Push People Up

Most of us want to be helped. We appreciate when others help us get what we want. None of us can make it alone. It is not selfish to desire the goodwill of others. However, we’re created to help others. It is in our giving, not our receiving, that life becomes fulfilling.

Calvin Coolidge said, “No man was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” We all know people who are constantly seeking their own. They are me-driven. Sometimes they just can’t help themselves. What they need is a mind-shift. As long as we stay focused on ourselves, we’ll never experience the joy of helping others.

In the early eighties, my two brothers and I were new to the country of Nepal. We had left our motherland to help people in the Himalayas. Nobody knew us and we were a struggling ministry. At this infancy stage, Charles Mendies, lovingly called "Chaldai" (big brother Charles) came to our assistance. He helped us call for a breakfast inviting all the Christian leaders of the country. We introduced ourselves and our purpose and, overwhelmingly, a majority of them accepted us as co-laborers in the ministry. Chaldai even paid for the breakfast in the newly built, three-star, Himalayan Hotel. 

I say this to the glory of God, and to honor Chaldai but what followed over the years is history! My brothers and I went on to minister in over 150 countries touching millions of lives. And we’re still at it. It all started with Chaldai believing in us when we weren’t credible. He had a high reputation but he put it on the line to endorse the Anderson brothers. Not only did he put us on the national stage but he was instrumental in helping to channel the millions of dollars coming into our hands to reach the world with the Gospel.  How grateful we are for Chaldai! We’ll be forever thankful to him and his family for pushing us up.

When you help someone up a mountain, you’ll find yourself close to the summit also. If you want others to improve, let them hear the good things that you think and say about them. People live up, or down, to or down to how we view them and what we say about them. Everybody needs to feel the wind beneath their wings to believe that they can fly. Anyone can find the dirt in people. It takes a genius like Chaldai to dig for the gold in others. What means the most in life is what you’ve done for others. Albert Pike said, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

This is what happened to David in the Bible. He came from a humble background. When David was anointed to be the next King of Israel, nobody believed in him – not even his own family. Eventually David made it to the palace but King Saul was jealous of him. He spent a significant part of his life trying to exterminate David. Saul would have been successful had Jonathan not been keeping David informed about his father’s plans to kill him. Jonathan was King Saul’s son. He was next in line to become king but he sacrificed his own royalty so that David could become the next king of Israel. Eventually, David went on to become one of the greatest kings of Israel while Jonathan was killed on the battlefield. It may sound unfair but nobody can associate David’s rise to the throne without mentioning Jonathan’s role to put him there. Many of you mothers should take courage from this. You may think all you do is endless diaper changes, clean, cook, and repeat but never forget the big picture. You’re not just raising a child but a husband, wife, leader, preacher, businessman, politician, and a world changer! Your love, tears, and sacrifices are not in vain. Jonathan pushed David up and what history he made!

We all need a Chaldai or a Jonathan in our lives. At the end of his life, Alexander the Great said, “We all suffer. They all came to the end of their time and in the end, when it's over, all that matters is what you've done.” J. M. Barrie said, “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you. One may read the Bible but thousands read you and me. You may be the only Bible others will ever read. It is the duty and privilege of every Christian to help others get better. Multitudes followed Jesus everywhere He went because our Lord always left people better than He found them. We should do the same. The best exercise for the heart is to reach down and to lift someone up. Today, let’s find someone to help. I love you and I believe in you!

“Knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord” (Ephesians 6:8 ESV).

 

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Why Go to Church

In the West it is cultural to go to church. This is a good habit for every Christian. But why we go to church is far more important than merely fulfilling a religious obligation. While any reason is a good reason to be in church, it will serve us best if we go to church with a heart of worship.

Every other Christian activity can be done individually but when we worship Jesus corporately, a special power is released over our lives. Many flock to church for good teaching, motivational speech, and great concert-like worship services and that’s all good. However, the most important reason God wants us to be in church is so we can worship Him for who He is!

