If you think you're beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win but you think you can't, it is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost.
For out of the world we find success begins with a fellows will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are out classed you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize.
The battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man.
But soon or late, the man who wins is the man who thinks he can!
-Anonymous
Thursday, August 15, 2013
What are you thinking?
Friday, July 19, 2013
Inspired Dance NYC-Flash Mob works to bring joy, encouragement and hope through an inspiring message of song expressed through dance....planting a seed of faith.
Planetshaker's Nothing Is Impossible.
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. -Philippians 4:13
Inspired Dance NYC Flash Mob
Planetshaker's Nothing Is Impossible.
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. -Philippians 4:13
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Seeds of Discipline: Excellence is a Habit
By Denis WaitleyWe learn by observation, imitation and repetition.
Habits begin as offhanded remarks, ideas and images and then, layer upon layer, through practice, they grow from cobwebs into cables that shackle or strengthen our lives.
Habits are like submarines. They run silent and deep.
First we make our habits, then our habits make us.
Habits are like comfortable beds. They are easy to get into, but difficult to get out of.
Winning and losing are both learned habits.
Friday, August 3, 2012
The Artist's Towel and Basin
By Randall Flinn
In the Book of John, Chapter 13, Jesus Christ leaves his esteemed position at the table of the last supper, before His death on the cross, and completes one of the most significant acts and service of his earthly ministry. It is written in this passage of scripture that Jesus was fully aware of all that had and would soon be taking place concerning His purpose and mission. Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world, that Judas Iscariot would soon betray him, and that He had been sent by God and would be returning to His Father after fulfilling the mission he had been sent to do. Most amazingly, He knew that soon he would walk the road of suffering, and being beaten and scourged beyond recognition, would endure the death blows of crucifixion and take upon himself the wages of sin. Even in the knowing, and with the opportunity to escape it all, He still persevered for the joy that was set before Him, for our salvation and our restoration to God.
As all these dark tragedies were soon to be upon Him, still He was able to rest in the union and identity with His Father and the assurance of His purpose and passion for mankind. Here was the Master Artist Himself, the Word that had become flesh and blood, the glory of the Incarnation, and without hesitation, carrying out the sacrificial plan of His Father to reconcile the world to Him through the atonement of His Holy Son. At a time which could have been opportune for any other person's sense of self protection, retaliation, insecurity and identity crisis, Jesus leaves His place of authority at the table and girds himself with a servant's towel and fills a basin in order to wash the feet of those He loves. This act of Christ's love is filled with vast and profound significance. He tells Peter that what he does now may not be understood, but later, (when Peter is restored by Christ) he would understand. At that time Peter had no idea how powerful and impacting Jesus' gesture would be for his own life and ministry.
Jesus was offering yet another mandate to his followers, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do for one another as I have done for each of you." Jesus washed their feet, the soiled part of their bodies, in a beautiful example of grace being lavished upon the receiver in the washing of their souls and the affirmation of their value as children of God. The towel and basin were simply his instruments in carrying out His divine service and calling. The Master Artist had all he needed to offer his gift to those he loved and though this to multiply that gift for the world to receive great blessing. Yes, the Lord of Creation washed over dirty feet in bountiful grace and beauty, with healing and affirmation, and even prophetic acts of restoration.
Now, here I am your artist Lord, and what are my towel and my basin? You have instructed me to follow your example, one given by a servant-King. You have asked me to wash the feet of humanity. The life and gift I have been given can become the towel and basin to serve this world in your name. I too, in honor to you, can bring your grace, beauty, truth, healing, peace and joy through the offering of my life and talent. I can be a creative servant of Christ and secure in my role and calling which will set me free to serve others in the love, liberty and power of your Holy Spirit. In you Lord, I can work in excellence and understand my role and potential to restore lives and culture and even nations in your name.
