The NJ Podcast

The Holy Spirit

Good morning, brothers and sisters. Today, we are going to talk about the Holy Spirit. But first, let me share a funny story with you.

Once, a pastor asked his congregation, "How many of you have heard of the Holy Spirit?" Everyone raised their hand except for one elderly woman. The pastor asked her, "Sister, you haven't heard of the Holy Spirit?" She replied, "No, but I have heard of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Bible!"

While this story is funny, it also highlights a common misconception about the Holy Spirit. Many people may know about God the Father and Jesus Christ, but they may not be as familiar with the Holy Spirit. However, the Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Holy Trinity.

In John 14:16-17, Jesus said, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

The Holy Spirit is not just a force or an idea; he is a person who is with us and in us. He is our advocate and helper, and he guides us into all truth. Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot truly understand the Bible or live a truly Christian life.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus also said, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. He gives us the strength and courage to share our faith with others, even in difficult circumstances.

The Holy Spirit is also the one who produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These are not qualities that we can produce on our own; they are the result of the Holy Spirit working in us.

So, how do we receive the Holy Spirit? In Acts 2:38, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

When we repent of our sins and put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are baptized in water and receive the Holy Spirit. We also receive the Holy Spirit when we pray and ask for him (Luke 11:13).

As we conclude this sermon, I want to encourage you to seek the Holy Spirit in your life. Ask him to fill you and empower you to live a truly Christian life. If you have not yet received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to come forward and make that decision today. Let us pray together.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending us the Holy Spirit. We ask that you fill us with your Spirit and empower us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. For those who have not yet received Jesus, we pray that they would come forward and make that decision today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Thriving Project Management Thursdays - How AI is Changing Project Management for the Better.

Welcome to "Thriving Project Management Thursdays," where we explore the latest trends, tools, and tips for project management professionals. In this episode, we will be discussing how AI is changing project management for the better.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, has been making waves in the business world for years, and it's no different in the project management industry. AI is already being used to streamline processes, automate tasks, and improve decision-making capabilities. It's no wonder that the use of AI in project management is projected to grow by over 200% in the next five years.

One of the most significant ways AI is changing project management is by improving task automation. With the help of machine learning algorithms, AI can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns that would be difficult for humans to detect. This can help project managers automate repetitive tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and status updates. By automating these tasks, project managers can free up more time to focus on higher-level tasks that require human expertise and decision-making.

AI is also improving decision-making capabilities by providing project managers with real-time insights and recommendations. With the help of predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms, AI can analyze data from past projects to predict future outcomes, identify potential roadblocks, and provide suggestions on how to avoid them. This can help project managers make informed decisions quickly and confidently, leading to more successful project outcomes.

Another area where AI is changing project management for the better is by improving project communication and collaboration. With the help of chatbots and natural language processing, project managers can communicate with team members and stakeholders more efficiently. Chatbots can help answer common questions, provide status updates, and even schedule meetings, freeing up project managers' time to focus on more critical tasks. Natural language processing can also help identify potential communication breakdowns by analyzing the tone and sentiment of team members' messages, helping project managers proactively address any issues.

One example of how AI is changing project management for the better is demonstrated by the construction industry. In the past, construction projects were notorious for running over budget and schedule. However, with the help of AI, construction companies can now predict potential delays and cost overruns more accurately. By analyzing data from past projects and current conditions, AI algorithms can predict potential delays and cost overruns, allowing project managers to take proactive steps to mitigate these issues.

Quotes from Experts:

"AI is transforming project management by providing more accurate and reliable data, which is critical to making informed decisions." - Alex Hood, VP of Product at Asana

"The adoption of AI in project management will only continue to grow as companies recognize the benefits it provides in terms of efficiency and productivity." - Patrice Embry, Project Management Expert

Real-life Stories:

One company that has successfully incorporated AI into their project management processes is Siemens. The company uses AI to predict potential delays and cost overruns in construction projects. By analyzing data from past projects and current conditions, AI algorithms can predict potential issues, allowing project managers to take proactive steps to mitigate them. As a result, Siemens has been able to complete projects on time and within budget, leading to greater customer satisfaction and increased profitability.