We’re created to worship our Creator. Some of the ways we can show our worship to our Savior is to express our gratitude. Worship is easy. Remember the day of your salvation. Remember the day God healed you and set you free from wrong desires and addictions. Thank Him for your children and family. Express your gratitude for His bountiful provisions. Give Him some praise for protecting you from accidents, plagues, and sudden calamities.

Many Christians are uncertain about how to worship. The posture of our heart is far greater than our physical appearance. Let us take at least as much time preparing our hearts as we do looking good on the outside. God still looks at the heart! He will not turn away a broken and contrite spirit. King David, the greatest worshipper in history, often danced before the Lord with all His might. The Scripture exhorts for us to worship God “lifting holy hands.” Singing and clapping are common expressions of a heart of worship. Many are uncomfortable with being emotional at church but it is completely alright to “let yourself go” in the presence of the Almighty. A church is not a place to showcase perfect people; it’s a hospital where broken hearts are mended by God. If you’re uncomfortable looking at others getting emotional in church, you’re looking in the wrong place. Let’s focus on Jesus -- the object of our worship. Don’t worry about what anybody else is doing. Worship for the audience of One!

Much emphasis has been given to tithes and offerings in the church. While you cannot love God without giving, don’t do anything out of religious obligation or membership “rules.” Why we give is far more important than what we put into the offering plate. You have heard about giving 10% of your income to God. May I challenge you to a greater blessing? God doesn’t want a percentage of your life. He wants your whole heart. Friend, surrender your whole life to God and you’ll be amazed by how easy it will be to give. Make Jesus your greatest Treasure. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

It is sad to say but many people treat church as a social club. While it is healthy for believers to fellowship with one another, church should not be a place for us to grow our business connections. It may happen organically and that’s alright but don’t go to church with the intent to scout for customers. Seek God and customers will find you! The only reason we should go to church is to worship our Lord and learn the Word to bring others to Christ. The intent of our heart is the test of our character. 

Preachers, one of our main responsibilities is to feed our sheep. Men, women, and children in your congregation are looking for answers. Let’s teach them how to be a better husband, how to be a better employee, how to be a better witness for the Lord. Teach them how to live a victorious Christian life Monday to Saturday. Let’s lead our flock to an encounter with God. Don’t try to beat your people to submission. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” If you lead them to green pastures of God’s love, joy, and peace, they’ll follow you by the droves.

Friend, God is pleased with you. It honors Him to meet you in His House. You are the body of Christ. You don’t have to be in the gathering of others. However, your life will be enriched when you surround yourself with other like-minded believers. If going to church was good for our Lord, there may be something in it for us as well. Let’s put aside the hurt and disappointments of the past. This time around, let’s follow Jesus and not people. Let’s worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. I’m proud of you for taking your family to church. God is smiling down upon you.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4 NLT).

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First Fruits

 

As we enter into the New Year, many of us are hearing teachings about offering our first fruits unto God. It is a Biblical principle in the Old Testament that occurred when God’s people brought the first of their increase to dedicate to the Lord. It is still practiced around the world.

While we live in the dispensation of grace, we attract God’s favor when we live by His principles. God is pleased when we honor him with a portion of the blessings He bestows upon us. In the early eighties, when I lived in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, poor villagers would bring a bag of rice or vegetables from the increase of the field. Frequently, they also brought live animals to offer unto the Lord. In the Bible days, and in many parts of the world today, agriculture is still the main occupation, therefore; it is fitting for them to honor God in this way.

What about those of us who live in the West? What does the Bible say about first fruits offerings? It is wise for us to remember that everything we have belongs to God. Without His blessings and Him giving us the ability, we have nothing to show for in life. God doesn’t need anything from us. He flung the heavens with stars in galaxies. He paves the streets of heaven with gold. What then can we give to God to honor Him?

Give God your time. We can make more of everything else but none of us can buy more time. When we get up each day and tithe our time, it gives Him great pleasure. "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed--or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42 NIV). Nothing can equal our time sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning from Him. When we give God our time at the beginning of the day, He will add favor and success to everything we touch throughout the day. When we honor God with our time, He can’t wait to send angels our way with special deliveries to prosper us.

