God, Money and You

When I’m running errands, often I take my twelve year son Daniel in the car. This is the time to discuss anything from Legos to rockets. I see it as my opportunity to teach him Life Lessons. Yesterday I asked him, “Daniel, tell me everything you know about money.” We’ve been learning about money since he was five years old. I thought you may want to listen in to our conversation!

Every dollar is an employee. Over a time of our lives, God gives us unbelievable amount of resources. It is our ability to be good steward of resources that gives us great power and influence. When we think treat every dollar as an employee we will be more conservative in doling out money to vendors.

There are three common ways to get money - working hard, praying by faith and investing wisely. If we are not willing to work hard we can be sure to stay poor. God does not reward lazy people. When we work hard (and smart) we can also ask God to bring money into our lives to be a blessing to others. When we invest our money, it breeds more of the same.

We have to tell money where to go. It is called budget. The first thing we do with money is to give back at least 10% to expand God’s Kingdom on earth. Immediately after that we take at least 10% or more to put in the savings account. Then we pay ALL our bills. If there’s any money left, we spend 10% of it for entertainment and “felt” needs.

Bless Israel. Find some way to be a blessing to God’s chosen people. Money is definitely one thing that we can bless Israel with.

Credit card is only for emergency. The Bible says the borrower is the servant to the lender. There’s only one simple rule about using credit cards. If you don’t have the means to pay it back every month or by the end of its assigned time, don’t use it.

I know these are simple money rules but I was proud of my son to get it right that took me decades to learn.

Listen to what God’s Word says about being a good steward. “Well done, good and trustworthy servant! Since you've been trustworthy with a small amount, I'll put you in charge of a large amount. Come and share your master's joy” (Matthew 25:23 ISV)!

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Peace at Workplace

Last week I was talking to a friend and he was expressing the stress dealing with people in his office. One day he texted me, “Yesterday was heaven compared to today!” Workplace stress and conflicts are common to most of us. As Christians, what can we do to work in peace?

I believe all good relationships begin with honor and respect. When we love, respect and honor others as much as we love ourselves, we will have an enjoyable work experience. When we cultivate the culture of respect, we’ll increase our productivity. Today let me share a few dos and don’ts that may bring peace to your work environment.

No matter what happened at home, go to work dressed with a positive attitude. Advertise your smile as soon you walk in the door – everyday. Give a compliment to the people you pass by. Have the respect to listen to others but do not join time wasters or the office gossip – if they’re talking about others, one day they’ll talk about you. Have an open door policy – be accessible. More responsibility more rewards. Smile when you call; it puts the person at ease on the other side. MYOB – Mind your own business. Engage others and be a team player. Cover for a coworker. Be courteous. Help others win. Practice generosity. Sow little seeds of kindness every day. Buy someone lunch. Ask for God’s favor. Practice the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you'd have others do to you!

Do not be late to work. When you encounter conflict at work, try the win-win solution. Be a diplomat. Don’t say everything you think – especially to your boss. It’s not only important what you say but how it comes across. Be tactful. Have a pleasant voice. Don’t be rude. When you’re tempted to speak the most is the best time to be quiet. Do not correct people in front of others. Do not belittle people. Never compete with others but strive to be the best producer you can be. Do not criticize management or the organization’s rules – they’re paying your bills. If you cannot stand their policies and procedures – find another job. Do not bring your problems and work home. Respect your family and the sanctity of your home.

Many of you my friends reading this are self-employed. One of the ways you can measure your productivity is to ask this question regularly, “Will I hire and pay someone to do the job I’m doing and the salary I’m paying myself?” I know these are basics but if you practice these you’ll be amazed how your productivity will increase.

Remember, without your coworkers, you’re nothing. Without you, your coworkers are nothing! “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23 NIV).

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Have a Clear Conscience

One of the worst things that will trip you up is to go through life with a guilty conscience. Nothing depletes your confidence like feeling insecure before God. Living without a clear conscience is like driving a car at 30 MPH when you know it can go at 100 MPH.

