The Gospel Has No Power Until...

Mission Trip to China (October 2011)

In our busy schedule, pursuits of life and responsibilities, it is easy to forget there is a world out there waiting to hear the Good News for the first time. As professing Christians, we’re commanded to spread the Gospel beyond our families, communities and the four walls of our churches. Because the Gospel has no power until it is shared.

Before Jesus returned to heaven, he left us with one command, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel," so that He can return. But statistically, world missions is the one thing Christians have neglected the most. We've built cathedrals and more beautiful buildings on larger acreage. We've broadcasted the Message to the same people 24/7. We've built auditoriums and gymnasiums so our young people can be protected from worldly influences. None of this is wrong in itself. But alas, how we got our priorities wrong!

When you think of return on investment (ROI), the mission field in Asia has the best ROI. This month, one piece of Gospel tract saved a whole family in India. A sick cow’s being healed turned another family to follow Christ. Pastor Nayak was murdered in Orissa, India—he paid the ultimate price to bring the Gospel to people who have never heard His name—once! This month, two Indonesian churches were burned down to the ground; but the believers continue to meet.

Friend, when you partner with us, you join hands with workers in Asia who are winning souls for Jesus every day. Regardless of hardship, persecution and even death, missionary workers are reaching the most unreached. They are healing the sick, baptizing and discipling new souls to Christ and planting them in local churches. I encourage you to team up with our ministry. Your partnership will credit souls to your name, strengthen the Asian workers and expand the Kingdom of God on earth.

We are praying for you: “My beloved is to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58.

Join Sandy transform lives, check out: http://www.buildinternational.org

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#1 Skill of a Successful Person

Communication. The degree of success a person will achieve depends on the skill he/she has to communicate.

Just the other day a friend told me, “Don’t send me text messages on the phone.  I prefer you call.”  I took a note of that.  I have another friend, who says, “Any time you want to ‘talk’ to me, just send me an email.”  People are different.  Not everybody likes to communicate the same way.   Here are the top tips in a nutshell for you.

General guidelines for Communication

1.  Take genuine interest in the person you’re talking to.  Ask people about themselves and they’ll talk for hours.

2.  Make eye contact.  It is the window to a person’s heart.

3.  Master the art of listening.
4.  Use body language.  Researchers say 70% of what you communicate is in the body language.
5.  Ask the other person’s opinion on the subject.

6.  Speak in short intervals.  Do not monopolize the conversation.

7.  Be enthusiastic when you speak or listen to some- one.  Lean forward.
8.  Be curious and show empathy.

9.  Express your sense of humor and laugh at theirs (even if you’ve heard it before.)

10.  Shut up.   Harness the will to remain silent after you’ve asked a question.

Communicating by phone

1. Prepare before you call.
2. Smile and say something positive.  It puts the person on the other side at ease.

3. Get personal.  Give your name and ask for his/hers.

4. If you’re making the call ask permission, “Do you have a minute or five to talk?”
5. Know and state the purpose of the call.  “…the reason I’m calling is …”
6. If you’re receiving the call, first, listen.
7. Agree as much as possible.  Never argue.

8. Ask questions.  Understand before you seek to be understood.

9. End conversation on an “up” note.
10. Speak clearly, slowly and repeat your phone number if you leave a voice mail.

Communicating by Email/Letters

1. Make the email subject line clear and interesting. Otherwise it may not get read.

2. Stick to the topic.  Multiple themes and requests get ignored.  Better to send multiple emails.
3.Reply to personal emails.  It confirms to the sender that you’ve received it and eliminate misunderstanding.

4. Keep your inbox clean.  Reply, forward or delete message immediately.

5. Include the previous message when replying to questions for clarity.

6. Don’t send BCC email to people in CC.
7. Do not send email when you can communicate orally.

8. Ask for permission before putting them on mass mail list, and offer a way to “unsubscribe.”

9.  If you are writing to a larger audience, pick one person you know and write to that person.

10. Add signature with your name and contact information.

Keep communicating!

