Christian Business Devotion

2008-07-23T20:17:00.001-07:00

Packing for Austin Trip, ping me if you want to meet.

Albert's Christian Entrepreneur Mindset Blog: Burn the Boats!

2007-10-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

Albert's Christian Entrepreneur Mindset Blog: Burn the Boats! This article bears printing and saving. Thanks Albert. Eric

Tithing with your company

2007-09-27T11:45:00.001-07:00

I cannot tell you who I was on the phone with the other day, but I learned something powerful from a billionaire Christian. He was telling another millionaire on the call that if due to covenants on loans and/or rulings by investment boards your company cannot tithe outright, then the next best thing is to sponsor "public service" ads for ministries.

I just thought you should know that your company has that option.

Eric Standlee

Consistent and Perseverant

2007-09-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:36

This scripture is powerful to all aspects of our lives, but especially so for our businesses.

Persevere implies endurance. To endure in a race is to consistently place one foot in front of the other.

How does that apply to you? Think about what you are supposed to do. Write them out into steps. Do each step as unto Christ. You are planting a seed in the lives of each person around you as they watch you consistently and persistently striving forward for the promise that God has given you.

What is that promise? Deuteronomy 28's blessings are present tense and a good place to start.

Do you think that God has forgotten how to help you? No, He will do what he promised. He is faithful.

Every day is a new day. No matter what you did or didn't do yesterday, TODAY is new and God is right there helping you so that you are not disgraced.

Blessings,
Eric Standlee

5 steps to a huge network on LinkedIn

2007-09-22T20:20:00.001-07:00

With over 60,000 connections in Houston and growing every day, I don't plan on running out of people to schedule lunch or coffee with. This is the key to building a large and vibrant network. Here are 5 steps to make your linkedin experience a good one and the first step to many social networking site successes.

Go to www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee and:
1. join
2. create a complete profile
3. add you email to your last name field on your profile
4. add your website(s) on your profile
5. join www.themetanetwork.com and add your information there. This will place you in front of thousands of people and give you tons of free exposure.

Prospered not to increase my standard of living, but to increase my standard of giving,

Eric Standlee

5 secrets to success in any business or endeavor

2007-09-22T11:23:00.001-07:00

Success is allusive to most. Most people eek out life on earth. How can you find success? Here are 5 secrets to success:

Know that Most People don't have ideas as they have either been conditioned or they have conditioned themselves to not be creative.
Know that when you have an idea on average 5 others have the same idea at the same time
Know that most who have that idea wont act on it.
When acting on your idea the keys to success are Persevere and be consistent and you will win.
Finally, don't run unless you intend to run to win.

Be brave and strong and blessed to be a blessing, Eric Standlee Ps 16:3 Lk 16:9

Mindset Notes

2007-09-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

This was too good not to share:

We estimated our expected tithe. It was unusual, but we estimated the amount of income we wanted for the next year. Then, starting in January, we tithed on that amount monthly. (We estimated the income, divided it by twelve, and tithed that mount). Guess what? At the end of the year that amount of our business profit was exactly what we had estimated.

The next year we increased our estimated income, and we tithed on that increased amount each month. That year, the same thing happened; we made that income. The third year, we increased the estimate again. But something went wrong. We blew a fuse! We made far more profit than the estimated amount.

God surprised us. He is wonderfully exciting. Over the years, He has surprised us again and again.

We are saved by faith. We are healed by faith. We get answers to prayers by faith. Our finances are blessed because of faith. God blesses our homes and families because of our faith.

As my friend, the late Dr. Edwin Cole, once said, "Faith never limits God, and God never limits faith."

Don't allow low expectations. Lack of expectancy is evidence of little faith. Faithlessness is irreverent. The element of expectancy is the basic DNA of faith. Things seen are temporary and subject to change.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." II Cor. 4:18

Faith is not 'trying' to believe; faith never 'tries'. Faith speaks. Faith commands. Faith expects. Faith receives. Faith refuses to compromise. Faith praises. Faith doesn't waver. Faith wins!

From "Millionaire in the Pew" by Don Ostrom

Blessings,

Eric Standlee

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria: How Do You See Yourself?

2007-09-03T20:57:00.001-07:00

God loves you and don't you let anyone tell you otherwise!

Today's Scripture
"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Your imagination is extremely powerful. God created you as a visual being. Choosing the right images in your mind's eye is important because your life will move in the direction of your thoughts. The way you see yourself in your mind's eye, over time, will drop down into your heart and become your reality. If you'll create a picture in your imagination of something you want, or a dream coming to pass and keep it in front of you, then you will move in that direction. I encourage you to get up every morning and picture yourself succeeding! Picture yourself healthy and whole! Picture yourself and your family not only being blessed, but being a bigger blessing to others. If you'll keep the right images in front of you, and always submit yourself to the Lord through prayer and thanksgiving, you'll move forward into the life of victory God has promised you.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, I come to You today and submit every area of my mind and heart to You. Search my heart and show me what images I need to change in my mind. Thank You for equipping me with everything I need to live a life pleasing to You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027

Champion, you are well able to do what God has called you to do.

Believe IT!
Eric Standlee
marketplace-ministry.info

Fwd: YOU ARE WHAT YOU REPEATEDLY DO

2007-08-13T18:31:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share this tid-bit of wisdom:

  The beginning of a habit is like an invisible thread.
  Every time you repeat the act you strengthen the strand.
  You add to it another filament with each repetition,
  until it becomes a great cable
  and binds you irrevocably to each thought and act.

  First you make your habits
  and then they make you.

  Your thoughts lead you to your purpose.
  Your purpose always manifests into action.
  Your actions form your habits.
  Your habits determine your character,
  and your character fixes your destiny.

  Your habits are either the best of servants or the worst of
  master.

  Copyright 2007 www.yourdailymotivation.com
  Reproduce freely but maintain Copyright notice.

This is the start of a new week and new chance to make the
changes neccessary.

Be blessed,

Eric

http://getresponse.com/t/9218068/536800/170938259/

Blessed to be a blessing.

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans WILL succeed." --
Proverbs 16:3

You are in charge of you

2007-08-10T07:40:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd share this email I got:

Friday, August 10, 2007

YOU'RE IN CHARGE OF YOU

While your character is formed by circumstances,
your own desires can do much to shape those circumstances.
Thus, you have the power over the formation of your own character.
You're the master of your fate and the captain of your soul.

Nature is at work around you.
Your character and destiny are her handiwork.
She gives you love and hate, jealousy and reverence.
You have the power to choose which impulse you will follow.

You can at any time decide to alter the course of your life.
No one can ever take that away from you.
You're the master of your joys and your sorrows.

The greatest power you possess is the power to choose.

Guard Against Bitterness

2007-06-27T20:24:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the people at Joel Osteen's ministry, I am allowed to share this article with you.

This is a scripture to hold on to.

Eric

Today's Scripture
"When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown" Isaiah 43:2 (TLB).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Have you ever experienced something that truly tested your faith, your joy and your convictions? We're not talking about just having a bad day or having to deal with difficult people - but enduring an intense situation that rocks you to your very core. When many people face such soul-searching events, they let their happiness and joy turn into bitterness and anger. Make sure this doesn't happen to you. Don't give the evil one the victory by becoming an ineffective Christian due to lingering bitterness. Even if you're being tested, God has promised to remain faithful. He is all-powerful, and He can pull you out of your troubles at any moment. Choose to remain faithful and joyous despite your present circumstances.
A Prayer for Today
God, please help me to trust You and not give in to bitterness or anger, even in the middle of my trials. Thank You for the promise of Your never-failing love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Read another Word with Joel & Victoria
View archived messages »

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

--
Sincerely,
Eric Standlee
713.690.8877 x205

"Posture is hard to get when your taught,
but when around those with it is easily caught."

"Prospered not to increase my standard of living, but to increase my standard of giving."

Miracles

2007-06-25T08:21:00.001-07:00

The heroes of faith often built altars to remember their miraculous experiences with God and miracles they received from God.

I had such and experience yesterday and wanted to build an altar to God.

Yesterday, a brother and friend of mine invited me to go with him to a local church. I normally go elsewhere, but I felt the Spirit tug. So, we went and the sermon focused on us being conduits of giving to the kingdom, and being surrounded by the heroes of the faith cheering us on. The sermon was good and seeing this brother's success through God in reaching many unchurched was very impressive.

So, we went to lunch and started talking about the pastor and his father who was also a pastor. And, who walks in but that pastor's father. We chatted and found out he isn't retired and he is recovering from some stuff that came upon him and he is helping the pastor whose sermon we just listened to. In fact, things are going so well that the father and son are looking at starting another campus. They are running things very lean and doing their best to reach the unreached. It was exciting to see what God was doing.

It was also a miracle that we would just happen to be eating in the same place and get to share our hearts with these pastors. I want to make sure that I share this miracle that God has done yesterday.

I believe the words of a very successful mentor of mine who shared that they write down miracles every day and as they do that more and more miracles become apparent. Miracles are amazing things that only God could do that lead us closer to God. Writing them down helps our faith. Sharing them helps others' faith.

Be blessed,

--
Sincerely,
Eric Standlee

Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

2007-06-20T13:18:00.001-07:00

Success starts with praising God in all things. If as we are told here God can work through all circumstances, then that means for example that jail time can be turned into major success. Thus, you have major reason to praise God even in the low times.

---------- Forwarded message ----------

	Being Strengthened In Adversity

	Every adversity is an opportunity for God's Word to come alive in your life and see you through to victory.

No Matter What

Today's Scripture

"I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel" Philippians 1:12 (ESV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

We all could learn quite a bit from the apostle Paul. He was deliriously happy and joyous because of what Christ had done in his life. Even when he was chained and shackled in a dark prison because of his faith, Paul praised God and was excited to deliver his message of the gospel. He says in Philippians 1 that he knew he was suffering for a purpose and that he rejoiced because of the advancement of God's message even when he couldn't be out preaching the gospel. My friend, you can't defeat a person who gives God praise no matter what! And the best part is that God can work in your life the same way He worked in Paul's. God can turn some of the worst possible situations into some of the most worthwhile experiences if you have the right attitude. Praise God today . . . no matter what!

A Prayer for Today

God, I realize that You can take even my bad days and accomplish something great for Your glory. Thank You for the way You display Your power and love in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Read another Word with Joel & Victoria

Choose a month to view an archived message:

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027

Change your email preferences or unsubscribe.

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

--
Sincerely,
Eric Standlee
713.690.8877 x205

Spiritual Warfare or else

2007-06-15T12:08:00.001-07:00

As a business person, you owe it to your company to pray the scriptures over your company and against your enemy.

Pray that no weapon of the enemy will prosper against you.

Pray that your enemy will be miserable so that they will come to Jesus.

Pray that scriptures of blessing on your business and family.

--
Sincerely,
Eric Standlee
713.690.8877 x205

Here is something I was reading to my kids tonight

2007-06-09T20:48:00.001-07:00

I thought this reading from Jesus Wants All of Me, Smouse, was very appropriate to our business lives:

Ship Ahoy!

My life is like a little boat anchored in the harbor. The water is calm and smooth. The breeze is gentle and warm. And, I am safe. But I cannot stay here forever. God wants me to launch out into the wild, open water, to ride the mighty, crashing waves. He wants me to let go. He wants me to trust Him and follow Him wherever He may go.

"If you know these things, happy are you if you do them."
John 13:17

You haven't been give the gifts you have been given just for you. God blessed you with forgiveness, wealth, business, life, love, friends, family, and success so that He can get it through you to someone else. How do you do that? You can do it stuck at harbor. You have to get out there and mix it up. You have to do them.

