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“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4 ESV).

How’s your time of seeking God’s direction? What are your options? You might have something in mind, but have you written each of them with the pros and cons based on your strengths and weaknesses?

Wisdom has it that your stability in life is related to your personal maturity to handle responsibility. Everywhere we go there are pressures, but these are meant for us to grow stronger. Without these tensions, our lives would tend to shrink and not grow.

That’s why comfort zones are not working in the end. They become dead ends. Indeed, little things lead to bigger ones, not the other way around. So, don’t be afraid. Choose to act. And be steadfast.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020

RIGHT BEFORE CHRIST RETURNS

“If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” (Luke 19:21 ESV).

Jesus was about to do his triumphal entry in Jerusalem. But as planned, this royal act is like no other—the King of kings riding on a donkey with no pomp and fancy.

Behind the scene, however, he foresaw and directed his disciples what to do and say. They obeyed and followed diligently. Then, the carpet of leaves rolled away.

The truth is Jesus promised he will come again. He instructed you to do his will and proclaim the Gospel. He needs you. Are you willing to obey before his grand re-entry?

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020

FAITH IN THE BUILDER

“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” (Hebrews 3:4 ESV)

Do you really need a complex scientific knowledge to understand that “every house is built by someone,” an architect or engineer perhaps? And yet many people seemed to think that tornados passed by a certain place and for billions of years, that beautiful structure came to exist!

Common sense accepts that something must come from something, and it is foolish to think that nothing created everything. That God created all things makes more sense, but foolishness wanted to justify itself by embracing false assumptions to look good.

I have no faith to be an atheist. If you consider all things carefully, the glory of God shows He exists. He made everything with a purpose, for us to enjoy this world and live for Him, and that everyone will one day stand before Him to be judged accordingly.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020

DIVERSIFY

“Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas” (Luke 19:13 ESV)

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, right? There’s actually wisdom on it. If you put all your investments in one stock, your reward might be high, but your risk is higher. So, a wise investor diversifies.

The noble man in the Parable of the Minas diversified his investments. He balanced and widened his options, enlarged his operation, and tested the ten servants to work for him. The future will tell who would become productive.

Since you don’t know the future outcome of everything, putting all in one option is too risky. On the other hand, you don’t want to spread thinly and become ineffective or unproductive. You need to diversify your portfolio, and pray that you’ll gain the best results.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020

TAKE THE RISKS

“Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas” (Luke 19:13 ESV)

Every wise investor knows there are inherent risks in any forms of investments, especially investing on people. The noble investor knew well that if he wanted results, he has to take risks. There is no other way.

We all know that there are inherent risks in life, leadership, and investments. Even the decision not to invest poses dangers. But risks can be calculated, minimized, and managed.

The truth is there is no successful investor who did not suffer loss. Everyone did. But those who were able to navigate the path and prevailed succeeded. Have you realized that God also took the risk of investing in your life?

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020

INVEST IN PEOPLE

“Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas” (Luke 19:13 ESV)

The noble man in this story is a smart investor. He knew what he was doing: He invested on people. He gave each of them equal opportunities, but did not promise equal results.

If you want to make a huge difference in people’s lives, invest in them. Your resources won’t work on their own; someone has to work on something. You’d better invest on that “someone” and more.

When you invest in leaders, you get good returns for your investments. Why? its because leaders multiply. And when you invest in people’s lives, there’s that great opportunity to invest for eternity.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020

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“For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.” (Hebrews 3:3 ESV)

How many times have we looked upon a magnificent house and asked more about the designer or architect? Too often, we only appreciate the building structure and less consideration to the one who made it.

The truth is the people who made or live in any house, be it a mansion or simple one, are more important than the building. Those who live in those living spaces are valuable than anything.

Likewise, let us honor God more than this world we live in. Let’s worship him far beyond what this world could offer, for His glory far exceeds the wonders of this universe.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020

ENCOURAGE DAILY

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrew 3:13 ESV)

You can never underestimate the power of encouragement. It’s been the experience of many how a timely encouragement makes a whole difference in their lives. When one is on the brink of giving up, a simple act of exhorting that person could be life changing.

The fact that motivational speakers are in demand despite their high fees, it is an undeniable proof that people are looking for some push in their lives. Even though the hype doesn’t last, but it still serves its purpose for that moment. It’s better than nothing.

Be an encourager daily. The truth is that not all followers of Jesus are always on the top of their game. They are sometimes discouraged, disappointed, or depressed for a time. That is why everyone needs an encouragement.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020

DELIGHT OR DELAYED GRATIFICATION

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12 ESV)

In this world of instantaneous delight, most are allergic and sick to be patient. People wished instant success, get-rich-quick schemes, and satisfaction offered in a silver plate. But reality check comes against wishful thinking: nothing great grew overnight.

Very few people possessed the habit of delayed gratification. No matter what dreams and wishes you got, you have to pay the price. You must take sacrifices willingly. Live substantially—not shallow and empty.

When preparations meet opportunity, you will succeed eventually. By then, when God gives your heart’s desire in due season, your life is already rooted and established to bear fruit that lasts.

Glenn Plastina © 2020

GOD-GIVEN SUCCESS IS THE BEST

“For God is my witness…that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.” (Romans 1:9:10 ESV)

The truth is, you will succeed—or not. You’ll also really love—or not. You will overcome. Or not. In this life, there’s only what is going to happen and what won’t. Like Paul, you’d better accept it.

Have you ever thought of what you really want to become? You’ve got plans? It can happen or not. The choice is yours. Knowing this reality makes a difference whether you’ll change your attitude or be contented.

For what you want to become, do and have, the power of purpose, prayer and persistence makes a difference. Trust God, make plans, and execute. Whatever happens, leave it to God’s will and grace.

Glenn Plastina (c) 2020