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Goals

How are Your Stones of Remembrance Coming Along? An 8-step DreamGoNow “How To”

by Mark Becerra March 16, 2019

I’ll bet many of you have experienced this before. You snap to and suddenly discover it’s XX/YY, 2019. What happened? How did we get here? Where did all the time go? Case in point – my own experience!

I started thinking the other day about how I might create some meaningful memories for my kids. I thought they might enjoy having a string of memories from their individual journeys as kids and teens and young adults told with pictures from their times and short anecdotes from my fatherly perspective.

Don’t let time get away from you!

Then WHAM, it hit me. My oldest son is now 39; the youngest from my first marriage is now 30. Here’s the thing: I don’t have a journal to go back and draw from, a journal capturing key moments, funny and significant things they said and did, the laughter we shared, etc. I didn’t take any notes during their early years, notes that could be a rich source of fun and affection and useful to keep our bonds tight.

I’m paying a heavy price for that.

So what is the answer to this situation? How can I remedy my situation? Simple: Write it down!

Write it down. Capture those moments in a single place where you can find this stuff when you need it. Take some pictures, print them at your local photo processor, and stick them in that journal. I call this “My Stones of Remembrance” (now!), and it’s helping me.

But what’s a better way? What can you proactively do to get ahead of the memory loss curve and reward yourself with rich treasure to mine and enjoy later on in life?

Dream with the Father

By now you’re getting used to a central message of mine, so this will come as no surprise: Hatch a dream with the Father. Write it down. Then go, and do it – now. Plan to make memories in advance. Don’t let time get away from you! Time is your servant, and not the other way around:

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. (1 Cor. 3:21-23 NKJV)

Time is included in the “all things” that are ours. Here’s another great verse about our “positional” mastery over time:

For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those (that’s us!) who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. (Rom. 5:17 NKJV)

Grace that has yet to be received

But why, you may ask, do I say “positional”? It’s because this “reigning in life through Christ” is an uncashed check, drawn on the bank of Papa God’s infinitely deep pockets, and waiting for us to start cashing. It’s grace that has to be received.

This is so cool, that all the promises of our Heavenly Father are yes and Amen in Jesus:

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Cor. 1:20 NKJV)

– But as rich and limitless and destiny-fulfilling as they are (and man are they ever!), they can only be activated, the check can only be cashed, by both faith and action. We have to put our feet and hands in motion if we want to see our prayers and petitions answered. Remember these always-chilling, always-challenging words of the Apostle James, the brother of Jesus:

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? (James 2:17-21 NKJV)

And while we’re at it, why don’t we let the wisest man ever (before Jesus) weigh in on the subject at hand?:

The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. (Prov. 16:9 NASB)

Stones of Remembrance

Do you see the sequence here? First we plan our way, and then and only then can the Lord direct our steps. One thing follows the other. Think about this: steps imply motion, activity, and movement. If we’re not moving, if we’re not going, if we’re not forging ahead with a plan, Papa cannot direct our steps. Can you see that?

So then: how do we build our remembrance stones? Glad you asked! By making (writing!) a plan to do so. Here’s a specific thing you can do to start laying the foundation for a life with a detailed “look back” capability:

Get out your spiral-bound college notepad and create a section for “Key Relationships”
Devote a page per Key Relationship, putting that person’s name at the top
Write a very short description of how you’re connected to them, and the role(s) you play in the relationship (this could be past, present, and / or future, by the way)
Write out a few ideas for some memories you’d like to make with and for them, memories you want to record for “replay” later on. Don’t make them too difficult or complicated (for now!) – you need to be able to schedule the event
Pick out the top 3-5 actions from all of your Key Relationships, ones you know you can schedule with the person (or group of people, depending)
Get with that person and schedule the event
Use whatever you can to record the event, in addition to writing it down
Following the event get it all down on paper, and into any appropriate storage places, too (for pics, vids, sound recordings, ticket stubs, playbills, etc.)

