To experience peace, we must first win all battles. The enemy is always engaging us in battles known and unknown. We need the Holy Spirit to help us fight these wars. To receive divine intelligence, we must position ourselves in God’s presence where we can avail of the high-speed download of information when analyzed provides strategies to defeat the enemy before they even think of striking. Satan is angrier these days and persistently looks for every soul that he can cast into the pit of hell. Hence the urgency to stay ahead of the enemy if we want to enter the kingdom of GOD.
We live in the ultimate days of earth, tumultuous times. It is not a time of peace and safety, but sudden destruction (1Thessalonians 5:3). As God’s people, we must be sober, vigilant (1 Peter 5:8), and walk as wise while remaining girded for war in the heavens because our battles are always spiritual (Ephesians 6:10-18). God promised to fight for us, but we must know when there is a battle and call on Him for help. Today, God’s people must pray 7 times daily and praise equally. Satan has overtaken many of us through laziness, worldliness, idleness, sleep, drunkenness, envy, and greed. Rise God’s people because a storm is coming, a storm that is likened to no other. We must prepare our minds, bodies, and souls to be transformed to God’s kingdom.
There is a work for everyone to do. We must diligently labor to guard our souls and labor for the souls of others. Let us love each other as children of God because, without brotherly love, we will not see the face of God (1 John 4:7-21). Let us cast off the heavyweights of malice, hate, covetousness, strife, self-righteousness, bitterness, unforgiveness, and lawlessness, and cry out to God. He willingly forgives the repentant heart that confesses and turns away from all iniquity (1 John 1:9). Those who profess to love Christ must crucify themselves daily and be willing to bear the cross of Christ as He did for us. Let us start by spending one prayerful hour daily with God just sitting in His presence and allowing Him to lead and direct our days. We will forget ourselves as our hearts become sensitive to God’s voice through reading His word and applying it to our hearts. God gives us wisdom to make excellent decisions in every area of our lives.
God is calling a special group of people; modern-day Enoch, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, and Deborah to stand up for Him. He wants to give us greater power than witnessed on Earth. These days beg it. Jesus said that we would do a greater work than He did (John 14:11-12), and He did everything; raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out demons, get money from a fish’s mouth, turn water into wine, and multiply the food that fed multitudes. The days of amazing, divine impossibilities and amazing are here! Let us tap into the high-voltage powerhouse of God, where our spirits will charge with spiritual explosions in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to finish the work of the Lord in our time!
Some months ago, a colleague posted something on our team chat that I was very critical of because I thought it inappropriate. I even suggested that she deleted it. There is no doubt this offended her. At first, I struggled with why. However, upon realizing her deep hurt, I apologized and suggested we talk it through, and it was then I realized that she was responding from a place of hurt and a painful experience.
How many times are we quick to judge others without taking the time to investigate their point of reference? I learned a very important lesson that day. I was so absorbed with what others would think instead of focusing on the message she was trying to convey. I learned the importance of focusing my attention on the words of the speaker instead of the audience’s response. What matters most is another human being who is trying to put themselves out there and say, hey I’ve struggled, and I am still struggling, but I am trying to be hopeful. Don’t judge me, just respond with empathy and love.
People who are overwhelmed with emotions are forbidden to express themselves freely because it is considered too much information (TMI). Hence, we allow them to dry clean only instead of washing their laundry and drying, which takes more time. Some of us are very selfish, hence the reason we have so many problems in our society today; no one talks or listens. We cannot listen to someone hurting without it changing our hearts and keeping them soft and receptive. Instead, we have traded our humanity for callousness.
Recently, I was on a flight when I overheard another passenger having a conversation with a relative. It was obvious this person adored this older sibling. However, he just wanted a quick hi and bye. She pleaded with him to just listen because she was depressed and he refused, stating that he was a musician and not a counselor. I could hear the disappointment in her voice. He could have used the music to minister to that need and fill that place in her heart before it became a tear. However, he didn’t have the time to listen, and dismissed her.
