In the first part of this series we talked about getting started with Affiliate marketing. In every start up business we need to consider both effectiveness and expense. Let’s begin where we left off.
Article writing is a great way, although not the quickest way, to get your name associated with the ‘niche’ that you have chosen. If you spend 15 minutes reading articles about your ‘niche’ and 15 minutes per day writing an article about your subject, in 6 days you can submit 6 articles. That will soon add up to 24 articles per month and 288 articles in one year. You can increase this as you get more comfortable and knowledgeable about your ‘niche.’
You’ve created a nice blog and populated it with articles about your ‘niche.’ Good start! Blogs are great because of the freedom that you have to write your opinion. Be aware though that the objective is to get people reading what you write. Give information, information, information. Do not fill your blog with ‘ad copy’ for posts. Build trust first by giving useful information. The more that you give, the more your posts and articles will be accepted and even anticipated.
We mentioned the Search Engine spiders in Part one of this series. These are the clever little software programs that rush out onto the ‘net’ and look for ‘content.’ Content is the information that you post on your blog and in your articles. This is spider food.
Now another little secret. You started a blog on WordPress.org. It looks good and you’ve posted several articles. You’re off and running. Why not go to another Blog Community (Blogger, etc) and start another blog and simply spend a few minutes each day posting the articles (maybe with a little modification) that you have posted on your first blog and submitted to the Article Databases. Remember that our objective is not to simply sell a product but to sell your name as a trusted source of information. You are moving closer to the 3% winners circle.
After you have a little blogging time under your bely, now is the time to go out and search for Blog Directories where you can submit your blog(s) for listing in their directory. This also gives added exposure to your blog.
While we are on the subject of blogging, let’s look at another aspect of blogging that will also get us noticed. Commenting. As you search through the blog directories and Search Engines to find information to fuel you article writing and blog posting, leave positive comments on the blogs that you encounter in the same or similar ‘niches.’ Most blog owners want you to comment. It adds substance to their blog. Again, most blog owners do not mind your leaving an URL to your blog as long as it is NOT an overt attempt to ’spam’ their blog with ad copy. They like for you to actually read their posts and make relevant comments. This also gives you an opportunity to have a one-way link back to your blog (another tasty tidbit for the SE spiders.)
After doing this, you should consider starting an enewsletter and letting people sign up for your newsletter on your blog. As your traffic increases, your readership increases. Visitors (potential customers) begin anticipating the ‘information’ that you give them. I would suggest that you use a verified opt in service for distributing your enewsletter. Get permission to send them your information.
eNewsletters are great and you can even sell advertising space after you have built a good list. We’ll begin discussing eNewsletters in another
article. The important things to remember here are:
1.) research
2.) write
3.) post
4.) comment on other blogs.
You are on your way to building a good, substantial business. These are foundational steps. Every good business must be built on a sturdy foundation.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What Every Affiliate Marketer Needs to Know Part 1
Every affiliate marketer needs to look for and use the most effective and the least expensive methods to generate traffic to his or her affiliate website. The concept of affiliate marketing is really profound when you take a close look. Someone offers a product or products for sale. The most cost effective advertising for a merchant is to seek affiliates to offer his or her products on their website. The affiliates earn money when a prospective customer visits his affiliate website and makes a purchase.
This is truly a unique opportunity for the average individual to create a successful business, selling other merchants’ products. There is no stock to maintain, no overhead (except for the cost of a website.) An smart affiliate can make a good living simply advertising the products of merchants who offer an affiliate program. Genius!
There is one major catch to this whole thing. An affiliate has to be able to generate traffic (a steady flow of interested customers) to his affiliate offerings. Unfortunately, statistics say that 97% of affiliate marketers earn little to no money. The reason is a simple one, when you take a close
objective look at what the majority of affiliate programs offer their affiliates as far as training goes. Most affiliate programs offer several overused email or ezine ads or give advice that is old and not affective in today’s Internet. This is why you see the same ads repeated thousands of times in emails, ezines and newsletters.
What is that secret ingredient that is missing? What is it that results in 97% failure? The better question is to look at the 3% who are racking in the dough. What does this 3% of affiliate marketers have that the other 97% are missing. You can sum it up in one little word – ‘TRUST.’ The successful Internet Marketer has worked diligently to build a list of people who trust their opinion. “How do they do that?” you ask. Well, I am so glad you asked.
There are quite a number of ways to do this, if you want to make serious money selling products. The very first thing that you need to do is change your mind. The biggest problem is that there are so many scam programs on the Internet that appeal to the lazy ‘sluggard’ who wants to join a program (because the ad copy is so appealing) and sit on his couch at home, do absolutely nothing and earn thousands of dollars every day. No matter what they promise, no matter how easy they make it sound, if you are not willing to put forth the effort to become a successful Internet Affiliate Marketer, you’ll soon join the ranks of the 97% of failures. The secret is to forget about just selling a product. There are thousands of others who are trying to sell the same product or service.
To become truly successful is going to take time and effort and a willingness to listen to wise counsel (those who have been there and done that.) There are ways to ‘build’ yourself a good business (the operative word is ‘build’) and ‘create’ a sustaining income.
The successful Internet Affiliate Marketer builds trust in his opinion. This takes time but the rewards speak for themselves. No matter what ‘they’ say, the product doesn’t sell itself. If this were true then the thousands of people selling the same product would all be rolling in money. Think of it
this way. If a total stranger tells you that the product he is offering you is the very best and you need to buy it from him within the next few minutes, would you believe him? If a trusted ‘expert’ that you have been following because they give you loads of information and have built a relationship with you offers you a product he indorses and tells you that you really need to get it, would you?
How do you build trust? Well, you need to purchase a really expensive website, pay a ton of money to have it hosted and spend a gazillion dollars advertising. NOT! The best advice I can give is:
1.) to pick a ‘niche’ (some area of interest that you really like),
2.) learn what you can, research it
3.) read as many articles about it that you can find
4.) begin to write about it, write articles (go to article directories and learn their article writing guidelines)
5.) Submit your articles to as many directories as possible.
6.) Sign up with one of the ‘blog’ communities (Blogger, Bogspot, WordPress, etc) and post the same articles that you submit to the directories in your own blog.
7.) Write, write , read, write, post, post, post, etc.
8.) Join Social Networks (facebook, twitter, etc.)
So far none of the above has cost you a penny (only your time). I’ll let you in on a little secret about blog. The Search Engines love ‘em. They are indexed quickly and revisited every time you post. When you make a post, the blog software sends a ‘ping’ (notice) to the SE spiders that diner is on the table.
This is just an introduction. There is a lot more coming in this series of articles. If you are serious about becoming successful and earning a good income, get started today.
This is truly a unique opportunity for the average individual to create a successful business, selling other merchants’ products. There is no stock to maintain, no overhead (except for the cost of a website.) An smart affiliate can make a good living simply advertising the products of merchants who offer an affiliate program. Genius!
There is one major catch to this whole thing. An affiliate has to be able to generate traffic (a steady flow of interested customers) to his affiliate offerings. Unfortunately, statistics say that 97% of affiliate marketers earn little to no money. The reason is a simple one, when you take a close
objective look at what the majority of affiliate programs offer their affiliates as far as training goes. Most affiliate programs offer several overused email or ezine ads or give advice that is old and not affective in today’s Internet. This is why you see the same ads repeated thousands of times in emails, ezines and newsletters.
What is that secret ingredient that is missing? What is it that results in 97% failure? The better question is to look at the 3% who are racking in the dough. What does this 3% of affiliate marketers have that the other 97% are missing. You can sum it up in one little word – ‘TRUST.’ The successful Internet Marketer has worked diligently to build a list of people who trust their opinion. “How do they do that?” you ask. Well, I am so glad you asked.
There are quite a number of ways to do this, if you want to make serious money selling products. The very first thing that you need to do is change your mind. The biggest problem is that there are so many scam programs on the Internet that appeal to the lazy ‘sluggard’ who wants to join a program (because the ad copy is so appealing) and sit on his couch at home, do absolutely nothing and earn thousands of dollars every day. No matter what they promise, no matter how easy they make it sound, if you are not willing to put forth the effort to become a successful Internet Affiliate Marketer, you’ll soon join the ranks of the 97% of failures. The secret is to forget about just selling a product. There are thousands of others who are trying to sell the same product or service.