I hope this helps! I’d really love to hear how you’re doing with all this. Please write and tell at [email protected].

March 16, 2019 0 comment

Articles

How to Rework Your Master Dream List So That You Touch the Father’s Heart

by Mark Becerra February 16, 2019

written by Mark Becerra

Funny story.

In my last blog I solemnly warned against putting dreams down on paper that are not reflective of our Father’s heart. I even named a category of dreams to avoid: fantasy dreams, or chimeras. (Cool word, right?) So you might be saying, “OK Mark, but what about these 100 dreams I’ve got written down? Throw them overboard and start over again?” Great question! Glad you asked!

(True confession time.)

So I opened up my Google doc, simply called “My Dreams – Mark Becerra Sr.”. I use Google docs so I can work on this kind of stuff anywhere; it’s the staging area for writing everything into my written journals. Yeah, you know, pen and paper and all that. Smudges. Coffee stains. Different inks, and this terrible scrawl I feebly pass off as handwriting. Something I can show my kids and grandkids.

And lo and behold! What do I see as I scan down the list? I see things I really, truly wish and hope for, some of which are impossible without help from on High. But, being brutally honest with myself, some of these dreams in here are in dire need of reworking and rethinking, re-feeling and re-imagining, against the backdrop of my always-improving lens.

What lens is that? And how is it always-improving?

The lens is this:

Is this dream birthed out of the dreams I’ve shared with my Father, dreams we’ve dreamt together in the quiet place, the secret place He and I share in sweet communion, in the mutual pleasure of each other’s presence?

Have I imagined this dream (could be about a relationship, or a new situation, or an impact I’ve made, etc.) under the transforming influence of His sweet, heavy, energizing, and affirming Presence?

As I look at each one of these through this lens, right now, while I’m in a state of intoxication from engaging with Him in face to face worship, what does my spirit man say? Do I clearly sense a birthing coming out of His deep calling unto my deep, His dream life informing and influencing my dream life?

And how is this lens always-improving?

I find myself growing every day in this love relationship I have with our Father. I find my spirit man rejoicing with joy inexpressible, and full of glory (see 1 Peter 1:8), more and more, each and every time I turn my heart’s attention towards Him, even after 43 years of walking with Him. (To be transparent, many of these years I spent running from Him, but He was never running from me.)

This rework I’m talking about in the title of this article starts with me getting into His Presence, in a quiet place – a secret place – all alone with Him. As I draw near and we converse together about each dream, I give myself over to feeling His breath on each one. I feel adjustments and tweaks. I want these dreams of mine to draw an “Amen” from His heart. I don’t feel any sense of correction or chiding or such, just a Father enjoying the coloring, and sculptures, and scribbles of His young son. He treasures them. They’re precious to His heart! How amazing!

Let me show you what I mean.

Here’s a dream of mine:

I see Meeshi (my pet name for my wife, Michelle) and I doing more personal ministry together.

And I hear Him whisper this tweak:

I see Meeshi and I doing more personal ministry together, showing forth the love and affection we share to others; it’s our message, the story of Christ and His bride.

I then hear Him give His amen:

I see Meeshi and I doing more personal ministry together, showing forth the love and affection we share to others; it’s our message, the story of Christ and His bride. My son, your devotion to your bride, My lovely daughter, truly delights Me. Your lives together is a living message that thrills my Father-heart.

Here’s another:

I see Meeshi and I able to host out of town guests and small group meetings.

And I feel Him breathe on it, whispering this:

I see Meeshi and I able to host out of town guests and small group meetings, showing the hospitality my Father has shown me all of my life.

Then I hear His amen:

I see Meeshi and I able to host out of town guests and small group meetings, showing the hospitality my Father has shown me all of my life. My son, you are learning the hospitality lesson well, it’s so much a part of everything I do with people. I love setting tables and waiting on My guests, enjoying their company and fellowship around a good meal, hearty laughter, robust conversation, worship, song, and prayer. Keep going, you’re doing well!