Music is a great way to calm a soul that is in distress. We see in the Bible where David played for Saul when the evil spirit visited him, and it drove the spirit away (1 Samuel 16:14-23). When we dismiss others , instead of taking the time to care, it can often lead to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, neglect, and depression. Family, friends, and the church community are very important during these times. Let us purpose in our hearts to help one person today by sharing God’s love!
The question that is being asked in our society today is , “where are the good men and why are more women assuming more traditional male roles”.
God created man in the image and ordained them as the priest in their home. When Adam blamed Eve he was actually shifting the responsibilities to her (Genesis 3). He was dodging his responsibility as the leader, protector, and provider. This same attitude has infiltrated our society today and some men are comfortable with women bearing the brunt of the burden. This is the complete opposite of what God intended. He gave men work to till the ground, beautify and protect the earth. Women were to bear children and attend to the care of their family, help her husband by guarding and protecting the family from outside influences. Their children were to be taught the fear of God at an early age; practice benevolence and kindness, and a support system for her husband, creating a safe space for him to unwind and unburden after a hard day. Also, to be a collaborator and partner with him through life’s journey and keeping strife out of the home. God gave men the authority to become leaders in their homes by leading an exemplary life that is above reproach which filter to the community, church and work. Hence, they embody the character of Christ.
We are noticing a shift in the roles in the 21st century since some men are comfortable to sit back and allow women to lead. They are to work, pay the bill, raise the kids and be the PRO for the family. This can be burdensome for a woman and often lead to burnt out , flaring of tempers, which creates strife and division in the home. Our boys need good role models to raise them to fear God be honest, kind, respectful and temperate. Their training in the home should equip them to become gentlemen who will love, nurture and respect their wives. Sadly, most of our children are exposed to violence, drama, tension, and abuse in the home where they should be safe. No wonder our children are out of control. They don’t know who they are because there is brokenness in the home and no one is listening and the absence of the father contributes to this problem. Instead of modeling the attributes and behaviors of good fathers; they become rebellious and look up to the undesirables in our society as role models. Can we blame them?
Fathers God gave you the responsibility of growing your children to love and fear God. Teach them to respect you and they will respect God, whom you represented to them. During their formative ‘years these are very crucial years of the child’s growth and development. God is calling men to rise and uplift the youth. Nurture and affirm them while teaching them to be responsible, accountable, good work ethic, social skills and good morals. There is so much brokenness in our society because we have failed our children, spouses and God by distorting His image. It doesn’t matter where you are right now. There is a little boy or girl somewhere who is longing for a father’s love. Get up, step up and reclaim your position of power, and start effecting the changes in your home now. Let’s raise a generation of men who will stand for the truth, justice , and equity. Let your presence influence those around you so that your children will arise and call you blessed. Do what is right and honors God! We long for you to make us proud.
The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel
Today we live in a society where there are more hurting people than ever. Many are turning to ministries for the healing of their raw wounds because they want to experience something different. The last thing they want is for us to hammer their heads with what the world has been telling them. Those are the v same things they are trying to escape from and do not want to be reminded of because it only unearths old hurts. Instead, show them love and lead by example,e and when they see Jesus in you, they will want to know Him.
Jesus had twelve disciples while He was on earth and they were privileged to have spent over three years with him in ministry. Although they walked with Him daily, they didn’t get it because they lacked faith despite the mighty miracles they witnessed similar to us today. He didn’t exert His power over them. Jesus was patient, kind, and compassionate and showed them love and empathy. He called them His friends and shared His schedule with them daily and invited them along while He ministered to them and others. He didn’t call them out but showed them unconditional love which won their hearts.