Stop grumbling about what you don't have yet and use what has been given to you already. Are you surprised that more don't find success? Not me. It is only those who figure out that success is for those who "do it" and persevere in "doing it" and not for those safe at harbor with sails furled.

Instead, be grateful for everything. List all the things you have to be grateful about. Then chose to be grateful for even those things that others wouldn't chose to be grateful about. Unfurl those sails. Risk bumping into other ships and stumbling into uncharted waters. You only have this life.

--
Sincerely,
Eric Standlee
713.690.8877 x205

YOU HAVE TO THINK BIG TO BE BIG

2007-05-13T20:57:00.001-07:00

YOU HAVE TO THINK BIG TO BE BIG

High achievement always takes place
in the framework of high expectation.
You'll always hit what you aim for in the long run.
So why not aim high?

If you can dream it, you can do it.
If you don't have a dream,
how are you going to make it come true?

Have the courage to follow your dreams.
It's the first step towards attaining your destiny.

The empire of your future resides in your mind.
Big thinking precedes big achievement.

Thanks to Max for sharing this.

Eric Standlee

Fwd: Maybe we should adopt the backbone of the Australians

2007-05-08T22:01:00.001-07:00

Sharia law has no place in Australia nor in America. It is the antithesis of all we stand for.

Yellow backed politicians who cow-tow to the ACLU or any other group and allow Sharia law anywhere in America should be asked to repent of all they have done to deserve punishment under Sharia law and be allowed to suffer the due punishment so that noone else in America would have to question what that means.

Having said that, Sharia law is only another manifestation of the antichrist and the snake behind it rears its head knowing full well that it has lost already.

Eric

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Doesn't sound real...however, I checked Snopes.com and found it to be true!

Your Friend

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday

to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you", he said on National Television.

"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia: one the Australian law and another Islamic law that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option", Costello said.

Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off. Basically people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want, to live by Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off", he said.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.

Quote: "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.

"However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of Australia being a multi-cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. And as Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.

"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

"We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society .. Learn the language!

"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.

"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.

"If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like 'A Fair Go', then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others.

"This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.

"If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

Maybe if we circulate this among ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths!

If you agree, please SEND THIS TO EVERYBODY YOU KNOW!

Footsteps of Faith Messenger

2007-04-26T19:52:00.001-07:00

Purpose: Spreading Good News to the World!

Cover to Cover Campaign

One of the greatest and most rewarding tasks you can ever accomplish is the reading of the Bible from Genesis all the way through Revelation. If you would like to start this journey (we read slowly), you are welcome to join an ever-growing group! Simply signify your intentions by clicking here. You will be blessed!

NEW TO THE BIBLE? If you are a new Christian or just haven't done much Bible reading yet, prior to committing to the Cover to Cover Campaign, I suggest you read three books in the New Testament for starters. Read the books of Matthew, John, and James. These wonderful books will give you a great introduction to the Christian faith and will be very eye-opening for you! Starting here will allow you to have a fresh perspective to begin the Cover to Cover study.

Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Issue 151

Within You
Luke 17:21b
Ephesian 3:20-21
Revelation 3:20

Tim Darnell

I've never been let down by the word of God - far from it. Rather, I have been energized and strengthened, encouraged and emboldened. The word of God speaks to me personally and deeply, convicting me of His awesome presence and power; and most importantly, his unending, abiding love for me.

That love is accessible and available for you as much as it is for me - right now. It is an amazing, unconditional love greater than we are humanly able to conceive or even describe. You will find the Word of God and God Himself when you search for Him, and when you ask for Him.

So where do we go to look for God? Where is His love found? Where is God's kingdom found? It is found in an amazing place, one of the last places you might think to look. It is found within you. (see Luke 17:21b)

The Holy Spirit is pervasive. He is both here and there, within and without, before, now and after. He is in the heights and in the depths. He invites us to abide in Him, and He longs to abide in us. Due to His immense power and presence we have abilities within us that go well beyond our wildest imaginations. The apostle Paul says, "Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Make no mistake, we are not God. Only the great I Am is God. Yet we do have immediately available to us his great power and glory when we surrender our lives and selves fully to Him.

I must confess, the first time I read, "the kingdom of God is within you", I almost fell out of my chair. I remember my jaw dropping and my mouth hanging wide open, having gained a new, much greater glimpse into the essence of His being. I began to marvel even more at the wonder and majesty of God. He is not just in His heavens. No, He is here, beside us and within us. He knows all, sees all, and hears all. We cannot hide from Him, nor should we ever want to. Sin can separate us from Him for brief moments, but all the time He is there waiting for us to welcome Him back.

A line from the wonderful worship song, "Breathe", says, "I'm desperate for You. I'm lost without You." How true these words are. He is the single most important element of our lives – our all in all, our support, our strength, our strong tower, our ever present help in time of need. And each of us, you and I, do desperately need Him every moment of our lives.

Knowing only a portion of the awesome glory of God is cause for us to bow down at His feet in total gratitude and obedience. It is cause for us to humbly say, "I am your child. I am dependent solely on you. There is no other god than You, Oh Lord. Have mercy on me and I thank you for your awesome grace and love."

The Author of our life knows our weaknesses. He knows our sorrows. He knows our fears. He hears our cries for mercy and forgiveness, and He sees our lifted hands longing for His touch. And steadfastly He is there, knocking, waiting for us to let Him come in to His rightful place – within us.

The risen Christ says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me."

Will you let Him in today? He wants to be with you, and within you, and will step through the door of your heart if you will but humbly open the door and let Him in.

Prayer

Father God, I have kept you out for some time now, but I want to open the door of my heart and let You in. I pray that You soften my heart and I ask for Your forgiveness and safety. I want to know Your peace, Your joy, and Your love right now. I thank You in advance for the phenomenal rebirth and renewal that You have for me, and that You have waited for me all this time – your wandering child that you have always loved unconditionally. I thank You for Your saving grace and presence within me, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.

If you would like to commit your life to Jesus Christ, you can do so, and thereby experience the most important gift ever offered to mankind! You don't have to be perfect – I'm certainly not and I know you aren't either. In fact, we all sin and fall far short of perfection. Won't you make the greatest decision you can ever make? I pray that you will do so today.

To accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, click this link:

http://www.timdarnell.org/prayer.asp

Tim Darnell is a Christian business owner, professional recording artist, and most importantly, husband to Cathy and father to Lindy, Hannah, and Caleb.

Cover to Cover Schedule and Tips:
Welcome to the Cover to Cover Campaign!

Simply signify your intentions to join the Cover to Cover Campaign by clicking here. You will be blessed!

April's Reading

Group #27 (C to C Readers beginning in April 2007) Genesis

Group #26 (C to C Readers beginning in March 2007) Exodus

Group #25 (C to C Readers beginning in February 2007) Leviticus; Numbers (Leviticus can be a little slow going, but you can get through it!)

Group #24 (C to C Readers beginning in January 2007) Deuteronomy

Group #23 (C to C Readers beginning in December - 2006): Joshua & Judges

Group #22 (C to C Readers beginning in November - 2006): Ruth; 1 Samuel & 2 Samuel

Group #21 (C to C Readers beginning in October - 2006): 1 Kings & 2 Kings

Group #20 (C to C Readers beginning in September - 2006):
1 Chronicles & 2 Chronicles

Group #19 (C to C Readers beginning in August - 2006): Ezra & Nehemiah

Group #18 (C to C Readers beginning in July - 2006): Esther & Job

Group #17 (C to C Readers beginning in June - 2006): Psalms

Group #16 (C to C Readers beginning in May - 2006): Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

Group #15 (C to C Readers beginning in April - 2006): Isaiah

Group #14 (C to C Readers beginning in March - 2006): Jeremiah and Lamentations

Group #13 (C to C Readers beginning in February - 2006): Ezekiel

Group #12 (C to C Readers beginning in January - 2006): Daniel, Hosea, Joel and Amos

Group #11 (C to C Readers beginning in December - 2005):
Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi (Get ready – you will have finished the entire Old Testament this month!)

Group #10 (C to C Readers beginning in November - 2005): Matthew and Mark

Group #9 (C to C Readers beginning in October - 2005): Luke and John

Group #8 (C to C Readers beginning in September - 2005): Acts

Group #7 (C to C Readers beginning in August - 2005): Romans & 1 Corinthians

Group #6 (C to C Readers beginning in July - 2005): II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians

Group #5 (C to C Readers beginning in June - 2005): Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon

Group #4 (C to C Readers beginning in May - 2005): Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter

Group #3 (C to C Readers beginning in April - 2005): Jude and Revelation

Group #2 (C to C Readers beginning in March - 2005): Cover to Cover Campaign Completed - Mar 2007

Group #1 (C to C Readers beginning in February - 2005): Cover to Cover Campaign Completed - Feb 2007

Congratulations to you on your decision! This is one commitment that will pay off beyond comprehension!

Pray for divine guidance and understanding each time prior to reading scripture. Remember, you are reading God's Words written to and for you! This is extremely powerful, so get ready to be empowered!

If you will resolve to read two chapters (or more) per sitting, you can easily accomplish the monthly assignments. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

If you get behind, you can join the group that came after you - no disgrace whatsoever!

Be sure to underline and/or highlight passages that stand out to you. You can even circle a verse or sections that really speak to you!

If you have questions, feel free to e-mail me at: TimD@AdvantageConferences.com Dialogue can be very helpful.

Reading the Bible is like developing a new muscle. The more you work out with it, the more you'll "get it". Don't get discouraged - be encouraged! Some books are easier to read than others. Every book contains incredible material - and soon it will start coming together into profound new understanding and revelation for you.

I'm praying for you daily. You can do this, no question about it. God bless you immensely!

In His Service,

Tim Darnell
Publisher / Editor
Footsteps of Faith Messenger

Footsteps of Faith Messenger is a weekly publication of Advantage Conferences.

Click Here To Subscribe

--
Sincerely,
Eric Standlee
Marketplace Ministry

... I Love You Too Daddy!

2007-04-20T10:10:00.001-07:00

My youngest child, our daughter Yumi Joyce which means to bear the fruit of joy, often takes longer to respond or do things. Today, I grabbed her and gave her a hug and like I often do I told her "I love you..." You have to hear it to understand, but in that "I love you..." there is an understanding that she will reply. I had to tell her not once, not twice, and not three times, but four times before she grinned sheepishly and said "I love you too daddy!"

I was listening to a Zig Ziglar CD I got from having attended the Get Motivated seminar at the Toyota center several weeks ago here in Houston. Actually, I received the CD from a friend who had grabbed several when we were there together. In the CD, Zig made a point that of all the criminals in prisons a very very very small amount are Jewish. He then explained that of the 95% of criminals which are men 99% of them hate their father. And, he noted that the difference is that most Jewish fathers hold their sons and say "I bless you, I love you, you are important to me" throughout their lifetime. He drew the correlation between that and the low rate of Jewish men being incarcerated. Come to think of it, every Jewish man I know loves his father.

Now, imagine how many times during the day God told you "I Love you..." whether you realized it or not at first. You have to know that He is saying that over every living soul on the planet today. He is however speaking that over you right now Champion. God is saying, "I love you..." and waiting for you to reciprocate. Are you like my daughter and waiting for God to say it four times before you sheepishly say "...I love you too daddy!"?

God doesn't need our love, but He does want to hear us saying that we love Him. Gratitude is a very essential part of a successful person's life. Start practicing gratitude with your heavenly Father right now. List out at least four or five things that God has done most recently to say "I love you Son, I love you Daughter" and then spend some time thanking him today. No, right now.

