You Better Work!

Everyday, when you awake, you make a decision to get up, get yourself ready, and go. God just encouraged me this morning by reminding me of this fact. He said, "It is that simple. Make a decision everyday to serve with joy and gladness. Make a decision to complete whatever you start. Make a decision to win. All you need is a decision."

When you make a decision to get up, your brain communicates with your body and your body moves. If you decide to get ready to go, you prepare (find an outfit, take a shower, shave or put on makeup). You get the picture right? Corresponding action is necessary. To decide to do a thing requires both commitment and follow through. 

Are you willing to pay the price for your success? That is a loaded question, but it is unrealistic to have the expectation that simply deciding will make things happen. I am a part of the "you" that I'm talking to today, because there are times when I have to become a cheerleader and self-motivate. You have to sacrifice to bring the vision to life.

Sometimes I am wearied by the process, but I know that stopping is not an option. I regroup, refresh and keep moving toward my goal. There is no time out in a race - no hold on a minute - let me get myself together moment. Keep running until you reach the finish line, or you will become disqualified. Thank God this process is not a race. 

Don't focus on people in the other lanes, pay attention to your assignment. Runners are aware of the people running with them, but they are not turning around to see what others are doing. They run to win. They keep their eyes on the goal. Sometimes you make a decision, but when you see others who appear to be closer to achieving what they set out to do, you lose focus and become discouraged. Don't do that. Your work is your work. That is your focus. It is that simple, and I am grateful. 

Decide today that you will be a success. Understand that the journey is not always easy. Commit to achieving your goals, and whatever you do - don't.give.up. Your reward is coming, but to see it, you better work.

Pursuing Destiny

The wrong choice can delay or abort destiny. Whew!  That realization is sobering at first, but it eventually becomes liberating. The end goal is purpose and DESTINY. We’ve got to live right to get there. How do we maintain in the face of—well—in the face of life, people, situations beyond our control?  We maintain by subduing the flesh/self and focusing on purpose. Last night my Pastor said, “If we conquer the territory within, the territory without has GOT to bow. Don’t give away the self you are supposed to protect and preserve the self that needs to die” (Apostle Trevor Banks).

The self I’ve got to protect is the one that purposed to “Live Right”, the self I’ve got to kill DAILY is the one that would be tempted to react in ways not pleasing to God. I am not interested in delaying or aborting my destiny.  No way!  When all is said and done, I need to know I’ve fulfilled purpose.

Walking in destiny and purpose can present challenges we wouldn’t otherwise face.  Look at Joseph. He had to forgive brothers who hated him,  threw him in a pit, then sold him into slavery.  He had to look beyond the lies Potiphar’s wife told after he refused to betray his Master, himself and his God, lies that got him thrown in jail  - and not become angry and bitter after Pharaoh’s Butler forgot him in prison after the help he gave him. Whoa… where is this going?

Each time Joseph made the right choice he received God’s favor.  Where else have you ever heard of a slave being trusted with all the wealth and the household of his master, or a prisoner being given the keys to the jail?  Joseph’s choices earned him a place in the palace of the King. My choice to “Live Right” is the only choice in my pursuit of Destiny. Make it yours too.