When You Feel Overwhelmed

Have you ever been in a place where the weight of your life's challenges seemed to be way too much to handle? It's probably safe to say that all humankind has experienced such feelings. In the midst of the heaviness, it can be seemingly difficult to cast your cares upon GOD in worship. But the one thing your opposition is counting on is you doubting what YOU can incite through worship.

Make no mistake about it, the very best thing to do WHENEVER you feel overwhelmed is to ascend in worship. Don't bother worrying about all that may be weighing on you in trying moments. Worrying solves nothing. Also, avoid rash decision-making born out of your flustered emotions. Emotional reactions change nothing. When overwhelmed, these sort of carnal-minded approaches only make YOU worse off... 

BUT when you choose to elevate your mind (i.e. your thinking) above the circumstances and begin to bless (i.e. speak well of) the LORD your GOD, something more advantageous happens... YOU change! Your perspective, your response, your attitude ALL change because NOW you're looking at those very same circumstances from a totally different angle than before. Worship literally shifts your line of sight from what has you feeling overwhelmed to the One whom those troubling circumstances must bow and become subject. 

Know that the upper hand has NO CHOICE but to be yours as an atmosphere-shifting worshipper of Yahweh. You being able to get past how you feel at any given moment and earnestly call for an uprising of GOD's glory WITHOUT musicians, a worship team or pastor is precisely what keeps you together away from whatever physical sanctuary wherein you worship corporately. PLEASE understand that your sanity depends on YOU--as a worshipper--being able to command atmospheres for yourself. Therefore, begin to decrease your dependence on those whom you have looked to as glory carriers. Start stirring up the gift of GOD within you, so the worshipping warrior you were redeemed to become rises up and releases the governing influence of Heaven in the earth. 

Demand More From Life

There is so much more to life than merely existing or surviving.  It was never GOD's intention for our lives to be stuck on repeat, literally spending our days purposelessly navigating through the routine boredom that life tends to become for so many.  Furthermore, it was never Father's intention for our lives to be filled with so much trouble that we find ourselves encountering episode after episode of seemingly endless drama.  Like, for real... At what point do we truly live?  When do we embrace the possibilities life affords?  And why aren't we really enjoying life? 

As scripture tells us (in John 10:10), Christ came that we might have life more abundantly. So let's do ourselves a huge favor here and STOP being content with just getting by. We've celebrated long enough that we've made it through, we've survived and that we've not let go. It's now past time for us to demand MORE from life. 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with expressing gratitude for wherever you may be in life and what you've come from. After all, we're instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in everything. But let's be clear: our refusal to settle for whatever life dishes doesn't make us ungrateful. Yet, it does motivate us to REACH higher, WORK harder and THINK bigger. Because, for those who are determined to have (and enjoy) a "life more abundantly" experience, good enough is simply NOT enough. 

To the truly renewed mind, we are much greater than where we are right now. And it's not rocket science to see that we'll never achieve greatness until we first experience a shift in culture towards greater. Our way of living MUST shift away from satisfaction with a "just getting by" cultural mindset. 

We must challenge ourselves. We must embrace more progressive paradigms. We must dare to do things differently than we've seen them done. In order to experience life more abundantly, we must be willing to humble ourselves and be taught by the Set Apart (Holy) Spirit how to leverage Heaven's influence over the earth for the advancement of our King's agenda.  For EVERY believer, that literally means adjusting to a whole new way of life.  So, are YOU willing to demand more from life?  Or will you just continue in the way that seems right because it's all you've ever experienced?

Father, it is our prayer that we be shifted from the vain traditions that have influenced us to live beneath our privilege as Your children. As You continue to open the eyes of our understanding that we may be enlightened, keep stirring within us the desire to demand more from life. Do not allow us to remain complacent with how life is (or has been) for us. Ignite our passion, O GOD, to pursue the greatness which we are more than capable of manifesting. May supernatural strength arise in us to reach higher, work harder and think bigger. For the glory belongs to You, forever and ever. Amen. 

In Pursuit of Intentional Corporateness

It is often said that teamwork makes the dream work. And as cliche' as that may sound, it really doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that two heads are better than one.  We live in an increasingly social culture that strongly encourages collaboration in the areas of education, commerce, and even government.  With greater emphasis now being placed upon building high-performing teams as opposed to celebrating superstar MVP's, the Body of Christ has an amazing opportunity to lead the way in exemplifying how the culture of Heaven interprets teamwork.  More importantly, we can shift the cultural dynamic in the various environments in which we go in and out by appropriating Messiah's teachings in our everday dealings with those whom we collaborate.

