to Hear God's Voice

Does God speak to us today? Some think it is impossible. Others would love to hear God’s voice but they never have. Then there are others who hear God’s voice regularly. Is there really a secret to hearing God’s voice? Does God talk to humans?

God does and wants to speak to us. In fact God wants to speak to us more than we want to hear. God often speaks to us in unexpected time, place and circumstances. God spoke to Moses in the burning bush when he wasn’t expecting it but he was receptive. Instead of blowing it off, Moses took time to stop, think and look into it. He was in sync with God. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.”

One of the greatest hindrances to hearing God’s voice today is our busy-ness. When we are running around like a chicken with its head cut off, we cannot hear God. If our lives are full of “noises” it will hinder us from hearing God. In order to hear God we have to have a quite spirit. Let’s discuss a few common ways God speaks to us today.

The most common ways God speaks to us is through His Word. The Bible contains God’s thoughts inspired by the Holy Spirit. If you want to hear God’s voice, just read your Bible. As you read the Word of God (logos) suddenly a particular word, phrase or sentence will jump out at you. It will grab your attention. This is your “aha” moment and instruction that you need. That’s called the “rhema” Word of God. It means this Word is now custom made for your specific situation.

God speaks to us through other people. We all have heard about God using prophets to speak to His people. He still does. But God also speaks to us through common men and women. The Bible says that in the multitude of counselors there’s safety. In other words, when we allow people to speak into our lives, we’re hearing God. One word of caution here! God will speak to you the loudest about your life than any other person. Don’t be deceived into believing that you need a personal prophet in your back pocket who will dictate the course of your life. God is in speaking terms with you. God will confirm through other people what He has already spoken to your heart first.

God speaks to us in unusual ways. This can include dreams, visions, audible voices and or any other uncommon circumstances. This is prevalent in Arab nations where it is a huge offense to share the Gospel. People are having dreams and visions of Jesus and coming to know the Lord. There have been reports of whole mosque filled with believers where Jesus has revealed Himself to the people. Like Moses’ encounter with God, these are usually initiated by God.

God speaks to us through everyday life. Next to the Bible, this is the most common way God speaks to me. He doesn’t usually give me an essay but He gives me a word, a phrase or an idea that relates to my circumstances. I like to say, “God twits” to me. You may laugh but I hear God through TV commercials, billboards, books, casual conversations and oh yea – when I’m taking a shower. I know it’s weird! Normally this happens through a quite impression on my heart. When God speaks, I always try to write down the thought. I keep notepad by my bed, in my car, and I write down thoughts on my phone also. Often the Holy Spirit suddenly reminds me about a specific friend while I’m driving or doing whatever. That’s when I call to check on them and pray for them.

Friend, God wants to speak to you more than you want to hear Him. Get the mind of Christ by putting God’s Word in your spirit. God will speak to you through people you know and trust. Stay open to hearing God’s voice in unusual ways. Be sensitive throughout the day to hear God speak to you in a small voice down in your spirit. The more you practice hearing His voice the better you’ll become at it. He loves you and He wants to talk to you.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV).

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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).

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20 Facebook Etiquettes (Part II)

Yesterday, we started talking about Facebook etiquettes that I shared with my 15-year-old daughter to make her online experience more enjoyable. What we say, how we say, when we say and whom we say what we say are very crucial. We can impact a lot of lives simply by being a little cautious before we bare our minds to the world. Here are a few more tips that might help you…

11. Engage. Be generous with your “likes, comments and share” Just like you, people are looking for approval. When you “like” you’re saying, “I believe in you. I agree with your feelings. I endorse your thoughts, work and hobby.”

12. Talk to the wall! Write on your friends’ wall, simply to check on them or encourage them. My friend Jay is excellent with that. Wish people Happy Birthday and engage with their interests. Post a link on what they’re interested in.

13. Promote a Godly cause to help someone. FB is a powerful platform. People take notice what you say from your “pulpit.” Use your platform to influence and empower others. Yesterday, I put out a request to help a family who lost a young boy in a tragic accident. Only an hour later, a good friend of mine fulfilled that need. You can touch lives simply by sharing a good cause. On that note, please don’t forget to like and endorse Build International Ministries. Thank you!

14. Keep it positive. Criticism doesn’t work. People do more of what we brag about and less of what we nag about. Do not criticize authority, management or the government. One day you and your decedents will be in the position of authority. Don’t sabotage your/their future. You’ll never attain what you criticize others for. If you’re not directly responsible, leave it alone. Prayer will do more than our criticism. Use the same effort and energy to do what God has called you to do. Remember, you have limited resources – especially time.

