We love reading.  That’s no surprise to those who know us.

I particularly enjoy reading quotes. . .as they most often provoke my thinking, stir my creativity while igniting my spirit.

I was reading about Virgil, the Roman poet, when I came across three amazing quotes he made about you.

Yes, YOU!!

I realize he’s been dead 2,035 years. . .but I’m absolutely confident he had you in mind when he came out with these three words of wisdom.

First, “They can because they think they can.”

Years ago, I cut the words “quit” “try” “compromise” and “can’t” out of my dictionary.  It was a symbolic gesture as I didn’t want these words to be a part of my vocabulary . . . especially the word “can’t.”

The word “can’t” when spoken by Christians in reference to God’s will for their lives is grammatically or spiritually inaccurate.  In fact, the word “can’t” is contrary to the Word and will of God.

Philippians 4:13 says:

Would you like to have spiritual boldness?

You don’t need an expensive seminar or weekend conference to gain spiritual boldness.

There have been some good books written on developing boldness and confidence but the best advice on the subject. . .was written thousands of years ago.

Developing spiritual boldness is not an outside job. . .but rather. . .an inside work.

Ephesians 3:12 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

“In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).”

Our 24/7 access to our Heavenly Father. . .was made possible by the blood of Jesus on Calvary’s cross.

2 Corinthians 3:12 in the Classic Amplified Bible says:

If you watched any of the Olympic competition. . .perhaps you caught the  track and field events with the 100M and 400M hurdles. 

The runners sprint. . .clearing a number of hurdles. . .before sprinting again to the finish line. 

In other words. . .they face a number of hurdles or obstacles on their way to victory.

Everyday. . .you and I have hurdles. . .obstacles we have to overcome if we want to be successful in life and effective for the Kingdom.

Gail Devers, a three-time Olympic champion and member of the National Track and Filed Hall of Fame, said:

“In my race, there are 10 hurdles, but in life, there is always a hurdle. There is always something you gotta get over, and it's what you do, you know.”

Let’s look at seven hurdles you have to clear to gain the victory in life.

Giving is important to God. . .that’s why it should be important to us.

In fact, God sets giving apart from going to church. . .praying. . .even living a righteous life.

Genesis 8:22 in the King James Version says:

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”

As long as the earth exists there will be temperature changes. . .cold and heat which establish the seasons of the year.

God is clearly saying that day and night. . .a separation of time will exist as long as the earth remains.  A time for working and a time for resting.

These are things that are so integral to our daily lives that to doubt their probability would be ridiculous. 

Yet, it is interesting to note that the very first thing listed in Genesis 8:22 is sowing and reaping.

Have you ever had a cell phone, iPad, computer or other electronic toy wear down or out?

When this occurs you can send the electronic gizmo back to the manufacturer where it will be refurbished according to the manufacturer’s specifications . . .making it as good as new. . .at least, according to them.

Sometimes we need to be mentally and spiritually refurbished. . .sending us back to our manufacturer. . .Creator. . .for a makeover. . .do over or get over. . .whichever is more appropriate and needed.

If you have renovated an older house…you know it’s a process of changing those things that need changing.

You replace the old flooring with a new, more updated look and style.

You replace the old electrical wiring with new. . .to eliminate static interference from your electronics and to prevent the cabling from overheating and creating a fire hazard.

You replace the outdated exterior and interior wall colors with new vibrant colors and textures.

You replace the old appliances and furniture with new. . .to reflect changes in time and your taste.

The same parallel is true when we renew our minds.

We've got to take out the old way of thinking and put in the new.  This is how we become successful and victorious in Christ.  We take out the old and bring in the new.