Be blessed and have a blessed weekend,

Eric Standlee

Where is Your Treasure?

2007-03-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

By Jack Weinzierl, Christian Entrepreneur and Mentor

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

I am so thankful for a strong Christian heritage, but it is up to each of us to make Him Lord of our lives and not just Savior. I was blessed to have married an incredible woman of God 18 years ago, who knew the Word and also lived it. We had been married almost 15 years and I can openly share that we gave of our finances, but I was not a cheerful giver as is instructed in 2 Corinthians 9:7. I knew what the Word said, but I was not living it. In fact, we attended Life Changers with Pastor Gregory Dickow for several years and I always cringed when he talked about money and giving every week. I am so grateful now for that stewardship training.

“ ‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’ ” Malachi 3:10

I believe that Malachi 3:10 is for us collectively as believers, as well as for us individually. When believers begin to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, ministries and families will not have room enough to contain it. God does not need your money so he can build another wing up in Heaven, but I believe it is a true test of what is in our hearts.

I invested the first 17 years in corporate America chasing the almighty dollar. Two years ago, I was faced with a decision where my wife and I spent time in prayer seeking His purpose. I was the president of a company that was all about the almighty dollar, with no Almighty in the equation. I needed God in our finances, my business and my daily walk. So after much prayer and an indescribable peace, I resigned from that secular corporate position to become a Christian entrepreneur and mentor. The Lord was directing me to be a difference maker and to lean on Him and the Word vs. the world.

The Lord has blessed me with gifts and talents in the marketplace, but He was waiting until I trusted Him and that He could trust me to pour out more blessings, not so I could hold tightly onto them, but so these finances could flow through me. I firmly believe He will get it to us, when He can get it through us. When we began to “live” His Word 3 years ago, the blessings have been amplified. That was a major shift for me. Taking the focus off of me and onto others was the key. Being a cheerful giver was truly an outward manifestation of getting my heart right. It started with our finances and it opened my heart to one of service. And as 2 Corinthians 8:7 states, “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38. Since we have been obedient with our finances and focused on serving Him first, He has opened up opportunities and supernatural favor in our finances entrusting us with a million dollar + income over the past three years. I give God all the glory, honor and praise. We are also able to reach more people with the Good News as finances are simply a tool to equip ministries globally.

When you seek Him first, your desires begin to change from worldly desires to desires that are aligned with the Word. We have been very blessed and prosperous with our business over the past two years and one lesson that I have learned is just because you can buy something, does not mean you should. Having grown up around wealth, but never experiencing it in my family while growing up, I had some worldly desires that I pursued. The more time we spend in the Word of God, in prayer and in praise, those desires begin to change and get in alignment with God's purpose in our lives.

During the months of January and February of 2007, I took a long hard look at those things that we have prioritized in our lives. We are in the process of seeking the Lord on all areas that need to be transformed from world to Word. It comes down to a matter of good stewardship. Don't get me wrong, things are not the issue, but it's when some of those things have us, that it is an issue. I realized that I am entrusted with assets that the Lord has simply given us the keys to for a time, and that time is temporary. We have made large financial commitments to three ministries and lives will be changed forever with this seed sown. We also understand that the enemy will have no authority in the lives of the Believer and the devourer is rebuked for the tither, but we have to walk in and exercise that authority, in Jesus’ name.

I turn 40 years old in a few weeks and I am so thankful for the wisdom and discernment that the Lord has given me. For many years, He was my Savior, but now He is Lord of my life. It is never too late to repent and seek Him first, beginning today. Wake every day saying, “here I am Lord, use me.” And be ready to do what the world will tell you cannot be done. Remember, you have to attempt the impossible to do the impossible. When you are willing to get out of the boat and go where God wants you to go, get ready to do the impossible. Give outrageously of your finances, time, gifts, talents and love. I believe it is our ulimate reflection of Christ in us.

I am going to share some scriptures and we will get the notes out here shortly on a 52-Week Stewardship Bible Memory Plan. I found this on http://generousliving.com.

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds ... For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Deuteronomy 11:18a; Romans 15:4). These verses from the Old and New Testaments teach that generosity is an expected and rewarding way of life for God’s redeemed people.

God Owns Everything, and I Am His Money Manager

Week 1 — Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Week 2 — Leviticus 25:23 — “The land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants.”
Week 3 — Haggai 2:8 — “ ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty.”
Week 4 — 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
Week 5 — John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Week 6 — Deuteronomy 8:18 — “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
Week 7 — Romans 11:36a — “For from him and through him and to him are all things ...”
Week 8 — 1 Corinthians 4:2 — “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
Week 9 — Romans 14:10 — “... For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat ...”
Week 10 — Romans 14:12 — “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
Week 11 — Luke 6:38 — “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

My Heart Always Goes Where I Put God’s Money

Week 12 — Ecclesiastes 5:12 — “The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.”
Week 13 — Proverbs 18:10-11 — “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall.”
Week 14 — Matthew 6:19 — “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
Week 15 — Matthew 6:20 — “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Week 16 — Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34 — “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This Present World Is Not My Permanent Home

Week 17 — Philippians 3:20 — “Our citizenship is in heaven.”
Week 18 — Luke 12:15 — “Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’ ”
Week 19 — Proverbs 23:4-5 — “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”
Week 20 — Psalm 90:10 — “The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.”
Week 21 — Psalm 39:5b — “Each man’s life is but a breath.”
Week 22 — 1 Timothy 6:6-7 — “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
Week 23 — 2 Corinthians 8:9 — “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
Week 24 — Mark 12:43-44 — “Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’ ”

I Should Not Live Merely for the Moment but for Eternity

Week 25 — Hebrews 11:25-26 — “[Moses] chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.”
Week 26 — Matthew 25:21 — “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ”
Week 27 — Matthew 19:27-28 — “Peter answered him, ‘We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?’ Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’ ”
Week 28 — Matthew 19:29 — “ ‘And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.’ ”
Week 29 — Proverbs 19:17 — “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”
Week 30 — Revelation 19:7-8 — “ ‘Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)”
Week 31 — 2 Corinthians 9:6 — “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Giving Is the Only Antidote to Materialism

Week 32 — Ecclesiastes 5:10 — “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.”
Week 33 — Ecclesiastes 5:13-14 — “I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.”
Week 34 — Mark 10:21 — “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ ”
Week 35 — 1 Timothy 6:9 — “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.”
Week 36 — 1 Timothy 6:10 — “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Week 37 — 1 Timothy 6:17 — “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Week 38 — 1 Timothy 6:18-19 — “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Week 39 — Malachi 3:10 — “ ‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’ ”

God Prospers Me to Raise Not My Standard of Living, but My Standard of Giving

Week 40 — 2 Corinthians 9:10 — “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”
Week 41 — 2 Corinthians 9:11 — “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
Week 42 — 2 Corinthians 9:12 — “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”
Week 43 — 2 Corinthians 9:13 — “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”
Week 44 — Luke 12:33 — “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
Week 45 — Acts 20:35b — “[T]he Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Week 46 — 2 Corinthians 8:7 — “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
Week 47 — 2 Corinthians 9:9 — “As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ ”
Week 48 — 2 Corinthians 9:7b — “[F]or God loves a cheerful giver.”
Week 49 — James 2:14-17 — “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Week 50 — 1 John 3:16 — “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
Week 51 — 1 John 3:17 — “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?”
Week 52 — 1 John 3:18 — “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. posted by Eric Standlee

Empowering Others Like Christ did

2007-01-22T07:39:00.000-08:00

Start with yourself today. Take the labels off of you. If you are struggling, take the "struggler" label off yourself now. Jesus wants to transform your label today. If you allow Him to rename you and relabel you, He will send you out to do that to those you talk with. Don't cut yourself short. You have alot of talent. Christ was always looking for new people to talk to and asking them about themselves. Try a "pattern interrupt". Go to different banks, and different malls, and different grocery stores to hold new conversations with new people. That's what Jesus did. Search for whom Jesus wants to transform. Don't take Christ out of your business, but instead allow Christ to transform your business into a marketplace ministry. Eric Standlee PS. How you are going to employ this in my business?

A lesson from the Bible: Have I got a proposal or you

2007-01-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

In the Bible, there is recorded conversations between the two sides of a business proposal.

The side prosing said here's the opportunity I present to you:

You have to commit to spend the next 100 years building this
You will building something that noone has ever done before
You will build in preparation for a forcasted event where something will happen that has never happened on earth before
People will tell you that you are crazy because nothing like that has ever happened
People will tell you that you are crazy because nothing like that has ever been done before

The side receiving the proposal accepted and because of huge faith on the part of this side of the negotiating table it was done as proposed.

What could have been the upside to motivate 100 years of building something that noone knew would work? What could have engendered so much faith in the forecasted event of epic proportions of which something like that had never happened before in the history of the earth? What was in it for the side that had to build for 100 years on faith that something which had never happened before would happen and that after 100 years of building this project it would actually be of benefit?

Consider if I were asking you to go into a business with me but you would have to invest 100 years of your life. However on the 100th year you would see results that would benefit you more than anything you could imagine.

Most businesses fail in 5 year according to the government. I propose the issue is lack of faith.

The story in the Bible I am talking about is the story of Noah. God proposed that if Noah would build something noone had ever heard of called a boat or ark for the next 100 years that after that God would bring rain which noone in the history of the earth had seen before and the up-side for Noah was huge if he could have enough faith for long enough: he and his family would live.

Can you see a parallel in the faith needed to see your business endeavors through? If God told you He would make it rain financial in your life, then He will do it. Can you find the faith to make it past the first 5 years so that rain will fall in your life and bless you and your family?

You can do it Champion. You can do it because in Hebrews 12 we learn that not only did Noah and thousands (if not millions) who went before have set the page and set the standard, but I believe in your Champion because those who set the pace and set the standard are now in the stands and you are on the field. You are the one being cheered on by those of the faith who have gone on before us.

So, suit up and get out on the field with renewed confidence that not only is the God of the Universe whose love for you is beyond measure standing with you and fighting the fight with you, but there have been many who went on before you and are now cheering for you.

They are saying:

You can persevere Champion!
If I could have faith that God would do what He said, then you can have that much more if you stand on the shoulders of those who went before!
Charge Champion and take the enemy, he is defeated.
Don't give up, because you can overcome if you never ever ever ever give up.
There is nothing to f.e.a.r. Champion, it isn't nearly as hard as you think it might be.
If God is for you, who DARE be against you?
You can do it, we believe in you Champion.

Then, go out there and do it. I believe in you too. Hi Five!

Keep your eyes on the prize and on the positive things and don't let the enemy get a foothold.

Be blessed,

Eric Standlee
www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee

SEOmoz's Web 2.0 Awards

2007-01-03T17:47:00.000-08:00

SEOmoz's Web 2.0 Awards Haven't heard of Web2.0? Where have you been. Well, it isn't too late. The best of the best of Web2.0 are showcased at this site. Here are the categories:

Blog Guides
Bookmarking
Books
Business, Money, and eCommerce
Classifieds & Business Directories
Collaborative Writing & Word Processing
Communication: Email & Chat
Content Aggregation and Management
Digital Content Resale
Digital Storage & Remote Access
Events
Feed Management Services
Feedback (Q&A)

Games
Grassroots
Lists & Polls
Mapping
Marketing
Mashups & More
Music
Peer Production News
Personal Organization
Philanthropy
Photos & Digital Images
Podcasts
Real Estate

Retail
Social Networking
Social Tagging
Spreadsheets
Start Pages
Travel
Trusted Search
Video
Visual Arts
Web Development & Design
Wikis (Hosted)

These are the cutting edge of web technology.

