Go the Extra Mile

Julie is a realtor. She has been in business for many years. Like everyone else in the housing business, her career has ups and down. One thing Julie is known for is her consistence customer service.

Once, Julie took a phone call in her office. On the other side the customer wanted to buy an investment property worth around $80K. For most realtors, this is not a big sale. The commissions were peanuts. Julie however, has a reputation for exceptional customer service. She was enthusiastic about talking to her customer on the phone. Julie acted like she’d just won the state lottery. Regardless of her puny commission, she went out of her way to provide top class service.

Soon the sale closed and the customer was very pleased with her service. Not too long after that Julie got another phone call from the same customer. Her first thought was, “Not again!” But she composed herself quickly and was as excited on the phone as the first time. When the customer gave her the details of the property he was looking for, Julie almost fell off the chair. This time he was looking for a million plus dollars house for himself! Again, Julie went the extra mile to find the house he needed. Since then Julie has closed several million dollars houses for the same customer and his family members!

Friend, no matter what you do for work, quality and excellence should be like your two broad shoulders. How you do one thing is how others perceive you doing everything. Your zeal and enthusiasm at work should be noticeable by everyone around you. We all have met people behind the counter who are not there. They make you feel like you’re a bother to them. Don’t let that be you. No matter what you’re facing internally or outside of work, when you’re dealing with your job, put on the joy and enthusiasm. Go the extra mile. Smile often. If you really want to put a spring on your steps smile often and sing and whistle at work. Be light hearted. Show some compassion and mix it with kindness.

This is what our Master did. People bad mouthed him, beat him, persecuted him, pulled out his beard but He didn’t complain. Instead he suffered so that we might have life. Our Master taught us, if someone hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also. Is it any wonder that Jesus our Lord is the most celebrated person in history! When your attitude at work is one of service and humility, you too will gain great followers. Business may be slow for others but go the extra mile. It’s never crowded.

This week at work, pay attention to the small things. Call on a customer just to check on them. Ask your boss, “Is there anything you’d like me to do for you?” He may think you’re hung over but he will favor you! Assist a co-worker even if there’s nothing in it for you. Smile on the phone – they can hear you! Brag about your job. Remember, we don’t work for our boss, we work for our Master! Go the extra mile and you’ll separate yourself from the rest. The cream always rises to the top!

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities” (Luke 16:10 NLT).

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When God Died

Death is not a subject we often talk about yet it is an essential part of our lives. As we celebrate Palm Sunday, it is healthy for us to ponder on the question of death and afterlife. What is so mysterious about death can also be inspirational for life.

It is hard enough to imagine death of a loved one, or a person we love and trust. How hard is it to fathom the death of God! Yet, we know when Christ died He didn’t die out of compulsion or as a victim. Scripture says He volunteered Himself to die for us as God’s divine purpose to restore mankind to Himself. What an amazing God we have who would sacrifice His own Son to die for us so that through Him we may find life eternal! This is the God of Love.

As human beings, none of us like to volunteer to pain and suffering. Yet, pain and suffering are integral part of our lives. When we understand the purpose of pain, it becomes much more bearable to endure the suffering. That is what our Lord did. He endured excruciating pain because He had us as the prize. I don’t know about you but that makes me feel very special and makes me shout and jump for joy. Even I don’t like myself when I make mistakes but here’s God not only willing to pay for my sins but also doing it voluntarily. This is the great love that makes me loyal to Him for the rest of my life.

Today, you may be going through some pain and suffering in your life. It may be a physical, mental, emotional, and financial or a spiritual pain. Know this that God is in it. He does not inflict the pain on you but He is there to deliver you. You may not know but God has a purpose for your pain. Your tragedy has a triumph. Your test has a testimony. What makes a pain extra-ordinary from an ordinary is your attitude in going through it. Nowhere you’d find our Lord complain about the torture and agony He went through. He suffered willingly and joyfully. We too must handle pain without complaining. Peter said, “Consider it all joy when you’re going through various trials.” We don’t have to rejoice FOR the pain but we certainly can have joy IN the pain. Like Christ, we too can endure suffering keeping our eyes on the prize.

As we reflect on the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, let us express our utmost gratitude to His ultimate sacrifice. May be there is a certain issue in your life that you’re still hanging on to. Let the reminder of our Lord’s death be an inspiration to submit to God’s plan for your life. There’s a prize waiting on the other side but we must first die to ourselves. Paul said for us to die to our flesh daily. It is in our death we find Life!