He didn’t force anyone to listen to Him, but allowed the people to choose whether to listen. The disciples finally got what Jesus was trying to teach them and experienced conversion after Jesus ascended to heaven. As a result, they could replicate the work Jesus had done. They won thousands of souls for His kingdom. None of us have earned the badge of perfection. We are all sinners who struggle with our thoughts, emotions and relationships with others daily. We all know the battles that we must fight on our way to the kingdom. Hence, we must be patient with others. Many of us need to linger at the foot of the cross until we have that divine encounter that will help us reflect on Christ before we can teach others about Him. When we are unloving and judgemental, we are denying Christ and are liars and hypocrites. Let us put ourselves on the same scale we used to weigh others. If we are honest, many of us are breaking the scales.
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God (1 John 4:7)
Throughout history, we have seen women playing very important roles in our society. However, the greatest role a woman can assume is that of a mother. A child is a gift from God, which makes it a very high calling. Therefore, it requires patience, love, kindness, godliness, discipline, wisdom, sacrifice, and adeptness to nurture and train young minds for service to God and humanity. We live in a society where the social and moral fabric has decayed beyond repair. However, there is still hope because mothers have the ability and opportunity to create the changes they want to see in our society; by training confident, disciplined, and God-fearing children who will influence our society positively. A mother’s job is very challenging, especially if they have two or more children. However, they need not do it on their own hence; it requires reliance on God through prayer and other godly women who will pray for them and help them along the way.
MOTHERS OF THE BIBLE
The Bible has stories of women of God who were impactful mothers in the lives of their children. In the Old Testament, Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, was barren and longed to have a child. She went to the temple and prayed fervently. God heard her cry and gave her Samuel, whom she cared for, trained, and nurtured, then returned him to the temple at the tender age of three years old. He became one of the most powerful prophets in Israel and anointed Israel’s first King, Saul. (1 Samuel 1:9-28)
God appeared to Manoah’s wife (we don’t know her name), she too, was barren and God told her she would have a child. She was given specific instruction from God regarding diet and lifestyle because the child she would conceive was anointed for God’s purpose. Samson was one of the most influential judges in Israel. (Judges 13: 2-25).
The most important birth in history was that of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. God chose a young girl, Mary, to entrust with His son. (Luke 1:26-35). He was the greatest man that ever graced this earth. He was loving, compassionate, kind, and touched by the infirmity of humanity. He spent his life servicing of men, preaching, teaching, nurturing, healing, performing miracles and restoring life. He was a friend of sinners, the hopeless, helpless, rejects of society and the wounded and lost. Today, He is still the best friend that one could have because He is ever present, willing, and ready to help. (Psalm 46:1-3).
Happy Mother’s Day mom. Thank you for taking the time to raise us well and loving us in your way. Happy Mother’s day to all you wonderful mothers out there! May God continue to use you as lights to lead your children in the correct path.
The book Chronicles illustrates the genealogy and journeys of some of the most powerful kings in the history of Israel. These were men of preeminence and deep faith and prayers. However, one of the most powerful prayers from a peasant is recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:10. Although he is from the descendants of Judah, there is no reference to his father, only a mother who suffered deep sorrow bearing him; hence, the name Jabez. verse 9 the writer described Jabez as having better qualities than his brothers, which is noteworthy. One might think that he would go about life feeling sorry for himself because he is less known than his brethren. However, this did not hinder Jabez from showing up and making bold requests of God. He must have read the accounts of the power of God and the miracles he wrought in the lives of the patriarchs and his forefather. Jabez understood how tapping into that power can give him the recognition he was probably yearning for.
Today, God takes pleasure in answering our bold prayers. Let us get into His presence and give Him those things that are impossible for man to do. Let us add unshakeable faith to our prayers!
God created us whole. However, when Adam and Eve wandered from God, it created spaces in their lives. (Genesis 3:6-10). Today, many of us have spaces in our lives resulting from the brokenness that is caused by our separation from God, our Creator. His plan is to redeem man back to Him. Hence, the reason Christ came into the world is to exchange His life for ours. This is because of the Father’s great love for us. (John 3:16-17). Some spaces that were created in our lives are:
Space for love – God is love and those of us who love know God. (1 John 4:8).