Now you give it a try!

Get your Master Dream List out, block out a good chunk of quiet time on your daily agenda (make an appointment for the two of you!), get into Papa’s presence, and dream with Him.

Hear His voice. Open yourself up to His whispers, that still small voice of the Spirit, and let Him brood over and breathe on your dreams.

Feel these dreams come alive in His august, heady, intoxicating presence. And rework them. It will be time well spent.

Need help getting started on your Master Dream List? Here’s a great place to start: Danny Silk’s teaching called Dream Life (https://shop.bethel.com/products/dream-life).

February 16, 2019 1 comment

Articles

5 Ways Your Dreams Aren’t Big Enough – And How To Fix This!

by Mark Becerra February 12, 2019

written by Mark Becerra

In my last blog I said we would start looking at “Papa’s Big Heart Discipleship Project – His Dream Life On Display,” and we will, I promise, but not quite yet! Let’s do some practical stuff first. I want us to look at five ways our dreams aren’t big enough, with suggestions on how might we fix this.

Here we go:

First,

Our dreams aren’t big enough because quite often they start with me – my dreams – my hopes – my expectations –my wishes and my desires. Here are some quotes that illustrate this:

“All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them” – said Walt Disney.

(All is a really big word. If I dream of going to the moon or being a fighter pilot you would rightly fault me for dreaming a pipe dream.)

“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough!” – said Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

(But Jesus said, “Nothing shall be impossible with God,” leaving no room for fear; our God-breathed dreams should not and will not scare us!)

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – said Eleanor Roosevelt.

(But is their beauty found in the plan, purpose, vision and dream life of Papa God?)

Of course there is some truth in each of these three statements, and they do help! Nonetheless we find ourselves surrounded by movements and meetups, websites and webinars, books and podcasts and seminars and training courses, all touting surefire approaches for me dreaming my dreams and getting my life aspirations done.

All well and good, except…

…except rarely do these resources begin by asking if my dreams originate with Papa’s heart.

Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does…” (John 5:19-20). And this includes dreaming.

So, the first way our dreams aren’t big enough is when they don’t originate or find a solid place in the dreaming heart of our Heavenly Father.

Be clear on this: what I’m not saying is that our dreams can’t include things like a big home, a vacation getaway somewhere, nice things, wealth for extravagant giving to the charities and good works we believe in, and great wealth in a very general way – not at all! I’m simply asking, how does all that line up with the dreams of Papa? Dreams we can clearly see in His Word, dreams we can hang our own “dreaming heart” hats on?

We can fix this by re-reading our Bibles through a new lens: “What does this verse or passage show me about Papa’s dreams? And how can these dreams of His affect and inform and shape my own?” That’s a great starting point.

Second,

Our dreams aren’t big enough because often times they are not focused on other people, or people groups, or nations, etc. Our dreams should be tied to serving others more largely, more completely, and in greater numbers over time, God willing.

Big dreams (should!) = big service to others.

And this starts with serving our own families and local churches well, then (should) grow into dreams for serving our local communities, then, our nation and other nations. (“…you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”) All this by the call and direction of Papa God.

Jesus said: “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28). Effective service to others is the ultimate dream of all those who dream dreams after God’s heart. It’s just as simple as that.

How can we fix this, then? Let me suggest this: take a hard look at your master dream list, and go over each one carefully with these questions in mind:

How does this dream equip me to serve others better?

Who will benefit from this dream coming true?

What transformation in others and in my society do I hope takes place as a result seeing this particular dream fulfilled?

Can I hear Papa say, “Well done, my child!” as a result of dreaming this dream and seeing it come to pass?

Each dream should find itself anchored in serving others, or experiencing greater intimacy with God, or making a trans-generational impact on our world, etc. In other words, there should be a clear other-awareness in all our dreams.

Third,

Our dreams aren’t big enough because sometimes they’re just pure fantasy, and they distract us from dreaming Spirit-breathed, Word-informed, Papa-pleasing, situation-relevant dreams.

