Your Daily Cup of Inspiration!

Jesus Is My Help!

Remember that song called, "Jesus Is My Help" from Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir ? (Just in case you aren't quite familiar with it, I've posted the video). Although we know that our help comes from the Lord, when times get trying, we often begin relying on our own strength to get us through life's toughest storms. We seek to be progressive, productive, and proactive without including Him. But that's not God's desire for our lives. He wants us to trust Him completely, knowing that He is our sustainer and deliver. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. (James 1:17) When we're going through, we have to remember not to turn away from Him and begin looking for answers on our own. Only God can bring us through whatever just so happens to be... Read more →

Hold On To Your Convictions

In a world where everything seems relative, God is looking for someone to stand for something... particularly focusing on His will and way. Sadly, many of us have been sucked into a watered down gospel that says in a roundabout way that just about anything goes. But not so. I told you a couple of months ago that God is seeking out folks who will stand up for Him in the face of compromise and depravity. Are you that one? Prayerfully you are, because God can only use those of us who are willing to be salt and light in this wicked world. Often, I write posts to motivate and inspire you to believe God for the fulfillment of your destiny, while always striving for the best. While those things are essential to your walk of faith, they are null... Read more →

Hold On To Your Convictions

In a world where everything seems relative, God is looking for someone to stand for something... particularly focusing on His will and way. Sadly, many of us have been sucked into a watered down gospel that says in a roundabout way that just about anything goes. But not so. I told you a couple of months ago that God is seeking out folks who will stand up for Him in the face of compromise and depravity. Are you that one? Prayerfully you are, because God can only use those of us who are willing to be salt and light in this wicked world. Often, I write posts to motivate and inspire you to believe God for the fulfillment of your destiny, while always striving for the best. While those things are essential to your walk of faith, they are null... Read more →

Looking for Proof?

Have you ever believed that God revealed something to you, but there was no evidence whatsoever of the validity of what you were believing for? Have you ever felt like you might be "missing a few screws" because you couldn't let go of what you believed in your heart, even though you didn't see it with your natural eyes? If you can relate, I want to tell you something; if you're looking for things to always make perfectly logical sense and if you're waiting to get some "hard core" evidence to back up your belief each time God gives you a revelation, that's simply unrealistic. You're setting yourself up for disappointment. If, on the other hand, you're ready and willing to hold on to your faith during those seasons when it appears that all hope is lost, you'll get your... Read more →

Looking for Proof?

Have you ever believed that God revealed something to you, but there was no evidence whatsoever of the validity of what you were believing for? Have you ever felt like you might be "missing a few screws" because you couldn't let go of what you believed in your heart, even though you didn't see it with your natural eyes? If you can relate, I want to tell you something; if you're looking for things to always make perfectly logical sense and if you're waiting to get some "hard core" evidence to back up your belief each time God gives you a revelation, that's simply unrealistic. You're setting yourself up for disappointment. If, on the other hand, you're ready and willing to hold on to your faith during those seasons when it appears that all hope is lost, you'll get your... Read more →

Who's Directing You?

Each of us has a unique call and purpose to fulfill in our lifetime. And we must never be drawn away from what God has called us to do in an attempt to follow after what someone else thinks is best for us. You have to work YOUR vision and no one else's. That's why, when it comes down to fulfilling your divine assignment, you have a serious decision to make. Will you walk in accordance with the will of God or the will of well-meaning, but often wrong, advisers? Take time to ask yourself, "Who's really directing me? God or other folks?" I know it can be tempting to consult many diverse sources when making decisions about your future, but sometimes, that can lead to altogether poor choices. Now, does that mean that no one can ever tell you... Read more →

Who's Directing You?

Each of us has a unique call and purpose to fulfill in our lifetime. And we must never be drawn away from what God has called us to do in an attempt to follow after what someone else thinks is best for us. You have to work YOUR vision and no one else's. That's why, when it comes down to fulfilling your divine assignment, you have a serious decision to make. Will you walk in accordance with the will of God or the will of well-meaning, but often wrong, advisers? Take time to ask yourself, "Who's really directing me? God or other folks?" I know it can be tempting to consult many diverse sources when making decisions about your future, but sometimes, that can lead to altogether poor choices. Now, does that mean that no one can ever tell you... Read more →