Space for the community – Caring for the poor, widows, and orphans. (James 1:27)
Space for togetherness – Being on one accord, praying and supporting each other (Hebrews 10:25)
Space for confession and repentance – (1 John 1:9)
Space for work – God gave man work to take care of his responsibilities. Psalm 128:1-2
Space for marriage – it was never God’s intention for man to be alone. (Genesis 2:21-24)
Space for holiness – Spending time in God’s presence(1 Peter 1:16)
Space to settle disputes – God wants us to settle our disputes with those who might have offended us. (Matthew 18:15-17)
Heavenly Father, you made us whole, and it is your purpose for us to experience wholeness in our lives. Please come into our hearts and fill all the spaces in our lives. Amen!
Genesis 3:9 records the first questions asked in the history of man: “And the Lord God called unto Adam and said unto him, Where art thou? (Genesis 3:9). God did not pose this question to Adam because He needed knowledge of his whereabouts. God, who created man, knew where he was and that he had sinned. He knew where Adam was physically, mentally, and spiritually. However, he did this in love, creating an opportunity for Adam to acknowledge his guilt, ask for forgiveness, and repent. Since there is a penalty for sin, it behooved Adam to accept the consequences of his actions. Adam, in his defense, ignored the question and in (Genesis 3:10), instead complained of being naked and afraid, hence his reason for hiding. The ever-loving and patient God followed up with two more direct questions: Who told thee that thou were naked? Have thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? Adam tried to deflect the questions however, God was specific with these questions, and these elicited a forthright response. Adam found himself placed on the spot! Before now, he had enjoyed open fellowship and communion with God, however; he was hiding from Him because of disobedience. What caused Adam to think he could hide from God now? Was it because of shame, guilt, and fear of facing the consequences of his actions, or was it because he thought he could outwit God by talking his way out of his situation? Many of us today still think that we can outwit God. We tell ourselves that God will understand and overlook our disobedience.
ADAM FACED THE CONSEQUENCE OF HIS SIN
Adam knew he could not hide from the all-seeing God. He knew where Adam was, yet He reasoned with him as a good parent would. He wanted him to consider what he had done, the reason, and the impact of his action. Adam faced the dilemma of taking responsibility for his actions by acknowledging he had sinned, repenting, and seeking God’s forgiveness. Therefore, Adam had a second chance to redeem himself by speaking the truth. However, Adam had this element of pride that led him to continue cloaking his sin while assigning the blame to Eve, his wife. (Genesis 3:12) And the man said, The woman whom thou gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate. His response implied that Adam blamed God for giving him Eve, hence the reason he had sinned. This was a slap in the face of a loving God who created the world and placed him in charge of all His creation. Adam was rightly the king of this earth but yielded his position of influence to the devil because momentarily he forgot who he was and where he was. Hence, the excuse that he was naked and afraid appeared puerile. Why was he naked when before in the righteousness of God covered him and he did not know of what being naked was? The pleasures of sin are temporary and often leave us with an incessant feeling of emptiness. Adam unwittingly relinquished his regal robe for a life of slavery and poverty. Today, we continue to do the same thing when disobeying God’s law, sit back, and refuse to take advantage of the untold opportunities that are available to us. We often fall short because of failure to commit to a plan that will help us get to our end goal. A plan that will drive us to accomplish more, thus improving our lives and that of others. An idle mind leads to poverty of both mind and means. Get moving!