Pursuing these chimeras distract us of the focused effort needed to bring God-birthed dreams to pass, like so many shiny squirrels.

When we hear people talk about dreams like this: “I dream of being a recording star,” people who have never learned a note of music, played one instrument, or have any clue what kind of music they would record and the artistic result they have in mind, we know we’re hearing fantasy, and not a Papa-breathed dream. (We love and honor them regardless!)

But if that same person is a construction worker and they say, “I dream of building a series of widow and orphan refuge homes in the poorest parts of the South,” you might be hearing a God-breathed dream. It’s in concert with that person’s proclivities and life trajectory, and, it has a clear benefit for some specific others in view. And the dreamer has a strong passion for and commitment to the dream.

So how can we fix this? Looking again at your master dream list, ask yourself some more hard questions: “Which of these are simply impossible and need to come off my list?” Now are you thinking to yourself, “IMPOSSIBLE? But Jesus said with God all things are possible!” I hate to break it to you, but you’re not quite getting the meaning of this thought of God’s! Here’s a terrific example:

Jesus said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36) Sure, it was possible for Papa to take the cup of Crucifixion away from Jesus, but Papa willed it not. Jesus’ own desire, His dream if you will, was not to have to go through with this. But that was simply impossible; it was the will of His Father that Jesus go through with the Crucifixion. (Good thing, right?)

So Jesus bowed His heart to the desire, plan, and dream of the Father, meekly went forth to die for us. (And what is the dream of Papa that helped Him keep His Son’s will steady in the moment of crisis? It was this: the Father’s dreaming eye saw beyond all the current turmoil and was looking steadily at the prize: the Son’s Bride. Terrific news here: that’s you and me!)

Fourth,

Our dreams aren’t big enough because we are pessimistic about the future of our planet and its people, its history and its outcome.

We hear things like “You don’t polish the brass on a sinking ship,” and, “Wake up! The time is running out!,” and “The world is a sinking Titanic ripe for judgment, not Garden of Eden perfection.” So in addition to being me-centered, not related to Scripture, and pure fantasy, the time horizon of our dreams is almost always: in my lifetime, no later!

They are rarely trans-generational, and that’s because we have this gravely mistaken notion that Jesus is returning at any moment. We ignore Papa’s current report card to the Church with respect to completing the mission Jesus assigned to us in Matt. 28:18-20. (Interim grade for this assignment: “Incomplete, but keep going, you’re doing great!”)

Further, we ignore the Genesis to Revelation heartbeat, intention, and will of our Father with respect to how things turn out for us and our planet. (We won’t get into this in depth now, but we most certainly will later!)

Jesus said: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20). Count up the “alls” in this prophetic command of Jesus. All authority. All the nations. Teach them all things. Always. Now, go grab you a coffee and a New York Times. Or turn on a CNN broadcast. Do you see these alls all lined up and done, ready to present to Papa and Jesus? Are we done yet? Are we there yet? News flash: we’re not done till we’re done. And He’s with us till then. Till then we must “be about our Father’s business.”

So how do we fix this? Back to the Word we go! Have a look at these passages and see how they might influence our thinking about the future. Let’s get serious about learning God’s heart and mind towards us and our planet its history, its final state before time wraps up: Isaiah 2:2-5, 9:6-7, 35, 60-62, Num. 14:21, Hab. 2:14, Ps. 22:27-28, Rev. 11:15, 1 Cor. 15:25, Gen 1:28. (And many, many others.)

Fifth,

Our dreams aren’t big enough because they don’t have intimacy as their ultimate outcome, intimacy with God first and foremost. We’re talking about the one thing:

“One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death… ” (Philippians 3:8-10)

The pursuit of intimacy with God is the foundation of all dreaming, planning, and doing. It was the grand theme of Jesus’ life:

Jesus said: “And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:22-24)

The fix for this? Let’s take a look at that master dream list again. Can you see “intimacy with God” sitting behind or underneath each one, in one way or another? Has intimacy with Him given birth to the dream? And/or, will someone else’s intimacy with God be birthed or accelerated? If you can’t see it in the dream somehow, some way, should that dream even be there? We have to be brutally honest with ourselves. We don’t have an endless supply of days to devote pursuing our dreams.

