They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”

Mark 9:30-31, NIV

Jesus provided us timeless reminders that dead, not dormant or sleeping, people can be resurrected if he is involved. He did so when he brought Lazarus back to life (John 11:43-44) and when he rose again on the third day (Luke 24:6).

In the same vein, could we not reason that he is able to restore what seems to be dead in our lives? Maybe you have a child that seems hopelessly destined to misbehavior. Maybe you have an ailment that seems incurable. Maybe you feel that your job situation will never change. Maybe you feel there is no profit in sight for your business. Maybe it seems you could never change that bad habit because you keep repeating the same mistakes. Whatever perceived dead situation you are facing, we serve an all-powerful God who specializes in doing what may seem impossible.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26, NIV

Today may be your “resurrect on Sunday.” But if not, if you feel you are still in the tomb, it does not mean that God has forgotten about you. After all, Lazarus had been buried for four days and begun to decay (John 11:39), yet Jesus brought him back to life.

Be encouraged today and Happy Easter!

Hey there, champions!

Imagine this: You’re in a bustling room, chatter all around, but amidst the noise, someone calls your name. Boom! You hear it loud and clear, right? That’s the power of focus, my friends. Amid chaos, certain voices cut through the clutter and demand our attention.

But let’s zoom out for a moment. It’s not just about literal voices in a crowded room. Think about the voices that call out to us in life – the temptations, the distractions, the shiny objects vying for our attention. You know what I’m talking about – that tempting snack, that binge-worthy TV show, that easy way out. Are those the voices we should be listening to?

Not at all! We’re better than that. We’re champions, destined for greatness. And greatness doesn’t come from following every fleeting desire that comes our way. It comes from listening to the right voices – the voices that lead us toward our goals, our dreams, our best selves.

So, how do we filter out the noise and tune in to success? It’s all about discernment. Just like you can pick out your name in a crowded room, you can train yourself to recognize the calls of opportunity, of growth, of progress.

It’s about guarding your mind, your heart, your spirit, against the distractions that try to derail you from your path. It’s about being intentional about what you allow to capture your attention and influence your decisions.

Remember, champions, success isn’t just about what you do – it’s about who you listen to. So, let’s crank up the volume on the voices that uplift us, inspire us, and drive us toward our goals. Let’s drown out the noise of distraction and focus on the sweet symphony of success.

As we journey forward, let’s keep in mind the wisdom of Proverbs (New International Version):

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it

Proverbs 4:23

Let’s guard our hearts, and let the voices of determination, resilience, and ambition guide us to victory!

Now, who’s ready to turn up the volume on success? Let’s go out there and make some noise!

You’re unstoppable!

I’ve come to appreciate that success isn’t just about landing the big deals or making the flashy moves. It’s about seizing every opportunity that comes your way, no matter how small it may seem at first glance. In business, as in basketball, every point counts, and every opportunity can lead to something greater.

Let’s look at the parallels between basketball and life, and how we can apply the lessons from the court to our entrepreneurial endeavors:

1. Two-Pointer: In basketball, a two-pointer might not seem as glamorous as a three-pointer or a dunk, but it still adds points to the scoreboard. Similarly, in business, there are opportunities that may not be the biggest or most exciting, but they can still contribute to your success. Whether it’s a small partnership or a modest client, don’t overlook the value that these opportunities can bring.
2. Three-Pointer: Landing a three-pointer in basketball requires skill and precision. Similarly, in business, there are opportunities that may seem out of reach or more challenging to attain. However, with the right strategy and execution, these opportunities can lead to significant rewards. Don’t shy away from aiming for the big wins but be prepared to put in the effort and take calculated risks to achieve them.
3. Layup: A layup is one of the most fundamental shots in basketball, yet it’s often overlooked in favor of more spectacular moves. Similarly, in business, there are opportunities that may seem easy or straightforward, but that doesn’t mean they should be dismissed. Sometimes the simplest opportunities can lead to unexpected successes. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-executed layup in both basketball and business.
4. Dunk: A dunk is the epitome of excitement in basketball – it’s flashy, it’s powerful, and it gets the crowd on their feet. In business, a “dunk” opportunity might be a game-changer – a major deal, a groundbreaking innovation, or a significant investment. While these opportunities may be rare, they have the potential to propel you to new heights. When you have the chance to make a dunk, seize it with all your might and make the most of the opportunity.

In both basketball and life, every point counts. Whether it’s a two-pointer, a three-pointer, a layup, or a dunk, each opportunity presents a chance to score and move closer to your goals. Don’t let the allure of the flashy plays blind you to the value of the smaller opportunities. Stay focused, stay hungry, and make every shot count.

Remember, success isn’t just about the big wins – it’s about maximizing every opportunity and turning them into points on the scoreboard of life. So, the next time you find yourself facing an opportunity, no matter how small or large, take the shot with confidence and conviction. Who knows? It might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.

