More Winning Quotes

"The executive's job is to provide leadership, the kind of leadership that develops the best efforts of the men under him. He can't do that if he shuts himself up in his office. He has to get out and get acquainted with his men."
   -  Roy Moore


"You get the best out of others when you get the best out of yourself."
   -  Harvey Firestone


"Leaders must pick causes they won't abandon easily, remain committed despite setbacks, and communicate their big ideas over and over again in every encounter."
   -  Rosabeth Moss Kanter

Learn to Let Go

From the Jesus Calling devotionals by Sarah Young:


"This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete. Take time to bask in the Light of My Love...


You can feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes, through awareness of My continual Presence....


As you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand. Herein lies your security, which no one and no circumstance can take from you."

Humble Yourself

From the Experiencing God Day by Day devotionals:


"There are two ways to attain high esteem. One is the world's method: Take every opportunity to promote yourself before others; seize occasions for recognition and manipulate your way into the center of attention. The other way is God's way: Humble yourself. Rather than striving for recognition and influential positions, seek to put others first. Cultivate humility, for it does not come naturally. One of the many paradoxes of the Christian life is that when God sees your genuine humility, He exalts you. 


Proverbs 16:18 warns that if we put our efforts into promoting ourselves, we will be brought down....Jesus said the wise thing to do is to seek the lowest position and allow others to exalt you if they feel you are worthy.


There is an enormous difference between the way the world honors you and the way God does. Proverbs 25:27 indicates that glory is not legitimate if you seek it yourself....When God exalts you, others will praise Him for what He has done in your life."

Know Your Customer

From the Today God Is First devotionals:



"Identifying and meeting the needs of customers is key to any successful marketing venture. Many years ago Coca-Cola decided to introduce a new Coke. They conducted research among loyal customers to determine if the new taste would be embraced by Coke customers. The evidence proved that the new Coke would be successful. However, what Coke did not realize was the emotional attachment Coke users had to their existing Coke product. It created a massive outpouring of negative publicity when Coke users rebelled against the new Coke. Loyal Coke drinkers may have liked the taste of the new Coke, but they did not want it as a replacement to what they were accustomed to.


The man responsible was fired. It became one of the most famous marketing blunders ever. However, the story does not end here. The company eventually turned a bad situation into a positive one. Coke ended up having two versions of Coke - new and old. The man responsible was rehired and went on to be successful in the company.


Jesus sought to meet the needs of His customer by ministering to their needs as His Heavenly Father revealed them to Him. Their real need for salvation did not get met until Jesus met a physical need that allowed Him to reveal the true need they had. Some of your "customers" have a perceived need for your product. But they also have a spiritual need they may not realize they have. God wants to use you to meet both needs.


That's why it is important for you to know your customer."

Our Values Determine Our Priorities

Our values help us determine the top priorities in our lives and where we focus our time. Sample values might include compassion, courage, creativity, faith, fitness, health, humor, patience, and teamwork. By clarifying your values, you are able to decide which areas of your life need the most focus at a particular time. Prioritizing doesn't mean that you believe one value is more important than another; it simply gives you structure so you can focus on the most compelling values first. 

More Winning Quotes

"Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it."
   -  Henry David Thoreau


"The most important part of every business is to know what ought to be done."
   -  Lucius Columella


"A competitor will find a way to win. Competitors take bad breaks and use them to drive themselves just that much harder. Quitters take bad breaks and use them as reasons to give up. It's all a matter of pride."
   -  Nancy Lopez

When Things Don't Go....

Another 'Jesus Calling' devotional by Sarah Young:


"When things don't go as you would like, accept the situation immediately.


Remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances, and humble yourself under My mighty hand. Rejoice in what I am doing in your life, even though it is beyond your understanding.


Don't let the impact of the world shatter your thinking or draw you away from focusing on Me. The ultimate challenge is to keep fixing your eyes on Me, no matter what is going on around you. When I am central in your thinking, you are able to view circumstances from My perspective."

Vested Interests

From the Today God Is First devotionals:



"Leaders who attempt something greater than themselves will always get attacked and it often comes from those who have a vested interest in what you are changing. 


When Jesus began confronting the Pharisees about religious traditions, He was attacked by the religious establishment because they had a vested interest that would be negatively impacted by His teaching. The apostle Paul confronted a religious tradition that generated income for those in the trade. Opposition arose because he was impacting a vested interest.

Whenever you introduce a new product into the market, expect opposition from competitive products that have a vested interest. If God leads you to initiate a cause greater than yourself, expect opposition from those who may have vested interest."

The Moments That Sustain Us

From the In Touch devotionals of Dr. Charles Stanley:



"When life falls apart, how do you cope? All of us face circumstances that challenge our peace—and some of these situations are very painful and prolonged. Unless we have purposeful focus, joy fades and hope seems unattainable.


