Category Archives: Clear Vision

Posted on

Labor of Love

by

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

What does labor of love have to do with patience?

Revelation 2v2 I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Everyone is working on something but not all are working for something. There is an even smaller portion working for someone and the remnant is working for God. The blessing is that all of you who are working for God must realize that He hears you and He recognizes your efforts. In 1 Thessalonians Paul says that he is “remembering without ceasing” the work and faith of the believers. How much more do you think your Father in Heaven is remembering you and your work? The moment a thought of despair enters your thinking then, replace it with a greater thought of the Father cheering for your success.

There may be things you feel you cannot bear but God strengthens you through Patience. A part of my definition of Patience is, “Knowing that the Supreme Being is in control”. So, stop worrying, you are given credit for not fainting. Keep your elbows up and your head down and your guaranteed reward is on the way.

There are many of you that have stopped doing the work of the Father because you witnessed the evil traits of mankind on earth. These evil or twisted actions are just that, actions of man. Do not allow these atrocities to cause you to fall back away from God. Have patience for the sake of the name of the Lord. The incorrect actions of man should propel you to increase your intensity towards proper labor for God. Now that you know that God’s people need visible examples of faithful people.

In Hebrews 6v10 the Bible says, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and Labor of Love…” For all of you with a direct relationship with God know that He is not unrighteous so how can you think that He has forgotten you? To paraphrase verse 11. Be diligent and hold out hope for a better day. Next in verse 12 comes a warning. Why a warning for the faith laborers when presumably they have done nothing wrong? I know why because I have been to this place and stayed too long. The place is called “believers apathy”, because we convince ourselves that we do not care about others so we cannot get hurt or be disappointed anymore. Well here is the warning plus the marching orders:

Hebrews 6 v 12
“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Theodore Roosevelt said, “If we seek merely swollen and slothful ease… the bolder and stronger peoples will pass us by.”

You cannot take the easy way out. If you read further down in Revelation chapter 2 verse 4 states, “Never the less I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love” The Father knows when you have slacked off and wants you back on the right track. This is why he says find others who are faithful if you need an example to follow and you will inherit the promises. Let’s finish with a promise that you all can hold on to:

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.” It takes a Labor of Love and patience to eat of the tree of life.

What are you going to continue to do for the Love of God?

Posted on

The truth about Failure

by

Blueberries from the Queen's Garden

The truth about Failure

1. Failure is not a person it is an event
a. Do not personify failure
b. Your character is not connected to the occurrence of failure

2. Failure is helpful
a. It helps us recognize our weaknesses
b. It helps us enhance our true talent

Do not Avoid failure, change your prospective, Examine your failure.
– Did you prepare?
– Did you have some coaching?
The path of success is through failure
Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently
Failure is a choice, that you do not have to make.
Failure does not define you.

Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success. Brian Adams

Burn the ships, so that you cannot return to failure. We are a dominant tribe.
1. The path to success runs through failure
2. Don’t camp at the green-field of failure.

Are you more afraid of failure or success?
We succeed.

Copyright William J. Spencer, IV 2012

Posted on

Operate in your gift

by

In Genesis 2v8 the Bible it states “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it”. This is how you should live your life. You are given a gift that will make your life simple. There is very little hard work if you operate in the particular realm where God placed you. You will have to put forth effort but it will not seem laborious to you. With many ways to start a business venture the most feasible and effective direction for that business is an avenue that operates in your natural gift. Find the thing you enjoy and have a high aptitude towards and develop that talent. Proverbs 18v16 states “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Only think on the talents and business ventures that will propel you forward while operating in your gift.

What is an example of you operating in your gift?

Posted on

Do not spend too much time in the Middle

by

This topic seems a little counterintuitive to the usual topics we explore but it is just as important. Many days while I am practicing patience I realize action is necessary. The beginning starts with an event or a decision and the end is result whether positive or negative. The middle is where the fun occurs and where you can get lost.

Courtesy of My Free Mickey


1. Stay with the rational decision you made in the beginning
You should make a decision early and stick with it. Every time that you waiver on a decision it is tough for those involved with you to continue to respect your decisions. It is also an area where time is consumed. Reclaim your time by making up your mind.
James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways

2. The middle is where the fun occurs
Always look for opportunities to have fun. Frequently, fun involves work and it can make for some odd kinds of diversion but in all you do enjoy yourself. If you are building a business take heart in the little enjoyments that happen day-to-day. Be thankful for the life you are given and the blessings that surround you.

