“You Can Do It” Video Class – Lesson #2

“You Can Do It” Video Class – Lesson #2

Read First - Have You Watched Lesson #1

Before you watch this class, be sure you have watched Lesson #1. You can watch Lesson #1 by clicking here.

What Will You Learn in This Book?

Remember, this video class was put together to assist you. You will be the one to put forth the effort to achieve your successes.

First, you will learn to figure out which goals to set. Believe it or not, the goals you select do have an impact on the success you achieve.

Many people fail to achieve the kind of results they’re looking for because they set their eyes and their minds on the wrong set of goals. Those goals may be perfect for other people, but it’s not right for them. Try as hard as they might, nothing seems to work. And it can be traced to the fact that they picked the wrong goals to set.

Second, you’re going to learn how to set more effective goals by incorporating discipline-building elements. Many people set goals that take all available willpower they may bring to the table. In other words, there’s no built-in incentive or self-sustaining system in the goals. The goals just take, take and take.

It doesn’t take a scientist to figure out that with energy-sucking goals, it’s too easy to hit a wall. It’s too easy to think you’re trying so hard and putting in so much time and effort and nothing seems to work. When you find yourself in that space, it’s not that difficult to start believing that you’re just not cut out for success. It’s very easy to get discouraged, and eventually, you give up.

As you probably already know, the only way to fail at anything in life is to quit. That’s precisely what you’re setting yourself up for if you don’t know how to set up goals to be self-sustaining. At the very least, they must be self-sustaining in terms of your discipline.

Third, you will learn how to use daily rituals to fine tune and achieve your goals. You must understand that people are what they consistently do. People can talk a good game, other people might have all sorts of mistaken notions about them, however, their real character boils down to what they consistently do. In other words, it’s all about their rituals.

Whether you realize it or not, you already have a set of rituals. You may not be aware of them, but they exist. What if I told you that you could be achieving more with your life if you only chose to be a little bit more conscious of the rituals you engage in? These rituals have a direct and immediate impact on your performance on many different levels. At the very least, they can help or slow down the achievement of your goals.

Another thing you will learn involves measuring success. Many people sabotage themselves because they choose to measure their success in the wrong way. It’s okay to measure your success in terms of ultimate measurements. For example, if you’re just starting a business, it’s okay to think from time to time about the millions of dollars you could be making. However, if you choose to only use ultimate measurements of success, you are just setting yourself up to lose your drive, motivation and passion in the here and now. Don’t be surprised if you get so discouraged and demotivated that you just give up. Sadly, people do this all the time.

Finally, you will learn about the signals you need to pay attention to that will clear you to scale up. Understand that if you want to achieve any kind of success, you cannot stay at the same level. You might be doing things really well at that level, people might talk highly of you, but if you stay at that level and you allow your comfort zone to define what is possible for you, you’re going to get stuck.

You might have started the process with all these hopes and dreams and grand visions, but let me tell you, they will remain stuck in your head. Your waking reality is not going to measure up because you refuse to scale up. In this short book, you will see this clearly. More precisely, you will learn detect the signals that would enable you to scale up.

Are you ready to begin?…

Let’s dive in!

I hope you enjoyed the second video lesson. Remember, you can go back and watch these lessons whenever you like.

I look forward to seeing your success.

Just some thoughts,

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Who or What are You Voting for this Year?

Who or What are You Voting for this Year?

In 2018, James Clear’s book called, “Atomic Habits” was released and became best seller. The book was listed as one of Fast Company’s best-selling business books of 2018.

On page 38, James Clear makes the statement, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” To expound on the point, Dr. Raymond McHenry says, “You may not want to be financially strapped, but overspending demonstrates you’re actually voting for escalating debt. That second helping of dessert probably doesn’t seem significant, but it’s really a vote for weight gain.”

In the same light, when we read or study from God’s word, we are working toward a greater relationship with the Almighty. When we fellowship with the saints, we are working to build a greater relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Your attendance at services shows that you are desiring a greater relationship with God and your spiritual family.

If James Clear’s words are true, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become”, then what type of person receives your vote?

  • Do your actions show that you are voting to become a greater person? (Consider Philippians 4.8)
  • Do your actions show that you are voting for a greater relationship with your spiritual family? (Consider Hebrews 10.24-25)
  • Do your actions show that you are voting for a changed life and a better hope? (Consider 1 Peter 2.9-10)

If your actions were votes, what or who are you voting for this year?

Just some thoughts,

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A New Year and a New Progression

A New Year and a New Progression

Well, here we go! 2020 is upon us whether we were expecting it or not.

This year will be filled with countless blessings, renewed spirits and a desire to grow closer to God each day.

At the beginning of this year, some people will give themselves a new start and a set of achievements they want to see happen by this time next year. Some call the resolutions, some call them resolves, others call them goals. Whatever the description, allow me to share with you a few that will help you on your spiritual journey of 2020.

First, understand that God wants you to do well in 2020. God is still the same and He desires a relationship with you. God wants you to draw closer to Him and depend upon Him. He wants to bless you.

What Does God Want From Me In 2019?

God wants you to come to Him. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

God wants to give you His mercy. “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10)

God wants to give you His grace. “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6)

God wants you to be victorious. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

God wants to give you a home. “…Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)

If you understand that God wants you to be close to Him, what is stopping you from drawing near to Him?

Do you want to know what is stopping you?

Are you ready?

