An Enemy Called Average

by John Mason

Don’t wait for your ship to come in; swim to it!

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and

True leadership always begins with servanthood. Be willing to serve without trying to reap the benefits. Before looking for a way to get, look for a way to give.

No one is truly a success in life until he or she has learned how to serve. The old saying is true: “The way to the throne room is through the servants’ quarters.”

One of the most powerful decisions you can make in your life is to do something for someone who does not have the power...

We become like those with whom we associate.

One of the hidden truths of life is that the path to the prize is always more valuable than the prize itself. Shortcuts rob us of valuable lessons we need to learn along the way. When you’re presented with a shortcut—a way that is not of God—say no. Be persistent and stick to the path where the Lord has placed you.

One of the main reasons the Bible was written was to prepare us ahead of time; to teach us how to respond in advance to many of the situations we would encounter in life. Choose to flow with God’s plan. Be sensitive to the new things He is doing. Stay flexible to the Holy Spirit and know that our God directs, adjusts, moves, and corrects us. He is always working to bring us into perfection.

Many people aren’t moving with God today simply because they were not willing to take the small steps He placed before them. You should leap at the opportunity—no matter how small—to move in the direction the Lord calls you. If you’re called to

be a youth pastor and are merely sitting at home waiting for an invitation from a large church, it will never come. You need to find the first young person you can, put your arm around him or her, and begin to minister. Don’t be afraid to take small steps.

“Do something!” Don’t worry about the goal; just take the steps that

Many times the final goal seems so unreachable that we don’t even make an effort. But once you’ve made your decision and boldly taken a step forward, you’re more than halfway there. God will begin with you today—no matter what your circumstances.

The brothers looked at the obstacle and figured it was too big to hit, but David looked at the obstacle and figured it was too big to miss.

Let each new obstacle take you to the next level in God.

Obstacles subdue mediocre people, but great leaders rise above them.

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so” (3:27 NKJV). You have something in your possession that can bless someone. Maybe it’s a timely word, a much-needed piece of advice, a monetary

gift to meet a need, or a simple thank you for a job well done.

Invest in somebody today. Believe in that person. Offer support and encouragement. Help that person rise to another level.

The call on your life is not a copy. It is unique to you and you alone.

The miraculous realm of God involves multiplication, not addition.

In Psalm 32 the Lord promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (v. 8 NKJV).

There is a difference between God’s will in our lives and God’s will for our lives.

God’s will for our lives includes those things that He intends for every person—salvation, strength, health, peace, joy, etc.

But God’s will in our lives is unique to each individual. One person may be called to live in one place for life while another is call...

Wherever God guides, He provides. And whom God calls, He appoints and anoints to do the work.

Lay hold of those persistent directions in your life and tap into the power of God’s will for you.

quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isa. 30:15 NKJV).

Stay in the clear by knowing what God’s Word says. It perfectly reflects His voice and helps you discern

whether words from other sources are true.

Keep your antenna up for God’s perfect direction in your life.

benefit is joy.

“You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

second benefit of seeking God’s presence is the great light it provides.

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.”

third benefit of seeking His presence is God’s divine protection.

“You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” (Ps. 31:20 NKJV).

Jesus said, “My peace I give to you” (John 14:27 NKJV). You’ll find great peace and rest in the presence of God. Trouble, nervousness,

anxiety, unrest—all these flee in the presence of the Lord.

In His presence you will find great joy and light, divine protection, peace, and rest.

Wisdom is seeing everything from God’s perspective. It is knowing when and how to use the knowledge that comes from the Lord.

Fear God (Ps. 111:10). 2. Please God (Eccl. 2:26). 3. Hear God (Prov. 2:6). 4. Look to God (Prov. 3:13). 5. Choose God’s way (Prov. 8:10-11). 6. Be humble before God (Prov. 11:2). 7. Take God’s advice (Prov. 13:10). 8. Receive God’s correction (Prov. 3:12). 9. Pray to God (Eph. 1:16-17). 10. Know the Son of God (1 Cor. 1:30).

The strongest action you can take in any situation is to go to your knees and ask God for help.

Whatever is worth worrying about is certainly worth praying about. Prayer unlocks God’s treasure chest of great ideas.

Here are twelve benefits of prayer: 1. Prayer defeats the devil (Matt. 18:18). 2. Prayer saves the unbeliever (Acts 2:21). 3. Prayer edifies the believer (Jude v. 20). 4. Prayer sends laborers into the harvest (Matt. 9:38). 5. Prayer heals the sick (James 5:13-15). 6. Prayer overcomes the impossible (Matt. 21:22). 7. Prayer changes the natural (James 5:17-18). 8. Prayer brings the right things to pass (Matt. 7:7-11).

Prayer imparts wisdom (James 1:5). 10. Prayer brings peace (Phil. 4:5-7). 11. Prayer guards against temptation (Matt. 26:41). 12. Prayer reveals God’s answers (Luke 11:9-10).

Valuable wisdom and supernatural favor are to be gained by listening.

Listening allows us to maintain a teachable spirit. Listening increases our “teach-ability.” Those who give us life-giving rebukes can be great blessings to us.

The Bible teaches that we are to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19).

It isn’t the absence of problems that gives us peace; it’s God who is with us in the problems.

life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In verse 31 he declared, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” A paraphrase might be, “If God is for us, who cares who is against us?” Thank God that we can, without hesitation and with full confidence, lean on His eternal faithfulness.