God Wants to Bless You

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (Psalm 23:6 ESV).

Today many people are confused about God’s plan for their lives. When life gets tough, we feel a million miles away from God and we tend to think that He’s forgotten us. However, just the opposite is true. God is closest to you when you’re going through your worst!

If we want to live a life of peace, pleasure, and prosperity, we have to change the way we view our Heavenly Father. Many of us have a distorted view of God because we were taught differently or our earthly fathers were very little like our Heavenly Father. No matter what your view has been in the past, you must know that God wants to bless you because you’re His child!

The one and only plan God has for you is to give you life and abundance.

Jesus said, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life" (John 10:10 NLT). The enemy is the thief. Unfortunately, too many Christians get God and devil mixed up in their roles. They go through a trial and blame God for their troubles. A sickness keeps lingering on and we think God is trying to teach us something with this sickness.

Friend, God is good all the way. Until we believe and accept it, we’ll never rise to our full potential. God doesn’t have the capacity to do evil. By nature, He can only do good.

Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it." God is our closest ally for a good life. He wants us to be happy, content, fulfilled, and satisfied. He wants us to be healthy and prosperous in our body, mind, and soul.

One reason people miss out on God’s blessings is because their mouth doesn’t line up with their heart. When they read a message like this their faith rises but as soon as they face opposition, they begin to spill out all the negative things. We say things like — I’m broke. I’ll never get well. I’m going to be stuck in this job forever.

Here’s the key. You’ll never have what you constantly complain about.

If you want to be blessed, you have to agree with God and call yourself blessed. If you want health, say, "I’m strong and healthy." When you lack, say, "I’m rich." When we agree with God, we set a powerful force in motion. Angels begin to deliver the goods that belong to us.

When you are blessed, it is important to realize that you didn’t get here on your own. The scripture says, "Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful" (Deuteronomy 8:18 NLT). The purpose of blessing is to be a blessing. God has already blessed us with much. If you have a family, you’re blessed. If you’re healthy, you’re blessed. If you have work, you’re blessed. And don’t forget all that God has saved and delivered you from. The spiritual blessings are unlimited in Jesus Christ.

Friend, God is the father and you’re His child. God has blessed you and the blessing always overrides the curse. Change your image of God. Speak words according to God’s Word and always be a blessing to those whom God brings in your path. If you do these basics, I pray and declare that God’s blessings will overtake you like never before.

Every day, make this confession with me: I’m blessed and highly favored. I’m blessed coming in; I’m blessed going out. I’m blessed when I’m in the city; I’m blessed when I’m in the country. I’m the head and not the tail. I’ll lend and not borrow. Great shall be my peace and my children will be mighty in the land. I’m blessed to be a blessing to the world! Friend, if you believe and agree with God every day, you’ll go to new victories you’ve never imagined.

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Giving God Our First

“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce” (Proverbs 3:9 NLT).

I’ve never met anyone who is intentionally planning to fail in life, yet we all know many who are dissatisfied with the status quo that they face year after year. One thing is clear, influential people live an intentional life.

God’s Word is life’s compass. It gives us the instructions to achieve all God has planned for us. One such success recipe is the first-fruit principle.

Most preachers, churches, and ministers like to use this time of the year to remind their constituents about following the first-fruit principle in their financial giving. That is good but this success-principle is much more than giving financially. Today, let me share three different categories of giving God your first.

1. Give God your time. How we spend our first five minutes, first hour of the day, or the first week sets the precedence for the rest of the hour, day, and month. Often, we do not have a long spiritual conversation with God, especially if you have a family or a job.

So what does it mean to give God our first time? Like everything else, Jesus is our model. The Bible makes references of Jesus getting up early in the morning or staying up late at night to connect with God. Personally, I like to connect with God throughout the day – when I’m driving, taking a walk, or having a dedicated time in the morning to worship and acknowledge God’s goodness in my life. Whatever your preference is, the key is to connect with God on a regular basis — throughout the day if you can. Here’s the key. Whatever part of your life you involve God with will prosper.