King David experienced extreme hardships, including the profound grief of losing a child and a best friend. And King Saul, for selfish reasons, pursued him in an attempt to take his life. Later, David’s own son led a rebellion against him. As drastic as these trials are, they were just four of the many difficulties he endured. Yet even in times of deep suffering, David found hope and peace in God.

How was his soul sustained when others in similar situations would have drowned in despair? David knew how to meditate. He focused his mind and spirit on God—His character, ways, and will—in order to know the Lord better and to obey Him.

We should be following David’s example. Our role during difficulty is to set our eyes on our heavenly Father and meditate on His Word. The Psalms document the depth and passion for which the shepherd and soon-to-be king delighted himself in God. By continually pondering the attributes and ways of the Lord, he found solace in the midst of turmoil.

What subjects consume your thoughts during the day? Do you have time set aside to dwell solely on the Lord? Perhaps you can remind yourself periodically to bring your attention back to your Creator—one way is to read several of the Psalms and notice how the author refocuses on the almighty God."

Hunger and Thirst

From the Experiencing God Day by Day devotionals:


"Hunger and thirst are the body's way of telling us that we are 'empty.' Our natural response to physical hunger and thirst is to seek food and water to satisfy our need. Each Christian has an inner longing that only Christ's righteousness can satisfy. But we cannot be filled with righteousness if we are filled with self. Throughout the Scriptures God emphasizes that the one who longs for Him with all his heart will find Him...


Our selfishness will be replaced by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). The Spirit will make us to be like Christ...


Righteousness is not to be taken lightly, nor is it easily attained...Our desire for personal righteousness must be powerful, all-consuming, dominating everything we do. Pursuing righteousness means that we value the opinion of God far more than we treasure the opinions of people. 


Righteousness is not merely an absence of sin. It is allowing God to fill us with His holiness."

More Winning Quotes

"One of the key elements of being a good business leader is the capacity to tell the hard truths."
   -  Jeff Bezos


"I am suggesting to you the simple idea that people work harder and smarter if they find their work satisfying and know that it is appreciated."
   -  Robert Six


"Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was."
   -  Richard Evans

Come to Me Continually

From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:


"Come to Me continually. I am meant to be the Center of your consciousness, the Anchor of your soul. Your mind will wander from Me, but the question is how far you allow it to wander. An anchor on a short rope lets a boat drift only slightly before the taut line tugs the boat back toward the center. Similarly, as you drift away from Me, My Spirit within you gives a tug, prompting you to return to Me. As you become increasingly attuned to My Presence, the length of rope on your soul's Anchor is shortened. You wander only a short distance before feeling that inner tug - telling you to return to your true Center in Me."


  

Overcoming Obstacles

An In Touch devotional, the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley:


"The Lord has a beautiful plan for each believer's life. But to thwart God's purposes, Satan sprinkles obstacles in our path.


There are many types of hindrances, such as a difficult boss, contrary family members, and financial trouble. Anything that blocks a desired goal can cause anxiety and great frustration. But remember that no obstacle can touch you without God's consent.


Waiting can be difficult. And after a while, we might even begin to wonder if God will do anything at all—then it is easy to quit. But, God has gone before us and is preparing the way. No matter how He chooses to handle the problem, His solution is always in our best interest.


Whenever you face an obstacle, you may experience great heartache. But even in the midst of pain, you can have full confidence in God. The most important part of each day is the time you spend alone with the Lord. He will encourage you with His love and give direction."

More Winning Quotes

"The time when you need to do something is when no one else is willing to do it, when people are saying it can't be done."
   -  Mary Frances Berry


"Those who wish to transform the world must be able to transform themselves."
   -  Konrad Heiden


"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
   -  Thomas Jefferson

An Exchanged Life

From the Experiencing God Day by Day devotionals:


"The Christian life is an exchanged life: Jesus' life for your life...


When you are weak, then Christ demonstrates His strength in your life. When you face situations that are beyond your comprehension, you have only to ask, and the infinite wisdom of God is available to you.


When you are faced with humanly impossible situations, God does the impossible. When you encounter people whom you find difficult to love, God expresses His unconditional love through you. 


When you are at a loss as to what you should pray for someone, the Spirit will guide you in your prayer life. When Christ takes up residence in the life of a believer, 'all the fullness of God' is available to that person.


It is marvelously freeing to know that God controls your life and knows what it can become. Rather than constantly worrying about what you will face, your great challenge is to continually release every area of your life to God's control. The temptation will be to try to do by yourself what only God can do. 


Our assignment is to 'abide in the vine' and to allow God to do in and through us what only He can do. Only God can be God. Allow Him to live out His divine life through you. He is the only One who can."

