Sow a Seed and Reap a Harvest

God created us to be fruitful, multiply, increase, and impact the world. When God created you, He put everything you need to fulfill your destiny. He wants you to reign as king through Jesus Christ. However, if you want more in life then you must sow a seed to reap a harvest. 

It is our Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. You are not going to break heaven’s bank by expecting more from God. If you desire more influence, increase, joy, and abundance, then you must first plant a seed for that harvest. Jesus said, “With the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matthew 7:2 NKJV). 

Like you, I make it a point to give tithes and offerings. Earlier this year, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to tithe not from my present revenue but from my expected income. Honestly, it was a stretch, but I decided to do it by faith. I sowed financial seed based on my anticipated return. The very next day, I received ten times more than what I had planted! I am not saying that we should give in order to receive, nor am I advocating that we will always receive an instant harvest. Nevertheless, the Bible teaches us that seeds have power to produce of their own kind. A seed can produce harvest that is thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold. The Bible also says, “The God of your ancestors, multiply you a thousand times more and bless you as he promised” (Deuteronomy 1:11 NLT). 

The Scripture says, “You will always harvest what you plant” (Galatians 6:7 NLT). The law of sowing and reaping is not limited only to finances; it works in every area of your life. Seed produces its own kind. So whatever you lack, sow a seed by faith. If you need healing in your body, pray for someone else to be healed. If you want more friends, become a friend. If you need encouragement, inspire someone. If you want more love, start loving the people God puts in your path—starting with your own family. 

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25). Generosity is always a response to faith and a reflection of our hearts. Victor Hugo in Les Misérables said, “You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness.” 

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives” (John 12:24 NLT). That is exactly what Jesus did for all of us. He loved us so much that He laid down His life so that all who believe in Him can inherit eternal life—that is millions and billions of us! 

The Kingdom of God is set up to meet your every need regardless of what goes on here on earth. You no longer have to bear the weight of your own provision. You do not have to be anxious or worried as you enter into this faith mentality. You have the legal right to access the benefits and blessings of the Kingdom. 

If you are sick, God wants you healed! If you are addicted, God wants to set you free. If you are broke, God wants to prosper you. If you feel hurt, God wants to comfort you. God promises to save your whole household. Your faith can bring heaven on earth. Put your faith to work! When you believe, and declare God’s Word over your situation, your faith goes to work. Dying on the cross, Jesus paid the price for everything you will ever need to thrive in life. 

1 Kings 17 tells the story of a widow and her young son in Zerephath. They were on the verge of starvation. When Elijah the prophet shows up, he asks her to prepare a meal for him. It was an outrageous demand. But God never asks us to do something without blessing us in return. He does not need our stuff. He is after our hearts. Elijah made the widow an interesting promise—if she serves him first, her supply of flour and oil would never run out. The woman did as she was asked and she witnessed a miracle of abundance. She and her household ate for many days to come because the jar of flour was not spent, nor did the jug of oil go empty. 

I believe that God wants us to enlarge our capacity to receive so that we can become a blessing to the world. Since you are connected to the Source, your supply will never run out. Enlarge your measure of giving. Sow seeds of love, kindness, time, resources, and friendship. Volunteer at your church, school, or another organization. Reach out to the elderly. Invite people to your home and be hospitable. If we give a spoonful, we will receive a spoonful. If we give a bucket, we will get the same in return. If we give from a place of in abundance, we will receive an overflow. Whatever you make happen for others, God will make happen for you—many times over!

“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity” (Luke 6:38 MSG). 

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Enlarge Your Vision

Are you tired, dissatisfied, or bored with your life? Do you wonder, “Is this all there is?” God did not create you for mediocrity. You are not an average. Your life is not meaningless. If you want to enjoy and experience God’s best, then you have to enlarge your vision. 

Limited thinking will result in a limited life. A friend recently asked me, “Sandy, what is your motivation for success in life?” I replied, “Hunger and a desire to impact the world with the gospel.” As I align my thoughts with God’s, it shapes my vision. You too can change your future by changing the thoughts that are playing in your mind. Your vision is your most valuable asset. 

