God Has Provisions Waiting for You

None of us know what is in our future. We all worry – some more than others. Worrying is not a sign of weakness. However, if we want to live a peaceful, joyful, and productive life then we have to learn that God will take care of us.

When we learn to depend on God, we will live a carefree life. When we do not allow stress and our circumstances to dictate our lives, then we can enjoy every day. Today, no matter what you’re facing, you must know that God has provisions waiting for you!

At work, you may have a challenging boss, co-workers, or a hard task. You may not see how to get past that negative situation every day. Sales may be slow and the market may be down. You may not have had a commission in a long time. You’re beginning to feel fatigued and get discouraged. Today, I have good news for you. Recently, a friend told me “Sandy, my boss is amazed! I’ve been at my work for only a few weeks and I’m already selling more than the people who have been there much longer!” I told him what I’m telling you, “You have the Joseph anointing. It’s not you, but God’s favor is working on your behalf.” It’s good to work hard and give our due diligence but when you call in God’s favor, He will go to work with you! Don’t complain, instead, stay in faith that God has 101 ways to multiply your efforts. Do your best and let God do the rest. God has provisions waiting for you!

Once, a man of God in the Bible was affected by a famine in the land. God told him to go to a city called Zarephath, where He had chosen a widow to supply his needs. When Elijah got there, the poor widow was collecting wood to make the last meal for her son and die. Elijah said to the widow, “First make me some bread and then your supply will never run dry as long as the famine last.” Amazingly, the poor widow agreed! She took care of Elijah and her supply never ran out. Friend, is there a famine in your life? Has it been difficult to pay your bills? Are you robbing Paul to pay Peter? Are you struggling hand to mouth? Today I want to encourage you. God has provisions waiting for you. My challenge to you is will you look to God as your Provider?

Some of you are concerned about the spiritual welfare of your family members. Pray for them. Be an example but don’t worry about them. God has provisions waiting for you. I heard of a young man that got into trouble and landed in prison. The family was very distraught and kept praying that God would save his life. In the prison, this young man and another inmate got in a fight over the remote control while debating what show to watch. In the middle of their heated argument, a large man walked into the scene. He grabbed the remote control from them. Petrified, the young man was leaving the room when the large man grabbed him and said with a gruff voice, “Sit down!” He started flipping through the stations and found an inspirational channel. The young man was convicted. He remembered his family trying to tell him about the Lord. He broke down and began to cry! Right there in the prison, the large man led the young man to the Lord!

Friend, God has provision ready for you. What do you need today? If you’re fighting a sickness, God will heal. If you’re having a problem in your relationship, God will restore. If you’re lacking and struggling to pay your bills; if your business is slow, God will bring increase. He has financial abundance waiting for you. If you are struggling with a long-term addiction, freedom awaits you. I request that you do two simple things: give your due diligence and then turn it over to God. Say it with me, “My God shall supply ALL my needs. I will obey and honor God with my life and He will honor me.” Now sing with me, “Don’t worry, be happy!” I’m praying for you my friend. God has provisions waiting for you!

“Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

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5 Facts You Must Know About Yourself

One of the main reasons why people struggle is our own perception of who we are. We often tend to identify and magnify the gifts and talents in others but we’re not so sure about our own abilities.

We get our self-esteem from various sources. It can come from parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Even religious leaders may have taught us not to think too highly of ourselves. We must be humble but if we don’t have God’s perspective on who we are, then we’ll go through life thinking less of ourselves.  Today let’s discuss five important facts you must know about yourself.

#1. You’re magnificent. Of all the breathtaking creations in the world, you’re God’s best! You’re created by design. When we accept that God made us in His own image, it changes everything. You’re stunningly beautiful. You have the smarts. Your personality matches with your purpose. You’re here in this time and space to change the world. Let this truth sink deep down into your heart. Say it with me, “I am magnificent!” Agree with God because that’s what He says about you.

#2. You’ve got what it takes. God has equipped you with the right gifts and talents. You don’t need to be anybody else. The original YOU is more explosive than all the dynamite in the world. Quit comparing yourself to others. Accept who you are. Take some time to discover your own uniqueness – flaws and all. 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’s stupid.” Find your mojo and be the best YOU that you can be! You’re a great husband, Dad, brother, and neighbor.