2. Share your talent. Not everything of value has to be monetary. In fact, serving God with your gift can be a huge boost to others. Often we’re encouraged to use our spare time to serve God. Today I’m challenging you to use your talent to serve God first and watch how He’ll bless the rest of our time.

We can certainly serve God in our churches but don’t be limited to an organization or a church building. I have a friend who facilitates young families coming out of debt and staying fiscally fit. Another friend who is an industrialist meets with me regularly on the top of his business hours to give me advice and counsel on developing our international ministry. You can certainly serve as a volunteer in the business chamber, church, or with your favorite charity. One word of caution! Don’t get burnt out. If you’re always made to feel that you’re not doing enough, or unappreciated for sharing your talent, it’s probably healthy for you to find another place to serve.

3. Give God your treasure. God doesn’t need our money. However, what we do with our money reveals a lot about our heart. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be” (Matthew 6:21). We live in such a material society that money often becomes the driving force in our lives. Even churches and mission organizations spend a bulk of their time and efforts trying to get people to give more. I believe that if we focus on ministering to people, the money we need will take care of itself.

Most Christians are coerced into giving 10% of their income to church. It will benefit us all if we teach people to be generous rather than to nag them. How radical it will be to give away 20, 30, or even 80% of your income! Oh the miracles you’ll see if only you commit yourself to be generous! Give where there are fruits. Share your treasure with the poor and widows for that is the pure religion. Give joyfully and not out of obligation. Give where there is accountability.

By the way, you don’t need to give God anything to be blessed. God has already blessed you. You don’t need another person to stand in for you. Jesus did that! You are blessed because you belong to His family. This year, give God the best of your time, talent, and treasure and watch your life going to another level you’ve never dreamed before.

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2016: Year of Fulfilment

“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance” (Psalm 65:11 NIV).

It’s hard to believe but another new year has rolled in and most of us are full of eager anticipation. While some talk of uncertainty, most of us are ready to grab life by the horns and run with it. I believe and declare that 2016 will be a year of fulfilment. So dream BIG!

I’ve found that it is as easy to have a hopeful attitude as it is to be negative. Either way, it affects the outcome of our lives. Some people freeze to death in winter while others go skiing. When we’re purposeful and enthusiastic about life, we make history and change the world.

In 1952, a Kiwi mountain climber attempted to scale Mt. Everest at 29,000 feet but he was unsuccessful. Shortly after his experience, he was invited to give a speech in front of a packed audience.

In spite of his heroic attempt to top Mt. Everest, Hillary considered himself a failure. He stepped away from the microphone and walked to the edge of the platform. Clenching his fist at a picture of the summit, he shouted, “Mount Everest, you beat me the first time, but I’ll beat you the next time because you’ve grown all you’re going to grow…but I’m still growing!”

Soon after that, on May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Mount Everest. Since that day, thousands of climbers have achieved the same feat as the Kiwi.

Like Hillary, you may not have seen all of your success yet. You’ve labored hard and seen little fruit. Your business still hasn’t taken off. The sickness has lingered on and the wayward child has no sign of getting on the right path. If you’re feeling a little lost and uncomfortable, take courage from Sir Edmund Hillary. Greatness didn’t come to him in one attempt but he had to grow into it. You, too, are growing and this year will be the fulfilment of your dreams.

Friend, just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it’s never going to happen. God is working. If you stick with it and stay in faith it will happen!

High achievers are those who are intentional about their purpose. Don’t just accept the status quo and go with the flow. Inside each one of us is a sleeping giant. When we get intentional about our goals, dreams, and purpose, we will wake up the giant and conquer the world.