Another example is the use of AI in agile project management. AI can help teams identify potential roadblocks and suggest ways to address them, leading to faster and more successful project outcomes. One company that has successfully implemented AI in its agile project management processes is T-Mobile. The company uses AI to analyze data from past projects and current conditions to predict potential issues and provide recommendations for addressing them. As a result, T-Mobile has been able to improve their agile processes and deliver projects more quickly and efficiently.

Overall, the use of AI in project management is a game-changer, providing project managers with new tools and capabilities that can lead to more successful project outcomes. As the technology continues to evolve, it's important for project managers to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in AI to ensure they are well-positioned for success.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of "Thriving Project Management Thursdays." We hope you found this discussion informative and useful. Join us next week as we explore another topic related to project management.

Key References:

"How AI is Changing Project Management," by Forbes, January 2021

"The Future of Work: AI and Project Management," by Deloitte, December 2020

"The Impact of AI on Project Management," by Gartner, January 2021

"AI in Project Management: Use Cases and Benefits," by Techopedia, January 2021

Books:

"Artificial Intelligence for Project Managers," by Jerry Kaplan

"The AI Advantage: How to Put the Artificial Intelligence Revolution to Work," by Thomas H. Davenport

False Preachers

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, I want to talk about something that is of utmost importance to all of us. It's something that can be hard to face, but it's vital for our spiritual well-being. I want to talk about false preachers.

Now, before we get started, let me tell you a funny story. There was once a man who went to church every Sunday and listened to the pastor preach. But he always felt like something was off. One day, he decided to test the pastor. As he was leaving the church, he stopped the pastor and said, "Excuse me, pastor. Can you tell me what the 11th commandment is?" The pastor thought for a moment and replied, "I'm sorry, I don't know." The man smiled and said, "I thought so." He walked away feeling justified in his suspicions.

But brothers and sisters, we must be careful not to judge too quickly. False preachers can be hard to spot. They can appear to be sincere, but their teachings are twisted and dangerous. The Bible warns us about them in 2 Peter 2:1-3:

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed, these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping."

We must be on guard against false preachers, but how do we know who they are? Here are a few signs to look out for:

They twist the scriptures to fit their own agenda. They take Bible verses out of context and use them to support their own teachings.

They promote a prosperity gospel, claiming that God wants us to be wealthy and successful.

They make grandiose claims about their own spiritual gifts and authority.

They focus more on money and material possessions than on the gospel message.

Now, let's look at what the Bible says about false preachers. Matthew 7:15-20 tells us:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits."

We must judge a preacher's teachings by the fruits they bear. Does their ministry lead people to Christ and produce good works? Or does it cause division, greed, and confusion?

In conclusion, we must be vigilant against false preachers who seek to lead us astray. We must test everything against the Word of God and judge their teachings by the fruits they bear. Let us pray for discernment and wisdom in these matters, and let us commit to following only the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

And if there is anyone here today who has been led astray by a false preacher, I invite you to come forward and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior. Let us pray together and ask for forgiveness and guidance as we seek to follow the true path of righteousness. Amen.

Five Point Fridays - "Five Life Hacks for a More Productive Morning"

Welcome to Five Point Fridays, where we share five practical tips on various topics to help you make the most of your life. I'm your host, NJ, and today, we'll be discussing five life hacks for a more productive morning. We all know how important it is to start our day right, and these techniques can help you do just that. So, let's dive in!

The Miracle Morning Routine

A great example of a morning routine comes from Hal Elrod, author of "The Miracle Morning." Elrod says, "How you wake up each day and your morning routine dramatically affects your levels of success in every single area of your life." His routine consists of six activities, which he calls "Life S.A.V.E.R.S." These include silence (meditation), affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and scribing (journaling). You don't have to follow his exact routine, but consider incorporating some of these activities into your mornings.

Prioritize Your To-Do List

It's essential to have a clear plan for the day ahead. In his book "Eat That Frog!", Brian Tracy emphasizes the importance of tackling your most important task first thing in the morning. He says, "If you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first." By doing so, you'll gain a sense of accomplishment and start your day with momentum. Take a few minutes each morning to prioritize your to-do list and identify your "ugliest frog."