Be a Champion

2006-12-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

From Sam Crowley's podcast:

SaturdaySam's podcast

Be A Champion

Posted: 25 Dec 2006 08:12 AM CST

This posting includes a media file: Play Now

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Live like a champion

2006-12-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the positive outlook of this newsletter I am able to keep my mind on the persevering overcoming love of Jesus and off of the negative messages all around me.

Make good choices

Everybody wants to make good choices. Should you take that new job? Should you go further in this relationship? How should you deal with a particular problem? But to make the best choices we need God's wisdom. Someone once said, "You make your decisions and then your decisions make you." If you allow your choices to be guided by the wisdom of God, the direction you get from reading His Word and spending time in prayer, then you're going to experience true success. I have good news for you today! God wants to give you wisdom. Proverbs says that He will help you find the right course of action every time. Not some of the time; all of the time. Take time each day to listen to what God is saying to you. As you do, you'll make better decisions and you'll live the life of victory that God has in-store for you.

Look for Joel on TV this week »

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027

Copyright © 2006 by Joel Osteen

Fwd: Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

2006-11-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

I only try to forward these when I really like them, but this is another great one. We have got to learn to trust God that He really does have a great purpose for our lives.

Are you prepared to receive God's fullness and give it to others?

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Believe God for the Extraordinary in Your Life

Today's Scripture

"The thief 's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." (John 10:10)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Is all of your trust in God today? Many people say that they believe in God, but act like He's a distant and uninvolved relative. To have the fullness of life that God promises you, you must believe what God says, not just believe in His existence. God wants you to step out and leave the ordinary behind. He is speaking to you today and encouraging you to believe in Him. God is waiting to bless you more than you could ever think, but you have to take the first step. Your step may be big or small, but you must take it to come closer to God and experience everything that He wants you to experience.

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that You're waiting to bless me more than I could ever imagine. Give me the strength to take the first step, and come towards You! Thank you for all that You've blessed me with already. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Read another Word with Joel & Victoria

View archived messages »

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027

Copyright © 2006 by Joel Osteen

--
Eric Standlee
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee
Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living,
but to increase my Standard of Giving

PS. Would you be open to showing referring organizations how to receive **hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars** for their ministry or faith-based non-profit without asking anyone for any money whatsoever?
http://www.businessconferences.info/ht

Take this entrepreneurial quiz: http://www.7kovernover.com/quiz.pdf

See what our Team Members have to say:
http://www.7kovernover.com/testimonialsar.htm

Download Slay Your Giant (originally $29.95) at no cost quick before this link stops working:
http://businessconferences.info/SlayYourGiant.pdf

Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

2006-11-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

This is a powerful message and VERY appropriate for those in business.

Getting Comfortable Outside Your Comfort Zone

Today's Scripture

"As they went a woman who wanted to be healed came up behind and touched him, for she had been slowly bleeding for twelve years, and could find no cure (though she had spent everything she had on doctors). But the instant she touched the edge of his robe, the bleeding stopped." (Luke 8:43)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Are your hopes, dreams, and visions way big today? I hope so, because there are no limits for the powerful and loving God that you serve! When God puts a dream in your heart, even a big dream that seems almost impossible, He will also put in your heart the ability and the opportunity to complete it. The tough part is that you're going to have to step outside of your comfort zone, and allow God to give you what you need. The woman described in Luke 8 had a dream of being healthy, but nobody could help her. She kept dreaming and reached out for Jesus to be healed. Reach out for your dream today and watch God do the rest!

A Prayer for Today

God, I know that You have big plans for me. Help me to let You do things that are out of my comfort zone. Thank you for Your power and for the dreams You give me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Read another Word with Joel & Victoria

View archived messages »

-- Eric Standlee http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living, but to increase my Standard of Giving PS. Would you be open to showing referring organizations how to receive **hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars** for their ministry or faith-based non-profit without asking anyone for any money whatsoever? http://www.businessconferences.info/ht Take this entrepreneurial quiz: http://www.7kovernover.com/quiz.pdf See what our Team Members have to say: http://www.7kovernover.com/testimonialsar.htm Download Slay Your Giant (originally $29.95) at no cost quick before this link stops working: http://businessconferences.info/SlayYourGiant.pdf

Don't Lose Your Song

2006-11-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

This is the latest Joel Osteen Podcast and it was a blessing to me. It is good to remind yourself regularly to keep your joy.

Be blessed,
Eric Standlee

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Joel Osteen Audio Podcast

#326 - Don't Lose Your Song

Posted: 06 Nov 2006 02:02 PM CST

Ephesians 5:18 says to \"be ever filled with the Spirit by speaking to yourself in psalms and hymns, by making melody in your heart and being grateful.\" Too many people go around discouraged and allow their circumstances to weigh them down. But, God has put a well of joy on the inside of you and even when life is not going your way, you can learn to tap into it. The key is keeping a song of praise in your heart. Throughout the day, take time to think about God's goodness and live with a grateful attitude. If you do, God will replenish your strength, your joy and your peace.

This posting includes a media file: Play Now

Dare to Believe for Greater Things

2006-11-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

I was reading in "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Osteen, and on
page 76 under the heading "Dare to Believe for Greater Things",
the following spoke loud and clear to me:

"God said to Abraham, 'I'm going to bless you so that you can be
a blessing'  God is saying that same thing to you.  He wants to
bless you with abundance, so you can turn around and be a
blessing to other people."

"Maybe you have endured terrible disappointments.  Unspeakable
negative things may have happened to you, to the point that you
have ceased believing for anything good to occur in your life.
You've lost your dreams.  You are drifting through life, taking
whatever comes your way.  You may be tempted to tell yourself,
'I've been living this way too long.  I'm never going to get any
better.  I've prayed, I've believed, I've done everything I know
how to do.  Nothing's changed.  Nothing's worked.  I might as
well give up.'"

"I've had people tell me, 'Joel, I don't want to get my hopes
up.  I've been through so many hurts in the past.  If I don't
get my hopes up and nothing good happens to me, at least I won't
be disappointed.'"

"Friend, that attitude is contrary to God's desires for you.  No
matter how many setbacks you've suffered, God still has a great
plan for your life.  You must get your hopes up.  If you don't
have hope, you won't have faith.  And if you don't have faith,
you can't please God, and you won't see His power revealed in
your life.  Keep hope alive in your heart.  Don't ever give up
on your dreams.  Don't allow discouragement or other setbacks to
keep you from believing what God says about you."

If you are like me, then this part of the book speaks to you
loud and clear.

Friend, I am sure that God wants you to over-come.  You
need to surround yourself with those who agree and affirm that
in you daily so that you can daily affirm that in yourself.

Blessed to be a blessing,
Eric Standlee
"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans WILL succeed."
-- Proverbs 16:3

Today's HomeWord for 10/19/06 - Five-Fingered Prayer

2006-10-19T03:34:00.000-07:00

Having trouble seeing Today's HomeWord? Click here for the Web version.

Five-Fingered Prayer
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.—Ephesians 6:18

Recently, an email was sent to me that demonstrated how to use your fingers to pray. Each finger can be used to bring to mind different ways to pray for those around you. If you're looking for ideas to improve your prayer life, give it a try.

Thumb: The strongest digit on your hand. Give thanks for all the strong things in your life, like home and family, or relationships that support and sustain you.

Index finger: This is the pointing finger. Pray for those people and things that guide and help you in your life. Friends, teachers, doctors, nurses, emergency services and so on.

Middle finger: The tallest finger. Pray for all the important people who have power in the world, like world leaders and governments, members of parliament and local councilors, city mayors and aldermen, our president.

Ring finger: The weakest finger on your hand. It cannot do much by itself (ask anyone who plays piano). Remember the poor, the weak, the helpless, the hungry, the sick, the ill and the bereaved.

Little finger: The smallest and the last finger on your hand. Pray for yourself.

One of the things I like most about this guide to prayer is that it reminds me to keep others before myself. Too often when I pray, I immediately present God with my needs, wants and desires, and then lose my train of thought before I even think to pray for anyone else. Try using this tool as you drive home from work or go out for a walk. Prayer is something we can do at all times and this may be just the tool to make it a part of your life, not just something you do before you go to bed or face a difficult situation. Prayer is an activity we can't engage in enough. God hears our prayers and your hand is a good way to remind yourself to pray for someone else.

To comment on today's devotional, click here.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think through the five-fingered prayer. Can you place someone you know in each category?

2. Today when you are in your car, turn off the radio and put your cell phone aside. Take some time to pray through your fingers for those in your life who fit each category.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 34:4-10; Romans 8:26-27; 1 Thessalonians 1:3-3

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YOUR DAILY MOTIVATION - Monday - VIEW EVERY PROBLEM AS AN OPPORTUNITY

2006-10-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 2, 2006 VIEW EVERY PROBLEM AS AN OPPORTUNITY There is always a good side to every situation. Stay optimistic and try to see an opportunity in your problems, not pessimistic and see problems in every opportunity. The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist sees the hole. You can develop success from any failure. Failure is one of the surest stepping stones to success. No element can do as much for you as failure can, if you're willing to study it and make capital out of it. When it is dark enough you can see the stars. ©2006 by Max Steingart Reproduce freely but maintain © notice

::mymobilewatch:: Now your wife/girlfriend cannot forget her cellphone

2006-10-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

::mymobilewatch:: If this is cheap enough you can get it for your girl and she can wear it and not forget to bring it with her or fumble for it in her purse.

[From Google Reader] Top 10 List–Clues that I may have trouble tithing

2006-10-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

10) I won't be able to afford my 2nd Venti Caramel Macchiato every
day if I tithe?
9) You ask the Usher, "Do you accept Kids Kash from KidsOasis?"
8) That's for wealthy people, when I am one of them, I will tithe.
7) Things are tight now….I couldn't tithe before the semi-annual sale at
Neiman's.
6) But my boat payment is due next week. And what about gas?
5) I am saving my tithe for a trip to Vegas next month. If I win, I already
promised God that I would tithe on the winnings.
4) I see the new tires on pastor's car and my first thought is, I paid for
those.
3) I think that tithing is Old Testament and we are under a New "tithe
free" Covenant.
2) When directed to take the wallet of the person next to me and give
like I've always wanted, I still can't do it.

And finally, number one:
1) I am trying to make change as the plate is passed.

Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Bold - #121

2006-09-28T15:22:00.001-07:00

Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Issue 121 Bold

Acts 27-28

Tim Darnell

The apostle, Paul, was having a rough time. His fellow Jews were adamant about stopping him from preaching the Good News about Jesus Christ. Their disdain escalated to the point of inciting riots, while vociferously calling for Paul’s arrest. For more than two years he was held prisoner, transported to various places of confinement awaiting trial after trial - all based on false accusation.

Many wanted him dead, hatching plots and strategies to have him stoned and flogged. Each event was avoided, sometimes at the last minute. As he was stretched out to be flogged on one occasion he asked the commander whether it was lawful to flog a Roman citizen. That one tactic saved a horrific punishment since Roman citizens were immune to that particular punishment.

Now, through the appeal process, Paul had gained an audience for ultimate trial with Caesar in Rome. On the way to face the Roman king in Rome, Paul’s ship was besieged by terrible storms and rough seas to the extent that the ship broke apart and ran aground on the island of Malta. The crew and other prisoners had to swim for their life to safety. But that’s not all - it immediately gets worse!