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV).

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Live a Radical Life

I have a friend who used to be a F16 fighter jet pilot. He had flown critical missions over the war zones providing support and service to our country. As he was transitioning to another job, he was lamenting how he cannot find another job that is as thrilling. My immediate thought was, “Serve God.”

When you read the pages of the Gospel and the book of Acts you will find nothing less than total surrender, radical living and miracles as everyday life. When Jesus chose the disciples He didn’t call the most qualified with education, bankers or the ones with social connections to the elites. Instead, he picked the down and out of the society who would follow Him to a radical life. Nothing against the rich and famous of our society but unless we’re willing to give it all up, we’re not true disciples.

I don’t know what you do but imagine God calling you to surrender everything – your career, family, name and fame. What would you do? Will you be able to give it all up to live the radical life? Does the world have a hold on you or can you wear this world like a lose jacket that you can come out of easily?

Jesus said, unless we’re willing to forsake our mother, father, children and earthly possession, we’re not worthy to follow Him. This is a high standard that most of us are not willing to even think about. But if we’re to become the disciple of Christ, we must be willing! Nothing in our material possession should take the place of our Lord.

Sanjay grew up in a Christian family but in his teenage years, he turned away from the Truth. He got involved with drugs and riotous living. Once he was delivering drugs to another city by train when the police had surrounded him. There was no escape other than to jump off the speeding train. And he did! Except for hitting the hard ground, Sanjay kept falling and falling. Suddenly he was soaking wet. He had jumped out of the moving train to fall into a river beneath. Soon after, he came to one of our conferences and gave his heart to the Lord. He went through our discipleship training and today Sanjay is touching thousands of lives with the Gospel. That is radical living!

By now you may be thinking, “Sandy, what are you saying? Should I give up all my possession and go after the unknown?” No. I’m simply prompting you to consider what the Lord is asking you to do. Don’t spend all your life pursuing your dreams only to realize you’ve missed out on God’s plan for your life. A disciple lives to please his master. We too must live to please the Master of our lives.

A week from now, I’ll be going back to India and Nepal to help 7,000 people with the Gospel. We will train pastors and leaders. We will speak to thousands of youth and we’ll help the poor and persecuted children. Will you consider making a difference for our God with your prayers and support? We count it a privilege to represent you on the mission field winning souls to your heavenly account.

Let us live a radical life. Nothing is more exciting than living for our God.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV).

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You’re Extremely Valuable

Recent news reported that a rare Chinese bowl bought at a garage sale for $3 has sold at a New York City auction for more than $2.2 million. The bowl was purchased in 2007 and sat on the family’s mantle before selling it for such astronomical price.

When I heard about this five inches, white in color ordinary looking bowl, I couldn’t help but start thinking how God looks at our value. We live in a society where old is rejected. When we reach a certain age we begin to depreciate our value. We get less traction applying for jobs. A younger, smarter and energetic person is preferred over all the years of experience, loyalty and common sense wisdom. At times this can be hard to swallow. But when we discover our value in God, we become attractive, expensive and unstoppable.

This piece of bowl fetched a great value from the auction not because it was coated with silver or gold but because of who its owner was. Research proved that the ordinary looking thousand-year-old ceramic bowl belonged to China’s Song Dynasty. The value of the bowl came from who its owners were. In the same way, your value is not wrapped up in what people say about you, what you can do or what your talents are. Your value comes from who you belong to – the Almighty God. When He created you, He breathed God-life into you. You may look ordinary on the outside but you’re a royalty through and through! Don’t live one more day thinking less of yourself.

Another thing that got me thinking is how the bowl sat on the mantle collecting dust year after year. Many had come and gone in that living room but nobody paid much attention to this valuable item. If God has a mantle your eight by eleven is sitting prominently on it. Your life may not have gotten much traction in recent years but God has just the right time and the right person to walk into your life and celebrate you like never before. You dream person will waltz into your life. An Ace customer will take the business to the next level. Long term sickness will be healed. A wayward child will come home. The more time has passed between you and your situation the more dramatic your miracle will be.