For more Life Lessons and to join Sandy transform lives, check out: http://www.buildinternational.org

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What You Do Comes Back to You

Andrew Valdez was born in New Mexico but migrated to Salt Lake City, Utah. Losing his father at a young age forced Andrew to work on the street as a shoe-shiner. At the age of eight, he began selling newspapers on the corner of Main Street and 200 South in Salt Lake City. One day when Valdez was 10 years old, he met a man named Jack Keller. Pretty soon, Jack became his regular newspaper customer. As the relationship developed between them, Keller took Valdez under his wings and introduced him to the world of tennis and folks at the country club. Valdez excelled in tennis but he couldn’t help but notice that the finest clothed people at the country club were lawyers. So he decided to become a lawyer. Consequently with the help of Keller’s mentoring, Valdez entered Law School at the University of Utah and went on to become a successful lawyer.

Over the years they lost track of each other. Forty years later, everything came full circle when Andy, found Jack Keller begging in front of a store. He was filthy and suffering from dementia. Immediately, Andy got Jack off the streets and provided Jack care and dignity for the remainder of his life. Today, Judge Andrew Valdez deals with troubled kids, giving help and setting a role model for them to become contributing members in society. Judge Valdez’s story reminds us that with the help and love of another, anyone can achieve anything in life. It is also a reminder to each of us of where we came from and who helped us along the way. No matter who we are, what color our skin or what our country of origin is, there are far more similarities than differences between us.

Being a minister, working in the non-profit sector, I have found God will bring people into your lives that are directly linked to your own destiny. These people are not necessarily to help you but you are to help them. Your success lies at their success. It means, you may have to open doors for them. It involves you introducing them to someone you know. The more efficiently and willingly you help them, the faster and higher you’re going to go. Pushing them up will automatically bring you to a higher level. Over the course of my life, I’ve had hundreds of people pushing me up. In return, I’ve dedicated my life to those who have no voice and lack opportunities.

You may say, "Sandy, I have no one to help me!" But you do. None of us got here on our own. Someone made a positive deposit in your life. Had it not been for that person, you wouldn’t be here today. Best of all, the Creator of the universe, God Almighty is not only with you, but He also is for you. Jesus said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5.

Once, the Israelites were fighting a battle with the Amalekites. Moses the leader had a deal with God. As long as Moses held his rod and arms up in the air, the Israelites prevailed. But when his hands came down, the enemy had the advantage. Assessing the situation, Aaron, Moses’ brother, and Hur came to help and held up the heavy arms of Moses. Amazingly, this one small act by two small players brought about a great victory for the Israelites. (Exodus 15:8-13).

This is what happens when you push people up. You may think your contribution is insignificant; but in the long run, it’s the little things that turn people into great beings.

I remember when I was in grade school; boys and girls alike, had to learn sewing. Being a boy, it didn’t come easy for me in my class. But we had a teacher called Ms. Grape who I found favor with. In every sewing class, she stood by me and helped me finish my sewing project. She told me that I could do it and showed me how. She invested extra time on me teaching me to sew. Years later, I not only learned how to sow; but I can clearly remember the kindness Ms. Grape showed me. I couldn’t repay her then but now she is made famous by your reading about her kindness.

Friend, look for ways to be good to people. You may not be able to give a job to someone; but like Jack Keller, you can buy “newspaper” from somebody who needs that income. You may not be able to fight a war; but like Aaron and Hur, you can encourage someone who is going through a rough time. You may not be able to send someone to college; but like my teacher Ms. Grape, you can teach something practical to someone you know.

You don’t necessarily have to do anything big – buy someone a lunch. Give a ride to someone; take them to church. Bake a cake for your elderly neighbor. If you meet a stranger, introduce them to someone you know who can help them. Like Jack Keller, mentor someone. Speak well of somebody when others are speaking down on that person. Friend, when you’re good to people, you’ll store up rewards for yourself. One day those rewards, gathering up in clouds will get so thick and heavy that it will begin to rain down on your life. It will refresh you when you need it the most, when going through your worst. Friend, God wants to be good to you; but first, you must plant a few seeds. The scripture says, “You will always harvest what you plant." I am praying for you!

If you’re looking for ways to help someone, please take the time to visit our website (http://www.buildinternational.org). There are many ways you can push people up, costing you hardly anything. Remember, in this beautiful thing called life, no one makes it alone. Somebody is waiting for you to be their miracle!

