Up To Me 2-2-12 The Best Gift 2-1-12 The Power of Perception 1-31-12
If it is to be, it is up to me. This can be true, but not always.
Too many people today look at opportunity and figure it is up to someone else to make sure they get it. They look at financial security and hope that the government will make sure they live safely in retirement or in case of disability. They wait and wait, figuring that it is up to someone else. And then the wait is over, and it is too late to do anything. Their life is over and they are filled with regret.
This isn't true for you, however. You know that you must take responsibility for your life. It is up to you.
The fact is that nobody else is going to do it for you. You must do it yourself.
You are the greatest gift God has given you. You have the ability to live life and prosper. If you want something, and want it with all your heart, you have the ability to go for it. Shoot for the stars and dream the impossible dream.
If it is going to be, it is up to me! Or should I say "If it is going to be for you, it is up to you."
If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:20
The best things in life are free. I believe this is true. It is not hard to find God in the mix of things. Just look up when things are falling down around you.
Have you ever ridden in an airplane? You might have noticed the oxygen compartment located above every seat. There are explicit instructions that say, "In case of an emergency, first secure your own oxygen mask and then if you have children with you secure their masks." Take care of yourself first...then assist your children. If we use that same philosophy throughout our lives it would be so valuable.
How can you give what you don't have? We need to develop the habit of positive-possibility thinking in our lives. There is someone you need to save, but first save yourself. Make sure you are solid in your spiritual and physical lifestyle. You can then help someone else, perhaps your children, get on sound footing.
What is the best gift? Life! Live it right and live it to the fullest. You are the best gift you will ever get.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26
“Little foxes spoil the vine.” This is a biblical statement. It’s antonym would be this thought: If something little can spoil, then something little can preserve.
A little thing can be enormously significant. Retired Brigadier General Robinson Risner was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for more than seven years. He spent five of those years in solitary confinement. He was totally deprived of any human comfort. He jogged in his cell by the hour. When he became so frustrated he had to scream, he stuffed his underwear into his mouth to muffle the scream. He was determined not to give his captors the satisfaction of knowing his frustration.
One day, in the depths of despair, General Risner lay down on the floor and looked all around his small cell. He put his eye next to the cinder blocks, hoping that there would be a peephole crack in one of them. Fortunately, there was a minute opening and he saw a single leaf. Later he stated that seeing that evidence of life outside was a tremendously uplifting and life-changing event.
Yes, it may be small but you have the power to perceive it in a positive manner. And, it might be a life-changing event for you.
Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes. Song of Solomon 2:15
Lights! Camera! Action! 1-30-12
Lights! Camera! Action! This is from the old movie business and is still used today. It means it is time to get it on.
Last Friday I said the key to changing your life is to make a decision and then to act upon it.
So the decision is the key? Yes it is. Every dream begins as a thought. "I would love to have my own business, to be free to run my life and earn as much money as I want to and take as much vacation time as I want." Good dream, isn't it? It probably is a dream that most of us have. But there it is, a little electrical impulse bouncing around inside our head. Does that do us any good? Only if it becomes action! And it only becomes action if we make a decision.
The year I became totally committed to my decision to pastor, twenty-five years ago, is when my life really changed. God helped me become totally committed. We put the gospel tent up on church property to hold a revival. During that week a tornado hit the tent and completely destroyed it. This huge gospel tent was my security blanket just in case I could not cut it as a pastor. Now I became fully committed.
Someone might be saying, "Preacher you are really stretching it to say the Lord sent the tornado to tear up your tent." No I'm not! Nothing else was touched. Our building, less than fifty yards away, did not lose a shingle. The oak tree right next to the tent did not lose a limb. Only the tent was destroyed. Because it was on church property, our blanket insurance policy covered our loss. The Lord allowed our tent to come down and gave us the value to put into the ministry.
It is time for you to roll. Light, camera, action! Let's get it on today.
Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17
Changing the Moment 1-27-12
Heard this one? "They had a change of heart." This can be positive or negative. Change means to make or become different. If a heart changes from bad to good, that is positive.