“Once safely on shore, we found out the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.” ^{Acts 28:1-3}

You think you’ve had a bad day! The good news about that particular “icing on the cake” is that the snake’s bite didn’t kill Paul, which brings us to the point of today’s Messenger:

The next recorded event by Luke, an eyewitness to much of Paul’s life and the author of the book of Acts, and is that Paul went to heal the father of the chief official of the island. “His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured.” ^{Acts 28:8}

Service – thinking of others; helping others; healing the sick; ministering to the needs of those in trouble – all “others oriented” activities – even amidst his own severe challenges. Most of us would have been so “self oriented” after suffering negative event after negative event, that we wouldn’t have been able to consider the needs of others. Like the Southwest Airlines advertisement that asks, “Wanna get away?” most of us would have been in the “I’m out of here”, vacation or escape mode!

But Paul knew the secret to fulfillment and joy – do what God has set out for you to do. Attend to the needs of others who are suffering and incapable of helping themselves, whether you’ve got your own profound challenges or not. Rather than running off somewhere or withdrawing to lick his own wounds, Paul was immediately drawn to ministering to others.

Despite the overwhelming negative events that seemingly never ceased to occur, not only did he serve others, Paul also CONTINUED ON HIS MISSION! Paul likely could have escaped from his guards in the chaos of the shipwreck. But whether he could have taken advantage of an opening for escape or not, Paul chose to stay the course and finish the work that God gave him, making the best of his bad situation.

Paul didn’t let circumstances keep him from proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. He preached and continued to preach to growing crowds, and many were saved.

And here’s what I love the most. Luke concludes the book of Acts by stating, “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” ^{Acts 28:31}

I wonder if you are being bold in your beliefs. Do you retract from your mission when events come against you? Are you speaking boldly the message of Jesus Christ to others who desperately need to hear the Good News?

Paul was not deterred, and I pledge to you that neither will I. I commit to you that, in spite of whatever – I mean, whatever, I will not be deterred. I will continue in my mission and, like Paul, be bold in preaching the life saving message of Jesus Christ. Will you join me?

What we’ve learned:

Prevail in spite of terrible or negative circumstances

Act on others’ needs above your own

Speak the truth boldly and without hindrance

Never cease to continue your God-given mission

Father, we look to the example of your great saint, the apostle Paul, and like him we commit to you to always be bold in our life’s journey. It is by Your strength that we prevail. In Jesus name, Amen.

If you would like to commit your life to Jesus Christ, you can do so, and thereby experience the most important gift ever offered to mankind! You don’t have to be perfect – I’m certainly not and I know you aren’t either. In fact, we all sin and fall far short of perfection. Won’t you make the greatest decision you can ever make? I pray that you will do so today.

To accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, click this link:

http://www.timdarnell.org/prayer.asp

Tim Darnell is a Christian business owner, professional recording artist, and most importantly, husband to Cathy and father to Lindy, Hannah, and Caleb.

Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Bold - #121

2006-09-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Issue 121 Bold

Acts 27-28

Tim Darnell

You think you’ve had a bad day! The good news about that particular “icing on the cake” is that the snake’s bite didn’t kill Paul, which brings us to the point of today’s Messenger:

Paul didn’t let circumstances keep him from proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection. He preached and continued to preach to growing crowds, and many were saved.

What we’ve learned:

Prevail in spite of terrible or negative circumstances
Act on others’ needs above your own
Speak the truth boldly and without hindrance
Never cease to continue your God-given mission

To accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, click this link:

http://www.timdarnell.org/prayer.asp

Tim Darnell is a Christian business owner, professional recording artist, and most importantly, husband to Cathy and father to Lindy, Hannah, and Caleb.

Top 10 List--Clues that one may have trouble tithing

2006-09-27T23:39:00.000-07:00

We took an informal survey and we came up with the UNofficial-- Top 10 List--Clues that One may have trouble tithing 1) I am trying to make change as the plate is passed. 2) When directed to take the wallet of the person next to me and give like I've always wanted, I still can't do it. 3) I think that tithing is Old Testament and we are under a New "tithe free" Covenant. 4) I see the new tires on pastor's car and my first thought is, I paid for those. 5) I am saving my tithe for a trip to Vegas next month. If I win, I already promised God that I would tithe on the winnings. 6) But my boat payment is due next week. And what about gas? 7) Things are tight now….I couldn't tithe before the semi-annual sale at Neiman’s. 8) That's for wealthy people, when I am one of them, I will tithe. 9) You ask the Usher, "Do you accept Kids Kash from KidsOasis?" 10) I won't be able to afford my 2nd venti Caramel Macchiato every day if I tithe? Let's be real. We can laugh about it, but many of these from the top 10 are based in truth. I realize that many churches out there are not teaching enough in the area of finances. Some will even say when it is offering time, if you are a guest here today, this is just for our members. I understand that is politically correct, but what a crazy approach to teaching people about finances. No wonder many ministries have to beg for finances. I want to encourage everyone to spend time reading God’s Word and specifically regarding finances over the next few weeks. There are incredible promises, but we have to begin by honoring Him and being faithful with our finances. The Bible says in Malachi chapter 3 that “God will open up the windows of heaven through our tithing and He will pour out a blessing that there will not be room enough for us to receive.” In Proverbs chapter 3:8-9, when we bring the tithe into the storehouse, God will fill our barns with plenty. The Bible says in Luke chapter 6, “Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.”

From a dear friend and business owner I know.

Top 10 List--Clues that one may have trouble tithing

2006-09-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

We took an informal survey and we came up with the UNofficial-- Top 10 List--Clues that One may have trouble tithing 1) I am trying to make change as the plate is passed. 2) When directed to take the wallet of the person next to me and give like I've always wanted, I still can't do it. 3) I think that tithing is Old Testament and we are under a New "tithe free" Covenant. 4) I see the new tires on pastor's car and my first thought is, I paid for those. 5) I am saving my tithe for a trip to Vegas next month. If I win, I already promised God that I would tithe on the winnings. 6) But my boat payment is due next week. And what about gas? 7) Things are tight now….I couldn't tithe before the semi-annual sale at Neiman’s. 8) That's for wealthy people, when I am one of them, I will tithe. 9) You ask the Usher, "Do you accept Kids Kash from KidsOasis?" 10) I won't be able to afford my 2nd venti Caramel Macchiato every day if I tithe? Let's be real. We can laugh about it, but many of these from the top 10 are based in truth. I realize that many churches out there are not teaching enough in the area of finances. Some will even say when it is offering time, if you are a guest here today, this is just for our members. I understand that is politically correct, but what a crazy approach to teaching people about finances. No wonder many ministries have to beg for finances. I want to encourage everyone to spend time reading God’s Word and specifically regarding finances over the next few weeks. There are incredible promises, but we have to begin by honoring Him and being faithful with our finances. The Bible says in Malachi chapter 3 that “God will open up the windows of heaven through our tithing and He will pour out a blessing that there will not be room enough for us to receive.” In Proverbs chapter 3:8-9, when we bring the tithe into the storehouse, God will fill our barns with plenty. The Bible says in Luke chapter 6, “Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.”

From a dear friend and business owner I know.

Intensity & transformation

2006-09-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

This was from a business partner about a bible study we were at which I totally had to share.

I feel immensely privileged and thankful for the quality of the Biblical mindset training we get each week with Tim and our other leaders. What a great topic today on avoiding lukewarm-ness in our walk with the Lord, as well as in our business. Pa-tooey! Spit that stuff out!

The study sheets for today's call would make excellent guides for searching Scripture on many of those topics, both positive and negative. That stuff is gold – thanks Tim!
There are some quotes I come across that really encapsulate an idea very powerfully and I keep them as reference because the wording is really good, or the idea behind it. Here's one for this very concept of being white hot on something and how it affects everything else. I've observed this happen in my own life in different areas and can attest that it's true.

++++++++++++++++++
The more intensely we feel about an idea or a goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious, will direct us along the path to its fulfillment.
Earl Nightingale
++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now of course we know it's the Holy Spirit who directs our path, and we're not going to be burying our passion for Advantage Conferences deep in our subconscious…but the idea is that when there is something we're passionate about, it gets planted and puts roots down in our minds and begins growing. As we just go about daily living, that passion is putting down deeper roots, it's beginning to affect everything we do and how we view situations. We're being transformed! Romans 12:2

We probably can all point to a divine appointment that wouldn't have happened the way it did if we weren't in transformation mode, viewing things from a new perspective, if that idea wasn't directing us to fulfilling it….as we are in Christ, it is the Holy Spirit bringing us into being conformed more and more to Christ-likeness. That's what a transformed mindset is all about, the ultimate goal.

Through our business, and subsequently the community of believers that is forming here, we have a gift that is ours to share, which is the gift of transformation in Christ. Now that is not something to be lukewarm about!

Phil. 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Aren't ya glad? (that's one of our pastor's favorite sayings)

Becki in CA

Be blessed,

It wasn't by chance and it's not up to chance

2006-09-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

It wasn't by chance that you are where you are today. It was up to you. It's not up to chance whether you are going to make things happen. You are in control.

Just like swimming against a current, you are either swimming and moving forward or you are resting and drifting in the current. This world doesn't allow stop. It allows success or failure.

Success means urgency. Jesus had it. He had a definite time for when things were going to happen. Urgency has been definted as time defined accomplishment.

Do you find yourself wondering what you are missing and why it isn't happening for you? Put urgency back into your life.

Here's a story to put it into perspective. Say you are a sales person dependant on making sales to make a living. You can market, advertise, or stretch your wings and reach those within 3 steps of you. Actually, it is not either or. You should do both. But, your 3 step away warm market are where you are in control. If you decide that you want to make $21,000 in 10 days, it is up to you. You can be clear that you are making the sale in 10 days and that product will go in that time and you are looking for the right person to make that sale to. That adds urgency. That urgency will make the difference between drifting with the current downstream or stroking against the current upstream toward your goal.

A leader makes things happen. A leader collects decisions and works with urgency. A good friend often says "Are you willing to do today what other's won't, to have (and give) tomorrow what
other's don't?"

God said it this way to Adam. "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." God, didn't say rest and I will lay it all in your lap. Those are action words. Subdue the earth. Dominate the fish, birds and animals. Control your world.

You are in control. If you aren't then you have lost control. There's no in between.

This is a hard lesson for me. It is rough for me whenever God uses a mentor or friend to teach me this. God has blessed you for a reason. You have to take responsibility for what He has blessed you with and multiply it.

--
Eric Standlee
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee
Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living,
but to increase my Standard of Giving
Take this entrepreneurial quiz: http://www.7kovernover.com/quiz.pdf

See what our Team Members have to say:
http://www.7kovernover.com/testimonialsar.htm

Download Slay Your Giant (orignally $29.95) at no cost quick before this link stops working:
http://businessconferences.info/SlayYourGiant.pdf

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brought to you by the geniuses at it.crusaderx.com

Marketplace Ministry

2006-08-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for opportunities to share and minister throughout your workday?

In the marketplace, we are reaching out into the 9 to 5 missions window and God wants to use us to reach them. Are you praying with them? Are you just saying goodbye to those being downsized? Why not take time to relationship and pray with people and see where God leads?

