Winners Influence - Devotional Archives

Monday, 23 March 2009

"The Time Crunch"

Devotion by: Dr. Joe Savage, President, Winners Influence

March 20, 2009

"There is a time and season for everything" said King Solomon who is noted as the wisest man ever to walk the planet (Eccles. 3:1). "Make the most of every opportunity" said Paul who was undeniably the most effective missionary in the history of the world (Colossians 4:5). Yes, the Bible is full of thoughts, sayings, and instructions regarding the usage of time.

Time is like the ebb and flow of the ocean. Sometimes its seems we have plenty and sometimes it seems like we have none. Yet, if you are like most, there is always something filling your schedule and keeping you from doing what you really want or feel you need to do.

I could give you a four step plan for making the most of your time or a six part program that would help you stay on course. I could offer you tips on time management and have you do exercises to help you identify where you are spending the bulk of your time.

BUT, the truth is this: God gives us a specific amount of time each day and only a certain amount of time in life. When a minute or day is gone, it's gone. It will never come back. Therefore, we must determine and daily live out God's design for our lives.

I know you get pushed and pulled in many directions having to determine which is urgent, most important, or can be put off until a different day. I get it! But are YOU doing what you really want to do or need to do to fulfill the most important things in life? Are you spending your time wisely doing what you need to do for yourself, your family, and your loved one? Are you really spending time in a way that practically and clearly loves God and fellow man? Do you have any evidence of this love?

We all waste a lot of time on non-important trivial stuff. We all have things that have to be done which, in the grand scheme of things, means absolutely nothing. That is life. But I challenge you to look at your life and determine if you are really spending the time GOD has given you in the way that He desires and in the way which is best. If not, only YOU can make those changes in your life.

Every minute is like a dollar. You can only spend it once. Are you spending your time in a way that accomplishes what you want and in a way that is honoring God?

Today's Prayer
"Holy God. Help me to use my time wisely. You give me life daily. You have a plan and purpose for m y life. You are the one who has given me all that I have. Lord, may I see clearly how to best spend every minute of every day. I want to live my life for you. In Jesus' name. Amen."

POSTED BY: Dr. Joe Savage AT 08:00 am | Permalink | E-mail this

Sunday, 15 March 2009

Every Action Brings a Reaction!

"Every Action Brings a Reaction!"

Devotion by: Dr. Joe Savage, President, Winners Influence

March 15, 2009

When a person speaks negatively toward someone else and treats them badly, then the one doing the speaking better expect a negative response and outcome in time.

When a person treats others with disrespect, then he better expect to lose his credibility, respect, and support in time.

When a person sees the world in a negative light, then he better expect everything to eventually turn out negative.

When a person spends or invest their money unwisely and is not a good steward, then he better expect in time to pay a price in some kind of a way.

When a person treats his own self and body unhealthy, then he better expect to have some sort of physical repercussion in time.

On the other hand:

When a person speaks positively to another person and lifts them up, then the one doing the speaking can expect a positive and rewarding response.

When a person treats others with respect and dignity, he can expect to be treated with respect back.

When a person spends or invests his money in a way that acknowledges God as owner, then they can expect it to reap a reward for both himself, others, and even God Himself.

When a person takes care of his body and health, then in time he can usually expect to live a relatively healthy and energetic life.

What I am trying to say is every action or inaction that a person takes has either a positive or a negative consequence. There really aren't many exceptions.

Therefore, make certain you say what you really want to say.

Make certain you do only the things you really stand behind and want to do.

Make certain that you invest your money, time, and talent only into the things which God desires so that you will reap specific outcomes.

Make certain that you treat others as you ought no matter what . . . always.

Make certain that you take care of yourself so that you can live a more productive and healthy life.

Why? Because every action brings a reaction!

Hear me out. We see in Scripture and throughout history that our actions or lack thereof carries a great responsibility and sometimes great consequence. Over and over we have seen that what we do today will determine tomorrow's outcome.

It really comes down to this: "Do not be deceived . . . A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:7-9).

What are you sowing?

Today's Prayer
"Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me of this scripture. I know that everything in life has an order and everything creates a reaction in some fashion. Please give me the wisdom, desire, and willingness to do the things which will bring about positive outcomes. Help me to say, do, invest, and spend everything that you have given to me in a way that please You. In Jesus' name. Amen."

POSTED BY: Dr. Joe Savage AT 08:00 am | Permalink | E-mail this

Sunday, 01 March 2009

"In God We Trust" Really?

"In God We Trust?" Really?

Devotion by: Dr. Joe Savage, President, Winners Influence

February 28, 2009

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Psalm 20:7

Back in the day when Psalm 20 was written, everyone who was someone relied upon the strength and might of their horses and chariots. Governments, businesses, kings, armies, and even individuals often "trusted" in their horses and chariots for almost everything.

You see, at that time, the horse and chariot served in many capacities: transportation (the one who could travel faster could get more accomplished), strength (the one who had horses and chariots could get more work done), image (the one who had the strongest horse and most ornate chariots would appear more successful), communication (the one who could communicate faster and more clearly definitely had an advantage), and many other purposes.

As both a nation and individuals, we are making a grave mistake. We are looking and trusting in our natural strength, image, finances, and abilities more than the Lord. Though our coinage says "In God We Trust", our actions speak differently. We continue to look at the strength or weakness of our money to determine our course of actions. We continue to set agendas and make plans based on money instead of upon what the Lord is saying.

Let's be honest - even many of our churches are operating in this mode of "In God We trust" yet their true actions are reliant upon man.

During what are definitely hard times for many financially, I want to ask you a question: "What are you trusting in?"

Man-made objectives, plans, programs, and bank accounts? The actions of President Obama and the government? The media forecasts? What others are doing?

Or are you trusting in the Lord?

Your answer determines your outcomes!

Today's Prayer
"Father, we know these are difficult times financially for many in our nation. We also acknowledge the sin of our nation for relying upon so many other entities in life as opposed to simply trusting in you. Father, please help me to trust in you no matter what. Help me to help others to put their trust in you as opposed to so many other possibilities. Father, help me to completely and entirely place my trust in you for everything - everything Lord I pray. In Jesus name. Amen."

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POSTED BY: Dr. Joe Savage AT 08:00 am | Permalink | E-mail this