What Can You Do in 2020?

Remember, no matter what the year, the month or the day, God still wants you. It is His desire for you to have the greatest gift one could consider; a home with Him forever.

#1 – Attend all the services you can.

One of the best ways you can grow spiritually, is to be with the saints. You need the saints and the saints need you. God desires that His children encourage one another and grow together. Make it a priority to gather with your brothers and sisters.

#2 – Open your Bible and dig into it.

The Bible is a treasure map leading you to the greatest gift the world may ever know. God, the Creator of the World, has given you the gift of salvation, will you open it and dig into it.

#3 – Find a way to serve.

Have you taken the steps to serve your fellow man? God has asked that we serve one another. You can serve others by a variety of ways: send someone a card, send them a text, bake them cookies or a cake. Your service could be “small things” or “big things” but your heart must be in the service you have for others.

#4 – Surround Yourself with Christians

To make your weekend go better, especially, your Sunday, surround yourself with Christians.  As you plan for services, plan to meet with your church family after services. Be the one to step up and invite people to gather together.  A quick example is inviting people to eat together following services. If money is tight, invite everyone to chip in and have them at your house. (think of it as a potluck meal)

#5 – Pray

This weekend, schedule four times to offer quick prayers. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you of your scheduled prayer time. The weekends give us more time or more relaxed time, and this can be a great moment to pray.

Each Day

Each day, we have the opportunity to get better. Some take advantage of this opportunity every day and other let the opportunity slide by without notice. I encourage you to be a person to take advantage of the moment.

What about the advantage you have in Christ?

I typically call it an opportunity, but for a moment think of it as an advantage.  Here are a few of the advantages you have as a Christian:

  • The forgiveness of sins (Matthew 6.12-14; Luke 5.21-24; Acts 2.38; Acts 8.22)
  • The ability to live forever (John 3.15; John 6.47; Romans 2.7; Titus 1.2)
  • Prayer (Matthew 6.9-13; Acts 8.22; Ephesians 6.18; 1 Thessalonians 5.17)
  • Someone who cares (Matthew 11.28-30; 1 Peter 5.7)
  • Fellowship (Acts 2.42; 1 Corinthians 1.9; 2 Corinthians 13.14; 1 John 1.3-7)

Have you taken advantage of the benefits of Christ?

More than that, are you taking advantage of the benefits in Christ?

Just some thoughts,

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What Would Make You Give Up Being a Christian?

What Would Make You Give Up Being a Christian?

Before you read on, take note that the only thing that “makes” us give up being a Christian is us. While one might blame other things, people or teachings, the fact is that it is one’s decision. Various factors may affect our decision, but ultimately, the decision is still our responsibility.

With that in mind, consider the findings from Amy Black. Dr. Black is a political science professor at Wheaton College in Illinois, and the author of Honoring God in Red or Blue. She earned her Ph.D. in political science at MIT and is a leader in research on the intersection of religion and politics.

In a 2019 interview, Dr. Black shared the following disconcerting information: “Studies show that party identity is even stronger than religious identity for many people. That means many ‘Christians’ would stop being a Christian before they stopped being a Democrat or Republican.” She paused and then added, “Think about that.”

For a moment, think about that.

When Christ takes second place to politics or anything else, the results will not be good.

What would make you give up being a Christian?

Politics? Sports? Work? Fame? Fortune?

May we find the strength of faith that will allow us to place Christ at the forefront of all.

Just some thoughts,

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John Wesley’s Rules for Singing

John Wesley’s Rules for Singing

Singing is powerful aspect of our worship that motivates one to a greater attitude and a greater desire to worship. Music has a tendency to transport the mind into a higher realm.

In 1780, John Wesley published his rules for singing as a part of a hymnal he produced that same year.. The list is fascinating and the points apply to this year even more than the year they were written. The list is contained below:

 

  • Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.
  • Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all.
  • Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can.
  • Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep.
  • Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation.
  • Sing in tune. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before or stay behind it. Take care not to sing too slow.
  • Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing.

A few years before the hymnal was published, Mr. Wesley wrote his views on a new song in a journal entry dated, July 3, 1764,

“I seldom relish verses at first hearing. Till I have heard them over and over, they give me no pleasure, and they give me next to none when I have heard them a few times more, so as to be quite familiar.”

I find it interesting that emphasis John Wesley put on singing. He knew there are something about worshipping God in song that brought delight to the worship of God.

Just some thoughts,

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“Sticks and Stones will Break My Bones…”

“Sticks and Stones will Break My Bones…”

“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

When you think about those words, they are untrue.

We think we fool ourselves by saying them; but the truth is, words hurt.

There are words of encouragement, but when do we use them? God’s revealed word informs us to continually encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13).

Not only do words cut our heart, they influence others.

Think of all the religious names in your community. Chances are they number more than the fingers on your hand and the toes on your feet. There are too many!

All those names hurt everyone. It is a shame each group cannot throw down their name, their creed, their doctrine and abide in the doctrine of Christ.

Think about this quote from John Wesley:

“Would God that all party names and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world were forgotten and that we, as humble loving disciples, might sit down at the Master’s feet, read His Holy Word, imbibe His Spirit and transcribe His life into our own…With regard to the name Christian, I would say, there is none like it; give it to me, and in life and in death I would glorify God in this name.”

What about you?

Will you leave all names and just be a Christian?

Will you leave all books and believe the Bible?

Just some thoughts,

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