Abraham was living in a tent when God told him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are… for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever” (Genesis 13:14-15). You may be in a limited environment right now, but do not let that limited mindset get in you. You may be surrounded by poverty, mediocrity, sickness, or an addiction. That may be where you are but that is not who you are. You were created for greatness and meant to leave your mark on this planet. 

I heard about a sixth grader who was tasked to write down what he wanted to be when he grew up. The young boy wrote that he wanted to make people laugh on the television. When the teacher saw his answer, she asked, “Does anyone in your family work in television?” The boy replied, “No, ma’am.” The teacher told him, “You need to write something more realistic.” 

The young boy was very disheartened. He went home and told his dad what had happened at school. His dad put the paper on the top drawer in his room. He told his son, “Before you go to school and before you go to bed each day, look at this paper and thank God that you will be on television one day. The boy did just that. Today, you can find Funny Man Steve Harvey on TV making people laugh, seven days a week. 

Friend, people may try to belittle or discredit you. Your loved ones mean well but God did not put the vision in them. That is why they do not understand the big dreams that God has placed in you. Do not be discouraged! People did not breathe life into you. Your critics did not call you to do great things. God did! Just because someone does not believe in your dream does not mean it is not going to happen. What God promised will come to pass. Write down what He has said and thank Him for it in advance. That is called faith. Whatever you can see with your eyes of faith, you can hold in your hand. 

Sometimes we limit our own thinking. If you put a lid on your potential, it will dwarf possibilities. I encourage you to stretch yourself. Think bigger. When we embrace the vision God has for us, we can make a big difference in the world. 

This is what happened to a man named Gideon. God told him to lead His people against the opposing army. An angel appeared to Gideon and said, “You are a mighty man of fearless courage!” But Gideon was confused. He answered, “I am the least in my family and my tribe in the weakest.” He started to make excuses. Does that sound familiar? How often has God put a dream in our heart, and we try to reason it away? Jesus said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God”. 

God did not call Gideon who he thought he was. God saw his potential. He told him what he could become. Gideon felt weak, insecure, and intimidated but God called him a mighty man of courage. He went on to defeat his enemies. Friend, God wants to do some extraordinary things in and through your life. Like Abraham, whatever you can see, God will give it to you. He wants to save your whole family. You can beat that illness. You are going to give birth to that child that you have been praying for. You will get the contract that you were hoping for. You can live free from debt, depression, and addiction. He wants you to start that house church. You can build that orphanage. Enlarge your vision. You are not who people say you are. You are who God says you are—a child of the Most High King! God has a wide-open and specious life for you. Think big! Pray bold prayers! Expect more! God will take you places that you have never imagined! 

“I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively” (2 Corinthians 6:11-13 MSG). 

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Prepared for Promotion

We all go through seasons of trials and testing. You are doing the right thing but feel like you are going backwards instead of forwards. When our dreams take longer than we expected, we tend to get discouraged. I want to remind you what God says, “Do not get discouraged. Payday is coming!” 

Just as there are seasons of growth, there is a season for preparation. During these waiting times, God is working on our character, separating the impurities, and polishing the rough edges. It may be uncomfortable but if we stay on the potter’s wheel, we are going to come out better off than we were before. We will have more peace, joy, health, fulfillment, purpose, promotion, and vindication. 

On a mission trip to China, I learned about the Chinese bamboo tree. This remarkable plant is different from most others that grow in the region. Unlike other plants that show consistent growth, bamboo does not break through the ground for the first four years. In the fifth year, however, an amazing phenomenon happens, and the plant begins to grow at an astonishing rate. Over the next five weeks, it reaches the height of eighty feet. 

Life is similar in many ways. You must first put down deep roots through the building of character, developing good habits, and sharpening your skills. You may not see progress right away, but overtime things will begin to take off. Suddenly your business thrives and becomes profitable. Your marriage becomes stronger. You move into your dream house. Your church begins to explode. Your life becomes more meaningful and significant. 

Do not fight off what seems uncomfortable in your life. God is using the very thing you are trying to pray away. I recently spoke with a friend whose entire family was infected with COVID-19. My 55-year-old friend told me that he kept a positive attitude. For years, he has suffered from severe back pain. COVID-19 causes inflammation. As a result, the pinched nerve came loose, and he has no more back pain. He has been pain free for six months! God knows how to deliver you from pain, struggle, hardship, heartache, and troubles. 