STOP BLAMING
Like Adam, many of us have made a mess of our lives and are feeling bare and alone. Instead of acknowledging that we have fallen off course and trying to get back on track, we avoid taking charge of our lives because we would rather live a lie than face the truth. Often, we blame others for our predicament when the power lies within us to fulfill the yearnings of our hearts. For this to happen, you must be honest about where you are now, and how you got there, and be willing to take ownership of all the poor choices you have made. It’s interesting, like Adam, some of us blame God for the poor decisions we have made, which is very selfish. It is time for you to stop blaming your parents, grandparents, children, siblings, spouses, ex-partners, extended family, boss, friends, enemies, and circumstances for your stagnation. Admit that your life is in the trenches that you have created, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Every good company does stock-taking quarterly, semi-annually, or annually to determine their stock levels and get rid of those that are unprofitable and occupying space. They also divest those which are obsolete or just breaking even. Like growing companies, every individual must take stock of their life’s assets and liabilities. We must discharge our liabilities by ridding ourselves of those skills that are dormant, dead-end jobs, relationships that break our souls, and negativity that hold us, hostages. These are unprofitable and deplete us mentally, physically, and emotionally. We must make room for that free flow of goodness in our lives which we desire and deserve. For this to materialize, we must be audacious and possess a willingness to learn new skills and work hard to accomplish our dreams. It is also important to work on our physical and mental health by nourishing our minds and body with healthy foods and uplifting thoughts. There is hope for you and it is never too late to attempt a fresh start. Let’s look at some solutions to get you to that place where you want to be.
STOP MAKING EXCUSES
Many of us have abandoned our dreams because of being suppressed by others who do not understand, appreciate, or constantly diminish our worth with harsh criticisms. Feelings of loss and hopelessness often set in as we try to placate them by accepting the lies, they often tell us about ourselves. As a result, we often become stuck with the crowd with no sense of direction or purpose. Most times, we think we are living when we are barely existing. It might be helpful if we contemplate these questions: Where am I? how did I get here? What am I afraid of? What is it I need to do right now? As you remain calm, the answer to the escape route from the prison that others have boxed you in will come when your mind enters a peaceful state.
Often, the emptiness we feel deep on the inside results from living an unfilled life. Although we know what to do, we lack the determination to follow through. Often, we make excuses like these; it is too late, I can never do this, it’s never going to happen for me, no one will hire me because I’m too old or I have the wrong gender, race/ethnicity or I am not smart enough. These are the lies that we keep telling ourselves from year to year as we try to justify our reasons for being idle rather than working harder to accomplish more. Some of us are downright lazy. We want others to do for us that which we are unwilling to do for ourselves. Each year we watch our peers and colleagues pursue advanced degrees and promotions, take on entrepreneurial pursuits, vacation, or improve their lives overall. We secretly envy their success while we have the same opportunity to improve our livelihood. We often procrastinate by failing to seize the opportunities that are open to us that will get us to where we know we must be. It is time to develop a new mindset of positivity and creativity and start working right where you are now.
GET BACK ON TRACK
Life is like a maze. To navigate our way through it, we need a purpose, passion, a plan of action, and persistence. Your purpose is the primary goal in life. It comprises what you want to accomplish and the reason. Passion is the fuel that lights that fire in you and pushes you out of your comfort zone to blaze the trail that is yours. Persistence means pressing forward despite difficulties, setbacks, threats, and failures because deep within you know you were born for this and that this is what you want to do with your life. The plan of action is the strategies you will develop to get you to your end goal. Get a sheet of paper or a word document and write or type:
· What do I hate about my life right now?
· What should I be doing at this moment?
· What do I need to change?
· What is preventing me from changing?
· Write a plan of action
· Set measurable goals; daily, weekly, monthly, or every six months.
You might discover that you are multi-talented or that you have a childhood passion that is worthwhile revisiting. Also, when we search deeply, we will unearth things we hate and find the courage to step away from them while moving toward those things that we love. Once we identify them, it becomes necessary to write a plan of action to get this done. When you have established the criteria, you can set goals that are smart and measurable. Evaluate your goals weekly, monthly, or every six months to keep up with any progress that you have made or to determine what is working and what is not.
