Before I turn things over again to David Johnson from Epiphany Marketing, I want to make sure you’ve reserved your spot on this week’s conference calls.  They start tonight!  (And for those outside the US… in just a matter of hours!)

Both Michael and I have written recently about the economy.  Obviously it’s been on the minds of a lot of people, and certainly some industries and regions have been more affected by it than others.  Either way, the battle is definitely heating up — regardless of external economic conditions — especially for those of us who are believers and whose work and purpose is about expanding the Kingdom of God and not just “making a buck.”

I’m not certain (although I do have a few guesses) where this notion came from, but somewhere along the way in the Church, we got this idea that if God is “blessing” your life and/or your business, things will be easy.  You’ve probably heard it.  There’s a “flow.”  Things are “smooth.”  Doors open for you.

Listen, friends.  I don’t want to deny the supernatural power of the blessing — not even in the slightest.  But one thing I’ve learned is that while we may have seasons where there is less pressure, the notion that things will be easy is absolute garbage.  Don’t get me wrong — we can and should experience greater levels of peace and greater freedom from stress, especially in our interior life.  And we can walk in confidence, knowing that we are being led by the Holy Spirit and carrying out the purpose of God for our lives.

But take a look at what Jesus said Matthew 11:12.  Here it is from the Amplified Bible:

“And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize--a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].”

Let’s face it, if God has called you to the marketplace, then you are on the front lines of taking territory for the Kingdom.  That’s where the battle is the hottest.  Be encouraged today that you are operating in a sin-cursed world system dominated by powers that do not want you to be fruitful nor succeed.  There is and there will be resistance — just like swimming upstream.  But friends, we have access to all the resources of the Kingdom, and we can put them to work today.  If the battle is hot where you are right now, remember the “ardent zeal” and “intense exertion” is par for the course in this fight.  All who take territory will do so because of intentional effort at times when it would be easier to give up.  Take a moment and reach out for help from heaven!

Now, I’m not someone who believes that more revenue is necessarily the answer to every business challenge.  But, if you’ve taken a hit because of changes in the economy or in your business, then here’s a fact: you won’t succeed at fulfilling your purpose (in business or otherwise) unless you connect with those who you are called to serve — those who need what you have to offer.  I urge you to join Michael and I are on our conference calls this week so we can share with you some tools to help you do exactly that.

In the meantime: be encouraged!

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].” (Ephesians 6:10)

Friends, as you can tell, David is as passionate as I am about advancing the Kingdom.  There are 4 opportunities to participate in this week’s conference calls.   If you haven’t already done so, choose your best time.  We’ll talk to you then!

“And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” 1 Cor 15:4

Are you tempted to give up? Think you have it bad? Maybe you do. Life can be tough, but don’t get stuck where you are. Stir up the gift of God, which is in you. What is that gift? Christ in you, the hope of glory. Sure there are other gifts, talents and blessings He has bestowed upon you, but none compare with the gift of Christ in you.

I know how it feels. You struggle and struggle for so long, making some progress but never experiencing the breakthrough you are working towards and you just want to take a break from it. Give it a rest. But the problem is that life is like a river. Our destination is the crystal lake at the headwaters of this river. When we stop struggling to reach the headwaters, we start drifting towards the sea. We must choose between reproducing life in the crystal lake or drifting out to the salty sea of humanity, just another one of many who gave up the struggle before completing the mission. Before fulfilling our destiny.

I don’t know about you, but I intend to spend the rest of my life heading upstream. Who knows, maybe my going in that direction will help others? Who is watching you? Have you considered the possibility that others are looking at you for hope? Maybe, just maybe they need to see someone they know pressing on, upstream, bent on fulfilling their destiny. All along the river, there are those who have lost their way who desperately need someone who hasn’t given up. This morning, I received this news clip of someone who is still swimming upstream at age 92 and changing the direction of an armed robber.

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