Today I want to talk about the day your life really changes. The day that your dream begins to become a reality and not some pie in the sky wish. This is the day life turns around for you, the day things begin to get better and you begin to fulfill your purpose, mission, and destiny! When is this day?
It is the day you make a decision! The key to changing your life is to make a decision and then to act upon it.
Twenty-five years ago our lives changed when we made the decision to give up the evangelistic ministry and become pastors of a new works church. At first it was not easy, but we endured and prospered. On my part the commitment was about 75%. I kept the gospel tent ministry in storage just in case. On the second year my commitment became 100%. That is when the greatest change took place. Tomorrow I will tell you how this happened.
Today you can change the moment by making a decision to act on a positive idea. I believe when a person acts on an idea, that is a part of faith. Change your mind to the positive and change your moment. Your future begins now!
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. Psalms 118:9
Changing for the Better 1-26-12
Have you ever said "They have changed for the better?" This can mean that life has been up-graded.
People long for a better life. In fact, I think it is innate to humans to desire a better life. Wherever we are at we look beyond and dream of a better place. That is good, and that is not so good. It is good because the dream is alive and we can see, even if it is far off, a better situation for us, our families, our businesses, and communities. So why is it not good? It is not good because it is not yet a reality! A dream is not so good if it is only a dream. Sure a dream can make you feel good, but long-term, if you don't pursue it and make it a reality, it will cause you frustration more than anything. But there is hope!
Today you can change for the better. Move your dream a step toward reality. Want to own your own business? Consider opening up a new business account at the bank and making a deposit every paycheck. Want a new house? Start a "New House" savings account. Put something in the account every paycheck. Yes, the key is every paycheck. I will talk to you more on this tomorrow. It is time to change.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalms 118:8
Avoid At All Costs 1-25-11
Have you heard the term ‘avoid at all costs'? This can be a warning that danger is eminent.
Early experience often teaches that failure is to be avoided at all costs. This begins in childhood when we encounter the first "No!" It grows like a weed when we are criticized by our parents, other family members, our teachers, and our peers. It leads to associating ourselves with our mistakes and to a self-image of clumsiness and awkwardness. Not wanting to be criticized or rejected, many adults also seek security rather than risk looking foolish or appearing awkward. They quietly ride with the system, not rocking the boat.
All lasting success in life is laced with problems and misfortunes which require creativity and innovation. Winners turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Avoid at all costs lends to the idea that a setback is the end to everything. Change that view to temporary inconvenience. You will rise to the occasion and use this disadvantage to your advantage. This setback is simply a stepping stone to your future.
So he said to them: "Out of the eater came something to eat, And out of the strong came something sweet." Now for three days they could not explain the riddle. Judges 14:14
Opportunities In Disguise 1-24-12
Have you seen Man of a Thousand Faces? It is a 1957 film detailing the life of silent movie actor Lon Chaney, in which the title role is played by James Cagney. Chaney had the gift of disguising himself in many ways. This gift gave him a good living by performances in minor roles until he made hardliner.
One of the most desirable attitudes of a leader is an ability to view problems as opportunities and setbacks as temporary inconveniences. This positive attitude also welcomes change as friendly and is not upset by surprises, even negative ones. How we approach challenges and problems is a crucial aspect of our decision-making process, whether in business or in our personal lives. In companies and environments in which criticism, pessimism, cynicism, and motivation by fear prevail, an attitude develops that leads to avoiding failure at all costs. The trouble with failure avoidance is that it's simultaneously avoidance of success, which depends on risks.
Today consider your setback as an opportunity in disguise. You can find Chaney through the make-up of the Hunchback of Notre Dame. By the way, Chaney's legacy endured through the generations. Lon Chaney, Jr., in 1941 starred as The Wolfman following in his father's footsteps.