#3. You have the right connections. How many times do we suck up to people thinking they will open doors for us? There’s nothing wrong with trying to meet people and look for opportunities but you’ll have a greater sense of confidence if you accept that God is your source. He’s your strongest link to success. The Scripture puts it this way, “If God is for us, who can be against us!” Let’s stop the frustrating cycle of trying to impress people. Right now, God has just the right people and connections lined up for you to take you to the next level. If you focus on impressing God, He will impress others about you!

#4. You have the favor of God. Your natural talents may not measure up but God’s favor will make up for your deficiency. Never be too lazy to do your best. After that, let God do the rest! That’s what the young shepherd boy David did. He was the anointed (favored) unprofessional and Goliath was the experienced professional. Get up each day and pray out loud, “Thank you Lord for giving me preferential treatment today. I have the favor of God. I expect victory and success in all I do.” My friend, this is the breakfast, lunch, and dinner of Champions!

#5. There’s always hope for you. Once someone told me, “You’ve lost the window of opportunity.” People have a hard time letting go of old memories but God will never write you off. Don’t let the sins of your past rob you of your bright future. No matter how down, defeated, or desperate you feel, you can come out of your misery in a split second. The first person you’ll meet when you decide to turn from your wrongs is Jesus. God is always there for you. His mercy endures forever! He is not mad at you, He is madly in love with you. Why don’t you take a moment now and make it right with God. Say this out loud with me, “Dear God, I made mistakes. I take ownership for my wrongs. I need your forgiveness. I accept the power of the Holy Spirit to fuel me from here on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Friend, no matter what you feel, always know these facts about you. You’re fearfully and wonderfully made. You are full of God’s can-do power. You have the right connections working on your behalf. God’s grace is sufficient for you. Nothing you do can separate you from the love of God. Now what are you waiting for? Go with God and make history!

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 NLT).

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Mastering Your Money

Money is a big priority in our lives. Many talented people wasted their lives because they never learnt to manage their money. We do not always need more money.  If we learn to manage what God gives us, then we will become kings in life.

The other day I was talking to a young friend who is getting started in his financial business. He is a very hard working and honest man. As we were visiting, I casually shared my simple money views with him. I guess he was encouraged because he said, “Can you write those points for me?” I’m no Dave Ramsey, or Warren Buffett but today I will share with you what I have learnt about money.

First, don’t make money making your goal. The famous Zig Ziglar once said, “If you help enough people get what they want, you will always get what you want.” Money is a bi-product. There is nothing wrong in going after your dream job or wanting a profit from the business but if money is our main motivation, we’re running a poor business. When we follow God and maximize our gifts and the talent He has given us, money will follow. Seek God’s face more than you seek His hands.

Second, honor God by giving back. Be generous! The church has dwarfed people of faith by nagging members for 10% of their income. I say this with all due respect but this is not scriptural. There is nothing wrong with supporting our local churches, but church is people. We should be more concerned about building people than building buildings. In the New Testament, Jesus upheld the tithe but He didn’t stop there. He taught us to surrender ALL to God because it’s all His in the first place! God doesn’t want your money, He wants your life! This is what the church did in the Book of Acts and what a revolution they started! When we help the poor, the widows, and the persecuted, we’re advancing God’s Kingdom and accumulating treasure, both in heaven and here on earth. We should give according to what measure we want to get back. I challenge you to consider giving 80% of your income away. You may be tilting your head at me but try it and see what God does for you!

Third, pay yourself. Putting resources away for retirement, inheritance for the family, and investing are principles straight from the Scriptures. When we’re brainwashed to give everything away or never take a step of faith to bless others, then we have a skewed view of money. God instructed Joseph to save 20% for the famine to come. Joseph obeyed and the whole country was saved. Could it be, saving is God’s way for us also? God’s principle will still work if we only heed to His ways.

Fourth, pay your bills before they’re due. You would be amazed by how many people don’t pay bills on time. Remember, the pain of a bad habit can cost you much. Bank auto pay is a great way to pay our bills. Normally I have two days in a month when I pay my bills. I write the big bills first like giving a percentage to God, the mortgage, and so on. To eliminate late fees, I normally allow seven working days for the payments to process.