To become truly successful is going to take time and effort and a willingness to listen to wise counsel (those who have been there and done that.) There are ways to ‘build’ yourself a good business (the operative word is ‘build’) and ‘create’ a sustaining income.
The successful Internet Affiliate Marketer builds trust in his opinion. This takes time but the rewards speak for themselves. No matter what ‘they’ say, the product doesn’t sell itself. If this were true then the thousands of people selling the same product would all be rolling in money. Think of it
this way. If a total stranger tells you that the product he is offering you is the very best and you need to buy it from him within the next few minutes, would you believe him? If a trusted ‘expert’ that you have been following because they give you loads of information and have built a relationship with you offers you a product he indorses and tells you that you really need to get it, would you?
How do you build trust? Well, you need to purchase a really expensive website, pay a ton of money to have it hosted and spend a gazillion dollars advertising. NOT! The best advice I can give is:
1.) to pick a ‘niche’ (some area of interest that you really like),
2.) learn what you can, research it
3.) read as many articles about it that you can find
4.) begin to write about it, write articles (go to article directories and learn their article writing guidelines)
5.) Submit your articles to as many directories as possible.
6.) Sign up with one of the ‘blog’ communities (Blogger, Bogspot, WordPress, etc) and post the same articles that you submit to the directories in your own blog.
7.) Write, write , read, write, post, post, post, etc.
8.) Join Social Networks (facebook, twitter, etc.)
So far none of the above has cost you a penny (only your time). I’ll let you in on a little secret about blog. The Search Engines love ‘em. They are indexed quickly and revisited every time you post. When you make a post, the blog software sends a ‘ping’ (notice) to the SE spiders that diner is on the table.
This is just an introduction. There is a lot more coming in this series of articles. If you are serious about becoming successful and earning a good income, get started today.
Where to now? The Christian Perspective
We are entering times of uncertainty. We have witnessed the dawn of a new era in Politics and Social Structure for our Nation. What should we do and what should we expect? We must, as Christians, realize that in every endeavor, marriage, parenting, finances, friendships and even politics, we must continue to pray.
Some are upset and worried about the outcome of the recent Presidential election. Some are elated by the outcome and the challenges that it offers. No matter what your personal view of the election, there is something that we must all do. Pray for our leaders, unceasingly.
Whether we agree with his political views or not, we have been set upon a course and we must actively seek God’s guidance. We must pray that not only will God lead our new President but that our new President will seek to follow God’s leading.
Above all, we must not let ourselves be swallowed up with political rhetoric. We must not simply sit idly by and accept what comes without doing what God has instructed us. Let’s take a look at Jeremiah 17:5-8 to reposition ourselves, our mindset.
Thus says the LORD,
“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind
And makes flesh his strength,
And whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6″For he will be like a bush in the desert
And will not see when prosperity comes,
But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness,
A land of salt without inhabitant.
7″Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
8″For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.
No matter who is President or Governor or Senator, we must NOT put our trust solely in what they tell us. Each of them is a man or woman who has his or her own agenda. Each of them has a particular ideology and has the ‘charismatic’ ability to lead others to agree with them.
Unfortunately, the majority of our fellow citizens have no true moral compass. Most are duped by human secularism and disdain the mention of God. They put their trust in man and depend on the ‘flesh’ for their strength. As stated by the prophet Jeremiah, they are cursed.
There is no need for us, as Christian believers, to follow blindly. We need to put our trust where it will work. We need to keep our focus on Christ and fervently pray for our leaders. We cannot just ignore what they do; we must take a biblical, proactive role. We must keep our focus on the only source of strength and abundance, Christ. Pray for our leaders. No matter who they are, they need Christ.
Some are upset and worried about the outcome of the recent Presidential election. Some are elated by the outcome and the challenges that it offers. No matter what your personal view of the election, there is something that we must all do. Pray for our leaders, unceasingly.
Whether we agree with his political views or not, we have been set upon a course and we must actively seek God’s guidance. We must pray that not only will God lead our new President but that our new President will seek to follow God’s leading.
Above all, we must not let ourselves be swallowed up with political rhetoric. We must not simply sit idly by and accept what comes without doing what God has instructed us. Let’s take a look at Jeremiah 17:5-8 to reposition ourselves, our mindset.
Thus says the LORD,
“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind
And makes flesh his strength,
And whose heart turns away from the LORD.
6″For he will be like a bush in the desert
And will not see when prosperity comes,
But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness,
A land of salt without inhabitant.
7″Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
8″For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.
No matter who is President or Governor or Senator, we must NOT put our trust solely in what they tell us. Each of them is a man or woman who has his or her own agenda. Each of them has a particular ideology and has the ‘charismatic’ ability to lead others to agree with them.
Unfortunately, the majority of our fellow citizens have no true moral compass. Most are duped by human secularism and disdain the mention of God. They put their trust in man and depend on the ‘flesh’ for their strength. As stated by the prophet Jeremiah, they are cursed.
There is no need for us, as Christian believers, to follow blindly. We need to put our trust where it will work. We need to keep our focus on Christ and fervently pray for our leaders. We cannot just ignore what they do; we must take a biblical, proactive role. We must keep our focus on the only source of strength and abundance, Christ. Pray for our leaders. No matter who they are, they need Christ.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Turning Hate Into Love - Making Friends out of Enemies
Let's suppose that you were at a large meeting, 50 to 100 people. What do you think the response would be if you asked for everyone who enjoyed criticism to raise his or her hand? From my own experience I would say that no one would respond to that question with a raised hand. You would probably hear a whole lot of mumbling and grumbling. What if you were to ask those in the meeting who hated criticism to raise his or her hand? There would probably be a loud whoosh sound from the raising of hands. Criticism, as we perceive it, is nothing more than an attack on our ideas and abilities. Most people think of criticism as the act of passing severe judgment. They see it as nothing more than censure or faultfinding. If you were to think back to your childhood, could you remember an instance where someone criticized you? I would venture to say that almost everyone can remember getting a severe rebuke or criticism that has left an indelible mark on them. I surely can remember several instances that happened years ago that had a strong negative impact on me.
I would do everything that I could to avoid criticism. This often limited my interaction with people, especially with those who I knew would be quick to point out things that I did not want to hear. Often when criticism was unavoidable, I simply counterattacked and defended my position. I was a master at rationalizing everything that I did or said. I could make excuses or, as often as possible, shift the blame to others.
After beginning my study of Solomon's Proverbs, I began to understand that my position on criticism was faulty and needed some consideration. When I meditated on Proverbs 15:32 (The Amplified Bible) "He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding," I began to form a different opinion about criticism. I could see that 'instruction', 'correction' and 'reproof' all pointed to the same thing - criticism. The American Heritage Dictionary comments that Critique has been used as a verb meaning "to review or discuss critically" since the 18th century, but lately this usage has gained much wider currency, in part because the verb criticize, once neutral between praise and censure, is now mainly used in a negative sense.
I can definitely see that Solomon used the word 'instruct' and 'instruction' in the true essence of their meaning. In the Hebrew language 'to instruct' and 'to discipline' are interchangeable. Though it grated against my ego, I had to accept the fact that even negative 'criticism' could hold some positive information that I could use. I began to understand that my reaction to criticism was more damaging than the criticism itself.
As I progressed in my study of Solomon's wisdom, I discovered Proverb 27:5, which literally revolutionized my concept of criticism. Proverbs 27:5 (NLT) "An open rebuke is better than hidden love!" When I began to wrap my mind around those words, I began a new episode in my ongoing journey to a successful life.
Do you remember when you first fell in love? Do you remember the sweetness of hearing the object of your affections whisper in your ear? Do you remember neatly folding the first note that you got from your first love and placing it in a safe place? I placed that note in my Bible and cherished it as though it were a priceless work of literary genius. Do you remember the first time that he or she leaned over and gave you your first kiss? These are all good memories of a first and secret love. I found it hard to believe that the wisest man who ever lived could say that an open rebuke could be better than those warm fuzzy feelings that I got from my first love encounter.
