Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Be a Champion

From Sam Crowley's podcast:

SaturdaySam's podcast

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Saturday, December 02, 2006

Live like a champion

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

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Fwd: Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

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

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

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 »

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

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Don't Lose Your Song

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

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Dare to Believe for Greater Things

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

Thursday, October 19, 2006

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

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

To change your email address, click here.


http://homeword.com

32232 Paseo Adelanto, Suite A
San Juan Capistrano, CA - 92675
800-397-9725





Tuesday, October 03, 2006

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

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

Monday, October 02, 2006

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

::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

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.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Bold - #121

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:

  1. Prevail in spite of terrible or negative circumstances
  2. Act on others’ needs above your own
  3. Speak the truth boldly and without hindrance
  4. 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:


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

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:

  1. Prevail in spite of terrible or negative circumstances
  2. Act on others’ needs above your own
  3. Speak the truth boldly and without hindrance
  4. 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:


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

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

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

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

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.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Intensity & transformation


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,

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

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

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

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Marketplace Ministry

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

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

YOU ONLY GET TO KEEP WHAT YOU GIVE AWAY

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.

Monday, July 10, 2006

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

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.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Max's Your Daily Devotion

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.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Lead with a Limp

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.

Adapted from Leading with a Limp: Turning Your Struggles into Strengths, copyright 2006 by Dr. Dan B. Allender.

Lead with a Limp

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.

Adapted from Leading with a Limp: Turning Your Struggles into Strengths, copyright 2006 by Dr. Dan B. Allender.

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Eric Standlee has invited you to become a member of openBC

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

Monday, June 19, 2006

The JapanNet: Barclay Buxton

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

Friday, June 16, 2006

Make Room for the Lord

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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http://homeword.com

32232 Paseo Adelanto, Suite A San Juan Capistrano, CA - 92675 800-397-9725

posted with permission

Sunday, June 04, 2006

FREEDOM MEANS RESPONSIBILITY

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

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Be of Courage -- You Will Conquer

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.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Are You a Champion?

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"

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

Download Slay Your Giant (orignally $29.95) at no cost:
http://7kovernover.com/SlayYourGiant.pdf

http://feeds.feedburner.com/ChristianBusinessDevotion
http://feeds.feedburner.com/crusaderx