Don't be Afraid to Expect More

When you've experienced numerous disappointments and setbacks throughout your life, it can be all too easy to become pessimistic about your future without even realizing it. You begin to subconsciously anticipate the worst possible outcome. You'll adopt a mentality that says, "If I expect the worst, at least I won't be disappointed." But there's a fundamental problem with that mentality. You see, in the Kingdom, your expectancy must be rooted in your faith, not your circumstances. We all like to quote Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." So, why is it that when circumstances don't line up with our hopes, we throw in the towel and stop believing? Don't let that be you. Expect more despite the situation. Don't be afraid to believe God for the best. Change... Read more →

Don't be Afraid to Expect More

When you've experienced numerous disappointments and setbacks throughout your life, it can be all too easy to become pessimistic about your future without even realizing it. You begin to subconsciously anticipate the worst possible outcome. You'll adopt a mentality that says, "If I expect the worst, at least I won't be disappointed." But there's a fundamental problem with that mentality. You see, in the Kingdom, your expectancy must be rooted in your faith, not your circumstances. We all like to quote Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." So, why is it that when circumstances don't line up with our hopes, we throw in the towel and stop believing? Don't let that be you. Expect more despite the situation. Don't be afraid to believe God for the best. Change... Read more →

Choose Wisely

Don't ever make the mistake of just jumping into a situation before God gives you clarity. Don't make decisions on a whim. I've done that before, and believe me when I tell you, it usually doesn't end well. Today, I want to talk to you about choosing wisely, not only in the sense of making good decisions, but also regarding the way you make your decisions. Ask yourself. Are you making choices without God's counsel, or are you seeking Him for the who, what, when, where, why, how, and... the if? You see, God desires for you to consult Him before you commit to any particular path, because only He knows what's waiting on the other side of that decision. We get ourselves into unnecessary binds when we wander aimlessly through life without talking to God first. He's standing by... Read more →

Choose Wisely

Don't ever make the mistake of just jumping into a situation before God gives you clarity. Don't make decisions on a whim. I've done that before, and believe me when I tell you, it usually doesn't end well. Today, I want to talk to you about choosing wisely, not only in the sense of making good decisions, but also regarding the way you make your decisions. Ask yourself. Are you making choices without God's counsel, or are you seeking Him for the who, what, when, where, why, how, and... the if? You see, God desires for you to consult Him before you commit to any particular path, because only He knows what's waiting on the other side of that decision. We get ourselves into unnecessary binds when we wander aimlessly through life without talking to God first. He's standing by... Read more →

I Had to Share This...

Tyler Perry emailed this out to his mailing list; I read it and I wanted to pass it along to you as an encouragement. I just had to share it. Enjoy! Tyler Perry Wrote: "Something happened to me yesterday that I had to share with you. I was dealing with some foolishness, as we all do from time to time, and I was about to get frustrated and start to complain--but before I could get a negative word out, I caught it. It’s always better to bless than to curse. So I decided to think about all of the blessings in my life. I went for a ride over to 47 Twenty Fifth Street, Apartment 8 here in Atlanta. This was my last apartment; right after being homeless. I lived in it just 10 short years ago. When I got... Read more →

I Had to Share This...

Tyler Perry emailed this out to his mailing list; I read it and I wanted to pass it along to you as an encouragement. I just had to share it. Enjoy! Tyler Perry Wrote: "Something happened to me yesterday that I had to share with you. I was dealing with some foolishness, as we all do from time to time, and I was about to get frustrated and start to complain--but before I could get a negative word out, I caught it. It’s always better to bless than to curse. So I decided to think about all of the blessings in my life. I went for a ride over to 47 Twenty Fifth Street, Apartment 8 here in Atlanta. This was my last apartment; right after being homeless. I lived in it just 10 short years ago. When I got... Read more →

Focus on God's Faithfulness

Every once in a while, in the middle of an intense struggle, we all need someone to admonish us to be strong and keep fighting on. We need a reminder that God is faithful. Well, today, I want to be the one to encourage you. Is that all right? Now, I certainly don't know what your particular issue is in detail; however, I do know that you are too valuable to the Kingdom not to fight for the vision God has placed in you. The world needs your gift. Perhaps you're studying to be a doctor, or you're working in the area of business to influence the world, or you're ministering to folks in your community in an effort to evangelize your neighborhood, or you're launching a ministry of some sort to reach souls for Christ, or you're aspiring to... Read more →

