Last night, at the end of a very long day. . .I was meditating on what to share during our SUNDAY NITE LIVE broadcast.
I was directed to look up the number of days left in 2017. . .at the moment there were 273 days or roughly 23 million seconds.
I wrote down seven things to learn. . .and went to bed. I awakened this morning refreshed, renewed and ready to go.
Here are seven things to learn and practice during the next 273 days.
1. Learn to maintain your momentum.
Here are seven keys to developing and maintaining momentum.
First, stop seeing yourself the way others see you.
When we’re confident of who we are in Christ. . .when we exercise our faith . . . when we know we are on the right path. . .then we should never be moved by what others. . .including friends and family members may say.
Second, despise not small beginnings.
Zechariah 4:10 says:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. . .”
It’s not where you start in life. . .it’s where you end up. And the only way to end up where you want … is to get started … the sooner the better.
Our momentum once started will become an irresistible force regardless of how we began or where we are in life.
Third, make the most of where you’re at and what you’re doing at the moment.
If God has given you a big vision but you don’t yet see the manifestation. . .be diligent where you are. . .create a momentum for your future by your faithfulness today.
Ask yourself. . .what can I do at this very moment to improve where I’m at.
Is there a self-study course you can take that will improve your performance on your job or that will contribute to your greater success in life?
Is there someone who’s at or been where you want to go in life. . .who can serve as a mentor to you?
Are there habits you need to cultivate or change which will increase your value in life and the marketplace?
Not sure? . . .ask God as you read your Bible . . .Trust Him to lead you to something that can speak to your spirit. He’s happy to reveal the things you need to do. . .and when you need to do them.
Fourth, ignore the criticisms of others when your cause is just and your direction clear.
Colossians 3:23 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”
Sadly, the reason a large number of believers are not promoted or achieve their dreams is simply because they’re not faithful where they are at the moment.
Never let a grumpy boss, a sarcastic supervisor, a lack of pay or recognition keep you from doing the best job you can wherever you’re assigned at the moment.
It’s important. . .imperative. . .essential. . .absolutely necessary. . .that we give our best efforts where we are. . .regardless of what others say or do.
We can’t control what other people say or do. . .but we definitely can control how we act and react to what they do.
Fifth, become goal. . .reward motivated.
The enemy wants you to believe that where you are in life right now. . .is where you’re going to stay. That’s simply not true.
Have you identified the motivation or reward. . .you need to create your momentum for success?
Sixth, recognize who’s willing to fight your battles with you.
With God on our side. . .we have no reason to be afraid.
When we really come into the realization of the power God has given us … we can speak like the writer of Psalm 118:6 the Message Bible:
“God's now at my side and I'm not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?”
While the situations and problems we face on a daily basis may not be life and death they are most often. . .the choice between success or failure. . .mediocrity or excellence. . .malaise or momentum.
Daily situations and circumstances are the enemy’s method of chipping away at the Psalm 118:6 confession.
Remember who is on your side. Your momentum can’t be stopped unless you allow it to happen.
When we do our part. . .God will do His part.
Seventh, create a momentum for victory.
The decision to create a momentum in your life is yours. . .it will be created and as effectively as you decide for it to be.
Here are seven ways to keep the momentum going in your life.
First, purpose in your heart that nothing will keep you from achieving your goals.
Second, read the Bible every morning
Third, spend time in prayer first thing each morning
Fourth, operate on a daily timeline with goals
Fifth, create a confession about the momentum you desire in your life.
Sixth, every day for at least one hour listen to a CD or read a book that motivates you
Seventh, listen to Rich Thoughts for Breakfast every day
2. Learn from the best in your vocation, calling or business
First, always learn from. . .the BEST.
Psalm 32:8 in the Classic Amplified Biblesays:
“I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”
Second, be punctual and properly attired. Your punctuality and appearance send a message before you ever open your month.
Third, ask the right questions when you’re learning from the best.
Have a list of questions you want answered before you ever say your first word.
I recommend the following be your first question.
“If you were me. . .what questions would you be asking you?”
There is a Chinese Proverb that says:
“He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.”
Asking someone a question is better than the experience you would gain through the loss of time, money, direction and momentum.
Fourth, recognize that asking questions honors the person and shows you value their experience, wisdom and acumen in their field of endeavor.
Fifth, take notes while you’re learning. Taking notes shows the value you place on what the person is saying to you. Plus, it will help you easily recall the information at a later time.
Sixth, send a note of appreciation and/or a gift for the time and advice you were given. This gesture will facilitate a future visit should you so desire.
Seventh, practice what you learned and always be ready to share it with others.
3. Learn to turn disadvantages into advantages.
First, don’t complain, murmur, blame anyone else, take things personally, play the victim or give up.
Philippians 2:14 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves].”
Second, recognize that in every problem. . .we will find an opportunity. The way to succeed is to practicing looking for it!
Galatians 6:10 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God’s family with you, the believers].”
Third, the way to practice looking for opportunity in a problem and change your current reality is by changing your perception of the situation.