As an observant believer, I more clearly see now why the Body of Christ MUST be in the world but not of the world.  The world around us is filled with messy situations that cannot be overlooked.  And if we--as high-performing teams--are going to shift the cultural climate in the territories to which we have been sent, then we simply cannot afford to be "religious" ostriches burying our heads in the sand.  No more can we avoid grappling with matters we deem to be ungodly.  That excuse has been overly used to deflect attention from any frank admission that the messy matters lying before us are REALLY above our theological pay grade, and we know not what to say of these things without risk of sounding irrelevant.  As citizens of the Kingdom of Light, we have been placed in the earth to be light bearers wherever we are sent.  Our very presence is meant to eradicate darkness--not in a judgmental, condescending way but in a loving, encouraging manner that evokes the same kind and quality of conviction with which Messiah communicated during His earthly ministry.

Why Momentum Requires Maturity

It recently became clearer to me how maturity affects momentum.  As I read over some notes taken during a recent teaching shared by my good friend William Johnson, I began to reconsider various unmet personal goals from years gone by.  And as I pondered them, the Set Apart (Holy) Spirit began showing me how the maturity I lacked back then killed my momentum.  I lacked the necessary force to drive through the obstacles blocking my path.  Therefore, unable to plow through what stood in my way, I made no further progress towards reaching those goals.

Lately, my thoughts and energy have been consumed with what's next for me.  One of the pivotal statements William made that evening was, "Momentum is necessary for the assignment that lies ahead, because you can't be slowed down in the coming season."  Obstacles will indeed be faced in meeting the demands of assignments to come.  But this time, things must be different!  Immaturity cannot be given the opportunity to zap the zeal that comes with the excitement of starting something fresh.  I have, therefore, committed myself to ensuring that the momentum I start out with is not only sustained but intensifies according to the maturity by which I operate in my work.  In doing so, I am also committed to changing because that's ultimately what maturity requires.

When pursuing a different outcome, staying the same is no longer an option.  Change must occur, and it must be intentional.  And in order to possess the degree of momentum that drives through obstacles, there must be an intentional pursuit of holistic development.  This process of maturation requires personal change, which means I must be held accountable for building my own momentum.  After all, maturity is essentially the willingness to accept responsibility for your own success.  The mantra of maturity pretty much says, "I will not put the responsibility for MY change on someone else."

Building momentum starts with being burdened for change.  The slow down you may be experiencing is most likely due to you not changing.  And the reason why you're NOT changing is because you don't care enough.  The burden for change has yet to weigh heavily enough upon you to make something happen.  Yes, please understand that it's burdened people who make things happen.  They don't just watch stuff happen and talk about what they see.  They feel the weight of what they see and are inspired to change.  They're inspired to mature.  And like a seed fighting its way through the soil to the light above the surface, their momentum increases to bring the transformational development that makes seemingly impossible goals reachable.

What GOD Promises Is Guaranteed

Isn't it interesting how--over time--life teaches us to be skeptical of promises?  One broken promise after another seems to construct a wall of skepticism that eventually causes us to just not believe ANYTHING people say as a means of protection from disappointment.  Thankfully, GOD's promises are sure, which means they're guaranteed.  And it's time we stand upon the guaranteed Word of GOD and lay claim to everything He's promised us.  As it says in the latter portion of Hebrews 10:23, "he is faithful that promised."  What GOD has spoken SHALL come to pass! 

Therefore, be encouraged to let your time in worship extend the Set Apart Spirit a warm, welcoming invitation to clear your mind of all those ungodly thoughts and ways of reasoning you've let keep you from experiencing all GOD has for you.  Let Him reassuringly dismantle the wall you built with man's broken promises, that it might serve as a form of protection.  As your heart yields to the influence of the governor of the Kingdom, Ruach Hakodesh the Holy Spirit, He will minister to your hurting places and wounded spaces by administering the unconditional love of the Father.  It's time you free yourself in worship, receive the Father's love and be healed, so the broken promises of your past no longer interfere with you apprehending the promises of GOD. 