3. No one really wants to go on vacation, we want to BE on vacation
This is the sentiment that comes from the kids, “Are we there yet?” By continuing to point to the future without really believing there is one is disingenuous. Get where you going as fast as possible so that you can enjoy the results of your labor. Make no excuses work as if your life depended on it. Fix your mistakes and make no apologies for your success. Enjoy your time in the sun.

How are you going to get out of the middle?

Posted on

Don’t point a finger, Make a solution

by

Have you ever seen a troubling situation and said, “They really should do something about…” There is always someone to blame when there is a problem. Most of the time there is a clear cut person or circumstance that has initiated the trouble. Well here is a question, who is the “they that you are speaking about? If the situation has come to your attention maybe you are the “they”. Maybe no one else sees the problem or you are the one with the simple solution. What if everyone else continues to complain without acting? I created some techniques to be a better solution driven leader.

1. Ask for help from the complainers
A direct request for help acknowledges the problem and confronts the other people who recognize it. It asserts your position as a leader and points everyone in a positive direction. Complainers become comrades in the fight to right the ship.

2. Make a solution 
Positive people who can really get stuff done will immediately join your cause and carry some of the motivation burden. Allow these people to influence the complainers but do not burden them with more people who complain than they can handle. A little yeast will cause the entire ball of dough to rise. Let the positive people also encourage you because iron sharpens iron.

3. Do not fear failure
Many good causes have never been attempted due to fear of failure or rejection, especially past rejection which can hamper you for life. When fear arises began to act on the solution. No amount of positive vibes can overcome inaction. The problem or situation exists because someone was afraid to deal with it directly. Since you are a leader flee fear and run to the solution.

Creativity is the answer. I always prefer the creative solution to an expensive solution.
Keenen Ivory Wayans

Now that you have more wisdom, it is time to stop pointing the finger. Make a plan, speak to others and get moving.
Tell me about you a solution you made and acted on it in your life?

Posted on

Pride before the fall

by

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrischabot/

I threw Pride out of the window

I met a profound man, his name is Charlie. He approached me by inquiring about the type of business that I run. I told that I primarily recycled wooden pallets and he said he was familiar with the business and had even dabbled in it himself. Now, he was driving an ATV and hauling a garbage bin. He asked me if my business was healthy and I replied” thank God that this business is still open”. This set Charlie into story telling mode.

He explained that he worked for a company that had recently downsized from 120 employees to 20 employees. This pull back demoted him from a Foreman who maintained a crew of many workers to the solo act I met. He went on to recall the glory days and how he rode around in a big new truck with air conditioning and his most difficult assignment was to retrieve supplies for his crew. He is a family man who loves the Lord and he knew he had the admiration of his family and church members. He worked his way to the top in this company for almost two decades. He gave me a glimpse into the day of his demotion and said the boss told him he could keep his job if he was willing to drive this trash pickup route. Humbly, he accepted the position for he was one of the lucky ones that maintained his position. For his loyalty he was even awarded the same salary. Over the course of the next few months Charlie said he had to fight back depression because the once mighty man now was pulling garbage behind the buildings. There were no more men to command and no more supplies to retrieve. The only recognition he received was the obligatory “see you tomorrow” from the kitchen help. He told me his wife believed he would seek another opportunity. He recollected telling her that now he thinks he likes his job and plans to stick with it. She was happy and said that she admired him. Then he looked at me with the eyes of experience and humility and said, “I threw pride out of the window” that’s what got me through.
I identified with Charlie because this was my situation also, I had the pleasure of meeting him at the trash dumpster. My big fancy truck is gone and my crew is non-existent but my joy is full. Following are two Bible verses that applied to both of our situation to some degree.
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall

So if you find yourself in any situation that seems to be a set back here are three things to keep in mind.
1. Be thankful that you are alive
You are still alive for a reason and one of them is to be a testimony to others who may believe that they are at the end of their ropes. Being alive means that there is a chance for a successful finish. Like me and Charlie realize that there are people less fortunate than you and you can thrive.
2. Worldly possessions and human accolades are not the true prize
Enjoy the fruit of your labor but do not idolize it. The positions that hard work and faith afford you are just rewards but they do not define who you are. Your character and values define you.
3. Throw pride out of the window
The preceding verses explain the destruction that follows when we are prideful. Haughty is not a word used in our common speech but it gives an accurate description of the actions of many who believe they have “made it”. We are given talents and favor to help mankind. So get rid of any pride that may be lingering around looking to destroy you.

