On behalf of VOCAB, LLC, we just wanted to take this time to thank you for supporting this blog and our efforts. We have heard so many praise reports from those who read the blog and are strengthened, and it continues to be a blessing to us. We give honor to God and thanks for His direction in our weekly postings.
This blog is just one component of VOCAB, LLC. Our company name stands for Vision, Opportunity, Creativity, Accessibility and Belief. Our mission is to bring the God-led vision of Christian authors to life by offering opportunities for them to become published, helping them express their creativity and making their work accessible to others, based on a belief that inspired work from God must be extended to people throughout the world.
As you begin to prepare for the upcoming holiday season, please don’t forget us as you make your lists for gift-giving. We have a range of titles in our store that are sure to be a blessing to your friends and loved ones.
For her: Take a look at Promises of God. It’s an inspiring collection of spiritual poems that touch the heart and encourage the soul with praises to God and words of worship.
For him: Our latest book, Except Ye Become As Little Children is a wonderful collection of reflections written by a father who, through daily interactions with his son, gained great insights about his own relationship with God.
For them: Our children’s book, It’s Sunday and I’m Going to Church is a classic favorite for many families. Narrated by its 6-year-old author, this book takes you inside the doors of the church from a child’s perspective.
You can order any of these titles today at www.vocabllc.com. Or call 888-358-3993 to find out how readers of this blog can save on shipping!
Thank you again for your encouragement and support and we hope you continue to “Get the Word out!” by sharing this blog with your friends, family, coworkers and others.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thanks in Advance
The Thanksgiving holiday is quickly approaching. This is the time when we, as Americans, take a collective step back to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for. Family, friends, and life are commonly found high on the list. And generally, we express thanks for the things that we have. This year, let’s also remember to give thanks for the things that are coming.
God has a plan for each of our lives. It is a plan that was devised before we were even created. And it is wonderful. Just take a look at Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God already knows what He has prepared for us and what He wants to give us. So why not thank Him in advance?
Yes, too often, we fall into the secular trap of, “Seeing is believing.” We may thank God for our family because our loved ones are right there in front of us. But what about those of us who are praying for God to add a spouse or a child to our lives? Let’s thank God right now! We often thank God for our material things, like the roofs over our heads, the clothes on our backs, and the food on our tables. But what about those things that we are trusting God for, like a new home, new car, or new job? Let’s thank Him now!
As Christians, we understand that we don’t need to wait for the Thanksgiving holiday to thank God for what he has done. Now, let’s remember to give God thanks in advance for the things He is going to do.
I’m thanking God right now for the things that are to come!
God has a plan for each of our lives. It is a plan that was devised before we were even created. And it is wonderful. Just take a look at Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God already knows what He has prepared for us and what He wants to give us. So why not thank Him in advance?
Yes, too often, we fall into the secular trap of, “Seeing is believing.” We may thank God for our family because our loved ones are right there in front of us. But what about those of us who are praying for God to add a spouse or a child to our lives? Let’s thank God right now! We often thank God for our material things, like the roofs over our heads, the clothes on our backs, and the food on our tables. But what about those things that we are trusting God for, like a new home, new car, or new job? Let’s thank Him now!
As Christians, we understand that we don’t need to wait for the Thanksgiving holiday to thank God for what he has done. Now, let’s remember to give God thanks in advance for the things He is going to do.
I’m thanking God right now for the things that are to come!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Who Do You Think You Are?
Our self-esteem is often grounded in our perception of ourselves and our belief in how others see us. Good self-esteem develops when we think well of who we are and when we expect others to think well of us, also. So, Christians should have the best self-esteem in the world, right? Well, we should, but the sad truth is often we do not. That’s because we sometimes forget who we are.
Society often challenges our self-esteem. Are we pretty enough? Thin enough? Smart enough? Wealthy enough? We are encouraged to “keep up with the Jonses” and to put on all kinds of airs and appearances so that others can think well of us, and so that we, in turn, can think well of ourselves. But in reality, it’s only our standing with God that matters.
Self-esteem works from the inside out. From a worldly perspective, that means that you have to feel good about yourself to project a positive self-image that other people will respond favorably to. As Christians, we need to have a right spirit so that others may see God through us.
Of course, there are times in our lives when we get a little down—but we are not like those without hope. We can be encouraged through God’s Word. Jesus reminded believers of just who we are in Matthew 5:14-16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our Father thinks so highly of us, why should we think any less of ourselves?
Who do you think you are? You are the light of the world!
Society often challenges our self-esteem. Are we pretty enough? Thin enough? Smart enough? Wealthy enough? We are encouraged to “keep up with the Jonses” and to put on all kinds of airs and appearances so that others can think well of us, and so that we, in turn, can think well of ourselves. But in reality, it’s only our standing with God that matters.
Self-esteem works from the inside out. From a worldly perspective, that means that you have to feel good about yourself to project a positive self-image that other people will respond favorably to. As Christians, we need to have a right spirit so that others may see God through us.
