How to Make the Most at Work

Human nature is to magnify the small problems. The longer we stare at our problems, the bigger they look. If we’re not setting the tone for our day with a positive attitude right at the beginning, our circumstances will probably set the tone for us in a negative way.

One reason we feel bad about ourselves is because we complain. We dislike the traffic. We don’t like our jobs. Our boss is too stiff. Our co-workers are lazy. We feel unappreciated and so on and so forth. However, when we change our attitude, we can change our lives.

Let me give you some perspective. Think about the person who doesn’t have a car, a job, or a nice environment to work in. Think about the person who is battling a long-term disease. Think about a family who is going through a divorce or a foreclosure on their house. Even worse, they just lost their loved one to a dreaded disease.

People go through extreme difficulty every single day. While we complain and throw a fit over petty things, others are fighting life or death situations. Somebody would love to have your job, your health, your vehicle, your house, or your income.

Our lives gravitate towards our thoughts. What we constantly think about, we bring about. If you’re expecting clients to be demanding, they probably will be. If you’re planning to have a tough day, you probably will. On the contrary, if you believe that today you’ll hit that sales goal, you probably will. If you believe that you’re favored by the Power on High, you’ll be the most productive employee in the company. Whatever you believe, you’ll experience.

The famous Zig Zigar said, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Years ago, I worked at a nation-wide computer retail store. Most people there had a sour attitude at work. They didn’t like the management. They were offended at a customer. They complained about the constant change in the company policy. They had relationship problems at home and they brought it to work with them. I was going through a difficult phase in my life with some of my own personal problems. I was a sales person but very quickly I realized how blessed I was compared to those around me. I was in a negative environment but I didn’t allow the negativity to get in me. I began to reach out to my co-workers. I took time to listen to their frustrations. There was one guy who was struggling so I got lunch for two of us the whole time I was there. I prayed for them in the break room. Amazingly, I got promotion after promotion!

Don’t misunderstand me; I wasn’t perfect at all. Once, I stormed into my manager’s office and let him have several pieces of my mind. I took off my Christianity for a while and cussed him out. My manager was shocked! Half an hour later, when the Holy Spirit began to deal with me, I went back to my manager and asked him to forgive me. He was relieved!

I spent most of my time at work trying to help customers or co-workers. I became the go-to person with difficult customers or employees. I was the minister in the marketplace. As I helped others, my sales increased. I was making more on my off days than when I was present because the cashiers were putting sales through in my employee number. In a short time, I became one of the top performers in the company among thousands, winning all sorts of trophies, vacations, and awards. Change your attitude about work! Jesus said, “Give and you’ll receive.”

Today put on a sun-dried, lemon-fresh attitude. Wear a big smile – it says you’re open for business. Take the first step to make someone feel like a million dollars. Buy your co-worker a coffee or a lunch. Hum a praise song of God’s goodness in your life. Look at your family picture at your office and remember that because of you, their lives are blessed. Set your mind in the right direction first thing in the morning. You’re born to do great things. I speak blessing, focus, creativity, favor, increase, peace and prosperity in your life this week. Change your attitude and you’ll change your life. I’m praying for you!

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8 NLT).

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My Graduating Daughter

 

It’s hard to believe that you’re graduating from high school today. You’ve reached the pinnacle of success because you can’t go higher than high school, right? ;) Your hard work, dedication, persistence, and commitment have finally paid off. Look back with pride on a job well done. Look forward with excitement to what lies in front but celebrate this moment because it’s yours to enjoy. You have a lot to be proud of and the world is waiting for the experience of you.

 

A wise person once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” You’re about to embark on your life’s journey. There will be many different voices trying to tell you many things. Hear them but most of all follow the still small voice in your heart because that is the Holy Spirit leading and guiding you. You and God will always be in speaking terms. He will speak to you louder about your own life than any other person in the world.

 

Today, I want to share seven secrets with you that will give you a head start in life.

 

Live with your heart. Now that you’re a graduate and you’ll soon go into college. You’ll hear many different opinions. They will try to redefine right and wrong. Many times, your own head will reason with you but always follow your heart. That is where Jesus lives and if you make Him the center of our life, everything else will fall in place. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV).

 

Be a student of inner beauty. You’re gorgeous! You can be grateful to mom for giving you the good looks. Being a girl, you’ll spend endless hours in your life trying to look beautiful on the outside. That’s good and you must have fun with it. But never let anyone mislead you in what is true beauty. Your weight, height, or color of skin doesn’t define who you are. God does! You’re beautiful because you’re the child of the Most High. He never makes anything second class. Spend at least equal time developing your inner beauty as you improve your outer looks. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD (still) looks on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7 ESV).