One thing we need to do in our time of need is to reach out to others. Keep an outward focus. Speak life, dreams and visions into people God brings into your life. Say something big over their life. People will rise or fall to the value we attach in them. We have a God-given responsibility to lift the fallen. Treat them with utmost love, respect and honor. When we value others, God will make sure to add value to our lives. He will bring the right appraiser, the right evaluation and the backing of your character that will thrust you in the forefront of things fetching great value.

At times, we all feel a little down and discouraged. Remember, God says you’re priceless. The devil will say that you’re worthless. What you think of yourself will determine your ultimate value.

“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV).

Imagine God dying for you! You’re worth more than all the diamonds in the world.

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God Hears You

How many times we pray and we feel like it didn’t go past the ceiling? We frustrate ourselves thinking God doesn’t hear us. He doesn’t care. We think, “If God heard my prayer why are we in this mess?”

We’re only human to feel this way when we’re going through life’s challenges. Maybe it is a child who is acting up. Maybe it’s a marital challenge or a financial one. Business may be slow. Relationships are screwed up. Sometimes it’s a legal battle or a lingering disease. Some of my friends are praying for jobs and still have none. It is no surprise that at times we feel like a million miles away from God. But the truth is God is always with us. He has promised never to leave or forsake us.

God hears your prayers. In the book of Daniel, you’ll read about his prayer to God. It was weeks before Daniel saw the answer to his prayers. The Bible gives us insight about prayer. It’s not God who is holding back your blessing but the enemy fights to stop the blessings God sends in our lives. The answer may not come at the time you expect but God heard your prayer the very first time you prayed. His ears are attentive to you.

The mistake we make often is to start pestering God when we do not get our prayers answered in the time we expect. A better attitude would be to know that God has heard our prayers and start thanking Him for it as if we’ve already received it. From the moment you prayed until the time you see the manifestation of your prayer is called the trial of your faith. We need to pass the test day in and day out.

Regardless of what you see in the natural - rest in peace. God is working. Everything you see is subject to change in an instant. The unseen world is more real than what you see in the natural. You have God’s attention. You’re the apple of His eyes. He knows what you need and how to get it to you. Instead of pestering, why don’t you start praising Him?

In the Bible, Hannah didn’t have a child for many years. Her husband loved her more than his other wife but still no child. Hannah was bitter and resentful, full of remorse. One day she went to the house of God and poured out her heart. Eli the man of God was so touched by her sorrows that he pronounced a blessing of a son for Hannah. This made Hannah smile and she worshipped God. Not long after that Hannah delivered Samuel who became a great prophet.

Friend, today I’m pronouncing a blessing over your life. God has already approved you and given you permission to succeed. Don’t waste one more day nagging; instead spend all of your time bragging on God. He has heard your prayers. The answer is on its way! Receive and thank God for it by faith!

“For the LORD hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people” (Psalm 69:33 NLT).

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Dealing with Conflict at Work

People come to work with baggage. Lack of sleep, heavy traffic, a sick child at home or a fight with a spouse can cause people to be tense coming to work. If we’re not intentional, we drag our sour attitude to work and make everybody miserable.  

When we are dishing out poison, the issue is never the issue. On the surface someone can lose fuse over something small but most of the time it’s a deeper issue that troubles them. Today I want to discuss a few keys dealing with conflict at work.

If it’s a onetime offense let it go. Nobody likes to deal with conflict, especially men! I know it comes as a surprise to many but we’d rather ignore or pretend there’s a problem than to deal with it. Before you make a confrontation, consider letting it go. Most problems have a way of working themselves out. Confrontation can only cause a new set of problems that you may not want to deal with.

If it’s a regular irritation, bring it up. Spending eight hours a day, five days a week is a lot of time trying to avoid a boss or a co-worker. Instead of living in denial, make the problem visible. Ask to go out of your workplace into a public restaurant (that way nobody gets to shout) for coffee or lunch to hash things out. Try diplomacy and find a win-win solution. Nobody wants to be proven wrong. Say something like, “I know you didn’t mean to do this…” or “I’m sure you had some great idea behind this decision but help me understand why…” Seek to understand first before you seek to be understood.

Do not correct or vent in front of others or in social media. It’s one thing to say something in the passing to but it’s dangerous to keep going on about it. Everybody has a momentary frustration but don’t make it the chorus for the day. The Bible teaches us to first go to the offender alone. Don’t try to recruit others to take your side when you haven’t even talked your offender.