--
Eric Standlee
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee
Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living,
but to increase my Standard of Giving
Take this entrepreneurial quiz: http://www.7kovernover.com/quiz.pdf

See what our Team Members have to say:
http://www.7kovernover.com/testimonialsar.htm

Download Slay Your Giant (orignally $29.95) at no cost quick before this link stops working:
http://businessconferences.info/SlayYourGiant.pdf

brought to you by the geniuses at it.crusaderx.com

YOU ONLY GET TO KEEP WHAT YOU GIVE AWAY

2006-08-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

God has been screeming this to me lately:

It's a universal law: You have to give before you get. You must plant your seeds before you reap the harvest. The more you sow, the more you will reap. In giving to others, you will find yourself blessed. The law works to give you back more than you have sown. The giver's harvest is always full. Those that obtain have little. Those who scatter have much. Nature does not give to those who will not spend. ©2006 by Max Steingart Reproduce freely but maintain © notice

Time is short and I want to harvest as much as I can to give back as much as I can to the Kingdom.

Urgent -- This page will only be available for a limited time only.

2006-07-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

Urgent -- This page will only be available for a limited time only.

This book "Slay Your Giant" is being sold by the publisher for $29.95 as you can see in the picture of that site below.

Be sure to download your copy and share this link with everyone you know before the author changes his mind and this link stops working.

I got permission to share this book with everyone on all of my lists for a limited time directly from the author. It is really changing lives and I know it can be of great benefit to everyone we can share it with. Help me share it with as many people as you can.

Max's Your Daily Devotion

2006-07-08T05:07:00.000-07:00

If your business is a $50,000 to $99,999 a year company, take it to the next level by THINKING BIG. Imagine what your company would be like when it is at $500,000 to $999,999 a year.

BIG THINKING PRECEDES BIG ACHIEVEMENT

If you don't have a dream, how are you going to make it come true?

High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation. You'll always hit what you aim for in the long run. So why not aim high?

Have the courage to follow your dreams. It's the first step towards attaining your destiny.

If you can dream it, you can do it. The empire of your future resides in your mind.

©2006 by Max Steingart Reproduce freely but maintain © notice

The "other 90%" of your brain that scientists say you don't use is probably your imagination which we are taught to stop using in elementary school somewhere. If you tap into this source of God given power and imagine your company at ten times the revenue that it currently has, you will begin to find ways to get there and start acting as if you are there before you get there. The only thing stopping you from following your dreams is you. Noone else is to blame. Pull up your britches and start acting as much like you would be when you get where you want to go. Wake up everyday telling yourself "you are the replacement for the schmuck who used to be the president of this company, what are you going to do to take it to that next power of ten?" Then "commit your plans before God" and he will bring success.

Lead with a Limp

2006-07-04T20:27:00.001-07:00

by Whitney Hopler

Leaders who follow conventional wisdom equate personal strength with effectiveness. But striving for power and control never leads to true success. The leaders God blesses with real strength are those who first acknowledge their weaknesses, and then rely on Him to accomplish more than they ever could on their own.

Paradoxically, you can be a better leader if you limp than if you try to run. Your struggles aren’t obstacles to overcome on the way to leadership; they’re invitations for God to transform you. Here’s how you can turn your struggles into strengths as a leader:

* Stop hiding. Understand that hiding your failures prevents you from receiving the grace you need to lead well. So embrace your brokenness and let go of futile efforts to control your own life. Ask God to give you the courage to name and face your fears. Realize that complexity is an inevitable part of life, so let go of dogmatism and attempts at simplistic solutions, and embrace creativity. Don’t isolate yourself from others or turn to addictions to fill voids in your life. Instead, pursue authentic relationships with God and others, knowing that this is the only way to true fulfillment. Expect others to be more open to what you have to say if they see that you’re being real with them. Recognize that your weaknesses aren’t burdens to be avoided, but opportunities to grow in character to become the leader God wants you to be. Trust God to use the messes in your life to transform you – and those you lead.

* Be a reluctant leader. Don’t be easily seduced by power, pride, or ambition. Know that true leaders don’t aspire to power for the power itself, but simply to use power as a means to serve God well. Ask God to give you the humility of a reluctant leader who nevertheless chooses to serve Him. Surrender your own agenda if you struggle with ambition; be honest about your doubts if you struggle with insecurity. Make God – and nothing or no one else – your confidence. Think about how awestruck and grateful you should be to be called to leadership, and rely on God’s strength to help you fulfill that call. Make it a goal to share power fairly and empower others who serve alongside you.

* Recognize the purpose of leadership. Understand that the aim of leadership isn’t to run an organization, meet needs, or even to do good deeds. Rather, the purpose of leadership is to form character in people. Shift your focus from what you do to how you do what you do. Ask God to help you model a life of integrity to those you lead. Understand that your own character will mature to the degree that you love God and others. Ask God to fill your heart with awe and gratitude. Invite God to mature your character – and that of those you lead – as you explore new directions, share open dialogue, discern God’s vision, and make confident decisions together.

* Tell stories. Know that a key part of leadership is creating and telling compelling stories to get others caught up in a life worth living. As God transforms you, tell the story of His grace and inspire others to follow His vision for their lives and the organization you serve. Understand that the degree to which you deal with your failures as a leader will determine how much you will help your colleagues grow, because they see human surrender and trust and divine forgiveness and grace at work in your life. Don’t sugarcoat unpleasant facts; be honest about them so others can see how God can take ugliness and turn it into beauty. Realize that the more you tell the story of God’s work in your life, the more you invite others to consider their own stories and callings. Help people in the community in which you lead understand who they are, how they got there, what they’re doing, and what they must do to get there.

* Desire change. Don’t settle for the status quo. Constantly ask God to help you see how tomorrow can be better than today. Whenever God calls you to influence a person or a process, face the opportunity with eagerness and courage.

* Move forward with humility. Recognize that you can’t always know for sure if a particular decision is right. But know that if you’re diligent with prayer, reflection, debate, and feedback from others as you consider what to do, you can move ahead with whatever seems best when you must act. Be willing to change course if God leads you to do so. Remain teachable. Be ready to exchange your own dreams for better dreams if God has other plans for you.

* Change your responses to leadership’s challenges. Count the cost of leadership and ask God to help you confront challenges in healthy ways. When you encounter a crisis, respond with courage rather than cowardice, knowing that God will help you handle even the worst that can happen. When you face complexity, respond with depth instead of rigidity, asking God to help you see what you’re not seeing in the situation and find creative solutions. When you confront betrayal, respond with gratitude rather than narcissism, understanding that betrayal is inevitable in our fallen world, yet it’s a gift whenever it leads you toward God’s kindness and healing. When you experience loneliness, respond with openness instead of hiding, confessing the truth that you need other people and making time to suffer with them in sorrow and celebrate with them in joy. When you deal with weariness, respond with hope rather than fatalism, refusing empty busyness and focusing on God’s vision for you as you decide how to spend your time and energy.

* Embrace three key paradoxes. Understand that you’re already saved, but not yet free of sin. Know that it takes strength to be tender. Be clever and shrewd, not to manipulate others for your own ambitions, but to lead them toward the peace that only God can give because you’re committed to their good.

Lead with a Limp

2006-07-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

by Whitney Hopler

Eric Standlee has invited you to become a member of openBC

2006-07-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

Don't overlook this business tool.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Eric Standlee is inviting you to become a member of the openBC network:

http://www.openbc.com/go/inv/4896285.9d9345

You may already know the following openBC member: - Lucas Wyrsch, company: Operational Risk Consultant

The JapanNet: Barclay Buxton

2006-06-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

The JapanNet: Barclay Buxton: "Instantaneous conversion and the filling of the Holy Spirit Barclaybuxton Barclay Buxton, was a man used of God to powerfully impact Japan. He brought methods of evangelism and emphasis on the Holy Spirit not liked by all when he came to Japan in 1890. But people could not argue against his holy lifestyle and the results of his ministry Within several weeks after his arrival over 700 people were attending his gospel services. By the end of the first year seven churches had been founded in the Matsuye and Yonago areas where he served." Please pray that the Spirit will lead our mission trip to Japan 6/21 through 8/3 and that many many Japanese will believe on the first hearing for the first time after the Holy Spirit moves in our meetings. Be blessed

Make Room for the Lord

2006-06-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

This devotional from Homeward blessed me and I wanted to share it with you. We constantly try to put God in a box, and He doesn't belong there!

This devotional was written by Robin Dugall You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion–how I violently persecuted the Christians. I did my best to get rid of them. I was one of the most religious Jews of my own age, and I tried as hard as possible to follow all the old traditions of my religion. But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What undeserved mercy! Then he revealed his Son to me so that I could proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.— Galatians 1:13-16 (NLT)

God is a God of surprises. Wouldn’t you expect God to choose a powerful man with a reputation of inspirational leadership, and not a small, shepherd boy to be a King? Wouldn’t you expect God to announce His coming with as much pomp and circumstance as possible, and not through a wild, locust-eating man crying in the wilderness? Wouldn’t you expect the King of Kings to be born in a palace with its accompanying fanfare, rather than in a barn? If there is anything we learn from the Bible, it is to expect the unexpected and to make room for God, who often shows up in unexpected times and places.

As people who love God, we have to learn to make room for God. In other words, as Oswald Chambers once wrote, we need to learn “to give God elbow room.” The key is to keep your life so constant in its contact with God that His surprising power may break out at any moment. Always be in a state of expectancy, and see that you leave room for God to come, as He likes.

Above all, nurture a sense of spiritual expectancy. One of the lessons God is trying to teach all of us is how to wait upon Him and move as He moves. As we know from Jesus’ own words, “the Spirit blows where it wills…” In other words, sometimes, all we need to do is allow ourselves to be moving with the Spirit as the Spirit moves. Be on the lookout for the Lord. Ask God to teach you to give Him the elbow room He desires.

To comment on today's devotional, click here.

GOING DEEPER: 1. How do you hem God in? Do you really expect God to surprise you today? Why or why not? 2. What would it look like in your life if you were to give God more “elbow room”? FURTHER READING: Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 19:26; John 3:5-8

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FREEDOM MEANS RESPONSIBILITY

2006-06-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

The bible says in paraphrase you have been forgiven alot so forgive alot. And again, those to whome much has been given much is expected. Thanks Max, for sharing this uplifting piece:

If you wish to be free yourself from enslavement, you must choose freedom and the responsibility it entails. There's a price for every freedom, something to be given up for every liberty. It's up to you to weigh the price you must pay for each of your freedoms. Everything you want has a price. There's a price you'll pay for changing things and a price you'll pay for leaving things as they are. Freedom is the opportunity to make decisions. It's the capacity to take a hand in your own development. Freedom is the right to choose. It's the right to create for yourself the alternatives of choice. No one is free who is not master of himself. You are free to do whatever you like. You need only face the consequences of your actions. ©2006 by Max Steingart Reproduce freely but maintain © notice

Be of Courage -- You Will Conquer

2006-06-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 40

29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Micah 5

9 Your hand shall be lifted against your adversaries, And all your enemies shall be cut off.

You need not grow tired of the fight because you know you will persevere. Leaders choose to persist and continue to persist.

Are You a Champion?

2006-05-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

This is a favorite quote from Slay Your Giant

Champions compete to win. But they also know they are not always going to win. There will be heartbreaking losses along the way. Champions refuse to avoid the game in order to avoid loss or failure!