Recognize Your Weakness

From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:


"It is good that you recognize your weakness. That keeps you looking to Me, your Strength...Instead of trying to fit this day into a preconceived mold, relax and be on the lookout for what I am doing. This mind-set will free you to enjoy Me and to find what I have planned for you to do...


Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with Me. You have Me on your side, so what are you worried about? I can equip you to do absolutely anything, as long as it is My will. The more difficult your day, the more I yearn to help you. Anxiety wraps you up in yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts. When you look to Me and whisper My Name, you break free and receive My help. Focus on Me, and you will find Peace in My Presence."

Big Anxieties, Little Faith

From the In Touch devotionals of Dr. Charles Stanley:



"Stressful situations come in a variety of forms and intensities, and in this earthly existence, we will never be totally free of them. However, the important issue is, What are we going to do with our anxiety? If we let it dominate, fretfulness can become a way of life. But if we believe what the Bible says about God and His care for us, we will experience an awesome liberation from worry.


Do you sometimes doubt whether our heavenly Father really cares about the ordinary things that cause you anxiety? After all, He’s got the entire universe to run, and your issues are so small in comparison. Consider how inconsequential birds and flowers are, yet Jesus says that the Father cares for them (Matt. 6:26). Don’t you think you are worth much more to Him than they are?

At times we let ourselves get all worked up and stressed out because we’re trying to change something that is beyond our control. Just as no one can add a single day to the length of his life, so there are some situations that we are powerless to alter. But the sovereign Ruler of the universe loves us and holds everything in His hands—including our stressful and seemingly out-of-control situations. Therefore, we have no reason to fret or fear.

Perhaps the biggest reason we worry is because we don’t trust the Lord. Anxiety is no more than unbelief. The Bible is filled with God’s promises to provide, but so often we doubt that He will. If you can trust Him for your eternal security, can’t you also trust Him for your earthly needs?"

More Winning Quotes

"Whether a man is burdened by power or enjoys power; whether he is trapped by responsibility or made free by it; whether he is moved by other people and outer forces or moves them - this is of the essence of leadership."
   -  Theodore White


"All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership."
   -  John Kenneth Galbraith


"No matter how much a man can do, no matter how engaging his personality may be, he will not advance far in business if he cannot work through others."
   -  John Craig

God's Timing

From the Today God Is First devotionals:



"There is a timing that is ideal for releasing information or moving forward with a project. Jesus understood the importance of timing. 


How often has Jesus not been able to move in your situation because you have failed to honor the right timing of the situation? Perhaps you have moved ahead when you were not supposed to move. 


'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven?' [Eccl 3:1]. Ask God for His timing in your projects to be released."

The Extraordinary in the Midst of the Ordinary

From the Experiencing God Day by Day devotionals:


"There will be times when, immersed in the ordinary details of life, you may be oblivious to the extraordinary that is right next to you. You can be in the midst of a common moment, only this time the activity is filled with the presence of God. There may be times when, in the middle of your harried day, you notice something unusual. Your first reaction might be 'I'm too tired to go aside to investigate this!' or 'I'm not going to disrupt my life for this.' Yet, in that moment you may have the opportunity for a unique encounter with God.


God usually speaks out of the ordinary experiences of life. Often, it is not while you are worshiping at church. Many of God's most profound and history-changing encounters come during the ordinary experiences of life. When you see the unusual in the midst of the mundane, don't continue business as usual. It may be that God has ordained that moment to be a life-changing time for you and those around you."

I Speak to You Continually

From 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young:


"I speak to you continually. My nature is to communicate, though not always in words. I fling glorious sunsets across the sky, day after day after day. I speak in the faces and voices of loved ones. I caress you with a gentle breeze that refreshes and delights you. I speak softly in the depths of your spirit, where I have taken up residence. 


You can find Me in each moment, when you have eyes that see and ears that hear. Ask My Spirit to sharpen your spiritual eyesight and hearing. I rejoice each time you discover My Presence. Practice looking and listening for Me during quiet intervals. Gradually you will find Me in more and more of your moments. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me above all else."

More Winning Quotes

"Details often kill initiative, but there have been few successful men who weren't good at details. Don't ignore details. Lick them."
   -  William B. Given Jr. 


"It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision."
   -  Helen Keller


"Do it now. You become successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal."
   -  Samuel Insull

Time Management

From the Today God Is First devotionals, and adapted from The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker:



Peter Drucker was a renown management consultant to major corporations and authored many bestselling business books. He suggested three activities that might help busy executives better manage their time.

 

"First, do not start with the task. Start with your time. Determine where your time is going. Then, attempt to manage that time and cut back unproductive demands on your time. Consolidate your 'discretionary' time into the largest possible continuing time units.

Drucker refers to the second step as time management. After listing the activities to which we devote our time, he suggests that we ask three questions about each of these activities to help us minimize the amount of time we waste: "What would happen if this were not done at all?" And if the answer is, 'Nothing would happen,' then obviously the conclusion is to stop doing it. Next, which of the activities on my time log could be done by somebody else just as well, if not better? What do I do that wastes my time without contributing to my effectiveness?