Having a guilty conscience stems from two misconceptions. We think, “Being a Christian means we cannot sin or make mistakes.” Second, we think, “God is angry with us when we sin.” Allow me to share a couple of thoughts that will help you live with a clear conscience.

The Bible says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” All of us sin. It’s not sin that displeases God as much as our reluctance to ask God for His forgiveness. The best thing we can do when we sin is to ask God to forgive us. The sooner we get our hearts right with God, the least we will feel the effect of sin.

Religion tells us that God is mad at us when we’ve done wrong. Truth is our God is not an angry when we sin. Like the Prodigal Son, God eagerly waits for us to “come home.” The Holy Spirit gently convicts but He does not condemn us. God does not keep a running record of our wrongs either. Like Abraham, He keeps track of our rights and calls it righteousness. Friend, God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. Don’t carry the heavy weight of guilt anymore.

So how can we have a clear conscience? First, admit to God that you’re wrong. If we confess our sins He will forgive us. Second, accept God’s forgiveness by faith. The enemy will remind you of your past sins but you have to learn to ignore those accusing voices. What God acquits, Satan has no power to blame you again for. The biggest button on God’s computer is the delete button. Once you’ve received God’s forgiveness, quit reminding God about it. He has no record of it and neither should you! Third, turn away from things that are contrary to God’s Word. Daily, ask God to give you power to live a righteous life.

King David, who had a heart after God’s own heart said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit with me” (Psalm 51:10 NKJV). When you surrender yourself and live with a clear conscience with God, you will have “Godfidence” for every success in your life.

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Why World Missions?

Recently I was interviewed live by a church we partner with in WA. They are hugely turned on for missions but some of the church members needed to be educated about the validity of world missions. In the interview I was asked, “Why should we take care of someone across the world when we could be taking care of those around us first?”

In my twenty seven years of career in world missions, I’ve been asked this question many times. Today let me share with you what I told in the interview.

Allow me start by agreeing that we must share the Gospel locally no matter where we are. I believe, “The light that shines farthest shines brightest at home.” Every Christian should be involved in helping people in their everyday life.

The Bible teaches, when God looks at the human race, He doesn’t think in countries. God loves the whole world. Jesus came to save the whole world. He commanded us to preach the Gospel to the whole world. He said to occupy the world and plough the whole field (world). It is scriptural to take the love of Jesus to the world.

Justice is another reason Christian should be involved in world missions. In the West, every person has access to the Gospel. We have twenty four hours TV, radio, Internet and church in every corner. But the rest of the world is not so blessed. There are millions who have never heard the name of Jesus - once! They know about Coca Cola but not the name of Jesus. Foreign lands are crying out for the Gospel and they’re ready to die for the Gospel. Why should anybody hear the Gospel twice when others have not heard it once? It is fair that everyone should have the opportunity once!

Last but not the least; we don’t have to sacrifice one or the other. It’s not a matter of preference. Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJV). What Jesus is prescribing here is to think global and act local. We have to reach our own backyard and at the same time be involved in reaching the world.

I’m going back to Asia end of this month. We will train leaders, empower believers and share Christ with those who have never heard His name. Will you pray and partner with us? We will be honored to represent you on the mission field. God bless you!

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March is the Month of Miracles

Life has a lot to do with our expectation. Our inner belief is so powerful that it can make us rise or fall. People against all odds rose to become champions because they believed in themselves and their God.

Today, we are starting a new month. And I would like us to reset our buttons and set new expectations. No matter what has happened so far, today make up your mind to experience God’s best in your life. The Bible calls this expectation – faith. It means you believe that God not only can but He WILL do miracles for YOU!

There’s a story in the scriptures about a man with a withered hand. That man spent thirty eight years being crippled. But then Jesus showed up! This man didn’t even have the faith to believe that something was going to change. But our God is a merciful God. A miracle took place and He was healed!