Father, you have restored me as your son and as an artist to engage and impact, inspire and rebuild for the sake of your Kingdom and eternal plan. Your redemptive truth and the riches of your grace can live and flourish within me and through my creative pursuits. Oh Father, as you removed Isaiah's iniquities with the coals of your altar, as you removed the tainted garments of Joshua the High Priest and girded him in pure vestments and as your placed your words and anointing upon the lives of your priests, prophets, disciples and apostles, oh Lord, wash my feet as I surrender them and the rest me to you. Lord Jesus, wash over and remove the stones, the hindrances of my sin, my pride, my lusts, my distortions and false identities and idols that I have set above my affections for you. Jesus, you knew your purpose and you were free to love and to serve and to obey the will of your Father. Help me Lord, in this confusing world, to know my purpose in you, to hold secure in your plan and to obey you.
Jesus, you are glorified as our lives bear fruit and we abide in you. You have said and given me your permission to go and bear much fruit in your name. I am your son and I am your artist and I desire to bear fruit to the glory of your name. You called an artist, Bezaleel, by name. You fill him with your Holy Spirit and enabled, empowered and anointed him to serve your purposes as a skilled artist. His very name means under the shadow of God. Lord, this is what I long for, to be your son and your artist, under the shadow of your Presence, filled with your Spirit and working in excellence to the glory of your name.
How I realize Lord that I could so easily in my flesh and fallen nature turn to the pride of Lucifer in desiring my own exaltation. So I thank you even now for the blessings of the brokenness you have brought into my life and the thorns in the flesh that keep me ever clinging to your grace and mercy. It is not my work, it is not my creativity that's makes me anyone or anything. All that I am and hope to be is a gift of your grace and forgiveness in my life.
So I return to the towel and basin Lord. It is here that I can glorify and serve you best. It is here that I can be a true son and a true artist and give back to this world from your gift of grace. It is only here that I am liberated to love others in your name and to serve them with the talents you have entrusted to me.
Restore me daily Lord as your son and your artist. Daily remove the stones so I can help build up the highway of the Lord in your path and plan for this world. May your Spirit rest upon me and anoint me for the tasks that you have called me to in this world and in your Kingdom to come. My heart is yours', my art is yours'. As I am restored and healed and made whole, so then my life and artistry will find new freedom and meaning.
Simply, I thank you for the basin and the towel and the wonder I find in creatively washing the feet of mankind as a servant-artist. There is so much your have for your artists Lord. Restore them my God that they may transform the distortions of this world with the redemptive gift of art.
In the Book of John, Chapter 13, Jesus Christ leaves his esteemed position at the table of the last supper, before His death on the cross, and completes one of the most significant acts and service of his earthly ministry. It is written in this passage of scripture that Jesus was fully aware of all that had and would soon be taking place concerning His purpose and mission. Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world, that Judas Iscariot would soon betray him, and that He had been sent by God and would be returning to His Father after fulfilling the mission he had been sent to do. Most amazingly, He knew that soon he would walk the road of suffering, and being beaten and scourged beyond recognition, would endure the death blows of crucifixion and take upon himself the wages of sin. Even in the knowing, and with the opportunity to escape it all, He still persevered for the joy that was set before Him, for our salvation and our restoration to God.
As all these dark tragedies were soon to be upon Him, still He was able to rest in the union and identity with His Father and the assurance of His purpose and passion for mankind. Here was the Master Artist Himself, the Word that had become flesh and blood, the glory of the Incarnation, and without hesitation, carrying out the sacrificial plan of His Father to reconcile the world to Him through the atonement of His Holy Son. At a time which could have been opportune for any other person's sense of self protection, retaliation, insecurity and identity crisis, Jesus leaves His place of authority at the table and girds himself with a servant's towel and fills a basin in order to wash the feet of those He loves. This act of Christ's love is filled with vast and profound significance. He tells Peter that what he does now may not be understood, but later, (when Peter is restored by Christ) he would understand. At that time Peter had no idea how powerful and impacting Jesus' gesture would be for his own life and ministry.
Jesus was offering yet another mandate to his followers, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do for one another as I have done for each of you." Jesus washed their feet, the soiled part of their bodies, in a beautiful example of grace being lavished upon the receiver in the washing of their souls and the affirmation of their value as children of God. The towel and basin were simply his instruments in carrying out His divine service and calling. The Master Artist had all he needed to offer his gift to those he loved and though this to multiply that gift for the world to receive great blessing. Yes, the Lord of Creation washed over dirty feet in bountiful grace and beauty, with healing and affirmation, and even prophetic acts of restoration.