Drucker closes by saying 'Know Thyself,' this old prescription for wisdom is impossibly difficult for mortal men. But everyone can follow the injunction 'Know Thy Time' if you want to, and be well on the road toward contribution and effectiveness."

Why not evaluate how you are spending your time and ask God how to better use your time.

Delivered into Your Hand

From the Experiencing God Day by Day devotionals:


"No greater confidence will ever come to you or to any other Christian than the confidence of knowing you are doing God's will. God will not commission you to do anything without ensuring your success...


Be careful to evaluate success in the way that God does. Perhaps He is working to produce His peace in your heart as you face troubling times. Perhaps He is working to develop a forgiving spirit in you when others mistreat you. Perhaps He is working to eliminate a particular sin in your life. If you accept the world's understanding of victory, you may feel defeated. If you look to see what God is accomplishing through your situation, you will find that He is succeeding. When you face opposition but know you are doing what God has asked, have confidence that He will accomplish everything that He desires."

More Jesus Calling

"Watch your words diligently. Words have such great power to bless or to wound. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself. This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege...


Though the world applauds quick-witted retorts, My instructions about communication are quite different: Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry....


Simply apply...discipline to communicating with people around you...


As positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in your Joy will amaze you."

More Winning Quotes

"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly."
   -  Jim Rohn


"When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality."
   -  Joe Paterno


"The ability to form friendships, to make people believe in you and trust you, is one of the few absolutely fundamental qualities of success."
   -  John J. McGuirk

Achieving Success

From the Today God Is First devotionals:

"In the workplace, we can become driven to achieve. Corporate pressure drives executives to make decisions that can impact many people. We become deceived by the need to succeed at any cost in our venture.

In order to achieve Godly success, we must be sensitive to those around us who can give input to the direction we may be taking. God will confirm His direction in our lives if we are willing to accept input from those around us. It can come through a spouse, a co-worker, a boss, a secretary or any other person. Be aware of situations that encourage you to press too hard for a particular outcome.

Achieving goals should be a result of following the actions you believe God leads you to take. Let results become a fruit of your strategic actions."

Living Water

From the Experiencing God Day by Day devotionals:


"There should never be 'dry spells' in the Christian life. God said that He would be like an artesian well in the life of a believer. Artesian wells bubbled forth with a cold, fresh, never-ending supply of water from the depths of the earth, quenching any thirst and always satisfying. This is the picture of the spiritual refreshment that belongs to the person in whom the Holy Spirit resides.


Have you ever heard people say they are experiencing a dry spell in their Christian life? What are they saying? Are they saying that the Lord ran out of water? It should never cross your mind that the fountain of living waters residing within you should ever be reduced to a trickle. You don't need to run all over the country trying to find sources of spiritual refreshment. Conferences, retreats, and books can all bring encouragement; but if you are a Christian, the source of living water already resides within you.


Have you exchanged the living fountain for man-made cisterns that cannot hold water? Why would you exchange as artesian well for a broken water tank? Artesian wells do not dry up. Broken cisterns do. If you are experiencing spiritual dryness right now, is it because you have been attempting to find your source of spiritual refreshment from man-made sources, which will fail you every time? Jesus extended an invitation to you when He said: 'If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink' [John 7:37]. Have you been refreshed by the living water only Jesus can provide?"

More Jesus Calling

"...Many voices vie for control of your mind, especially when you sit in silence. You must learn to discern what is My voice and what is not...Many of My children run around in circles, trying to obey the various voices directing their lives. This results in fragmented, frustrating patterns of living...My sheep know My voice and follow Me wherever I lead."

More Winning Quotes

"A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron."
   -  Horace Mann


"The trouble with complete security is its drab monotony. A life without the impetus of work and struggle is only half a life, and most of us would settle down to complete inertia if we did not have to work to eat."
   -  Cid Ricketts Sumner


"The motivating team leader is that one person with a dream for the future."
   -  Lewis Losoncy

Changed Through Meditation

From the Experiencing God Day by Day devotionals:


"Meditation means 'to think deeply and continuously about something.' For a Christian, this means remaining in the presence of God and pondering each truth He reveals about Himself until it becomes real and personal in your life. This takes time. 


When you meditate on Scriptures, the truth moves from your head to your heart and results in obedience. When you know God's Word in your mind but not in your heart, it means that you have learned the principles and concepts and doctrines of God, but you have not come to know Jesus personally.


When God's truth is allowed to touch the deepest corner of your soul, the Holy Spirit will transform you into the image of Jesus Christ. Don't just read your Bible; meditate on God's Word and ask Him to change your heart."