Forgive quickly. Once I was really upset at a co-worker and I let her have it. I renounced my Christianity for five minutes and shredded the person to pieces! Then I stomped into my boss’s office and chewed him up for allowing a jerk like my co-worker to work with us. I called choice names and shook my fist in front of him. My boss was dumbfounded! I was the number one producer. I never behaved liked that. Honestly, I had issues outside work. I was projecting. I was the jerk. Fifteen minutes later the Holy Spirit had me ask for forgiveness from both of them. It was embarrassing but I did it. Forgive quickly and be quick to ask for forgiveness.

Give the same grace you need. Whatever we sow we will reap. Today you may be an employee, tomorrow God will put you in-charge of the whole company. How you treat others today is how others will pay you back tomorrow. We all have weaknesses. Let’s not seek revenge. Let’s show grace and mercy so that the same will come back to us, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

Conflict won’t kill you but it saps the joy and energy of today!

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 NIV).

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God Wants to Prosper You

 

I grew up surrounded by poverty and lack. We didn’t have enough food. We rubbed two bricks together to make brick dust and cleaned our teeth with fingers. I didn’t wear shoes until I was twelve years old. I grew up thinking and living in poverty.

 

The first church I went to taught us more of the same. Poverty was glorified as if God loved the poor and He sent all rich people to hell. As I took off my denominational glasses and began to study the Word of God, I found the Bible promises blessings and prosperity to all who believe. After twenty seven years, I can testify that God has used us to help tens of thousands distributing millions of dollars.

 

The first thing I had to change in my view of prosperity was my thinking. I literally had to be delivered from the poverty mindset. Our greatest treasure on earth should be our relationship with our Lord. But nowhere in the Bible God teaches us to be poor. Instead, God promises us abundance in every area of our lives – health, wealth, peace, relationships, work and influence.

 

Jesus met a young man who wanted to follow Him. Jesus was intrigued by this young man and began to give him certain criteria to follow the Kingdom of God. The young man proudly announced that he had kept the commandments and how he was worthy to follow the Master. The next thing Jesus prescribed has been misquoted and misused by centuries. Jesus said to the young man, “Sell everything you have and give it to the poor.” Of course, this young man’s problem was greed and he walked away from Jesus.

 

Most people I know do not have the greed problem. They’re misinformed. God wants to bless you. He wants to put great volume of resources in your hands. He wants to bless you and here’s why – He wants to make you a blessing!

 

My friend Glenn is a retired engineer in AZ. He still works for the city and he supports dozens of missionaries and ministries like ours with the money he makes. Friend, when we seek blessings for ourselves, we’re thinking too small. God knows your need for food, clothes and shelter. The reason God really wants to prosper you is to make you a conduit. I’ve never seen a water hose disbursing water not get wet itself! Money is a neutral tool. When you refuse to be blessed or asking just enough for yourself, you’re depriving thousands who God wants to bless through you.

 

Today I’m praying for your financial success. From this day onward, don’t beg, plead or try to convince God about your need for money. Instead, give him a list of people and projects you want to bless. When you think of blessing others, He will bless you. God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His children. It is God who gives you power to gain wealth. Have a vision for prosperity. Change your inner attitude. Not only your family is depending on you to step up to the plate for financial prosperity but the world waits to hear Gospel that takes great resources. Will you break free from poverty mindset and embrace God’s prosperity today? I know you will. God wants to prosper you!

 

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2 NAS).

 

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No is Part of Your Yes

Many of us get discouraged when we hear or experiencing a negative result to a positive expectation. Every one of us is subject to “no” in spite of the best of our expectation. How we handle our “no” will determine how fast we’ll meet our yes!

Michael Jordan is arguably the best basketball player to ever play the game. While talking about his success he said, “I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

 

Before you start your day, remind yourself to stay expecting for the big brakes. No matter what you face during the day, keep a hopeful attitude. You will only rise to the level of your expectation. Every time you hear a no, say to yourself, “I’m one more no closer to my yes!”