Give God your first thoughts. Our thoughts precede our words and our words determine our actions. Every morning when I wake up I say, “Thank you Lord for this day. I bless your Name. Something goooood is going to happen to me today. Bring me not into temptation but deliver me from evil.” Many people wake up with a defeated thought. If we’re not careful, our wrong thinking can eat the best of our day. How we train our minds to think the thoughts of God will determine the quality of our lives on earth. Bad news is everywhere. We wake up to it on social media, newspaper, TV, internet, even at work co-workers announce it to us. I’m all for keeping in touch with what’s going on in the world but let’s guard ourselves from rehashing the negative news playing in our minds. Let’s offer our first thoughts to God so He can permeate our day with His blessings.

Dedicate your firstborn to God. Of course, we’ll do good to dedicate all our children to serve the Lord. But there is a special power released when we offer our firstborn to the Almighty. Often, as it goes with the first child, so it goes with the rest. No matter how grown up our oldest may be, we can still pray for them and impact their lives for the best. 

Put God first in everything. Our first fruit offering involving our finances can set the tone of our increase for the year. I speak this from experience – if you can prove to God that He can trust you with the little you have now, He will make you the ruler over much! God doesn’t need our finances. He owns it all. Having a generous spirit protects us from self-destruction. You’ll never be poor giving stuff away. Sow where you want to go. When we honor God with the first fruits of our lives, He has promised to make the rest of it better than what we could have ever imagined. I’m praying for you and your increase. I believe and declare 2015 will be an explosive year of growth for you!

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38 NIV).

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Making Plans for a Successful Year

I’ve never met anyone who planned to fail. Yet, thousands of people are dissatisfied with their lives because they don’t have any set goals. If we’re not making plans to succeed then by default, we’re planning to fail.

Millions of people made New Year’s resolution this year but unfortunately, most have already fumbled. Statistics show that 75% of people maintain their resolutions, through the first week. Six months later, only 46% continue on with their goals. By the end of the year, a staggering 90% of people never make it. If this is you, I have some good news.

Today, let me introduce you to another approach of making plans to succeed. I call it PGP or Personal Growth Plan. Each year, I set goals in the five categories of life that impact me the most. Under each heading, I write down 3-5 specific goals. PGP works because it makes room to fail but allows the grace to get up and go again. Let me share these that might help you also.

1. God. Our success on earth is directly correlated to our connection with heaven. If we build our lives in the firm foundation of our God, we will have the Midas touch in everything we do. If we want to succeed in life, we can’t afford to not spend time with our Maker. Make plans to read the Bible every day. Pray and worship throughout the day. Talk to someone about Jesus at work. Attend church and get involved serving people. Go on a mission trip. Let’s plan to encounter God more deeply and intimately. Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you!

2. Family. Every family has some defunct but your family is the only people God Himself handpicked for you! Our families sacrifice the most, yet often, they’re the ones who are most neglected. At the end of your life, you’re not going to ask for another day at the office or brag on your corporate achievement; you would want to be surrounded by the family you love. Set aside dedicated time to spend with your spouse. Go on a date with your kids and grandkids. Plan a weekend getaway. Play games together. Have fun and be intentional about making memories. Don’t shortchange your family. Invest in them.

3. Relationships. We’re created to live in community. The quality of our life will depend on the relationships we build. Learn to take genuine interest in people. Find a way to meet new people. Be loyal to your old friends. At work, invest in your boss and co-workers. Be hospitable. Invite your friends and neighbors to dinner. Call people just to check on them. Pray with people. The best relationships are a two-way street. What you put in is what you’re going to get out of it.

4. Finances. Our financial affairs reflect where our hearts are. The Bible says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21 NIV). Don’t follow money; instead, follow God and money will follow you. We’re selfish by nature. One of the best ways to cure greed and selfishness is to have a generous heart. This year try these simple steps for financial fitness. Work to make money > Give > Save > Invest. Use a budget and percentage to dictate where your money should go. If you really want to hit a home run with your finances, support Israel.