The 5-Second Rule

Mel Robbins, author of "The 5 Second Rule," suggests that when you wake up, you should count backward from five and then get out of bed. She explains, "The moment you feel yourself hesitate or doubt your ability to face the day, count 5-4-3-2-1, and move." This simple technique can help you overcome the temptation to hit the snooze button and start your day with a sense of urgency.

The Power of Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and well-being. Dr. Batmanghelidj, author of "Your Body's Many Cries for Water," claims that dehydration can lead to various health problems, including fatigue and lack of concentration. To combat this, drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up. This will not only help rehydrate your body but also kickstart your metabolism and help you feel more alert.

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, is a time management method that involves breaking work into short, focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This technique can help you stay focused and maintain productivity throughout the day. Consider starting your day with a Pomodoro session to tackle your most important task and set the tone for a productive day.

Host: And that wraps up our first episode of Five Point Fridays! Remember to incorporate these five life hacks into your morning routine to supercharge your mornings and set the tone for a successful day. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss any future episodes, and feel free to share your own morning routine tips on our social media channels. Thanks for listening, and have a fantastic day!

Jesus - The Greatest Teacher

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather here to celebrate the life and teachings of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is not just a teacher, but the greatest teacher and preacher to have ever walked on this earth.

Let me begin my sermon with a funny story. There was once a man who had the habit of talking to himself. One day, he was walking on the street, and a passerby noticed him and asked, "Why are you talking to yourself?" The man replied, "I'm not talking to myself, I'm talking to Jesus." The passerby was impressed and asked, "Does Jesus talk back to you?" The man replied, "No, he's the best listener I've ever had."

Jesus carried the gospel everywhere. And everywhere he went he affected the place. Just by the follolishness of preaching, entire cities were turned upside down. If he came into the city, he would wreck the entire city. Whole social systems were disrupted by his preaching. He was awesome. If he started preaching in the desert people will meet him in the desert. If he got inside a house and started preaching he would fill the house until people were filled in the door and in the closet. One house was so congested that four men carried another man up a wall and across the roof, cut a hole in the roof, and lowered him down into the presence of the Lord. Without a TV ministry, a radio ministry, a business card, a flyer, or a mailing list, if Jesus started preaching, he had no problem preaching to up to 5000 men, not including the women and children, without a PA system, without a sound system, without a telephone, or any type of electronic device, Jesus could preach down in a dry place and get 5000 men, not to mention women and children, together, and they would stay and would rather faint than miss something he said. He was absolutely awesome. Of all the distinguished, prolific, and profound preachers of this hour, none could preach quite like Jesus. He didn’t just have a word; he was the word. He was the abstract, invisible, intangible word of God that came forth from the presence of God in the creation and said, Let there be, and it was. He was that same work that wrapped himself in a cloak of flesh and tabernacled with us, and we beheld the wonder of his glory, the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Completely awesome. He preached with power and integrity. And without ever having perched in a pulpit, he would preach in a graveyard until the dead men came out of the tomb. It is this Jesus who we are talking about today.

Jesus was the best teacher and preacher for many reasons. Firstly, he taught with authority. When Jesus spoke, people listened. He spoke with confidence, and his words carried weight. Matthew 7:28-29, says, "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." He spoke with authority. He didn't just repeat what others had said; he spoke the truth that came directly from God.

Jesus was a master storyteller. He used parables to explain complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand. His parables were relatable, and memorable, and had a profound impact on his listeners. In fact, many of his parables, such as the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, and the Sower and the Seed, have become part of our cultural heritage.

Jesus was a unique teacher because He not only imparted knowledge but lived out the principles He taught. He didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk. In John 13:15, Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." He showed His followers how to love, how to serve, how to forgive, and how to live a life pleasing to God.

Jesus' teachings were radical and counter-cultural. He challenged the status quo, and his teachings were often in direct opposition to the religious and political authorities of his time. His teachings on love, forgiveness, and compassion were revolutionary, and they continue to challenge us to this day.

But Jesus was more than just a teacher or a preacher. He was the Son of God who came to save us from our sins. He lived a perfect life and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. And three days later, He rose from the dead, showing that He had conquered death and giving us the hope of eternal life.

