Indian Youth's Rite of Passage

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

His dad takes him into the forest, blindfolds, and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not take off the blindfold until the rays of the sun shine through it. He is all by himself. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience. Each lad must come into his own manhood.

The boy was terrified and could hear all kinds of noises. Beasts were all around him. Maybe even some human would hurt him. The wind blew the grass and earth, and it shook is stump. Be he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It was the only way he could become a man.

Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his Blindfold. It was then that he saw his father sitting on the stump next to him, at watch the entire night.

We are never alone. Even when we do not know it, our Father is protecting us. He is sitting on a the stump beside us.

All we have to do is reach out to Him.

Criticism Can Be Greater Than Love

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." Proverbs 27:6

Parents know one of the toughest things we must do is to discipline our children. Its not something we want to do anymore than the child wants it, but we do out of love. We want to ensure our children do not make the kind of mistakes that will hurt them.

The same is true of our friends. For those we love, we often offer criticism about something they are doing or plan to do. Those that do not have the same concern will offer encouragement and and support for the same idea. In many cases, those that would say all is good and to move forward with the plan may very well hope you fail.

True friends will tell it the way it is, even when it is not what the friend wants to hear. Friends do not want to hurt or cause pain to friends by being critical, but they do it out of love.

Dear God, surround me with friends today that will offer loving criticism when needed. AMEN.

Give Up The Last Word

"For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down." Proverbs 26:20

I think people are so funny. I receive emails and/or phone calls from real estate agents every day asking for my opinion on a certain matter. Like most, I certainly have my fair share of opinions. Often times when I reveal my opinion to their question, agents disagree and try to change my opinion.

Some agents will become very contentious if they cannot change my opinion. I have learned this Proverb is so true. Now I determine very quickly if the person contacting me really wants my honest opinion or are they looking for someone to agree with them. The more we say the more aggravated we both get.

Solomon is saying to state your opinion and hush. There is no need to continue throwing wood on this fire. Most people are looking for those to agree with them at all cost and nothing you can say will change that. Fewer words will keep others as friends much longer.

My Grandfather would tell me on many occasions, "it is better to keep you mouth shut and let other think you are dumb, then to open it and remove all doubt."

Revenge Will Lead to Distruction

"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink." Proverbs 25:21

Is it just me, or does it seem like business people wake up in the morning thinking of ways to hurt their competition? It even has the feel of a chess game. One business makes a move and their competition will counter the move. Eventually, after enough moves, one or both business/competitors grow angry at the other. We will do well to plow our own field and stay out of what others are doing. I hear on a daily basis from others about things they have done or planning to do to hurt or get back at the competitors.

Solomon says we should do just the opposite. Help your enemies when they are in need. Do not be concerned about the competition. If we continue to be diligent in all that we do, success shall be ours (Prov 10:4). A very dear friend and mentor of mine, Jerry Fowler, would speak to our students at the Real Estate School for Success from time to time. He openly shared his "secrets of success" with the soon to be new real estate agents. One of the students asked Jerry why he was so free sharing his secrets since others could now use those secrets to do more business than Jerry. Jerry replied by saying "I will do anything for anyone if it would help them become successful in real estate; but let's be clear, you will never be competition to me".

Jerry did not make the statement in a mean or condescending way. He simply was saying that once you learn how to be successful, it does not matter what your competition is doing. Continue to be diligent and do what is right and what you know best and life will be very good.

Dealing with Hard Times

"The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests hearts." Proverbs 17:3

If you have ever seen unpurified gold or silver, you know it does not look very impressive and not worth much. But once it has been purified, it becomes very valuable! The transformation that must take place will require intense heat. The fire will burn away all impurities leaving the gold in the most purest state. It takes time and a lot of heat, but gold will be converted from granite with little value, to a nugget worth much.

My grandfather once asked me this question. If you squeeze something as hard as you can, what will come out? The answer is, whatever is in it. I know that sounds silly but very true. The same is true for people. When we are going through hard times and we feel we are being squeezed, whatever is in us will come out. When those we know are dealing with tough situations, that is a good time to learn what kind of friend we really have. It is easy to put on a good act of kindness and humility when times are good. But if the kindness and humility are not in the heart, it will not show in hard times. Once one feels squeezed, whatever is in the heart will come out.

Understand that Gods desire is for us to achieve the utmost success in our careers, our life and our families. For us to be of great value, often times it requires great heat to melt away the impurities from our heart so the value can take root and grow into great things.

Father, grant me patience today to deal with the heat that comes my way so that you will be pleased by all that is in my heart. AMEN.

Guaranteed Success

"Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3

As a real estate instuctor, I have a unique opportunity to watch people as they decide to start new careers. There is always hope and belief that they can be successful in real estate. However, it takes more than just hope and belief in anything one would like to attempt.