Focus on God's Faithfulness

Every once in a while, in the middle of an intense struggle, we all need someone to admonish us to be strong and keep fighting on. We need a reminder that God is faithful. Well, today, I want to be the one to encourage you. Is that all right? Now, I certainly don't know what your particular issue is in detail; however, I do know that you are too valuable to the Kingdom not to fight for the vision God has placed in you. The world needs your gift. Perhaps you're studying to be a doctor, or you're working in the area of business to influence the world, or you're ministering to folks in your community in an effort to evangelize your neighborhood, or you're launching a ministry of some sort to reach souls for Christ, or you're aspiring to... Read more →

Rest In God

We often say, "God use me," but when He opens doors and brings opportunities to us, why do we shy away? Many of us want to be used by God "in theory" but when it comes time to put things into practice, we grow fearful. We wonder, "What if I can't do it? What if I mess up? Is this really God? Am I getting my hopes up for nothing?" And the list of doubt-filled questions goes on and on. But today, God wants you to change your mentality. Recognize that He has placed in you everything you need to succeed and thrive. Here's a word of advice: You do your best, and God will do the rest. You see, it makes no sense to get all preoccupied about how things will turn out, and start stressing over the uncertainties... Read more →

Rest In God

We often say, "God use me," but when He opens doors and brings opportunities to us, why do we shy away? Many of us want to be used by God "in theory" but when it comes time to put things into practice, we grow fearful. We wonder, "What if I can't do it? What if I mess up? Is this really God? Am I getting my hopes up for nothing?" And the list of doubt-filled questions goes on and on. But today, God wants you to change your mentality. Recognize that He has placed in you everything you need to succeed and thrive. Here's a word of advice: You do your best, and God will do the rest. You see, it makes no sense to get all preoccupied about how things will turn out, and start stressing over the uncertainties... Read more →

Speak Over Yourself!

If you're a faithful reader of the blog, you already know how much I enjoy the song "Encourage Yourself" by Donald Lawrence; it explores the necessity of speaking life into your own situation even during the most discouraging times. Instead of complaining and giving into feelings of defeat, depression, and disillusionment, you've got to learn to speak over yourself. You know why? Because there will inevitably be times when you'll be going through uncomfortable and trying situations. And if you don't begin speaking God's word over your life, you'll feel drained, depleted, and distressed. I know this to be true in my own life. That's why, when hard times arise, I run to the Lord. I begin praying His word and His will. And although I'm not always sure about how He'll work everything out for me, by speaking His... Read more →

Speak Over Yourself!

If you're a faithful reader of the blog, you already know how much I enjoy the song "Encourage Yourself" by Donald Lawrence; it explores the necessity of speaking life into your own situation even during the most discouraging times. Instead of complaining and giving into feelings of defeat, depression, and disillusionment, you've got to learn to speak over yourself. You know why? Because there will inevitably be times when you'll be going through uncomfortable and trying situations. And if you don't begin speaking God's word over your life, you'll feel drained, depleted, and distressed. I know this to be true in my own life. That's why, when hard times arise, I run to the Lord. I begin praying His word and His will. And although I'm not always sure about how He'll work everything out for me, by speaking His... Read more →

Just Ask

I always tell my kids, "If you want something, don't hint around it, just ask." You know how children can be. They'll see something they want, but rather than coming straight out and requesting what they desire, they stare longingly, hoping that you'll voluntarily offer what they're afraid to ask for. In much the same way, we often behave in a child-like manner when it comes to petitioning God for the things we desire. Instead of plainly stating what we want Him to do for us, we tip-toe around it. Now... not everyone struggles in this area, but many of us do. We're almost too afraid to make our requests known to God for fear of disappointment, or worse yet... hearing that dreaded one word answer, "NO." But the Bible instructs us to ask God for the things we want... Read more →

Just Ask

I always tell my kids, "If you want something, don't hint around it, just ask." You know how children can be. They'll see something they want, but rather than coming straight out and requesting what they desire, they stare longingly, hoping that you'll voluntarily offer what they're afraid to ask for. In much the same way, we often behave in a child-like manner when it comes to petitioning God for the things we desire. Instead of plainly stating what we want Him to do for us, we tip-toe around it. Now... not everyone struggles in this area, but many of us do. We're almost too afraid to make our requests known to God for fear of disappointment, or worse yet... hearing that dreaded one word answer, "NO." But the Bible instructs us to ask God for the things we want... Read more →