In Mark chapter 5, the Scripture records a story of a woman suffering with a condition of hemorrhaging for twelve years! She had come to meet Jesus but He was surrounded by people. Looking at her circumstances, this woman could have easily given up on her dream and gone home. She could have made dozens of excuses but she had her mind set. She thought to herself, “If I can put a finger on his robe, I can be healed.” Through sheer determination, faith, and iron-feast resolution, this poor woman touched the hem of Jesus and immediately, she was made whole. Jesus looked at her and said, “Daughter, you took a risk of faith and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!”

I believe God is telling us the same thing, “Live well, live blessed!” Let’s take some risk of faith. If we become intentional and trust God with our health, finances, and the salvation of our loved ones, God will do great miracles. Just like Sir Edmund never stopped growing and succumbed to a temporary setback, we should go forward and confront our fears head on. The woman with the issue of blood looked past her limitations and got her miracle. You have everything in you to succeed as well. Don’t die with the dream still in you. If you believe and keep a good attitude then you’ll experience mighty breakthroughs.

Keep growing. Be intentional. Be on the lookout for God’s goodness. He is going to open miraculous doors for you. He will shower you with favor. Good breaks are in your immediate future. He will give you the desires of your heart. Get excited and anticipate because I believe and declare 2016 will be your year of fulfilment. I love you and I’m praying for you!

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Flourishing Finish

“God will bring you to a flourishing finish” (Philippians 1:6 MSG). 

We all go through disappointments, loss, or betrayal but God never ends with a negative. It is natural to become discouraged, bitter, or even angry at God and people. However, if we keep the right attitude and don’t give up, He has promised to bring us to a flourishing finish.

The marathon was the final event of the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. The stadium was packed and the crowds erupted at the sight of the first athlete crossing the finishing line.

Way back behind everyone else, was John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania, cramping up due to the high altitude of the city. In the middle of the race, there was jockeying for a position between some runners and he fell to the ground injuring his knee and shoulder. However, he continued running. An hour later, when Akhwari entered the stadium, all but a small crowd remained.

Akhwari was the last among the 57 competitors of the 75 that started the race. When he was asked on the television camera why he continued running, he replied, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.”

In the same way, we’re all sent to finish the race. At one time, you believed that you could do something great. You believed to be healthy. You believed to fall in love and live happily ever after. You believed that you could start a business. You believed that you would go on that mission trip. But life happened and you have been knocked down a few times. You have not seen the fulfillment of your dream yet. Don’t resign to your fate and believed the “never” lies.

Friend, just like John Stephen Akhwari, God didn’t send you to planet earth to live a mediocre, unfulfilled, and unfished race. He put you here for a purpose. He didn’t create you to drag through life frustrated and unrewarded. He made you in His own image. He put seeds of greatness in you. You’re born to do great things. The sooner you embrace God’s plan, the faster you’ll begin to experience the miracles happening all around you.

In the last moments of Jesus’ life on earth, he needed his disciples to stand by Him. Yet, Peter denied Jesus three times. It was the ultimate betrayal! Later, Peter felt miserable. He abandoned the call of God and went back to fishing.

Today you may be sitting on the sideline, living a life of regret. Your thoughts hijack your mind thinking, “What could have been, or should have been, if I hadn’t made those wrong choices.”

There’s good news for you my friend. God knows all our faults and failures and yet, He loves us unconditionally. He doesn’t give us what we deserve; He has a flourishing finish waiting for us.

This is what happened to Peter (John 21). After Jesus rose from the dead, He found Peter and the other disciples fishing on the sea. They had toiled all night and caught nothing. At the instruction of Jesus, they cast their nets and they hauled the greatest catch. When Peter got to the shore, Jesus met him. Instead of displeasure, rebuke, or disappointment, Jesus restored Peter and invited him to a barbeque breakfast of fish and toast.