The more I considered Solomon's Proverb, the clearer it became. I began to listen, without retaliation, to the criticism of others. This was not an easy thing to do considering the size and depth to which my ego had grown. I really had to force myself to listen and bite my tongue. As I listened to (not just heard) the criticisms of others, I began to see things about myself that were rather hard to face. I knew that, if this was not going to be an exercise in futility, I would have to not only listen but embrace the comments of others. I realized that they were telling me how I appeared to others. I saw the flaws in my ideas and opinions, which caused me to appreciate the criticism.
When I realized that by excluding my egotistical reactions, this criticism was actually helpful. When I trained myself to listen and not simply to retaliate from anger, I began to benefit from the view that others had of me. When I stopped allowing my feelings to be damaged every time that someone pointed out something that needed to be changed, instead of defended, I saw the change in my perception of myself. I liked it. This was giving me a different perspective and an enhanced view of 'me.'
I began to consider all the time that I had spent trying to avoid criticism. What a lot of time I had wasted. We must all understand that Solomon’s concept of ‘criticism’ was different from the modern day concept. In the Hebrew of Solomon’s day, the word for reproof or criticism meant ‘disciplinary instruction.’ Today we have tried to soften the general concept of ‘criticism’ by referring to it as ‘constructive criticism.’
Solomon stated in Proverbs 1:29-33 a severe warning to those who refuse to listen to reproof or criticism. Proverbs 1:29-33(NKJV)”Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” What this boils down to is that those who refuse counsel and criticism will have their own way, but without a doubt their way will be their downfall. Read more at Pastor Bobby's Official Blog
I would do everything that I could to avoid criticism. This often limited my interaction with people, especially with those who I knew would be quick to point out things that I did not want to hear. Often when criticism was unavoidable, I simply counterattacked and defended my position. I was a master at rationalizing everything that I did or said. I could make excuses or, as often as possible, shift the blame to others.
After beginning my study of Solomon's Proverbs, I began to understand that my position on criticism was faulty and needed some consideration. When I meditated on Proverbs 15:32 (The Amplified Bible) "He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding," I began to form a different opinion about criticism. I could see that 'instruction', 'correction' and 'reproof' all pointed to the same thing - criticism. The American Heritage Dictionary comments that Critique has been used as a verb meaning "to review or discuss critically" since the 18th century, but lately this usage has gained much wider currency, in part because the verb criticize, once neutral between praise and censure, is now mainly used in a negative sense.
I can definitely see that Solomon used the word 'instruct' and 'instruction' in the true essence of their meaning. In the Hebrew language 'to instruct' and 'to discipline' are interchangeable. Though it grated against my ego, I had to accept the fact that even negative 'criticism' could hold some positive information that I could use. I began to understand that my reaction to criticism was more damaging than the criticism itself.
As I progressed in my study of Solomon's wisdom, I discovered Proverb 27:5, which literally revolutionized my concept of criticism. Proverbs 27:5 (NLT) "An open rebuke is better than hidden love!" When I began to wrap my mind around those words, I began a new episode in my ongoing journey to a successful life.
Do you remember when you first fell in love? Do you remember the sweetness of hearing the object of your affections whisper in your ear? Do you remember neatly folding the first note that you got from your first love and placing it in a safe place? I placed that note in my Bible and cherished it as though it were a priceless work of literary genius. Do you remember the first time that he or she leaned over and gave you your first kiss? These are all good memories of a first and secret love. I found it hard to believe that the wisest man who ever lived could say that an open rebuke could be better than those warm fuzzy feelings that I got from my first love encounter.
The more I considered Solomon's Proverb, the clearer it became. I began to listen, without retaliation, to the criticism of others. This was not an easy thing to do considering the size and depth to which my ego had grown. I really had to force myself to listen and bite my tongue. As I listened to (not just heard) the criticisms of others, I began to see things about myself that were rather hard to face. I knew that, if this was not going to be an exercise in futility, I would have to not only listen but embrace the comments of others. I realized that they were telling me how I appeared to others. I saw the flaws in my ideas and opinions, which caused me to appreciate the criticism.
When I realized that by excluding my egotistical reactions, this criticism was actually helpful. When I trained myself to listen and not simply to retaliate from anger, I began to benefit from the view that others had of me. When I stopped allowing my feelings to be damaged every time that someone pointed out something that needed to be changed, instead of defended, I saw the change in my perception of myself. I liked it. This was giving me a different perspective and an enhanced view of 'me.'
I began to consider all the time that I had spent trying to avoid criticism. What a lot of time I had wasted. We must all understand that Solomon’s concept of ‘criticism’ was different from the modern day concept. In the Hebrew of Solomon’s day, the word for reproof or criticism meant ‘disciplinary instruction.’ Today we have tried to soften the general concept of ‘criticism’ by referring to it as ‘constructive criticism.’
Solomon stated in Proverbs 1:29-33 a severe warning to those who refuse to listen to reproof or criticism. Proverbs 1:29-33(NKJV)”Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” What this boils down to is that those who refuse counsel and criticism will have their own way, but without a doubt their way will be their downfall. Read more at Pastor Bobby's Official Blog
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
How Does The Laws of Attraction Apply to Christians?
These days we hear a lot about ‘The Law of Attraction.’ I have read and re-read tons of informational websites, blog posts and testimonials for this ‘Wealth’ system. I agree with the majority of these principles, BUT, they have left out the PRIME ingredient. The essence of this Law of Attraction is attributed to ‘The Universe’. The only problem that I have with this is that, when ascribing to this principle, we are looking to a creation and not to the Creator.
At Jack Canfield’s website, it is stated “The Law of Attraction reveals The Secret to Everything you’ve ever wanted… Ever since the world found out about the Law of Attraction through the phenomenon of the movie, people from every corner of the globe have been asking Bob Proctor for more.” Unfortunately, this is not exactly accurate. Jesus Christ told us and Paul reiterated the basis for this principle many times.
He (Canfield) also has a quote from Vivekananda (1863 - 1902) “All the Powers of the Universe are Already Ours, It is We Who Have Put Our Hands Before Our Eyes and Cry that it is Dark!” This is such a very true statement. Even those who believe that they have been enlightened are still in the dark. They only imagine the light or simply ‘deny’ there state of darkness.
The Universe, in and of itself, only has the power that comes from the presence of the Creator of the Universe. The Creator, Jehovah God, created the Universe, applied the Law of Attraction and then gave the key that unlocks the power to those who love Him.
Christians have been taught to be subjective and to be victims of the enemy of mankind. Inadvertently, well meaning Christians in their attempt at piety, have crippled Christians and denied them the true source of the Law, any and all Law.
Through Christ we have been given dominion over all that is. We have been given, by Christs love and sacrificial offering, the power to literally ‘move mountains.’
2000 years ago Jesus stated (as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6) that we should not worry about what we have to eat, what we have to wear or where we have to live. He told us to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and then all of these will be added. He was telling us the true ’secret’ to the real Law of attraction. We need first to seek God and to learn everything that we can about Him. He even gave us a manual to do this, the Holy Bible.
When we seek Him first, we increase our faith in His desire to prosper us. His love and the wisdom that we seek will ‘attract’ His blessings. As far as I can discern, the Law of attraction churns into effect when we seek Him. When we become diligent students of His(the Creator of the Universe) Holy Wisdom, we will begin to attract His blessings and He will make us stewarde of His possessions (everything that exists.)
If you want to attract wealth, health and happiness, concentrate on the Creator and NOT the creation. You will win!
At Jack Canfield’s website, it is stated “The Law of Attraction reveals The Secret to Everything you’ve ever wanted… Ever since the world found out about the Law of Attraction through the phenomenon of the movie, people from every corner of the globe have been asking Bob Proctor for more.” Unfortunately, this is not exactly accurate. Jesus Christ told us and Paul reiterated the basis for this principle many times.
He (Canfield) also has a quote from Vivekananda (1863 - 1902) “All the Powers of the Universe are Already Ours, It is We Who Have Put Our Hands Before Our Eyes and Cry that it is Dark!” This is such a very true statement. Even those who believe that they have been enlightened are still in the dark. They only imagine the light or simply ‘deny’ there state of darkness.
The Universe, in and of itself, only has the power that comes from the presence of the Creator of the Universe. The Creator, Jehovah God, created the Universe, applied the Law of Attraction and then gave the key that unlocks the power to those who love Him.
