P.R.A.Y.

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Every Sunday I sit under Bayless Conley at Cottonwood Christian Center. A few Sundays ago Pastor Conley spoke about praying and the benefits of praying consistently. He also spoke about the necessity of prayer and how it impacted the life of Jesus and how it impacts (or detracts) from our lives. While explaining the importance of prayer, Pastor Conley gave a great acronym for the word Pray. It was Praise, Repent, Ask and Yield. These simple four steps helped Pastor Conley develop a structured prayer life and continually get answers when he petitioned God for anything that his heart desired. As he broke down each one, I listened intently on the explanation.

Praise
When you start your prayer to God you should always start with praise. We all know God is an awesome God so we should take time to let God know that we believe He is awesome still. We want to let God know that we are not taking Him or His blessings for granted in our lives and each additional breath is better then the one before it. When we offer our praises up to God we can continue to let Him know that He is first in our lives and that His splendor, glory and grace give us more then enough reasons to praise Him. Make sure when you pray you are letting God know that in this moment, I am overjoyed at all that you have done, are doing and will do in our lives and my words are just not enough to speak on all that I am thankful for.

Repent
After you praise God to your hearts content, ask for forgiveness for the sins that you have committed. Repentance is a key part of our Christian walk, 1 John 1: 9 says "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Therefore, once we repent we are back walking in our righteousness and able to walk in the authority that God has given us. Remember when you have unforgiven sin, if you are saved you will still go to Heaven but you are out of the righteousness of God but not uncovered by the blood of Jesus Christ. Repentance is heartfelt sorrow for the sins you have committed, a strong desire to not continue to commit sins and new outlook that will not dwell on past sins. When you ask God for forgiveness then God says that He will remember your sins no more for your own sake. Therefore if God forgets our sins then why would we continue to carry them.

Ask
When you are done repenting then it is time to ask for what it is your heart desires. In Hebrews it says to come boldly to the throne room to make your petitions of the Lord. Therefore when you ask God for what it is that you desire, make sure you have the faith and confidence that He will do it. Everyone believes that God is capable of answering their prayers but not everyone believes that God "will" answer their prayers. Isaiah 45:11 says "Thus says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: Would you question Me about things to come concerning My children, and concerning the work of My hands [would you] command Me?" Many people hope that God answers their prayers but according to the bible, God asks us to command His hands...interesting isn't it? Remember when you ask to ask in Jesus name, for John 16:23 says " And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I AM]." Therefore, ask in confidence and faith what you desire of the Lord and make sure it is in Jesus name.

Yield
Finally, when you are nearing the end of your prayer, yield and listen to what God has to say. I was listening to a song by Deitrick Haddon recently and he said, "Stand still and know that He is God". When you are yielding make sure you stand still and know that God wants to speak to you and it is imperative that we learn to listen. Many of us are the world's best speakers but very few of us can listen to anyone. It took me a long time to learn to listen and my wife will attest to that but now I have learned to listen when I pray and make sure that anything and everything God has to tell me, I will hear. God's got a message for each and every one of us, let's all listen to what He has to say. AMEN

You: The Brand

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Who are you? That question has confused and defined many men throughout the ages. The general consensus is that whoever is able to find themselves, their purpose and why they are here would experience great success in life. Those that struggle to find themselves and their path would be left to hoping, wishing and searching for the true meaning of the reflection in the mirror. This pursuit of self often translates into success or lack thereof within the workplace. Many people either excel or underachieve based on their view of self and where they see themselves in the future. They also understand that future outcomes are based on today's actions therefore if they do much today they will have much in the future and if they do nothing today then they will have nothing in the future. To develop "You: The Brand", you have to have quite a few characteristics that are displayed by today's strongest brands. When you hear people speak about top brands such as Coca Cola, Microsoft and GE, you think of things such as dependability, visibility, innovative and successful. These are qualities that each of us should have in developing ourselves as a brand. The people that are most successful understand themselves so well that they are in essence their own brand and they sell themselves with the utmost skill, they become the person they want to be.