When you find yourself in a season of preparation, you may not understand everything that happens along the way. You may not like the delays and the detours, but God is setting you up. You may have lost your current job, but He is orchestrating a better one in your future. You may have suffered a setback in your health, but God will restore health back unto you. Finances may be tight, but He will bring you to a place of abundance. You may have been trying to have a baby, and this could be the year it happens. When you see and feel the least, that is when God is working the most. 

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. This is what happened to Abraham when God put a dream in his heart that he would become the father of many nations. Twenty-four years went by and there was still no sign of a baby. Abraham and Sarah were nearly 100 years old. It looked impossible. The enemy must have whispered in their ears how it was impossible. They could have talked themselves out of it. Yet, the Bible says that “Abraham grew strong in faith by giving praise to God.” When you praise God in times of difficulty, it gives you strength to persevere. When Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born. God fulfilled His promise. 

Friend, your business may be slow, your child may be off track, your health may not be up to par, and your marriage may be struggling. The key is to praise God in the mist of the trials and testing. When you anticipate a miracle, and wait patiently with a good attitude, you will come into your promotion. Like the Chinese bamboo, you will see sudden growth. Like my friend, your health will turn around. And like Abraham, you will see your dreams come true. Now prepare yourself, for the promotion that is coming. What the Lord promised you will come to pass. 

“Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV). 

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2021: The Year of Restoration

Last year was difficult for most all of us—a pandemic, an economic collapse, and political upheaval wrought havoc in many lives. The enemy may have robbed you of your peace, finances, health, or relationships, but God is in the restoration business. He will restore everything that has been taken from you. 

This past Thanksgiving, I was returning to Dallas from Houston when I got a call from my neighbor. He informed me that my house was flooded. When my family and I got home, we discovered the service line in the toilet had broken causing major water damage and a huge fiasco. We got the mitigation company to come out and my insurance agent got us all situated.  It was over a month of inconvenience and difficulty, especially this time of year.

The Bible says, “What the enemy meant for evil, God will turn for your good!” Before the flooding, I was contemplating having the house repainted and the carpets replaced in addition to some other repairs. See, God knows what we need, when we need it, and how to get it to us. My house is now fully restored, and it looks better than ever.

God knows how to restore everything–and not only does he restore it to its original condition. His restoration is always greater in quality, quantity, or both (Exodus 22:1). Our God is full of compassion and mercy. It does not matter if you made the mistake, or it was someone else’s fault, or life just happened, God will bring you out better off than you were before. Why don’t you trust and surrender to Him? He loves you and has your best interest at heart. The mercies of God are greater than any mistake you ever made. Rise up in faith and declare, “Father, restore!”

Do you feel like the enemy has consumed your years? Perhaps you suffered from a chronic illness, miscarriage, depression, the loss of a job, or a loved one? Let the word of the Lord strengthen your heart today. Our God is a God of restoration. He is most able and willing to restore what you have lost.

In the Bible, Joseph spent 13 years being mistreated, betrayed by his brothers, and put in prison for something that he did not do. It was not easy, but he kept honoring God with his life. One morning, the guard came to Joseph and said, “The Pharaoh wants to see you!” Joseph did not know the king because he was a foreigner and a slave locked away in a dungeon. You, too, may be sitting in a dark place feeling forgotten and overlooked. Do not be discouraged! The One who matters has His eyes on you. God will never leave you or forsake you.

When Joseph walked into Pharaoh’s magnificent palace, he must have felt intimidated. Nevertheless, God was with Joseph just as He is with you. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream. The king was so impressed that he made Joseph second-in-command on the spot. Think about that! Joseph woke up that morning as a slave and went to bed that night as the Prime Minister over all of Egypt. God promoted and vindicated Joseph because our God knows how to restore!