 

Work hard. Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams. Your hands can heal or it can tear down. Use your life to build. Don’t wait on anybody for a handout. Do your best and then let God do the rest. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. “The hand of the diligent will rule” (Proverbs 22:14 ESV).

 

Always show mercy. I’ve made so many mistakes that I can’t even count. But one thing I’ve learnt through my failures; God is a God of mercy. He doesn’t give us what we deserve. He always gives us better than we deserve because He is a merciful God. If you want to be like Jesus, quit throwing stones at people and show mercy. Only strong people can forgive. Always take the high road. Store up mercy because one day you’ll need it. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:5 ESV).

 

Have compassion. One of the greatest virtues you can have is to be compassionate towards the poor, needy, and hurting people in the world. When you’re compassionate with others, you’re being a “Jesus” to them. We’re most like God when we show God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion to those who deserves the least. “When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them” (Matthew 9:36 KJV).

 

Always build new friendships. It’s great to have close friends and you must be loyal to them. However, people are always cycling out of our lives. If you don’t invest in building new relationships, you’ll eventually run out of them. Friends are special but don’t idolize them. At any point of your life, if you have a handful of true friends; you’re rich! “Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family” (Proverbs 27:10 NIV).

 

Honor God with your life. In every crossroad of your life, ask yourself, “What will honor God in this situation?” The Bible is still the roadmap for life. Put the Word in you when you don’t need it and it will come out of you when you do need it. There will be tough times but remember you’re tougher. The Holy Spirit is your Helper and He is present with you always. Life’s a boomerang. Whatever you send out will come back to you. “'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind” (Luke 10:27 NLT).

 

Daughter, you’re amazing! Your one-of-a-kind smile, your warmth and thoughtfulness, gifts and talents they’re enough to make anyone proud. But it’s your unique blend of them all that makes you such a special person – someone so easy to love, and so deserving of anything good in life. Congratulations! Happy graduation! Happy future! I love you and always will. ~ Dad

 

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

 

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How to Be the Most Valuable Employee

Most people spend a substantial amount of time getting ready for work. It’s important to look professional for the job that you do. However, how we prepare ourselves internally has a lot more to do with our success than how we look on the outside.

Going to work can be a battleground. Things come flying at you at hundred miles an hour. Starting from the traffic to dealing with a difficult boss, employee, or a demanding customer, it can easily sap your energy quickly. Let’s discuss seven traits of a valuable employee.

Be at peace. When you’re at peace, you are in control. The more you can handle a stressful situation in a calm manner, the less frustrated you’ll be. Don’t be surprised at the unexpected demands and behaviors of people. Part of that is what you’re getting paid to handle. When you stay calm, cool, and collected, people respect you and you become more valuable. Inner peace produces outer success.

Attitude is everything. Your attitude reveals your character and it determines your altitude. Attitude is simply confronting a tense situation in a relaxed, easy-going manner. Unfair things will happen. You have to choose your attitude from the moment you get up or else the world outside will set it for you. Employers are dying to find people with good attitudes. You can be the most valuable employee in the company simply by having a can-do attitude. 

Be positive. This one quality will separate you from 90% of the people in your organization. People are so quick to tune in to the negative. Anyone can report a problem. You’re hired to solve problems. Bosses want to hear how it can be done. The bigger problems you solve, the better compensation you’ll receive. No matter what’s thrown at you, your first response should be, “Yes. We’ll get it done.” Don’t worry about the details; it’ll all fall into place.

Delay response. Not all matters require immediate response. Especially, when you’re dealing with a critical email, customer, or employee, it will be to your benefit if you delay your response. When you face a problem, put it on the shelf. I’m not saying ignore the problem but don’t rush into action. Life has an amazing way of working itself out. Sometimes the best action is no action.

Have integrity. Why and how you do something is as important as what you do. In life, always promise less and deliver more. Do what is right even when it’s hurting your bottom line. A true test of integrity is to think, “What will I do if I was on the receiving end of my action?”

 

Celebrate someone. The world is full of selfish and ambitious people who want to step on others to get to the top. A better way to get to the top is to serve others. When we appreciate, recognize, and celebrate the achievements of others, not only will they rise higher but you will go to the top with them. Be genuinely happy for your co-worker’s success. What you send out always comes back.