For more Life Lessons and to join Sandy transform lives, check out: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay inspired on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/BUILDInternational

What to Do in Tough Times

Last summer, outside our post office, I noticed a tiny plant squeezing through the crack in the parking lot. I was taken back at the ability of that little plant to force through the cement. Every time we'd visit the post office my kids would run to see it and say, "Look Dad, the plant is still here!" Everyday hundreds of cars would spew the plant with fume and exhaust. But every time we'd pass by that plant we'd see growth and increase in spite of tremendous opposition.

One day the Holy Spirit said to me, "Like the little seed, I've put everything inside you to blossom, prosper and bear fruit. Don't let the negative circumstances of your life squeeze the seed of the Word of God from your life."

If you’re facing some challenges today, let me remind you that the Almighty God has a wonderful plan for your life. He breathed His LIFE inside of you. He put a stamp of approval on you. Seeds of greatness are in you. His dynamite Spirit lives inside of you. Just like the little seed in the concrete, you too, can break forth in a difficult situation.

I encourage you to see yourself as a conqueror. Life will throw some curves at you but like that little plant in the smog and concrete, you too can prosper. You can blossom where you are planted.

I want to share a few tips that will help you to excel if you’re facing a famine this year.

1. Sanctify yourself. Before God can release us to a new level of victory He wants a new level of spiritual cleansing and maturity from us. Before crossing river Jordan and entering in to the promised land, Joshua told the Israelites, "Sanctify yourselves." (Joshua 3:5). Friend, God is never the problem. We are. Let us make sure we stand before God clean!

2. Pursue significance. Success is what you think you have achieved. Being significant is when other people reap the benefit of your accomplishment long after you're gone. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Everyone has the power of greatness. Not for fame, but for greatness. Because greatness is deter- mined by service." Remember, you can spend your time, resources and energy to benefit yourself. Or you can live unselfishly and make an eternal difference in your family, community and country.

3. Put on a new attitude. You cannot be significant with a poor, defeated, can't do it attitude. If you want to rise to the next level, you have to put on a "can do" attitude. Remember the ten spies? Only two out of twelve entered the promised land. Why? They said, "We were like grasshoppers in our own sight." (Numbers 13:33). Friend, you are bought with a price, cleansed with the precious blood of Jesus. Your sins are forgiven and your iniquities have be blotted out. How you see yourself will determine where you'll go with your life.

4. Speak how you want things to be. Your life will follow your mouth. When we're going through a rough patch we're tempted to magnify our problem. We're quick to pick up the phone and announce our problems to the world. We become doubtful and loose hope. I challenge you this year to speak the Word of God into and over your situation.

5. Get involved in world missions. Every miracle Jesus did was associated with reaching the lost. If you want God's abundant favor in your life, get involved in saving souls for Christ in foreign lands. There are millions of people who have never heard the name of Jesus - once! Do something about it. We can help!

Remember Charles Dickens', "It was the best of times and the worst of times?" Your thoughts, words and attitude will determine how this year turns out for you. God's plan is to give you double for all your trouble. Isaiah 61:7.

For more Life Lessons and to join Sandy transform lives, check out: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay inspired on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/BuildInternational

Living Free of Offenses

Have you ever  been offended?  No matter how perfect we live, we all are faced with offenses.  Maybe someone ignores  you in the church.  Maybe someone cheats you out of a promotion. Maybe your spouse doesn’t understand how hard you work to pay the bills or you feel overwhelmed not getting any help on the home front.  No matter what, offenses will come. How we deal with offenses will determine the quality of our lives.

Offense comes from a Greek word meaning, --"bait."  It was used in the context of luring animals into a trap.  I remember in the early years of my traveling ministry how I used to get offended at the smallest gesture of questioning by airport and immigration officers.  Traveling on an Indian passport wasn't easy back in those days.  I had to fight through incredible opposition to obtain a visa or an airline ticket to fly.  I felt discriminated against.  So, when an airline employee or an immigration officer questioned me, I would interpret that as a personal insult.  Now, I realize that it really wasn't their fault. It was my own insecurity working as a bait to lure me into an offense.  Since then I learned, anytime I see more negative in people than positive, I'm the one who needs to change!