Now, here I am your artist Lord, and what are my towel and my basin? You have instructed me to follow your example, one given by a servant-King. You have asked me to wash the feet of humanity. The life and gift I have been given can become the towel and basin to serve this world in your name. I too, in honor to you, can bring your grace, beauty, truth, healing, peace and joy through the offering of my life and talent. I can be a creative servant of Christ and secure in my role and calling which will set me free to serve others in the love, liberty and power of your Holy Spirit. In you Lord, I can work in excellence and understand my role and potential to restore lives and culture and even nations in your name.
Father, you have restored me as your son and as an artist to engage and impact, inspire and rebuild for the sake of your Kingdom and eternal plan. Your redemptive truth and the riches of your grace can live and flourish within me and through my creative pursuits. Oh Father, as you removed Isaiah's iniquities with the coals of your altar, as you removed the tainted garments of Joshua the High Priest and girded him in pure vestments and as your placed your words and anointing upon the lives of your priests, prophets, disciples and apostles, oh Lord, wash my feet as I surrender them and the rest me to you. Lord Jesus, wash over and remove the stones, the hindrances of my sin, my pride, my lusts, my distortions and false identities and idols that I have set above my affections for you. Jesus, you knew your purpose and you were free to love and to serve and to obey the will of your Father. Help me Lord, in this confusing world, to know my purpose in you, to hold secure in your plan and to obey you.
Jesus, you are glorified as our lives bear fruit and we abide in you. You have said and given me your permission to go and bear much fruit in your name. I am your son and I am your artist and I desire to bear fruit to the glory of your name. You called an artist, Bezaleel, by name. You fill him with your Holy Spirit and enabled, empowered and anointed him to serve your purposes as a skilled artist. His very name means under the shadow of God. Lord, this is what I long for, to be your son and your artist, under the shadow of your Presence, filled with your Spirit and working in excellence to the glory of your name.
How I realize Lord that I could so easily in my flesh and fallen nature turn to the pride of Lucifer in desiring my own exaltation. So I thank you even now for the blessings of the brokenness you have brought into my life and the thorns in the flesh that keep me ever clinging to your grace and mercy. It is not my work, it is not my creativity that's makes me anyone or anything. All that I am and hope to be is a gift of your grace and forgiveness in my life.
So I return to the towel and basin Lord. It is here that I can glorify and serve you best. It is here that I can be a true son and a true artist and give back to this world from your gift of grace. It is only here that I am liberated to love others in your name and to serve them with the talents you have entrusted to me.
Restore me daily Lord as your son and your artist. Daily remove the stones so I can help build up the highway of the Lord in your path and plan for this world. May your Spirit rest upon me and anoint me for the tasks that you have called me to in this world and in your Kingdom to come. My heart is yours', my art is yours'. As I am restored and healed and made whole, so then my life and artistry will find new freedom and meaning.
Simply, I thank you for the basin and the towel and the wonder I find in creatively washing the feet of mankind as a servant-artist. There is so much your have for your artists Lord. Restore them my God that they may transform the distortions of this world with the redemptive gift of art.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
NOTHING SHALL BE IMPOSSIBLE UNTO YOU!
" But you shall receive power , after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you and you shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part pf the earth" ( Acts 1:8 KJV).
These were the words of Jesus expressing the heart of the father to the disciples about what was to be the next major event in the " scheme of Things " upon his departure. Prior to this verse , the disciples were thinking politically, hence the mention of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel in Acts 1: 6. Jesus did not only redirect the conversation to the subject he started ( the advent of the Holy Spirit ) but also revealed a powerful principle which they were about to experience which would be perpetuated after his departure for everyone that would believe on him. Before going any further, there is a need for a thorough re-examination of this powerful verse of scripture. Jesus wasn't just talking about some inexplicable force that would overwhelm them and make them better preachers or better people, there is a lot more to it than that. The word translated power in the Greek is dunamis; which is where the word dynamo in the English language came from. This is defined as an inherent ability that will not only be resident in them, but also would have the dynamic feature of reproducing itself and cause changes where necessary.