Christians have been taught to be subjective and to be victims of the enemy of mankind. Inadvertently, well meaning Christians in their attempt at piety, have crippled Christians and denied them the true source of the Law, any and all Law.
Through Christ we have been given dominion over all that is. We have been given, by Christs love and sacrificial offering, the power to literally ‘move mountains.’
2000 years ago Jesus stated (as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew chapter 6) that we should not worry about what we have to eat, what we have to wear or where we have to live. He told us to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and then all of these will be added. He was telling us the true ’secret’ to the real Law of attraction. We need first to seek God and to learn everything that we can about Him. He even gave us a manual to do this, the Holy Bible.
When we seek Him first, we increase our faith in His desire to prosper us. His love and the wisdom that we seek will ‘attract’ His blessings. As far as I can discern, the Law of attraction churns into effect when we seek Him. When we become diligent students of His(the Creator of the Universe) Holy Wisdom, we will begin to attract His blessings and He will make us stewarde of His possessions (everything that exists.)
If you want to attract wealth, health and happiness, concentrate on the Creator and NOT the creation. You will win!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Into The Dark Room
Imagine walking into a room and suddenly having the feeling that you were in a place that you could not recognize. Everything seems as though it should be familiar but there is a nagging feeling that something is not quite the way it should be. It is the same feeling that you get when you are dreaming.
There are people in the room who are familiar. They are looking at you in a strange fashion, almost puzzled. A deep rooted panic begins to rise up inside of you, almost overwhelming your emotions. You suddenly feel that you must leave. Nothing else will do. You absolutely must leave. Your greatest desire is simply to go home. You know that you will be safe when you get there.
The others who are in the room with you try to convince you that you are home, nut you know better. You know that you must leave and your greatest desire is to be at home. The more that these people try to talk you into staying, the greater the desire to go home grows. You think to yourself, “why are they treating me like this?”
This is how I imagine my mother feels when she suddenly sinks into the grip of an Alzheimer’s ‘episode.’ I try to put myself in her position, but I cannot truly imagine the panic and disbelief that she feels. I want to understand and be reassuring, give her as much comfort and understanding as possible. This is an unwinnable situation. Her mental state and attitude will not allow this.
There is a cruel syndrome called ’sundowner’s’ that affects almost every Alzheimer’s Disease patient. Like clockwork, when the sun begins to go down, panic floods in and the confusion begins. It reminds me of a roller coaster ride. No matter how much you want it to stop, it will not. All I can do is watch and pray that daybreak comes soon.
The pain, heartache, that an Alzheimer’s patient’s caregiver feels is excruciating. The most difficult combination of emotions to overcome are anger, fear, and the heartbreak of watching someone you love sink into that dark pit of confusion brought on by this relentless disease.
So often I have prayed for God to step in and make things right again. I find myself asking for help, crying for help, agonizing. It is at these times that I can feel the beautiful and reassuring whisper of God in my spirit. I can feel his strength come into my body and my mind. I can feel His embrace. I know that He is telling me to love her, my mother, with the same unending love that He has for me and for her.
I know that this is not a punishment that God is put on me. I know that He has her spirit in His hand and that he will not let her suffer. I know that it is the enemy of all men who is pouring out the illusion of hopelessness to ensnare me. It is the enemy’s plan to do everything to steal my hope, kill my will and destroy my faith. Jesus told us this when He said that the enemy come to steal, kill and destroy.
When I surrender to the peace that God places in my heart, I see the situation in a different light. When I open my heart to His love, He fills me. It is when I allow His light, His love, to shine through me that I can see an amazing manifestation. When I look at my mother, taking her hand in mine and gently speaking to her, letting God’s love move through me, I see a remarkable change. I can see her relax.
Often, within minutes, the symptom will return. I know this is simply another attack of the enemy. I simply take her hand in mine and again project the love that God has placed in me. Even when the attacks persist, with the strength of Christ, I persist. Often it takes hours but the result is always the same. She will calm down and not remember what happened.
I know that I must stay strong and prayed up so that I can be her for her and give her the best. So often I think about those who are in the same position that I occupy, a caregiver. I wonder how it is possible for anyone to survive this without having the strength that come from Christ to fill him or her.
The simply fact is that without the strength that Christ gives me, I would not be able to take the day to day heartbreak of this monstrous disease.
There are people in the room who are familiar. They are looking at you in a strange fashion, almost puzzled. A deep rooted panic begins to rise up inside of you, almost overwhelming your emotions. You suddenly feel that you must leave. Nothing else will do. You absolutely must leave. Your greatest desire is simply to go home. You know that you will be safe when you get there.
The others who are in the room with you try to convince you that you are home, nut you know better. You know that you must leave and your greatest desire is to be at home. The more that these people try to talk you into staying, the greater the desire to go home grows. You think to yourself, “why are they treating me like this?”
This is how I imagine my mother feels when she suddenly sinks into the grip of an Alzheimer’s ‘episode.’ I try to put myself in her position, but I cannot truly imagine the panic and disbelief that she feels. I want to understand and be reassuring, give her as much comfort and understanding as possible. This is an unwinnable situation. Her mental state and attitude will not allow this.
There is a cruel syndrome called ’sundowner’s’ that affects almost every Alzheimer’s Disease patient. Like clockwork, when the sun begins to go down, panic floods in and the confusion begins. It reminds me of a roller coaster ride. No matter how much you want it to stop, it will not. All I can do is watch and pray that daybreak comes soon.
The pain, heartache, that an Alzheimer’s patient’s caregiver feels is excruciating. The most difficult combination of emotions to overcome are anger, fear, and the heartbreak of watching someone you love sink into that dark pit of confusion brought on by this relentless disease.
So often I have prayed for God to step in and make things right again. I find myself asking for help, crying for help, agonizing. It is at these times that I can feel the beautiful and reassuring whisper of God in my spirit. I can feel his strength come into my body and my mind. I can feel His embrace. I know that He is telling me to love her, my mother, with the same unending love that He has for me and for her.
I know that this is not a punishment that God is put on me. I know that He has her spirit in His hand and that he will not let her suffer. I know that it is the enemy of all men who is pouring out the illusion of hopelessness to ensnare me. It is the enemy’s plan to do everything to steal my hope, kill my will and destroy my faith. Jesus told us this when He said that the enemy come to steal, kill and destroy.
When I surrender to the peace that God places in my heart, I see the situation in a different light. When I open my heart to His love, He fills me. It is when I allow His light, His love, to shine through me that I can see an amazing manifestation. When I look at my mother, taking her hand in mine and gently speaking to her, letting God’s love move through me, I see a remarkable change. I can see her relax.
Often, within minutes, the symptom will return. I know this is simply another attack of the enemy. I simply take her hand in mine and again project the love that God has placed in me. Even when the attacks persist, with the strength of Christ, I persist. Often it takes hours but the result is always the same. She will calm down and not remember what happened.
I know that I must stay strong and prayed up so that I can be her for her and give her the best. So often I think about those who are in the same position that I occupy, a caregiver. I wonder how it is possible for anyone to survive this without having the strength that come from Christ to fill him or her.
The simply fact is that without the strength that Christ gives me, I would not be able to take the day to day heartbreak of this monstrous disease.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
What does success Really Mean?
To each person success means something different. For some, success is not having to worry about the mortgage, to others, keeping your children safe is a major breakthrough. Success is in the eye of the beholder.
I personally consider success to be a close personal relationship with Christ on the highest level of faith attainable. You may wonder what I’m talking about so here we go.
Some people consider amassing wealth, wearing a gold ROLEX, living in a fine home, driving a luxury car, etc, signs of success. To a lesser degree, this may be true. Christ, in The 6th Chapter of Matthew, told us not to worry about these thing. He told us that the FIRST thing we need to concern ourselves with is to seek the Kingdom of Heaven, then all of these things would be added to us. To me, this means that these things are not bad, there secondary.
We are to study to show ourselves approved in the eyes of God. The more that we learn about Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven, the greater level of faith we will attain and the greater level of success. God created all of this magnificent world, with all of its resources, for those who love Him. We need to concentrate on learning as much as we can about Christ, deepening our understanding and our level of faith in Him. This will bring success in every area of life.