Friend, you may have lost something valuable, but God is not going to let you end in a minus. Do not be discouraged by what is not changing. Make pleasing God your highest priority even when you do not see any improvement. Rest assured, God remembers you. Payday is coming. God has some destiny moments in store for you. He is going to thrust you to a new level of peace, joy, fulfillment, increase, and influence. God is going to restore your health, bring salvation to your entire family, and give you the nations for your possession. He will multiply you a thousand times more (Exodus 1:11 NLT). The right people will come looking for you. Promotion, opportunity, and vindication will track you down and follow you.

Now do your part and put your faith in God! When we encounter loss, it is easy to get discouraged, to settle where we are, and to stop expecting good things. I challenge you to get your hopes up and expect God’s best. Your expectation sets the limits for your life.

Jesus said, “Have what your faith expects” (Matthew 9:29). Let me ask you a question: What are you expecting in life? Big things? Small things? Or nothing at all? Learn to have a restoration mindset. Live each day filled with anticipation that God is going to bless you abundantly so that you can become a blessing to the world. My prayer is that you experience an unprecedented manifestation of His restoration in every area of your life in 2021. May His grace, profound peace, and divine protection cover you and your loved ones! Get ready for your year of restoration!

“We went through fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of great abundance” (Psalm 66:12 NLT).  

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You Have More in You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Aging with Grace

 

Everybody wants to live longer, healthier and more meaningful lives. But like everything else, the good life does not just come knocking on your door automatically. We have to be proactive if we want to age with grace.

 

Recently I spoke to a group of men that I meet with regularly. One of them said, “When you cross fifty, you should accept that things are going to start falling apart. Aches and pains are the new norm.” I was disturbed by his comment and quickly answered, “Yeah, everybody except me! I’ll age well and live in divine health as long as I can because the Bible has promised me that.” My dear friend replied, “Well, you’re in denial!”

 

So what does the Bible teach about getting old? The Bible says, “Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years" (Genesis 6:3 NIV). There are many people in the Bible who lived much longer. Noah lived to be 600 years old even after God's declaration, and his sons lived hundreds of years as well. Generations later, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived well past the age of 120 years. “Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished” (Deuteronomy 34:7 NKJV). Moreover, people today are reported to live longer than 120 years old on some occasions. 

 

You may say, “Brother Sandy, are you serious about living 120 years?” The truth is that I used to scoff at this notion but after researching the Bible, I started to believe it. Now I thank God every day for giving me 120 good years! My attitude is to shoot for the moon and even if I fail, I will fall among the starts, rather than aim low and make it. You do not have to start breaking apart under aches, pains, and chronic illnesses. Nowhere in the Bible God has promised that. That is just not His plan for your life.

                                                                                                                      

So what can we do to live a long, satisfied life, free of sickness, disease, aches, and pains? Let me share four practical things you can do to increase your longevity and natural vigor.

 

1. Grey matters. I am not talking about your hair color. I am talking about your brain cells. Age is a matter of mind. The number one secret to a vigorous life is taking care of your mental health. What you feed your mind will determine the quality of your life. No matter how accomplished you are, focus on personal development and continue to grow. Join a computer, art, or craft class. Attend cultural festivals and events. Learn a language. Travel and go see the world. The Brazilian author Paulo Coelho said, “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.” Keep your mind fresh and occupied with stimulating and wholesome information.

 

2. Build new relationships. People are always cycling out of our lives so you have to make sure to add new people in to your life. This is especially true as you get older. Do not let your world shrink by withdrawing from society. My friend Ron is 83 years old and extremely smart. He has done well in life and has plenty of resources. Nevertheless, he just picked up a job at Lowe’s because he wanted to interact with people and expand his circle of acquaintances!

 

3. Protect your heart. Solomon, the wisest man ever said, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV). Keep your heart free from offenses. Forgive in advance and let go of grudges. Give generously—not just your money but also your time, wisdom, gifts, and talents.

 

4. Take care of yourself. Your body is not only where you live but the Holy Spirit lives in you! How you look correlates to how you feel. Remember that you are an Ambassador of Christ. Do not let yourself go! Dress well. Talk well. Eat well. Sleep well. Exercise well regularly. Even fifteen minutes a day will have you feeling invigorated and energize. Make sure to get your heart pumping each day. Hang around young people. Mentor them and pass on your wisdom to them. 

