Sacrifice

"But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” ~ Matthew 20:26-28

In the last days of his life, two of Jesus' disciples approached Jesus and asked Him if they could sit on his left and right hand in Heaven. Jesus replied, saying "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

Like those two disciples, we often want to achieve levels of success that we see others obtain. But often times, we have no idea what it takes to get there (or stay there). Being the best at something takes incredible drive, ambition, and hard work. But most importantly, it takes sacrifice, the likes of which most people are unwilling to make. It might require you to relocation from family and friends. Or to break up a relationship. Or it might require you to skip hanging out with your friends on the weekend.

Either way, success requires sacrifice. So, before you start envying the lives of others, ask yourself if you're willing to sacrifice to achieve it.

God bless,
J.W.

People Pleaser

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." ~ Galatians 1:10 NIV

People-pleasing is a dangerous thing. It's a tiring experience. It often leads to stress and burnout in well-intentioned people. But even more than that, it's against God's will.

In Galatians 1, the Bible clearly makes the distinction between pleasing God and pleasing men. It suggests that it is impossible to achieve both. The choices we make on a daily basis may indirectly affect both, but our choices are always rooted in either one or the other. Fundamentally, we either act to please God or to please man.

Throughout your life, people will consistently tell you how to live yours. But who would you rather take advice from - a perfect God or imperfect man?

God bless,
J.W.

Primetime Player

"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." ~ 1 Timothy 1:6-7

In sports, the best players step up when the game is on the line.

Growing up, I remember watching football on Sundays with my dad. One of our favorite players was Deion Sanders. His nickname was "Primetime" because he would always make big plays when his team needed him.

On the other hand, there was Vince Carter. His nickname was "Vinsanity" because he had amazing jumping abilities that allowed him to perform spectacular dunks. But Vinsanity would often disappear in big games.

So, which one are you? Are you like Primetime, willing to step up when God calls on you? Or are you like Vinsanity, someone with all the potential in the world, but too scared to step out on faith.

God is looking for primetime players to be on his team.

God bless,
J.W.

Write The Vision

“And the Lord answered me, and said, ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” ~ Habakkuk 2:2-3

What do you hope to achieve in the New Year?

Whatever your goals, try writing them down this year. It’s biblically significant. Writing your goals down allows angels to deliver them to God and physically manifest them in your life. Try it and see what you can accomplish in 2011.

God bless,
J.W.

Love All Over Me

For the majority of my life, I've always thought that true fulfillment came from accomplishing great things. But as the years have passed and I've grown older and more mature, I've realize that satisfaction in life does not come from what you do or how much you accomplish, but rather who you meet and the quality of your relationships. Staying connected to those you care about is the key to enjoying life.

So, this holiday season, make sure you value those who mean the most to you.

God bless,
J.W.

The Greatest Gift

The greatest man in history had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. Had no army, yet kings feared Him. Won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. Committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. Buried in a tomb, yet He rose.

This Christmas, let us not forget the reason why we celebrate. We celebrate because God gave us the greatest gift He could ever give - Himself!

Have a wonderfully blessed Christmas!

God bless,
J.W.

New Year's Resolution

"And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’" ~ Matthew 25:40

Every year around this time, people start setting goals for themselves for the upcoming year. As such, New Year’s Resolutions usually include things like losing weight, quitting a bad habit, or changing careers.

But how many of us aim to become better friends? To love people more? To mentor a child? Or to influence somebody else's life for the better?

This year, in the midst of all your Christmas shopping and New Year’s Resolutions-making, think about how you might use the gifts, talents, and blessings that God has given you to bless someone else.

God bless,
J.W.