As Christians, we follow Jesus not just because He was a great teacher and preacher, but because He is our Savior and Lord. We believe that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).

So let us follow Jesus with all our hearts, minds, and souls. Let us learn from His teachings, be inspired by His life, and be transformed by His love. And let us share the good news of His salvation with others, so that they too may come to know Him as the best teacher and preacher, and as their Lord and Savior.

As we close this service, I invite you to bow your heads and pray with me. If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to do so today. Just confess your sins to Him, ask Him to forgive you, and invite Him to come into your life and be your Lord and Savior. And if you already know Him, I pray that you will continue to follow Him faithfully and share His love with others. 

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do so today. Through Jesus, we can experience the fullness of God's love, forgiveness, and the transformation of our character. If you would like to make this life-changing decision, please say the following prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ." I confess that I am a sinner and that I am lost without you. You said that if we confess our sins, you are righteous and just enough to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. I recognize the sacrifice you made on the cross. Thank you, Jesus, for from today on, I will read and obey your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

#spiritualdevelopment #inspiration #love

Today, we come together to celebrate the most significant event in the Christian calendar—Easter Sunday. This day marks the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is a day of hope, new beginnings, and salvation.

To start, let me share a funny story with you. A young boy asked his father, "Dad, why do we celebrate Easter?" The father replied, "Well, son, it's the day when Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven." The boy thought for a moment and asked, "So, did he win first place?" While the boy's answer may seem amusing, it does remind us of the ultimate victory that Jesus Christ achieved on the cross.

In the Gospel of Mark 16:6, we read, "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified." He has risen! He is not here. "See the place where they laid him.” This single verse encapsulates the essence of Easter Sunday - the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. It is the ultimate proof of the power of God, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the promise of eternal life. The resurrection is what gives us hope in the face of death, comfort in times of grief, and strength in the midst of challenges.

But the resurrection is not just a historical event that happened over two thousand years ago. It is a present reality that continues to transform lives today. The resurrection gives us the power to overcome sin, addiction, and all forms of bondage. It gives us the strength to forgive, to love our enemies, and to live selflessly. It gives us the assurance that our lives have a purpose and that we are part of God's plan.

Moreover, the resurrection is the ultimate expression of God's love for us. In the book of John 3:16, we read, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The resurrection is the fulfilment of this promise. It is the ultimate demonstration of God's love for us.

As we celebrate Easter Sunday, let us reflect on the significance of this day. Let us remember that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith, the source of our hope, and the reason for our joy. Let us also remember that the resurrection is a call to action. It calls us to live lives that reflect the love, grace, and mercy of God.

Here are some notes we can take about Easter Sunday:

1. The resurrection of Jesus Christ confirms His identity as the Son of God. Romans 1:4 says ,“and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate proof of His identity as the Son of God. It demonstrated that He had the power to overcome death and that His claims about Himself were true.
2. The resurrection gives us hope for eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” The resurrection is the foundation of our hope for eternal life. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too can have confidence in our own resurrection and eternal life with Him.
3. The resurrection reminds us of God's love for us. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God's love for us was demonstrated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are reminded that He gave His only Son to save us from our sins and that through Him we have eternal life.
4. The resurrection is a message of triumph over death and sin. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The resurrection of Jesus is a message of victory over death and sin. It demonstrates that death has been defeated and that sin no longer has power over us.
5. The resurrection calls us to live a new life. 2 Corinthians 5:17, “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” The resurrection of Jesus calls us to live a new life in Him. We are called to leave behind our old ways and embrace a new life that is centered on Him.

In conclusion, Easter Sunday is a time for celebration, hope, and new beginnings. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith and reminds us of God's love for us. May we be encouraged to live a new life in Him and share the good news of the resurrection with others.

In conclusion, I urge you to respond to the message of Easter Sunday by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you have not yet done so, I invite you to come forward and receive Him. Remember, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event, but a present reality that can transform your life today. Let us pray.