Exchange and Be Changed

One thing I personally love about the atmosphere worship sets is the healing and deliverance that takes place when the Father's presence is welcomed into the place of meeting. As a lead worshipper myself, it is what I desire to see happen every time I enter a corporate worship setting, regardless of whether I be on assignment to lead or not. Scripture declares that where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). If the Set Apart Spirit is indeed present, then there also should be the manifestation of liberty. And it goes beyond the freedom to praise and worship. If nothing else is evident, the signs of the times should be clear enough for us to see that people are in desperate need of so much more than a "hallelujah good time."  There is a desire for the liberation to live--and might I add to live life more abundantly, as the Savior Himself said (John 10:10).

As we endeavor to become atmosphere changers and not just atmosphere readers, it is imperative that we become intentional worshippers. Each time we enter into the holy of holies, it should be our aim that we welcome the presence of Almighty GOD in to repair every broken place and mend every torn space in us as well as those around us in worship. When we worship with an awareness that there are others around us in need of repair and mending, we'll be more inclined to take the intensity of our worship up a notch or three because we understand that the healing virtue of GOD flows freely in His presence. As worshippers--whether we be onstage behind microphones, playing instruments or singing among the congregation--we must be fully engaged in the moment, so the right atmosphere can be created.

Worship Brings Transformation

One of the greatest things that can happen in your life is the inner transformation that occurs as evidence of your life of worship.  Believers often talk about themselves being worshippers, but their lifestyles will sometimes make you wonder if worship is really at work in them.  And it's not that there is an expectation for GOD's people to be without flaws and issues.  (Because GOD never promised a life void of flaws and issues, only a life in which His people would be empowered to live victoriously over them all.)  There is, however, an expectation that the sensitivity the life of worship imparts frees the believer to acknowledge their shortcomings without becoming victim to them.  The barriers that separate people, causing mankind to pay more attention to our differences than our similarities, are ultimately destroyed when the Creator and who we are in Him becomes our main focus.

As any true worshipper can confirm, the transformation that happens in those sacredly secret spaces of the soul is all the proof you need that GOD is in you and you are in Him.  His presence stirs the mind, will and emotions in such a profound way that you begin to see Him, yourself and everything (as well as everyone) around you differently.  Internally, what was once closed off amazingly opens and experiences a power so supernatural that your humanity hardly has the strength to stand in such an overwhelming presence.  Walls built in response to past hurts and disappointments literally topple beneath the weight of GOD's everlasting love, and the Father's reassurance provides the encouragement necessary to walk by faith in the newness of life when physical senses would find safety in the bondages of those old fears.

When Love Must Be Questioned

It's been said that when you love something enough, you'll never give up on it.  Love indeed inspires a steadfastness within the will to press past the seasons of difficulty encountered.  It keeps alive your belief in those outcomes your heart has already embraced as real and true, so your passion's fire remains lit and you continue giving it all you've got in hopes of seeing the desired results manifest.  If faith without works is indeed dead (as stated in James 2:26), then love becomes quite the necessity for ensuring your faith's vital signs remain intact.

However, when the thought of giving up comes to mind, are you brave enough to check your vitals?  Would you honestly have the courage to ask yourself something very important: "Just how much do I really love what I'm thinking about giving up on?"  It's--no doubt--a question that cuts straight to the core of what's being experienced and rightfully demands a response so real that--depending on the subject at hand--it will grip your very soul with fear.  But what must be understood is that this questioning is about YOU coming to grips with WHY you're willing (or unwilling) to do what is necessary to achieve the desired outcomes.  If you can't manage to express how much you love what is now hanging in the balance, then why should its pursuit consume so much of what you have to give?

Don't Forfeit Your Inheritance - Part 2

Salvation is more than just believing in our hearts and confessing with our mouths the Lord Jesus as Christ, the Son of the Living GOD.  WE MUST BE BORN AGAIN.  If what a person has believed and confessed does not birth a new creature within them, then it's safe to say that they have no genealogical ties to the incorruptible seed of the Spirit.  Mind you, we're not talking about an instantaneous transformation of character here.  However, when Holy Spirit dwells in you, the spirit of conviction will not let you make a life for yourself in sin.  Why?  Because He knows the value of your spiritual inheritance better than you do.