I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone... Galatians 4:20a
The Pen Is Mightier 1-23-12
Have you heard "The pen is mightier than the sword?" This is a metonymic adage coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 for his play Richelieu. The Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, which opened in 1897, has the adage decorating an interior wall.
Why would someone say "The pen is mightier than the sword?" Words have an enduring power beyond steel. Certain words can have power from and to eternity. Jesus Christ Himself is referred to as the Word made flesh.
When we write things down the process of thought goes to another level. Usually, when we see our thoughts in print or script, we weigh them more carefully before releasing them to others. There is an air of permanency that connects to written words; therefore, the depth of thought to word is greater. Nothing has changed the world more than the Bible. It has endured the sword through the ages and will continue to do so.
Perhaps you need to write some things down today while pondering in meditation before action. Yes, the pen is mightier than the sword. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Resolving Your Situation 1-20-12
Have you heard someone say "I would if I could"? This might mean "I don't because I don't want to." There is no resolve here.
Resolve says, "I will." These two words are among the most potent in the English language. I WILL. Benjamin Disraeli, the great British statesman, once said, "Nothing can resist a human will that will stake even its existence on the extent of its purpose." In other words, when someone resolves to "do or die," nothing can stop him.
The mountain climber says, "I will climb the mountain. They've told me it's too high, it's too far, it's too steep, it's too rocky, it's too difficult. But it's my mountain. I will climb it. You'll soon see me waving from the top or you'll never see me, because unless I reach the peak, I'm not coming back." Who can argue with such resolve?
When confronted with such iron-willed determination, I can see Time, Fate, and Circumstance calling a hasty conference and deciding, "We might as well let him have his dream. He's said he's going to get there or die trying."
Today resolve your way to victory. Resolve means to decide firmly on a course of action. Yes, action can speak louder than words.
Joshua 14:12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said. NKJV
Desire a Great Emotion 1-19-12
Do you remember the movie A Streetcar Named Desire? It was filmed in New Orleans and dealt with a culture clash between two characters: Blanche DuBois, a fading relic of the Old South, and Stanley Kowalski, a rising member of the industrial, urban working class.
How does one gain desire? I don't think I can answer this directly because there are many variables. But I do know two things about desire: 1) It comes from the inside, not the outside and 2) It can be triggered by outside forces.
Almost anything can trigger desire. It's a matter of timing as much as preparation. It might be a song that tugs at the heart. It might be a memorable sermon. It might be a movie, a conversation with a friend, a confrontation with the enemy, or a bitter experience. Even a book or an article such as this one can trigger the inner mechanism that will make some people say, "I want it now!"
Therefore, while searching for your "hot button" of pure, raw desire, welcome into your life each positive experience. Don't erect a wall to protect you from experiencing life. The same wall that keeps out your disappointment also keeps out the sunlight of enriching experiences. So let life touch you. The next touch could be the one that turns your life around.
John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. KJV
Decision Time 1-18-12
Have you heard someone say "It is time to make a decision"? This can mean that the talk is over and the action should begin.
Most of us need to be pushed to the wall to make decisions. Once we reach this point, we have to deal with the conflicting emotions that come with making them. We have reached a fork in the road. Now this fork can be a two-pronged, three-pronged, or even a four-pronged fork. No wonder decision-making can create knots in stomachs, keep us awake in the middle of the night, or make us break out in a cold sweat.
Making life-changing decisions can be likened to internal civil war. Conflicting armies of emotions, each with its own arsenal of reasons, battle each other for supremacy of our minds. And our resulting decisions, whether bold or timid, well-thought-out or impulsive, can either set the course of action or bind it.
Whatever you do, don't camp at the fork in the road. Decide. It's far better to make a wrong decision than to not make one at all. Each of us must confront our emotional turmoil and sort out our feelings.
The Lord will work with your decision good or bad, right or wrong. If you make a wrong choice honestly, he will show you and teach you. Limbo is not the place you want to stay. The land of Limbo is in the dead zone of Nod. The Hebrew word Nod means wondering, vacillation, and double-minded. Make your best choice today!
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. KJV
