plan

July 3, 2011 Trust No Comments

Spiritual Prosperity – Walking Out God’s Good Plan For Your Life!

Are You Following God One Step at a Time?

Spiritual prosperity is the result of

walking out God’s plan for your life.

In order to do this you need to allow the Lord

to direct your path one step at a time.

If I had known many years ago

what I was going to be doing today,

I would have said, “No way, God. That is impossible.”

But keep in mind, the Lord does not show us the whole picture of our life all at once, because we would quit before we got started. Instead, God leads us one step at a time.

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
— Proverbs 3:6

Following God One Step at a Time

Have you wondered why you are not further along in the plan for your life?

Let me ask you a question: Are you following God one step at a time?

Consider how excited parents are when their children take their first steps. They start out by taking one step and falling down. The parents then pick them up and put them back on their feet; encouraging them to take another step.

Inspired by the words of encouragement, the children try again and take two or three steps this time, before falling down. The parents continue to repeatedly pick them up, encourage, and help them try again until they finally conquer the task of walking.

The fact is: An infant would never learn to walk if he did not start by taking that first step. And just as infants learn to walk by taking one step at a time, so it is with the plan of our life. God leads us one step at a time.

Maybe you have taken the first step in your plan and fallen down. You may still be lying on the ground, having decided to never take another step. However, keep in mind that just as a parent encourages their children to get up and try again, so the Heavenly Father is encouraging you to get up and take another step!

The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord

If you will delight in the Lord, He will order your steps; and they will be steps of success and not failure.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delights in his way.”
— Psalm 37:23

Keep in mind, when opportunity knocks, you must answer! And you must walk through that door with confidence, knowing you can do it with the help of the Lord.

Of course there will be various disappointments and difficult circumstances along the way. We all face them and that is to be expected. Just remember there is help and you are not facing anything alone.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13

Allow this verse to help you have confidence in your ability, knowing you are not doing anything alone, but that it is Christ who strengthens you.

I think you get the point: You can make it through every circumstance of your life – regardless of what it is – if you will simply place your hand in God’s hand. He will direct your path and lead you to victory and spiritual prosperity; one step at a time.

May you walk out God’s good plan one step at a time and experience His growing prosperity!

Be blessed to be a blessing –

Cheers,
Brenda

July 20, 2010 Affirmations 4 Comments

Affirmation Power – How to Overcome Fear and Strengthen Your Courage with Affirmations

Why Not Put the Power of Affirmations to Work for Your Benefit?

Affirmations are a powerful force in helping direct our lives.

If you are lacking in any quality…

you can strengthen it with regular affirmations.

They will make your brain clearer…

and your thoughts more effective.

“An affirmation is a statement of Truth consciously used so as to become the directing power of Life’s expression.”
— Orison Swett Marden

Fearful Thoughts Versus Courageous Thinking

Would you like to overcome fear in your life? If you are a coward anywhere in your nature, which most people are, you can put the power of affirmations to work for your benefit.

Strengthen your courage by regularly affirming that you are absolutely fearless, that you are courageous, and that nothing can harm you. Consider that fear is simply the sense of danger. But when you have perfect confidence in the great Creator and His purpose for your life, when you trust in Him completely, there will be no cause for fear.

God has a plan for your life and He says it is not to harm you, but to prosper you and give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Once you convince yourself that there is a good plan for your life, and that the opposing thoughts must be a delusion, you will gradually lose the sense of fear and gain the courage you desire.

“Nerve us with incessant affirmation. Don’t bark against the bad, but chant the beauties of the good.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Affirmations Create Power

Determine today not to harbor anything in your mind which you do not wish to become real in your life. Every time you feel a sense of fear coming over you, replace it by saying something such as the following affirmation:

‘I am absolutely fearless; I am strong and courageous because the Lord is my God and my helper; I am more than a conqueror and always triumph in Christ.’

Do not entertain a weak or fearful thought. Instead replace them with confident, hopeful, optimistic thoughts. If you form the habit of affirming to yourself bold and courageous thoughts, as soon as a sense of fear arises, you will be surprised to see how quickly you can change the whole course of your thoughts. And when this is changed, the feeling will change also.

You will begin to increase your courage and confidence, and this is half the battle. You will soon find that your environment will begin to change. Hope will increase and you will have a healthier outlook on life. Your thoughts, instead of depressing your mind, will be a perpetual encouragement of courage and confidence that drives out fear.