Fifth, owe nothing to anybody. With 15%-29% interests, credit cards are daytime robbery. The Bible says, “The borrower will be slave to the lender.” Once I foolishly put $10,000 on my credit card to pay a conference bill for a number of people. It took me three years and thousands of dollars in interest to pay it off. Now I carry a negative balance on that card. Here’s my advice. Have no more than two major credit cards. Apply for the ones that give you miles or rewards for using their card. Stay away from retail store credit cards. Unless you know you’re able to pay the FULL AMOUNT back at the end of each month, do not buy on credit. Carry only one card in your wallet for emergencies and leave the rest at home – especially the ones you’re tempted to use the most. Be smart. Exploit the system, don’t be a victim of it!

Last but not the least, if you’ve messed it up in the past, ask God for mercy. Change your habits and ask God for a financial miracle. My friend’s $100,000+ debt was canceled by the IRS! I pray for financial miracles every day and God answers my prayers. My friend, ask God for favor, be generous, show some character, learn to live within your means and you’ll experience a financial tsunami you’ve never imagined before. I’m praying for you!

“Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, "The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant" (Psalm 35:27 NAS).

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How to Validate the Feelings of Others

One of the greatest human needs is to be validated. Validation simply means to understand and agree with a person’s feelings. Our feelings are neither good or bad. It only becomes right or wrong when we act on our feelings.

Yesterday, my sixteen year old daughter came to me asking for a favor. She said, “Daddy, I just need to get something off my chest. I need you to listen to me about something. I don’t want you to say anything.” My first thought was, “Girl, you’re a great communicator! Who’s your Daddy?” I assured her that she had my undivided attention and she began to spill what was on her heart. I didn’t offer one drop of advice, kudos to me. We hugged, she felt better, and the world lived happily ever after!

What my daughter needed was validation. While this is a good start for a teenager, I myself have not always been so enlightened on the subject. I’m still growing in this area. As a typical man, I used to be very generous about offering solutions to people’s problems. After much pain and heartache, I learnt that most of the time people don’t want to be fixed; they want to be heard. People are dying to share what they’re feeling but they want to do it in a safe environment.

People are smart. Most of the time people figure out the solutions to their own problems. They don’t need me. What we all want is validation. When we’re in doubt, when we’re struggling, we want to process life with someone who understands what we’re going through and approves of our feelings. This doesn’t have to mean we believe the same things or endorse their actions. People have a need to feel safe emotionally, to air their ideas and hang them on the lines of our hearts for some fresh air as we do with our laundry. When we think, pray, and process with them, often they find the answers to their own problems.

So how can we become effective in validating others? We can learn from our Lord -- the master communicator. When He met with the woman at the well, He didn’t condemn her. He didn’t grab her by the throat and tell her that she was going to hell for her crimes. No; instead he validated her. He drew the negatives out from her heart and turned them into positives. He didn’t condemn her but He didn’t condone her actions either. He lovingly said, “Go and sin no more.” How easy it was for her to swallow that pill! Friends, if you want to be like Jesus quit throwing stones at people. Validate others. Let me give you a few tips.

First, learn to listen. When we listen without interruptions and offering advice, we create a safe environment. We show respect and dignity when we allow the person to vent without making them feel guilty for their feelings.

Second, share your own shortcomings. When people are feeling bad about themselves, they feel condemned. That is not the time to say, “I told you so.” In vulnerable situations like that, it’s best to validate the person’s feelings by sharing very brief story about your own failure. This will still keep the conversation on the other person but ease the burden of guilt.

Third, become a consultant. Give advice if, and only if, it’s asked. Share only when the person is open, willing, and ready to receive it. When they are hungry for advice, they’ll be more willing to change. One of the best things we can do to help others is to allow them time and space to come up with their own solutions.

Today, let’s validate someone. Don’t prejudge a person. People treat us like the clothes we wear. They only see what we show them. Let’s take the time to listen to people. When we validate others, we give them wings to fly!

“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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Payday is Coming

One of the hardest things in life is to keep doing the right thing when nothing seems to be happening. There are times when situation may even seem to go against what we are standing for. Yet, if we keep doing the right thing long enough, we can be confident that our harvest will come.