15. Post pictures. Start with your own profile. You’re on social media! A picture is worth a thousand words! Occasionally post pictures of good times with your friends, family and places you’ve been to. Highlight your friends and their interest. Like their photos – especially their kids. Parents love to show off their kids. When we engage with their posts, we’re empowering the parents.

16. Share a wholesome song or a video that you like. Quote, Bible verses and inspirations are great also but use them sparingly.

17. Set a time limit per day/week to be on social media. Avoid the temptation to mindlessly browse endless hours. Share your thoughts, read what others have to say and get offline and get on with your life. This is a communications tool not a chat room.

18. Learn to ignore. This is difficult with people with strong values. When we engage with comments we don’t agree with we’re wasting our valuable, limited resources on trying to make everyone think like us. They have other things to say where you can make a positive deposit. Don’t get drawn into conflict. Walk away.

19. Do not accept games request. Please don’t send them to others either. You’ll lose friends faster than you think. It’s considered spam. It irritates people.

20. Friend people you know. Accept friend requests from people you know or a trusted source. Don’t get hooked on the numbers game. Most people who have thousands of friends online have very few real life relationships where it counts the most. Get off online and build offline relationships.

Friends, I hope you’ll get at least one thing that might be helpful to you. I appreciate all the “shares” yesterday. Yes, if we like, share, influence and educate others we have a potential to impact a billion people who are on Facebook and other social media. I “like” you!

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4 ESV).

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What Men Want

Yesterday, we started talking about what men and women want to be in a mutually satisfied relationship. There’s a great divide between men and women but God meant for us to complement each other.

Once again, these are general guidelines. Not every man needs, wants and responds the same way. I heard one relationship expert say, men have three basic needs. They want sex, food, and more sex. It may sound this simple but after interviewing hundreds of men over the years, following are some of my observations.

Men want admiration. Since we’re young boys we’ve been trying to leave skid marks on the road with our bikes. The message is: look at me; I’m great! We want recognition. Men never grow out of that. When it is out of balance we’re messed up. In the positive, we want to be someone’s hero. We want you to brag and not nag. We want respect – someone to marvel at us.

Men want words of affirmation. This may shock some of you but one of the greatest enemies to a man’s self-esteem is insecurity. My biggest mistakes in life derived from insecurity. Think about it! Of all the things God could have said to Jesus at His baptism He chose to say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I’m well pleased.” Even Jesus had to get His Father’s approval! One of the main reasons men fall into adulterous relationships is because the woman offers them flattery - a lie that he can do anything with her.

Men want control. To some extent this is God-given. We have been commissioned to lead. We like the feeling of being in-charge. This is why you don’t read much about female dictators in history. When men feel they’re in-charge, they will do anything to stay in control. If you have a great idea, just give us the credit and make us feel like it was our idea and you’ll have it your way.

Men want freedom. It’s interesting that we want to control the world around us but we ourselves want to be free. There’s a part in every man that is meant to be wild. We like, danger, adventure, challenge and stupidity. Oh what men would do in order to feel free! When we feel put in a box, forced to make commitment we resent and rebel. Inspire us with freedom and we’ll do more than you expect.

Men want peace. Believe it or not, we don’t enjoy confrontation. Our motto is: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. This is why men find it hard to adjust and change in a relationship because we don’t see the need for emotional maintenance. When the relationship falls apart, suddenly we’re all ears. If you need to confront men on any issue sent him a twit (short and sweet). Threatening doesn’t go well with men. Give them time and space to confront their issue. Show them the value of working things out and how the end result will be better than the present. It will motivate him to change.

Men want to have fun. Most of our grown up world is duty, responsibilities and serious stuff. We love to have fun. When men are relaxed and the pressure is off, we receive everything more seriously.

Friends, I hope this will help you build better relationships. My fellowmen, if I’ve left out anything that’s important to you, please share your comments now or hold your peace forever!

Seriously, one of the greatest things you can do to understand what a man or a woman want is simply ask. 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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Be Hungry for God

Yesterday I was invited to a Christian meeting by an acquaintance. My friend didn’t show up but what I experienced was heartwarming. In spite of many believing America is dying spiritually I encountered the opposite. I saw people hungry for God!

My friend hadn’t told me any details of the meeting so when I realized that the meeting was in a house, I was surprised. The house wasn’t exceptionally big but both sides of the streets were jammed packed with cars. It took me forever to find a parking place. Immediately I knew these people were hungry for God.