A key step in developing "You: The Brand" is to develop unwavering confidence in yourself. Confidence is defined as belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities. In order for you to show others that you can provide what they are looking for, you have to believe that you can provide what it is they need. There have been many situations where I had no idea how to reach the solution that someone required of me but because I spoke with confidence people were more then comfortable that I could figure it out within the required time frame. When approaching a problem you have to believe that you can either figure out or find the solution. There can never be a problem without a solution. The issue that most people run into when they approach a problem isn't that there is "no solution", it's that they don't have enough confidence in "their" ability to find the solution. Remember, people don't know what you are capable of until you let them know, if you are confident that you can do anything then people can either believe you or sit back and watch you achieve it.

Communication is another key skill in developing "You:The Brand". Communication is the key to solving many problems in today's society. Not only is communication the key to solving problems but communication is a primary key in advancing in career and business aspirations. Effective communicators are able to easily and efficiently speak their thoughts, intentions and desires. They are able to communicate so well that their audience is able to see a visual picture based on their oratory explanation. Many times when we watch talk shows, newscasts, or any talk based media we find that we are drawn in more by hosts who can communicate at the highest levels without filler words such as ah, um and so. I am a part of the professional speaking organization known as Toastmasters International and when I give speeches I am critiqued based not only on my presentation but my adequate usage of words. I always thought I was an effective communicator but I wasn't aware of the filler words that I used in speaking and how fast I spoke. The people that I were around most spoke that way so I never noticed that I spoke the same and since people have short attention spans, I had learned to speak as quickly as possible. Within a few presentations I had corrected my word usage and now I speak clearly and more slowly to make sure I pronounce all words to further impact my point.

Communication is indeed a lost art but speaking without substance is a quick way to turn people away from "You:The Brand". We have all come across people who talk much about nothing. You have to have knowledge behind the words you use so that when you speak on topics, people listen. John Maxwell said that only 1/3 of all adults read a book after high school. How can we acquire knowledge if we don't read? I make it a point to read many websites and many books on the topics that I strive to become knowledgeable in. Daily I read books and websites on leadership, technology, ministry and web design. It has been said that if you read 3 books on a topic then you are knowledgeable, if you read 5 books you are well versed in it and if you read 10 books then you are an expert. I found that when I spoke on topics, many people would listen because I had researched the topics prior to speaking. I learned in the book of Proverbs that the wise are quick to listen and slow to speak, but fools are quick to speak and slow to listen. Therefore I would listen and learn from many on topics and when I could add to the conversation I would then speak. In my previous article "Reading is fundamental, research is critical", I wrote that research is critical to advancement and when you stop learning you stop growing.

The final step to developing "You: The Brand" is to become unique. When you look at the major brands, you see they are unique in their field. Coca Cola has a secret formula that makes it unique from all other beverages. Microsoft is the only company that provides all the software and computer related solutions that it does. When you start to look at what you are bringing to the table, you need to make sure that you are unique from your competitors. You want to make sure that the solutions you provide, talents you bring and leadership you exemplify sets you apart from anyone or any company that tries to out perform you. Your approach, insight and process should be one that shows that you may not be the cheapest, fastest or shortest way to the solution but you are the best and your way is the only way they should use.

Right now take steps to become the person you want to be, start to walk in who you believe you are and you will become that person. The steps you take today get you closer to your goals of tomorrow.

Today matters

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What do you plan to do today? What will happen in your life today that was different from yesterday? Does today even matter to you or is it just a day in the way of the weekend? In the constant pursuit of what we are to become, what we are purposed to achieve and what we see as our destiny, we often lose sight of what's right in front of us. We get so focused on the frame that we don't see the picture.

You know that you are destined for greatness in the future but today looks so bleak. Therefore we don't want to look at what appears different then what we want to see. If we took a look at the bigger picture and saw the transformation and progression that's taking place then we would see things quite differently. In a previous article titled "Why Me" I wrote:

When you look at the successful future that you know you are going to walk in, you only seem to want to see the final steps of the journey. When we look at the successful people we only desire the end of the road blessings, no one wants the journey lessons that make you into the successful person that you are to become. For example, no one looks at comedian Steve Harvey and says “I know he's rich but I wish I could live in my car for two years so that I can be rich like him”. No one looks at Writer/Producer/Actor Tyler Perry and say “I know he's rich now but I wish I could have my first few plays tank and then get evicted and lose everything so that I can be rich like him.” Everyone wants the glory of crossing the finish line but no one wants to run the race. No one wants to endure falling during the race, scrape their knees, crying profusely only to realize that you have to wipe your own wounds and dry your own tears. We seem to forget that every successful person endured their hardest times right before their breakthrough.

