You sit down to work on a project or chore (one that you’re probably reluctant to do in the first place). And what happens? Your cell phone rings. You decide to download a couple of songs to your iPod. You get a message on your BlackBerry. You decide to check out a web site on your laptop. You sit down to play “just one game” on your video game system. Next thing you know, you’re wondering, “Where did the time go?”
In this day and age, distractions are everywhere. And they usually begin so innocently with, “First I’ll do this. Then I’ll get to that.” But the truth is, the little distractions become major problems when they prevent us from doing the things we need to get done. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to help us stay on task:
Give yourself a time limit. If you find that you absolutely have to do something unexpected before you actually get down to business, put a limit on how much time you’ll spend doing it.
Save the best for last. Make a list of the things you want to do. Giving yourself something to look forward to can help you get through your task a little easier.
Paul was well aware of the distractions we face along our Christian journey when he wrote, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) By staying on task, Paul knew that he would receive the ultimate reward in heaven.
I’m going to beware of the distractions and keep my eyes on the prize.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
The Law of Large Numbers
Remember when your parents used to tell you that “practice makes perfect”? Well, it looks like they were on to something. Did you know that the more you do something, the better your chances are of doing it well? Welcome to the Law of Large Numbers!
I’m not a sports fan, but I’m told that Michael Jordan made some of the most game-winning shots in the history of the NBA. But this is the same Michael Jordan who had some of the most missed shots. I hear that one of the greatest baseball players, Babe Ruth, who holds the record for the most career hits, also holds the record for the most misses. But thanks to the Law of Large Numbers, the probability of success for Jordan and Ruth increased with every shot or hit.
The more you produce, the greater your chances of succeeding. In fact, you may even find that 80% of your success comes from only 20% of your effort (see The 80/20 Rule). Walking away from the sports theme for a moment, think about this: George Lucas wrote about 11 films before he finally struck gold with #12 — “Star Wars.”
Isn’t it great to know, children of God, that not through our own efforts, but through the Holy Spirit, the Law of Large Numbers works easily in our favor? Throughout the Bible, the Lord speaks of multiplying the works of the faithful. So writers, keep writing. And whatever you do, be sure to do it to the glory of God. He undoubtedly will increase your efforts and multiply your works!
I’m producing in quantity, knowing that God will bless with quality!
I’m not a sports fan, but I’m told that Michael Jordan made some of the most game-winning shots in the history of the NBA. But this is the same Michael Jordan who had some of the most missed shots. I hear that one of the greatest baseball players, Babe Ruth, who holds the record for the most career hits, also holds the record for the most misses. But thanks to the Law of Large Numbers, the probability of success for Jordan and Ruth increased with every shot or hit.
The more you produce, the greater your chances of succeeding. In fact, you may even find that 80% of your success comes from only 20% of your effort (see The 80/20 Rule). Walking away from the sports theme for a moment, think about this: George Lucas wrote about 11 films before he finally struck gold with #12 — “Star Wars.”
Isn’t it great to know, children of God, that not through our own efforts, but through the Holy Spirit, the Law of Large Numbers works easily in our favor? Throughout the Bible, the Lord speaks of multiplying the works of the faithful. So writers, keep writing. And whatever you do, be sure to do it to the glory of God. He undoubtedly will increase your efforts and multiply your works!
I’m producing in quantity, knowing that God will bless with quality!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Finding a Blessing in the Recession
The downturn of the stock market has been making headline news almost daily. Almost every sector has taken a hit. Unemployment is high and consumer spending is low. People are losing their homes in almost every neighborhood. Many financial experts have weighed in on the realities of our economic recession. But have you also noticed the spiritual recession we’re in?
Yes, Christians, it seems as though we are experiencing a serious spiritual recession. The quest for righteousness has taken a significant downturn with people placing more emphasis on “Me first” than “God first.” Morals are at an all-time low—even TV shows and movies targeted to our children have questionable themes and objectionable content. And our adherence to the most basic spiritual principles have fallen dramatically (what ever happened to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”?).
Is there a correlation between our economic problems and our society’s steady spiritual decline? What do we do at a time like this?