Therefore, it is my sincere encouragement to EVERY believer that you do not forfeit what Christ has made available for you through His death, burial and resurrection.  The enemy knows the end he's destined to meet; and out of spite, he wants to snatch as many sheep from the flock as possible to get back at GOD.  And what better way to do so than to deceive souls into believing that they're safe for all the "right-ish" reasons.  Either you have fellowship with GOD or not, as there's no sorta, kinda, something in between.  For Christ said in John 10:27-28, "My sheep hear my voice," among other things of great importance.  If you do not hear the voice of the LORD, then--regardless of what you believed and confessed--He most likely does not know you and you most likely do not follow Him.

Don't Forfeit Your Inheritance

In a recent Bible study at church, Minister David Humphrey shared in the evening's teaching on "Spiritual Warfare" that the believer forfeits his spiritual inheritance when in sin.  This couldn't be more true!  While we all sin and fall short of the glory of GOD, the spirit of conviction will compel believers to confess their sins (i.e. come into agreement with how GOD sees their actions) and repent (i.e. change their actions by turning and going the opposite direction).  However, there are some believers who choose to repeatedly engage in behavior that is not in alignment with the culture of GOD.  These are the individuals who willingly forfeit what Christ Jesus has secured for all who believe in Him.

The word "forfeit" means "to lose or give up (something) as a punishment or because of a rule or law."  It also means "to lose or lose the right to especially by some error, offense, or crime."  This forfeiture is apparent on multiple levels, but it's most plainly seen in scripture when Jesus says to those who claim to have done many wonderful works in His name that He never knew them (Matthew 7:21-23).  It doesn't get more clear than this, folks!  Workers of iniquity (i.e. illegality), those who do not do the will of our Heavenly Father, lose the spiritual inheritance they unfortunately were deceived into believing was secure for them.  But to their utter shame and disappointment, no amount of prophesying in Jesus' name, casting out of devils, and working of miracles will overcompensate for a life of deliberate sin and outright disobedience.

Never Minding The Fog (Part 2 of 2)

Yesterday's post ("Never Minding The Fog - Part 1") was the result of me having to take a tough look at my life and being selfless enough to publicly share my own process of transformation.  I'm a very practical person and strive to make Christianity plain to understand.  So, as promised, here are the "6 Steps To Never Minding The Fog," as inspired by Holy Spirit on yesterday morning.  I pray these insights will also help you on your road to life transformation in Christ.

6 STEPS TO NEVER MINDING THE FOG

(1) KNOW YOUR DESTINATION.  If you don't know where you're going, then any road will get you there.  Have a clear picture of the goal.  Even if you don't quite know how it looks, at least know its address.  Every landmark has a location, so don't "go another further" until you know exactly where you're going.

(2) CHART YOUR ROUTE.  When you fail to plan, you pretty much plan to fail.  So make time to understand which road(s) to take BEFORE your departure.  Not knowing doesn't automatically spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R, but knowing will certainly make the trip way more enjoyable for you.  It will also provide you reference points along the way to reassure that you're headed in the right direction while helping calculate how close you are to your destination.

(3) LEARN THE RULES.  It's very important to understand how to properly get where you're going.  Accidents happen when people are ignorant to the rules of the road or simply refuse to follow them.  More importantly, you must be able to recognize the signs you'll see along the way as well as understand their meanings.  The information they provide is extremely necessary; and because of the speed at which you'll be traveling, the signs are designed to share information concisely.    

(4) GET MOVING.  It's quite easy to get stuck in the paralysis of analysis.  But in order to get where you're headed, you must go.  You can't allow the conditions of your environment to keep you at a stand still.  If the weather and road conditions aren't life-threatening, then get on the road.  Stop making excuses because you're wasting time.  Life is short and destiny awaits!

(5) PAY ATTENTION.  Don't get so caught up in what's happening around you that you miss your exit.  Watch for signs, that you may quickly recognize what they mean and react accordingly.  Missing a sign can cost you valuable time, money, and even effort.  Be disciplined and alert throughout your journey.  Doing so will ensure you avoid those mistakes that create the stressful, frustrating consequences that will give you a swift kick in the rear and leave you bitter.

(6) CORRECT ERRORS FAST.  As soon as you realize you're going the wrong way, turn around immediately.  Get back on track!  The longer it takes for you to recognize you're in error, the farther you will stray off course.  And please don't continue in error hoping that a side street or short cut will emerge.  Even if one does, you have no idea what lies there lurking.  Ditch the pride and receive the protection found in correction.  It will save you from experiencing a whole heap of trouble as well as the emotional baggage it can potentially place in your hands.