We change our perception. . .our reality. . .by what we believe and know to be true.
2 Corinthians 5:7in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, with trust and holy fervor; thus we walk] not by sight or appearance.”
Fourth, disengage from negative thinking so that all your thoughts, decisions, feelings and actions are focused on the pure, the powerful and the positive from the Word of God.
Philippians 4:8-9 in the Message Bible says:
“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
I had someone say to me once. . . “Brother Harold, you seem to use that scripture a lot. Is there another one you could use?”
My response was “sure, but first can you quote the verse to me without looking at your Bible?”
As you might imagine, the answer was an embarrassed no. To which I said, when you can quote that verse to me verbatim . . . then I may use another.
Remember the words of W. Clement Stone, the author and entrepreneur, who said:
“To every disadvantage there is a corresponding advantage.”
4. Learn to turn rejection into resources
If you’ve got a dream, a goal or a vision. . .and someone in a position of authority or influence in your life either says “no” or “that’s a bad idea” don’t take it personally.
For years, I’ve taught that “no” doesn’t mean “N.O.” it probably means “K N O W” . . .the person you’re talking to doesn’t have enough information to make either a wise or well-informed decision or else they would say “yes” or congratulate you on the idea.
When someone rejects an idea. . .most people take it personally. DON’T!
You assess the motivation of the person rejecting your dream. . .you determine whether there’s any merit in their observations or if they’re just off base.
Here are seven reasons why you should never feel rejected.
First, because of God's great love for us, we are adopted into His family [1 John 3:1], and made joint heirs with Christ [Romans 8:17]
Second, we are made to sit in heavenly places (of authority over all demons, sickness, etc.) with Christ [Ephesians 2:6]
Third, we are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ [Ephesians 1:3]
Fourth, we are the righteousness of Christ through faith, thus being made right before God [Romans 3:22]
Fifth, we are entitled to a clean conscience before God because of the Blood and can have full assurance of faith when we go before Him [Hebrews 10:22]
Sixth, our sins have been removed from us as far as the east is from the west [Psalms 103:12], and God Himself has chosen not to remember our failures [Hebrews 8:12]
Seventh, we are loved with the same love that the Father has for Jesus Himself! [John 17:23]
And let me add in one more statement as a reality check. If our desire is to please the Lord, then our flesh will not be offended by what other people say.
5. Learn that every disappointment pushes your forward in your dream.
First, disappointment is neither final nor fatal.
In Genesis 40:15 (NKJV), Joseph requests that when Pharaoh’s butler is reinstated that the butler remember his plight to his master, yet Joseph never says he was cruelly rejected and sold into slavery by his own brothers or that he was unfairly treated by his master’s wife:
“For indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon.”
Second, you choose. . .not anyone else how you react to disappointment.
You will either focus on being let down, and heartbroken by giving up or giving in. . .or you will turn your disappointment, anger, sadness and confusion into a resolve to succeed. . .no matter what.
Psalm 30:5 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
Third, go up, get going and avoid being sedentary. . .don’t wallow in a pity party.
Proverbs 3:5-6 in The Living Bible says:
“If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”
Fourth, see the bigger picture.
Jeremiah 32:17 in the International Standard Version says:
“LORD! Look, you made the heavens and the earth with your great power and your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for you!”
Fifth, realize there is a power within each of us to overcome disappointment and do things we’ve never previously dreamed possible.
Psalm 34:18 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.”
Sixth, learn from your disappointments how to turn them into victories.
Romans 8:28 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.”
Seventh, go deeper with God.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:
“Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.”
6. Learn that if you wait for perfect conditions you’ll never get anything done.
Don’t procrastinate. Sometimes we have a tendency to postpone doing the things that are the most difficult or unpleasant. Don’t.
Luke 9:62 in the Message Bible says:
“Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”
Seize the day and complete what you started. . .without further delay.
The scripture is really clear in Ecclesiastes 11:4 in The Living Bible which says:
“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”
Here are four reasons why people procrastinate.
First, you don’t want to do what it is you say you will do.
Second, you don’t feel like you’re equipped to accomplish the task.
Third, you don’t feel the timing is right or convenient.
Fourth, you assign other things a higher priority.
7. Learn to keep your passion burning brightly without ever flaming out.
During the next 273 days you need to be passionate in the pursuit of your dreams and goals. Let’s talk about an acronym for passion that should be your guide.
Positive
Attitude
Supernatural
Surge
Intensity
Overwhelming
Negativity
In other words, a person with passion has a “positive attitude causing a supernatural surge in intensity overwhelming all negativity.”
However, I happen to think that Matthew 22:37 in the Message Bible gives the best definition of the effective use of passion for the greatest ultimate success.
“Jesus said, "The first in importance is, 'Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.' And here is the second: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' There is no other commandment that ranks with these."
Have you written the plans you need to accomplish each day to achieve the things that you were talking passionately about just a week ago? If not, as my fine wife Bev says, you haven’t missed your opportunity.
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