The best example of the perfect mindset to take and appreciate today would be Joseph. Joseph dreamed a dream that his father and brothers would one day bow down to him. After that dream he was thrown into a pit by his brothers, became a slave, falsely accused of rape, thrown in jail, become a part of the kings court and eventually became a major figure in Pharaoh’s court. Never did we hear Joseph complain about his circumstances, never did he not take advantage of each day knowing that every step he took got him closer to his destiny and never did we see Joseph give up and complain that he was not going to be anything in life.

Today is the only day that you can use to take steps towards the great future you see. Yesterday is gone forever and tomorrow never comes, it’s always today. When we start to realize that time is the most important resource that we have in life, then we appreciate today more because the minute we are born our lives are on a countdown. Carpe Diem is the French term for “seize today”. Remember, today is the beginning of the rest of your life, today is the best day of your life.

Victors vs Victims

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Many times in life we hear there are two types of people, winners and losers, givers and takers, starters and finishers, watchers and doers and the variety of other categories of two types. Now I don't believe there are only two types of people in the world, I believe there are many types. I also believe that of those many types, victor or victim is a type that can be added to the list. Victors and victims define not only where people are in life but where they are going. Now of course there aren't many people that will say they live their life like a victim, therefore we won't ask the question of whether you are a victor or victim. It's much easier to look at their actions, listen to their words and analyze where they are trying to go in life.

First, lets look at the definition of victor and victim.

Victor a person who has overcome or defeated an adversary a conqueror a winner in any struggle or contest.

Victim a person who is deceived or cheated, as by his or her own emotions or ignorance, by the dishonesty of others, or by some impersonal agency; A person who suffers injury, loss, or death as a result of a voluntary undertaking. A person who is tricked, swindled, or taken advantage of

Based on the definitions we see that victors always overcome, victors conquer any situation or obstacle that gets in their way and victors are winners no matter what. On the other hand, victims are always being taken advantage of, continually lose and are unable to even overcome their emotions or ignorance. Victors have potential, victims are pitiful. Victors are conquerors, victims deal with consequences. Victors always win, victims hope they win. Victors control their life, victims let life control them. Many people desire to live a life of victory but their situations and words are those of victims. How many times have you heard people say, well thats just how I am? That's just how I am is a victim statement, it's an excuse to not have to change, progress or overcome a situation so they would rather be a victim of the situation or their ignorance of the benefits of change. How many times have you seen people mock, deride or pull someone down who wants to better themselves. Victims don't want to see others who were like them become victors because victors expose the weaknesses of victims and their desire to complain but do nothing to change.

Victors are always in control even when the situation appears out of control. Have you ever wondered why some people are able to keep their cool no matter what's going on around them? Have you ever wondered why some people don't let anything get to them and even when it appears they are about to crack they seem to still hold it together? Victors receive their victory from within, they have tapped into that inner peace and inner joy that surpasses all understanding. Victors have found a source of victory that seems to convince them that they will win no matter the situation, circumstance or odds. Victors realize that no matter what they will win because for some reason they have accepted victory as the only option, so even when it looks like they are going to lose, they still win. See the source of this victory that I am speaking of, that gives joy to the victor before the battle is done or the obstacle is overcome, well that source goes by the name of Jesus.

When Opportunity Knocks

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If you had the opportunity to change your life and step into a new existence, what would you do? If opportunity came and knocked at your door and said, come with me, would you pack up and go? If an opportunity to have what you've never had meant that you had to do what you've never done, would you do it? Most people would say yes to these question because everyone is looking for an opportunity to do better but I believe that many people are comfortable right where they are at. They believe that opportunities come to the lucky or only to those who already have everything going right for themselves. Opportunities come to those who have their eyes open to see them and the courage to act upon it. But let's focus on what an opportunity is first.

The definition of opportunity is as follows:

An appropriate or favorable time or occasion.

A situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.

A good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.

A chance for progress or advancement.

According to the definition, an opportunity has a variety of favorable attributes that lead( s) to a successful outcome. The main attribute of an opportunity is the focus on progress towards a goal. Many opportunities come across our plates everyday, as a matter of fact I once heard a rich man say ; "We all come across a million dollar opportunity once a day". Now I don't know about you, but a million dollar opportunity is definitely progress towards a goal. Another important attribute of an opportunity is a favorable time and situation. When divine opportunities become available to you, somehow you must realize that the time is right to prosper and therefore understand how favorable the situation is for you.