You're Thinking Too Small

Don't ever allow the mentality to overtake you that causes you to just settle for any old thing. You know how that can be right? After you've been through difficulty and turmoil, sometimes you get to the point where you'd prefer anything that seems better than what you've had to deal with up to that point. But that mentality can be dangerous. God doesn't just want to give you anything; anything can be the worst thing if you're not careful. God wants you to have the right thing... the best thing... something that's perfectly suited to your needs, wants, and deepest desires. Before you can lay hold to the thing God has for you though, you've got to enlarge your thinking. Elevate your mentality. You're thinking too small. And as long as you're willing to just settle, you won't get... Read more →

You're Thinking Too Small

Don't ever allow the mentality to overtake you that causes you to just settle for any old thing. You know how that can be right? After you've been through difficulty and turmoil, sometimes you get to the point where you'd prefer anything that seems better than what you've had to deal with up to that point. But that mentality can be dangerous. God doesn't just want to give you anything; anything can be the worst thing if you're not careful. God wants you to have the right thing... the best thing... something that's perfectly suited to your needs, wants, and deepest desires. Before you can lay hold to the thing God has for you though, you've got to enlarge your thinking. Elevate your mentality. You're thinking too small. And as long as you're willing to just settle, you won't get... Read more →

It Will Work

If it's in the will of God, it will work. Plain and simple. So don't get worked up about how your situation will turn out; don't be too preoccupied with the who, what, when, where, and how. Just know that you're in God's hands and His plan will be carried out in your life. You know, sometimes I think we waste far too much time worrying and wondering about tomorrow. We sit around and turn things over and over in our minds until we get ourselves all worked up and stressed out trying to figure out God's next move. But what do you think might happen if you simply rested and trusted in God's perfect will and timing? Don't you realize how much more peace you would have... how much more joy, hope, and expectation for a positive end? Unfortunately... Read more →

It Will Work

If it's in the will of God, it will work. Plain and simple. So don't get worked up about how your situation will turn out; don't be too preoccupied with the who, what, when, where, and how. Just know that you're in God's hands and His plan will be carried out in your life. You know, sometimes I think we waste far too much time worrying and wondering about tomorrow. We sit around and turn things over and over in our minds until we get ourselves all worked up and stressed out trying to figure out God's next move. But what do you think might happen if you simply rested and trusted in God's perfect will and timing? Don't you realize how much more peace you would have... how much more joy, hope, and expectation for a positive end? Unfortunately... Read more →

When God Does It

God has His own way of accomplishing His purpose in your life in His perfect time, and after His perfect will. That's why you need to trust Him to do the work instead of toiling to work things out on your own. You see, when you give God free reign in your life, He maps out your journey; all you need to do is follow His leading. When you do, you'll end up exactly where you need to be... at the appointed time. But this can only take place when God does the orchestrating. Not you or me. See, when we step in and begin forcing our way into things, then we end up struggling unnecessarily. Life feels hard. Everything is a task. Nothing seems to work out the right way. I said, that's what happens when we try to... Read more →

When God Does It

God has His own way of accomplishing His purpose in your life in His perfect time, and after His perfect will. That's why you need to trust Him to do the work instead of toiling to work things out on your own. You see, when you give God free reign in your life, He maps out your journey; all you need to do is follow His leading. When you do, you'll end up exactly where you need to be... at the appointed time. But this can only take place when God does the orchestrating. Not you or me. See, when we step in and begin forcing our way into things, then we end up struggling unnecessarily. Life feels hard. Everything is a task. Nothing seems to work out the right way. I said, that's what happens when we try to... Read more →

Something Good Is Happening

No matter what it looks like right now... I want you to know today that something good is happening in your life. I don't want you to worry or fret over opposition and obstacles. Focus only on God's promises and His provision. If you can take your eyes off the problem and turn your attention toward the promise, you'll see a clearer picture emerge. A brighter outlook will manifest. I can't be sure of what your "something good" is, but one thing I do know is, God has a purpose and a plan for your life. You need only trust Him to reveal it all in His own time. Remain encouraged and full of faith, and as sure as you're reading this post... the good things God has stored up for you will come to light. As always, thanks for... Read more →