If you struggle dealing with offenses as I used to, one of the best things you can do is to forgive quickly Understand that the real enemy is working behind the scene trying to lure you into the trap.  Have you ever read the directions on a stain remover? The directions will tell you to get to the stain as quickly as possible, preferably while it is still fresh.  Why?  Because the longer you let that stain sit the harder it gets to remove it. It's the same with the "stains" of our minds and hearts.  The longer we allow the offense to sit, the more we replay that offense in our mind the harder it becomes to forgive which eventually turns into a root of bitterness.

Recently I heard a story about Joe who was bitten by a dog.  He was rushed to the doctor and told that he tested positive for rabies.  Joe immediately began to write down a list.  The doctor said, "Oh no sir, you're not going to die.  We've got vaccine for it.  You don't have to write out your will."  Joe replied, "No sir, this is not my will, these are all the people I'm going to bite!" Don't try to pay people back.  Just let it go!

Practical Steps You Can Take:

1.  Check your own heart. When you hear an offensive remark, check  your own heart.  Could there be something with you? The Bible says if we judge ourselves, we will not be judged. (Matt. 7:1).

2. Learn to forgive quickly. Give people the benefit of the doubt.  Remember, God treats your trespasses in the same manner you treat others.  (Matt. 18:35).

3.  Stop pressing the Replay button. When we're offended we tend to play the offense in our mind over and over.  Resist the temptation to relive it, instead press the delete button.  Do the same with cell phone messages , emails or letters that have of- fended you.  Refuse to go back to them, and stop contemplating how you can get your revenge.  (Phil. 4:8).

4.  Be slow to respond. You’ll be amazed how your feelings will change if  you allow 23 hours to respond.  James 1:19.

5.  Show mercy. People have deep wounds, bad days and multiple problems.  If you had any idea what the person was going through behind the scenes, you'd never have taken offense in the first place.  When you show mercy, it lets them know there's a God who cares, even in their imperfection.  (Eph. 5:1-2).

Friend, anybody can lash out. Anybody can make a sarcastic remark. You can either lower yourself down to their level or lift the standard for them to come up higher.  Instead of calling a friend and ask their take on it, forgive, show mercy and pray for the offender, remembering, you too need forgiveness.

For more Life Lessons and to join Sandy transform lives, check out: http://www.buildinternational.org

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Speaking Blessing Over Your Child

Recently, I watched a movie (Taare Zameen Par) about an eight-year-boy, Ishaan, who had dyslexia. His parents were not very understanding toward him and they punished him for not working hard at school.

One day, a new art teacher bursts onto the scene and infects the students with joy and optimism. He breaks all the rules of "how things are done" by asking the students to think, dream and imagine. All the children respond with enthusiasm, all except Ishaan.
With time, patience and care, the teacher discovers that not a word of affirmation, encouragement or faith has been spoken over this child by his parents. He meets with Ishaan's parents and tells them a story. He tells them of the natives in the Solomon Islands. When they need land for farming, they gather around a tree and curse it by speaking bad, demeaning words to it. Eventually, the tree dies and falls over.

True or not, it is a powerful allegory. Whether you're a parent, grand parent, teacher or in a position of authority, you can speak LIFE into the people God brings in your path.
Parents need wisdom to raise their children in a healthy, wholesome atmosphere in their home. I, as a parent (who has made many mistakes), want to share five practical tips to help you.

1. Speak blessing over your child. Fathers, this applies especially to you. Even God voiced His approval before His Son began His public service (Mark 1:11). Every time you speak blessing, approval and encouragement to your child, you instill self-esteem, confidence and courage into them. Overlook flaws and instead praise your child when he does something right. Remember, your child has your DNA; good or bad, it originates from you!

2. Train your child. King Solomon, in his wisdom, wrote, "Train up a child and they shall not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:8) The best thing you can do for your children is to deposit the Word of God in them. Put the Word of God (and His principles) in them when they do not need it, and it will come out of them when they do need it. Children cannot figure out what you expect of them. Instruct, drill and demonstrate until it becomes a part of them. Remember, whatever training your children receive from you in the first twelve years, is most likely how they will behave the rest of their lives.