Don’t panic; pray. There will be the unexpected and the inevitable. There will be things beyond your control. What you cannot change, pray that God will. When you pray, you have power (from on high). Build a reputation of being a prayer person at work and you’ll be amazed at the respect you earn! Unlike popular belief, don’t separate your faith and work life. We’re all called to be light in the world. Your witness for the Lord is vital to win the lost.

Be a balanced person at work. Don’t let others run over you, but don’t be a slacker either. Showing up is half the job done. Whatever you do, do it with all your might and enthusiasm. When you do a hard task with a good attitude, you’ll accomplish your goal faster. Honor God in the marketplace and He will honor you. You’re the only witness some people will ever see. Instead of complaining, learn to enjoy work. It will benefit everybody around. I’m praying for you and your success.

“Do everything without complaining and arguing” (Philippians 2:14 NLT).

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God is Not Finished with You

Many people today are sitting on the sidelines of life because they feel that they’ve passed their prime time. As time goes on, they feel they’ve missed the opportunity. However, God never put the gifts and dreams in you without having every intention of bringing them to pass.

If you’re breathing, you’re a candidate for God’s use. Your whole life is the sum of the opportunities you have in front of your right now. Don’t die until you’re dead. If you’ve done nothing with the purpose God put in you, He still wants to use you. If you made some major mistakes and taken some detours in life, He still wants to bring out the gifts and talents He deposited in you. You’re not late. You’ve not missed the mark. God is not finished with you yet!

My children have cats that they rescued from our neighborhood. We have a plastic screen in our kitchen door opening up to the backyard. These kitties love to sit by the door, watch the birds fly around and daydream about catching them. When they were little, they’d often try to scratch the screen, wanting to get out. My kids would repeatedly tell them how they should not do that. As they grew older, they became conditioned to the restrictions. Now they limit themselves to be content just sitting by the door watching the birds fly around. They can rip apart the plastic screen with their sharp claws anytime they want. But because they’ve been so conditioned against it, they just sit there by the door (for which I’m thankful) and allow their destiny to fly by.

Many times, we are like these cats. We’ve been told by our friends and loved ones why we can’t achieve the goals and purposes of our hearts. We look back at the mistakes we’ve made and disqualify ourselves. Instead of looking forward to what God has for us, we lick the wounds of what didn’t work out. We think we’ve lost the window of opportunity.

People buy into these lies and spend the rest of their lives in regret – looking back. Truth is, if God was done with you, you wouldn’t still be here. Obviously, God doesn’t want us to repeat our mistakes. He doesn’t want us to live the same mediocre life that we once did. However, if we don’t believe that God is not through with us, then we’ll spend the rest of our lives trying to go forward in reverse. Don’t bury your gifts and talents, empty yourself of them.

Every great man and woman of God had some flaws. Moses was a murderer. David was an adulterer. Gideon was insecure. Rahab (lineage of Jesus) was a harlot. Elijah was moody. Ruth was a widower. Isaiah was depressed. Paul was a persecutor of the Church. Peter was short-tempered. Abraham was old and Lazarus was dead! Friend, no matter where you fit into this list, your past is not too great for God to forgive. God is not finished with you. You’re not washed up. You’re not beyond God’s use. Your best days are still right in front of you. The seeds of greatness are in you. Rise up, dust yourself off, and start right where you are. 

This is what Joseph did in the Bible. His own brothers threw him in the pit and then sold him to the merchants. He was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and sent to prison. His fellow prisoner forgot to return the favor but God did not forget Joseph. The pains of a Christian are all growing pains. When faith is stretched, it grows. Like Joseph, you’ve gone through the pit and the prison. Now it’s time for you to take your place in the palace. You will rule over things that once dominated you. God has every intention of fulfilling the dreams and purposes He put in you. My challenge to you today is to not die with the dream still inside of you.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” The future of your God-given destiny is held in your own belief. You can choose to live the dream or, like our cats, you can sit and watch your destiny fly by. God wants to take you from your pit to your palace. You’ve put in all the hard work; now it’s time for you to enjoy the dividends of your distress. God is not finished with you. This is your time to rise again!

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).

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The Brilliance of Easter

There’s never been a day more inspiring than Easter. It’s the day that changed everything. If Good Friday was the darkest day in history, Easter is the brightest! Easter happened only once and that’s what separates Christianity from all other religions in the world.