5. Health. We’ve all heard the saying, “Health is wealth.” It is! No matter whether you’re trying to lose a few pounds or fighting a serious health issue, you are in control of more than you think. Take simple steps to boost your health. Eat a balanced diet. Drink more water. Cut down on carbs, sugar, and sodas. Exercise regularly. Sleep at least 6-8 hours a day. Our God is still the Healer – this is your year to reclaim your health!

Friend, our God is a progressive God. What you’ve experienced in the past is going to pale compared to the success God has reserved for you this year. Get your hopes up, take corresponding action, and thank God for a bumper crop year. 2015 will be a wow year! God will give you something to talk about. He has already pronounced His blessing over you. Will you believe and act on it? I’m praying for you and yours!

“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance” (Psalm 65:1 NLT).

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Dream with Your Eyes Open

Yet another year has just unfurled and everyone is excited about it. A new year brings new hope and new opportunity. God is poised to do great things but it will take our cooperation to make 2015 a great year. How we envision our future is how it will play out in real life.

Many people never arrive at their destiny because they only dream with their eyes shut. What we see with our spiritual eyes is far more real than what transpires in the natural world. If we’re to fulfill our destiny, we need to know and embrace God’s purpose for our lives and then go for it. Today let’s look at a few steps to reaching our God-given potential.

First, you must decide. I say this respectfully but most people don’t know what they want. Unless we know our purpose, we’ll drift through life never appropriating our dreams. Many are scared to ask God for big things. They think they’ll deplete heaven’s resources by asking for divine health, a hundred-thousand dollar promotion at work, or the ability to go on a mission trip. Hogwash! Our God wants us to have confidence in Him. It is His delight to give us the desires of our hearts. God wants to prosper your body, mind, spirit, and soul. Jesus often asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Decide what you want. What you see is what you’ll get.

Second, believe in God’s promises. If you can find it in the Bible, you can have it. God is still making custom made dreams to fit your life. Never question, “Can God?” Instead say, “God can and I can!” When we put our unwavering faith in God’s ability to perform, then we’ll see our wildest dream come to pass. In order to believe in God’s promises, you have to read God’s Word. There is every kind of promise imaginable mentioned in the Bible. Write down the promise fitting to your dream. Meditate upon it day and night. Thank God for it and it will surely come to pass. All things are possible if we only believe!

Third, act upon your faith. Charles Blondin was a famous French tightrope walker in the mid-1800s. Once, he was performing a stunt over the mighty Niagara Falls. He crossed the 160 feet above the Falls several times. He even carried a stove and cooked an omelet while crossing the treacherous waters. On one occasion, he was blindfolded and he pushed a wheelbarrow as he walked the tightrope. The crowd, “Ooooohed” and “Aaaaaahed!” Blondin suddenly stopped and asked the audience, “Do you believe I can carry a person in this wheelbarrow?” People cheered, “Yes, yes, you’re the greatest in the world. You can do anything!” When Blondin came down, he said, “Ok. Get in the wheelbarrow…”  The Blondin story goes that no one did!

Many people view God and His ability to perform much like Blondin’s audience. We know that God’s promises are true. We’ve seen God’s power at work in our lives and in the lives of others. However, when we need to experience God the most, we chicken out. We don’t want to take risk and our confidence is punctured. Today I want to remind you that God is not going to just repeat what He has in the past but He will outdo Himself because He is a progressive God. You too can enlarge your vision and dare to believe God for the impossible. Do your due diligence. Put in the hard work. Go for the kill. Do all you can and then ask God to do what you can’t.

Fourth, confess God’s promise to you. Research shows that whatever you hear yourself say is what you’ll have the faith to obtain. Thousands of athletes and high achievers follow this principle to accomplish their goals. The Bible says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Our words are carriers of our dreams. Don’t use words to describe your situation; speak words to declare your destiny! Jesus said, “Whatever you say, you shall have.” It takes the same effort to bless or curse your own future. Speak what you believe and you’ll have what you speak!