3. Discipline your child. Children need boundaries. Whether you believe in corporal or capital punishment, make sure to enforce it. Charles Manson, a notorious criminal who murdered scores of people, was sentenced for crime at the age of thirteen. Left to himself at a young age, Manson had no boundaries. Remember, an occasional hand of blessing applied to the seat of your child will not kill him, but it will most certainly bring correction and direction for his life. Unlike pop culture, which lauds a spirit of entitlement, remind your children that when they do not obey, they are exercising their right to be disciplined!

4. Smile! You are on candid camera! In life, more is caught than taught. You can tell children about obedience, respect and discipline, but unless you display the same character in your everyday life, it will be of no effect. Whether you realize it or not, your children are like walking cameras, mentally recording everything they see you do. If you do not treat your spouse with love, honor what is noble, and show respect for authorities, you can expect the same from your children toward their siblings, classmates, teachers and society.

5. Talk to God. Mothers, the most powerful weapon in your arsenal is prayer. You can worry or you can pray. Prayer is more effective.

Here is a sample prayer I pray over my children: "Father, I bless (name your children). They have the mind of Christ. They can do anything that comes their way today. My children are good-looking, intelligent, and full of excellence and favor. People just want to be good to them. They will be leaders and not followers. Thank you, Father, that they have your creativity and positive attitude. They are a blessing to our family and to everybody they meet. They are blessed and no evil shall come near them."
Parents, show your children how much you love them. Talk to your child, touch and hug them often, and spend time with them. Remember, you can only expect from them what you put in them.

God bless you and your family!

Sandy Anderson is the President of Build International Ministries. He is a writer, speaker, and minister. He has traveled to over 40 countries around the world.

Sandy's life aspiration is to empower others to become all that God created them to be. His Life Lessons Radio broadcast reaches millions in Asia.

Sandy is based in Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.A.

For more Life Lessons and to join Sandy transform lives, check out: http://www.buildinternational.org

Stay inspired on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/BUILDInternational

Coping with Stress in Relationships

It is God’s will for us to enjoy and have meaningful relationships in our lives.  He made men and women to complement each other (not better than each other).  His purpose for us is to live in harmony and celebrate our differences.  Regardless of our marital status, deep in our hearts we all long to be in a loving, accepting relationship.  We’re created to receive and give love.  However, many of us struggle to build quality relationships.  We lack understanding and practical tools.  We frustrate ourselves and each other because we don’t know how to understand our mate and be understood.

Men prefer time alone to cope with stress and problems.  They process life in “boxes.”  Have you ever noticed how men go into their “boxes” when they want to relieve themselves from stress?  Newspaper, football and basketball court, TV and computer screen, a bed are all shaped like boxes!  Men tend to handle life best by compartmentalizing their lives tackling one problem at a time.

What she can do:  Show him that you care by giving him a hug or a kiss.  But most importantly, give him the space to be alone to relieve his tension.  Don’t tell him what to do unless he asks.  Trust him that he will be able to solve his problems alone and come out victorious.  Express your admiration for his ability to handle stress on his own but don’t bombard him with questions.  That makes him feel inadequate and your lack of confidence in him.

Women work thru problems in a more intricate way.  When they feel under stress, they need to talk and share their feelings about everything (good, bad and the ugly).  They need to connect with someone who will listen without being judgmental of how they feel.  During these times, her immediate goal is not finding solutions to the problems but someone to understand and accept how she feels.  She does not want to be told that what she is feeling is wrong.  At this time, she’s looking for a shoulder not a mouth (lecture).

What he can do:  When women talk about problems, men automatically think that he is being blamed and she’s is making him responsible for her unhappiness.  So very soon men start to get out of the conversation or put up a defensive wall.  Understand that women need to process their feelings by verbalizing them.  She’s not blaming you or looking for a solution when she expresses her feelings of frustration.  Your feeling of being “attacked” is temporary.  The sooner she feels understood, validated and accepted the faster her hopelessness will disappear. 