We are going to suffer trials and tribulations in this life. These are not signs of ‘lack of success.’ These are signs of success. The greater the trial, the greater the victory. Each trial that confronts us is an opportunity to deepen our faith and win!
In an article about Jesus’ Parable about the 3 Servants, I attempt to explain this.
I have dedicated a great portion of my life to the study of God’s Wisdom (the Holy Bible). I feel that the answer to every question is there. All of the promises of God to His people and the directions to the fulfillment of these promises is there, if you take the time to study diligently (not just read).
I highly recommend that everyone study at the Christian Success Institute. There you will study God’s Holy Word (a Success Training Bible Study), the Wisdom of Solomon as it applies to every area of daily life (the practical applications) and a dynamite in depth marketing course that is designed to produce results.
God wants each believer to be successful in daily life, in personal relationships, in business and financial matters. He wants us to be the conduits through which the blessings of others will flow. How can a bunch of poor Christians feed the hungry, cloth the naked, house the homeless and educate the world about the Good News of Christ’s Saving Grace?
Think about it. Pray about it. Join me at The Christian Success Institute TODAY!
I personally consider success to be a close personal relationship with Christ on the highest level of faith attainable. You may wonder what I’m talking about so here we go.
Some people consider amassing wealth, wearing a gold ROLEX, living in a fine home, driving a luxury car, etc, signs of success. To a lesser degree, this may be true. Christ, in The 6th Chapter of Matthew, told us not to worry about these thing. He told us that the FIRST thing we need to concern ourselves with is to seek the Kingdom of Heaven, then all of these things would be added to us. To me, this means that these things are not bad, there secondary.
We are to study to show ourselves approved in the eyes of God. The more that we learn about Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven, the greater level of faith we will attain and the greater level of success. God created all of this magnificent world, with all of its resources, for those who love Him. We need to concentrate on learning as much as we can about Christ, deepening our understanding and our level of faith in Him. This will bring success in every area of life.
We are going to suffer trials and tribulations in this life. These are not signs of ‘lack of success.’ These are signs of success. The greater the trial, the greater the victory. Each trial that confronts us is an opportunity to deepen our faith and win!
In an article about Jesus’ Parable about the 3 Servants, I attempt to explain this.
I have dedicated a great portion of my life to the study of God’s Wisdom (the Holy Bible). I feel that the answer to every question is there. All of the promises of God to His people and the directions to the fulfillment of these promises is there, if you take the time to study diligently (not just read).
I highly recommend that everyone study at the Christian Success Institute. There you will study God’s Holy Word (a Success Training Bible Study), the Wisdom of Solomon as it applies to every area of daily life (the practical applications) and a dynamite in depth marketing course that is designed to produce results.
God wants each believer to be successful in daily life, in personal relationships, in business and financial matters. He wants us to be the conduits through which the blessings of others will flow. How can a bunch of poor Christians feed the hungry, cloth the naked, house the homeless and educate the world about the Good News of Christ’s Saving Grace?
Think about it. Pray about it. Join me at The Christian Success Institute TODAY!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Wise Counsel - Dealing With Fiery Trials
Often, as a Pastor, I am called upon to counsel others who are experiencing trials of life. This is often a very difficult thing to do. I find that the only way that I can truly advise others is by leaning heavily on God's Word and the strength that I know to be Christ.
This post is not about giving advice. It seems as though everyone has advice (good and/or bad) at the ready to solve everyones problems and dilemmas.This post deals with a more profound area of endeavor. This post is about taking advice.
Recently both my mother and my brother were critically ill and in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of a regional hospital. I was bouncing from bed three to bed nine, trying to keep one from knowing that the other was in critical condition. I was in a much different but critical situation. The stress was beginning to take it tole on me. My brother's wife and children were looking to me for guidance and comfort. My sister and aunt were looking to me for guidance and comfort and I was being drained of every ounce of energy, physical and spiritual, that I could muster.
I remember so many times having to counsel others in similar situations but there was no other human being who was there to counsel me in my stress and frustration. I took my own advice that I had given so many times to others. I turned to prayer and to God's Holy Word.
I turned to 1 Peter 1:5-7 which says, " who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"
God's Magnificent Spirit spoke to my spirit, reminding me that every trial and temptation that I would encounter in this physical world was nothing more than a 'fiery trial' of my faith. The enemy will come in during these trying and stressful times and try to kill my faith. He will whisper,"Where is God now when you need Him most? Why doesn't He answer your prayers and do for you what He has done for all of those for whom you have prayed? Why does He leave you to suffer? Aren't you a 'good' Christian?"
All of these things were there to weaken my faith, to challenge me and dishearten me. God's Spirit spoke to my spirit. " the genuineness of your faith, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." How is my fretting and worrying about the condition of my loved ones honoring and praising and bringing glory to Christ?
I began to rejoice in the opportunity to win this challenge. I began to praise God and thank Him for His strength and guidance. I began to rely on Him and to 'TRUST' His love and compassion. His plan is the ultimate and perfect plan. Whatever He was going to do would be perfect. I could literally feel the stress leave me. I could sense the enemy's frustration. I began to understand that God was most definitely in control and all I needed to do was praise Him and trust Him and not myself.
My brother passed away. He was very sick, and had been for a long time. He was a born again Christian - I led him in the prayer of salvation only a few months earlier. God's Holy Spirit guided me to realize that Carl had won the victory. He was were I want to be - in the presence of God. He was no longer suffering. He had definitely won the battle. My heart rejoiced for my brother's victory.
My mother began to recover from her 'critical' status. Several days later I was able to bring her home. I do not understand why God took my 50 year old brother and spared my eighty two year old mother who has Alzheimer's disease. I know, though, that His plan is perfect in every way. I love Him even more deeply now. He allowed me to win a victory in my faith. He made me a stronger individual because I chose to praise Him and give Him the glory for His work.
When you are faced with these fiery trials in life (and you will), trust that God knows what is best. Know that this is nothing more than a test of your faith. You will win the victory.
This post is not about giving advice. It seems as though everyone has advice (good and/or bad) at the ready to solve everyones problems and dilemmas.This post deals with a more profound area of endeavor. This post is about taking advice.
Recently both my mother and my brother were critically ill and in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of a regional hospital. I was bouncing from bed three to bed nine, trying to keep one from knowing that the other was in critical condition. I was in a much different but critical situation. The stress was beginning to take it tole on me. My brother's wife and children were looking to me for guidance and comfort. My sister and aunt were looking to me for guidance and comfort and I was being drained of every ounce of energy, physical and spiritual, that I could muster.
I remember so many times having to counsel others in similar situations but there was no other human being who was there to counsel me in my stress and frustration. I took my own advice that I had given so many times to others. I turned to prayer and to God's Holy Word.
I turned to 1 Peter 1:5-7 which says, " who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"
God's Magnificent Spirit spoke to my spirit, reminding me that every trial and temptation that I would encounter in this physical world was nothing more than a 'fiery trial' of my faith. The enemy will come in during these trying and stressful times and try to kill my faith. He will whisper,"Where is God now when you need Him most? Why doesn't He answer your prayers and do for you what He has done for all of those for whom you have prayed? Why does He leave you to suffer? Aren't you a 'good' Christian?"
All of these things were there to weaken my faith, to challenge me and dishearten me. God's Spirit spoke to my spirit. " the genuineness of your faith, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ." How is my fretting and worrying about the condition of my loved ones honoring and praising and bringing glory to Christ?
I began to rejoice in the opportunity to win this challenge. I began to praise God and thank Him for His strength and guidance. I began to rely on Him and to 'TRUST' His love and compassion. His plan is the ultimate and perfect plan. Whatever He was going to do would be perfect. I could literally feel the stress leave me. I could sense the enemy's frustration. I began to understand that God was most definitely in control and all I needed to do was praise Him and trust Him and not myself.
My brother passed away. He was very sick, and had been for a long time. He was a born again Christian - I led him in the prayer of salvation only a few months earlier. God's Holy Spirit guided me to realize that Carl had won the victory. He was were I want to be - in the presence of God. He was no longer suffering. He had definitely won the battle. My heart rejoiced for my brother's victory.
My mother began to recover from her 'critical' status. Several days later I was able to bring her home. I do not understand why God took my 50 year old brother and spared my eighty two year old mother who has Alzheimer's disease. I know, though, that His plan is perfect in every way. I love Him even more deeply now. He allowed me to win a victory in my faith. He made me a stronger individual because I chose to praise Him and give Him the glory for His work.