 

Let me give you a few promises that you can declare over your life every day. “With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation” (Psalm 91:16 NKJV). “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV). “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green” (Psalm 92:14 NLT).

 

Do not fear death! When you are fully satisfied with this life, you will go to sleep and wake up in heaven.  The scripture says, “The memory of the righteous is blessed.”

 

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16 NLT).

 

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Upgrade Your Expectations

Expectations can either make or break us. Having little expectation results in having little in life. If you cannot foresee things improving, they will not. However, if you expect to be healed, get promoted, or experience financial increase then you will see new levels of favor and success.

I recently flew back to Dallas from Japan after returning from a mission trip to Indochina. When I approached my boarding gate, I heard my name on the loud speaker. I was unable to catch everything so I made my way to the counter. The lady asked me for my boarding pass. When I handed it to her, she tore it up and presented me with a new one. She said, “Congratulations, Mr. Anderson, we have upgraded you to Premier Class.” I thanked her, accepted it graciously and walked away with a smile.

On several other occasions, I have been upgraded to first-class seats. Why is that? It is because I ask God for favor every time I travel. I thank Him for the best seats and the best airline service. I travel with high expectations and usually end up with preferential treatment.

Let me ask you a question. What are you expecting? Are you expecting big things, small things, or nothing at all?

As a young man who experienced many negative things in life, I coined the phrase, “No expectation, and no frustration.” When you are hit with a series of bad breaks, injustice or a chronic illness, it is easy to anticipate the worst. However, if you shift your attitude and expect the best—to live in health and accomplish your dreams—then you will attract blessings and favor. Do not let negative experiences keep you from enjoying the good things God has for you today. Expect God-things!

In Mark Chapter 10, Jesus was leaving Jericho and a great crowd followed him. There was a blind beggar on the side of the road named Bartimaeus. When he heard all the commotion, he started shouting, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" The people around him told him to be quiet. They saw Bartimaeus as insignificant.  They didn’t think Jesus would be interested in him. The odds were against Bartimaeus but he had high expectations. The more the crowd tried to quiet him, the louder he shouted. Finally, Jesus stopped and asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus answered, "I want to see!" Jesus replied, "Go on your way. Your faith has made you whole." Instantly he could see.

Here is what I want you to see. There were other sick people present that day, yet Bartimaeus was the only one who was healed. Why? Bartimaeus went out there expecting a healing! He did not let people talk him out of it, nor did he let the circumstances get him down. He put his faith into action and got what he expected!

Every morning when you wake up, say to yourself, “Something good is going to happen to me today!” You have to get your expectation going in the right direction at the beginning of each day. Then throughout the day go around thanking God, expecting your miracle.

Are you letting the enemy talk you out of what God has put in your heart? The enemy is a liar and a deceiver. He will tell you, “You will never get out of debt! You will never get well! You will never go on that mission trip! You will never reach your potential, you have too much opposition!"

Be like Bartimaeus and ignore what people are saying. Delete the negative experiences of your past. Shrug off the worry, defeat, and doubt. Do not try to figure out how everything will work out. When the opposition is too high, you have to want it on a new level. You cannot be passive and expect to have a good life. Life may have given you some lemons but you have to be determined and optimistic. Things may look impossible right now but God can do the impossible. The odds may be against you but Almighty God—the Creator of the Universe—is for you. Where you are now is not your final destiny. You have to believe in the goodness of God. He wants you happy, healthy, enjoying life, and helping those without hope. Get your passion back. Get your enthusiasm back. Get your expectation antenna out. No matter what has happened in the past, today is a new day. God is doing a new thing. Upgrade your expectations. If you do this, I pray and declare that your expectations shall not be cut off!

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him” (Psalm 62:5 NKJV).

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My Graduating Daughter

 

It’s hard to believe that you’re graduating from high school. It feels like it was yesterday when I was holding you in my arms with your curly hair always blocking your full face and couldn’t separate you from your juice bottle. Congratulations on graduating from high school. You can’t go higher than high school, right? ;)

 

As you step into the open horizon of possibilities, I want to give you some wisdom that you may need for your journey through life.