Give her the “gift” of your attentive listening ears, keeping eye contact, and asking caring questions.  Touch or hold her gently in your arms and tell her how important and valuable she is to you.  You can score really big if you can listen without getting critical of how she feels and providing solutions to her problems.

Also before you retrieve to deal with your own stress, let her know that you’re not upset with her.  When she feels secure in her relationship with you, she’ll not come after you trying to mend things.  Without this she feels she has done something wrong and tries to reach out bombarding you with questions and unsolicited solutions.

Trust your man to solve his problems alone unless he asks for your input.  Allow your wife to express her feelings without criticizing, interrupting or offering solution.

For more Life Lessons and to join Sandy transform lives, check out:  http://www.buildinternational.org/

Stay inspired on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/BUILDInternational

There's Plenty For You

Several years ago, Cassandra, my daughter, asked me, "Can  you get me some yarn, Daddy?"  My immediate response was, "Sure honey." 

A couple of hours later she said, "Thank you Daddy."  I said, "What for?" 

Cassandra said, "For getting me the yarn."  I said, "But I've not gotten it for you yet!"  She said, "I know  you will."

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "God is able to make ALL grace abound toward you, that you, ALWAYS having ALL sufficiency in ALL things, may have an ABUNDANCE for every good work."  Do you notice the ALLs?  Knowing our natural tendency to doubt and worry, God wanted to make sure we understand that we're fully covered.  Like my daughter Cassandra, He wants us to have peaceful confidence that our Father in heaven will take good care of us.  He wants to supply for us in ABUNDANCE!  Why?

Verse 10 says, "He who supplies SEED to the SOWER (that's you); and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness."  Friend, God's primary purpose is to bless you so that YOU CAN BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS.  I'm here to remind you that YOUR GOD has not forgotten you.  He recalls every time you stretched yourself to help someone else.  He remembers and keeps record of your giving to help others and expand God's Kingdom.  He remembers the encouragement you gave to people when you were down yourself.  He sees your consistency to be a blessing.

With the ongoing economic crisis around the world and the rising cost of living, it is easy to feel overwhelmed about how we're going to make ends meet.  I know too many people right now who are worried about making their house payments, car payments or their children's education.

Friends, I have good news for you. You need to realize that your job is not your source.  Our business or the strength of our economy is not our source. God who made the streets of heaven with gold is our Source.  He decorated the universe with sparkling stars.  He clothes the fields with beautiful flowers.  He feeds the birds.  Do you think He will run out of resources to meet your need?  No.  He has plenty for you, and lots left over so you can share with others.

You say, "Sandy, you're just getting my hopes up.  Clearly there's a recession.”  You're right.  I am getting your hopes up.  The Bible says, "Without faith (hope) it is impossible to please God."  So what can you do to tap into God's abundance for you?

1.  Keep your heart clean.  Get rid of any toxin in your life.  Don’t allow any resident sin big or small, to control  you.  If you’re in doubt, ask the Holy Spirit.  He loves to guide us into all truth.

2.  Change your thinking.  Your thinking has everything to do with the quality of life you'll live.  If you have a mediocre, barely-get-by mind set, you'll live a mediocre life.

3.  Turn up your expectation.  God will meet us at the level of our expectation.   Expect something specific and something good.  God loves to see you putting your confidence in Him!

4.   Sow in famine.  In Genesis 26 you'll read how Isaac sowed in famine AND reaped a hundredfold.   Friend, God is not "after your wallet."  When He says “give”, He's saying, “Tap into My abundant supply.”

5.  Focus on increase not conservation.  In a time of not enough, it is easy to get caught up in holding onto things, especially our finances.  But if we do that, we become like the Dead Sea where no living creatures can live. If you become a conduit God will make you very prosperous.

Friend, God has 1001 ways to meet your needs.  There's plenty for you.  Will you put your quiet confidence in God and thank Him for taking care of you today?  I am praying for you!

For more Life Lessons and to join Sandy transform lives, check out:  http://www.buildinternational.org/

Stay inspired on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BUILDInternational

Location, Location, Location

In real estate terms, location is everything. Depending on its location a certain piece of property can be worth a fortune or amount to nothing. Sometimes it is a marginal as which side of the “track” the property is located. In real estate, location is the key to the value of the property. Likewise, there is a spiritual and emotional place where God has reserved for us in abundance, health, peace and prosperity.