On the other hand, we all know people that continually speak or complain about missed opportunities. We all know people that say how much they could achieve if they had the chance, but when opportunity knocks they don't want to leave the comfort of their bed so they don't answer. Many people would love to have the opportunity to better their lives but they live only hoping that opportunity falls in their lap. They become comfortable with a life that (s) just good enough and let their dreams continue to be put on hold. The reality is that many people are scared to leave the comfort zone of their current life because that could possibly propel them to a level of existence that they might not believe they deserve. Then again maybe the best line from the movie Coach Carter starring Samuel Jackson sums it up, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlighten ing about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

When the opportunity came for me to relocate from Chicago to Los Angeles, I had to take a real good look at myself and figure out if I was really ready to take my life and family to another level. I had to realize the true meaning of divine timing, progress towards success and seizing the day. In Chicago I was living a life that was good for the moment but the path to get to the great future I had was never clear. I was very comfortable in my present existence but God always showed me visions of a great future and how I would impact many people with my gifts, talents and abilities. Now we all know that in order to walk in greatness we must take advantage of great opportunities and moving to California provided a great opportunity. It would get my wife back near her family which she greatly loves, it would give me the opportunity to experience year round summer (I really don't like cold weather) and it would give me an opportunity to showcase my abilities to people that could help me gain exposure. Within a week of arriving we had all we needed including income, daycare, transportation, lodging and contacts for me to network. See when God gives you an opportunity He makes sure it goes smooth and according to His plan so that He can get the glory when you testify about how it all came to pass. So today look at the opportunities in front of you and attempt to pursue one to the fullest and live the life that exceeds just settling.

Why Me

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Why me is one of the many questions that has plagued man for ages. Whether it be a drastic event, a missed opportunity, a tragedy, a sudden change of fortune or any other unfavorable outcome that has befallen our lives. We all are guilty of wondering "why me"? Of course we wonder why me prior to blaming numerous people, things, luck or God for our current situation. Things would be so much easier if we just knew the reason for our season.

Everything in life happens for a reason, whether the reason is caused by you or someone/something else, there is still a reason. Reasons, explanations, and why's seem to elude us most when we wonder why our lives are not where we want it to be. When many people take a look at their life or their current situation they usually have a sense of non-accomplishment. When many people look at their lives they feel a lack of purpose and direction. When many people look at their current situation the question that runs through their mind is "why me". Now if this doesn't apply to you and you have it all together, then go tell someone how you accomplished it but if you have “why me” moments, then please, keep reading.

When you look at the successful future that you know you are going to walk in, you only seem to want to see the final steps of the journey. When we look at the successful people we only desire the end of the road blessings, no one wants the journey lessons that make you into the successful person that you are to become. For example, no one looks at comedian Steve Harvey and says “I know he's rich but I wish I could live in my car for two years so that I can be rich like him”. No one looks at Writer/Producer/Actor Tyler Perry and say “I know he's rich now but I wish I could have my first few plays tank and then get evicted and lose everything so that I can be rich like him.” Everyone wants the glory of crossing the finish line but no one wants to run the race. No one wants to endure falling during the race, scrape their knees, crying profusely only to realize that you have to wipe your own wounds and dry your own tears. We seem to forget that every successful person endured their hardest times right before their breakthrough.

Success doesn't come to the lucky, it comes to the persistent. Success doesn't come to the wishful, it comes to the determined, focused and faithful people who change hard times into great lessons. We have to realize that we go through hard times for three reasons. Reason one is so that we can grow, learn and progress. Reason two is so that we can help someone get through their situation when they go through what we already came through. Reason three is so that God gets the glory, God will put you in a situation that you cannot get out of by your own power, gifts, talents and abilities. He wants to bring you out but He wants you to depend on Him to get you out. Once He brings you out He wants you to realize that it was Him that brought you out.

When God is leading all your steps then no matter what comes your way, you will not worry nor fret because you know that the battle is not yours, it's the Lords. Therefore instead of saying “Here we go again” or “Why me” when hard times come upon you, you will say “Here's another situation for you to show up and show out God, so have your way, I'll let you lead me out of this once again.”

Why me” is the question, “Let me” is God's answer…you are not alone..so don't try to be. AMEN