Download it! Share it! Tell me how it affects you.
--
Eric Standlee
Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living,
but to increase my Standard of Giving

"I am a person of action"

2006-05-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

From The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews:

I am a person of action I inspire others with my activity. I am a leader.
Leading is doing. To lead, I must move forward. Many people move out of the way of a person on the run; others are caught up in his wake. My activity will create a wave of success for the people who follow. My activity will be consistent. This will instill confidence in my leadership. As a leader, I have the ability to encourage and inspire others to greatness. It is true: an army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep!
...
I am a person of action. I am daring. I am courageous.
Fear no longer has a place in my life. For too long, fear has outweighed my desire to make things better for my family. Never again! I have exposed fear as a vapor, an impostor that never had any power over me in the first place! I do not fear opinion, gossip, or the idle chatter of monkeys, for all are the same to me. I do not fear failure, for in my life, failure is a myth. Failure exists only for the person who quits. I do not quit.

Andy Andrew's material is available at www.andyandrews.com. I am very moved by his story The Traverler's Gift and the video he did speaking about it. Besides, he is very funny.

--
Eric Standlee
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee
Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living,
but to increase my Standard of Giving
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http://7kovernover.com/SlayYourGiant.pdf

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How To Get Maximum MPG

2006-05-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

How To Get Maximum MPG: "How To Get Maximum MPG" Ever wanted a single place to find all of the recommendations for better gas mileage? If not, what planet do you live on? This site has it all except it doesn't mention anything about adding acetone. You should read the articles on this blog about acetone and know I am using it to get my mileage back up to where it was before the government recently reformulated gas and reduced all of our mileage in one fell swoop.

"Maintain a Positive Mindset" from Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now

2006-05-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 NKJV "Set your minds on the things which are above" Colossians 3:2 Also read Philippians 4:8, about keeping your mind on the good things of God.

"We must be especially on guard during times of adversity, in times of personal challenge. When troubles strike, often the first thoughts that come to mind are not higher thoughts; they're not positive thoughts... Right there, we must choose to trust God and not allow ourselves to get down and discouraged or just give up." Joel Osteen Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now.

The difference between winners and losers is they see the trouble and choose to believe in good. Faith is the nearly the same as fear except that it is choosing to believe the good will happen instead of choosing to believe in the inevitability of the bad. You choose: faith or fear.

2006-05-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

http://news.google.com/?ncl=http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php%3Fid%3D145149&hl=en Symantec Anti-virus flaw. Read about it first and then switch to AVG free from free.grisoft.com but remove symantec first.

YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING

2006-05-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

If it is true or not, that is between you and God. But, consider the possibility. Be open to the potential. And, if you really listen to what God says in the Word, you will hear Him.

You can have anything on earth that you want, once you mentally accept the fact that you can have it. If you want to be successful, begin thinking of yourself as successful. The feeling of being successful has to come first. If you have a deep inner conviction that you will always have all that you need, if you actually feel prosperous, it will be so. The only thing that stands between you and what you want from life is simply the will to pursue it and the faith to believe that it is possible. Only your mind sets your limits. ©2006 by Max Steingart Reproduce freely but maintain © notice

Slay Your Giant

2006-05-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

I want to recommend something powerful to you, and even go beyond recommending it. What I'm talking about is a brand new book that just came out this past month. In fact, I have full distribution rights to freely share this powerful Christ-centered book. I have linked it here for you and many are paying $29.95 for this book.

To your success, Eric

Cristobal Colon on failure by Most People

2006-05-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

From The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews, here is ficticious reply by Cristobal Colon to the question "What did you mean down below when you told your officer that he would find a heart for success?":

"Most people fail at whatever they attempt because of an undecided heart. Should I? Should I not? Go forward? Go back? Success requires the emotional balance of a committed heart. When confronted with a challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The undecided heart searches for an escape... A committed heart does not wait for conditions to be exactly right. Indecision limits the Almighty and His ability to perfom miracles in your life. He has put the vision in you -- proceed! To wait, to wonder, to doubt, to be indecisive is to disobey God."

This section of this amazing book is teaching the main character David about passion.

Without passion on your side, it will be against you. All of the seven principles of success in this book are already working in your life whether you know it or not. Let's chose to make passion your champion.

Be blessed,

--
Eric Standlee
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee
Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living,
but to increase my Standard of Giving
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Entrepreneur for the Kingdom: "Dont Quit........Keep Playing"

2006-05-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur for the Kingdom: "Dont Quit........Keep Playing" Michelle's repost of this timeless clasic is wonderful.

Today's HomeWord for 5/17/06 - A Matter of Perspective

2006-05-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

I was blessed by this and thought how true it is for those of us called to be funnels of finance into God's Kingdom. Our new perspective is that God already owns it all and He's got us out there collecting it for Him. Thanks Kelly McFadden

A Matter of Perspective This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. — Colossians 3:1-3 NLT

2006 marked the 117th consecutive year of the Oxford versus Cambridge golf match. The two teams met in Scotland to play a combined total of almost 720 holes of golf. After the first day, Oxford was down by a score of 4-1, a deficit that seemed near impossible to come back from. In the matches on day two, 7 out of 10 Oxford men would need to win their singles match in order to beat Cambridge.

At the end of day two, both teams exhausted, the competition came down to the last two matches. As the last putt sank, the Oxford team members rushed the green to congratulate their final player while the Cambridge team members made their way down to console their teammate. The final score was Cambridge 7½ to Oxford 7½. The weekend ended in a draw.

It was the same outcome for both teams, the same score. In the record books, it will show the match as a tie. But as the two teams walked away that day, you would have thought Oxford had won and Cambridge had lost. It was a matter of perspective. What Cambridge saw as a blown lead, Oxford saw as the greatest comeback in history.

The Christian’s home is with Christ. This gives a different perspective on our lives here on earth. This letter to the Colossians reminds them to think about the things of heaven. This means to look at things from God’s perspective. This means to looks at the same world, the same materialism, the same pleasures, the same cruelty, the same beauty, but to see it with different eyes. By seeing with God’s eyes, we can have the power to break free from the obsession with self-fulfillment and pleasure, and live a life that helps to serve and love others in a deeper, more meaningful way.

This means living life with a perspective that seeks to forgive, not cling to bitterness; seeks to serve, not gain from selfish living; seeks to give, not to have; seeks to love, not to ostracize. For you have died to this life. With God’s perspective and God’s power in your life, you can conquer the present-day worldly struggles and live a life knowing this world has nothing for you, compared to what lies ahead.

To comment on today's devotional, click here.

GOING DEEPER: 1. Have you adopted the world’s perspective or God’s perspective when you consider the world? 2. In what ways do you need to change the way you are looking at things in your life so that you can see them as God sees them? FURTHER READING: John 14:2-3; Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15

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Do not be dismayed

2006-05-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

My notes from reading Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!
Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NASB

God didn't want Joshua to be another Moses. He would have
left Joshua in Heaven and kept using Moses. God created each
and every one of us to be who we are.

How can you shine? How can you be all that God wants you to be?

--
Eric Standlee
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee
Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living,
but to increase my Standard of Giving
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Purpose

2006-05-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

Mindset Call

05.11.06

The Answer is ___"

9 Questions That Will Change Your Life!

Tim Darnell

Few will respond to the height of your knowledge,

though many will respond to the depth of your conviction.

Questions:

Are you willing and committed to being consistently active and patient for as long as fulfilling your purpose takes? Herein lies one of the most powerful secrets to business, relationships, and life success. What is your purpose?

Ready for more recognition? The world is excited and willing to give it to you, but it is up to you to walk out on stage. Are you willing to walk out and take center stage?

Wanting amplified finances? God has millions with your name on it, but you have to trust that he will deliver it, and then follow His direction for your life. Are you willing to love Him, follow His direction in your life (be obedient), and fully trust Him for as long as it takes?

Looking for purpose? Ask God to fulfill His purpose for your life and He will show you exactly what your specific purpose is. Will you trust that God is showing you your purpose now? Will you listen carefully for Him to speak to you and lead you?

Properly Prioritize - Hosea 11: 9b. Can you finally let go of the steering wheel and let God be the pilot?

Break up your unplowed ground – Hosea 10:12. You've surrounded yourself with camouflage, rationalizations, fig-leaves, fear, comfort devices, etc. Unplowed ground can be used for placing new seeds of thought that you will receive from AC, especially as regards abundance and prosperity thinking. Recognize, like I do, that you have a life-time of learning ahead of you. Are you willing to break up your unplowed ground and wait for time that he showers righteousness on you? What is your unplowed ground?

Are you willing to accept wisdom in your life? – I Corinthians 1:17-31. Is the message of the cross foolishness or is it the power of God, and what are we going to do about it?

We all need saving – Hosea 13:4 & Hosea 10:13b. False gods are everywhere and the masses turn to them everyday – government, job, 401K, portfolio/savings, parents, alcohol, our business, the military, our desires, pleasure, etc. Are we willing to let God do the saving and not look for some other thing to save us?

Each moment we have the choice – II Corinthians 1:18. Romans tells us that we are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Are we going to keep saying "no" to our inheritance? Are we going to say "no" to our place in history? Are we going to say "no" to helping others? Are we going to say "no" to having substantial resources to build God's Kingdom? Are we going to say "no" to our future success? Or will we say, "YES" to the power that God through Jesus gives us?

--
Eric Standlee
http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstandlee
Prospered not to increase my Standard of Living,
but to increase my Standard of Giving
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Crossing the Line

2006-05-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Purpose: Spreading Good News to the World! Cover to Cover Campaign One of the greatest and most rewarding tasks you can ever accomplish is the reading of the Bible from Genesis all the way through Revelation. If you would like to start this journey (we read slowly), you are welcome to join an ever-growing group! Simply signify your intentions by replying with "I'm in" in the subject line. You will be blessed! NEW TO THE BIBLE? If you are a new Christian or just haven't done much Bible reading yet, prior to committing to the Cover to Cover Campaign, I suggest you read three books in the New Testament for starters. Read the books of Matthew, John, and James. These wonderful books will give you a great introduction to the Christian faith and will be very eye-opening for you! Starting here will allow you to have a fresh perspective to begin the Cover to Cover study. Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Issue 100 Crossing the Line John 10:9-10 Galatians 5 Romans 6:15-23 Tim Darnell

The man scheduled to teach Class 2 at the prison called in at the last minute to say he wasn’t going to be able to make it. My co-teacher, Larry, was prepared for the Class 1, so it was up to me to teach the ‘general pop’ class. I knew something very special was about to happen. I sensed a divine appointment that God had set aside for me.

Pulling up in the parking lot of the prison, I didn’t know what scripture God would lead me to teach, but I wasn’t concerned. I knew He would provide the perfect scripture for this particular moment in time.

Three men walked into the library. I felt led to ask them to talk about their lives, and I started by telling them a little about myself – some of the good and some of the bad choices in my younger years.

I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: I know I am no better than any of the prisoners there. We are all sinners. The difference is that they were incarcerated for their misdeeds. One of my main reasons for teaching the Bible and sharing the saving message of Christ in prisons is the fact that I was granted more grace in the midst of my sin-filled life than I should ever have been given – at least by human standards. I could very easily have been caught and convicted at various points in my earlier years. But God had other plans for me. I am so thankful to this day, because in my life, grace has been so incredibly good that it hardly makes sense.

The stories of the men were sad, and unfortunately not too unusual. Two were arrested for methamphetamine use – a particularly life-damaging drug. One is a well-paid loan processor who lost his family due to the bad choices he’s made. Another was a former church staff member who had grown disenchanted with disingenuous and hypocritical fellow staff members. His unfortunate response was to turn to “partying” with illegal drugs. The third man in attendance was an alcoholic drifter – nervous and very confused.

"You are ONLY one good prospect away from a $1,000,000 carreer!"