Something Good Is Happening

No matter what it looks like right now... I want you to know today that something good is happening in your life. I don't want you to worry or fret over opposition and obstacles. Focus only on God's promises and His provision. If you can take your eyes off the problem and turn your attention toward the promise, you'll see a clearer picture emerge. A brighter outlook will manifest. I can't be sure of what your "something good" is, but one thing I do know is, God has a purpose and a plan for your life. You need only trust Him to reveal it all in His own time. Remain encouraged and full of faith, and as sure as you're reading this post... the good things God has stored up for you will come to light. As always, thanks for... Read more →

Fear Is A Robber

Fear can cause you to forfeit your peace and miss out on your destiny. If you allow it to, it will rob you of opportunities, convince you of untruths, and cause you to worry unnecessarily. But don't let this happen to you. Certainly, there is no way of knowing what the outcome of a given situation will be, and uncertainty always causes some level of discomfort. Nevertheless, it makes no sense to allow worry and anxiety to overtake you; otherwise, all those moments that should be filled with faith, joy, peace, and optimism, will be, instead, filled with feelings of doubt, anxiety, and tension. You don't have to live that way. The Bible tells us what to do in Philippians 4:6-8: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made... Read more →

Fear Is A Robber

Fear can cause you to forfeit your peace and miss out on your destiny. If you allow it to, it will rob you of opportunities, convince you of untruths, and cause you to worry unnecessarily. But don't let this happen to you. Certainly, there is no way of knowing what the outcome of a given situation will be, and uncertainty always causes some level of discomfort. Nevertheless, it makes no sense to allow worry and anxiety to overtake you; otherwise, all those moments that should be filled with faith, joy, peace, and optimism, will be, instead, filled with feelings of doubt, anxiety, and tension. You don't have to live that way. The Bible tells us what to do in Philippians 4:6-8: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made... Read more →

Come Out of Your Shell

Have you ever felt wholly inadequate to accomplish what you know God has called you to? If so, does it cause you to sometimes shy away from opportunities and challenges? Do you retreat into a neutral corner, too afraid of taking a risk? If you answered yes to one or all of those questions, this is the perfect post for you. I'll start off by saying, God wants to use you to fulfill His will, but He's got to bring you out of your shell first. The way He does that is to put you in a position where you have no choice but to exercise your gifts and talents in order to reach a desired end. There will be times when you'll have to pray... HARD. Then, through divinely-inspired ideas, you'll receive instruction about how to go about finding... Read more →

Come Out of Your Shell

Have you ever felt wholly inadequate to accomplish what you know God has called you to? If so, does it cause you to sometimes shy away from opportunities and challenges? Do you retreat into a neutral corner, too afraid of taking a risk? If you answered yes to one or all of those questions, this is the perfect post for you. I'll start off by saying, God wants to use you to fulfill His will, but He's got to bring you out of your shell first. The way He does that is to put you in a position where you have no choice but to exercise your gifts and talents in order to reach a desired end. There will be times when you'll have to pray... HARD. Then, through divinely-inspired ideas, you'll receive instruction about how to go about finding... Read more →

He'll Take Care of You

Trusting God through good times and bad can't be just a theory; it has to be a lifestyle. Of course we know that we're supposed to believe God through thick and thin... but when it gets thick, our faith and patience tend to wear thin very quickly. So, why is that? Why do we often have trouble moving away from the mere theoretical concept of faith to a place of actually putting our faith into practice? Why do we allow our doubts and fears to get the best of us when we happen upon difficult times? I think it's because we fail to realize how much God cares about us and our unique situations. We forget that He'll take care of us in any and every circumstance. Now, that doesn't mean you'll never walk through a wilderness. No. It doesn't... Read more →

He'll Take Care of You

Trusting God through good times and bad can't be just a theory; it has to be a lifestyle. Of course we know that we're supposed to believe God through thick and thin... but when it gets thick, our faith and patience tend to wear thin very quickly. So, why is that? Why do we often have trouble moving away from the mere theoretical concept of faith to a place of actually putting our faith into practice? Why do we allow our doubts and fears to get the best of us when we happen upon difficult times? I think it's because we fail to realize how much God cares about us and our unique situations. We forget that He'll take care of us in any and every circumstance. Now, that doesn't mean you'll never walk through a wilderness. No. It doesn't... Read more →

