Spring Forward

My friends read my posts/blogs in 53 countries. Thank you! But if you live in America, yesterday we had to fast forward our clock to adjust to spring/summer time. As I was changing the time, I heard God whisper in my spirit. “It’s time for you to spring forward.” Everything looked the same as the day before but in reality time moved forward. That’s the way God is going to work in your life. Have you ever noticed how “spring break” comes with spring time? Big breaks are coming to your life. God is moving you forward in a supernatural way!

Have you been working on that contract for a long time? Are you trying to close that sales deal? Are you tired of trying to please your boss? Do you work for a difficult person or a client? What about those cold calls? Are you ready for a breakthrough? Are you ready for a promotion? God is saying, “You’ve walked into your moment of favor. I’m going to make you spring forward.”

You’ve done your due diligence to be productive but now God is taking over. You’ve done what you can in the natural now He will do the super-natural. He will bring you the right clients. He’s breathed favor over your contract. He’s got people lined up for you before you even got there. It is your time to spring forward!

Yesterday, I was talking to a friend in a church and I asked him, “How is your business going?” My friend who was about to lose his business five years ago said, “Business is doing well – very well! In fact I kind of feel guilty about how good it has been!” My friend, that’s the way God, wants to bless you. I told him not to feel guilty but enjoy the goodness of God. One thing I can tell you about my friend, they have latched themselves to support world missions through Build International Ministries. Their heart is to evangelize the world with the Gospel. Is there any wonder, God is prospering them to the point of feeling guilty!

You too my friend are marked for success. He has seen your toil and tears. The integrity of your heart directs your steps. You’ve honored God in compromising situation. What’s the reward? It’s time for you to spring forward. God is going to open big doors for you. He will give you new ideas and favor that will propel you to swim with the big sharks. Are you ready to spring forward?

This week, as you go about your business, don’t just look at what you can do by yourself, wait and invite God’s blessing in every area of your life. If you make room for Him in your work, He will prosper you. In fact, why don’t you pretend like everything belongs to God? It is time for you to spring forward!

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3 ESV).

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

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

Walk with God

I believe most people reading my posts have a personal relationship with God. I don’t have to preach to you in order to get your attention to follow Him. I know your desire is to please God.

So what does it mean to walk with God? Is there a secret or a mystery in walking with Him? I don’t think so. Walking with God simply means, acknowledging Him in all our ways all the time. How is that possible?

When I minister in Arab nations, I’m reminded by the public announcement system when it’s time to worship God. They blast holy prayers before the crack of dawn, at noon and at night. Like it or not, everything is interrupted to the call for prayer. This is religion and it is the law of the land.

Walking with God is voluntary. When you read about the life of Enoch in the Bible, there was not much happening. People were born, they lived and they died. History gives us a long list of names that came and went. But then came along Enoch and the Bible says, “Enoch walked with God.” One day he was so far along walking with Him that God said, “Listen Enoch, you’ve walked with me for so long that my house is closer than yours. Why don’t you just come home with me?” Enoch did not have to face death; God just took him!

I know many of you start your day off with a daily devotion. You have a habit of checking in with God before you do any other activity. Walking with God means, you acknowledge Him when you drive to work, in the middle of your day, when you’re doing laundry and when you’re watching a game. Walking with God means living a God conscience life!

When you walk with God, you feel the presence of God pushing you forward. You talk to Him continually. It’s an internal dialogue. You repent quickly when you do something wrong. You ask for His consultation before you make a decision. When you walk with God, you consider the result before you act and how it affects others. Walking with God means to constantly seek His will and doing things that pleases Him. Like the traffic lights, walking with God means to yield to God’s timing.

I heard about a Christian who proudly said to his friend, “I’m walking with God for twenty eight years!” Immediately the Holy Spirit corrected him, “What are you talking about? You’ve been walking with me for two years and I’ve been dragging you for the last twenty six!” Today I challenge you to walk with God every day of your life.

“Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24 NIV).

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

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

Have Spiritual Ambitions

Since we’re born, we’re drilled to have great ambitions in life. We teach our children to excel in studies, sports and extracurricular activities. In our career, we set big goals, make more money and spend rest of our lives going after it. This is not a bad thing. But is there all to it? Wake up, work, make more money and die?

As Christians we are not only to live high, moral and prosperous lives but we’re also to pursue great things for God. Personal ambition often gets in the way.

So what does it mean to have spiritual ambition? It means to grow in your personal walk and expand His Kingdom on earth. For example, we invest a lot of time, energy and resources to learn about our profession. Do we put the same effort to learn about God from His Word? We are often chimed to produce more in our career. How about producing more for God – sharing the Gospel with others to win souls? We train others at work but are we discipling anyone to Christ?

I consider it a dream to live and enjoy the comforts of America. My flesh never wants to leave and go back to confront the agony of millions who spend their entire lives never hearing the name of Jesus – once! Something inside of me cringes to know about the suffering of people and not do anything about it. Should we live in the luxury of this great nation and forget the crying, sighing and dying humanity in our world? God forbid!

This is why I keep going back to poverty, filth and misery in the slums of India, Nepal and China. This is why we go back to millions who are lost and undone, worshipping and sacrificing to blood-thirsty idols because they know not about our God. We build churches, schools and orphanage to ease the suffering of people both here and in eternity. This is why we have spiritual ambitions. What about you?

Albert Pine said, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” This year, our goal is to reach 300,000 people with the Gospel! End of March, I will be in India and Nepal. We will touch over 7,000 people. We will train 1,500 pastors and leaders. We will host worship concerts touching 2,000 young people. And we will drill a Life Well in a village of 3,000 unsaved people and a little persecuted church there. Will you give us an opportunity to represent YOU in world missions?