Today, you may be down, defeated, and discouraged but don’t give up. Like Akhwari, you’re sent to finish the race. No matter what your failure may have been, God waits to welcome you back. He wants to restore you and make you twice as successful as you’ve ever been. He wants to heal you. He wants to bring love into your life. He wants to restore your losses and give you double for your trouble. There’s a flourishing finish waiting for you. God will finish what He has started. Now do your part. Like Peter, Jesus is calling, “Follow me!” Will you? I know you will. I love you and I’m praying for you!

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Be Kind and Considerate

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).

Since childhood, we’ve been taught to be kind and considerate. We all want others to be kind to us but it’s hard to initiate these virtues. When we’re kind and considerate, we’re doing more than good deeds. We’re representing Christ and planting seeds for ourselves and our children.

A few weeks ago, I was running errands at the post office. As I entered the door, I saw an elderly lady carrying several boxes in her arms. I offered to hold the door open for her. After she put down her packages, she was about to go out and get some more from her car when I offered to help her.

Her whole back seat was full of packages for her kids and grandkids. After I put them down in the front of the clerk’s desk, we both stood in the line. She said, “Thank you.” I said, “Now you have to tell me a story.” She said, “What story?” I said, “Tell me something God has done for you that glorifies Him.” She said, “God miraculously healed my husband!” My eyes got real big as I said, “Tell me more.”

She said, “My husband was on a plane and he had been having a heart attack. He was breathing heavily and the passenger next to him complained to him. So he went and sat in the toilet the rest of the flight. After he got off the plane, he was rushed to the hospital and spent three months in the intensive care unit. God finally healed him.” 

I was so excited and asked her if I could pray for her husband. She said, “Sure.” Right there, standing in the post office line, I prayed a brief prayer of blessing over her and a healthy long life for her husband. When I said “amen” several others standing in the line joined in.

We finished our transactions at the post office and I was walking to my car when I heard, “Excuse me. Excuse me.” I turned around and there was another lady walking towards me. I was taken aback but I turned around and started walking towards her. She said, “I’m sorry to bother you but I heard you pray for the lady in the post office line. My husband has just had a heart attack. Would you please pray for him?” I said, “Yes ma’am.” I talked to her about how Jesus is still alive and he loves to heal and save people. Sheepishly, she said, “I know I should be in church but I haven’t in a long time.” I said, “Don’t worry. Jesus heals people even if we’re not church-goers.” Standing in the middle of the parking lot, I laid my hands on her shoulders and prayed for her husband. She was so relieved and promised that they’ll be in church the next Sunday.

We were just about to finish up our conversation when a young lady driving by stopped near us. She rolled down her window and shouted, “Hey, I just love what you did inside the post office and are now doing out here!”

Why am I telling you this elaborate story? I believe opportunities to be kind to others are all around us. If we’re not always in such hurry and focusing on our own agendas, we’ll find many people who are desperate for a touch from God. You may not be able to do anything big but can you open the door for an elderly lady? Will you be bold enough to pray in public? When you do, you’ll create a chain of events that will touch many lives.

Jesus was a champion at showing kindness to people. He made time for people. He was approachable. Even the children felt safe around him. He not only did mighty miracles but he had time to talk to ordinary folks like the Samaritan woman by the well. He made time to have dinner with the sinners and tax-collectors of his day.

Mark Twain said, “Kindness is the language in which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” This week, my challenge for you is to have an open heart. In traffic, let the person slip in front of you. Let go of a pet peeve with your child or spouse. Don’t join in the office gossip. If the boss is unreasonable, let it go. Forgive someone even if he/she hasn’t said sorry. One of the greatest inheritances you can ever leave your children is to teach them to be kind. Being considerate to others will take your children further in life than any formal education. Show them by example. This is the holiday season folks. Let’s be a little kinder and considerate to people whom God brings in our path.

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Love God and Love People

"'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Luke 10:27 NLT).

Christianity is at a crossroad. Some people are repelled by it while others are willing to give up their lives to follow Christ. In many instances, it may look like we’re on our back foot but the Bible assures us that His government and peace will have unlimited growth.