In conclusion: let’s guard carefully what we invest our hearts, our treasure, and, very critically, the use of our days and hours and minutes into. Let’s be sure we’re pursuing dreams that are symphonic responses to our Father’s heart, dreams that resonate deeply in Heaven, for realization here on earth. Just like Jesus.

February 12, 2019 0 comment

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Satan’s Subtle Strategy To Use Your New Year Goals Against You

by Kyle Winkler December 29, 2018

written by Kyle Winkler

At the beginning of each new year, about 50% of North Americans set a goal they’d like to achieve in the 365 days that follow. The most popular of these often have to do with improving health, mastering a new skill or even finding love.

It’s great to set goals for self-betterment. Unfortunately, though, statistics reveal that 81% of our resolutions are never achieved. Sometimes because of unclear objectives, other times because of a lack of discipline, but all too often, our ambitions fail because they were really set as a solution to a deeper issue that can’t be resolved by any self-improvement strategy: dissatisfaction with ourselves at our core.

Satan’s Strategy for Your Significance

When we are discontent with something about ourselves, we tend to go on searches to improve those areas. These, of course, can be very positive journeys. However, when our unhappiness has to do with poor self-worth because we believe we aren’t pretty or handsome enough, or we are inadequate, or we are unlovable, then the search turns into a sprint toward a dangling carrot that can never be reached. Accordingly, when the new wears off, and we begin to realize we don’t have the satisfaction we had hoped for, we give up on our goals out of disappointment or to begin something else with seemingly more promise. On and on we go.

In truth, the first step to looking better, getting that promotion, or finding love actually has nothing to do with setting out to achieve those things at all. It has everything to do with cultivating a positive self-image by seeing yourself how God sees you.

The Importance of Godly Self-Image

Proverbs 4:23 offers great wisdom about the importance of self-image, “Guard your heart above all else,” it instructs, “for it determines the course of your life.” Heart here isn’t the blood-pumping organ that we know it as today, but it’s your innermost being. In essence, the proverb urges us to guard what we believe about ourselves because this belief dictates our destinies.

Guard it we must. As we know too well, the enemy brings all kinds of situations and emotions in attempts to conceal or erode the understanding of the Divine image in which we were made (See Gen. 1:27). He desires we spend our lives in endless searches for significance, rather than loving ourselves as the masterpieces God’s Word affirms we are.

Set Your Goals on a Foundation of Truth

As you work your plan to improve your life, be careful it’s not about trying to be someone who God says you already are. Rather, work from the foundation of knowing you are accepted, complete, and loved because God already declares you to be in His Word. No worldly possessions, promotions or special someones can add an ounce to the reality of that.

December 29, 2018 1 comment

Articles

3 Things You Can Do To Ensure You Reach Your Goals

by Charlotte Ibanez December 27, 2018

written by Charlotte Ibanez

It’s the end of December and a new year is almost upon us, so we ask ourselves, “What have we accomplished so far?” As we stand on the threshold of 2019 we will again write down our New Year’s resolutions or a new set of goals for 2019. The question is, “Have we accomplished our short-term goals; what is our progress in our long-term goals? Am I doing things effectively?”

I like what Steven Altrogge (Pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana, PA) wrote in his article on the topic of goals, “…there’s a big difference between simply achieving goals and achieving goals in a manner that pleases God.” Most people today do not consider God as part of the process or, much worse, the end goal in achieving their dreams. We often forge ahead in pride without even consulting God because we think that setting goals and accomplishing them has nothing to do with God. This is our own goal and we rationalize that we have to act on it immediately.