Friend, what are you struggling with today? A lingering disease? Loss of job? A legal battle? Concern for your children? A relationship issue? Business is slow? Lack of finances? When nothing seems to be working is when God is working the most behind the scenes. No matter what it is and how long it has been, God is breathing in your direction. He’s focused on you in the midst of seven billion people. He sees your tears and most of all, He sees your faith in action. Reset your expectation. Believe for the impossible. God is working. You WILL rise to the top again.

Faith is your attitude between the time of your purchase order and the time of the delivery. Faith is believing and celebrating what God is going to do tomorrow when you are still living in today. Faith is reverse worry.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). What He did back then, He WILL do it for you today. I believe and declare March will be the month of miracles for those who believe. Will you believe with me? I know you will. I’m praying for you!

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This is Your Time

I have many friends that are waiting on their breakthrough right now. I know friends who are waiting for their dream job. I know some who are waiting for a relationship to blossom. And I have friends who are waiting for a financial bailout. No matter what your situation is, I believe God is saying, “This is your time!”

Friend, you may find yourself stuck, stranded and robbed of your purpose. Things may not have gone your way for a long time. God’s plans and purposes may be drowned in your hardship, loss and misery. But I’m here to remind you, “This is your time!”

A shift is coming to your life. God is breathing a new life into your dreams. His mighty Holy Spirit is blowing in your direction. You will do business in great waters again.

Listen to what God says. “Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles” (Zechariah 9:12 NLT).

No matter what has happened in your past or how long it has been, “This is your time!” This is the year God will bring it all together. If you shake off your past disappointments, dare to trust God and work hard, He will restore the dreams and desires of your heart.

Don’t give up on God. Don’t give up on yourself or your marriage. He has the perfect job lined up for you. Your children will serve God again. You will meet the person of your dream. Your health will spring forth. You will move into your dream home. Your church will thrive and people of all nations will call you blessed.

You ask me, “Sandy, this sounds good but how?” I don’t know. But this is what Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” Mark 9:23 NKJV). Get ready. Believe. God is doing a new thing. This is your time!

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The Leader in You

Accept it or not, we are all leaders in some ways. Someone is always watching us the way think, talk and do things. Many people are afraid to lead because they think they will make mistakes and they don’t want to be responsible for other people’s lives. This may look reasonable at first but when we are passive in our leadership we end up harming more people in the long run.

Today we want to discuss three keys to every successful leadership.

Lead by example. Think about the people who have influenced your life the most. Did they force you or were their ideas and actions worth following? It is said, “More is caught than taught.” This is certainly true about leadership. When we lead from the front, we create a domino effect. Whether we’re leading our family, company or church, leading by example is one of the best ways to inspire people. People do more of what you do and less of what you say.

Lead by inspiring others. President Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done—because he wants to do it.” This is so true about leadership. Most people are reluctant to follow orders. A rigid regime is least attractive in gathering followers. When we take the time to inspire others, we can achieve great results.

Lead by serving others. This is what our Lord did best. He washed the disciples’ feet. He always put others first. He took our weaknesses and gave us His strength. He became poor so that we can become rich. He was bruised so that we may be healed. When we put the welfare of others ahead of us, God will bless us. When we serve others, God will put people in our path to serve us.

Let me close with a few warning about leadership. Any time you’re forced to follow a leader, run the other direction. Never succumb to guilt and manipulations. A good leader doesn’t have to have a bag of tricks to gather followers. Lead by example. Lead by inspiration. Lead by serving others. When we do these things well, others would want to follow you - willingly.

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21 NLT).

Starting today, put on your leadership mantle. It looks good on you!

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Feed Your Own Monkey

I was visiting with a retired friend of mine when he shared how hard it is for him to stay quite when he perceives others are wrong. He even had to quit going to a Christian gathering because he felt their views did not reflect his own.

This is a very common behavior in people. We all like to be respected and validated for our values, especially when we have a strong conviction about something. I remember when I first joined Facebook, I’d see so many postings that I didn’t agree with. I made it my personal business to give my “correct” opinion. I was driving myself crazy by people and many of them I didn’t even know!