Fifth, achieve your dream. Dreams alone cannot take you to your destiny. You have to take corresponding action towards your goal. Persistence will take you where talent alone can’t.  When you do your part, God will do His. When we’re serious about our dreams, we’re going to go all out to achieve our goals. We don’t have to envy, compete, or act desperate. A quiet confidence in God’s power and iron-willed resolute will get the job done. At the threshold of this year, I challenge you to dream big and expect great things. God wants to bless you so that you can become a blessing to others. I’m praying for you and I believe in you!

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

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Joy to the World

Merry Christmas folks! This day in history thrills my heart as it reminds us of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Everything about His life was miraculous starting with His supernatural birth. This day heralds the message of joy to the world!

When an angel appeared to Mary and gave her the game plan of how she was going to conceive a child without knowing a man, Mary could have said, “Listen angel, I know you look bright but this has never before happened in history?” Thank God Mary didn’t doubt and welcomed God’s divine plan for her life. She was a virtuous ordinary woman but God used her to change history.

Time and again, God used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. I think of Joseph who was a carpenter. Skilled at his job but a common man. God used Joseph and Mary to raise the Son of God! Today, you may not feel or look very bright but if you surrender your life to the will of God, you too will be used in an extraordinary fashion.

God’s dream for you is always bigger than your own. You may not see the circumstances in your life producing anything significant but God is working His Master Plan for your life. Where you are right now is not your final destiny. You’re on a journey. When God is through with you, you too, like Mary, will bring forth a miracle. God wants to use you to bring joy to the world!

When Isaiah prophesized the birth of our Lord hundreds of years before it happened, he declared, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV).

Let’s break it down. His name is called Wonderful Counselor. It means He will drive out confusion from our lives. Do you believe in one thing and everything in the natural looks another way? Do you have doubts and uncertainty about your future? With the arrival of Jesus, there is no more confusion; no more doubt. His name is Emmanuel — God with us. His Holy Spirit is our Helper and He will guide us into all truths. He is the best counselor money cannot buy!

What’s looking so impossible in your life? Is there anything too hard for our God? He brought water out of a rock. He parted the red sea. He caused millions of quails to fall to the ground to provide meat for the Israelites in the desert. What a mighty God we serve! Everything is possible when we put our unrestrained confidence in Jesus. Joy to the world, we don’t have to solve our problems on our own. We have a Mighty God we can depend on.

Today is Christmas but so many people are sitting on the sidelines of life. They made a mistake 17 years ago but they cannot forgive themselves. They’re down, depressed and discouraged. I don’t want to make light of your experience but I have good news for you. If you’re feeling down and out, we have a Father in Heaven who is full of compassion and forgiveness. You don’t have to condemn yourself. At the heart of God is mercy. Joy to the world our sins are forgiven. “Come now, let's settle this," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18 NLT).

The last part of Isaiah 9:6 says that His name will be called Prince of Peace. Aren’t you glad that you have the peace through our Lord Jesus Christ? But you know what? There are millions around the world who have never heard His name. How can they call upon that name to be saved? Aren’t you glad someone shared the Gospel with you? How can we sit in the luxury of America and forget the lost and hurting world? There is no joy of Christmas in their hearts because they don’t know about Jesus. This is why we at Build International Ministries are aiming to reach half a million people with the Gospel this year. We’re almost there but we need your help. Will you pray? Will you help and share? Because of you, more and more people will come to know the Price of Peace.

Happy Birthday, Jesus and Merry Christmas to you!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV).

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A Season of Miracles for You

I must admit, this is my favorite time of year. I love the festivities, the hustle and bustle of people shopping for their loved ones, and celebrating the greatest gift the world has ever known — Jesus. I love Christmas!

One of the ways to celebrate the birth of our Lord is to keep the right perspective. Things don’t always have to be perfect in order to enjoy life. The quality of our life depends on how grateful we are for the things we already have. If we’re only happy and content with stuff we want and having it our way all the time, then we’ll spend most of our lives disappointed.