For centuries, Christians, leaders, and churches have tried to invent and reinvent the message of Christ. There’s nothing wrong discovering and growing in the knowledge of our infinite God; however, Jesus, the founder of our faith, gave us two basic commands.

The essence of Christianity is to love God and love people. 

Recently, I was visiting my brother’s family. They were returning from a worship concert when they stopped at a red light, a homeless man approached them. When they gave him a leather bag filled with medicine, toothbrush, cash, food, tracts, stationary, T-shirt, flashlight, and other basic necessities; the homeless man was dumbfounded. The first words that came out of his mouth were, “What the hell is that?” He couldn’t believe the kindness of total strangers!

I believe this is where Christianity is losing its flavor. We’ve become too private, intellectual, cynical, and judgmental of each other. People have taken advantage of us, so now we’re filtering our responses through our past experiences. This is not the best reflection of our faith.

Here’s the key: if you love God you will love people and vice versa!

In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), Jesus spoke about a wounded man who was bypassed by a priest and a Levite. Their reasoning may have been along the lines of he’s not part of our church, culture or faith therefore; he doesn’t qualify for our help. What if God treated us according to His high standards? Jesus crossed every creed, color, social, racial, and cultural barriers to reach people and so should we as His disciples.

Jesus taught us to love people – ALL people. It’s easier said than done but when this is our intent, the love of God has the power to transform society.

Recently, a 22-year-old Egyptian Christian woman lived out her faith in deed. Her former husband (from another faith) divorced her. After several years, she got married to a young Christian man and they had two beautiful children together. She was pregnant with their third when they decided to visit their former church to fellowship with other believers. In the city, they’re spotted by her former family members. They kidnapped her and pressed her to renounce her faith. When she refused to deny Christ, her own sister beheaded her in order to “teach a lesson” to other women who chose to follow Christianity. What would be our response in such situation?

God forbid that we have to face such brutal fate. However, there are million little ways we can impact others with the love of Christ. The scripture says, “The goodness of God leads people to repentance” (Romans 2:4).

Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”

A couple of months ago, my friend was driving home in her pickup truck when she saw a bunch of men working under the scorching sun. She was moved with compassion but didn’t have any water in her truck. She went home and brought back ice-cold water for the men working on the street. She didn’t have to preach that day because she was the Gospel.

Our action towards our fellow men is a direct reflection of our love for God.

Friend, if we want to encounter God in supernatural ways, it’s not good enough to dress in our Sunday best, clap our hands, and sing, “I love you Lord.” We have to live intentionally and love the crying, sighing, and dying people God brings on our path. Loving God means to reflect the same love Jesus showed us. When we unite in loving people, we’ll see a new move of the Holy Spirit sweeping through our nation like never before. Let us love God and Love people!

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Come Let Us Give Thanks

“Give thanks in all circumstances,¹ for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition celebrated in the United States. It’s a time of reflection and thanksgiving for all of the great things God has done in our lives. The commercialization of this great day has eroded a lot of its original meaning. However, it is still one of the most powerful traditions in American culture.

Thanksgiving, or giving of thanks, is a recurring theme in the Bible. One of the first mentions of thanksgiving is recorded in Genesis chapter 14. There, priest-king Melchizedek brought an abundant supply of food and wine to Abram (later renamed Abraham), along with Abram’s 318-member team of warriors to express their extraordinary victory against the king of Sodom, Gomorrah, Zeboyim, and the king of Bela.

“Melchizedek the king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:18-19).

Centuries later, after liberating the Hebrew people from 400 years of slavery, the Lord instituted two yearly thanksgiving holidays that celebrated the two harvest seasons.

While it is easy to celebrate thanksgiving when everything is going right in our lives, it is not so spontaneous or easy when we’re fighting a hardship, legal battle, prolonged sickness or even the loss of a loved one. It is hard to do but it can be done.