Consequently, the instant you become born-again, the spirit and nature of God is imparted into your spirit. As children of God, we are standing in the presence of Omnipotence. We are standing where God and humanity meet. We are now where man is to take over the strength of God as God took over the weakness of man. He came to our level to lift us to his own, and he has done it! Praise God. We are now so utterly united with him, so much a part of him that we can say with Paul the apostle " It is no longer I that live but Christ ( the anointing ) that lives in me". It is not a problem of faith. Jesus has given us a legal right to the use of his Name, and Jesus has all the authority in heaven and on earth, and we have the power of attorney to use this mighty Name. " Whatsoever you shall ask the father in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son". Can you see the limitlessness of this life and ability with Him? Can you see that he did not mince words when he told us that we shall be witnesses ( ambassadors/ custodians ) of His power and ability. Prayer becomes cooperation with Deity. It is not begging nor soliciting, it is fellowship. It is carrying out the Fathers will as His representatives in every aspect of life. We have taken the place of Jesus to evangelize the world and to make the church see it's wonderful privileges in Christ. Can you feel the throb of the heart of God as you read this? Now you can see why nothing is impossible unto you. That financial problem is not as large as it was, that health situation is no more that formidable, that trouble is not unconquerable! You can hear Him whisper, " fear not for I am with you". Begin to draw on that power that is on the inside of you and speak to every negative/challenging situation in your life today. Remember, "greater is He that is in you than he that in the world."
These were the words of Jesus expressing the heart of the father to the disciples about what was to be the next major event in the " scheme of Things " upon his departure. Prior to this verse , the disciples were thinking politically, hence the mention of the restoration of the kingdom to Israel in Acts 1: 6. Jesus did not only redirect the conversation to the subject he started ( the advent of the Holy Spirit ) but also revealed a powerful principle which they were about to experience which would be perpetuated after his departure for everyone that would believe on him. Before going any further, there is a need for a thorough re-examination of this powerful verse of scripture. Jesus wasn't just talking about some inexplicable force that would overwhelm them and make them better preachers or better people, there is a lot more to it than that. The word translated power in the Greek is dunamis; which is where the word dynamo in the English language came from. This is defined as an inherent ability that will not only be resident in them, but also would have the dynamic feature of reproducing itself and cause changes where necessary.
Consequently, the instant you become born-again, the spirit and nature of God is imparted into your spirit. As children of God, we are standing in the presence of Omnipotence. We are standing where God and humanity meet. We are now where man is to take over the strength of God as God took over the weakness of man. He came to our level to lift us to his own, and he has done it! Praise God. We are now so utterly united with him, so much a part of him that we can say with Paul the apostle " It is no longer I that live but Christ ( the anointing ) that lives in me". It is not a problem of faith. Jesus has given us a legal right to the use of his Name, and Jesus has all the authority in heaven and on earth, and we have the power of attorney to use this mighty Name. " Whatsoever you shall ask the father in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son". Can you see the limitlessness of this life and ability with Him? Can you see that he did not mince words when he told us that we shall be witnesses ( ambassadors/ custodians ) of His power and ability. Prayer becomes cooperation with Deity. It is not begging nor soliciting, it is fellowship. It is carrying out the Fathers will as His representatives in every aspect of life. We have taken the place of Jesus to evangelize the world and to make the church see it's wonderful privileges in Christ. Can you feel the throb of the heart of God as you read this? Now you can see why nothing is impossible unto you. That financial problem is not as large as it was, that health situation is no more that formidable, that trouble is not unconquerable! You can hear Him whisper, " fear not for I am with you". Begin to draw on that power that is on the inside of you and speak to every negative/challenging situation in your life today. Remember, "greater is He that is in you than he that in the world."
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Take your challenges to a HIGHER level
Sometimes our plans for our life may not be God's purpose for our life... Take every challenge you're faced with to God and allow Him to turn it around for your good.
Friday, May 18, 2012
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