Right now we’re ministering in India, the home of thirty-three million deities. There’s a god for every problem and situation man may encounter. Cows that roam on the highways freely to household utensils are worshiped. Vehicles, trees, the sun, the moon and even the high places are revered by millions of followers. They’re attempting to reach heaven but only our Jesus came down from heaven to save the lost. Are you glad our God loves us so much? Our mission on this trip is to share the message of God’s love and hope with 45,000 people.

When Jesus was buried in the grave, fulfilling hundreds of years of prophesy, the earth stood still. Unlike popular belief, Jesus wasn’t killed but He offered up His body to be sacrificed for our Salvation. For three days and nights, hell rejoiced and heaven shed its tears. But on that glorious Sunday, the stones were rolled away by the resurrection power of our Lord. Man’s last enemy — death and grave — had been conquered!

Easter is a story of hope and redemption. A fallen race, created in the very image of God, was doomed for eternity. However, the grace of God is never too far from the fallen. In our weakest moment, His grace is made perfect. When Adam blew it by sinning in the Garden of Eden, God carved out a plan to redeem His own creation. Jesus, a loving and merciful Savior, took the punishment of our sins upon Himself. He died but on the third day, He came back to life, securing our redemption forever!

What I find sad is that many Christians don’t realize the depth of our Savior’s work. They think “if I can only make it to heaven. If I can just live till I’m sixty!” They scrape through life believing that God doesn’t want them to have enough. How tragic! The glory of Easter is not just that Jesus has risen from the dead and now we have insurance for heaven; Easter is the down payment for heaven on earth until we get there! This is true for all those who believe.

Maybe you’re in pain and suffering today. It can be physical or emotional anguish. Let me encourage you, my friend – you have options. You don’t have to put up with that sickness anymore. With all due respect to doctors and medical science that are only limited at best, our God is still the Healer. He who can raise His Son from the dead can also deliver us from our hurt and pain. “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed” (Isiah 53:5 NLT).

Some of you are facing an impossible situation. Nothing less than a miracle is going to save you from your troubles. You’ve sought every available means to resolve the crisis but you have no hope left. It could be a legal battle. It may be a struggling marriage. It may be carrier related or a slump in the business. No matter what impossible situation you’re facing, Easter changes everything! The Bible says, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32 ESV)?  Friend, even a dead situation will live again. This is the power of Easter!

I know people who are discouraged with their lives. They’re not thinking right, living right, or doing right. They feel that they’ve fallen short of the grace of God. They don’t feel that they deserve to be called the “son or daughter of God.” Yes, we don’t deserve anything but because He lives, we too can live again. Nothing you have done can separate you from the love of God. You may have been victimized but you’re not a victim. Easter is the proof that God wants you back. Would you surrender? Even as you’re reading this, the Holy Spirit is convicting you. Friend, don’t put it off. Yield yourself to God. Today is the day of Salvation, healing, and deliverance! God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you.

Jesus summed up Easter in these words, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV). You’re not alone. An abundant life waits you. I’m praying for you from India. Happy Easter!

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April will be Amazing

Our expectations have a lot to do with what we experience in life. What we constantly think about, we’ll eventually bring about. Our lives are an aggregate of our thoughts, words, and actions. If we dare to believe God for the best, we’ll eat the good of the land.

I believe April will be amazing for those who believe. Wake up every day of this month believing that today is going to be your day. Most people lose an hour at the beginning of their day and spend the rest of the day recapturing it. How we start the beginning of this month is how it will end. Don’t be a victim of complacency. Each day is a gift from God. Learn to squeeze every drop of life from each day. Enjoy, relax, laugh but live with a purpose in your heart.

One of the things that makes God mad is when we put limits on what He can do. The Israelites doubted God and questioned, “Can God?” Doubt anything you want but never doubt the fact that God wants to bless you. Instead of asking “Can God?,” say empathically, “God can!” When we doubt, we question God’s ability to perform. You cannot have a poverty mentality and live in prosperity. You cannot think sick and live healthy. You cannot talk defeat and expect to live in victory. Say, “I’m healed. I’m prosperous. I’m victorious. I can do all things through Christ.”

A few weeks ago my backyard looked gray and dead. In fact, my whole neighborhood, and maybe yours, looked the same. Finally, my friend Lino, who helps me with the yard work came and chopped down some of my plants. It was a pathetic sight – dead, dry, and lifeless. Life may have dealt with you in the same way. Your sickness has gone from bad to worse. The finances look bleak. Your projected goals in the business have not quite produced. I have good news for you!