Getting Refueled

From the Today God Is First devotionals:

"How do you get refueled? When our cars run low on fuel, we simply drop by the local filling station to get more fuel. When our bodies are hungry, we feed them. How do we refuel our spiritual lives? We can learn from the example Jesus modeled in His life.

Jesus had a full day of ministry healing the sick, delivering people from demons and walking to different cities (Mark 1:29-37). The following day it says Jesus got up before the sun rose and went to pray. The disciples were wondering where He was.

When Jesus was on earth, He was fully man. Everything He did was based upon receiving specific directions and power from His father to do them. He was not operating as God, but as a human being with the same limitations you and I have. So, Jesus knew one of the key ways to refuel His mind, body and spirit was by spending time in prayer to His Heavenly Father.

This is a critical discipline for every follower of Jesus if you expect to have power and victory in your Christian walk. We each need to find a solitary place to focus upon the Lord, His Word and His input for our lives.

If this is not a part of your daily experience, why not start tomorrow with a few minutes of focused time of reading and prayer. You will be encouraged with the new spiritual focus you will have by making this a priority."

More Jesus Calling

"When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I'm mismanaging things. But you don't know what I know or see what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view the heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you to live by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing the future or seeing into the spirit world. Acknowledge My sovereignty by giving thanks in all circumstances."

Things That Cannot Be Shaken

From the In Touch devotionals of Dr. Charles Stanley:



"As a rule, people like security. We seek what is comfortable. Yet the reality of our world is that much instability exists. For example, finances, health, and even a country's ability to survive are not guaranteed.


When our foundation is shaken, we often feel overwhelmed. Sometimes Satan causes the difficulty—with God's permission, of course. At other times, challenging circumstances are brought about by the Lord's hand. Regardless of the source, we have the promise in Romans 8:28 that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." And in either case, the Almighty's purpose remains: to glorify Himself in our world and in our lives.

There are different reasons the Lord permits turmoil, but for now, let's focus on one: He won't allow anything that enables man to seem self-sufficient in his own eyes. Therefore, God may lovingly allow enough trouble for us to realize our need of Him. Consider the trials the Israelites faced each time they turned away from Jehovah to worship other gods. In many ways, we do the same thing today. Individually, in our churches, and as a nation, we often glorify "gods" like money or status. But the One who created us will not tolerate this.

In our pride, we tend to think we're able to manage without God. But out of love, He may stir up our lives to reveal our dependence upon Him. If you are basing your security on anything except Jesus Christ—even something as seemingly innocent as comfort—it will prove to be sinking sand."

More Winning Quotes

"The metaphysic of Leadership...consists in the passion for purpose, the craving for a goal which characterizes the whole universe in its totality and in its parts, and reaches its highest level in man."
   -  Charles Henry Brent


"All problems become smaller if you don't dodge them but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly, and its spines crumble."
   -  William F. Halsey


"In every field of endeavor those who put their hearts in their work are the real leaders."
   -  Frat

More Jesus Calling

"When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you. 


This is the secret not only of joyful living but also of victorious living. I designed you to depend on Me moment by moment, recognizing that apart from Me you can do nothing. 


Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of routine to seek My Face."

The Power of Patience

From the In Touch devotionals:



"Picture yourself waiting in a checkout line that hasn't moved for ten minutes. Many of us would feel frustrated. We live in a generation that expects instant results.


Everyone struggles with some degree of impatience. We're born with this trait—think about a three-month-old who wants milk in the middle of the night. The inborn reaction is to fuss at the first hint of discomfort and to keep at it until the need is met. Patterns from our old "flesh" nature make this a continual battle for most people, but one that is very worthwhile to fight.

Let's consider the biblical definition of patience. It can mean both longsuffering and perseverance, or not giving up and yielding under pressure. In either case, it reveals itself when we are willing to wait without frustration while suffering or experiencing some strong desire. In other words, we accept difficult situations without giving God deadlines. What's more, patience means accepting what the Lord gives, on His timetable—or what He chooses not to give. This quality results in inner peace and lack of stress. Meanwhile, we should pray, obey, and persist as we seek God's direction.

The danger of impatience is that we might miss the Lord's perfect plan and His blessing. Only when we trust our Father's will and timing can we rest peacefully.
What causes you stress? Carefully examine whether you are taking matters into your own hands or releasing the circumstance to almighty God. Listen to Psalm 37:7, which says, "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him." Seek His way and His timing. Anything else can be destructive."

Raising Our Expectations

From Experiencing God Day by Day:


"Too often we settle for much less than what God wants to do through us...when we face difficult situations we begin to qualify our belief in God and lower our expectations of what God will do. It is one thing to believe God could perform a miracle in the Bible, or a thousand years ago, or even in the life of a friend; it is quite another matter to wholeheartedly believe God can do anything He chooses to do in our lives!