Dear God, we thank you for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We thank you for the hope, love, and grace that it brings. We ask that you help us to live lives that reflect your love and mercy. We also ask that you help those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior to do so today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do so today. Through Jesus, we can experience the fullness of God's love, forgiveness, and the transformation of our character. If you would like to make this life-changing decision, please say the following prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ." I confess that I am a sinner and that I am lost without you. You said that if we confess our sins, you are righteous and just enough to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. I recognize the sacrifice You made at the cross on Good Friday and the miracle of Your resurrection on Easter Sunday, and I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank you, Jesus, for from today, I will read and obey your word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to reflect on the fundamental beliefs of Good Friday, the day when Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior, sacrificed his life on the cross for the sins of the world. Before we dive into the heart of our message today, let me begin with a funny story to lighten our hearts and ease us into our time of worship and reflection.

There was a man whose mother-in-law died in Jerusalem, Israel. The morticians contacted him to tell him what happened. And they said, “Sir, do you want us to bury her here in Jerusalem?" " It will be more convenient and cheaper.” The man said, “Nope, Please send her back home. I’ll pay whatever it costs.” They said, “Sir are you sure? It is going to take over a month and cost you a small fortune. ""Why don’t you just bury her here?” The man said, “I heard a story about 2000 years ago, about a man who was buried in Israel  and then rose again after three days, I am not prepared to take that chance with this woman.”

Now, as we turn our attention to the scripture, let us read from John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

On Good Friday, we are reminded of God's incredible love for us, a love so great that he was willing to send his one and only son to die on the cross for our sins. The sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross is the foundation of our Christian faith, and it is through his death and resurrection that we have the opportunity to receive forgiveness of our sins and eternal life.

The story of Good Friday is not just a historical event that took place over 2000 years ago. It is a reminder that God's love for us is unwavering, and his mercy and grace are available to us every day. We may be unworthy of His love, but He loves us unconditionally, and His love is a gift that we can never earn or repay.

As we reflect on the meaning of Good Friday, let us also remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. He suffered unimaginable pain and humiliation so that we could be reconciled to God. He took the punishment that we deserved so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. It is a sacrifice that we can never fully comprehend or repay, but it is one that we must always remember and honor.

So today, let us honor Jesus' sacrifice by living our lives in a way that reflects his love and grace. Let us love our neighbors as ourselves, forgive those who have wronged us, and share the good news of Jesus with those who do not know him. Let us also remember that the story of Good Friday does not end with Jesus' death on the cross but with his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Here are some points to remember about Good Friday:

1. The Cross is a symbol of God's love: The Cross on which Jesus died is not just a symbol of suffering and pain, but it's also a symbol of God's love for humanity. In John 3:16, it says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus died on the Cross to take away our sins and to demonstrate God's love for us.

1. Jesus' death on the Cross brought us peace: The death of Jesus on the Cross brought peace between God and man. In Colossians 1:20, says, "And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross reconciled us to God, and we can now have peace with God through him.

1. The Cross is a symbol of forgiveness: The death of Jesus on the Cross also brought forgiveness for our sins. In Ephesians 1:7, it says, "In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." Jesus' death on the Cross paid the penalty for our sins, and we can receive forgiveness through faith in him.

1. We are called to take up our own Cross: In Matthew 16:24, Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." As followers of Jesus, we are called to take up our own Cross, which means to deny ourselves and live a life that is pleasing to God. We are called to follow Jesus' example of sacrificial love, even if it means suffering and hardship.

1. The Cross is a reminder of our hope: Finally, the Cross is a reminder of our hope in Christ. In 1 Peter 1:3, it says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." The death of Jesus on the Cross was not the end, but it was just the beginning. Jesus rose from the dead, and because of that, we have hope in him. We can look forward to the day when we will be with him forever in heaven.

In conclusion, Good Friday is a reminder of God's love, peace, forgiveness, and hope. We are called to take up our own Cross and follow Jesus, and we can do so with confidence knowing that he has gone before us and paved the way. Let us respond to this message by receiving Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and by living a life that reflects his sacrificial love.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for our sins. We acknowledge that we are unworthy of your love, but we are grateful that you loved us enough to send your son to die for us. We ask that you forgive us of our sins and give us the strength to live our lives in a way that honors you. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do so today. Through Jesus, we can experience the fullness of God's love, forgiveness, and the transformation of our character. If you would like to make this life-changing decision, please say the following prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ." I confess that I am a sinner and that I am lost without you. You said that if we confess our sins, you are righteous and just enough to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. I recognize the sacrifice you made at the cross on Good Friday, and I accept you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Jesus, for from today on, I will read and obey your word. In Jesus' name, amen.