1. You’re created in God’s image. Never doubt your value. Everything about you first class! The DNA of God is within you. You belong to the royal family. You’re God’s property. Nothing you do will separate you from the love of God. God blessed you before you were born and the blessing always overrides the curse. Therefore, you cannot fail. You’re destined for greatness. You are and always will be magnificent!

2. You’re beautiful. Beauty is an inside job. The world will define and redefine beauty. Have fun trying out the latest fads and fashions. However, remember that true beauty comes from within. You’re at your sparkling best when you have a heart after God. Your character is the true measure of your charisma. External beauty will fade but the closer you get to God, the more dazzling you’ll become.

3. Build healthy relationships. Check out the boys. Enjoy the attention but protect your heart. It’s normal to be attractive to boys. You’ve had a good looking Dad so don’t go out with an ugly boy! ;) Don’t go after duds who are going nowhere. Follow a man who pursues God first and then you.

4. Speak positive, uplifting words. Go easy on sarcasm. It’s all fun at the moment but sometimes, it can cut like a knife and last for a lifetime. The same is true of kind words. Healing words mend the soul. Think of compliment as putting ornaments on a person. Death and life are in the power of your tongue.

5. Be a generous person. I still remember the day you found a “surprise” twenty-dollar bill in your pocket while we were eating at Chili’s restaurant. When we were about to walk away from our dinner table, you slipped the twenty-dollar bill on the table for the waitress saying, “I didn’t even know I had it. She probably needs it more than me!” As long as you’re generous, you’ll never lack for bread – rice in our case.

6. Look at your glass as half full. There will be times when you may feel a lot of negatives coming your way. Gratitude in those moments will guide you out of your darkness. Fact is, you’ll always have more than most. Keep your eyes on the prize and not the problem. You can get better or you can get bitter.

7. Keep yourself happy. Only you are responsible for your own happiness. Being the middle child, you have a tendency to keep everybody else happy. If you always do that, the only person who won’t be happy is you. It’s ok to have it your way once in a while.

8. Enjoy the outdoors. You cannot beat nature in the most comfortable home. When you get out of your palace, you’ll discover God’s garden. Plant trees and decorate your home with flowers – they’re God’s jewelries for our stressful lives.

9. Travel whenever you can. This is easy for you because you’ve been travelling the world since you were born. Never stop being adventurous. When you leave your home, you discover God’s world. The people you meet and the sights you see will truly make you a rich person.

10. Be spiritual but not religious. I love to see you worship but God enjoys it much more. Worship is the doorway to miracles. The Bible is your life’s compass — showing you the way. The Holy Spirit is our Helper but He will only tell you what’s in the Book. So stay familiar with it. Your prayers are a mighty weapon for tearing down spiritual strongholds. God can do more with your prayer in a split second than you can try to change a person for a lifetime. And remember, when you share Christ with others – whether by words or deed — you become a Star!

Well, I started off giving a few life-tips but now it looks more like the Ten Commandments. Let me close by making it more personal to you. Sabrina, you’re always going to be my favorite even though I’ve said the same to your brother and sister. ;) You can always come home without expecting any condemnation from me. I love you and I always will. 

Congratulations Sabrina. I’m proud of you - my high school graduate!

With You, For You!

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God Wants to Bless You

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (Psalm 23:6 ESV).

Today many people are confused about God’s plan for their lives. When life gets tough, we feel a million miles away from God and we tend to think that He’s forgotten us. However, just the opposite is true. God is closest to you when you’re going through your worst!

If we want to live a life of peace, pleasure, and prosperity, we have to change the way we view our Heavenly Father. Many of us have a distorted view of God because we were taught differently or our earthly fathers were very little like our Heavenly Father. No matter what your view has been in the past, you must know that God wants to bless you because you’re His child!

The one and only plan God has for you is to give you life and abundance.

Jesus said, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life" (John 10:10 NLT). The enemy is the thief. Unfortunately, too many Christians get God and devil mixed up in their roles. They go through a trial and blame God for their troubles. A sickness keeps lingering on and we think God is trying to teach us something with this sickness.

Friend, God is good all the way. Until we believe and accept it, we’ll never rise to our full potential. God doesn’t have the capacity to do evil. By nature, He can only do good.

Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it." God is our closest ally for a good life. He wants us to be happy, content, fulfilled, and satisfied. He wants us to be healthy and prosperous in our body, mind, and soul.

One reason people miss out on God’s blessings is because their mouth doesn’t line up with their heart. When they read a message like this their faith rises but as soon as they face opposition, they begin to spill out all the negative things. We say things like — I’m broke. I’ll never get well. I’m going to be stuck in this job forever.

Here’s the key. You’ll never have what you constantly complain about.

If you want to be blessed, you have to agree with God and call yourself blessed. If you want health, say, "I’m strong and healthy." When you lack, say, "I’m rich." When we agree with God, we set a powerful force in motion. Angels begin to deliver the goods that belong to us.

When you are blessed, it is important to realize that you didn’t get here on your own. The scripture says, "Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful" (Deuteronomy 8:18 NLT). The purpose of blessing is to be a blessing. God has already blessed us with much. If you have a family, you’re blessed. If you’re healthy, you’re blessed. If you have work, you’re blessed. And don’t forget all that God has saved and delivered you from. The spiritual blessings are unlimited in Jesus Christ.

Friend, God is the father and you’re His child. God has blessed you and the blessing always overrides the curse. Change your image of God. Speak words according to God’s Word and always be a blessing to those whom God brings in your path. If you do these basics, I pray and declare that God’s blessings will overtake you like never before.

Every day, make this confession with me: I’m blessed and highly favored. I’m blessed coming in; I’m blessed going out. I’m blessed when I’m in the city; I’m blessed when I’m in the country. I’m the head and not the tail. I’ll lend and not borrow. Great shall be my peace and my children will be mighty in the land. I’m blessed to be a blessing to the world! Friend, if you believe and agree with God every day, you’ll go to new victories you’ve never imagined.

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2016: Year of Fulfilment

“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance” (Psalm 65:11 NIV).

It’s hard to believe but another new year has rolled in and most of us are full of eager anticipation. While some talk of uncertainty, most of us are ready to grab life by the horns and run with it. I believe and declare that 2016 will be a year of fulfilment. So dream BIG!

I’ve found that it is as easy to have a hopeful attitude as it is to be negative. Either way, it affects the outcome of our lives. Some people freeze to death in winter while others go skiing. When we’re purposeful and enthusiastic about life, we make history and change the world.

In 1952, a Kiwi mountain climber attempted to scale Mt. Everest at 29,000 feet but he was unsuccessful. Shortly after his experience, he was invited to give a speech in front of a packed audience.

In spite of his heroic attempt to top Mt. Everest, Hillary considered himself a failure. He stepped away from the microphone and walked to the edge of the platform. Clenching his fist at a picture of the summit, he shouted, “Mount Everest, you beat me the first time, but I’ll beat you the next time because you’ve grown all you’re going to grow…but I’m still growing!”

Soon after that, on May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Mount Everest. Since that day, thousands of climbers have achieved the same feat as the Kiwi.

Like Hillary, you may not have seen all of your success yet. You’ve labored hard and seen little fruit. Your business still hasn’t taken off. The sickness has lingered on and the wayward child has no sign of getting on the right path. If you’re feeling a little lost and uncomfortable, take courage from Sir Edmund Hillary. Greatness didn’t come to him in one attempt but he had to grow into it. You, too, are growing and this year will be the fulfilment of your dreams.

Friend, just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it’s never going to happen. God is working. If you stick with it and stay in faith it will happen!

High achievers are those who are intentional about their purpose. Don’t just accept the status quo and go with the flow. Inside each one of us is a sleeping giant. When we get intentional about our goals, dreams, and purpose, we will wake up the giant and conquer the world.

In Mark chapter 5, the Scripture records a story of a woman suffering with a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years! She had come to meet Jesus but He was surrounded by people. Looking at her circumstances, this woman could have easily given up on her dream and gone home. She could have made dozens of excuses but she had her mind set. She thought to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can be healed.” Through sheer determination, faith, and iron-feast resolution, this poor woman touched the hem of Jesus and immediately, she was made whole. Jesus looked at her and said, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!”