Later I learnt a secret. When you feel like speaking the most is the best time to be quite!

This change in my outlook has transformed my life. Now I can read or hear the most outrageous things without it affecting me. I have not walked in their shoes to understand why people are saying what they are saying. I just smile and “walk away.”

You see, every day we’re given a certain amount of energy, faith and grace by God to do what we’re here to do. When we spend all our energy to police the world, we sap our valuable energy to do what we were supposed to do.

Today I encourage you to “feed your own monkey.” Resist the urge to correct others unless you’re directly responsible for their actions. In fact, don’t give your opinion unless you’re asked for. We men, have to get a grip on this. We love to solve problems and quick to give advice. But let us learn to hold our thoughts. This way, we will live a more peaceful and productive life.

                  
By the way, I was able to win my friend over. He promised to be back in the Christian gathering! ;)

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (James 1:19 NLT).

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Increase Your Productivity

Everybody wants to be happy, confident and productive. We feel better about ourselves when we feel needed and contributing to the vision. Today, I want to share a few tips that will help increase your productivity.

1. Love what you do. Albert Einstein said, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” You may be stuck in a job that does not allow you to do what you really love. But if you make yourself love what you do right now and take corresponding action toward your future, God will bless your efforts and you’ll produce more.

2. Navigate your attitude. I believe life is ninety percent attitude and ten percent work. Accept the fact that you will not always enjoy everything you do. Some things you just have to get done by having a good attitude about it. You can suffer through making the cold calls or you can decide to enjoy making those calls, believing in your product, and helping others by offering your services. Attitude determines your altitude.

3. Work hard. There is no substitute for working hard. Yes, you also have to work smart. But every productive person I know works longer than minimum time required at the task. If your absence is not felt when you’re missing, let me sound an alarm. A hard working person will be successful. Let me share a word of caution to the workaholics. Don’t let your success come at the price of sacrificing your family and friends. Don’t be a stick on the mud. Get a life!

Friend, let us go out this week working hard, believing in ourselves, helping those God brings in our path. When we work “as unto the Lord,” everything will be more meaningful and you’ll produce more. You are a genius! Let the world experience you. I’m praying for your success.

“And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful” (Psalm 90:17 NLT)!

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You Are the Biggest Deal

You may not have heard his name but only two years ago, Fawad Mohammadi (14) was selling gums and souvenir maps on the streets of Kabul, Afghanistan. He has been doing this since he was five years old to support his widowed mother and six siblings. Today Mohammadi will be standing on Hollywood’s red carpet to experience his first Oscar!

Life took a dramatic turn when Mohammadi befriended Sam French, an American director who was looking for an actor in the streets of Kabul to star in his film, “Buzkashi Boys.” The rest is history. Mohammadi got a role in the movie and now it has been nominated for an Oscar! You may be thinking, “I will never have that kind of luck! Who do I know that will handpick me to show that kind of favor?” Well, don’t be so certain!

The scripture says that God’s eyes are searching the earth to find people whose heart is right before God – that’s you. Another place the Bible says you are God’s jewel. Friend, you may not think much of yourself. You may think, “I am no big deal. God is busy running the universe and He has better things to do.” Well, let me inform you that you are God’s biggest deal! He has surrounded you with favor. That means He will put you in front of highly influential people. His favor will put you five, ten and even twenty years ahead.

Friend, no matter what you are facing today God is working behind the scene to highly exalt you. His favor will bring you health, job, provision, connections and promotion. Whatever you need, God’s sudden favor will change everything. Keep a good attitude and thank God for His favor.

Today, get ready for God’s favor to overtake you. Get ready to shout for joy! “His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NAS).

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Do Something Great for God

Since the beginning of time, God has challenged us to do something great for His cause. We are often timid to think, “I’m not qualified to do anything great.” However, just the opposite is true. God wants to empower us to do great things.