When almighty God speaks to us, what we do next proves what we believe about Him, regardless of what we say.


Do you sense there may be far more that God wants to do through your life than what you have been experiencing? Ask God to show you what it is. Then be prepared to respond in faith and obedience to what He tells you."

More Winning Quotes

"It is not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage."
   -  George William Curtis


"Success is the person who year after year reaches the highest limits in his field."
   -  Sparky Anderson


"One essential to success is that your desire be an all-obsessing one, your thoughts and aims be coordinated, and your energy be concentrated and applied without letup."
   -  Claude M. Bristol

More Jesus Calling

"People search for life in many wrong ways: chasing after fleeting pleasures, accumulating possessions and wealth, trying to deny the inevitable effects of aging. Meanwhile, I freely offer abundant Life to everyone who turns toward Me.


Learn to take minibreaks from the world, finding a place to be still in My Presence and listen to My voice. Though I pour out blessings upon you always, some of My richest blessings have to be actively sought."

A Balanced Schedule

From the In Touch devotionals (the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley):



"The Lord wants us to reach our full potential—to become the people He's designed us to be and achieve the tasks He's planned for us to do. In our pressurized society, we need to have balanced schedules if we're going to live according to God's purposes. When any area is out of balance, our relationship with the Lord and others will be affected, diminishing our effectiveness as servants of Christ.


1. Our top priority is spending private time with the Lord each day to develop our relationship with Him and receive guidance.

2. Time with family and friends is also essential because relationships are such an important part of God's plans for our lives.

3. The area in which we are most likely to become imbalanced is our work. Although the Lord doesn't approve of laziness, He doesn't want us to be overly consumed with our careers either.

4. If we are to accomplish the Lord's purposes in our lives, we need to take care of our bodies, allocating adequate time for exercise, rest, and recreation.

5. The Scriptures also clearly command meeting together regularly with other believers for worship (Heb. 10:24-25). While some people have limitations that hinder doing this, most of us have no excuse for being too busy for church.

These general areas all need space in your life, but I cannot tell you how to allocate time for them. The Lord has specific plans for each person, and He is the only one who can accurately direct your schedule. Seek His guidance, listen for His voice, and make the changes He brings to mind."

More Winning Quotes

"Recognition for a job well done is high on the list of motivating influences for all people."
   -  John M. Wilson


"It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider - and progressively better able to grasp any theme or situation - persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thoughts upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree."
   -  Alexander Graham Bell


"Success doesn't mean the absence of failure; it means the attainment of ultimate objectives. It means winning the war, not every battle."
   -  Edwin C. Bliss

Have a Positive Vision

If you focus on your problems, on what you can't do, or if you think you're already reached your limits, then that image of mediocrity will keep you stuck right where you are.


Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. A crisis always makes a person stronger. 


We produce what we continually keep in front of us. If you keep an image of success in your mind, you're going to move toward success. If you see yourself as barely getting by, your marriage getting worse, your health going downhill, then most likely your life will gravitate toward those negative situations. 


Half the things that people do not succeed in are through fear of making the attempt.

More Jesus Calling

"Make friends with the problems in your life. Though many things feel random and wrong, remember that I am sovereign over everything. 


Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece I created you to be. The very same problem can become a stumbling block over which you fall, if you react with distrust and defiance. 


The best way to befriend your problems is to thank Me for them. This simple act opens your mind to the possibility of benefits flowing from your difficulties. 


I will not necessarily remove your problems, but My wisdom is sufficient to bring good out of every one of them."

Spiritual Markers

From 'Experiencing God Day by Day':


"Spiritual memory is crucial in the Christian life. Do you vividly recall times when you know God spoke to you? It would be tragic if, in your haste to advance in your Christian faith, you neglected to leave spiritual markers at the key crossroads of your life. Without the help of these markers, you will lose your spiritual bearings. 


A spiritual marker identifies a time of decision when you clearly know that God guided you. Can you remember the moment you became a child of God? Were there specific times when He called you to His ways of living? Can you point to times when He clearly guided you in a decision? Were there times when He spoke powerfully to you about a commitment you should make? Keep track of these important moments! Regularly rehearse them and notice the steady progression in the way God has led you. This will help you understand God's activity in your life and give you a sense of direction as you face future decisions."

More Winning Quotes

"The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment."
   -  William Ward


"If you wish others to believe in you, you must first convince them that you believe in them."
   -  Harvey Mackay


"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then start on the first one."
   -  Mark Twain

The Work-a-holic

From the 'Today God Is First' Devotionals by Os Hillman:

"Living a balanced life is evidence of a Spirit-led life. People work long hours for many reasons which can lead to significant problems in our lives.

