2/3/12

“Who Are You Building Up?”

Fredrick Douglas said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”. It’s time we focus on our children. Teenagers have the arduous task of growing up in today’s society. Drugs, violence and peer pressure seems to draw them in. Far too many of our children have been senselessly murdered. The drop out rates soar while basic literacy skills plummet. Our kids are looking for someone to rescue them from a world they live in, but didn’t create. Are you helping our children? Are you building them up?

Don’t give up on our youth. Build them up through words of encouragement and empowerment. They are looking for someone who will believe, love, and invest quality time in them. The seeds we plant in the children of today will yield a bountiful harvest in the future.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not
depart from it.

2/2/12

“Are You Causing a Gapers’ Delay?”

One of the most frustrating aspects of my day is sitting in traffic during the commute to work. One phenomena that astounds me is the Gapers’ Delay. I am puzzled as to why drivers slow down to view an accident on the opposite side of the freeway. Some steal a few seconds to view it and cause traffic to backup for miles. Do you focus on the mistakes of others instead of keeping your eyes on the road? Do you cause a Gapers’ Delay?

Social websites like FaceBook and Twitter gives us a unique opportunity to see what is going right or wrong in other people’s life. While this may be entertaining and seemingly innocent, it often keeps us from looking into our own lives. Voyeurism consumes time we could spend on self-reflection. Quick glances away can cause a backup in your blessings. Look up and within and watch God make fast moves in your life.

Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

2/1/12

“Who Do You Call Friend?”

Whether you realize it or not, your circle of friends says a lot about who you are! Each one plays a particular role in your life. Friends will hold you accountable to your words and actions. True friends may not always like or agree with you, but love is always present. Do your friends build you up or tear you down? Are they givers or takers?

Today take a roll call of who you call friend! Realize who your real friends are and give them your best. Pray for and with them. Love them just as they are. When you realize who you are rolling with, you will discover why God has placed them in your life.

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

1/31/12

“Have You Had A Check-Up Lately?”

It is recommended to go to the doctor at least once a year for a check-up. An annual check-up is necessary to examine how your body is holding up to the daily grind. Some of us look forward to seeing the doctor. However, many are reluctant because they are afraid of getting negative results after examinations. Have you examined your life lately? Do you need to make changes to your daily habits in order to be healthier?

Socrates said, “That an unexamined life is not worth living.” Make an assessment of your lifestyle. Evaluate your habits. Don’t be afraid of letting go of the things that are unnecessary and harmful. Allow the discipline from the Word of God to restore your health. Let God be your physician today!

Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for thou art my praise.

1/30/12

“Is It The Real Thing?”

The United States has a multi-million dollar counterfeit operation. You can go just about anywhere in the States and purchase realistic imitations of your favorite shoes, jewelry, clothing and accessories. Some of the products are copied so well it is difficult to detect the real from the reproduction. However the major difference in price makes the impostor glaringly apparent. Do you have an imitation relationship with God? Are you willing to pay the cost to know Christ for yourself?

The price of being a Christian is very costly. However, just like buying “real” merchandise, it is worth every penny. Choose to know Christ for yourself. It can not be substituted with the relationship your parents, siblings or Pastor may have with the Lord. Nothing worth having comes cheap! When you decide to pay the cost of serving and worshiping God for yourself, you will reap the benefits of having an authentic relationship with the Savior.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

1/27/12

“Are You An Ultimate Fighter?”

In the world of competition, there is a sport that continues to grab everyone’s attention. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a very strategic and aggressive sport which allows participants to battle to the bitter end. Fighters box and/or wrestle, until the last person standing is the winner. Is there a blessing you are willing to wrestle for? Will you fight until you receive your blessing?

Anything worth having is worth fighting for! Often to receive blessings we’ve got to fight for them. Today, decide not to give up on your family, friends, job, career, relationship, vision, purpose, or dreams. Fight and wrestle for what is yours. Be empowered and do not give up until you get your blessing!

Genesis 32:24-26 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, ” I will not let You go unless You bless Me!”

1/26/12

“Do You Need To Recharge Your Battery?”

During the winter months we endure some frigid weather. Both new and old cars alike combat the impact of freezing temperatures. Whether the cars are parked on the street or in a garage, many will have “dead” batteries. Does your spirit need to be recharged? Do you need to be “jumped” by the Higher Power?

Life and people can drain us of our power. If we don’t take time to recharge, we will walk through life with a “dead” battery. The best way to recharge is to get connected with the true power source, Jesus Christ. Spending quality time with God through prayer and devotion renews our spiritual battery. Recharge your battery today! When you take the time to recharge your spirit, you energize yourself and the people around you.

Psalm 68:35 God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

1/25/12

“Can You Handle The Fear Factor?”

Recently, a popular show T.V. show was brought back to the airwaves. The show is called Fear Factor. Contestants of the program have to confront and overcome fearful situations. The obstacles are extreme and some times downright crazy. As the contestants progress to the final stage the obstacles would become more and more challenging. Are you scared to enter into the next season of your life? Are you fearful of what is to come?

God has prepared us to take control of our life. Fear is when we have the absence of faith. Fear and faith can’t occupy the same time or place. So, we have to decide to make faith the primary resident of our heart and soul. Attack fear head on! He has prepared us for every obstacle we may encounter. When we trust and believe in God, He allows us to handle any fearful situation that may come our way.

Psalm 56:3-4 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust, I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

1/24/12

“Who Moved My Faith?”

A few years back I read a motivational book entitled “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson. This book describes four characters who live in a maze and look for “cheese” to nourish them and make them “happy”. While looking for the cheese they encounter “change”. One of them successfully adapts to change and discusses the “maze” he went through. Have you encountered change in your career or job? Are you willing to adapt to the changes in your life?

Achieving your dreams or living out your passion requires you to take some risks. God is waiting for us to get out of our comfort zone to achieve greatness! Stop allowing fear or uncertainty to hold you back. If you want a better lifestyle you may have to let go of your current lifestyle. Take a leap of faith and try the alternative route! Go get the bountiful blessings God has for you!

Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

1/23/12

“Do You Listen To Your Own Advice?”

In life it is always easier to give good advice than to follow it. Often we are quick to give someone else advice. However, we struggle when it’s time for us to utilize it for ourselves. Have you ever given someone advice on something and failed to use it for a similar situation in your life? Are to quick share advice, but slow to apply it yourself?

Wise people not only give good advice, but they follow it. Don’t be the person who has answers for everyone’s problems. Wait and listen to God regarding your own life issues. Allow God to impart wisdom and understanding. Use the same wisdom you share with others. It may not only set them free from bondage, but it may break the shackles off of your situation as well.

Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.