If you think God only uses the qualified, think again! Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer, Gideon was insecure, Thomas was a doubter, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zaccheus was short, Abraham was old and Lazarus was dead. Now do you see how God can use you?

Most people want to feel equipped before God can use them. They want to have a theological degree. They want their plane ticket in hand before they can commit to go to the mission field. They want to have a family before they start volunteering. This is human and there is nothing wrong with it. But while we are waiting on God, He is saying, “I am waiting on you.”

We have many opportunities for you to serve God through Build International Ministries – both abroad and here at home. Some of you can pray, volunteer, support the office work, and others of you can go and touch people in Asia who have never heard the name of Jesus! Yet, others of you can support the work financially. No matter what we do for God, He has promised to pay us back.

Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed” (Luke 4:18 NIV). God will empower us the most when we are sharing the Gospel with the poor, helping others, showing the compassion of Jesus to those who are weak and destitute. Let’s do something great for our God!

Remember, God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called!

Albert Pine said, “What we do for ourselves dies with us, what we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

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Keep Peace in the Family

A family is to be a place of love, joy, peace and laughter. Often we end up enduring our family instead of enjoying them. How can we get along with us each other and enjoy the family God has given us? Let me share a few keys to start enjoying your family.

1. Speak positive, uplifting words to build each other up. Words are like clothes. You can make a person look good or you can tear them down with your constant criticism. Use words to inspire not describe the situation. Say things like, “I don’t know how you make our house always look like a luxury hotel!” Or “I don’t know of a more hardworking man who provides for our family like you do!” If you have kids say, “I have the best kids in the world. You’re beautiful, smart, teachable and God-loving.” When we give sincere compliments, people live up to what we say.

2. Keep strife out of your life. The scriptures say, “It’s the little foxes that destroy the vineyard.” Watch for your pet peas. Don’t put your family through hell simply because you have personal preferences. Promote and practice the culture of respect and honor. Turn down the volume. Don’t be so easily offended and blurter out your feelings. Overlook a few shortcomings and cover for each other. Cultivate peace.

3. Touch n go. Nobody likes to be lectured at. Yet there will be times in the family when certain issues need to be addressed. Instead of making long, drawn out verbal debates, fights and defensive comments, try the sandwich method. Bread, meat, bread! When you need to confront an issue, start with some compliments, ask for a favor (the issue), and end with more compliments. Keep it short, to the point and move on. Let the Holy Spirit change people and not our verbiage of words.

Friends, we live in a stressful world. Our family and home should be a place of safety and refuge. Let’s not only protect our families from the dangers of outside world but also from each other inside our own homes. Jesus said, “A kingdom divided cannot stand.” By the way, these principles can also be practiced at work and in the marketplace to promote harmonious relationship and increase productivity.

“Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes” (Nehemiah 4:14 NIV).

Let’s stop fighting with each other and fight for our families together. I’m praying for you and your family.

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Think On Paper

Every day we are bombarded with hundreds of passing thoughts. When we write down our thoughts and ideas, we force ourselves to focus and be concise to determine what is most important. If we do not learn to separate the important from the ordinary, we will spend endless hours being busy but not produce anything significant.

Writing down on paper has benefits. For instance, you have to use your brain only once having to come up with the idea once. If we do not write things down, we waste valuable time trying to remember the genius that passed by us just hours ago!

I have a habit of making list! I write grocery list, people to thank list, prayer list, or even daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and long term goals list. I have a notepad beside my bed, in the car and these days a digital notepad in my phone. When we write down ideas that jump at us we are becoming pregnant with a vision. When we mediate and take corresponding actions about what we write on paper, we give birth to great dreams that were once a passing thought.

The Bible says, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJV).

In the beginning of the year, many of us made New Year’s Resolution, we wanted to achieve this year. Today I challenge you to dig it out and put it somewhere where you can see, read and remind yourself daily, weekly and monthly. When you think on paper, others will come along side you and help you achieve your dreams!

