It's A New Season

And ye shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:3

Have you ever been in a season of your life, whether personal or business, where you have felt that you were at a standstill? In this time, you felt that no matter how hard you wanted to, your inner spirit "seemed to be" bearing no fruit? This phenomena is what people in the business world refer to as feast or famine. It is when you have a marketing plan in place and you have been working it effortlessly but no new sales occur. Did you know that the Bible tells us that there is a time and a season for everything under the sun? Not only that, but Psalms 1:3 goes on to say that we will bring forth fruit in our season.

After meditating that verse I began to see its relevance in personal and business life. Today, for example, I no longer fret the fact that my business has been seasonal up to this point. By observing my financial reports over the years I can see that revenues are typically higher during the Fall and Winter seasons. Upon closer examination, the income statement shows me that I am busiest with clients during specific times of the year because certain activities (fruit) are coming forth in that season. This awareness changed my entire perspective of the confession that I used to have. I no longer say that I have seasons of "feast or famine" because like the tree, there is a season to bring forth every type of fruit.

Fruit is symbolic of something manifested during harvest season. The process requires seeds that are sown, watered, and birthed into the earth. As business owners, we sow many types of seeds, whether they are time, talent, or treasure. We should be mindful that fruit can come in many forms. Just as there are apple, pear, and oranges manifested in season, we may see sales, new client relationships, and new opportunities to evolve our business in different season.
Just because the financial statements do not show the fruit of sales does not mean that it is not due season. The principle thing is patience and knowing what season you are in. Going forth, consider the following:

Have you built many different activities into marketing strategy to ensure that you reap a harvest in season? When sales are slow, are you sowing your time to help others? Are you getting exposure in the market? Use your time, talent, and treasure in ways that are fitting for the season that you are in. Prepare for and expect new opportunities to come your way today. Look for the harvest to manifest in its season.

In His Service,

Benita Tyler
Web: http://www.tbsusa.com/
Blog: http://www.iencourageyou.blogspot.com/

What Blocks Your Worship?

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

In the book, The Air I Breathe, the author describes fans at a Michael Jackson concert stating,

"Some of the purest forms of worship are found outside the walls of the church...some fell to their knees, others with outstretched hands, ... with a look of total awe on their face. ...and you can see it when your favorite band plays, or your favorite team."

After considering his statement, I began to wonder why some believers hold back their worship during church services. One of the answers that I found is the inability to remain focused while in the presence of God. When there is corporate worship, there can be a lot going on around you. Babies cry. Adults walking. Friends reuniting with holy embrace.

It takes discipline to focus on that which cannot be seen. As we worship, we need to put down our flesh and tendencies to watch the shows around us. These sideshow distractions that keep us from seeking the Lord with all our heart. When we do so, our spirit man becomes alive and able to get into the secret place where the Lord dwells.

Other times we may not feel open to worship. This causes us to keep our fleshly guards up because of our concern to what people around us may think. Finally, some believe they will look weird or out of place because public worship is not something that they practice on a regular basis.

To become totally wrapped up in the warmth of God's love, we must allow Him in. The Word of God tells us that we are to "draw nigh to him." He is waiting for us with loving arms to seek His face and enjoy His presence.

Try this. The next time you find yourself in a corporate worship environment, simply close your eyes and become quiet before singing one verse of the song that is being played. Allow your spirit to listen for God's voice and to experience His presence. If you are distracted by sitting with your brothers and sisters in Christ, step out from among them and get as close to the altar as you can. Touch the throne of God and tell Him how much you love Him. This is a time especially set aside for you and your creator. It is a time for you to tell Him what He means to you, to give Him praise, and to honor Him for who He is in your life.

In His Service.

Assignment:

This week consider how you can make your worship time with God more special? What are the things that hinder you?

Pray this prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You for inviting me to draw near to you. I want to hear your voice and to know you more intimately. Help me to get rid of the hindrances that cause me to not be able to get into your presence. Show me the side of You that will remind my spirit to be in awe, reverance, and gratitude for who you are. I give you all the glory, honor, and attention that you deserve.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.