2006-04-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share this. This is true in Sales, and this is true in business and it is especially true in Advantage Conferences. You have to realize that you are not sitting down to some fast food diner's plastic covered table, but you are in a hall with high ceilings, expensive art, servants in impeccable garb, a high quality linen table cloth, and all the trappings of a high class place set with the most unbelievable feast you can even imagine.

Your papa Loves you and has set this feast before you, and you are just one good prospect away from a $10,000,000 carreer, no $100,000,000! God wants to use you to bless his Son's bride.
Can I get an amen?

Be blessed,
Eric

Tip #43: You're only one good prospect away from a
$1,000,000 career!

Sometimes we get discouraged. That's human nature.

But we also have the ability to cheer ourselves up.
Here is one way to create a positive outlook when we
feel discouraged.

Just imagine that you continue promoting and talking
about your network marketing business. At some point,
you'll cross paths with a prospect who is looking for
an opportunity to change his life and you are the
answer.

Maybe you don't know this prospect now. Maybe it will
be a chance encounter sometime in the future.

        It doesn't matter how you meet this prospect.
        It just matters that you are still enthusiastic
        about your network marketing business and
        impress your prospect.

What can one good prospect mean to you financially?

The prospect could mean a million dollars over several
years. And that's a powerful incentive to be persistent
in your network marketing business. There are many
network marketing leaders today who enjoy powerful
incomes because of just one good prospect.

Why not join them?

Your next tip will arrive in two or three days!

Tom 'Big Al' Schreiter

Eric Standlee
www.businessconferences.info

You have UNLIMITED Potential

2006-04-24T17:33:00.000-07:00

God has set the banquet table overflowing for His children. "O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Psalm 34:8 NASB ----------------------------------------------------------------------

No matter what the level of your ability is, you have more potential than you can ever develop in a lifetime. Don't think about the things you can't do. Think about the things you can do. There is no such thing as no chance. You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations to what you can do except the limitations of your own mind. Your range of available choices right now is limitless. Look at things as they can be. Never say never. ©2006 by Max Steingart Reproduce freely but maintain © notice

DESIRE IS THE STARTING POINT FOR SUCCESS

2006-04-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

If you have the desire you have the power to be successful. You can really have anything you want in life if you go after it. But you have to want it.

The first thing that will contribute to reaching your goal is that you simply want to reach it badly enough. You must learn how to desire with sufficient intensity to be successful.

As a drowning soul desires air, as a shipwrecked person craves fresh water, so must you feel that intense, eager, insistent, demanding, ravenous desire for your success.

Your desire for success must be so strong within you that it becomes the very breath of your life. It must be your first thought when you wake up, and your last thought when you go to bed at night.

You can have anything you want if you go after it with intensity.

Desire definitely has its place right behind God. God desires the best for you, have you asked your Daddy God lately for the things He has placed on your heart?

Put on God's Approval

2006-04-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6:14 "You will need the breastplate of God's Approval." LIVING BIBLE.

One of our pieces of armor is God's unceasing approval of us. We need to put that on each day.

We
aren't worthy of approval in and of ourselves. But, God approves of us
anyway. Even still, we must daily put it on or remind our selves of
it.

He loves you. He approves of you.

If that doesn't make you more positive, doesn't make your day special, I don't know what can.

Eric Standlee
www.7kovernover.com

LEADERSHIP IS ACTION NOT POSITION

2006-04-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

LEADERSHIP IS ACTION NOT POSITION

No one achieves success without being of service.
The essence of success is service.

All successful people became successful
because they gave some talent or ability in the service of others.
You can contribute in some way to others
no matter how small your talent.
You too, can become successful.

The successful don't use others,
other people use the successful,
for above all success is of service.

Everyone has to be someone to someone to be anyone.

Today's HomeWord for 3/30/06 - Lay Down the Weight

2006-03-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

Lay Down the Weight This devotional was written by Robin Dugall Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." — Matthew 18:21-22

I heard a sermon once in which the speaker pointed out that there are two kinds of people in the world. There are those who travel light and those who don’t. In my family, we have both kinds of people. For example, I have a 19-year-old son who travels light. When we go on vacation, he can pack everything he wants and needs in a sock! We also have those who don’t travel light. Not too long ago, we were on a vacation. I was walking through the airport carrying a very heavy suitcase that belonged to a member of my family. I groaned, “What did you put in this suitcase?” As you might imagine, carrying a heavy suitcase quickly becomes tiresome, and it’s not easy to lighten the load once the journey has started.

Spiritually speaking, I find that people often carry heavy loads. It’s not that anyone actually intends to “travel heavy” spiritually. No one asks to carry burdens that crush the spirit, or weigh down the soul, but it often turns out that way. We end up carrying around unresolved conflict, relational breakdowns, unsettled arguments, bitterness and grudges. Throughout the journey, we keep adding to the load. And, for some odd reason, many of us hold on to these things for dear life.

Wouldn’t it bring God incredible glory if we could do something about this? The Bible records Peter coming to Jesus one day. Somebody has hurt Peter. We don’t know any of the details, but it happened. Peter says to Jesus, “How many times do I have to forgive this man? Seven times?” Peter thinks he’s being quite generous with this. But Jesus’ response is surprising. Jesus answered Peter, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus knew that the only way to get rid of bitterness was to forgive. The power of forgiveness comes in and through Jesus. Even as we have laid our lives before the cross to receive the gift of forgiveness, Jesus calls us to do the same with the issues that weigh down our souls. Whatever weight you’re carrying around, whatever hurt or bitterness is in your life, be willing to lay it down and remember again the price that was paid for your forgiveness. There is no miracle like that of forgiveness for lightening the load of everyday burdens!

To comment on today's devotional, click here. Consider giving a gift to help us continue making a difference. Call 800-397-9725 or click here.

GOING DEEPER: 1. What weight(s) are you carrying around? Be specific. Tell God about them. 2. Think about your own need for forgiveness and how God has blessed you with His grace. Now ask God to bless you with grace to pass on to others and to cover your “weighty” circumstances in life. FURTHER READING: Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 9:1-8; Matthew 11:25-30

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Today's HomeWord for 3/30/06 - Lay Down the Weight

2006-03-30T06:55:00.000-08:00

To comment on today's devotional, click here. Consider giving a gift to help us continue making a difference. Call 800-397-9725 or click here.

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2006-03-26T08:59:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 27, 2006

YOU CAN DEVELOP SUCCESS FROM ANY FAILURE

Failure is one of the surest stepping stones to success. No element can do as much for you as failure can, if you're willing to study it and make capital out of it. View every problem you encounter as an opportunity.

There is always a good side to every situation. Stay optimistic and try to see an opportunity in your problems, not pessimistic and see problems in every opportunity. The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist sees the hole.

When it is dark enough you can see the stars.

YOU'VE GOT TO THINK BIG TO BE BIG

2006-03-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, March 22, 2006 YOU'VE GOT TO THINK BIG TO BE BIG High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation. You'll always hit what you aim for in the long run. Why not aim high? If you don't have a dream, how are you going to make it come true? Have the courage to follow your dreams. It's the first step towards attaining your destiny. Big thinking precedes big achievement. ©2006 by Max Steingart Reproduce freely but maintain © notice

May's Reading
Group #1 (C to C Readers beginning in February - 2005):	Daniel, Hosea, Joel and Amos
Group #2 (C to C Readers beginning in March - 2005):	Ezekiel
Group #3 (C to C Readers beginning in April - 2005):	Jeremiah and Lamentations
Group #4 (C to C Readers beginning in May - 2005):	Isaiah
Group #5 (C to C Readers beginning in June - 2005):	Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs
Group #6 (C to C Readers beginning in July - 2005):	Psalms
Group #7 (C to C Readers beginning in August - 2005):	Esther & Job
Group #8 (C to C Readers beginning in September - 2005):	Ezra & Nehemiah
Group #9 (C to C Readers beginning in October - 2005):	1 Chronicles & 2 Chronicles
Group #10 (C to C Readers beginning in November - 2005):	1 Kings & 2 Kings
Group #11 (C to C Readers beginning in December - 2005):	Ruth; 1 Samuel & 2 Samuel
Group #12 (C to C Readers beginning in January - 2006):	Joshua & Judges
Group #13 (C to C Readers beginning in February - 2006):	Deuteronomy
Group #14 (C to C Readers beginning in March - 2006):	Leviticus; Numbers (Leviticus can be a little slow going, but you can get through it!)
Group #15 (C to C Readers beginning in April - 2006):	Exodus
Group #16 (C to C Readers beginning in May - 2006):	Genesis

Christian Business Devotion

Albert's Christian Entrepreneur Mindset Blog: Burn the Boats!

Tithing with your company

Consistent and Perseverant

5 steps to a huge network on LinkedIn

5 secrets to success in any business or endeavor

Mindset Notes

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria: How Do You See Yourself?

Fwd: YOU ARE WHAT YOU REPEATEDLY DO

You are in charge of you

Guard Against Bitterness

Miracles

Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

Spiritual Warfare or else

Here is something I was reading to my kids tonight

YOU HAVE TO THINK BIG TO BE BIG

Fwd: Maybe we should adopt the backbone of the Australians

Footsteps of Faith Messenger

... I Love You Too Daddy!

Where is Your Treasure?

Empowering Others Like Christ did

A lesson from the Bible: Have I got a proposal or you

SEOmoz's Web 2.0 Awards

Be a Champion

SaturdaySam's podcast

Be A Champion

Posted: 25 Dec 2006 08:12 AM CST

Live like a champion

Fwd: Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

Don't Lose Your Song

Joel Osteen Audio Podcast

#326 - Don't Lose Your Song

Posted: 06 Nov 2006 02:02 PM CST

Dare to Believe for Greater Things

Today's HomeWord for 10/19/06 - Five-Fingered Prayer

YOUR DAILY MOTIVATION - Monday - VIEW EVERY PROBLEM AS AN OPPORTUNITY

::mymobilewatch:: Now your wife/girlfriend cannot forget her cellphone

[From Google Reader] Top 10 List–Clues that I may have trouble tithing

Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Bold - #121

Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Bold - #121

Top 10 List--Clues that one may have trouble tithing

Top 10 List--Clues that one may have trouble tithing

Intensity & transformation

It wasn't by chance and it's not up to chance

Marketplace Ministry

YOU ONLY GET TO KEEP WHAT YOU GIVE AWAY

Urgent -- This page will only be available for a limited time only.

Urgent -- This page will only be available for a limited time only.

Max's Your Daily Devotion

Lead with a Limp

Lead with a Limp

Eric Standlee has invited you to become a member of openBC

The JapanNet: Barclay Buxton

Make Room for the Lord

FREEDOM MEANS RESPONSIBILITY

Be of Courage -- You Will Conquer

Are You a Champion?

"I am a person of action"

How To Get Maximum MPG

"Maintain a Positive Mindset" from Daily Readings from Your Best Life Now

YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING

Slay Your Giant

Cristobal Colon on failure by Most People

Entrepreneur for the Kingdom: "Dont Quit........Keep Playing"

Today's HomeWord for 5/17/06 - A Matter of Perspective

Do not be dismayed

Purpose

Crossing the Line

"You are ONLY one good prospect away from a $1,000,000 carreer!"

You have UNLIMITED Potential

DESIRE IS THE STARTING POINT FOR SUCCESS

Put on God's Approval

LEADERSHIP IS ACTION NOT POSITION

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

Today's HomeWord for 3/30/06 - Lay Down the Weight

Today's HomeWord for 3/30/06 - Lay Down the Weight

Monday, March 27, 2006

YOU'VE GOT TO THINK BIG TO BE BIG