Beware of the Holy Indignant - Part 2 | 05.29.14

This blog post is a continuation of the previously published post of the same title.

The A-portion of Amos 5:15 reads, "Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate."  If something is indeed unjust, unworthy, mean, unfair or wrong, then our response should be MORE than just dissatisfaction.  It should be hatred!  Bible here instructs us to do THREE things, not just to pick and choose which one(s) of the three we want to do.  It is, therefore, critical to our ability to righteously "establish judgment in the gate" that we "hate the evil, and love the good."  And in order to fulfill this prerequisite, we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds, as stated in Romans 12:2, so that we can appropriately--and without question--discern evil and good BEFORE we establish judgment.

In considering "the gate," we must understand that it represents an opening--more specifically, a guarded opening.  This is why the aforementioned renewing of the mind is so important: it's designed to produce the mental sobriety necessary for us to successfully determine what goes in and out the gates of our lives.  Additionally, the phrase to "establish judgment" can be better understood as presenting the verdict.  And believe me: when the mind embraces GOD's verdict, the mouth can then articulate it with conviction.  But wait... Once pronounced, the verdict still must be enforced; and dissatisfied people DON'T enforce judgments.  Only the indignant are angry enough to call for the power of GOD as well as make the Spirit-led decisions that will guard the gate.

When people are desperate for change, they will do whatever it takes to see change happen. Therefore, may your worship welcome an uprising of holy indignation TODAY that will actualize your desire for change by spurring Spirit-led decisions for the power of GOD to back up on your behalf.

Beware of the Holy Indignant | 05.08.14

Let's face it...  It's not enough for us to be dissatisfied with where we are. In order to see change manifest, we must come to a place in which we hate where we are. For that is when holy indignation can rise up and inspire the kind of bold decision making that truly manifests change in our life experiences.

Indignation is defined as anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean.  When holy people become indignant over a righteous cause, it is then that the potential for manifested change can be actualized.  In other words, the Deliverer is waiting on us to get angry and make clear decisions that will actually create a thoroughfare for Him to move on our behalf.  For those who may be unaware of it, deliverance does not happen casually.  Neither is it triggered by our mere dissatisfaction with the situations and circumstances of life.  Only hatred can inspire the degree of desperation required to experience a manifestation of change.

Now before you start thinking about how extreme this sounds and mentally begin running scripture references to refute what you just read, let me give you a quick, personal example of this.  I am the type of person that can order a meal and still eat it even though I may be dissatisfied with what I received.  However, IF I HATE IT, then you better believe it won't get eaten.  Such a simple example, yet it speaks volumes about how we live: we can hate something as minuscule as food (and even become indignant about it) but--to our own detriment--resort to just being dissatisfied about the ungodly directions in which our lives are headed... PLEASE take a few moments to really think about that.  Reflect on those areas of your life wherein you have been dissatisfied and failed to develop the hatred necessary to create change there.  (It would be great to hear your thoughts and comments on this!)

TO BE CONTINUED...

Lessons In Stewardship | 02.12.13

Early into a recent teaching ("I Want More" | 02.02.13) shared by my pastor, he said something very interesting: "An indication that you're ready for more is you being a good steward of what GOD has already given you."  Although it certainly was not my first time hearing anything of this nature, this time it resonated with me differently.  In this season of my life, I have more on my plate than ever and the Holy Spirit is still saying, "I've got more for you."  Of course, my mind is thinking, "Where else can more be fit? I'm swamped!"  Have you ever been there before, where it seems you've already bitten off more than you can chew and GOD is yet saying, "I've got more to give you"?

That Changing Power | 01.23.13

Last night, I was blessed with the opportunity to encourage a friend and brother who is seeking to move past some things in his life that have been holding him back.  I can relate to his struggle because we all have certain behavioral patterns that have emerged in our lives as a result of our exposure to ungodly spiritual influences.  Whether our exposure to these influences emanate from choices we willingly made or situations we were forced to experience, we find ourselves daily grappling with demonically influenced behaviors that have taken up residence in our souls.  And because they have made themselves at home in our minds, will and emotions, they hinder the Holy Spirit from doing His job.  I'm not talking about Him giving us goose bumps and sending us into fits of praise.  This is about the Holy Ghost conforming us into the image of Christ by helping us achieve balance, teaching us about the culture of Heaven, and empowering us to transact Kingdom business here in the Earth realm.