When you are faced with these fiery trials in life (and you will), trust that God knows what is best. Know that this is nothing more than a test of your faith. You will win the victory.
A Journey into Alzheimer's - A Journey of Love
Each of us has our ‘cross’ to bear. There are in this life a seemingly endless procession of trials and tribulations. Jesus told us that we would suffer these trials and tribulations and the Apostle Paul told us to consider them as joy.
I have always, in my Christian walk, took each trial and each instance of tribulation as an opportunity to win a victory. This has been a sustaining attribute of my Christian beliefs. I have found comfort in Christ and have won many battles because of my deep abiding love for Christ.
When I discovered that my dear sweet mother was entering the gates of a dimly lite and foggy world known as Alzheimer’s, everything that I knew was about to be tested. The fact of my mother’s condition weighed heavily on me. How could this be?
It may help to give a little info about my mother. She is, at this writing, 82 years old. In the 57 years that I have known her, she has been a source of happiness, strength and love in my life. She worked hard all of her life to make sure that her children and all of her family had the very best that she could offer. She has always been kind and loving and has always sacrificed her wishes and desires for the good of her family.
The onset of her dementia was rather sudden, not a slow progression as I had seen in others. It was as though her short term memory simply disappeared. She began to ask the same questions over and over, not remembering that 10 minutes earlier I had answered her.
At the beginning of every month she would take out her ‘bill’ journal and make out all of her accounting. She got to the point that she would just sit and stare at the accounting materials before her, not having the first clue as to what needed to be done. I took that burden over for her.
Days and months passed with the dementia taking a stronger hold. We visited her doctor, went to specialist and the conclusion was ‘Alzheimer’s Disease.’ We began treatment with Arasept, a medication designed for dementia patients. This seemed to slow the progression of the disease but there was no indication of her getting any better.
Years before, my mother had asked me to promise that I would never put her in a nursing home. I agreed dismissing the thought as absurd. A promise, however, is a promise. I chose to keep my mother at home and give her the best treatment that I could. I intend to keep my promise.
This has caused many changes and restrictions in my life. I have to be with her at all times. I cannot leave her alone because she gets confused and frightened when I am not there. Many of my friends and relatives think that I am foolish for giving up my wants and desires to take care of my mother. I admit that it is a very restrictive lifestyle but the things that I have learned are proving to be more valuable that I imagined.
Every day I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to give my mother the care that she deserves. I realized that she had worked and sacrificed to give me the things that I needed as I was growing up. This was her choice to do so. She could have given us up for adoption or abandoned us or simply ignored our needs but she did not. She care for and nurture us. Now it was my turn.
I realized that God was giving me an opportunity to take care of my mother. He was giving me the opportunity to learn about her and about myself. He was giving me the opportunity to be a blessing.
God, in His moral Law, commanded (not suggested) us to honor our mothers and fathers that our years would be longer. Even though I know that God did not cause my mothers affliction with this dreaded disease, He was using it to give me one of the most valuable lessons that I would ever learn. He was giving me to move from one level of faith to a much higher level. I could have felt sorry for myself and thrown a big ole pity party. I chose to take the challenge, give my mother the love and care that she so richly deserves and win another victory.
I realize that her condition will only worsen. I know that there will come a day when she will not recognize me. I know that it may even progress to the state that she will forget how to swallow and suffer all of the indignations that this horrific disease has to offer. I know this and I do not look forward to those times. However, I praise God for giving me the opportunity to care for her and for me to grow in the process. It would take volumes for me to explain the things about myself that I have already learned. The one most important thing that I have already learned is that I have learned to understand the love that God has given me. I know that the days and months ahead will bring great trials but I have also learned that the strength that abides in me can overcome every trial, every bad moment that is coming my way.
God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to grow and learn as I give my love and care to a woman, my mother, who has done nothing but love me. Without Christ in my life, this would really be almost unbearable.
I know that there are others out there who are faced with the same tragedy and even worse. These are opportunities for us to grow in Christ’s love. These are opportunities to take something that seems to be horrible and make them a beautiful testimony of love.
I have always, in my Christian walk, took each trial and each instance of tribulation as an opportunity to win a victory. This has been a sustaining attribute of my Christian beliefs. I have found comfort in Christ and have won many battles because of my deep abiding love for Christ.
When I discovered that my dear sweet mother was entering the gates of a dimly lite and foggy world known as Alzheimer’s, everything that I knew was about to be tested. The fact of my mother’s condition weighed heavily on me. How could this be?
It may help to give a little info about my mother. She is, at this writing, 82 years old. In the 57 years that I have known her, she has been a source of happiness, strength and love in my life. She worked hard all of her life to make sure that her children and all of her family had the very best that she could offer. She has always been kind and loving and has always sacrificed her wishes and desires for the good of her family.
The onset of her dementia was rather sudden, not a slow progression as I had seen in others. It was as though her short term memory simply disappeared. She began to ask the same questions over and over, not remembering that 10 minutes earlier I had answered her.
At the beginning of every month she would take out her ‘bill’ journal and make out all of her accounting. She got to the point that she would just sit and stare at the accounting materials before her, not having the first clue as to what needed to be done. I took that burden over for her.
Days and months passed with the dementia taking a stronger hold. We visited her doctor, went to specialist and the conclusion was ‘Alzheimer’s Disease.’ We began treatment with Arasept, a medication designed for dementia patients. This seemed to slow the progression of the disease but there was no indication of her getting any better.
Years before, my mother had asked me to promise that I would never put her in a nursing home. I agreed dismissing the thought as absurd. A promise, however, is a promise. I chose to keep my mother at home and give her the best treatment that I could. I intend to keep my promise.
This has caused many changes and restrictions in my life. I have to be with her at all times. I cannot leave her alone because she gets confused and frightened when I am not there. Many of my friends and relatives think that I am foolish for giving up my wants and desires to take care of my mother. I admit that it is a very restrictive lifestyle but the things that I have learned are proving to be more valuable that I imagined.
Every day I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to give my mother the care that she deserves. I realized that she had worked and sacrificed to give me the things that I needed as I was growing up. This was her choice to do so. She could have given us up for adoption or abandoned us or simply ignored our needs but she did not. She care for and nurture us. Now it was my turn.
I realized that God was giving me an opportunity to take care of my mother. He was giving me the opportunity to learn about her and about myself. He was giving me the opportunity to be a blessing.
God, in His moral Law, commanded (not suggested) us to honor our mothers and fathers that our years would be longer. Even though I know that God did not cause my mothers affliction with this dreaded disease, He was using it to give me one of the most valuable lessons that I would ever learn. He was giving me to move from one level of faith to a much higher level. I could have felt sorry for myself and thrown a big ole pity party. I chose to take the challenge, give my mother the love and care that she so richly deserves and win another victory.
I realize that her condition will only worsen. I know that there will come a day when she will not recognize me. I know that it may even progress to the state that she will forget how to swallow and suffer all of the indignations that this horrific disease has to offer. I know this and I do not look forward to those times. However, I praise God for giving me the opportunity to care for her and for me to grow in the process. It would take volumes for me to explain the things about myself that I have already learned. The one most important thing that I have already learned is that I have learned to understand the love that God has given me. I know that the days and months ahead will bring great trials but I have also learned that the strength that abides in me can overcome every trial, every bad moment that is coming my way.
God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to grow and learn as I give my love and care to a woman, my mother, who has done nothing but love me. Without Christ in my life, this would really be almost unbearable.
I know that there are others out there who are faced with the same tragedy and even worse. These are opportunities for us to grow in Christ’s love. These are opportunities to take something that seems to be horrible and make them a beautiful testimony of love.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pastor Bobby's Blog
I have found it to be easier to use one blog to consolidate time. Please visit me at Pastor Bobby's Official Blog Site
At my Official Weblog you will be able to see a greater number of post that deal with the Christian Success Institute and all of the exciting things that are happening there!
I look forward to seeing you there!
in Christ's Love
Pastor Bobby
At my Official Weblog you will be able to see a greater number of post that deal with the Christian Success Institute and all of the exciting things that are happening there!