One reason people over work is that they often think they must work longer hours to keep up with their workload. This is often the surface reason people give to the question of working long hours. Like any compulsive behavior, there is usually something beneath this behavior. As a former workaholic myself, I can tell you the root of overworking is often 1) a fear of loss, and 2) a need for self-acceptance created by performance.

The fear of loss issue can be a fear of what will happen if we don't work long hours. A fear that there may not be enough money if I don't work long hours can drive us to overwork. Often an inaccurate view of what is enough makes us drive ourselves to greater levels of achievement, believing a financial reward will insure us against potential financial disaster. This usually operates at a subconscious level. When one operates at this level you often find those around them will feel shamed if they do not work at the same level and can be intimidated by the unspoken or spoken directive that long hours are required. This leads to a whole new set of problems.

The second reason people work long hours is their need to gain self-acceptance and esteem from their jobs. It is rewarding to see something come from our efforts. However, when we begin to be driven to work, it becomes an unhealthy condition. We are looking to gain self-esteem needs from our performance instead of being secure in our position in Christ.

So, in order to avoid work becoming an idol and a compulsive behavior, we must maintain a balance that provides time to spend quality time with the Lord, our families and fellow believers. Sometimes the greatest exercise of faith is to work only forty hours a week. This insures that the outcome of our work is dependent upon God, nor our self-effort. "

Your Lord Precedes You

From 'Experiencing God Day by Day':


"God never sends you into a situation alone. He always goes before His children...He always precedes you in any situation you encounter. God is never caught by surprise by your experience; He has already been there. He is prepared to meet every need because He has gone before you and knows exactly what you will need for your pilgrimage.


Not only does God go before you, but He also stands beside you and behind you, to provide protection and comfort...


God is fully aware of what you are facing, and He is actively responding to your need...."

Effective Time Management

From 'The Effective Executive' by Peter Drucker:

  

Peter Drucker was a renown management consultant to major corporations and authored many bestselling business books. He suggested three activities that might help busy executives better manage their time.

"First, do not start with the task. Start with your time. Determine where your time is going. Then, attempt to manage that time and cut back unproductive demands on your time. Consolidate your 'discretionary' time into the largest possible continuing time units.

Drucker refers to the second step as time management. After listing the activities to which we devote our time, he suggests that we ask three questions about each of these activities to help us minimize the amount of time we waste: "What would happen if this were not done at all?" And if the answer is, 'Nothing would happen,' then obviously the conclusion is to stop doing it. Next, which of the activities on my time log could be done by somebody else just as well, if not better? What do I do that wastes my time without contributing to my effectiveness?*

Drucker closes by saying 'Know Thyself,' this old prescription for wisdom is impossibly difficult for mortal men. But everyone can follow the injunction 'Know Thy Time' if you want to, and be well on the road toward contribution and effectiveness."

Why not evaluate how you are spending your time and ask God how to better use your time. 

More Jesus Calling

From the devotional 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young:


"You are on the right path. Listen more to Me, and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way I designed just for you. Therefore, it is a lonely way, humanly speaking. But I go before you as well as alongside you, so you are never alone. Do not expect anyone to understand fully My ways with you, any more than you can comprehend My dealings with others. I am revealing to you the path of Life day by day, and moment by moment. As I said to My disciple Peter, so I repeat to you: Follow Me."

More Winning Quotes

"Organize, agitate, educate, must be our war cry."
     -  Susan B. Anthony


"Character development is the great, if not the sole, aim of education."
     -  William O'Shea


"Relationships of trust depend on our willingness to look not only to our own interests, but also the interests of others."
     -  Peter Farquharson

Encounters with God

More from 'Experiencing God Day by Day' by Henry & Richard Blackaby:


"...Our Lord does not come to us to discover what we would like to accomplish for Him. He encounters us in order to reveal His activity and invite us to become involved in His work. An encounter with God requires us to adjust ourselves to the activity of God that has been revealed. God never communicates with us merely to give us a warm devotional thought for that day. He never speaks to us simply to increase our biblical knowledge. Our Lord has far more significant things to reveal to us than that! When God shows us what He is doing, He invites us to join Him in the work He is doing."

The Trap of Discouragement

From In Touch, the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley:



"Do you feel stuck in discouragement? If so, you are not alone.


At some point everyone experiences dashed hopes. Disappointment—an emotional response to a failed expectation—is the normal initial reaction. But allowed to linger, it can turn into discouragement, which hovers like a dense cloud. When that's the case, there is no sense of joy or contentment, no matter what you do.

The circumstances that trigger these emotions may be unavoidable, but the way we respond is a choice. We can either let sadness overwhelm our souls or face the situation with courage and bring it before the One who can help us.
Living in discouragement will divide the mind, making it hard to focus on anything besides our pain. Then as anger becomes habitual, we'll look for someone to blame—whether God, people around us, or ourself.