Just Like Me | 01.22.13

As I watched televised coverage of the inauguration of U.S. President Barack H. Obama, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude.  There were a number of reasons for which I was grateful; but one stood out in particular, oddly enough.   While listening to the commentators on CNN, a quote by George Washington caught my attention and went something like (and I paraphrase), "It is the peaceful transfer of power that will set this nation apart from others."  Even though this was a second term inauguration ceremony, I felt so privileged to be an American at that moment because, despite party differences and varying views on the role government should (or should not) have in the lives of its citizens, there are so many countries throughout the world where there is no peaceful transfer of power.  In some places, people fear for their lives as well as the overall stability of the government and economy when leaders come into the top political offices of their countries.

Getting Things Right - Part 2 | 01.16.13

As it was stated in the last installment of this blog series, the sin of unbelief is what WE MUST be delivered from.  And because the sin of unbelief looks GOD square in the face and calls Him a liar, it establishes a paradigm of thinking in an individual's mind to have absolutely no regard for GOD.  This is why it becomes imperative that our unbelief "gets right" FIRST.  The sin of unbelief is an internal condition of the heart characterized by the nonexistence of trust in GOD.  That inward condition of the soul then manifests itself outwardly through our bodies in the form of naturally rebellious behavior against GOD's standards for living.  This is why we must bypass the symptoms and diligently attend to uprooting the underlying cause for our rebellious nature.

The Desire For Fresh Fire - Part 2 | 01.05.13

While conversing with my mom on yesterday, she said something that left me super inspired to write this (unplanned) second installment.  After reading the original blog, her spirit and mind connected the dots that, "This must be what it means to fight fire with fire."  I immediately became intrigued because I never before considered this.  By posturing ourselves as holy fire starters here in the Earth, we are creating a thoroughfare for the glory of GOD to be manifested in such a way that it fights the fiery darts of the enemy on our behalf.  Man, that right there encourages me to the very core of my soul!

My Joy Is Not Available | 01.03.13

While in prayer on last night, I heard myself say, "Our joy is not available to be taken when we're in Your presence, GOD."  Clearly, the Holy Spirit inspired these words because I had never before thought or spoken them.  My mind was actually on Psalms 16:11, the latter portion of which I quoted just before uttering those words.  This year, my heart is fiercely determined to spend more time in GOD's presence than ever before.  It's my desire to experience GOD more and for His presence to literally be manifested in EVERY area of my life.  Therefore, STAYING in GOD's presence has become my number one priority.

New Thinking Must Come | 09.03.12

I recently read a guide that contained a few sentences, which literally screamed from the pages at me.  The words spoke so powerfully to what I've been experiencing, even though they were written for another purpose.  With just a few minor alterations to them, I was able to use those words to pen a more fitting word of encouragement that clearly spoke to my situation.  I pray that it also speaks directly to yours.

"When building the infrastructure for the ongoing sustainability of a new undertaking, it is important to start small and increase gradually as resources permit.  If you set expectations too high in the beginning, there is the danger of viewing incremental achievements as failures when the reality is that this is a new undertaking and every step in the right direction is a success.  It takes time to accomplish anything of value.  Understand that building is a process."

In our excitement that GOD is doing a new thing in and through us, we often forget that with this "new thing" must come "new thinking."  Approaching the "new thing" with the "current thinking" will drive us to quit before we really even get started.  Measuring the success of something that's totally new against something already established is counterproductive to our progress.  We must remember that GOD is birthing something new in us in order to defy the limits we've imposed on ourselves or allowed others to place upon us.  GOD impregnates us with such grand possibilities so we can press past what we've come to know will work into a new realm in which our current thinking is rendered obsolete.  NEW opportunities present NEW challenges, which require NEW strategies born out of NEW thinking.

So be encouraged, friends, that when you're doing something you've never done before, avoid measuring your successes against those of others (or even your own prior successes).  See each step you take in the right direction as a success - PERIOD - and celebrate each one.  Don't compare your accomplishments to those of anyone else.  They're on their path, so you follow yours.  GOD gave you the vision for the work to which He's called you, so focus on following His lead.  Trust me, He will let you know when you veer offtrack.  Psalms 37:5 is a most reassuring reminder to us that when we commit our way to the LORD and trust in Him, He will bring to pass whatever we seek to accomplish for the sake of His glory.