Last week, I was watering the plants in my backyard.  Do you know what I found? Little green leaves shooting out of the “dead” branches. My plants are coming back to life! They were never dead in the first place. Just because things in your life may look dead, it doesn’t mean they are. God is working behind the scenes to resurrect your dream. What looked impossible will be made possible. Your health will spring forth. Wayward children will find their way home. The addiction will be gone. The contract will land on your desk. Sales will close and your relationships will blossom again. God is not dead and neither are you!

You will never gain what you’re unwilling to go after. This is the time of the year when we think about our Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. One thing we often forget is that Jesus died for us so that we can live for Him. His death was not just meant to be material for a horror movie. He endured excruciating pain and suffering so that we can live an exhilarating life. We’re underestimating the price He paid for us unless we actively seize our destiny every day.

This is what Mistry did in Calcutta, India. She became a widow at the age of 23 because they couldn’t afford proper treatment for her husband. She was uneducated and had no social background. Even though she was devastated, she made a silent resolution to herself – “One day, I will build a hospital for the poor who cannot afford to pay.” In the following years, she worked relentlessly as a vegetable seller, bricklayer, and a household maid. She would earn two cents an hour and save most of it to build her dream hospital. Her four children worked alongside whatever she was doing to save up for the dream. Now 47 years down the line, Humanity Hospital stands tall and proud, serving the poor, free of cost, since 1996. Her son, Ajoy, is a doctor at her hospital, which has 12 doctors and over 25 beds. Humanity Hospital is a testament to a single woman’s grit, determination, and never-say-die spirit against all odds.

As you stand at the threshold of a new month, let me ask you a question. What are you pursuing with your life? What miracle do you believe God will provide? What’s burning in your heart and won’t go away? If you believe, go after your dreams and appropriate the power that Jesus died to give us, you can accomplish any goal, purpose, and destiny. You have what it takes. Today is a new day, a new opportunity. Let’s seize the day and build on a momentum that has taken us our whole life to get to. I believe and declare: April will be amazing!

“A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense” (Proverbs 12:11 NLT).

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Making Plans for a Successful Year

I’ve never met anyone who planned to fail. Yet, thousands of people are dissatisfied with their lives because they don’t have any set goals. If we’re not making plans to succeed then by default, we’re planning to fail.

Millions of people made New Year’s resolution this year but unfortunately, most have already fumbled. Statistics show that 75% of people maintain their resolutions, through the first week. Six months later, only 46% continue on with their goals. By the end of the year, a staggering 90% of people never make it. If this is you, I have some good news.

Today, let me introduce you to another approach of making plans to succeed. I call it PGP or Personal Growth Plan. Each year, I set goals in the five categories of life that impact me the most. Under each heading, I write down 3-5 specific goals. PGP works because it makes room to fail but allows the grace to get up and go again. Let me share these that might help you also.

1. God. Our success on earth is directly correlated to our connection with heaven. If we build our lives in the firm foundation of our God, we will have the Midas touch in everything we do. If we want to succeed in life, we can’t afford to not spend time with our Maker. Make plans to read the Bible every day. Pray and worship throughout the day. Talk to someone about Jesus at work. Attend church and get involved serving people. Go on a mission trip. Let’s plan to encounter God more deeply and intimately. Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you!

2. Family. Every family has some defunct but your family is the only people God Himself handpicked for you! Our families sacrifice the most, yet often, they’re the ones who are most neglected. At the end of your life, you’re not going to ask for another day at the office or brag on your corporate achievement; you would want to be surrounded by the family you love. Set aside dedicated time to spend with your spouse. Go on a date with your kids and grandkids. Plan a weekend getaway. Play games together. Have fun and be intentional about making memories. Don’t shortchange your family. Invest in them.

3. Relationships. We’re created to live in community. The quality of our life will depend on the relationships we build. Learn to take genuine interest in people. Find a way to meet new people. Be loyal to your old friends. At work, invest in your boss and co-workers. Be hospitable. Invite your friends and neighbors to dinner. Call people just to check on them. Pray with people. The best relationships are a two-way street. What you put in is what you’re going to get out of it.

4. Finances. Our financial affairs reflect where our hearts are. The Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NIV). Don’t follow money; instead, follow God and money will follow you. We’re selfish by nature. One of the best ways to cure greed and selfishness is to have a generous heart. This year try these simple steps for financial fitness. Work to make money > Give > Save > Invest. Use a budget and percentage to dictate where your money should go. If you really want to hit a home run with your finances, support Israel.