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MMFI

I am not talking sign language so let me explain. If you learn to read this code on each person you meet, you will experience tremendous growth and increase in the quality of your life. What is MMFI? It is the abbreviation for “Make Me Feel Important.”

I have some friends who own an insurance business. I love going to their office because they always MMFI. They have perfected the art of celebrating people. No matter how busy they are when you walk into their office, they make you feel like a celebrity.

The quality of life is often dependent upon the quality of our relationships. If you want to have a great life, learn to treat people well. Sometimes people are logical but hundred percent of the time, people are emotional. People buy into you emotionally first. That is why it is of great importance to make people feel important everywhere you go. Not because you want something from them but because you sincerely value the person you are with.

Our Lord Jesus was a master at this. He took time to make people feel important. Even a lowly sinner by the well left Jesus feeling better about herself and having her life turned around. You have heard it before but it is worth repeating. People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

When you make people feel important by listening to them a little longer than you like, letting them get in/out of the door first or allowing the car in the traffic to squeeze in front of you, you are unlocking the potential in others. In effect you are saying, “I value and appreciate you. You are special to me.”

Today I challenge you to go about your day making people feel important. When you treat others with love, respect and honor, God will return the same favor to you!

Remember, people are thinking, “Make Me Feel Important!”

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How to Attract More Money?

In this world money is influence and power. Money is not everything but it touches everything important in our lives. I have never met anybody who says, “I’ve made enough money. I don’t need anymore!” So then, how can we have more money?

1. Think rich. You’ll never be rich thinking poor thoughts! More gold has been mined from the brains of man than has ever been taken out of the ground. One of the first steps in becoming rich is to determine that you want to be wealthy. Once you have a desire to be rich, you will begin to think, talk and take corresponding actions to become so. It all starts with your decision and desire to be wealthy.

2. Never make making money your goal. King Solomon – the richest man ever known on earth didn’t ask for riches. He asked for wisdom and he got riches as a bonus! If getting rich is your ultimate goal, you’re thinking too small. Money is a byproduct. Never go after money; let money follow you. Find a need and get busy serving that need – money will always find you.

3. Give money away. This may sound foolish at first but the more you give the more you will receive. It will keep you from greed. Think about a tiny seed. It holds no promise of a grand future sitting in a granary. But it has a great potential when it is planted in the ground. The process of germination takes place once it is out of your hand and planted into the ground. Money is the same way. Hoarding money stifles growth. Again, King Solomon said, “A generous man will prosper.”

4. Support Israel. The fast-track to be rich is to bless Israel. God said in Genesis 12:2, “I will bless those who bless you [Israel].” Don’t ask me why God said this but I know from experience that when you support Israel, God will prosper you – financially!

It is easy to be poor. Can God trust you with riches?

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Don’t Jump Off the Plane

Recently I was returning from one of international ministry trips to Asia. We were flying over Iceland when the announcement came through, “We’re going to have some turbulence ahead.”

We all rechecked to fasten our seat belt. Shortly after, we hit the bad weather. The plane began to shake violently. I had never experienced anything like that. Inside the plane all the lights were turned off. I pretended to be asleep but under my blanket, I clung to the arm rest of my seat as hard as I could and began to pray. I repented from my past, present and future sins. I asked for forgiveness of the sins of my neighbors. But the turbulence outlasted all my prayers. The enemy reminded me of all the flights that had broken into two in the midair. Finally, all I could say was, “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!” The bad weather continued for over an hour. Finally the turbulence subsided and we landed safely on the grounds.

In life, sometimes we have to go through “turbulences.” It is unwelcomed and scary but in order to get to the better side, you have to wade through some bad weather. No matter what you’re facing, make up your mind not to push the eject button. Stay calm, cool and committed and in the end, you too will receive your reward.