Everything we do – our thoughts and actions, is a seed. When we sow a seed a kindness, we WILL reap a harvest. When we’re taking care of our bodies through exercise, healthy eating and sleep habits, we will enjoy divine health. When we give our due diligence at work and trust God with the result, He will give us the increase. When we honor our heavenly Father with a God-pleasing lifestyle, He will promote us. Great achievers are those who keep pressing on in spite of little or no visible results. What happens between what we are expecting from God and the time of its manifestation is called the “trial of our faith.”

I have friends right now who are standing in faith for a miraculous healing. Some of my friends are waiting for their dream jobs. Others of you are waiting for a relationship to blossom and the business to start making profit. You are praying for your marriage to be healed and family members to be saved. It may have taken a while, but know that a harvest is coming. God has been working all along. Healing, promotion, increase, influence, peace, prosperity, restoration, salvation and a sound mind is waiting in line for you. God will never put you through a test without first giving you the power to overcome and then to reward you for it.

Today, raise your expectation in God. Abraham got his promised son. Moses delivered God’s people from the bondage. David killed Goliath. Jesus endured the cross. What results they got! You too, will inherit your promise. God is orchestrating things in your favor. Good breaks are on your way! Your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Keep your hopes up. Keep trusting in God’s ability to turn things around. Just like you go to work every day – fighting traffic, putting up with a difficult boss, and myriads of other disadvantages in the hope of a paycheck, the test of your faith will produce result. The question is not if it will happen but when it WILL happen. Stay in faith. God will honor you and He will reward you. Your payday is coming!

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (I Peter 4:12-13 NIV).

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Add a Little Favor in Your Day

Rewards, promotions and satisfactions are great motivation to work hard, be creative and be productive. For many of us, our self-worth is deeply rooted into the work we do. W-O-R-K is one my favorite four-letter-words in the Bible. I believe part of our God given purpose in life is to work and not be lazy.

However, I know too many people who are trying too hard. We should never be slave to anything – not even work. Today I want us to consider a better approach to work. Have you ever tried to cook? You may have done everything right – applied exact temperature, put in the precise ingredients but food taste terrible simply because you forgot to add a little salt in your cooking.

This is how we often go about our business. We try to do everything within our own power. We use our connections, skills and exert our influence. It is good to do our due diligence but today I’m asking you to call in God’s favor in everything you do. This week, be more favor-minded. You’re His son/daughter. He wants to give you preferential treatment at work. One touch of God’s favor will turn everything to your advantage. When we trust God more than our own skill, we’ll experience a new level of peace and productivity like never before. Will you trust Him today? I know you will. I’m praying for you!

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” (Psalm 1:3 NLT).

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What Would Jesus Think of Church Today

Going to church on Sunday has become a Christian tradition all over the world. For some, Sunday is the holy-day when we rest and honor God. For others, church is becoming less relevant to their busy lifestyle.

What would Jesus think if He walked into our church service today?

While a part of being a Christian is to connect with other believers, wanting to be social for personal gain should never be the reason for going to church. When our motive is to get close to the pastor, leader or other believers for personal advancement, then we’re jeopardizing our faith. WHY we do what we do is far more important than what we do. Remember, God still looks at the intent of our hearts!

A major emphasis is placed on what we’re going to “get” when we go to church. We use phrases like, “What did you get from church today?” For a New Testament believer, it should be just the opposite. We don’t go to church to “get” but to GIVE our praise, worship and adoration to God from whom all blessings flow. We also should bring hope, encouragement and practical help to one another while we’re in church. Sure God will give us what we need for our daily life but our goal should be to GIVE rather than to get – an attitude of gratitude.

What would Jesus think of our leaders in the church today? Jesus looked at Peter and commissioned him to “feed my sheep.” Yet, many pastors today are using the pulpit to “beat the sheep.” Often congregations are put through guilt trips for not coming to church often enough or not giving more of their money to church. Other pastors are obsessed with their theology and doctrines. Their ego is bigger than life! Church leaders, here’s what Jesus would remind us, “Feed my sheep and lead them to green pastures where My presence is.” As leaders our main job is to create an environment for people to encounter God. Sinners need hope, the sick need healing and the oppressed needs to be set free. Saints need to be empowered into action; not just to come to church on Sunday and coerced into giving 10% of their income to the church (by the way, why are we obsessed with the 10% when 100% belongs to God in the first place?) but also to live the rest of the week being salt and light to the world.