I look forward to seeing you there!
in Christ's Love
Pastor Bobby
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Success Is All In Your Mind
How do you measure success? It's probably not exactly the same for any two people. While athletes measure success by wins or their personal best, a business owner may measure success by the amount of money their business nets every year.
Successful Christians do not measure success by the amount of wealth or physical possessions that they acquire but by the depth of their relationship with Christ and the understanding of God's Wisdom, The Holy Bible.
Regardless of how you measure success, it all starts in your mind...your subconscious mind, to be exact. While most people are familiar with the concept of the subconscious mind, few truly understand how to use its power to create the success (and happiness) that they desire. Remember that we are told in Philippians 2:5 (NKJV), “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” and in Romans 8:6 (NKJV), “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” All of use function on a physical level and our conscious mind. We also have the advantage of the influences on a spiritual level in our subconscious minds. What some call the subconscious, a successful Christian knows to be a powerful functioning spiritual mind influenced by ‘the mind that was in Christ’ or the Holy Spirit of God who gives us the power to succeed and offers us eternal happiness.
To take advantage of this incredibly powerful presence, you must first ready your subconscious mind for the success you are seeking. Without a clear, consistent "picture" of the results you seek, your subconscious mind can actually sabotage even your best efforts. Where do we get this consistent “picture”. We are able to form that picture through constant and diligent study of the Wisdom of God, His Holy Written Word.
Any time there is confusion, your subconscious will strive to help you achieve your goals. That's why the more concise your goal and your mental image of its results, the better the chances you'll achieve it. By focusing on the diligent study of God’s Word and a concise concept of what you want to achieve, you're helping your subconscious mind with the help of the Holy Spirit of God to manifest that result in your physical reality.
It's very important to monitor what you tell your subconscious verbally and silently. Most people are surprised to find when they actually start to "listen" to the words they use on a daily basis that they are issuing counterproductive "requests" to their subconscious.
Make sure to use positive descriptions when speaking aloud or to yourself silently about your goals. Instead of saying "I won't be tempted anymore", phrase your request in a positive way: "I am strong through the strength that Christ gives me.” Our words hold the power of life or death.
Also, it's important to use a present tense, not a future tense like "I will be strong" as your subconscious takes everything literally. If your request is in the future, you will subconsciously think that nothing needs to change now. You, physically and spiritually, live in the present. “I am strong because I have the strength that Christ gives me.”
Be careful not to use negative words accidentally: such as "I'm not going to be poor any more." Your subconscious mind doesn't understand words like "not", "doesn't" or "won't". It will automatically delete those words from your request which will almost always create the opposite meaning and results of your goal!
There are many techniques you can use to create clear pictures of your completed goal. Most find that imagining a movie in their mind of what it will be like when you achieve your goal to replay in your thoughts to be very effective. For example, if you're trying to wipe out your credit card debt, imagine yourself receiving statements from your credit card companies with a $0 balance on the payment section.
Remember, what you focus on expands. You must focus on Christ. “Seek first the kingdom of Heaven and then everything else will be added to you.” If you constantly see yourself overweight, or in debt, that's what your subconscious mind will continue to create for you in your reality. Study and concentrate on the promises that God has made to you. It's very simple and takes very little time to mentally produce a "movie" that gives your subconscious a clear idea of what results you expect. With consistent attention and effort toward what you DO expect, you'll be amazed at the results you can create with your mind!
Successful Christians do not measure success by the amount of wealth or physical possessions that they acquire but by the depth of their relationship with Christ and the understanding of God's Wisdom, The Holy Bible.
Regardless of how you measure success, it all starts in your mind...your subconscious mind, to be exact. While most people are familiar with the concept of the subconscious mind, few truly understand how to use its power to create the success (and happiness) that they desire. Remember that we are told in Philippians 2:5 (NKJV), “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” and in Romans 8:6 (NKJV), “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” All of use function on a physical level and our conscious mind. We also have the advantage of the influences on a spiritual level in our subconscious minds. What some call the subconscious, a successful Christian knows to be a powerful functioning spiritual mind influenced by ‘the mind that was in Christ’ or the Holy Spirit of God who gives us the power to succeed and offers us eternal happiness.
To take advantage of this incredibly powerful presence, you must first ready your subconscious mind for the success you are seeking. Without a clear, consistent "picture" of the results you seek, your subconscious mind can actually sabotage even your best efforts. Where do we get this consistent “picture”. We are able to form that picture through constant and diligent study of the Wisdom of God, His Holy Written Word.
Any time there is confusion, your subconscious will strive to help you achieve your goals. That's why the more concise your goal and your mental image of its results, the better the chances you'll achieve it. By focusing on the diligent study of God’s Word and a concise concept of what you want to achieve, you're helping your subconscious mind with the help of the Holy Spirit of God to manifest that result in your physical reality.
It's very important to monitor what you tell your subconscious verbally and silently. Most people are surprised to find when they actually start to "listen" to the words they use on a daily basis that they are issuing counterproductive "requests" to their subconscious.
Make sure to use positive descriptions when speaking aloud or to yourself silently about your goals. Instead of saying "I won't be tempted anymore", phrase your request in a positive way: "I am strong through the strength that Christ gives me.” Our words hold the power of life or death.
Also, it's important to use a present tense, not a future tense like "I will be strong" as your subconscious takes everything literally. If your request is in the future, you will subconsciously think that nothing needs to change now. You, physically and spiritually, live in the present. “I am strong because I have the strength that Christ gives me.”
Be careful not to use negative words accidentally: such as "I'm not going to be poor any more." Your subconscious mind doesn't understand words like "not", "doesn't" or "won't". It will automatically delete those words from your request which will almost always create the opposite meaning and results of your goal!
There are many techniques you can use to create clear pictures of your completed goal. Most find that imagining a movie in their mind of what it will be like when you achieve your goal to replay in your thoughts to be very effective. For example, if you're trying to wipe out your credit card debt, imagine yourself receiving statements from your credit card companies with a $0 balance on the payment section.
Remember, what you focus on expands. You must focus on Christ. “Seek first the kingdom of Heaven and then everything else will be added to you.” If you constantly see yourself overweight, or in debt, that's what your subconscious mind will continue to create for you in your reality. Study and concentrate on the promises that God has made to you. It's very simple and takes very little time to mentally produce a "movie" that gives your subconscious a clear idea of what results you expect. With consistent attention and effort toward what you DO expect, you'll be amazed at the results you can create with your mind!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
It's amazing
It is amazing the number of emails that I receive from those who try to discourage me from 'preaching prosperity.' This first of all tells me that they have not read what I teach at the Christian Success Institute. They quote scriptures and try to convince me that wealth and the pursuit of wealth is evil and that I am leading people away from Christ. Some have even told me that to be pious means that you must suffer.
Have these people even read the Holy Bible? I find it hard to believe that these people are experiencing an original thought. I hear echoes of past teaching where the 'church' wanted to keep the masses in control by not allowing them to learn to read. Keep the people dumb and poor and they would be easier to control.
I have read and re-read the Holy Bible. I believe God when He says that He wants us to prosper as our souls prosper. I believe Him when He says to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and His Righteousness. I believe Him when He tells me that He has created this wonderful world for His favorite creation - mankind.
Why would a God who is a Spirit living in a Spiritual Kingdom have a need for anything physical? Why did He create gold and silver and diamonds and rubies? Why did He create this beautiful physical world with all of its bounty and resources? He created it for those who love Him. It was our disobedience that caused us to loose the dominion over this entire world, the dominion which He gave us.
I realize that the pursuit of wealth for selfishness and greed is definitely wrong and will lead to sin. When we worship that which is created more than the One who created it, we stray from the true path to success. When we allow our greed to motivate us, we are headed for a slippery slope.
In Matthew 6:30-36 Jesus tells us not to worry about what we shall have to eat or to drink or where we will live. He said seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness. In 2 Timothy 2:15 we are told to study to show ourselves approved.
God knows that it takes money to buy food, to pay the mortgage, to drive a car, to have electricity. It takes money for us to live and it takes money to support those who go into the field to spread the Good News. That is simply the fact of living in this physical world. How can a bunch of poor Christians live and support those who are out spreading the Gospel?