Recently, I saw an advertisement where the man asked the genie for a million bucks. As he wished, boom it happened! The man expected cash but he was surrounded with male deer in and around his house. He was disappointed. This is comical but many of us respond to life in similar fashion. We don’t seem to enjoy the 99 things God has blessed us with but instead, mourn the one thing we don’t have. Don’t let that be you!

I’ve found that one of the best ways to draw God’s blessings into our lives is to be thankful for what we have. When we’re bragging, we won’t be nagging.

While most of us are celebrating the joyous season of Christmas, many are genuinely hurting. Some are disappointed about the way this year didn’t pan out for them. Others made deliberate mistakes and now they’re licking their wounds, feeling sorry for themselves. Yet there are some who experienced a tragedy of losing a loved one or they’re going through a physical, mental, or financial challenge. No matter what opposition you’re facing today, I’ve got good news for you. God is about to turn your mourning into dancing. He will take your mistakes and turn them into miracles. This is the crux of the message of Christmas. No matter how impossible your situation looks, it’s about to change! Luke 4:19 in the Amplified version says that Jesus came “To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound].”

This is why I love Christmas! I’m reminded of God’s free flowing favors abounding over me, my family, and friends like you. Religion is binding and it teaches us that we have to be good in order to receive God’s blessings. While I’m not trying to promote sloppy Christianity, we would be wise to understand that our best efforts to please God are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We cannot earn God’s favor with our good works but we can accept His free gift of Salvation and favor upon our lives. And for a sinner like me, that’s music to my ears! I accept everything God has for me with deepest gratitude in my heart. I recommend you do the same.

I love to watch parents shopping for Christmas for their children. One thing that always impresses me is the list. It has names and gifts matching to the names. This list is the most divine list in the world. Naughty or nice; no matter what the child has done through the year — his grades, her attitude, or even their history of disobedience —the list only contains blessings for their children. The Bible says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him" (Luke 11:13). God has a list of blessings beside your name.

Friend, today let’s remember that we’re in a season of miracles. God is not keeping track of your wrongs but your faith in Him. He is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. You don’t have to play an outsider anymore because God has circled you in. You’re not an outcast, you’re outstanding! If you come to Jesus just as you are, He will accept you and turn your sorrow into joy. You want to honor God with your life but you don’t have to impress Him anymore. Jesus has done that for you. Just embrace and accept the free favor of God’s love, forgiveness, and restoration over your life. Christmas is not just history it’s about God’s richest blessing coming over your life to meet you at the point of your need today. This is your season of miracles. What do you need? Ask boldly! God is in good mood to give you the miracle you need.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32 NIV).

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Reach Out

Holidays are charged with emotions. Some are going through the best times of their lives while others are experiencing the opposite. No matter what sadness or joy we’re experiencing, it’s always healthy to reach out to others.

The other day, I was in a business meeting where there were a bunch of new people in the room. I made my rounds and greeted everybody and prayed for a few in the room. When I sat down for lunch, I felt a tug on my heart to reach out to a certain individual.

When I looked at her, she looked poised and full of confidence. I thought to myself, “This woman is alright. She doesn’t need my encouragement.” The more I lingered, the more I could feel the Lord nudging me. I kept debating and reasoning in my heart.

Just before the meeting ended, she left the room. I gave a deep sigh of relief but the Holy Spirit kept bugging me. After a couple of minutes, I had to obey God. I left the room and found the lady in the parking lot about to speed off. I flagged her down and said, “Listen, I know we don’t know each other very well. I don’t want to embarrass you or myself. But I felt God sent me to ask you if everything was alright?”

I had barely spoken and she began to break down. With tears welling up in her eyes, she told me how her young son was sick and she’s worried about him and the upcoming holidays. I encouraged and prayed with her right there in the parking lot. By the time we’re done, she left with a big smile on her face and I knew that God had sparked a renewed hope in her life.

On my way back to my meetings, I asked God to forgive me for debating. I was glad that the Holy Spirit won in spite of my stubbornness.