Jesus said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:8 NLT). Let’s work together to produce much fruit!

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

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

Discover Your Purpose

Next to the big question of who I am, comes the second biggest question. Why am I here? Millions of people are lost and confused in the quest of finding an answer to this question for their lives. Rick Warren said, “The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.”

Often people ask me, “How do I know what is God’s plan for my life?” Here are some basic steps.

One of the easiest ways to find your purpose is to ask your Maker. Unlike popular belief, God is more than ready to reveal His plan for your life if you stop long enough to listen. The Bible is screaming out to give us direction. Take time to read the road map and you’ll find your destination.

Recognize your natural talent and abilities. When God made you, He equipped you with gifts and talents needed to fulfill your destiny. Woodpeckers are born with long beaks to drill the trees. Owls are fitted with night vision – they are nocturnal. Eagles are born with long distant vision – they fly high in the sky. You too are fitted with gifts and talents. Take the time to write down what comes most natural to you and you’ll find a piece of your purpose in life.

Another way you can discover your purpose is by asking people you love and trust. Many times, God will reveal to others what you cannot see for yourself. Samuel was called to serve God by Eli in the house of God. David was anointed King by Samuel. Paul became a minister of the Gospel largely due to Barnabas speaking into his life and showing him the ropes. Don’t build your life based on what people say but certainly consider strongly the opinion of those who love, care and invest in you.

Listen to the advice of people. But don’t let others define who you are. That is reserved to be figured out between you and your Maker. God will speak to you louder about your own destiny than through any other person in the world!

Don’t waste another day living without knowing your purpose. God wants to reveal it to you. You have got what it takes. You are born to do big things in life. Get started!

“Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37 ESV).

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

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

Dazzle One Person Every Day

We’re all born with an innate desire to be loved, accepted and celebrated. When someone comes along to understand our value and takes the time to celebrate us, we feel like flying. It gives us butterfly in our stomachs.

This is what happens when people fall in love. Everybody in the world thinks how ordinary we are. Then comes along that special person who likes everything about you! Even your curly toes are complimented and you know what? You start to take better care of your toes!

Love is the most powerful force in the universe. But it doesn’t have to be confined to a male/female relationship. When we look at people with the eyes of love, we can see their hidden gifts and talents that even they don’t know about. One thing we all can strive to become is talent scouts. Always look to find the good in people.

But if you really want to make a lasting impact in people, dazzle one person every day. What do I mean by that? Add value to someone who is not expecting it. This is not as complicated as you think. Recently a friend told me, “Sandy, you’re the first person who ever took the time to hear my story.” Imagine that! You can dazzle someone simply by giving your listening ears. I have had wealthy people who have helped countless others tell me, “Nobody ever gave me a gift.” I keep little gifts in my car and when I meet someone who needs that extra boost or encouragement I leave them with a gift.

Another way we can dazzle people is to write handwritten notes. Personalized letter, expressing our love, appreciation or gratitude is a powerful tool to dazzle someone. I keep these special letters in an encouragement file. From time to time when I feel discouraged, I read and re-read the kind words people have said about me. It always sends me back to the moon again!

Jesus our Lord knew how to dazzle people. Every person that came to Jesus left Him feeling better about himself. That’s the way we ought to dazzle people that God brings in our path.

Some of you are thinking, “Sandy, I wish I was dazzled by someone like that!” Well, I hope you feel loved, accepted and celebrated by me and by our God. You’re incredible and priceless! But here’s the key, first you take the time to celebrate others. What you do for others, God will help others do for you. Today, when God brings people in your path, find a way to dazzle them. You’ll be amazed at the miracle you’ll create!

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” Hebrews 13:16 ESV).

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

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

A New Season is Coming

I don’t know where you live but here in Texas the seasons are changing. Giant trees that shed its leaves and stood dormant for months are now starting to blossom and you can see the beautiful process of another new beginning.

Life happens in the same way. We go through one phase of our life into another. Each season is blessed by God to be enjoyed, cherished and celebrated. Problems start when we don’t recognize the new season and hold on to the old.

I know many of you have been sitting dormant in your life. You’ve waited patiently and even wondered, “Where is God?” This is only human. But I have good news for you today. God has always been there with you or else you would not be here. You may look dead, without leaves and fruits but listen my friend life is coming back to you. God Almighty the Creator of the universe is breathing in your direction. When you’re “in season” you don’t have to push, shove or sweat in order to enjoy life. God is lining up the right people. He is putting together the resource package and releasing His favor upon your new season. He sees your patient wait. He can see your budding faith. He can see your steadfast heart towards Him. Our God is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him - that’s you!

Some of the best things you can do in a changing season are to pull out the weeds and prune the dead branches (bad habits), solidify the foundation with rich mulch (Word of God), water and fertilize the soil with Miracle Grow (the Holy Spirit).

Today let me challenge you to understand your season and prepare your ground. Your roots are firmly established. Your season to blossom is just around the corner. You’ve got what it takes. Like new leaves, your health will spring forth yet again. Your legal battle will be won in your favor. The relationship will be mended. You will pass the test. And your finances will increase so you can be a blessing to the world. Lift up your eyes and look out the window my friend. A new season is coming. You’re going to harvest more than you planted. Rejoice, celebrate and thank God for it in advance. I’m praying for you!

From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take (1 Chronicles 12:32 NLT).

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

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

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)!

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

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

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).

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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).

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

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

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)!

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

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

 

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).

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

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

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.”

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

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