Maybe you are in business and it’s going slow. Stay committed. Keep working on your clients. Their inaction or “no” is not the final answer. They’re simply saying, “Come back to me later when I’m able to do business with you.” Go back to your past clients and tell them about your new product. Ask them to increase their business with you. You may have invested a lot of time on a previous client and the deal fell through. Return to them with a positive attitude and you’ll be surprised that they are more than ready to do business with you now.

Friend, no matter what you are facing – work related problem, a legal challenge, a financial crisis, a health issue, troubled marriage or some other relationship matter, do not jump off your plane. Tighten your seatbelt and wade through your turbulence. Beyond fear is victory!

Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NLT). Be brave. Stay committed. You’ve got what it takes. You will make it through the turbulent times. I’m praying for you and I believe in you!

Change the World with the Message of Love: www.buildinternational.org

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

How to Enjoy Church?

Church used to be an integral part of our lives but now it has become optional. Today allow me to share a few thoughts to jump-start your church life and enjoy it.

1. Come with an attitude of gratitude. One of the most common feedbacks I hear is “I didn’t get anything from church today.” Next time you go to church, think about your week and how God blessed you, protected you and your family, healed you, provided for you and looked after you. When we have an attitude of gratitude, we can easily find reasons to be in church and celebrated with other believers.

2. Engage in worship. Worship should not be dependent on our feelings but an act of love and devotion to God. Worship is a way we give back to God. When we express our worship to God as we do in the football stadium we’re showing our solidarity to the Almighty. The Bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people. When we worship God, we honor Him, we attract His presence and that brings miracles in our lives.

3. Reach out to others. Be social. Spread a little love around. Please don’t be an “undercover” Christian. Reach out to people around you. Sit somewhere other than your regular seat. Let the people have the privilege of experiencing the wonderful you! When we love God, we will love people.

A word for the church leaders! Here are three main reasons people are reluctant to go to church. They get asked for money too much. Sermons are irrelevant to their lives. They feel disconnected. I’m not saying what to preach or how to run your church but here’s a few suggestions. Preach hope, encouragement and personal empowerment in their walk with God. Occasionally teach people on giving but don’t make it a nag. Encourage members to engage with each other and promote a culture of community.

Friend, no matter what your reasons may have been in the past let’s be in church and honor God with our lives. If you go to God’s House with an attitude to give, you’ll find plenty of reasons to be in church!

Did you know Jesus went to church regularly? “On the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom” (Luke 4:16 NIV).

Change the World with the Message of Love: www.buildinternational.org

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

Be Fishers of Men

Most of us have goals, plans and dreams in life. Did you know God also has a dream? When we are too focused in the pursuit of our own dreams, we tend to forget what God wants to accomplish through our lives. Whatever we amass for ourselves – career, business, homes, cars, stocks, retirement or even family and friends will pass away one day. Only what we do for God will stand for eternity.

I meet Christians everywhere who think, “I’m a sinner. I’m not qualified. I’m not trained. I don’t have any talents.” But that is not true! You see, God has not only called each and every one of us to do something great but He has promised to equip us for the job. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people" (Matthew 4:19 NLT)!

God wants us to be productive for the Kingdom. Often it is hard to share the Gospel with people who have heard it so many times that they are tired of it. That should never stop us from sharing the Good News with people in our lives. But we are also called to be world Christians. That means there are millions of people in the world who have never heard the name of Jesus – once! It is our job to make sure that they do. God commanded us to evangelize the world and not just our own community.

One way you can participate in winning lost souls and making disciples every day is by partnering with one of our native missionaries in Asia. They work tirelessly to share about the Lord and make disciples for Christ. They suffer endless persecution yet they willingly lay down their lives every day. Will you prayerfully consider partnering with a missionary who will win souls for you? Nobody wants to be a pauper in heaven. I can guarantee investing on the native missionaries will make you rich in souls in heaven.

Let us Win Souls for Christ: http://www.buildinternational.org/nativemissionary.html

Join a Mission Trip to Asia: http://buildinternational.blogspot.com/2013/02/join-mission-trip-to-indianepal.html