When God Says 'Now'

Despite the seminars, how to videos, books and etc., every person who has found success did so because God said ... 'Now'. Hard work and intelligence help, but don't guarantee success. God can only do that. I can't tell you how many times I got positions and jobs that I KNOW someone else was more qualified for, but God simply wanted ME there. Of course I worked hard and studied my craft, but God pulled me from the back of the line, opened the door and said your time is 'now'. So sure, I'll come and speak at your 'How I Made It' conference, but here's what I'll say: 'Your relationship with God is more important than any other relationship you'll ever have. Yes, Work hard. Study your craft, but PLEASE GOD. He's the ultimate decision maker.  Skill helps you keep a job, but relationship gets you there in the first place. The ultimate relationship is with the one who can answer your 'When' question with the power to say 'Now'.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

You'll Never Fit The Mold That Wasn't Designed For You

Sometimes a person not believing in you has more to do with a them issue than a you issue. Embrace godly wisdom and know when to stop trying to convince them of who you are and what you bring to the table. You may find that the reason you're struggling is because you're trying to fly and they're holding YOU back. Hey Mr/Mrs Eagle... let that chicken's opinion of you go. You have places to be...

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

You Have A Secret Weapon

I want to tell you a secret. It doesn't mean you can't tell it to others, but it's mainly for you. Here it is: You have a secret weapon... God. It's that simple. Your weapon causes you to ultimately win in everything in life that concerns you. Despite your financial situation, your secret weapon is your greatest asset. No matter how rocky the environment on your job, your boss CAN'T fire you without the approval of YOUR secret weapon. Your spouse can't even handle you any kind of way, your enemies can't impose their will nor can anyone do ANYTHING to you outside of the providence of your secret weapon. Having this knowledge erases a victim's mentality. If God allows it to happen, then it was allowed because it will at some point work for YOUR good. Your secret weapon will always work for your good.

Romans 8:28 -  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

The Truth Most Of Us Won't Admit

The reason most of us don't consistently make better eating choices is because the bad stuff simply tastes better. Face it. When you're full and satisfied after a thanksgiving dinner, typically it's not because you just ate tofu and alfalfa sprouts! Many people, if they were to be honest, view a lifestyle of righteousness as good, but not as FUN, EXCITING, ON THE EDGE and ultimately SATISFYING as a life that is not as committed to righteousness. Truth is, God PROMISES satisfaction ... true satisfaction. Much of how we lived before Christ (and some of us after Christ) entailed us doing external things to fill an internal void that only God could fill. God created us. He KNOWS how to satisfy us. If you're still hungry or thirsty, you may just need to reassess what you're feeding on.

Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Saints vs Sinners ... The New Segregation

This is simple but true. You don't need the light IN the light. You need it in darkness. We are called to be the light of the world, yet many of us don't care to approach any type of darkness. Perhaps we don't want the darkness to 'get on us'? Understand this... no matter how dark it is, even something as small as a match light makes a difference. Don't talk about people who are lost and can't find their way when you who have the light aren't willing to show up and help them see. Sunday service should be for recharging our lights, not for showing them off.

Matthew 5:14-16 - “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others,that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The REAL Reason I Hate On The Saints!

It's a known fact. I can't STAND the New Orleans Saints. Nope, not at all. I don't know them personally, but that doesn't matter. I just don't like them. Why? Because they are division rivals? Not quite. Honestly, it's because they do a GREAT job at beating my Atlanta Falcons more often than not. The Panthers and Buccaneers are also division rivals, but they don't pose any REAL threat. The Saint's however, do. Here's the lesson in my brutal honesty. People don't hate on you because you are mediocre. They hate on you because you're good and you pose some type of either real or imagined threat to them. The good news is that if you're hated on, REJOICE! Let the haters be your motivators that you're on the right track. I still don't like the Saints... but hey... take it as a compliment.. or whatever. I don't care

Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Guys, This Is Your Woman's GREATEST Desire From You!

Women need security. If it's not their greatest need, it's very close to the top. It took me a long time to understand what this really meant, but after MANY failures I get it. It's more than financial stability or the ability to protect them. It's more than just 'not cheating'. Guys, women need US to be secure. They need to be able to trust that we will consistently be STABLE, SOLID, and firmly planted in our love for God and them. They need to know that despite how rough things get, we won't be moved. They want to know that even when THEY have moments of insecurity they can always rest on us because WE are secure. Fellas, no man possess this strength outside of God. Tap into your REAL power by being vulnerable and honest with God and watch every relationship around you change for the better.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”