5. Health. We’ve all heard the saying, “Health is wealth.” It is! No matter whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds or fighting a serious health issue, you are in control of more than you think. Take simple steps to boost your health. Eat a balanced diet. Drink more water. Cut down on carbs, sugar, and sodas. Exercise regularly. Sleep at least 6-8 hours a day. Our God is still the Healer – this is your year to reclaim your health!

Friend, our God is a progressive God. What you’ve experienced in the past is going to pale compared to the success God has reserved for you this year. Get your hopes up, take corresponding action, and thank God for a bumper crop year. 2015 will be a wow year! God will give you something to talk about. He has already pronounced His blessing over you. Will you believe and act on it? I’m praying for you and yours!

“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance” (Psalm 65:1 NLT).

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Permit Yourself to Prosper

Most people want to prosper. Money is an international symbol of exchange used to buy our daily necessities, lifestyle, and luxury. Money is a neutral object. It’s neither good nor evil but because of our skewed view of money, few seldom prosper.

Many people do not prosper because they have a mental block. They refer to money as “filthy lucre.” Others subconsciously think poverty is a virtue. I was one of them. Later, I learned that you cannot have what you condemn. In all my spirituality, without resources, I couldn’t help myself or others.

Today, I want us to take off the barriers that limit our prosperity. God wants you to live in peace. His will for you is abundance, expansion, running over. But don’t just stop there. That’s where most people fail the test. When we hoard for ourselves without giving out, we become the Dead Sea where no living creatures can survive. Unless we change our mindset about money, we’ll never have enough of it.

So how do we get money and more of it? One of the obvious ways to amass wealth is through hard work. Most people complain that they are under compensated. This may be true but when we work as unto to Lord, instead of our boss, business, or corporation, God becomes our Employer. He will make it up to you. Do your best at where you are right now but don’t settle there. If you need a job, don’t expect to just barely get by. Pray and believe God for abundant supply.

God wants you to be rich! There, I said it. Let that sink deep down in your spirit. God doesn’t want you to be hungry, lacking, and without. Our God has an abundant supply. He paves the streets of heaven with gold. He flung the stars into the universe. He decorated the cosmos with galaxies and milky ways. He is a big thinker. God doesn’t just want you have enough for yourself. Prosperity without purpose is pointless. He wants to give you riches so that you can reach out to help others. Why don’t you think big for your prosperity?

Li Ka-shing’s family fled China in 1940. They settled in Hong Kong but his father died of tuberculosis when Li was only fifteen years old. It forced him to quit school and work to support his family. First he sold plastics and later, he exported plastic flowers to the United States. By 1950, Li was able to start his own company. At first they manufactured plastics, later they moved to real estate, banking, cell phones, and myriads of other business ventures. Today, Li Ka-shing is not only Asia’s richest man with a net worth of $31 billion but he gives away millions of dollars to Israeli startup companies and charities around the world.

Li Ka-shing has a vision to acquire wealth; Christians must have one as well. Although we brag about our rich God, we’re seldom encouraged to be rich. We reason money has led a lot of people astray but water has drowned many also. It’s not material possessions that harm us but material things that possess us. It is love of money to the exclusion of everything else that destroys us. Let us put aside our superstitious ideas so that we can gain wealth to bless the world.

Prosperity is a state of consciousness and subject to interpretation. To a blind man, sight is his wealth. A dying man’s wealth is the extension of his life. If you have a family, you’re wealthy. If you can think, talk, and create, you’re wealthy.

The Bible says, “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NLT). Friend, God is not against you to becoming rich. Health is of God. Wealth is of God. Success is of God. Let us think, work hard, and ask God to prosper us so that we can become a blessing to many. I pray and proclaim financial prosperity over your life. Remember, there’s no glory in poverty; permit yourself to prosper. 

“Make sure you don't become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God, the God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery” (Deuteronomy 8:14 MSG).

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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A Flood is Coming

As we begin the last quarter of this year, I can’t help but begin to wonder how a flood is coming for all of God’s people who believe. Just like in the days of Noah, God is sending a flood but this flood is not to destroy us; it is to overwhelm us with His goodness.

I know many people who have had a tough year so far. You have lived an honorable life and yet, you’re still waiting. You have been faithful in helping others and spreading God’s Word around the world and yet your prosperity has been limited at best. If this is you, I have good news for you. A flood is coming and you need to prepare yourself to store your blessings and become a conduit to bless others.