I wonder what Jesus would think about “bodyguards” in the church today! Jesus made Himself vulnerable even to His enemies who came to kill Him. He willingly gave Himself up for us. Why is it that leaders have to surround themselves with secret-service-looking body guards? Do you know how a church leader and his church get recognized by the government in communist Laos? In my recent trip to the country, I was told that every pastor of a new church is arrested and put in prison for 6-12 months. If they survive the persecution and torture without giving out the names, protecting his members, they come out free to conduct services and recognized by the government. This test of commitment is the same in majority of the world including communist China, where Christianity is exploding! In return, believers remain committed to the church for the rest of their lives.

Brothers and sisters, going to church should not be an obligation. We should go there to worship God. We should congregate to lift, encourage and help one another. We should go to church to be saved and healed from our hurts and pain. A church should be a hospital to heal the broken, hurting, sighing and dying people not a showcase to display perfect people. Pastors should be more concerned about delivering people than delivering sermons. When we allow the Holy Spirit to move among us, we will see the power of the church restored to her original glory. Heathens will be drawn to church when they see our love for one another. God is far more interested in our lifestyle rest of the week than the weekly two hours we spend in the church. Jesus said, “My house will be called a house or prayer.” Let’s pray. Let’s worship. Let’s learn and become Disciples of Christ. When we reflect God’s love and light to our lost world we will encounter His glory again!

“He said to them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves!" (Matthew 21:13 NLT).

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Seeds of Germination Are In You

If you live in Dallas, Texas area, you know that we’re transitioning into spring. It is an exciting time. There is a sense of anticipation in the air. We’re experiencing the naked trees starting to blossom. Grass, that looked dead for months are suddenly racing against weeds. I don’t know about yours but in my lawn, weeds are winning so far!

Seriously, what happens in the natural is often an indicator of what’s taking place in the spiritual world. Some of you have been in a “dormant” season for a long time. Your health situation may not look good but God’s healing is about to break forth. Some of you are looking for jobs, promotions and better jobs. I’m here to tell you that your dream job has been unleashed. Stay in faith. Let God do the rest.

Others of you have waited long for your Mr. or Ms. Perfect and you will not be disappointed. God is preparing a life-companion for you. Your wait will be worth it! Several of you are going through marital problems. That’s right; going through. Peace, joy, and tranquility await you on the other side. God is bringing restoration into your marriage.

Many of you are facing financial challenges. Let me say this, I hear the sound of financial abundance about to rain down upon you. God’s favor will jolt your business from the winter slump. You’ll end this month and every month here on with a profit! God will pay you back for your losses. Some of you are waiting for that dream vacation – this is the year.

Seeds of germination are working in you. Just because you can’t see below the grass doesn’t mean there’s no life under there. Similarly, even if things were dead in your life, remember, we serve a Living God who brought Lazarus back to life!

Friend, in the end, everything will be alright. If it’s not alright, it’s not the end. Don’t give up. Set your mind in the right direction. Stand firm and call in your blessing. Say no to the enemy’s lying voices and YES to all of God’s promises. What has looked dead and dormant for months and years are suddenly coming back to life. This is God’s promise to those who believe. Do you receive it? I know you do. I’m praying for you!

“Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35 NIV).

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It’s Time to Believe Again

The longer we live, the more opportunities we have to develop a sour attitude towards life. If we believe in our circumstances more than we believe in God’s promises, we will be easily frustrated and live a defeated life.

Bryan Adams starts off singing, “I’m a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight. There's nothing more for me - lead me away... Or leave me lying here.” This is how many people live today. Too easily, they give in to their feelings and external circumstances. When we surrender to the negative circumstances of life, we rob ourselves. It is easy to wallow in self-pity but you belong to a higher class. You’re not created to drift through a life in lack and mediocrity. Adams goes on to reveal the secret. “Then from on high - somewhere in the distance, there's a voice that calls, "Remember who you are" If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow. So be strong tonight - remember who you are! Yeah you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle to be free once more - yeah, that's worth fighting for.”

