How influential are you in your own little world? Friday night I attended a banquet at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas. Our guest speaker was Tommy Barnett from Phoenix, Arizona. Some of you may or may not have heard of Tommy Barnett. He has been a friend of my husband, Lee, and mine for many years. We've watched Tommy build a church to over 15,000 people in Phoenix. He has been instrumental in starting inner city ministries throughout the U.S. and is presently preparing for New York City and London. The reason for this great growth is that this pastor loves people and believes he can make a difference in his world.





Many are struggling with circumstances, relational challenges, physical challenges and/or financial disappointments. Satan may have already gotten to you telling you that you can do nothing because of your challenges. Don't believe it! Check to see if you are still breathing and IF you are, you can still make a difference in your world.





Start in your home, then move to your extended family, then into your neighborhood, and before you know it, you will have made a difference! It only takes one phone call, one card, one "hello", one visit, one kind word and love for the lost, hurting, dying and depressed. Christ put you here for such a time as this, don't allow doubt, fear and disappointments stop you from making a difference in your world!





Father:


This day I make a commitment to look beyond myself and into the lives of those in need. I'm asking You to give me strength and boldness to make a difference starting today. Thank you for dying on the cross for me, forgiving me of my sins and preparing a home for me in heaven. Forgive me for doubting myself. As I read your Word and pray may you once again come alive in my spirit, so that my purpose will unfold into your will for my life.


In Jesus Name: Amen

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?


When I become frustrated by my circumstances, this is a sign I’m trying to control it. Rick Warren has said “Life is suppose to be difficult because it enables us to grow.”

Most of us have prayed for things to change so we can be happy. We do want to be happy, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be happy. The reality of life is we will not always be happy. Some suggestions that have worked for me are:

1. Choose to do the right thing in our situation – integrity.
2. Have a good attitude – practice being like Christ.
3. TRUST God to do whatever He wants to do in your life – submission.

Isaiah 64:8 “YET, O LORD, YOU ARE OUR FATHER, WE ARE THE CLAY, YOU ARE THE POTTER; WE ARE ALL THE WORK OF YOUR HAND.”

Some of you are discouraged, some are questioning God and still others are ready to give up! I cannot tell you I have always gone through tough times gracefully, but I can tell you I’m learning. I don’t even profess to know how it all works, but I do know I must TRUST God in ALL things, because He will always be with me and work for my good. I also recognize signs of a “growth period”. As we look at Joseph we see the hand of God working in his most trying circumstances. Joseph always came out on top. He remained faithful, trustworthy and obedient.

This is the month celebrating LOVE. My suggestion is to remind you of God's Love. Reach out to those you love, those who are in pain and those who are lost. In church yesterday the minister reminded us of three things:

1. We can PROSPER in our PAIN
2. We can decide to SERVE when we HURT
3. We can hold to His PROMISE even in our PAIN

Chronicles 28:9 says: "IF YOU SEEK HIM, HE WILL BE FOUND BY YOU; BUT IF YOU FORSAKE HIM, HE WILL REJECT YOU FOREVER."

Love,

Sharon