Now what? Discover the wonderful advantage available to you by starting out every morning with the mindset of affirming the confident and courageous person God created you to be. Let affirmations create a powerful force that make it difficult for any discouraging and fearful thoughts to take over. Overcome fear and strengthen your courage with powerful affirmations.

May your mind be filled with courageous, confident affirmations and your life full of growing prosperity!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

June 2, 2010 Trust 3 Comments

Help Me! How on Earth Do I Know What God’s Purpose and Will is for My Life?

Knowing God’s Will and God’s Purpose for Your Life

Who, at some point, hasn’t asked:

“What is God’s plan and purpose for my life?”

We sooner or later reach a time in life when we find our self questioning why we are here. We come to a point of knowing, deep inside, that there must be something more God would have for us to do with our lives.

Well, how can you know the will of God and what you should do with your life? Good question. And it all starts with the Word of God, since God’s Word is God’s will.

Knowing God’s General Will

The Bible teaches us how to live our lives. It is filled with instructions and directions and it reveals God’s general will for all of us. So, first and foremost, we need to get into God’s Word so that we can know what He wants from us. His Word is very powerful and will guide us.

Here are just a couple examples:

“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:1-2

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

God’s will for man is not a hidden mystery. Anyone can open the Book and quickly see many things that God wants them to do (and not do). The chief aim and purpose of our lives should be to live according to His revealed will.

Knowing God’s Specific Will

Now you might be asking, “How do I know God’s specific plan for my life?” People often want God to tell them specifically what to do; like where to live, where to work, where to go to school, who to marry, etcetera.

Well, God can show us in many different ways. A loud, audible voice from heaven is not required, but listening to that still, small voice is. God has given us the Holy Spirit for guidance. The Spirit of truth is here to guide us into all truth. (John 16:13)

God can also direct us, through the events happening around us. And if we are already living daily according to God’s revealed will, decisions will be much clearer and easier to make. There is a peace that comes when we are pleasing God with our lives.

To get answers, we also need to pray and ask for God’s help and direction. When deciding between two options, the one that brings a greater peace is usually God’s will. Emotions sometimes create a false peace, but true peace will remain even after emotions fall.

Keep in mind: God allows us to make choices, but He is ultimately in control. We should trust Him always in faith that He will accomplish His will in our lives.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

Plus, questions we should be asking are, “Am I doing this for me or for God? Is this what I want or what God wants?” The key is to desire to make choices that agree with God’s will. If a decision does not go against the Word of God, then we can follow our heart.

“It was the Lord who put it into my mind… I could feel His hand upon me… There is no question the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit because He comforted me with rays of marvelous illumination from the Holy Scriptures… No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Savior if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.”
— Christopher Columbus (from his diary, in reference to his discovery of ‘the New World’)

Created with a Purpose

God does have great plans for your life! You were created by God, in His image, for a purpose. (Jeremiah 29:11) We have all been given unique gifts and talents. And just like our physical body is made up of many different parts, all unique, and all important to having a fully functioning body; so it is with the body of Christ.

Your gifts and talents have been given to you so you can be a blessing to the kingdom of God and make a positive contribution in life. So step out and act on the revealed knowledge you have already been given and use the talents you already have.

Then trust God to reveal more to you after you are faithful first in the little. Be confident that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. (Philippians 1:6) God’s purpose for all is that He is glorified and the gospel and kingdom of God be advanced.

In Conclusion: The wise king Solomon tells us the conclusion of the whole matter and duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) He also encourages us to enjoy life and be happy with our work. Keep the Word of God your foundation and watch His great plan revealed before your very eyes. God is for you and He will help you.

May you seek first the kingdom of God and live a life full of growing prosperity!

God bless you,
Brenda

January 28, 2010 Videos No Comments

What Is God’s Will? Skit Guys Video

A Look at Knowing God’s Will for Your Life

Enjoy some humor with this video by the Skit Guys. Be sure to hear what he says in the beginning of the video: God’s plan and will for our lives will NOT contradict God’s Word (which is His will).

So yes, there are lots of obvious things in God’s Word that are His will for everyone. God also gives us unique gifts, talents, and desires. We all have a purpose in His kingdom. When we put into motion, in life, those things we are passionate about and follow our heart – this helps move us into the center of God’s will.