Financially speaking, many experts will tell you that a market drop offers a great opportunity to buy stocks. If you’re willing to make a few sacrifices and weather the storm, buying blue-chip stocks at a discount now may have significant return on your investment later. Spiritually speaking, the Bible offers expert advice on what to do in the time of a spiritual recession. In 2 Chronicles 7:13–14, God told Solomon, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Notice that there’s a correlation between the economic and spiritual crises. The land, which was the people’s livelihood, and their ability to stay healthy and make a living were in jeopardy. God commanded the people to “turn from their wicked ways,” indicating that there was a spiritual lack among them. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we must recognize the blessing in the promise that a spiritual renewal helps to bring about economic change. Prosperity starts with the soul.
I’m getting my blessing out of this recession. How about you?
Yes, Christians, it seems as though we are experiencing a serious spiritual recession. The quest for righteousness has taken a significant downturn with people placing more emphasis on “Me first” than “God first.” Morals are at an all-time low—even TV shows and movies targeted to our children have questionable themes and objectionable content. And our adherence to the most basic spiritual principles have fallen dramatically (what ever happened to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”?).
Is there a correlation between our economic problems and our society’s steady spiritual decline? What do we do at a time like this?
Financially speaking, many experts will tell you that a market drop offers a great opportunity to buy stocks. If you’re willing to make a few sacrifices and weather the storm, buying blue-chip stocks at a discount now may have significant return on your investment later. Spiritually speaking, the Bible offers expert advice on what to do in the time of a spiritual recession. In 2 Chronicles 7:13–14, God told Solomon, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Notice that there’s a correlation between the economic and spiritual crises. The land, which was the people’s livelihood, and their ability to stay healthy and make a living were in jeopardy. God commanded the people to “turn from their wicked ways,” indicating that there was a spiritual lack among them. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we must recognize the blessing in the promise that a spiritual renewal helps to bring about economic change. Prosperity starts with the soul.
I’m getting my blessing out of this recession. How about you?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Rejoicing in the Audacity of Hope
There have been countless news reports, opinion columns, blogs, and other forms of media celebrating the historic presidential election of Barack Obama. As an African American, I am overcome with pride by his accomplishment. As a writer and publisher, that pride increases manifold.
President-elect Obama’s second novel, “The Audacity of Hope,” has been critically acclaimed and a New York Times Best Seller. The audiobook even won a Grammy. In light of his other achievements, does this book even matter? To me, it matters a great deal.
Firstly, it’s encouraging to know that even in these rough economic times, people are still buying great books. Of course, the presidential campaign offered plenty of free publicity for Mr. Obama and generated great public interest. But let that be a lesson: A buzzworthy author has the opportunity to drum up plenty of sales.
Secondly, the award-winning extension of the book in the audio format provides plenty of reason for new authors to take note. This is a great day and age, where an author’s creativity isn’t limited to ink and paper. Think digitally and explore new technologies. The potential for earning greater revenue from your work is increasing every day!
Finally, according to the Wikipedia, my favorite online source, the inspiration behind the novel and its very title came from a sermon preached by pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright. This serves as a reminder for God’s people that when we include Him in our endeavors, we have no choice but to succeed.
Paul, a prolific author in his own right, wrote in Romans 5:5 that hope does not disappoint us. And as Christians, we know that our hope is in God, not man. We don’t know what the next four years will hold, but we can audaciously hope for the best—for our families, our endeavors, and our nation.
I am rejoicing in the audacity of hope. What about you?
President-elect Obama’s second novel, “The Audacity of Hope,” has been critically acclaimed and a New York Times Best Seller. The audiobook even won a Grammy. In light of his other achievements, does this book even matter? To me, it matters a great deal.
Firstly, it’s encouraging to know that even in these rough economic times, people are still buying great books. Of course, the presidential campaign offered plenty of free publicity for Mr. Obama and generated great public interest. But let that be a lesson: A buzzworthy author has the opportunity to drum up plenty of sales.
Secondly, the award-winning extension of the book in the audio format provides plenty of reason for new authors to take note. This is a great day and age, where an author’s creativity isn’t limited to ink and paper. Think digitally and explore new technologies. The potential for earning greater revenue from your work is increasing every day!
Finally, according to the Wikipedia, my favorite online source, the inspiration behind the novel and its very title came from a sermon preached by pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright. This serves as a reminder for God’s people that when we include Him in our endeavors, we have no choice but to succeed.
Paul, a prolific author in his own right, wrote in Romans 5:5 that hope does not disappoint us. And as Christians, we know that our hope is in God, not man. We don’t know what the next four years will hold, but we can audaciously hope for the best—for our families, our endeavors, and our nation.
I am rejoicing in the audacity of hope. What about you?
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