Friend, it’s time for you to believe in yourself again. Remember when you were in your teens, twenties and thirties? You had dreams. You were invincible! The sky was the limit and you pushed through your failures. You thought you were beautiful and you took care of yourself. You were a go-getter. Nothing stood between you and your aspirations. Then life happened! You hit a few bumps on the road - a broken marriage, prolonged sickness, loss of a family member, a failed business, and it sucked the life out of you. Like Job, you may have lost everything but let me remind you that you haven’t lost your God yet. Your greatest victory still lies in front of you. God has another mountain for you to conquer or else you wouldn’t be here! Like Job, He will give you back double for your trouble. Friend, it’s time to break free from your self-imposed prison and fight for what’s rightfully yours.

Next, we must put our trust in God. What we can achieve by ourselves is nothing compared to what we can do together with God. Ask for God’s favor before you make the sales call. Don’t just listen to the “experts.” Get God's opinion. Give to God what belongs to Him. Expect your business will double, triple and quadruple. Have integrity at work and God will promote you. Every area of our lives will prosper when we give preeminence to God’s Word. All His promises are yes and Amen. God told Joshua, “And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed” (Joshua 1:8 The Message).

Finally, we must believe in people. God never throws anything down from the sky. He uses people to bless us. Learn to receive. If our connections are not stretching us to be better, do more and be more then it’s time to get some new friends. Serve your spouse and children. Don’t just stop at providing for them, spend time with them. At work, serve your difficult boss with a good attitude. Get along with people who are hard to understand. Help those who are helpless! Your success is tied into theirs. Do not be critical, cynical and judgmental of others unless you want the same dished back to you. Believe in people, and give them something to live up to.

Today, reminisce your younger years! Remember when you got saved and how excited you were about God? What was it like when you first fell in love? Do you remember the pinnacle of your success? What was it like to be newlywed? Do you remember when you had no debt? I’m creating a mental picture in you. If God did it once, He will do it again. Friend, let me speak some faith into you. You will experience God again. By the stripes of Jesus you are healed. Wisdom, peace, and riches are yours. You’re debt free! You’ll lend and not borrow. Your children will be mighty in the land. You have the mind of Christ. What is impossible with man is possible with God. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. It’s time to believe again. Believe in yourself. Believe in God’s Word and believe in people. Your best days are yet to come!

Jesus said, “All things are possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23 ESV).

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And the Oscar Goes to… YOU!

Just a couple of days ago, millions of people around the globe witnessed one of the most prestigious ceremonies honoring achievements in the film industry. Winners were awarded the Academy Award of Merit, nicknamed as an Oscar.

As I read the news and watched people getting excited about their favorite actor/actresses nominated and receiving an Oscar, I could not help but think how God has an Oscar ready for each of us.

Today I want encourage you to wait patiently for your “Oscar” from God. You have labored hard. You have count the cost. You have endured temptations, kept your integrity and honored God. The angels have nominated you to be the “Best Person of the Year.” Today my job is to open the sealed envelope and declare your name to come up to the Throne of Grace boldly and accept your “Oscar!”

At work, maybe you have a difficult boss. You arrive early and leave late, but you don’t feel appreciated. No matter how hard you try, he/she’s always got more things for you to do. Your hard work is never good enough. You’re better qualified but others are promoted ahead of you. That just stinks! But the Bible says, “Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Psalm 75:6-7). Here’s the good news. If you keep a good attitude, stay in faith and work as unto the Lord, God will promote you. And who knows, you may even have the job your current boss!

I heard a story about a mechanic. He was a faithful worker. He did his job most tediously. However, his boss did not like him. His co-workers made fun of him because he wouldn’t go out and party with them. Several years went by without a raise or a promotion for this faithful employee. One day out of the blue, the owner of the company called him. They lived in another city and were not involved in the day-to-day running of the business. The owner told the mechanic that he was retiring and proposed to sell his business to him. The mechanic said, “I can’t buy your business. I don’t have that kind of money.” The owner said, “You don’t have to have money. I’ll loan it to you.” Long story short, today the mechanic owns the business free and clear. The same people who called him names now call him Boss. The people who didn’t give him the time of the day, now has to make appointments to see him. What happened? God just handed this mechanic his Oscar. Friend, don’t be discouraged. Keep a good attitude. Your name is in the envelope – the next Oscar belongs to YOU!