For some Christians, God’s will for their life is very clear from an early age. For others, it is a constant step-by-step process that seems to be revealed with each step and act of obedience to God’s truths.

Again though, our heart and our passions will help guide us into the center of God’s will, but they need to be in line with God’s Word and not contradict it.

“I pray for you and desire that you might be filled with the
knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
That you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power,
to all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Giving thanks to the Father, which has made us
to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
Who has delivered us from the power of darkness,
and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through His blood,
even the forgiveness of sins:
Who is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of every creature:
For by Him were all things created,
that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible, whether they be
thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:
all things were created by Him, and for Him:
and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.”
— Colossians 1:9-17

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. Have a great day and feel free to share your comments…

December 18, 2009 Happiness No Comments

Happiness – How Can Your Passion Jumpstart a Happier You?

Give Your Spirit an Extreme Power Boost!

Happiness as a lifestyle is expressing our contentment and satisfaction through cheerful speech, laughter, and other joyful responses.

Yet sometimes the happy times start to fade and our words are no longer so cheerful.

Our face doesn’t look so bright….

And laughter is not even on the scale.

How can you cultivate more of the positive happy emotion in your life?

Get the ball rolling by discovering your passion.

This is a great way to jumpstart a happier you. Passion is a powerful driving force. Being able to actively pursue the things you are passionate about brings great satisfaction and in turn great happiness.

God created you to express joy and success, not gloom and failure. His plan is that you win out in life and not be defeated. You were born for happiness and peace, not misery and perpetual anxiety and discouragement.

Inside of you is a great plan and purpose uniquely created just for you. Tapping into this God given gift is the power to move you to be the successful, happy being your Creator intended.

Discover what you are passionate about and pursue it. Passion gives an extreme power boost to your spirit and emotional well being. If you are unsure of your passion, take some time to reflect on it.

So what are you passionate about?

Simply start asking yourself what you are passionate about. What sort of things do you like to do or wish you could do more of? What have you been putting off for someday? Find a way to make it part of your life now.

Doing what you are passionate about in life brings great happiness to you and others. The painter must paint. The healer must heal. The teacher must teach. The helper must help. The writer must write. I think you get my point. Pursue your passion and watch the happiness naturally manifest in your life.

“Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yes, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”
— Psalm 35:27

Do yourself a favor, and society, and put your unique gifts and talents to work. God never intended His children to be miserable and unhappy. Choose to step into His great plan for your life and discover your passion. Then watch as it unfolds and brings abundant happiness. 🙂

May you live a cheerful, passionate life of growing prosperity!

Cheers,
Brenda

December 14, 2009 Biblical Prosperity 2 Comments

Growing Prosperity – How to Reach Out and Grab Your Share of Super Abundance!

Tap Into the Abundance Plan

Super abundance is just waiting for you to claim your share.

If your current situation is full of lack, that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.

You can choose to step out of your plans that led you to lack…

and step into new found plans that lead to growing prosperity.

Choose the Abundant Life

Even if at this very moment, you are at your lowest point in life, you can choose to overcome.

The Creator of the universe created a plan for you to be a success in life. When you call out to God for help, His power is made available to help you overcome any problem that has kept you bound and it can move you to an abundant place.

“I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.”
– Psalm 118:5

The same God that created the universe is more than able to meet all your needs.

He is able to give you the wisdom and strength to get a good job or build a successful business. He can move you from living paycheck to paycheck, with piles of debt, and into abundance.

Step out of the stress and frustration and let God pull you to a higher level.

Tap Into the Abundance Plan

Once you choose abundance and accept that it is God’s will for your life, then you need to understand His plan so that it can manifest in your life.

How do you do this? By spending time in the Word of God and in prayer; He will reveal His plans.

As your understanding increases, adjust your life and make changes as needed. Move forward in faith, not fear.

Consider God revealing His plans to Moses; plans to take the children of Israel out of bondage and into a super abundant land. When the 12 spies came back to report on the Promised Land, 10 came back with an unbelieving, bad report which caused the people to fear and believe the words of men instead of the Word of God.

Two came back with a good report; Joshua and Caleb. They understood there was serious wealth in the Promised Land that was laid up for those that God delights in. And God delights in those who live by faith. His plan is to reward them.

“He brought me forth also into a large place: He delivered me, because He delighted in me.”
– 2 Samuel 22:20

Today we face a similar challenge as we spy out the plan of blessing God has provided for us.