Put God in the center of your life

We can’t exclude Him if we really want to succeed. It is foolish to think that we can do it all by ourselves. He knows our future more than anyone else and He knows exactly how we can get there.

Once we know our core values, we know what kind of goals we can set. In setting our goals for our spiritual life, family, social life, physical, professional or business, we must consult God in prayer. He will help us set our goals the SMART way. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-based).

Once we get clear confirmation from God after praying, we need to itemize our goals and add a corresponding timeline and measurement so we can track our performance. This is important so we don’t lose track and procrastinate.

We will be directed on how to achieve our goals, but God will not give us the whole picture at once so that our faith will grow in the process.

Be patient. Trust His ways

It is not enough that we have faith in Him to accomplish our big dreams for us. Faith also requires action on our part. Our goals will be achieved if we will work on them daily. We need to remove anything in our schedule that wastes our time and change anything that does not add up to the attainment of our goals. We must devote ourselves to our goals and God will honor our perseverance.

We must also be in a state where He can bless us. Our hearts and our lives must demonstrate a kind of life that honors Him and obeys His Word. In Matthew 6:33, we are reminded to “seek God first and everything else will be added unto us.” If we make Him the priority in our life, He will honor us back by helping us achieve our goals.

Stay focused

There will be goals that will take longer than others to achieve. Don’t be discouraged. It is normal to have highs and lows in life that tend to disrupt the attainment of our goals, treat those circumstances as part of the process and learn from it.

I heard once that, “Ordinary people focus on the outcome, but extraordinary people focus on the process.” It is important for us to consider what kind of person we are becoming in the process as we achieve our goals. We are being blessed by God to bless others. We should contemplate, “How do we create a lasting legacy whilst creating wealth? How do we impact others just as how God is impacting us?”

Finding answers to those questions will point us back to our God-given purpose. Reaching our goals has more purpose than we ever thought it did.

Honor God in everything and He will honor His promises to you.

December 27, 2018 0 comment

Articles

Why Perfection Isn’t Relevant

by Trevor Tyson December 4, 2018

written by Trevor Tyson

As a human, you sometimes have thoughts that cross your mind about “what if” or “why not”… But once or twice, you’ve struggled with wanting to be perfect in some way or another. Whether it’s being the perfect student, mother, blogger, runner… whatever it is… it’s not relevant.

In a sense, perfection is unrealistic. You’ll always have flaws, you’ll always have heartbreak happen, or faith that struggles. But luckily, we have a God that is perfect and willing to walk alongside us. All too often we can get lost in what is trending, popular, or even trying to innovate new ways to gain praise or attention. However, rarely do we think about how useless that is to our lives. Just think, is this actually benefitting my everyday lifestyle? Is all of this effort that I am putting into this illusion going to benefit me? More times than not, that answer is a definitive “no”. So, what can we do to actually defeat our lust for perfection and actually benefit ourselves and the people that we love and care for?

Take care of yourself

Be proactive in taking care of YOU first. If you are stressed out, anxious and/or depressed, be sure to take steps to seek help and treatment if needed. Your mental health is so important yet so overlooked by the general population. It’s a huge issue and the lack of care and attention is literally killing people. Spread love, pursue health, and take care of yourself.

Challenge yourself

Whether you find that you have too much time to spare or too little to use, REEVALUATE! Find time to pursue your passions and to grow in whatever field you can see yourself spending the rest of your life pursuing. If you wait until tomorrow, every day for the rest of your life to chase that crazy dream that you have or to start writing the blog that you’ve always wanted to write, you will NEVER do it. You will wait one day too long and you won’t have the option to just pick up your pen and start writing… so think. What is holding you back? If you can live without the excuse you just thought of, I’d suggest starting today. Make that move without overthinking it! Just do it.

