The Society of International Law in London states that during the last 4,000 years there have been only 268 years of peace in spite of good peace treaties. In the last 3 centuries there have been 286 wars on the continent of Europe alone.
According to the Global Peace Index, in 2013, 9.8 trillion dollars was spent on containing violence in the earth! This is 75 times the amount of money spent on foreign aid. Yet with all this money spent on containing violence we are no closer to a global solution for peace, and war rages on in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Congo, Afghanistan, and many others.
How important is the subject of peace? At the birth of Jesus, the angels said to the shepherds watching their flocks, “Peace on earth, good will toward all men.” Jesus’ first words to His disciples after His resurrection were, “Peace be with you.” God’s heart is to restore peace to humanity!
Scripture: Luke 2:14, John 20:19
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God has put a road in front of you. Not just a little overgrown path but a great highway! Even if you are uneducated, unemployed, unsophisticated or any other negative thing, you still can live error free on this road provided by God.
If Jesus is your Lord, you will even find protection there from the lions of life. Those that roar as well as those that bite! It is not a hard road for you to find. Jesus said “My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Scripture: Matt. 11:30
What questions should you ask as you craft your vision statement? Let’s think about this for a moment. Your ability to attract the talent required to complement your strengths is key in initiating your vision! Why? Your vision statement is where you invite people to participate and associate.
A BIG DREAM is exciting and provides harbor for like-minded individuals. A big dream, however, is not enough to attract people. A big dream requires clarity to convince people of your potential and initiate confidence that you can be trusted! Not only must your dream make room for others, it must provide clarity! Your vision statement will identify the problem you wish to address, challenge the status quo, and illuminate a direction! http://bit.ly/1anAkq5
When we understand the One Who lives in us and is our Helper, we are not afraid to take on any challenge. The key to overcoming is not perfection, but perseverance!
An American swimmer was after a new Olympic gold record. During the 7th race he was continually behind the Croatian swimmer, but a photo finish moment would determine his destiny. With 6 inches left to go, his opponent lifted his head and reached out for the wall. The American kept his head down, allowing for one more stroke. Stretching his right hand out, he touched the wall 1\100 of a second before the hand of his opponent, and history was made. One extra stretch was the difference between victory and defeat!
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Scripture: John 14:26, Philippians 3:12-14
Ask yourself these questions: Is my dream Audacious? Large enough to cast shade for others? Does it challenge me and challenge others to get involved? Is it measurable … so that individuals who are interested can find a place to join you on the route to your destination?
Success is for those who go it alone, but we find true significance as we include others in our dream! Remember, you are cutting a pathway through the forest, a highway in the desert for others to follow. You are created to promote possibility, pursue with excellence and synchronize strategies for the hope of humanity! http://bit.ly/1CvEBhG
I recall when my husband and I wanted to purchase a tent for Eurasia. We were excited because our mentor had been telling the people of the Ex-Soviet countries to purchase tents for evangelization and church planting. WOW! It looked like we had an idea from God. But when we met with our mentor, Dr. TL Osborn, his response to us was, “That’s not God.” Then he asked: “How many republics, nations, and regions are there in the ex-Soviet territories?” We knew the answer was a little over 100 – so our response to his question was easy, “We need 100 tents!” Immediately he responded by saying: “Now that’s an idea big enough for God to get involved with!”
We thought we had a big dream with one tent that cost $25,000, but we soon discovered that 100 tents made room for many organizations and people from around the globe to dream with us! Over 15 years later we now have 70 tents in that region and two small factories producing tents. If your dream is big enough, you can make room for others to join you in your dream! http://bit.ly/1CvEBhG
In the United States, 75% of health care dollars go to treatment of chronic disease. These persistent conditions are the nation’s leading cause of death and disability and these chronic diseases leave in their wake, deaths that could have been prevented, lifelong disability that could have been avoided, and an overall compromised quality of life! In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that health care costs are escalating, and 7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year are from chronic diseases. So, although many fear epidemics such as H1N1, SARS or Ebola—the reality is most deaths occur due to chronic health issues.
Chronic Diseases are often preventable and frequently manageable. In fact, many chronic diseases could be prevented, delayed, or alleviated, through simple lifestyle changes. The CDC estimates that eliminating three risk factors – poor diet, inactivity, and smoking – would prevent 80% of heart disease and stroke; 80% of type 2 diabetes; and 40% of cancer.
So let’s make a lifestyle adjustment. Today, adjust your foundation and your thinking. Eliminate these 3 risk factors: poor diet, inactivity and smoking and eliminate chronic disease in our lives!
The Prophet Isaiah said, “the fearful heart will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.” If you are fearful today, there are both practical and spiritual solutions available to you. You need to know that miracles are available today!
Regardless of your situation, today you can rise above whatever holds you back and discover that you have a friend with God! He will come to you today and reconcile what distresses you. Just say these simple words with me: come into my life, Lord, release me from the fear that holds me back.
Scripture: Isaiah 32:4
King George VI of Great Britain was known as the stuttering king and dreaded public speaking, a responsibility every monarch was expected to do often and well.
But as Germany threatened to invade England, King George rallied his strength, faced the people and found the resolve to inspire the nation as England declared war on Hitler. King George rose above his difficulties to lead a nation into war! With the help of Australian born speech therapist, Lionel Logue, he rose above his disability and courageously inspired a nation to action.
Is your dream transferrable? Who else will benefit from the majestic view of your dream? Is it motivational? Do you get excited about your dream? If you get excited others will also!
The following questions will help you clarify your dream by crafting a vision statement that identifies your destination, purpose and values. Remember these words: TRANSFERRABLE, MEMORABLE and MOTIVATIONAL.
- Does your vision statement identify where are you going?
- Does your vision statement define your purpose? Why do you exist?
- Does your vision statement convey your values? What principles guide your decisions or actions on your journey?
- Can your vision be easily captured by your audience?
- Is your vision memorable? Use action words and succinct sayings to convey your thoughts. Avoid clichés or overly used statements
- Is your vision motivational? It should be inspiring. If no one is excited about it you may not be effectively communicating! http://bit.ly/1bSPZ1P