Work, especially hard work is something many run away from and are scared of. However, I haven’t heard of anyone who is uber successful, admired and revered who did not work their face off. Many people have a dream, goal or ideal they are after. However, they do not really want it as they are not willing to put in the work to make it a reality. There is a great mantra from a friend of mine, Grant Senzani, that says “we honour the dream by doing the work.”

Honour is to regard with great respect or fulfil (an obligation) or keep (an agreement). Work is to be engaged in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a result; do work. A dream is a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.

If you have a dream, it will require work to make it real. If you are to honour your dream, you will have to work for it. You will have to be fully committed to your dream far more than anyone else will be. You cannot expect anyone to give to your dream more than you; don’t expect others to invest in your dream when you are not willing to honour it yourself. I hear stories of aspiring entrepreneurs who ask for a funding runway for their idea when they haven’t put in a minimum themselves. Asking for the runway, “where are you running?” 

Some have a dream to attain a certain body goal, but they quit after four months. Some have a dream to get a qualification but quit after the first assignment. Some have a dream to build a business but quit after the first major loss. In all these cases, the person dishonoured the dream because they stopped putting in the work.

Something to know about a dream is that it is going to be a dogfight, it is going to be difficult - if it isn’t then I’m not sure it is a worthy ideal. The dream needs to be compelling and require everything you’ve got. There is a saying, ‘you’ve got what it takes but it is going to take everything you’ve got.’ Once you understand this, you will keep working.

Some say, ‘well we need to rest and take a break.’ Yeah, this is true but the rest is for those people who have put in the work. “For six days though shall work...by the sweat of your brow you should work.”

You will face roadblocks, you will be ridiculed, and you will want to quit but you should not. Winners never quit and quitters never win. When you are tired, learn to rest after work, not quit. When you quit once, it becomes a habit so never quit, not ever. 

Elon Musk is one of the greatest men of the modern era. From Pretoria South Africa, to Silicon Valley, he founded PayPal, sold it, and started SpaceX and Tesla. Then when he faced three failed rocket launches in a row, he was in financial trouble and almost lost both his companies. In an interview he was asked, “after the third failure, did you not think it was time to pack it in?” He said, never! “Why?” “I don’t ever give up, ever!” Even his heroes didn’t believe in what he was doing and it broke his heart. But Elon has a dream and he honours it every single day of his life. He works “super hard.” 100 hours a week! Now he is one of the wealthiest men in history with his wealth having reached an all-time high of 300 billion USD.

You need to work no matter what happens. Theo Baloyi of Bhatu shoes understands this.

Theo has definitely faced resistance, rejection, and ridicule on the path to success. He was first rejected 13 times before he got a meaningful partnership. Even at the zenith of success, he is still facing resistance, rejection, and ridicule. In spite of this, he has what I call his ‘work no matter what philosophy.”

They hate...You Work

They criticize...You Work

They speak ill of you...You Work

They copy...You Work

They sabotage...You Work

They Say No...You Work

They Plot evil...You Work

In favourable and unfavourable times...You Work

Work when things don’t go well, work when you don’t have money, work when you don’t have a favour, work when things go well, work when you don’t see light at the end of the tunnel - work no matter what. There are a lot of things you can’t control but you can control how hard you work.

Don’t cry, complain, or get mad just keep working, getting better and what you are doing and then one day they will call you lucky, say you have a snake or are purely gifted. When your dream becomes a reality and they ask you how you did it. Just tell them the eight words that got you there “We Honour The Dream By Doing The Work.”

Rules serve as a guidance system for how we can live our lives. There are many of them and I share 5 rules we can live by.

#personaldevelopment #inspiration

The people you surround yourself with make a huge impact on your life. There are 5 types of people that will make your life better.

#people #inspirational