When Decision Time Comes

There are some seasons in our lives when God allows us to come face-to-face with uncomfortable truths about what's really going on in our lives. We'll be stopped dead in our tracks, backed into a corner... almost as if we're being jolted back to reality and forced into making a choice. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been dealt a blow in the form of a "reality check" that you didn't quite know how to deal with or process? Lord knows I have. And believe me when I tell you, it can be downright hard to handle the truth. But you know what? It's for the best. Why? Because if we're never confronted with the reality of our situation, we'll coast along, pleased to remain in denial. It's not until things come to a head that we... Read more →

When Decision Time Comes

There are some seasons in our lives when God allows us to come face-to-face with uncomfortable truths about what's really going on in our lives. We'll be stopped dead in our tracks, backed into a corner... almost as if we're being jolted back to reality and forced into making a choice. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been dealt a blow in the form of a "reality check" that you didn't quite know how to deal with or process? Lord knows I have. And believe me when I tell you, it can be downright hard to handle the truth. But you know what? It's for the best. Why? Because if we're never confronted with the reality of our situation, we'll coast along, pleased to remain in denial. It's not until things come to a head that we... Read more →

You Have an Inheritance

Today I want to briefly share a thought with you: You have an inheritance. You have some things in reserve. There are blessings stored up with your name on them... they're for you and only you. All you need to do is trust God and remind yourself that, "What God has for me is for me." You see, there are some folks who don't understand that. They think that they have to toil, struggle, maneuver, and scheme, in order to get what God has. But this isn't true. You have to remember something. Simply because you are His child and faithful servant, He has your future already mapped out. As I always say, God knows the end from the beginning. He has good plans for your life... you need only allow Him to be your sufficiency. We must never become... Read more →

You Have an Inheritance

Today I want to briefly share a thought with you: You have an inheritance. You have some things in reserve. There are blessings stored up with your name on them... they're for you and only you. All you need to do is trust God and remind yourself that, "What God has for me is for me." You see, there are some folks who don't understand that. They think that they have to toil, struggle, maneuver, and scheme, in order to get what God has. But this isn't true. You have to remember something. Simply because you are His child and faithful servant, He has your future already mapped out. As I always say, God knows the end from the beginning. He has good plans for your life... you need only allow Him to be your sufficiency. We must never become... Read more →

It's the Favor of God

When unexpected blessings begin to show up in your life, and things begin to work out where they once were failing, don't ever get lifted up and start assuming that you're the reason the blessings of the Lord are overflowing in your life. Whenever the manifestation of His power and provision shows up in your life, know that it's His favor. No glory belongs to any of us. Only God is the one who can make ways out of no way, open doors that were shut in our faces, and give us provision where there was lack. So, instead of seeking to make connections, find resources, and create opportunities, seek God for His favor. It's the favor of God that unlocks every door. If you begin depending upon Him rather than yourself, He'll do great and awesome things in your... Read more →

It's the Favor of God

When unexpected blessings begin to show up in your life, and things begin to work out where they once were failing, don't ever get lifted up and start assuming that you're the reason the blessings of the Lord are overflowing in your life. Whenever the manifestation of His power and provision shows up in your life, know that it's His favor. No glory belongs to any of us. Only God is the one who can make ways out of no way, open doors that were shut in our faces, and give us provision where there was lack. So, instead of seeking to make connections, find resources, and create opportunities, seek God for His favor. It's the favor of God that unlocks every door. If you begin depending upon Him rather than yourself, He'll do great and awesome things in your... Read more →

Bishop Jakes on Obama Win!

I don't typically talk politics on this blog... but the historical event that has taken place in America--the first African American leader of a major party ticket for President--is remarkable. It sends an unexplainable feeling of hope and optimism through me and makes me awfully proud to be Black in America. Bishop TD Jakes so eloquently shared his feelings. I have posted what he said below: Last night, I like most Americans of all stripes, watched with visible goose bumps as history was made. I sat with my 13-year-old son and looked from the screen to his eyes as Sen. Barack Obama became the first African American in history to lead a U.S. major-party ticket when he claimed the nomination for the Democratic Party for president of the United States. I congratulate Sen. Obama on this historic accomplishment. I thank... Read more →

Bishop Jakes on Obama Win!