Today I ask you to be open and willing to reach out to others during this holiday season. People may not look like they need help but some of them are going through terrible times. Let’s be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit to reach out to others. Be kind in traffic, the grocery store, and even to your own family members! When God puts a needy person in front of you, it’s your cue to act. You can’t help everybody but do something for the ones you can. This is the spirit of Christmas!

Once, Jesus was ministering in a remote region and it went late into the evening. There were no grocery stores around so the disciples recommended that the crowds be disburse to their homes. At once, Jesus corrected their thinking and asked them to provide the evening meal.

When the disciples took inventory, they only found five loaves of bread and two fish. They brought them to Jesus. He blessed it and the rest is history. Five thousand men plus women and children were fed and they picked up twelve baskets of leftovers! Friend, you may not have much in your hand as you’d like but if you give God what you have He will bless and multiply it.

I’ve learnt that it’s not so much what we have but whether or not it has God’s blessing that makes all the difference. When you use what you have to reach out to others, God makes it His personal business to supply what you need. Don’t wait for a lightning strike to help others. Don’t ignore the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.

Friend, this holiday season let’s reach out to others. Invite someone to your party or church. Be hospitable. Ask a single family to join you for dinner. Call and/or visit your aging parents. Check on the poor, lonely, and the destitute. If God puts people to remembrance, call and check on them. Don’t just buy gifts for your kids; pick up something for your struggling neighbors as well. What you do for others, God will make happen for you. If you’re struggling today, remember, Jesus is the reason for the season. He came for you! You’re His fatal attraction. You’re so vital and valuable to Him that He gave His life on the Cross for you. Friend, there’s hope. He will never leave you nor forsake you. God knows what you need and how to get it to you. Let’s rejoice and reach out to others. I’m praying for you!

“Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you"-- when you already have it with you (Proverbs 3:28 NIV).

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December Will Be Dazzling

It’s easy to look at what didn’t work out this year. Sales may be down. Relationships may not have worked out. You may not have gone as far as you hoped but don’t write this year off yet. God is not finished with you!

You’ve prepared this whole year to get to today. Don’t focus on what didn’t work out. Instead, trust and believe God that December will be the best month of the year. No matter what the expert says, or your industry’s predictions are, you can expect a dazzling month in sales, peace, joy, promotion, health, increase, and breakthroughs.

Your future is your property. Only you and God can dictate what your future will be. Our lives produce our expectations. If we have limited expectations, then we’ll see limited results. No matter what your situation may look like, today is a new day. God is doing a new thing. He will heal you. He will fill your pocket with resources from sources you don’t even know. You will have plenty for your family and plenty leftover to bless the world.

God is not a Santa Claus checking you twice to see whether you’ve been naughty or nice. He knows we fail so He loved us while we were yet sinners. Now go and sin no more. Thank God, His love for us is a decision and not based on our performance. He intends to bless and honor you in spite of your shortcomings because you’re His child! Don’t let religious bigots convince you otherwise. God’s heart of mercy is far greater than your propensity to sin. He knows your name and He knows your frame. Do your best to honor Him today!

In Matthew chapter 8, a Roman officer came to Jesus and said, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I’ll come and heal him.” The centurion said, “Just say the Word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus replied, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” The young servant was healed that same hour!

Friend, you may be facing some adverse circumstances in your life right now. You may not think God wants to help you. But I’ve got good news for you. Let me remind you what His Word says. You’re the child of the Most High. You have the mind of Christ. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. He always causes you to triumph. He took our pain and bore our sicknesses and suffering. He is Jehovah Jireh — the Lord our Provider. He is Jehovah Rapha — God our Healer. You’re the apple of His eye. You’ll live and not die and proclaim the works of the Lord. Most people want to see before they can believe. But first, believe and then you’ll see. This is called faith. All of God’s promises are yes and amen. Just like the centurion, God’s Word works for everyone who believes.