Sometimes you may experience difficulties that will deter you from your purpose. However, do not give up. Instead, enlist the help of trusted friends, a spouse, acquaintances, or extended family members. If this fails, then hire a life coach, read a motivational book, or research from the millions of resources that are available on Google and other search engines. Remember, you are not alone in this. There are millions of people all over the world who have been in the same position as you and took that leap of faith to create the life that matters most to them. Some have even given up high-flying careers with very attractive remunerations. There is happiness and fulfillment when you find your true calling. It gives you something to smile about at the start of each day because you find pleasure in what you are doing, hence it makes it easier for you to stay committed. We should live our lives in such a way that everything we do brings joy and balance.
Start where you are right now! Stop complaining about the life you now have when you’re empowered to do something about it. Nobody can do this for you. Muster up that inner strength that will motivate you to take the actions necessary to fulfill your God-given purpose. God wants to help you. Talk with Him today and allow His Holy Spirit to direct your steps! (Proverbs 3: 5-7)
A good past is like a big comfortable armchair that is always inviting and relaxing. Once you step into that familiar place and experience comfort and safety, it is hard to trade it for the unknown. Often when faced with difficulties or things not working out as planned, we are quick to revert to the past because it is familiar.
An example would be a young bride who realizes that marriage requires work and might opt to return to the comforts of home. We pray for promotions and deliverance, yet when challenges arise, we become discouraged and want to retreat to the safety of the past. Although there is some comfort in what is familiar, there is no growth there. Changes are necessary for life because we develop through them. The children of Israel are a prime example. They were in bondage in Egypt for 430 years and they spent most of their time crying out to God for deliverance from their captivity. God sent Moses, His servant, along with Aaron, his brother, to deliver them. Through a series of miraculous events, they miraculously left Egypt and journeyed through the Red Sea. Everything was going well; they had manna from heaven that rained daily and water to drink. God preserved their clothing and their sandals. The moment they faced a challenge, they murmured and complained about Moses, who risked his life for them. (Exodus 15:22-27).
God expects us to grow and bear fruit. The challenges we face in this life prepare us for eternity. Challenges teach us self-discipline, denial, implicit trust, and unswerving faith in God and His promises. Many are afraid to explore new things because of the fear of failure. However, failure can become one of our biggest opportunities. We gain knowledge about what doesn’t work, and it builds our resilience to persevere through difficulties.
God, our eternal Father, owns everything in the universe, including the locks and keys. No devil, individual, or system can unlawfully detain God’s children. If you find yourself in prison and are innocent, God is going to get you out. The Bible account in Acts 12:1-19 is a riveting testament to the power of prayer.
Herod was angry with the church and killed the apostle James and took Peter next and imprisoned him with the intention that he would experience the same fate. However, God had other plans for his life and the church prayed for him unceasingly. Peter, though heavily guarded and bound in chains, was fast asleep because of the confidence he had in the power of God to get him out of prison. In verse 7 the angel of the Lord stepped into the prison cell and shone a light on peter and struck him on the right side, which alerted him and he woke up. He did nothing but followed the instructions of the angel, which were to “rise” and his chains supernaturally fell off.
The angel instructed him to get dressed and put his sandals on, then follow him. Peter followed the instructions, thinking all the time that it was a vision. However, as they passed the different ward stations, his attitude shifted. The iron gates opened as though they were remote controlled and they went out into the street. The angel departed and Peter finally realized he was a free man. Peter was on his own to carry on with his daily life. The first thing he did was to find his brethren to tell them of his amazing jailbreak! He knocked on the door and the damsel. Rhoda believed it was Peter and was joyous and ran to tell the others he was free. However, when she gladly proclaimed he was at the door, they didn’t believe her. Peter kept on knocking, and when they open the door and saw him they were shocked. They had spent the night in prayer, yet they didn’t believe that God could deliver him. How often we pray for ourselves and others and when the answer comes, we are in disbelief. When you pray boldly, you can expect God to show up and demolish your prison walls, whether it’s physical, spiritual, or emotional. Remember to stay calm because the battle is always God’s.