In Genesis 19: 22, God told Lot, Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there. I find it interesting that the Ruler of the universe couldn’t do anything to help Lot until he got there. I believe there is place of maturity where the Lord wants to take us before He can release the breakthrough in our lives.

After I graduated from college in India, I was offered a secure job, prominence and an inheritance by two single ladies (we called them aunties) who raised me after my mother died when I was one year old. It made every sense in the natural to take their offer and settle down in life. But deep in my heart, I knew God had something bigger for my life. I politely turned the offer down and moved to the neighboring country of Nepal. I had no roots there – the language, culture, food, everything was foreign to me. Nepal being the land of the Everest, the weather affected me the most. I was freezing every winter wearing Chinese made cloth shoes that the locals called, “Kung Fu Shoes!” Nothing made sense in the natural, but God had a plan for my life that had to begin with my change of location. Like Abraham, He uprooted me from everything I was accustomed to in India and planted me in a totally new environment. That was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Since then in the last twenty five years, by the grace of God, I have ministered in more than 40 countries around the world. I’ve met people, seen places and experienced things in life that most people can only dream about. God has given me such a rich life experience; it started when I changed my address. For you, it may not mean change of a physical place but it can be a spiritual or an emotional state of tranquility.

My friend, are you in a place where you’re feeling stretched and uncomfortable? Is there a stirring going on in your heart? Maybe you are comfortable but deep in your heart, you’re not satisfied. You know there is more to life than the daily grind. Like Zacchaeus in the Bible, does your soul reach out for more than what the natural eyes meet? I have good news for you! There IS more.

Do you know how a pearl is made? A pearl is created by a living organism when a little grain of sand gets into an oyster. Over many months and years of irritation and natural process, that grain of sand develops into a beautiful pearl. If you had asked the oyster, it will tell you the irritation is not comfortable yet one day it pops out a pearl! In the same way, you are a pearl in the making. There may be a few irritations in your life right now that may be holding you back from where you want to be. If you endure and go through the process of change, your little grain of irritation will turn into a priceless pearl.

God is far more interested in changing us than changing our circumstances! Because when we change, our circumstances change automatically; and it’s permanent. God wants us to climb up higher in our character, in our actions and in our maturity. The Scripture says, He has made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6. What are you doing under your circumstances? It’s time to step up!

Bruce and his wife had been in the insurance business for years. It was his life and livelihood. In the last several years due to economic downturn and change of laws, their business had been struggling. They talked things over and realized that the pressure was affecting everything in their lives. They decided to quit insurance and start another business. Shortly after that Bruce wrote to me, Miss the income, not the headache. Of course they missed the income, but they understood that the stress was not worth losing their peace, health and each other. Bruce and his wife made a smart choice, instead of remaining in a draining business, they changed their business outfit. It's enabling them to live happier, healthier and longer.

Sometimes, you have to let go of the old, before God can put anything new in your hands. Don’t be afraid to enter a new place in your life.

Amanda goes to my church. She struggled with drugs and alcohol for 13 years! Her father was a drug abuser and an alcoholic, so there was no role model for her. To dull her emotional pain, Amanda turned to alcohol as a teenager. Through various experiences, Amanda was brought to the lowest point of her life, yet she had a sincere heart. Deep inside, she always knew this wasn’t God’s best for her. Like the prodigal son, Amanda came to herself. She surrendered to God and He delivered her from the addiction of drugs and alcohol. Amanda has been sober for nine months, married and is expecting a baby boy! Friend, God wants to free you from drugs, addictions, spending out of control and anger. But you must come to the place called there and that is at the foot of Calvary where His blood was shed to bring you freedom. With God, you can overcome anything no matter how long it has been!

Friend, I believe God is preparing a higher ground for you. His plan is to prosper you and propel you to a level you’ve never imagined before. Like He did with me, Bruce and Amada, He wants to bring you to a place of significance, peace and deliverance. Accept God’s provision. Where you are right now is far more important than where you have been in the past. But He wants to take you places you’ve never dreamed of. Hurry up! God cannot do anything until you get there!