Don’t try to figure out everything with your natural mind. You’re not limited by your paycheck, your business, or the doctor’s report. A sudden inheritance will come into your hands. The IRS will pay you back. Rebates and bonus checks are on their way. A relative you’ve not heard from will send you a large sum of money. The real estate will sell for more than you expected. Your marriage will be restored. You’ll hit natural gas, oil, and precious stones. I’m not saying these things just to get your hopes up. This has happened to friends I know and those who put their trust in God. He wants to bless you so that you can be a blessing to others!

Friend, no matter how desperate your situation may look, cast all your cares upon Jesus because He cares for you. His provision will make your dream a reality. I’m not just talking about money. How about more peace, promotions, joy, health, healing, influence, restoration, and reputation? December will be dazzling but you have to believe that God is a Rewarder of those who seek Him diligently. You have to be expecting in your heart. God will meet you at the point of your expectation. All things are possible to them who believe. I pray and proclaim December will be dazzling for you and your family.

“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).

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Remeber the Good

Life has a way of draining us. If we’re not proactive, negative thoughts dictate our lives. When we actively seek to remember the good, the positive experiences of life will override the negatives.

Brain science tells us that our negative experiences occupy more of our brain space than our positive ones. Knowing this, we have to make a conscious effort to remember the good things and start vocalizing them. When we speak our positive experiences out loud, we reinforce our brain to keep positive memories in the forefront of our minds. This is extremely important because our lives follow our thoughts.

I heard of a young couple who was having trouble in their relationship. The counselor asked them to write down their negatives of each other. The wife was very excited for an opportunity to share her frustrations. She made a long list of complaints about her husband. On the day of disclosure, the wife went through her long list of grievances about her husband. She felt good to let her husband know. When it came time for her husband to share, she was blown away by his one line statement. It said “I love and like you just the way you are!” Truth is, human beings have more in common than we tend to realize. None of us have it 100%. Let’s focus on the 80% that’s good and overlook the 20% that’s not so good. Let’s magnify what’s good in each other.

When we remember the good, we attract more of God’s blessings in our lives. This is what the children of Israel did. Every time God did a miracle for them, they established a memorial stone unto God. They were nomadic back then. Every time they passed that way again, they were reminded of God’s mighty miracles in their lives. They understood the principle that if they were not proactive about remembering the good, life’s negatives would override their perceptions automatically.

Many people have a difficult time remembering the good that was once a miracle in their lives. Let me help you remember how God brought that beautiful women into your life. Remember when your children were born. Let us remember how God gave you that dream job. Do you remember the day you walked into your first home? Do you remember how God healed you of that dreaded disease? Remember the day you got saved. Friend, let us remember God’s mighty works in our lives!

Getting started on remembering the good is the hardest part. Once you shift your mindset, it’s not so hard to produce a long list of things to be grateful about. In my daily prayer walks, I regularly remind God of the 20-30 major things He has done in my life. I start with the day I was born. I remind God how He gave me an upbringing at the orphanage. I remind God of the day I graduated from high school and college. You may think these are ordinary things but for most of us, what is ordinary today was once a miracle. Let us not forget and take time to remind God of His mighty deeds. While you’re remembering the good, don’t forget to express your gratitude to your loved ones, co-workers, clients, neighbors, and others who have enriched your life. When we magnify the good, our differences will minimize automatically.

When we remember God’s mighty works in the past, we fuel our faith to believe God for the current impossible in our lives. Before young David defeated Goliath, he first recalled and verbally recited all the previous victories. He remembered how God empowered him to kill a lion and a bear. In the book of Psalms, he reminded God how He brought water out of a rock and how He parted the red seas. Is it any wonder that David’s life was highlighted by God’s favor!

If you’re facing a difficult situation in your life today, be like David. Remind God of the things He has already done for you. Don’t focus on how big your problem is, focus on how big your God is. If God helped you once, He will do it again. Don’t nag. Instead, brag about what He has done in the past. It’s not so much our circumstances but our attitude in how we respond to them that will change our situation. Today in America, we remember God’s goodness in our lives. Let us not just stop there; give thanks to God as a lifestyle. When we do, we’ll see more of His goodness and favor unleashed upon our lives. I love you and thank God for you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” (Psalm 103:2 ESV).

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