Frustration that isn't handled well may develop into depression, which in turn can estrange us from others—people do not enjoy the company of someone who's bitter and defeated. This isolation leads to a low self-esteem. Finally, in a fog of discouragement, we can make poor decisions based on crushed emotions instead of truth. Obviously, choosing this self-destructive path is not God's best for our lives.

Though we'll all face disappointment from time to time, believers are not to wallow in it. Instead, God wants us to trust Him with everything—even our unmet expectations and deepest sadnesses. Remember, there is divine purpose for everything He allows to touch His children's lives (Rom. 8:28)."

More Jesus Calling

From the devotional 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young:


"I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish. Ask My Spirit to control your mind, so that you can think great thoughts of Me. Do not be discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers are yet unanswered. Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark. The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the situation. Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention. Keep your eyes and your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life."

Words of Wisdom

"There are no little events in life, those we think of no consequence may be full of fate, and it is at our risk if we neglect the acquaintances and opportunities that seem to be casually offered, and of small importance."


"Everybody fails. It's part of the process that leads us to maturity and success. Most successful entrepreneurs have been through a number of failures in life, but they usually don't think of their failures as defeats. They think of them as lessons."


"If you've ever been through a major crisis, you probably know what a communications 'black hole' feels like. While you are in the pit of adversity, you feel that your world is collapsing, that your life is out of control - and that God is silent. The silence of a black hole is deafening. You feel isolated and alone. You question God's love, His care for you, and even His existence. But even when it seems that God is distant and silent, He is still there, firm & reliable. GO DEEPER INTO YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AT THIS TIME! You may think that your life is out of control, but in reality God is in control. He has a plan!"

Perseverance for Success

From the 'Today God Is First' devotionals:



"Perseverance is the key to every great accomplishment because nothing of lasting value has ever been achieved without it. Industrialist Henry Ford is one of the great success stories of American history, but he failed in business five times before he succeeded. A Ford Motor Company employee once asked his boss the secret of success, and Henry Ford replied, "When you start a thing, don't quit until you finish it."


The path ahead of you is strewn with obstacles. People will oppose you. There will be financial setbacks, time pressures, illnesses and misfortunes. Some of the biggest obstacles will be inside of you: self-doubt, insecurity, procrastination, and worry. You must give yourself permission to succeed.


When we persevere through adversity, we win the approval of our Lord Jesus Christ, who told the suffering church at Ephesus, "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. . . . You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary" (Rev. 2:2-3). That, I'm sure, is the same commendation Joseph received from God when he passed the perseverance test.


Perseverance is a refusal to quit. It's falling down 100 times and getting back up 101 times. We need to remember that perseverance is not a matter of forcing doors to open; it's standing in front of the doors as long as it takes before God chooses to open them.


Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The race doesn't go to the swiftest, but to those who don't give up. We need endurance in order to deal with the stress of adversity. We must maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest. People give up or give out when they feel depleted - when they physically, emotionally and spiritually run out of gas.


When going through adversity, watch out for pessimists, blamers and toxic personalities. Beware of people who try to talk you out of your dreams and goals. Spend time with optimists and encouragers. Seek out people of faith.
Persevere to the end."

Anxious for Nothing

From 'Experiencing God Day by Day' by Henry & Richard Blackaby:


Philippians 4:6 >> Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 


"Don't be anxious! Paul said there is nothing that should cause a child of God to worry. 


God will not necessarily take your problems away, but He will carry the load for you. He wants you to experience His peace, which is beyond human comprehension...This peace is not just for those who "handle stress well"; it is for everyone!


God's Word clearly indicates that there is nothing you can face that is too difficult, too troubling, or too fearful for God. No matter what your circumstances are, turn your anxiety over to God and let His perfect peace guard your heart."

The Principle of the Path

One of my favorite authors is Andy Stanley - he's a great communicator. From his book 'The Principle of the Path':


"Direction - not intention - determines our destination.


The direction you are currently traveling - relationally, financially, spiritually, and the list goes on and on - will determine where you end up in each of those respective arenas. This is true regardless of your goals, your dreams, your wishes, or your wants. The principle of the path trumps all those things. Your current direction will determine your destination. And like every principle, you can leverage this one to your advantage or ignore it to your disadvantage. 


...the principle of the path governs all aspects of life; including dating, marriage, child-raising, career, finances, health - you name it. Direction - not intentions, hopes, dreams, prayers, beliefs, intellect, or education - determines destination."


I'll share more from this insightful book in the future.


Happy 4th of July!

Jesus Calling

From the great devotional book 'Jesus Calling' by Sarah Young (purposely written from the 'Jesus speaking' perspective) >>

"Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways...your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind...be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence."

Great Quotes

"If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning."
   -  Frederick Douglass


"Often greater risk is involved in postponement than in making a wrong decision."
   -  Harry Hopf


"Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun."
   -  Mary Lou Cook