How long will it take before we decide to believe God’s promise of abundance? Regardless of what bad report we may hear, we must choose the plan of God.

God is ready to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)
He provided a way for you to have wealth and riches in your house. (Psalm 112:3)
He did this so that you can be blessed to be a blessing and His covenant can be established on the earth. (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Go ahead; allow God to open the windows of heaven above you as you walk in His plan. Do not give up and do not let fear take you off course. Delight in his Word and grab your share of super abundance.

May your obedience to the Word of God fill your life with growing prosperity!

God bless,
Brenda

September 29, 2009 Leadership No Comments

Leadership – Do You Utilize these Top 3 Powerful Skills?

Discover the Top 3 Powerful Skills of Successful Effective Leaders!

Leadership is required in many different arenas of life.

A small number of people seem to be born with a built in set of skills for being an effective leader and it comes naturally to them. However, for the majority of people, study and training is required to bring out the true leader in them.

It has been said that “The person who says he is leading but has no followers is only taking a walk.”

That being said, I would also add that good leaders require good followers.

Effective leaders teach their followers how to step up and be all that they can be. As others imitate a leader, and follow their steps, growth and progress should come to the organization as a whole.

Top 3 Powerful Skills for Effective Leadership:

1.) VISION – It is vital that a leader be a person of vision. If you do not have a clear vision of where you are headed and what you plan to accomplish, how can you expect to get yourself and others there?

This type of vision is actually a spiritual vision.

When the Bible talks about vision it is about what will be; not what we see. Spiritual vision equals seeing what will be. Natural vision equals seeing what already is.

We are told that vision comes from God and that it should be written down and made clear to others. That way everyone can grab hold of it and run with it. (Habakkuk 2:1-2) It is vitally important that you stay focused on the vision.

2.) PLANNING & PREPARATION – Another key skill of an effective leader is the ability to plan. Before you start something; plan, make preparation, and look ahead.

What is the long-term impact of what you are about to do? Sit down and count the cost. Fully consider the project you are about to take on to be sure you can complete it.

Planning and preparation helps fulfill the vision. It is never wasted time. Learn to plan ahead, prepare, and be organized.

3.) PRAYER – Great leaders that stand the test of time are leaders that pray. Prayer is not just for your personal life, but also for your employment, business, family, school, etc.

In everything we do it should be by prayer. (Philippians 4:6)

Why would you not want to be built up spiritually before you do anything? In everything you do; be prepared in prayer and get God involved.

Keep in mind: Your vision may be so big that it seems impossible to ever attain it. Remember though, that vision tends to run in advance of your ability to fulfill it.

As a leader you have strength that can be tapped into through the resource of prayer. When God is your partner, nothing is impossible!

Your next step? Take what you have just learned and whether you are a leader of a business organization, or any type of group, ministry, or family begin to grow in these key skills. Start applying these powerful skills in your life and watch yourself become a successful leader.

May your leadership skills improve and your life overflow with growing prosperity!

Cheers,
Brenda

P.S. If you have any comments or thoughts to expand on this, please feel free to share…I’d love to hear them…

August 15, 2009 Leadership No Comments

Quote by President Ronald Reagan

Encouraging Quote by a Great American Leader: Ronald Reagan

I ran across the following quote yesterday by Ronald Reagan. And also the one after, which is by his daughter Patti Davis.

Seeing others live their lives with such a resolve to love God, and keep in a close committed relationship with Him, always encourages my faith walk.

It’s interesting to see how they also seem to have such a peace even through the storms of life.

No one can take away our relationship with God. Only we as individuals can decide if we will walk with Him or not, and if so, how close . . .

Enjoy & be Encouraged by these Quotes:

“I’ve always believed that we were, each of us, put here for a reason; that there is a plan, somehow a divine plan for all of us. In an effort to embrace that plan, we are blessed with the special gift of prayer, the happiness and solace to be gained by talking to the Lord. It is our hopes and our aspirations, our sorrows and fears, our deep remorse and renewed resolve, our thanks and joyful praise, and most especially our love, all turned toward a loving God. Many of us have been taught to pray by people we love. In my case, it was my mother. I learned quite literally at her knee. My mother gave me a great deal, but nothing she gave me was more important than that. She was my inspiration and provided me with a very real deep faith.” — Ronald Reagan