Many of us have hearts of gold. We are self-sacrificial and the first to turn up in times of crisis. We have helped many get through difficult times in their lives; hunger, broken relationships, divorce, job loss, homelessness, and betrayals. You became their safe place for all their negative and toxic emotions. However, as soon as they overcome their difficulties, they forget until there is another need to dispose of their bag of stress on you and walk free again. They are using you and don’t care about you or want to build a relationship with you. Have you ever thought about how we treat God the same way too? After He has blessed us with our spouses, house, jobs, and cars, promotions, healed us from cancer and heart disease, restored our marriages, and make us rich, we turn around and slap Him right in the face. We are selfish, disobedient, unloving, mistreat others, and think that it was by our efforts we accomplished these things.
The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17: 11-19, presents a good example of ungratefulness and unthankfulness. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem and had to pass through Samaria and Galilee. While entering a certain village, He met ten lepers. They stayed at a distance and pleaded with him to have mercy on them. He told them to show themselves to the High Priest which was customary in those days. Praise God, as they went, healing took place. One of them, when he realized he was healed, returned to Jesus. With deep gratitude in his heart, he thanked Him. Jesus asked him, were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? They were nowhere in sight except for the one Samaritan. Because of his humility and faithfulness, Jesus told him to go his way because his faith had made him whole, which suggests that the others lacked faith.
Let us not forget the people who helped us to get to where we are. The view from the top is always great. However, one misstep can plummet us downward into the path of unforeseen danger. Let us be mindful of how we treat others in this life because they might just be the ones to break your fall. Above all, give thanks to God in everything!
I recently moved to another state and my internet box was waiting outside my apartment upon arrival. I tackled the setup the next day because I was not in the mood to do it right away. The next day, I was excited about reconnecting with the outside world and continuing my outreach. However, there was one problem: I couldn’t locate the indoor connection. I had in my mind what it looked like from previous experiences and it never occurred to me that there might be a new way in another state. I delayed setting up the internet because I didn’t want to be bothered. Then came day two, and I needed to be online and must figure it out. Hence, I began the arduous task of shifting some boxes around. To my amazement, the boxes hid the points, and in no time; I had internet service. I lost two days because I was not willing to look intentionally earlier.
My mind went back to an experience I had in my Junior year in college. I was a business major and taking a class in entrepreneurship among my other classes. They invited a wealthy business leader in the community to give a lecture about how to become a successful entrepreneur. He said one secret to becoming successful in business is the willingness to uncover new territories. He closed his lecture with this question; are you willing to explore new territories? Many of us were very skeptical because, for some of us, it was just making the grade because we had no interest in business ownership. We reluctantly answered in the affirmative. He gave us a task which was to overturn our chairs. Everyone gasped with excitement when they found a brand new $10 bill taped underneath their seats. The class gave him a resounding applause not just for the money but for the invaluable, simple practical lesson he taught us that day.
How many times do we get stuck in a rut and choose to remain there because we are too lazy to move things around, or don’t want to make the effort? Has it ever occurred to you that you might find something of value or learn something new that might change your life? God wants us to live joyfully each day despite the challenges we might experience in our lives. When we apply a positive approach, it can help to find solutions or help us push through a very difficult situation.
As Christians, we often become stuck with rituals and routines. God wants us to grow in our walk with Him and He expects us to ask big. 1 Chronicle 4:9-10 introduces Jabez’s character as being honorable. However, his name meant sorrow because his mother had a difficult time with his birth. One would think that he would go about life feeling sorry for himself. Jabez knew the God of his fathers and that with Him there were no limits. Therefore, he boldly stated his petition to the God of Israel, our God: Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me and that thou would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me. And God granted him what he requested. God wants to grant our requests. Let us do our part by studying His word, praying, and listening to the Holy Spirit. He is the same God. Let’s allow Him to surprise us by praying bold prayers today!