Once, Jesus was passing by blind Bartimaeus sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by he began to shout, “Jesus, have mercy on me.” The disciples were irritated and told him to shut up. Hearing that, faith rose higher in Bartimaeus and he began to shout even louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” This time, hearing his cry of faith, Jesus stopped in his track. Bartimaeus was brought to Jesus and he was healed instantly. (Mark 10:46-52)

I’m not suggesting that we become obnoxious and push our agenda to people who have said no. But don’t make the mistake of shutting down and taking it personally when you hear a no. Don’t blame yourself. Don’t over analyze yourself. Don’t shrink back and stop reaching out. There are many reasons why people say and most of the time it has nothing to do with you or your presentation. When you hear a no, it doesn't necessarily mean this person will never say yes. Back off but keep the conversation going. Keep adding value to your potential client. Build relationship and approach again at an opportune time.

This week, as you go about your business, remember God has already approved you! He has people in line who are ready to hear your message right now. If you remain faithful to plant your seeds today, going past your “nos,” two, three or four months from now, the same people will be ready to do business with you. Next time you hear a no, say to yourself, “Thank you Lord, I’m one more no closer to my destiny.” You’ll be amazed at the future God has in store for you! I’m praying for you and I believe in you.

Say yes to no!

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” Psalm 30:11 (NIV).

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Honor God

Our lives can be so routine. We work all week, enjoy the weekend, go to church on Sunday and start over on Monday. There is nothing wrong with a scheduled life. But in the midst of all this we can be intentional about honoring God.

So how can we honor God?

 

First and foremost, we can honor God by having no other idols before Him. That means idols of work, family, entertainment, name and fame, personal ambition must come after Him. Honoring God means we love, respect and obey His instructions. We can honor God by having a daily relationship with Him.

Honoring God means we honor the people that God put in our lives. Often we take our families for granted. We give our best to the world and give the leftovers to our families. This does not please God. Invest in your family. Worship and learn about God together as a family. Every time you take your family to church, you honor God.

Another way you can honor God is by sharing your resources. The Bible says, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (James 1:27 NLT). When we care for God’s other children, we are honoring Him.

We spend a great deal of time at work. Therefore, it is imperative that we learn to honor God at work. How does that look like? Let’s start by showing up to work on time. Go to work with a positive attitude and with enthusiasm. No matter what your job is, do it with excellence as unto the Lord. Do not compromise. Do not join the office gossip. Do not talk against the organization that’s paying your bills. Serve and treat all people with respect. When we do this, we’re honoring God.

Another good way to honor God is to grow daily. Give up the low life. When we give up bad habits and practices that bind us, we honor God. If we love God, we will try to please Him in ALL our ways.

 

You may be asking, “Sandy, what happens when I honor God?” Listen to what God’s Word says. “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out (Deuteronomy 28:1-14 NKJV).

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Vision for Missions

 

Edwin W. Clark sailed with his wife from Boston in 1868 for India. There they had an opportunity to meet some Nagas who were headhunters and decorated their huts with human skulls. The Americans worked fearlessly to gain the trust of the tribes and God granted him his wish through much toil and hardship.

 

Clark and his team began to spread the Gospel to the Naga Hills of North-East India. Slowly, they began to see the tribal people saved and healed with the message of Christ. Today, the Census of India says 90% of the state of Nagaland is Christian. Incidentally, it has also one of the highest literacy rates (80%) and one of the most prosperous states in India. This is the impact of the Gospel!

 

As a nation, we spend billions of dollars every year to secure our country from global terrorism. It is essential to defend the freedom of our country at all costs. But as Christians, we have a different mandate. One way we can secure our country from evil is by investing in spreading the Gospel to regions beyond. You see, when a person is saved, he is changed inside out. His whole life is transformed. An inside heart change replaces hatred and violence with God’s love and peace.

 

This is why it is so important for us to have a vision for missions. Spreading the Gospel, feeding the poor, educating the children, bringing clean drinking water and training national leaders are definite ways to expand the Kingdom of God on earth.

 

We, at Build International Ministries are reaching the world with the Gospel for the last twenty seven years! We are heading back to India and Nepal end of this month to train 1,500 leaders, care for 1,000 poor and persecuted children and empower 2,000 young people in worship concerts.

 

Like Edwin Clark, we believe the Gospel changes lives and culture. We would love to give you an opportunity to transform lives by participating on this mission trip. You can help by following means:

 

Pray. When we pray, God hears us and we are able to do the impossible. Pray for favor, protection and willing hearts to be recipients of our message. Your prayers are like air campaign preparing the way for the foot soldiers to occupy the land.