Be available

Perfection isn’t obtainable. It’s like the off-brand version of normal… it’ll never be as real as the original. It can get pretty close, but it will never be the exact replica.
Cut yourself some slack. Meditate on your greatest blessings and accomplishments. Realize that you have talents and aspirations that are unique to you and will never be as real for anyone else other than you.
You have a voice, you have a purpose and you will impact a generation… If you choose to drop your baggage, drop your pride, suck up your sorrows, and pursue the path of greatness that God has created for you. While you aren’t perfect… God is… let Him guide you every step of the way.

December 4, 2018 0 comment

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Success: God-Given or Self-Made Goals?

by Charlotte Ibanez October 1, 2018

written by Charlotte Ibanez

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)

“We are more likely to succeed if we attain God’s purpose and plan for our lives, than our self-made goals.” – C.Ibanez

People flounder about in life when they do not have goals, or they may have goals but they do not know their purpose.

This is different from a successful life that we all envisioned to have. People who have found their purpose and meaning in life are alive, passionate, intentional and driven. They know what they need to accomplish, what relationships they need to nurture and the impact they want to have in other people’s lives. It is God-driven. If we opt and settle with our self-made goals that are not aligned with our God-given purpose, then we’ll miss out on the true meaning of success.

It is different from the kind of success that others think we should have – fame and fortune. There’s nothing wrong with being popular or gaining material wealth but if that is the sole barometer of success, then it is not true success. The success we should aim for is the one that builds our character, nourishes our relationship with others and affirms our obedience to God’s call as I’ve learned from Dr. Charles Stanley’s amazing book, Success God’s Way.

If you still don’t know what you are supposed to do in life:

– pray for God’s direction because He is the one who planted that desire in your heart,
– look back and assess your talents and abilities,
– find your passion, think of people you can impact with your gifts and trust God to help you succeed.

If you have already found your calling, continue fulfilling your purpose!

October 1, 2018 0 comment

Articles

What does it entail to DREAM BIG?

by Charlotte Ibanez September 30, 2018

written by Charlotte Ibanez

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 )

What does it entail to DREAM BIG?

We often see this phrase when we talk about success, leadership, planning, goal setting and management. You may ask, is it ok to dream big without nurturing my ego?

Tommy Barnett’s definition of dreaming big puts things in perspective:

“They are the goals and visions that fire your heart and saturate your soul with joy at the very thought of them. They are those continuing visions of what you want your life to be at its highest level of fulfilment – what you want to do, how you want to do it, what kind of person you want to become in the process.”

He went on to explain that it is God who places our dreams in us, it is part of our spiritual DNA, a blueprint of who we are and it will be like a magnet that will always pull us until we accomplish it.

As to our ego, as long as we do not think and consider that we’re doing it all on our own and remove God out of the equation, then we can desire to have lofty goals.

I recommend John Piper’s article as a good reading – Should I “Dream Big” for God When I Have a Huge Ego?

The thing is, if until now you don’t know what your dream is, or if you know already but haven’t done anything yet to get started, you are wasting your time. However, your desires, gifts, talents and past experiences will point you to your dreams. And, your God-sized dreams should be founded on Him alone to ensure success.

So what is that vision that is bigger than you? And, if you’re already in it, how far have you reached your dreams?

This article was written by Charlotte Ibanez

September 30, 2018 1 comment

Articles

7 Tips To Conquering Procrastination…Cause It’s Too Easy to Put Things Off!

by GOD TV August 10, 2018

written by GOD TV

7 Tips To Conquering Procrastination

Procrastination. We all do it. Why do we as humans tend to avoid the very thing we need to address most? What is it that causes us to pull back and avoid a particular project, conversation, or situation? How can we minimize those feelings of procrastination and instead boldly, courageously go after the things that we’d prefer to avoid?

Even now in writing this, I’m experiencing the resistance of investigating introspectively that which is causing me to shrink back from attacking the very goals I’d like to accomplish with greater enthusiasm, energy, and boldness. The struggle is real.