He wants us to prosper. He wants us to seek Him. He wants each one of us to be stewards of all of His physical possessions (the gold, the silver, the cattle on a thousand hills.) He wants us to have enough, an abundance, not for our own greed but to provide for those who do not have. He wants each of us to be a conduit for the blessings of others.
Remember when Jesus said that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle that for a wealthy man to enter heaven? What do you think that He meant? The Eye of The Needle is a small, short gate into the city that was used after nightfall. It was difficult to maneuver. The camels, laden with their cargo, had to get down on their knees to go inside of the walled city through the small gate. It was difficult but not impossible.
A wealthy man who is in love with his wealth will never bend to his knees. He will always stand proud and haughty. A successful Christian stays on his knees praising God for His favor.It is our duty to study diligently to learn everything about our Holy God and the promises that He has made. In His Holy Bible He has given us all of the directions for living successfully. When our focus is on Christ, our hearts and our minds are on Christ. He will favor us. He will open the windows of heaven to shower us with everything that we will need to accomplish His will for us in this life. The more we diligently study His Word, the more we will show ourselves approved to be stewards of His possessions. He will bless us in order for us to bless others.
Psalms 1:1-3
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Isaiah 1:19
19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
Have these people even read the Holy Bible? I find it hard to believe that these people are experiencing an original thought. I hear echoes of past teaching where the 'church' wanted to keep the masses in control by not allowing them to learn to read. Keep the people dumb and poor and they would be easier to control.
I have read and re-read the Holy Bible. I believe God when He says that He wants us to prosper as our souls prosper. I believe Him when He says to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and His Righteousness. I believe Him when He tells me that He has created this wonderful world for His favorite creation - mankind.
Why would a God who is a Spirit living in a Spiritual Kingdom have a need for anything physical? Why did He create gold and silver and diamonds and rubies? Why did He create this beautiful physical world with all of its bounty and resources? He created it for those who love Him. It was our disobedience that caused us to loose the dominion over this entire world, the dominion which He gave us.
I realize that the pursuit of wealth for selfishness and greed is definitely wrong and will lead to sin. When we worship that which is created more than the One who created it, we stray from the true path to success. When we allow our greed to motivate us, we are headed for a slippery slope.
In Matthew 6:30-36 Jesus tells us not to worry about what we shall have to eat or to drink or where we will live. He said seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness. In 2 Timothy 2:15 we are told to study to show ourselves approved.
God knows that it takes money to buy food, to pay the mortgage, to drive a car, to have electricity. It takes money for us to live and it takes money to support those who go into the field to spread the Good News. That is simply the fact of living in this physical world. How can a bunch of poor Christians live and support those who are out spreading the Gospel?
He wants us to prosper. He wants us to seek Him. He wants each one of us to be stewards of all of His physical possessions (the gold, the silver, the cattle on a thousand hills.) He wants us to have enough, an abundance, not for our own greed but to provide for those who do not have. He wants each of us to be a conduit for the blessings of others.
Remember when Jesus said that it would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle that for a wealthy man to enter heaven? What do you think that He meant? The Eye of The Needle is a small, short gate into the city that was used after nightfall. It was difficult to maneuver. The camels, laden with their cargo, had to get down on their knees to go inside of the walled city through the small gate. It was difficult but not impossible.
A wealthy man who is in love with his wealth will never bend to his knees. He will always stand proud and haughty. A successful Christian stays on his knees praising God for His favor.It is our duty to study diligently to learn everything about our Holy God and the promises that He has made. In His Holy Bible He has given us all of the directions for living successfully. When our focus is on Christ, our hearts and our minds are on Christ. He will favor us. He will open the windows of heaven to shower us with everything that we will need to accomplish His will for us in this life. The more we diligently study His Word, the more we will show ourselves approved to be stewards of His possessions. He will bless us in order for us to bless others.
Psalms 1:1-3
1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Isaiah 1:19
19 If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Marketing Myths About Home Based Businesses And Network Marketing Programs Revealed
It is just amazing how much garbage there is on the Internet today. Everybody has the perfect plan for the perfect program that's going to make me an armchair millionaire. It is simply wonderful how all of these people are so thoughtful that they make me the offer to get rich fast without having to do anything but join their program. They will do all of the work, I will sit in my recliner at home and watch my bank account grow almost out of control!
I will be able to earn a 6 figure income (every month!) and I won’t have to lift a finger or break a sweat! I am so grateful to all of those wealthy and wonderful people who are willing to share all of this fortune with me, for a minimal fee. They will even, if I want, teach me all of their marketing techniques!
Through the years, since the public introduction of the Internet, anyone who has been watching and paying attention has seen literally thousands of 'make money right now' programs come ----- and go. They all use the same 'catch phrases' and hype (which turns out to be a load of bovine fertilizer.) Promising everything and delivering nothing, nada, zilch, squat! (Except for the loss of my time, my effort and my money.) “Fire your Boss!” “Make $10,000.00 in the next 30 days!” etc. etc
There are some very skillful copywriters out there (people who write sales copy for ads and web sites.) Not only can they talk an Eskimo into investing in an ice farm but they'll teach you how to do the same - for a minimal fee, of course. I am overcome by the magnanimity and overt generosity of these Internet Millionaires.
I decided to do a little research. (This took several months but) I contacted hundreds of these ‘armchair millionaire’ affiliates. These were, for the most part, ordinary citizens with a dream of wealth and happiness who took the bait and signed up for some of these programs. After talking for a while, I found that they had not quite made it yet but that their ‘up line’ sponsor had promised that if they stuck with it and screamed the offer at everyone within three feet of them, they would be rolling in dough in no time.
Most of the marketing techniques that these 'up line sponsors' teach are a load of rehashed garbage that just simply does nothing more than keep you busy while they try to get you to upgrade and spend more money. They want you to hound your family and friends and everyone with whom you come in contact to join the ‘program.’ They promise to teach you the latest ‘proven’ techniques for marketing. Some have even made millions promising to teach you marketing techniques that will ‘explode’ you email in box with people anxious to buy from you!
Can anybody relate to this? Have you seen these outrageous advertisements?
The truly amazing part of this is that everyday thousands upon thousands of anxious Web surfers fall for the hype. You see, the majority of these hype-mongers, I mean copywriters, are true experts - at getting you to spend your money. Unfortunately, what they teach you doesn't work. They do not teach you the truth. Now this does not apply to ALL copywriters. There are some, I admit, who are spot on and truly do offer useful products and services. The major problem is how is it possible to tell the sheep from the wolves. Who is telling the truth and who is coating you with a layer of BF (bovine fertilizer) so thick that you can not see the truth? How do you separate the wheat from the tares? How do you discern the truth?
It does not take a PhD in psychology to know that everybody can use more money and an easier lifestyle. Everyone wants to spend more time with his or her kids or to take vacations. Everyone wants a better car, a bigger home and enough cash to pay for educating himself/herself or his/her children. These are givens. Most Internet marketers know this and appeal to the web site visitors' greed and not his need. They think that the average Joe or JoAnne is only slightly above the mental level of a chimp (with enough money to waste on buying their product.)
Well, I said all of that to say this. After all of my years of research, frustration, aggravations, spending 'hard earned' money, I have discovered a cold, bone chilling fact. The funny part (the strange not comical part) is that it was right underneath my nose the whole time and I could not see it! (Not to imply that my nose is too big to see over or around!) The ‘secret’ to finding success in any endeavor is NOT luck or chance. It is not even finding the most magnificent product. The secret is ‘diligence.’
No matter what you are trying to accomplish, an improved marital relationship or better parent child relationship or success in business, the ‘secret’ for you to find success in any of these projects is consistency and diligence in studying, thinking, planning and a willingness to accept ‘wise counsel’ before jumping in. If the offer sounds ‘too good to be true,’ you need to take the time to explore all aspects of it.
Diligently study and search out others who have been involved with what you are considering. Educate yourself and seek understanding of everything that will be necessary for you to succeed. There are some wonderful programs on the Internet. There are many opportunities to make a good living and improve your lifestyle. You must take the time and put forth the effort to learning what works and what does not work. Be diligent!
The Christian Visionary
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Successful Entrepreneur - Solomon's Description
http://christian-success-institute.org teaches biblical success principles through intense studies of Solomon's Success Principles in Proverbs. You can become a successful entrepreneur God's way.
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