I don't typically talk politics on this blog... but the historical event that has taken place in America--the first African American leader of a major party ticket for President--is remarkable. It sends an unexplainable feeling of hope and optimism through me and makes me awfully proud to be Black in America. Bishop TD Jakes so eloquently shared his feelings. I have posted what he said below: Last night, I like most Americans of all stripes, watched with visible goose bumps as history was made. I sat with my 13-year-old son and looked from the screen to his eyes as Sen. Barack Obama became the first African American in history to lead a U.S. major-party ticket when he claimed the nomination for the Democratic Party for president of the United States. I congratulate Sen. Obama on this historic accomplishment. I thank... Read more →

How's Your Spending?

There are times in our lives when we allow things to get out of balance and out of control. Whether we're over-spending financially; spending too little time with God, while spending too much time with other people and things; or even spending all of our energy in an attempt to reach some arbitrary goal... God is concerned about our well-being. He doesn't want us to be out of balance in any area. That's why He'll allow us to go through some seasons when we have no choice but to slow down. He'll let us endure difficult situations that force us to modify our behavior. Why? Because it's never healthy to live in extremes. And if you just so happen to be over-spending and over-extending yourself--even if you're trying to do a good thing--it's unhealthy. There are better ways to arrive... Read more →

How's Your Spending?

There are times in our lives when we allow things to get out of balance and out of control. Whether we're over-spending financially; spending too little time with God, while spending too much time with other people and things; or even spending all of our energy in an attempt to reach some arbitrary goal... God is concerned about our well-being. He doesn't want us to be out of balance in any area. That's why He'll allow us to go through some seasons when we have no choice but to slow down. He'll let us endure difficult situations that force us to modify our behavior. Why? Because it's never healthy to live in extremes. And if you just so happen to be over-spending and over-extending yourself--even if you're trying to do a good thing--it's unhealthy. There are better ways to arrive... Read more →

Moving Forward

When you experience a setback in your life you can do one of two things: (1) Keep moving forward or (2) Keep dwelling on what went wrong. I choose to keep moving forward, otherwise I'll be stuck dwelling on what could've been rather than what is. Of course, I must acknowledge that it is not always easy to take a hit and keep on trucking, but you have to. You must be resilient in order to be victorious in life... after all, you never know what's going to transpire from day-to-day. You can't anticipate with certainty what might be waiting around the corner. Nevertheless, you have to be willing to accept the things God allows in your life, thank Him for the experience--positive or negative, and allow the lessons you've learned to empower and strengthen you. You see, God never... Read more →

Moving Forward

When you experience a setback in your life you can do one of two things: (1) Keep moving forward or (2) Keep dwelling on what went wrong. I choose to keep moving forward, otherwise I'll be stuck dwelling on what could've been rather than what is. Of course, I must acknowledge that it is not always easy to take a hit and keep on trucking, but you have to. You must be resilient in order to be victorious in life... after all, you never know what's going to transpire from day-to-day. You can't anticipate with certainty what might be waiting around the corner. Nevertheless, you have to be willing to accept the things God allows in your life, thank Him for the experience--positive or negative, and allow the lessons you've learned to empower and strengthen you. You see, God never... Read more →

Strength of Character

Can God trust you to maintain your integrity even in the midst of situations where others are doing just the opposite? Can He count on you to stand up for your morals, your values... and even yourself when appropriate? Or are you more inclined to slink away from your convictions once the pressure begins mounting? Does it seem somehow easier just to conform to what others are doing, thinking, and feeling? I want you to really think about it, and give yourself an honest answer. Why is this so important? Because in order for God to propel you into your destiny, launch you out into new territory, and bring you into your land of promise, He must ensure that once you make your ascent, you will have the strength of character to stay where God has placed you. So then,... Read more →

Strength of Character

Can God trust you to maintain your integrity even in the midst of situations where others are doing just the opposite? Can He count on you to stand up for your morals, your values... and even yourself when appropriate? Or are you more inclined to slink away from your convictions once the pressure begins mounting? Does it seem somehow easier just to conform to what others are doing, thinking, and feeling? I want you to really think about it, and give yourself an honest answer. Why is this so important? Because in order for God to propel you into your destiny, launch you out into new territory, and bring you into your land of promise, He must ensure that once you make your ascent, you will have the strength of character to stay where God has placed you. So then,... Read more →