Of course, there are times in our lives when we get a little down—but we are not like those without hope. We can be encouraged through God’s Word. Jesus reminded believers of just who we are in Matthew 5:14-16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our Father thinks so highly of us, why should we think any less of ourselves?
Who do you think you are? You are the light of the world!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Can You See It?
There is a saying that goes, “If you can see it, you can achieve it.” The basic principle is that in order to become successful, you must be able to visualize your success before it happens. This technique has proven helpful to many, and can even be useful in your life.
Many Olympians report that before breaking world records, they envision their performance. According to these world-class athletes, they visualize themselves making every move that needs to be made. As outside observers, we only see the unbreakable concentration that separates the gold medal winners from the runners-up.
Where do you want to be in five years? What do you want to achieve in your life? It may be helpful to begin to visualize it and focus on your success. For example, if you see yourself as a best-selling author, start to think about what your book cover will look like. Now imagine the feel of the book in your hand. Think about your promotional tour. Your interview with Oprah. If you can see it, you can achieve it.
In the Bible, God used this visualization technique with Abraham. After promising Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, God had Abraham go outside and look up at the stars. God used the stars in the night sky to help Abraham visualize the magnitude of his offspring. (Genesis 15:5–6)
Often we are limited by what we think is possible. How much more successful may we be when we allow God, through Whom all things are possible, to have His way in our lives? If we apply the visualization technique, all we have to do is see it—and let God work out the details.
Before reaching my success I’m going to see it—and through God’s help, I know I’ll achieve it!
Many Olympians report that before breaking world records, they envision their performance. According to these world-class athletes, they visualize themselves making every move that needs to be made. As outside observers, we only see the unbreakable concentration that separates the gold medal winners from the runners-up.
Where do you want to be in five years? What do you want to achieve in your life? It may be helpful to begin to visualize it and focus on your success. For example, if you see yourself as a best-selling author, start to think about what your book cover will look like. Now imagine the feel of the book in your hand. Think about your promotional tour. Your interview with Oprah. If you can see it, you can achieve it.
In the Bible, God used this visualization technique with Abraham. After promising Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, God had Abraham go outside and look up at the stars. God used the stars in the night sky to help Abraham visualize the magnitude of his offspring. (Genesis 15:5–6)
Often we are limited by what we think is possible. How much more successful may we be when we allow God, through Whom all things are possible, to have His way in our lives? If we apply the visualization technique, all we have to do is see it—and let God work out the details.
Before reaching my success I’m going to see it—and through God’s help, I know I’ll achieve it!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Your Prayer Journal
Fans of nonfiction enjoy reading the biographical accounts of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. These tales of heroism, triumph and perseverance are often pieced together from journals, letters, and other personal writings and reflections. Lately, more Christians are beginning to keep prayer journals as a way to chronicle their walk with Christ.
Each day, many take time out to jot down their prayer requests, praise reports, or random thoughts in a prayer journal. Some Christians use this as a time of meditation. They may jot down a verse that has had an impact on them or key points from a sermon that were particularly relevant that day. The prayer journal may even be used as a way of communicating with God.
One of the blessings of a prayer journal is being able to go back and see how God has moved in your life. Often, when we are going through a trial or situation, we are unable to see the “big picture.” With a prayer journal, we are able to get a broader perspective. We can read about the events leading up to the situation, see how God was with us each day, and ultimately realize the miracles in our own lives that helped us get through. These are revelations that may only become apparent after the fact, when we are able to see it all on paper.
Moses understood the importance of keeping a prayer journal. The first five books of the Bible, or the Pentateuch, are a written account of how God blessed the Israelites. Moses often retold the historic narrative to the people of God to encourage them, motivate them, and humble them. And these are the words the Israelites passed on to their children and their children’s children so that they would always remember. (Deuteronomy 6:1–3)
Keep your prayer journal as a way to remember what God has done for you. Who knows—maybe it will become a best seller some day and help others, too!
Each day, many take time out to jot down their prayer requests, praise reports, or random thoughts in a prayer journal. Some Christians use this as a time of meditation. They may jot down a verse that has had an impact on them or key points from a sermon that were particularly relevant that day. The prayer journal may even be used as a way of communicating with God.
One of the blessings of a prayer journal is being able to go back and see how God has moved in your life. Often, when we are going through a trial or situation, we are unable to see the “big picture.” With a prayer journal, we are able to get a broader perspective. We can read about the events leading up to the situation, see how God was with us each day, and ultimately realize the miracles in our own lives that helped us get through. These are revelations that may only become apparent after the fact, when we are able to see it all on paper.
Moses understood the importance of keeping a prayer journal. The first five books of the Bible, or the Pentateuch, are a written account of how God blessed the Israelites. Moses often retold the historic narrative to the people of God to encourage them, motivate them, and humble them. And these are the words the Israelites passed on to their children and their children’s children so that they would always remember. (Deuteronomy 6:1–3)
Keep your prayer journal as a way to remember what God has done for you. Who knows—maybe it will become a best seller some day and help others, too!
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