As you are reading this, something jumps within your heart. Do you know what that is? It is called hope. As long as you hope in your God, there will be a promotion and prize waiting for you. This is what happened to a young lady in the Bible called Ruth. Ruth had lost her husband at a young age. She honored her mother-in-law and on her own free will, she returned to Jerusalem to serve her. Every day she got out on the field in the hot sun and gleaned after the reapers. One day Boaz, the owner of the field, came to visit and Ruth caught his attention. They developed a friendship and a liking for each other. Soon after, they got married. What happened? One day Ruth was working in the field and the next day she became the owner of the field! Today, you may be a single mother, raising little ones, doing your best to make ends meet. Like Peter in the Bible, you may have toiled all night over your business and profited nothing. That sickness on your body may have kept you bound. Here’s the good news my friend. God’s got an Oscar ready for you! God sees your tears and he knows your fears. The sealed envelope has been opened and Gabriel - the messenger of good news is bringing you your recompense. Stand up. I just heard Him call your name to receive your Oscar. All of heaven is cheering for you. You’ve kept the faith and given it away. Today is your day! Will you receive the Oscar? I love you and I believe in you!

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

Be a Person of Influence: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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Living a Life that Counts

I have never met anyone who had planned to live a mediocre life. Even an ordinary person has a routine they repeat. However, if we want to live a life that counts, we have to be intentional about it.

Do you ever wonder if you are making a difference in this life or life after? I believe all of us have an innate desire to live a life that counts. God puts gifts and talents in each of us so that we can make a difference in our world.

When I was a teenager, I loved reading. I stole half of the books from the library to add to my own so that I could read them whenever I wanted to. I had no purpose and certainly; no significance in life. My goal in life was to own a book shop in a busy train station where I could sell books and magazines, and read them for free. I am glad that God didn’t grant me my wishes. I say this humbly, but He called me to touch lives around the world!

When we talk about living a life that counts, we have to ask ourselves, “Are people inspired to draw closer to God because of the influence in my life? Are people motivated to serve God in a greater capacity because of my faith, courage and devotion to Him?” The true success of our lives is not measured by our job titles, bank balance, bigger house and faster cars, but how many people we have been able to impact.

In the 1993 movie Schindler’s List, directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg, the story unfolds about Oscar Schindler during the Nazi reign and the Holocaust. Oscar is a vainglorious and greedy German businessman who gradually becomes concerned for his Jewish employees who are condemned to death in the concentration camps. Oscar saves eleven hundred lives! In the end, he becomes so engrossed in saving lives that he starts to lament to his co-worker. “I could have got more out. I could have got more out. I didn’t do enough! This car. Why did I keep this car? Ten people right there. This pin. This is gold. He would have given me two for it, at least one. [Starts sobbing] I could have gotten one more person… and I didn’t!”

It is easy to be so self-absorbed that we forget about living a life that counts. We get so caught up in our jobs, business, kids, grandkids and the house, that we forget that none of it will matter in eternity. People are the only thing going to heaven! Albert Pine said, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

One of the biggest hindrances to giving is to think that our gift is too small. In the Bible, a great crowd of people followed Jesus. It was lunch time and they had no food. Suddenly a young boy offered his five loaves and two small fish to Jesus. Today, you may think you have nothing to share with this world. You don’t feel that you can live a life that counts. But we can all learn from this young boy. Not only is our little much in the Hand of God, but when we do anything for God He will make sure that our name is made great. Two thousand years later, we are still inspired by what this young boy did. We should regularly ask ourselves, “What difference am I making in the lives of others? What will people remember me for?” When we spend our time in the service of others, we will find ourselves in the favor of the Almighty.

Friend, are you making your life count? It is not enough to live the American dream but endeavor doing what God cares about. President John Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Friend, lead others by example. Let’s not waste another day in mediocrity, regret and narcissist behavior. God still has a purpose for your life. Like Oscar Schindler and the boy with the bread and fish, God wants to use you and make your name great. What you do today is how you will be remembered in eternity. Live intentionally and let us live a life that counts.

“Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever” (Daniel 12:3 NLT).

Be a Person of Influence: www.buildinternational.org

Invite Sandy Anderson to Speak: Call 972 800 4346, Email: buildinternational@sbcglobal.net 

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