When I walked into the house, I was shocked again. The house was buzzing with people everywhere. Immediately I felt at home. There was a long line of people approaching the food area with a huge spread. Again I was impressed! They’re feeding 100+ people free of charge!

In spite of the big house, there was no place to sit. People were occupying every single room of the building – fellowshipping and enjoying the meal. There were people from all different backgrounds.

When the commotion stopped, a young lady led the worship and another young man shared his testimony that people participated in through big TV screens in every room including the hallway. These people were hungry for God. The preacher delivered a dynamic message that went on for an hour and nobody complained! Again, I thought these people were hungry for God. They didn’t call it a church but it felt like what a church should be.

I prayed for a few people after the meeting and as I left the gathering I couldn’t help but think God is working. These people are hungry for God. One of my mentors used to say, “A hungry man will find a restaurant no matter where it is.” Certainly, these people were hungry for God and they’d found a spiritual restaurant.

Ministering in Asia, I see people hungry for God. In my recent trip to Nepal, we had a sixty three year old pastor and his wife come down from the Himalayan Mountains. They walked for twelve hours and rode the bus for another sixteen hours just to attend a one day meeting we’d put together. What is humbling is that the pastor had spent twenty six months in prison for preaching the Gospel and his ministry has planted two hundred churches! This pastor and his wife are hungry for God.

What about you?

Are you hungry for God? Are you growing spiritually? Are you grateful for what He has done? Are you doing anything special to show God how much you love Him? Do you love God and His other children? Are you learning about God? Who are your disciples?

Friend, today I want to challenge you to be hungry for God. No matter who or where you are we’re to stay hungry for God. When we lose the passion for our Lord, we begin to die spiritually. When we’re not growing spiritually, we are not operating in our full potential. Will you search your heart and turn it over to God. He longs to spend time with you. He wants to talk to you. He wants to fellowship with you. Will you give Him your listening heart and a sacrifice of praise? When we are hungry for God, He will fill our hearts with His peace and presence. When God is with us, we will demonstrate success in every area of our lives.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6 NIV).

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Remember the Goodness of God

Reflection is a powerful force. It causes us to evaluate and bring perspectives into our lives. Yet, we’re too busy these days to sit quietly. In our modern culture, cell phones, social media, i-this and i-that have taken over our lives. I’m not against technology but when it takes preeminence over God, we’re out of balance. We must set aside regular time to communicate with our Creator.

One of the most powerful exercises we can do in our meditation is to remember the goodness God. The devil drives, leaving no room for us to think but God leads. When we remember what God has done in the past, it will fill our hearts with gratitude. Instead of asking for more, we will be thankful. When we’re thankful, we’re divine!

One of the things we all can be thankful for is our Salvation. We are all saved by grace and we start off with gratitude. As time goes by, we tend to lose our joy and forget how God delivered us from the clutches of the evil one. Once we were bound by drugs, alcohol or even religion but then Christ set us free! Once we’re heading toward eternal destruction but now we’re heaven-bound. How liberating is that? Let’s be thankful for our Salvation.

Another area we can be thankful for is our health. Some of us are fighting battles in our body right now but many of us take our health for granted. Good health should be a great cause of celebration. Had it not been for God’s goodness, we would have no strength. Let’s express our gratitude for health and healing.

We can thank God for His protection. How many times we’ve missed a near collision in traffic? Instead of calling colorful names to the person in the wrong, we can thank God for the angels that watch over us every day. We can recall God’s goodness over our children and for protecting them from daily accidents and evil. Let’s make it a habit to thank God for His safety, protection and angels.

In the Scriptures, the children of Israel build memorial unto the Lord by gathering stones and piling them up in a heap. It was not an easy thing to do in the wilderness. But they built a visual reminder to give glory to God for His goodness over their lives. We too can have a point of contact to remind us of His goodness. For example, when I pass a hospital or a graveyard, I say to myself, “Thank you Lord for satisfying me with health and long life.” When I pass a bank I say, “Thank you Lord for your provision.”

Often our prayers are loaded with requests for help. God doesn’t mind us asking for stuff. But we’re like little children if we constantly ask for help. Let’s grow up and seek God’s guidance in whom we should help. Let’s make part of our prayer to thank God for His provision. Yes, we all need more resources but can we also thank Him for what He has already provided? When we consider His provision in the past, we’ll have no doubt that He’ll provide again in the future.

Friends, let us remember the goodness of God. When we pause, think and talk about His goodness we’ll draw in more of His favor in our lives. You cannot complement and complain at the same time. The more we brag about the goodness of our God the less we have to nag about our life. Let’s remember the goodness of our God!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 NAS).

What are your thoughts?

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