I believe God is telling us the same thing, “Live well, live blessed!” Let’s take some risk of faith. If we become intentional and trust God with our health, finances, and the salvation of our loved ones, God will do great miracles. Just like Sir Edmund never stopped growing and succumbed to a temporary setback, we should go forward and confront our fears head on. The woman with the issue of blood looked past her limitations and got her miracle. You have everything in you to succeed as well. Don’t die with the dream still in you. If you believe and keep a good attitude then you’ll experience mighty breakthroughs.

Keep growing. Be intentional. Be on the lookout for God’s goodness. He is going to open miraculous doors for you. He will shower you with favor. Good breaks are in your immediate future. He will give you the desires of your heart. Get excited and anticipate because I believe and declare 2016 will be your year of fulfilment. I love you and I’m praying for you!

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Be Kind and Considerate

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).

Since childhood, we’ve been taught to be kind and considerate. We all want others to be kind to us but it’s hard to initiate these virtues. When we’re kind and considerate, we’re doing more than good deeds. We’re representing Christ and planting seeds for ourselves and our children.

A few weeks ago, I was running errands at the post office. As I entered the door, I saw an elderly lady carrying several boxes in her arms. I offered to hold the door open for her. After she put down her packages, she was about to go out and get some more from her car when I offered to help her.

Her whole back seat was full of packages for her kids and grandkids. After I put them down in the front of the clerk’s desk, we both stood in the line. She said, “Thank you.” I said, “Now you have to tell me a story.” She said, “What story?” I said, “Tell me something God has done for you that glorifies Him.” She said, “God miraculously healed my husband!” My eyes got real big as I said, “Tell me more.”

She said, “My husband was on a plane and he had been having a heart attack. He was breathing heavily and the passenger next to him complained to him. So he went and sat in the toilet the rest of the flight. After he got off the plane, he was rushed to the hospital and spent three months in the intensive care unit. God finally healed him.” 

I was so excited and asked her if I could pray for her husband. She said, “Sure.” Right there, standing in the post office line, I prayed a brief prayer of blessing over her and a healthy long life for her husband. When I said “amen” several others standing in the line joined in.

We finished our transactions at the post office and I was walking to my car when I heard, “Excuse me. Excuse me.” I turned around and there was another lady walking towards me. I was taken aback but I turned around and started walking towards her. She said, “I’m sorry to bother you but I heard you pray for the lady in the post office line. My husband has just had a heart attack. Would you please pray for him?” I said, “Yes ma’am.” I talked to her about how Jesus is still alive and he loves to heal and save people. Sheepishly, she said, “I know I should be in church but I haven’t in a long time.” I said, “Don’t worry. Jesus heals people even if we’re not church-goers.” Standing in the middle of the parking lot, I laid my hands on her shoulders and prayed for her husband. She was so relieved and promised that they’ll be in church the next Sunday.

We were just about to finish up our conversation when a young lady driving by stopped near us. She rolled down her window and shouted, “Hey, I just love what you did inside the post office and are now doing out here!”

Why am I telling you this elaborate story? I believe opportunities to be kind to others are all around us. If we’re not always in such hurry and focusing on our own agendas, we’ll find many people who are desperate for a touch from God. You may not be able to do anything big but can you open the door for an elderly lady? Will you be bold enough to pray in public? When you do, you’ll create a chain of events that will touch many lives.

Jesus was a champion at showing kindness to people. He made time for people. He was approachable. Even the children felt safe around him. He not only did mighty miracles but he had time to talk to ordinary folks like the Samaritan woman by the well. He made time to have dinner with the sinners and tax-collectors of his day.

Mark Twain said, “Kindness is the language in which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” This week, my challenge for you is to have an open heart. In traffic, let the person slip in front of you. Let go of a pet peeve with your child or spouse. Don’t join in the office gossip. If the boss is unreasonable, let it go. Forgive someone even if he/she hasn’t said sorry. One of the greatest inheritances you can ever leave your children is to teach them to be kind. Being considerate to others will take your children further in life than any formal education. Show them by example. This is the holiday season folks. Let’s be a little kinder and considerate to people whom God brings in our path.

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