To obtain true success, all we do must be for the right reasons. Many have asked me if I think they can be successful in real estate. My answer is always the same, it does not matter what I think. I ask them why do they seek real estate as a career? The answer is usually the same; such as, the market is coming back, real estate is always a good investment, I am good with other people, etc.

Solomon answeres all such questions better than I could ever answer it. "Commit your works to the Lord...", The question would best be asked, would real estate be Gods will for me at this time? God will always provide for his children. We must ensure that all we do is to the glory of God. Reqardless of how good we are at what we do, when God does not receive the glory, it will soon fail. When we commit all to His glory, Solomon says our "... plans will be established".

Father, I pray that all I do and say today will be pleasing to you. All I do will be to glorify You. AMEN.

A Fulfilled Tree of Life

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

It is easy to think about ways to become successful. I hear others making the statement like "someone could make a fortune if they did this or that". Why is it that it is always someone else that can make the forturne? That is an easy answer, because they do not want to put in the necessary work and labor to make it happen for them.

One of my real estate students stated in class that it is wrong for some to make as much money as they do. People should be limited on how much they can recieve and the excess should be distributed to the less fortunate like himself. I can only think he is suffering from a sick heart as Solomon refers too. To acheive the level of success we would enjoy, it required great diligence and perserverence. Successful people will tell you that they failed miserably many more times than they had success.

All of Gods children have a God given right to be successful. We do not have a right to wait on it to be given to us. Determine what you would like to accomplish in your life and pray for Gods vision for you. Gods word says he will provide for all of our needs and in great abundance. All we have to do is ask and have faith. This only works when God is first in our lives. Determine what you are going to do, set goals and objectives, work diligently to make it happen and experice a very fulfilled tree of life!

Provide me with the wisdom and strength to accomplish all those things to be successful in your eyes today. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Dealing with Fear Today

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

So many have great fear today. As we see the things going on all around us in the world, for many, it can cause great fear. Fear is a God given emotion to protect us. Fear is used to convict our conscience when we do things we should not do. Most would not rob a bank because they fear the consequences when they are caught. If dad says not to do something, we don't do it out of fear of Dad finding out we disobeyed. This type of fear is good for us as it keeps our lives in check.

Often times, we allow fear to control our lives in the wrong way. We fear losing our jobs and not being able to provide for our family. We fear making a change or being forced to make a change. As I teach students in class the things they need to know to become a real estate agent, I can see and sense the fear in many of the students. They have fear about taking the exam and they have fear about failing in a new career. This type of fear is not good and will destroy relationships, families, careers, etc.

God says "do not have fear, for I am with you." As long as we are living within the will of God, we have no reason to fear anything. We could not have a greater guarantee in life than God. I tell students not to fear the exam. First we must pray that real estate is where God is leading us to be and if so, we must be diligent in all our preparation. We cannot fail in such a scenario. The same would apply when we get a real estate license. If we are in real estate because it is Gods will and we are diligent at what we do, we cannot fail. The same logic applies in everything we do.

Pray to God that you are doing what he has led you to do (not what you think you want to do). God would never ask you to do anything you cannot do and be very successful doing it. We do not need to fear things going on in this country and in the world. It is depressing to see the blatant disobedience of Gods commandments and a severe price will be paid for those that do not repent. Things are likely to get worse for the non-believers. But the children of God have nothing to fear!

Father, I pray that all I do today will be pleasing to you and in fulfillment of your will for me. AMEN.

Starting a Business Requires Great Diligence

"The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor." Proverbs 12:24

Working for yourself is much different then working for someone else. There is nothing wrong with having a job and working for others. That is what makes most people happy. But some would rather not work for others. So they seek to start a business of their own. Starting your own business will be one of the hardest things you will likely do.

As a Real Estate Agent and Educator, I work with hundreds of men and women every year wanting to start their real estate careers. It is very clear to me that most have no idea the diligence required to build a successful business. Some say they can only work certain hours or on certain days. They also must do this or must do that. The fact of the matter is that building a business does not lend itself to these demands. In other words, you will fail from the start.

You must be available and have the desire to do anything you need to do to create the success. Those that have jobs will likely have someone to tell them what to do, how to do it and when it must be complete. When you work for yourself, there is no one to tell you anything. This is why Solomon is saying that the Diligent (hard working and never give up) will rule and those that are not willing to put in the effort and time necessary will be forced to labor (work for someone else).

Father, give me the knowledge and wisdom to make good decisions for myself, my family and my business, and that all I do today will be pleasing in your eyes. AMEN.