 

Share. When we engage people by sharing the vision for mission, we are enlisting others into the action. The more people hear about the cause the more people are able to participate in changing lives. Share on social medial or by forwarding this post to someone you know.

 

Support. There are many ways you can support the cause of world missions. Giving financially is certainly one of them. But you can invite a speaker to your group or church. You can empower others by becoming a local area representative of world missions and much more. Contact us and we’ll help you.

 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:18 ESV).

 

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Be a Resource Person

 

One way you can make yourself valuable to others is to become a resource person. When people think of you, what do they think of? Are you a taker or a giver? The more you establish yourself as a resource person the greater fulfillment you’ll have.

A resource person is someone who is knowledgeable, generous, connected and ready to help others. Really, everybody can be a resource person someone they know. You may not be Bill Gates creating thousands of jobs but if you know of someone who is looking for an employment and you know of anyone offering work, you can connect the two and become a person of great value.

If you’re a stay-at-home mom you can be a resource person to other moms. Maybe you know a certain household product that has worked well for you; you can share that information with your friends. It could be a simple tip to care for children.

In the Bible, “Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus” (I John 1:42 NLT). Andrew didn’t have to make a lot of effort to invite Simon. But when you read through the New Testament, you realize that Simon who was renamed Peter went on to make history in the first century Church. The same thing can happen when you invite someone to church with you. Maybe you can ask a friend to a social gathering where one can find a future mate for life. If you stay alert about being a resource person you can help a lot of people.

Another way you can be a resource person is to be a volunteer for groups and organizations you love and respect. Often churches and charitable organizations lack personnel to provide various services. When you become a resource person by offering your gifts and talents, you become extremely valuable to the organization.

In business, you can become a resource person to your client. You can give advice not only on the products you carry but you can offer guidance to your constituent on a different issue altogether. The more you meet the needs of your customer on an emotional level, the more favor you’ll have.

John F Kennedy said, “The human mind is our fundamental resource.” That means if you want to be a resource person, you have to think for yourself and think of others. Today, why don’t you take the challenge to be a resource person? You’ll be amazed what difference you can make in the lives of others!

“Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back” (Luke 6:38 NLT).

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Construction Zone of Life

Have you ever driven through a construction zone? Yesterday I got lost in one such area. The roads were dug up everywhere. Orange roadblocks covered the patches of paved road and construction trucks circled the torn up area. I ended up in such a dead road that one of the workers stopped me and asked, “Do you work here sir?” I said, “No.” He had to hold the traffic while I backed my car up to the main road. It was cumbersome.

As I got back on the right road I couldn’t help but think how life works in similar ways. Sometimes we’re thrown into a chaotic situation by life’s circumstances. We’re spun around, heads spinning and we’re clueless how to get out of the mess we’re in. Right now I have friends who are going through the construction zone of life. They’re struggling and waiting for relief, direction and purpose.

The scripture says, “He will go before us and make our crooked places straight.” Like a construction zone, everything in your life may look chaotic right now. But God will bring peace and order into your life. He has already gone before you and building a highway for you to zip through, enjoying the blessings of God.

A friend asked me, “Just when is the end?” I said, “End is when we’re happy with ourselves with what we have right now. What we do today is important because we’re exchanging a day of our lives for it. Good breaks are coming. Everything’s going to be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, then it’s not the end!” Today if you’re struggling with turmoil in your life, remember that God is going before you. He has your best interest at heart. He will never leave nor forsake you. He has provision for your journey through this wilderness. A breakthrough is coming!

You may have to slow down now, detour or even come to a dead end but rest assured, God is preparing a highway for you. When He is through building your life, He will remove the road blocks, the flagmen and once again you will cruise through life. Don’t fight the mess; yield to the Lord and stay in peace.

Friend, God has a great future in front of you. He has prepared streams in the desert. He made provision for you long before you got into this mess. Give it to God. Yield to His plans and purpose and you too will zip through life’s highway on your way to your destiny. I’m praying for you today!

“I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs” (Isaiah 41:18 NIV).

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Think in Generations

Our biggest mistakes in life are when we act without thinking. Friends tell us, “What were you thinking?” We’ve all done things in the heat of the moment that we’re not proud of. On the other hand, when we think and make deliberate choices, we’re creating a legacy.

Often people define legacy is how you want to be remembered. What you leave behind for others is important. But what you leave in people is eternal.