Horatio G. Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago with a lovely family — a wife, Anna, and five children. Their young son died from pneumonia in 1871, and in that same year, much of their business was lost in the great Chicago fire. Yet, God, in His mercy and kindness allowed the business to flourish once again.

On Nov. 21, 1873, the French oceanliner, Ville du Havre, was crossing the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe with 313 passengers on board. Among the passengers were Mrs. Spafford and their four daughters. Although Mr. Spafford had planned to go with his family, he found it necessary to stay in Chicago to help solve an unexpected business problem. He told his wife he would join her and their children in Europe a few days later.

About four days into the crossing of the Atlantic, the Ville du Harve collided with a Scottish ship, the Loch Earn. Within 12 minutes, the Ville du Harve slipped beneath the dark waters of the Atlantic, carrying with it 226 of the passengers including the four Spafford children.

A sailor, rowing a small boat over the spot rescued Mrs. Spafford. Upon her safe arrival in Wales, Anna wired her husband a message saying, “Saved alone, what shall I do?” Mr. Spafford booked passage on the next available ship and left to join his grieving wife. With the ship about four days out, the captain called Spafford to his cabin and told him they were over the place where his children went down. Overwhelmed and in great distress, Mr. Spafford penned the words to a timeless hymn:

It is Well with My Soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way | When sorrows like sea billows roll | Whatever my lot | Thou hast taught me to say I It is well, it is well with my soul |

Friend, if grieving Spafford can write such a powerful song of gratitude in such great distress, we all can find something to thank God for. Here’s the key: Don’t let something that was once a miracle become ordinary.

The more we talk about God’s goodness in the past, the more we draw in His blessings in the future! There are three areas you can always find something to thank God for. First, celebrate what God has done in the past. Second, be grateful for what God is doing in your life right now. Third, thank God for what He is about to do and the glorious future we have with Him in eternity. Remember the time you found love in your life. Thank God for the day your children were born. Thank Him for healing you from that dreaded disease. Remember, the many incidences of how God saved your life from accidents and calamities. Once you start counting your blessings there’s no stopping. This Thanksgiving, let us not only make it about food, fun, and family but let us give thanks unto our Lord who has done great things! Happy Thanksgiving!

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God Will Provide for Your Financial Needs

"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).

Worry is a universal problem; especially, during the holiday season. There’s nothing wrong with having passing thoughts or concerns but when worry dominates our mind, we’re missing out on God’s best for the present.

Arturo Toscanini was an Italian conductor. He was one of the most acclaimed musicians of the late 19th and of the 20th century; renowned for his intensity, his perfectionism, his ear for orchestral detail and sonority, and his photographic memory.

Once, shortly before a major concert in front of a packed audience, a member of Arturo Toscanini's orchestra approached the great conductor with an expression of complete terror on his face. "Maestro," the musician fretted, "my instrument is not working properly. I cannot reach the note of E-flat. Whatever will I do? We are to begin in a few moments." 

 

Toscanini looked at the man with utter amazement. Then he smiled kindly and placed an arm around his shoulders. "My friend," the maestro replied, "do not worry about it. The note E-flat does not appear anywhere in the music that you will be playing this evening."

How many times have we done the same?

Erma Bombeck said, “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.”

Worry keeps us busy but doesn’t solve any problems. The measure of our ability to enjoy life greatly depends on our aptitude to deal with worry. If you’re prone to worrying, you can get over it simply by training and channeling our focus to do what we can with what we have.

A recent survey by Readers Digest from 16 countries around the world showed money, family, health, and the state of the world as top concerns in 16 different countries around the world.

Money tops the worry list because it applies to us daily. Money is not the most important thing in life but it touches everything important in our lives. It is an age-old problem that has plagued mankind. Listen to what Jesus said about our daily needs:

“So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:31-33 NLT).  

While the promise is clear that God will take care of us, too many of us worry about our finances more than we ought to. Don’t just look at what you have but what God has reserved for you. Your paycheck is not your source. Don’t put your trust in your bank balance, stocks, or investments. Saving and living frugally are Godly principles but don’t put your faith in them. Make God your Source and you’ll never have to fret about money again.