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You Have Comeback Power

One day a farmer's donkey fell into a dry well. The helpless animal cried pitifully for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the donkey was old, and the well needed to be covered up, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the old donkey or saving the well.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They each grabbed a shovel and began to throw dirt into the well. At first, the donkey didn’t realize what was happening and it cried even more. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well, and was astonished at what he saw. As every shovel of dirt hit his back, the donkey did something amazing. With every shovel of dirt falling on its back the donkey would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed; the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and began to kick the snot out of the farmer and his neighbors! Ok, so it may not be exactly how the story ended, but in life people will throw dirt at you and try to keep you “down in the well.” The secret is to learn how to shake it off and turn it into a stepping stone to your advantage. Never stop and give up in what is a seemingly hopeless situation. Often the dirt that was meant to bury you, God will use to promote you. Jesus said it this way, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels--a plentiful harvest of new lives. John 12:24

You see, just because certain things looks dead or dormant in your life doesn’t mean there isn’t any activity going on underneath. The scripture says, the Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Psalm 138:8. That means right now, God is working on our behalf to resurrect the dead things in our lives. He is equipping you with comeback power.

I know people who are down, depressed and decommissioned from life because they have been mistreated by a loved one, a co-worker, a church member or by a family member. Friend, I have good news for you. Just because you’ve had some setback in life doesn’t mean God has written you off. The best days of your life are just in front of you. Put on a new attitude and a new perspective. The scripture says, He will give you beauty for ashes and turn your mourning into joy. Isaiah 61:4. You will rise again from the dust of your ashes. You have come back power within you.

The mother of all comeback stories is the death of our Lord. At the time of Jesus’ death, it looked like the enemy had gotten the best of Him. The Savior of the world was now hanging on a cross, helpless and without a future. Bystanders mocked Him; you saved others, now save yourself. It was painful and shameful, but Jesus did not comment on his temporary “defeat.” He quietly understood this principle – He had comeback power. He knew if God was going to allow Him to die, He would also raise Him up from the dead. And that He did! After three days, God raised Jesus up in all His glory and positioned Him at the right Hand.

We read that and think Oh but that was Jesus the Son of God. He wouldn’t do it for me.  Actually, He would! In fact He has promised to do so. The scripture says, the same power that brought Jesus back to life resides within you to give you the comeback power you need to overcome the trials of life. Eph. 1:19-20, Romans 8:11.

Have you ever looked at a seed and wondered about its power within? It may be small and insignificant but it contains God’s unlimited potential. As soon as it is put in the ground, it begins to experience some painful discomfort. If you could dialog with that seed, it will tell you, it is painful to be covered with dirt. It will say it is dark and lonely buried by the weight of the dirt. But the seed knows a secret. That little seed knows by instinct that it has comeback power. It knows that one day it will break free from its outer shell and push through the mighty dirt, bearing beautiful flowers and luscious fruits.

Friend, if you’re facing some dirt, some lonely nights or some temporary defeat, remember, you are a seed planted in God’s vineyard. He is the Vine-dresser and there is no way He will let a seed die without achieving its full potential. The scriptures say, for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again. Proverbs 24:16. You have comeback power to rise again and do great exploits!

If you’re facing a slump in your business, know that God is sending favor in your direction. If you’re facing a sickness – God is sending healing your way. If you’re struggling in a relationship – God is orchestrating restoration. If you are laden with sin and past disappointments, remember our God is full of mercy. He will forgive as soon as you turn your life over to Him. How about a dead pocket book? Crazy as it may seem, speak to your financial situation and say, thank you Lord for providing for my needs according to your riches. I will lend and not borrow. I have plenty for my family and plenty leftover to evangelize the world.

Friend, when you feel buried with dirt, remember to shake it off and step up. When you see dead things in your life, remind yourself that the same power that raised Jesus from the grave resides in you. When you feel small, insignificant and powerless against the mighty “dirt,” – remember the tiny seed. He is positioning you for the ultimate comeback. Confess God’s Word over your life. Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on to things God has for you. You have comeback power and no gates of hell shall prevail against you! Amen.

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