You are in your current situation because someone made sacrifices. In the Bible, Paul reminded Timothy about the sacrifices of his grandmother and then his mother. Timothy’s faith was attributed to the faith that was passed down to him through generations. In the same way, what you do (or don’ don’t do) today will remind the world of the person you were. Our actions speak not only for now but for generations to come.

This is why it’s so important to think before we act. This is why we should consider the consequences of our actions not only for the present but for the eternal future to come. Every time, we break a bad habit, we’re leaving a generational blessing. Every time we are being kind and showing favor to others, we’re leaving a legacy of favor for our children and grandchildren to walk into. Every time we forgive others, we’re storing up mercy for the people coming after us.

Sometimes we’re wrong to think that to leave a legacy is to live a perfect life. Of course, that is always preferable. But most of us don’t fall under that category. Sometimes, one act of making the right choice can create a life of legacy. That is what happened to a prostitute named Rehab. She hid the Israeli spies from their enemies. It brought favor in to her life. Did you know David and Jesus our Lord came from the bloodline of a prostitute! What a sobering thought! It shows how one act of your courage can leave you with a Godly legacy.

Some of you today are battling and tempted to take the easy way out. You’re ready to give up and throw in the towel. Nobody will ever blame you if you give up now but consider what it could have been! You could break this curse. You could have left your children in a better place. Your action will affect generations to come.

One of the most enduring legacies you can leave behind is what you do for the Lord. Everything you see is temporal but when you lift someone up, be kind to people and help someone in need – you’re creating an eternal legacy. Forty some years ago, a group of Sunday school ladies from America sent me $12 every month. I was a sponsored child in an orphanage. Today, I’m here touching millions of lives because of their small act of kindness and generosity. Friend, what is your legacy going to be? Are you a taker or a giver? Are you going to raise the bar higher? I believe God wants to make you immortal through your legacy. Think in generations to come! Live in such a way that will make it easier for those who come after you!

“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5 NAS).

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Overcome Everyday Disappointments

Life is full of disappointments. A prayer doesn’t get answers, kids act up, a business deal goes sour, stress in a relationship, car breaking down can all cause us a great deal of distress. If we don’t learn to get over disappointments fast and in a healthy way, we will end up suffering the rest of our lives.

When dealing with disappointments, I remind myself, “Things don’t happen to me, everything happens for me.” You see, we serve a God who can turn our mourning into dancing. In spite of our disappointments He weaves beautiful tapestry out of our mess.

Another important thing that helps me in my disappointments is to keep my mouth shut. It is human to broadcast our pain to the world, especially now with the presence of social media. When we do that, we shoot ourselves on the foot. When I’m disappointed, I have a rule to hold my peace for 48 hours. It’s amazing how my mood and perspective changes during that time. Try it!

Knowing that God’s got my best interest at heart comforts me. I like to think God is like a GPS. Even when we take the wrong turn in life, when we repent, He’s always there to guide us back to our original destination. When we walk according to His will, He guides us by the hand and leads us to victory.

In the Bible, Elijah was a great prophet but He was a common person like us. Once he had to pray down rain from a draught. After prayer he sent his apprentice to check if there was any sign of rain in the sky. Six times the servant returned and said, “There is nothing!” Elijah prayed some more and told him to, “Go again.” Friend, that’s what you need to do – go again! Keep your goal in front of you and be persistent. On the seventh time the man came back and replied, “There’s a cloud in the size of a hand rising from the sky.” That gave Elijah faith to declare, “I hear a sound of abundance of rain.” Friend, no matter what disappointment you’re facing today; declare over your life, “I hear a sound of abundance of rain.” Shake off your disappointment and go again.

Every day I wake us saying, “Today’s the day!” When I don’t get what I was expecting, I say to myself, “I’m one day closer to my victory!” This takes all the pressure off of me and I sleep better at night.

Friend, disappointments are part of life but so is God’s grace and mercy. God is planning to turn your setback in to a set up. He is orchestrating the intricate details of your life. Don’t mess it up by venting too quickly, being impatient and not trusting Him fully. Our God can do anything but fail. He’s got your back. He will vindicate you. He will pay you back. Keep a good attitude. Don’t replay the disappointment in your mind like a broken record. Switch to the victory channel and your life will be filled with His mercy, joy and laughter. I’m praying for you today!

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT).

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

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