Look Well into the Matter

"The naive inherit foolishness, But the sensible are crowned with knowledge." Proverbs 14:18

Have you noticed all the get rich quick business propositions surrounding us today? It seems that someone I know has discovered the guaranteed keys to success. Little to no work is involved and no way to fail. However, I need to sign up now (and pay my money to join) to get in on the ground floor. I can't help but wonder why I cannot wait till next week to join if it is so good today. But that is not how it usually works. To have success, I must join now. Next week will be too late and someone else will have what I could have had.

I have certainly been taken by my fair share of these get rich quick schemes. I knew it could not work as easily as it was described to me, but because this person is a respected friend, I agreed. Not once have a even made a dime, much less get rich. I am sure I helped someone else get rich.

Solomon describes this action as foolish. He also says that we must look well into the matter before making any commitments. In Proverbs 10:4 it states the hand of the diligent maketh rich. We must not be taken in by the fast and smooth talking and act foolishly. Be diligent and look well into the matter before making any decisions.

Father, I pray for wisdom and patience so that I will not make hasty decisions without looking well into the matter. Teach me diligence so that I will learn how to work hard and receive the true blessings from you. AMEN.

Knowledge is the Path to Success in all Things

Vs 7- "Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Vs 9- So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" I Kings 3:7-9

God made Solomon King of Israel at a very young age. Solomon, being a man of God, was concerned about his lack of knowledge and was not sure he could succeed as King of Israel. Solomon prayed a simple prayer asking God for knowledge and understanding so that he could successfully lead the people of Israel.

In verse 10, God is very pleased that Solomon would request knowledge and wisdom. God said, "Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words."

God blessed Solomon with more knowledge and wisdom than any man has every had. With this knowledge, Solomon became the most successful businessman ever. Solomon was the richest man that ever lived. Without knowledge and understanding, we have nothing and all things will fail.

Are you struggling in you business or marriage or with family or anything at all? Ask God for the wisdom and knowledge to do as God has led you to do. Ensure your work is Gods will and not your own. God will provide you with all the knowledge and wisdom to be successful in all you do. Pray that you seek to honor God in all that you do. Asking for knowledge for the wrong reasons will not result in Success.

Our Father, I pray that all I do today is pleasing in your eyes. I pray for knowledge and understanding of all things I should deal with today so that everything I do will glorify your kingdom. In Jesus Name, AMEN.

Gain Wisdom through Counsel

"Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory." Proverbs 11:14

I was speaking to a group of real estate agents about the importance of finding a mentor that could help and guide the new agents toward success. One of the students suggested that a mentor was foolish and a sign of weakness. He believed that he did not need help from anyone and the things he did not already know, he could learn on his own.

Solomon is considered to be the most successful business man that ever lived. He had it all and shared his secrets of success throughout the book of Proverbs. Those that achieve extraordinary success routinely seek counsel from mentors and others that have knowledge in the area of question. Solomon says that making decisions without guidance will result in failure, whereas those seeking counsel will have victory.

The key is finding the right mentor. When seeking counsel, look for someone that meet these three requirements. 1) Do they seek to please God in all they do? 2) Have they achieved what you desire to achieve? 3) Do they have the respect and reputation at this time that you would like to have when you have achieved? When God is wanting you to make a change in your life, he will always send someone with the perfect counsel and wisdom. It is up to us to listen and obey. We may not like or agree with the counsel, but we must obey or experience failure.

Dear God, I pray that you will make the right person available for me today prior to making any decisions. Help me to make the right decision, not what I want out of the decision. AMEN.

Creating Success in Days of Despair

"How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man." Proverbs 6: 9-11

I hear in the news that the unemployment rate in South Carolina is over 12% and if you add to this number those that have given up on finding work, the number would be around 20%. We are are living in a time of hardship that we have not seen in our generation. So many have given up on their dreams and fallen victim to words and actions of man.

Solomon asks, how long will you lie down and give up on your dreams? Many have even given up on their self and wait for the government to provide the answer and solutions. My friends, the worst thing we can do is to wait on the government for solutions. We are living in a time where phrophecy is being fulfilled daily. Decisions by our government will lead to ruin. Unless we practice diligence and do not procrastinate, "poverty will come in like a vagabond". You will become a vagrant with no place to call home.

God does not react to the things that happen in our lives. It is not for us to understand why God allows things and events to take place in our lives. God has commanded us to be faithful to him and he will not leave or forsake us. It is impossible for us to understand why God would allow his children to go through difficult times because we have finite minds. These are the days we must have faith and beleive God will provide for all our needs.

Be diligent and prepare yourself for the blessings and success God is preparing. Do not be taken in by the words of despair we hear daily from others. We are Gods children and he will provide a door of opportunity if we are diligent and walk through the door when it opens. It will only be open for a very brief moment.

Dear God, give us comfort as we diligently seek your direction. Give us wisdom to make the right decisions and my prayer is that everything we do will glorify your name. In Jesus Name, AMEN.