(Ecclesiastes 9:10, NLT)

This verse highlights the importance of giving our best effort to whatever opportunities come our way. We are encouraged to work diligently and wholeheartedly, knowing that opportunities may not always be present, and we should make the most of them while we can.

Greetings, fellow adventurers on the winding road of life! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the realm of visualization – the Jedi mind trick that’ll have you wielding the Force of success like a pro.

But before we break out the lightsabers, let’s talk turkey about why visualization is the not-so-secret sauce of the successful elite.

Ever heard of Oprah Winfrey? How about Steve Jobs? Yeah, those folks didn’t just stumble upon their achievements like a kid finding candy on Halloween; they crafted their destinies with the precision of a neurosurgeon using the power of visualization. Whether it’s manifesting wealth, revolutionizing technology, or simply finding inner peace, the folks who’ve made it to the top swear by this Jedi mind trick.

1. Define Your North Star: Picture yourself as a sailor navigating the choppy seas of life. You need a destination. So, drop that anchor and chart your course with laser-like precision. Specificity is your compass; vague dreams are just driftwood.
2. Immersive Experience: Close your eyes and cue the blockbuster movie of your dreams. Feel the texture of success beneath your fingertips, smell the sweet scent of victory, taste the champagne of achievement, and let the applause of the universe serenade your ears. Dive deep into the details; Spielberg would be proud.
3. Daily Dose of Vision: Make it a habit, like your morning coffee or your nightly glass of green tea. Set your alarm, grab your mental popcorn, and press play on your personal success story. Rinse and repeat until it’s imprinted on your soul like your grandma’s famous cookie recipe.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Time to channel your inner Tony Robbins. Affirmations are your verbal steroids. Pump yourself up with phrases like “I am the master of my destiny,” “I am a force to be reckoned with,” or “I am not just another brick in the wall.” Repeat until you believe it like a preacher at a tent revival.
5. Lights, Camera, Action: Now that you’ve crafted the masterpiece, it’s time to bring it to life. Roll up your sleeves, grab your toolkit, and start building that empire. But don’t forget to keep that mental movie poster in sight; it’s your guiding star in a sea of distractions.

My fellow adventurers, visualization isn’t just for hippies and Hollywood types; it’s the secret weapon in your arsenal of success. So, grab your director’s chair, cue the dramatic music, and craft the epic saga of your life!

But hey, I’m not just preaching from the mountaintop; I’m inviting you to join me in the director’s cut of your own success story. Share your triumphs, swap war stories – I’m all ears! Drop a line, hit subscribe, or follow me into the sunset like a band of merry misfits.

And remember, as the wise old Yoda once said, “Do or do not, there is no try.” So, go forth, visualize like a boss, and may the Force of success be with you!

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

In the natural world, resilience is a force that drives survival against all odds. Nowhere is this more evident than in the extraordinary journey of salmon. These remarkable creatures embark on an arduous pilgrimage, swimming upstream against powerful currents, leaping over obstacles, and enduring relentless challenges just to return to their birthplace. Their journey is not just a testament to resilience; it’s a lesson in the sheer power of determination and grit.

Salmon are born in freshwater streams, where they spend their early lives before venturing into the vast expanse of the ocean in search of nourishment. However, when it’s time to spawn, they defy the odds and embark on an incredible homeward journey, often spanning hundreds of miles and braving formidable obstacles.

Imagine the sheer determination it takes for a salmon to navigate turbulent waters, evade predators, and overcome natural barriers like waterfalls and dams. Yet, despite the immense challenges, these fish press on, driven by an innate instinct to complete their life cycle.

In many ways, the resilience of salmon mirrors our own human experiences. Life often presents us with obstacles and setbacks that seem insurmountable. But like the salmon, we possess an inner resilience—a deep reservoir of strength and determination that enables us to persevere in the face of adversity.

When we face challenges in our lives, whether they be personal, professional, or societal, we can draw inspiration from the grit of the salmon. We can remind ourselves that resilience is not just about bouncing back from failure; it’s about forging ahead with unwavering determination, regardless of the obstacles we encounter.

Moreover, the journey of the salmon underscores the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of preserving our natural environment. As salmon populations face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, it is a poignant reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the urgent need for continued conservation efforts.

In conclusion, the resilience of salmon serves as a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit and our capacity to overcome adversity. As we navigate the currents of life, let us channel the grit of the salmon, drawing strength from their remarkable journey and committing ourselves to preserving the natural world that sustains us all.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

This verse speaks to the concept of resilience in times of adversity, emphasizing the renewal of strength and the ability to press forward without growing weary. Just as the salmon tirelessly swims upstream against all odds, those who put their trust in the Lord can find the strength to overcome obstacles and endure challenges, emerging stronger on the other side.