With every bill, there’s a provision attached to it!

Once the tax-collectors came to Peter to collect what was owed. They didn’t have the money. Jesus told Peter, “Go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours" (Matthew 17:38 NIV). Friend, God knows what you need and how to get it to you. You’re insured!

Corrie ten Boom, who suffered inhumanely in a German concentration camp said, “Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

 

I wonder how different our lives would be if we stopped worrying about things we cannot control and started focusing on the things we can. Let today be the beginning of a worry-free life. God has you in the palm of His Hands. You’re a hand-picked child of the Most High and a privileged member of His family. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will provide. I pray and declare that you’ll have more than enough and plenty left over to bless the world.

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You’re a Magnet for God’s Blessings

“Truly, goodness and gracious love will pursue me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6 ISV).

We just got back from a mission trip to India and Nepal. Because of your prayers, love and support, we were able to reach over 60,000 people. We give God all the glory!

We literally met tens of thousands of people during our time there. Everywhere we went, God’s people asked us to pray for their problems. We did and prayers were answered.

One of the most common problems we heard was, “I’ve been walking right, doing right, and honoring God but still I’ve not seen any breakthroughs.” I’ve heard this statement many times in my life. Today, let us look at how to become a magnet for God’s blessings.

Let me start by saying this: if you’re walking in integrity, God will bless you. When you honor God with your life, you don’t have to look for the blessings because they will find you! No one can take a blessing that has your name on it.

Don’t be discouraged because your healing has not manifested yet. Let us not quit because your financial problems still exist. Do not despair if your loved one is not yet serving God. God knows what you need and how to get it to you.

This is what happened to a young lady on our recent trip to Nepal. Reshma is 19 years old. She is a new Christian and on fire for God. When she heard through someone that we were having a meeting, she decided to come in spite of having no transportation due to the oil shortage in the country. She came to the meeting very discouraged and despondent because she didn’t get selected for a medical scholarship. As she listened to our message, God gave her new hope and inspiration. We were able to comfort and connect with her after the meeting and now we’re looking at finding a scholarship for this young lady.

What happened? Reshma was in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. She was seeking God first worshipping Him. She wasn’t seeking a blessing, the blessing found her!

God will do the same for you. I’ve found three principles that will unleash God’s blessings upon your life.

First, DECIDE what you want. Too many God-loving people are drifting through life because they never identified what is it that they want. Jesus often asked people, “What do you want me to do for you?” Frequently, the needs were too obvious but still He took the time to ask this question. Why is that? I believe God wants us to decide what we want. If we want a spoonful of blessing, we’ll get just that. But if we dare to ask for big things, it will not bankrupt heaven. Today, I want you to be specific in your prayers and make sure to ask God for some BIG things. God can do in a split second what you can do on your own in a lifetime.

Second, DECLARE what you want. You cannot have a poor mouth and expect to live a rich life. Do not sabotage your blessing by speaking words contrary to God’s Word. Wake up every morning and say, “I’m blessed. I’m confident. I’m secure. I’m healed. I’m highly favored. I have the mind of Christ. Something good will happen to me today.” The Bible says, “You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you” (Job 22:28 NAS).

Third, EXPECT God’s blessings to find you. Most people give up on their dreams because it hasn’t happened in their timetable. Don’t let that be you. If God was to pull back the curtains and show you what He’s about to pour down on you, you would be amazed. Friend, you’ve come too far to turn back now. Healing is yours. Prosperity is yours. Peace and joy are yours. Goodness and mercy and forgiveness are yours. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. You’re about to enter into your Promised Land. Be specific and call in your blessing throughout the day. Expect good things to happen to you and your loved ones and begin to thank God for the miracles He has done in the past. When you do these things, you’ll be amazed how God’s blessings will chase you down. Like a magnet, the blessed life will follow you around. I love you and I’m praying for you!