As you know, I travel to Asia frequently spreading God’s Word among people who have never heard His name. Earlier this year, I was ministering in Thailand where I heard a fascinating story. In the mid-fifties the government of Thailand was to build a highway cutting through a village where a huge mud statue of Buddha was standing. The religious symbol was revered and worshipped by people so the government decided to relocate the statue to a nearby monastery. While trying to move the statue, pieces of dry clay began to fall off the object. The more carefully they tried to move the idol, the more it began to crumble. Finally, huge chunk of clay came off of it and revealed an amazing secret that had been hidden for centuries. The workers were astonished to find that what was believed to be a clay statue was actually made of solid gold. What was worth only $50,000 was estimated to be valued at millions of dollars!

All through this year, you’ve labored hard, believed with your heart, and stayed steadfast to please God. It may feel like your work and faith have produced nothing more than “clay” at best. Your promise may not have manifested yet but a flood of God’s goodness is about to overtake your life. All the days of your honest living, integrity, and hard labor is going to be paid off. What looked like only clay will suddenly turn into precious gold!

In the Bible, God told Noah to prepare a boat as He was going to destroy the world. He told Noah that a flood was coming and it was going eliminate all the people except Noah and his family and specimens of birds and animals. Like you today, Noah lived a God-pleasing life. What is interesting is that until then there had been no rain from the sky. The earth was moisturized from water that sprang up from the ground. Noah had never seen rain but He believed that a flood was coming.

Today, you may not see how your situation will turn around. In fact, your profit and loss statements look more red than black. The sickness has gone from bad to worse. You may feel like you’ll never meet the person of your dream and enjoy life together. Your children may look far from God and your legal battle may seem leaning in their favor. No matter how depressing it looks, I have good news for you. A flood is coming! This flood is not to destroy you but it will elevate you to a new level. It will break every barrier, every opposition, every lack, and every setback. When God’s goodness is unleashed upon you, like a flood, it will wash away sickness, worry, lack, loneliness, disappointments, and depression. The wind that was once blowing against you will now propel you to your next level of peace, pleasure, and prosperity.

Friend, today is a new day! We’re entering into a new month. Where we set our expectancy will determine what we’ll get out of life. If you want God’s blessings to flood your life, lift up your hands and begin to thank God for it. Your praise that goes up to the heavens will gather up as clouds. One day when you expect the least, it will be so thick that it will begin to pour down upon your life. Remember, under the clay gold is waiting for you. You may not see how but a flood is coming. Get your praise ready. When the flood comes, it will wipe away your tears and turn your mourning into rejoicing. I pray and declare September will be spectacular for you!

“But those who want the best for me, Let them have the last word—a glad shout! —and say, over and over and over, “God is great—everything works together for good for his servant” (Psalm 35:27 MSG).

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Stay Focused and Achieve More

Much of our productivity and purpose is lost when we get sidetracked by the small things that don’t produce big results. When we learn to stay focused on the task in front of us, then we’ll finish our job early, listen better, and solve problems faster.

Many believe that by multi-tasking they can get more done in less time. However, just the opposite is true. When we try to do too many things at once, it usually takes longer and there’s often a higher chance of error in what we try to accomplish.

Generally speaking, women tend to be better at multi-tasking then men. God wired our brains differently. I’m not trying to stereotype but women tend to handle more details at once better than men. Of course, if we can do more without sacrificing quality then it is commendable. However in most cases, it is better to stay focused on one job at a time. When we engage in multiple functions at once such as texting and driving, we may even risk our lives!

One of the best ways to stay focused is to make daily, weekly, monthly, even yearly goals. When we create a schedule, we’re essentially telling our time where to go. When we have a clear roadmap of what we need to do, and stay focused on chipping away at it throughout the day, we’ll see better results in accomplishing our goals. In today’s society, we’re busier than ever but not necessarily producing more. If we don’t have a “to do list” we can easily be carried away by checking our Facebook status, posting Instagram pictures, and phone calls from time-wasters.

Taking on one task at a time is effective. For example, if you have a pile of dishes, laundry, and carpet to vacuum, it is better to first tackle the job you like the least. When we start a project, we have the maximum energy and our body, and mind, is not as tired as it would be later in the day. Finishing a task gives you a sense of accomplishment and that motivates you to take on the next task with a better attitude. At work, we should try to attack the job that brings the most reward. If you’re in sales, you should be most focused on making new sales instead of getting bogged down in policies, procedures, and keeping your desk organized. If we’re in administration, we should be focused on managing our top producers, accounts, legalities, production, and customer relationships. Staying focused on most rewarding task will pay off in the long run.

