I am working with a long-time friend of mine who is an author also. His latest book is such an important message to humanity that I wanted to develop a simplified version of it that would reach a younger (12-16 year-old) group as well as any individual who may need spiritual concepts broken down as simply as possible. 

Because I have been all over the world on mission trips, I am also particularly passionate about finding or developing material that will be effective for those who may know English, but it is not their first, heart language. Ultimately I hope we can find translators who can take the simplified version of his book and translate the message into their native tongue.

What kind of message is that important? Of course, the overall Word of God is the most profound and inspired literature of all time. Currently, a large number of literate as well as illiterate people groups have access to at least portions of the Word of God — both in writing in their own language as well as audio and pictorial for those who do not yet have a written language or who are illiterate. It is God’s Word that can transform our thinking and bring us into the fulfillment of our destiny and assignment here on the earth.

There are portions of the Word of God that have inspired many writers to expand that particular revelation or understanding in a way that may bring new wisdom and insight to the reader. Some of the books I have read over the last 50-plus years have radically changed my life or challenged me in profound ways. The content of my friend’s book is one of those messages that if taken to heart and applied, could give many nominal believers the desire and the ability to live above and beyond anything that they have experienced so far. My passion for many years has been to equip believers to live a supernaturally natural life in the midst of their life’s circumstances.

Each one of us is uniquely designed and fashioned by God to express a portion of Him in a way no one else can. When we do not live our lives in that way, we are living below God’s best plan and purpose for our life. Ask yourself if you are moving your life in that direction. Or are you just struggling through each day, trying to make sense out of your life and the circumstances you may find yourself in? Have you used excuses or blamed others for the reason you are not living as successfully or as fully satisfied that you know that you could or should?

We have had a year (since February/March 2020) like no other and none of us are able to be 100% sure of what tomorrow may hold. So many factors could keep you in a place of anxiety, confusion, fear and discouragement. How are some rising above all of those negative emotions and living life with peace and joy that is obvious to others? Their circumstances may not be or look any better that those who are overwhelmed by life’s circumstances and yet they maintain a consistently good attitude in the midst of very trying situations.

Some people use the name of Jesus like a magic potion but there are no magic formulas for what I am describing above. Many really do not have the substantial faith to believe that when they use His name, what they are praying for or believing for will happen. I usually end my prayers and petitions in that powerful Name and yet I realize that I still need much more revelation of the power and authority behind His name. I continually ask Holy Spirit for more understanding so that I can truly operate in the authority that He delegated to His church after His death and resurrection.

However, reading another book, no matter how profound and revelatory it is, is only a first step in executing a plan for your life. No single book, even the Word of God, without Holy Spirit inspiration and empowerment, can change you to become whatever it might be that you envision yourself to be from God’s perspective. Without discipline, resolve, hard work your life will not reflect the successful life God planned for you before you were even born. Making wise decisions rather than just allowing life to go on right in front of you is also a part of becoming the person that will be able to come to the end of your life and hear the welcomed words of Jesus — “Well done”.

So many of us just live from day to day and as long as our basic needs are being met, we really don’t question the possibility that there is more. Others are driven to succeed and will use measures to make sure that happens even at the expense of their family and other relationships. But at the end of the day — or the end of our lives neither one of those are what God intended. Lack of “stuff” or an abundance of “stuff” will never satisfy that God-given desire to make a difference, to make your life count for something. Has this last year given you time to pause and put things in a better perspective? Do you feel like you are further down the path in fulfilling your destiny and purpose?

I can testify personally that I have used the time getting to know the Lord better and as a result, I have realized that I was “born for such a time as this”! Even at my age, I anticipate what the future may hold and want to contribute in whatever way I can to see His Kingdom manifest on this earth. The gifts and talents that are resident in each one of us can be activated best through intimacy with the Lord. Knowing His heart, His nature, will help you to lean in to Him in such a way that your own heart’s desire is to please Him and bring honor to Him by a life that is yielded to Him.