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Loving People to Jesus

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples" (John 13:35 NLT).

The world has become more cynical, suspicious, and void of loving one another. We’re constantly doubting, trying to second guess people’s intentions, and putting up our walls. I believe that God wants us to love one another.

Most churches have stopped teaching people to love one another. For the most part, churches are filled with “recycled Christians.” The messages from the pulpits are mostly geared to sedate the congregation and keep them from leaving. The aggressive (not obnoxious) brand of Christianity has disappeared and we’re operating on the back foot defensive position. This may sustain us for a while but we cannot win games operating from our defensive position.

Yesterday I was shopping with a visiting pastor from India. I took him to a nice store to buy him some new clothes. While shopping, I came across a tall, dark, and handsome young man trying out a suit. He looked unsure of himself. He was alone so I told him that the jacket looked a bit too tight. He went and found another one. I was just chitchatting with him while shopping around. When I asked him what the occasion for the new jacket was, he said, “I’m getting married!” I was so happy for him and congratulated him.

When we were done shopping and were checking out, I felt impressed upon my heart to bless this young man by paying for his wedding suit. My first thought was, “Get behind me Satan!” Deep in my heart I knew that the enemy would never inspire me spend hundreds of dollars to help a stranger. Thankfully this time, I was sensitive enough to obey the Holy Spirit.

I called the young man, who by now had picked up a nice suit for his big day, to the counter. I asked, “What is your name?” He said, “Ibrahim.” He greeted me with a Muslim greeting and whispered, “I’m a Muslim.” I gave him a big hug and said, “That’s ok. I’m a follower of Jesus.” I said, “Listen, I want you to know that Jesus loves you and I love you. I’m so proud of you and the new life you’re about to start together with your beautiful girl!” He promptly pulled out his wallet to proudly show me the picture of his beautiful fiancé. I said, “Ibrahim, I love you brother. I’d like to buy you this suit for your special day.” He was shocked!

 

All he could say was, “I’m floored! I’m floored!” I said, “It’s no big deal I love you and Jesus has an amazing future for your family!” He choked up and had tears in his eyes. Before we left, I prayed for him right there in the middle of the store asking Jesus to come into Ibrahim’s heart. An hour later I got a text from Ibrahim saying, “I forgot to tell you the day I’m getting married is the day of my birthday turning 30 years old. What you did for me means a lot Mr. Anderson.” He invited me to his wedding to be a part of their celebration. Ibrahim is infected by God’s love and he will never be the same again. Would you please pray for Ibrahim?

Why am I telling you this story? You see, I believe God is always bringing people into our lives —lives that we can touch and win for our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are sensitive enough to recognize God’s purpose and love on people instead of criticizing them and pointing fingers at them, we’ll live in a whole new world.

Jesus demonstrated the art of loving people. He was the only perfect Man but He never condemned anyone. He simply loved on people and the power of God’s love did the rest. Remember the Samaritan women at the well (John 4)? Jesus knew all about her lifestyle but instead of condemning her, He gently circled her in with His love. As a result, not only did she accept the Messiah but she brought the whole town to Jesus! You too can do the same.

Christianity is at its best when it’s shared!

Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Friends, let us love people not only with our lip-service but through deeds as well. Don’t just be a consumer Christian. Let’s not go to church and warm the pews for decades. Let us get in the game and be on the offensive. If our lives are not producing fruits unto Jesus, we’ve lost our first love. Today, I’m encouraging us to tear down the walls. Let us love, trust, and believe in people. Reach out and start a dialog with your neighbor. Invite a co-worker to church. Pray with someone who is going through a rough patch. Be kind to a total stranger. When we love people, the Holy Spirit will draw them unto Jesus. I love you and I believe in you!

Spread Your Influence: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay Inspired: https://www.facebook.com/SandyAndersonLive

See Your Impact: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125710914@N05/