Here are seven simple tips to conquer procrastination:

1. Avoid Overwhelming One’s Self

Think about the idea of writing a book. Now think about everything that needs to take place for that book to get written. If one has never written a book before, knowing where to start is even an intimidating idea. It’s easy for fear to wash over the good intentions the book represents, backing the individual into the proverbial corner in fear. Fear causes humans to freeze and become completely incapacitated to respond in any effective manner.

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)

2. Keep It Simple

Take the idea of writing a book again. Start small and basic, if there’s a theme or idea formed, start writing out topics relevant to the message of the book. For example, if writing a recipe book, what type of recipes? Is it a dessert recipe book? What kinds of desserts; pies, cakes, cookies, etc.? It’s so simple to think about a little bit at a time.

There’s a famous question or analogy, and it applies to fighting procrastination, it’s “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Think about Noah for a second; the ark took more than a day to make. It took multiple decades for him to build something that nobody ever imagined. Up until that point, there was no need for a boat in the first place.

Noah kept it simple.

3. Be Diligent

Create habits of diligence. What can be done every day, week or month to move towards the goal desired to accomplish? Put it on the calendar and be faithful to fulfill the little tasks necessary to progress. Noah had to chop down one tree at a time. How much lumber does your ark need? Chop down one tree at a time. Maybe that’s one tree a day, week or month? Determine what diligence looks like and go after it.

4. Take Action – Just Start

How often does an individual tend to overthink the task? People lose precious time navel gazing, rather than taking bold action. Focus on more action and less thinking or talking.

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23)

5. Be Willing To Grow

Noah had zero experience in crafting a viable and seaworthy boat. In fact, there wasn’t a person alive who had ever created such a thing. Laughing and mockery surrounded Noah by those in his community because it had never rained before. He had no mentors, aside from the Creator Himself (which is more than enough). Think about it, though, most occupations and professions have mentors, educators, etc. to lead one down a given path. There was no path for Noah. He was the trailblazer. Noah had to acquire new skills and abilities – both physically and emotionally to accomplish the ark.

The individual may need to identify new skills necessary to achieve the goal before them. Dive in! The sooner one acquires the new skills; the faster one can accomplish their mission.

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)

6. Stop Making Excuses

If Noah made excuses about his inabilities, he and his family would have drowned. The entire human race would have seized to exist if Noah made excuses as to why he was unqualified to build an ark. Excuses are death to a dream and are simply nothing more than a form of complaining. Nobody benefits from complaints or excuses. Assess the situation and make the most it. If there’s nothing positive about the situation, don’t say anything. Don’t be the sluggard.

The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” (Proverbs 22:13)

7. Finish Strong

Sometimes it’s easy to forget the purpose of the project. Think about the, “why”. Why was this important back when the task was started? Boredom can set in, other opportunities can capture one’s attention and distract from us getting to the finish line. At this point, it’s time to focus and re-align with purpose. Finishing this project will build confidence and provide opportunity to start a new exciting project.

Stay the course. Finish strong. It’s going to be worth it.

Point of Reflection

Ultimately, the underlying root of procrastination is some type of fear or fears. Face the fear and move through it. Chances are, the greater the fear or resistance to the project, the more rewarding it will actually be for the individual to accomplish. Fear can act as a guideline towards calling and destiny. Satan uses fear to prevent us from accomplishing great exploits for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Face the fear and watch mountains be cast into the sea. In Jesus name. Amen.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

August 10, 2018 0 comment

Video

WATCH: Marine’s Wedding Turns into Full On Worship Service!

by GOD TV April 17, 2018

written by GOD TV

Wedding Turns into Full On Worship Service!

We all know weddings are some of the happiest events around, but there’s something so special about a wedding between Christians. You can really feel that spiritual intervention between man and woman; the sacredness of the vows and the wholeness of the whole image.

Recently, this marine and his wife took the internet by storm with their act of worship at the wedding altar. Captured by evangelist Joshua Feuerstein live on the day, you can really feel the presence of God in the midst of this beautiful ceremony!

Grab your tissues, cause this video is sure to leave you with tears!

April 17, 2018 0 comment

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