In the Scriptures, even Jesus stayed focused on the task at hand. He didn’t panic at the urgent. He stayed faithful in doing one thing at a time. This is exemplified John 11:5-6. Jesus “delayed” two days longer in the village where He was when He got news that Lazarus was sick unto death. However, He understood the principle of staying focused. When Jesus got done in the village and arrived at Lazarus’ house, his sister Martha lamented, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days! Jesus didn’t panic. He called Lazarus out of the grave! In the case of Jesus, staying focused brought greater glory to God by raising the dead.

Could it be we’re wasting valuable time, effort, and energy by trying to do too many things at once? I know people whose schedules are so packed that they don’t even have time for their families or time to relax and rejuvenate. They are busy like a bee and one day they wake up to find out that their honey is gone. May I recommend that a better way is to stay focused on your work but also stay focused guarding your time with God and your family and friends? When we guard our time with God, we’re infusing power, innovation, and efficiency in our day. Friend, let us not shoot in the dark and do whatever comes on our way. If we’re to be excellent and efficient in what we do, then we have to be intentional about staying focused. You can’t do everything at once. Staying focused and doing one thing at a time will make us more productive, satisfied, and deliver greater rewards. I pray and declare that you’ll be more focused on God, family, relationships, and your health. Let’s stay focused and achieve more.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV).

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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Let Freedom Ring

If you’re an American, 4^th of July is a great day of celebration. This day is remembered for severing ties with Great Britain after they imposed unreasonable conditions upon their citizens. God made man free therefore it is a basic human right.

While it is great to be free as a nation, what is more important is that we’re free as individuals. We may no longer succumb to the tyranny of an unjust government; many today are trapped in bondage much more sinister than political control.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” What he was saying is that if we become free as an individual, we can be free as a nation.

Today, let’s look at five areas of life where God wants us to be free.

1. Freedom from wrong mindsets. Too many people are trapped into wrong thinking. A wrong mindset is anything contrary to the Bible. Self-limiting thoughts like: I’m nothing special, I’m not attractive, I’m not smart, I’m not gifted, I will never own my own house, I’ll never get married, I’ll never retire are contrary to God’s promises. Our wrong way of thinking is keeping us from experiencing God’s best as an individual, and collectively as a nation. When we disagree with God, we’re dwarfing our potential. A wrong mindset is more dangerous than a venomous snake because it makes us believe we’re doing the right thing while it leads us to destruction. Our freedom has to do with our mindset. What we believe is what we will become.

2. Freedom from want. A great deal of our lives is spent on gathering for ourselves. While we need to assume responsibility for our own provision, we shouldn’t stretch ourselves too thin. When we live beyond our means, we’re digging a hole for ourselves. We should not be greedy. On the other hand, God wants us to have a mentality of abundance. We limit ourselves by thinking that if God has to provide, it has to be through a job, business, stocks, and bonds. While this is a good place to start, why not believe in God for the supernatural? John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” God created the diamond and gold mines. Can we trust Him to meet our needs over and beyond and have plenty left over to help others? Instead of praying to pay off your own house, pray to pay off someone else’s and see what God does! In God, government or job we trust?

3. Freedom from pain. There are different kinds of pain. When we’re in pain, we think differently. Physical, mental, and emotional pain cause us to live a constrained life. God wants to heal our body, mind, spirit, and soul. One way we can be free from that is to forgive those who have done us wrong. When you forgive others, you set a prisoner free and that that prisoner is you. Often people asked Jesus if He wanted to heal. Jesus replied, “I will.” Jesus still wants to heal today! He will heal every place you hurt.

4. Freedom from bad habits. Habits come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. Let’s not judge people because their sin is different from ours. All of us have issues. We can all improve. Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Here are simple steps to overcome a bad habit. Acknowledge > Make yourself accountable > Get help > Give it time.

5. Freedom from sin. God said all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. We’re professional sinners but we don’t have to live that way. John F Kennedy said, “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” You may feel that you’ve failed miserably but Christ paid the ultimate price our freedom. You’re no longer a weak, worm of the dust. You’re the righteousness of God. If you don’t like the way you’re born, today I urge you to be born again. If God can change the world inside of you, He can change the world through you.

Friend, let freedom ring loudest in your heart and let us remember that righteousness exalts a nation. A nation will prosper if we’re living right individually. Jesus didn’t come to change a political order He came to change the heart of men, women and children. Everything changes when the heart is powered by Jesus.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

Let’s Change the World: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

Stay Inspired: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BUILD-International-Ministries/113937368637778?ref=hl