How are you going to throw pride out of the window?

Posted on

What to do while you wait

by

The following is an opening for a chapter in my upcoming book, let me know what you think. The statement, “Occupy until I come,” is taken directly from the bible. The quote from Luke 19, verse 12 and 13, is “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” Patient ability describes what to do while obtaining patience. This chapter gives examples of human nature while pursuing dominance. The entire passage from Luke is used to demonstrate the rewards of occupying (performing transactions repeatedly) while gaining Patient Ability. This principle contains examples and vivid illustrations of patience. Most motivational books are “rah-rah” cheering books; there are certain aspects of upbeat encouragement throughout this principle. The main premise of Patient Ability is to demonstrate that in any worthwhile journey, there are aspects of continued endurance that propel you to success. This principle gives practical advice for lasting victory. Separate phases are outlined for gaining ability while building a crescendo to dominating life.
Patient Ability is the principle in which we must take a self test and determine our valuable attributes. One must honestly dig deep into what makes himself tick. This is the point where we take off the gloves. You must pull back the veil. There are plenty of things you may be good at doing; however, in order to reach your ultimate goals, you must uncover your true, great talent and develop it. You must determine your limitations. What should you do while being patient? We all want to hunt; however, knowing how to gather is a very important aspect of increasing your ability. The real impact makers know how to gather people, resources, and energy.

Posted on

Patience does not avoid hard work, it prepares for it

by

• Schedule the things that will help you achieve your plan first
• Make a schedule and keep it

8/4/11 5:57AM (original writting)

Preparation is one of the pillars of patience because it is what to do in the interim. Preparation has many forms and differs from planning because now words take action. Use mental preparation to form pictures of success and what it looks like for your particular project. These mental sessions cause wonderful thoughts of glory that can sustain you in gaps between tangible results. Thinking will also give you opportunity to navigate around potential challenges. The path of patience chooses purposes that exceed its current comfort level. The problematic work is primarily in your belief system. Belief in a dream dictates effort towards that end. In the middle are challenging steps that give the end a smooth appearance. I often write terrific list that if accomplished would put me in the over achievers Hall of Fame. These list frequently fall victim to excuses and later I become angry at my apathy. To overcome this I force myself to perform the prepared list. Never once have I completed a list without extreme satisfaction. Hard things are not hard if you are prepared properly. Maybe better said, “The prepared mind does not perceive the difficult challenge.”

Posted on

You are standing on the shoulders of others

by

• You are not the first to take this journey
• Your foundation and heritage are strong and sure
• Faith and patience are cumulative

Those that came before us built bridges from lack to abundance the foundation of which is forged with their physical and emotional souls. People in your own family that gave every ounce of energy to educate, shelter and propel you to the next level may not have had the level of free expression that you enjoy. You lean on those who promoted your goals and dreams above their own. Show gratitude to those pillars that have directly supported you by continuing to pursue your highest dreams. Some dreams need more reinforcement than others and lofty vision needs patient contractors. After the foundation has settled the contractor must test the strength of the concrete. Our concrete is made of people who had vision for a world free from hindrances to individual joy. All dreams and goals combine to benefit your heritage. The royalty of your culture expects you to represent with passion and regality. When your faith needs increasing look to past champions for inspiration. The Bible gives us some examples of those who through faith and patience inherited the promise but Abraham is one of my favorites because we can see evidence of God’s promise still working in present day Israel and all the riches bestowed on the seed of Ishmael. While gaining inspiration from faith champions and applying your current faith, no gap is too large to overcome. Slow your breathing consider well your task and exercise a patient mind because you are not alone.

Unite with faith and patience and unite with the world.

Posted on

The Prayer

by

My prayer: God please order my steps in Your word.

His Answer: For I know the thoughts that I think towards you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

God has good thoughts toward us. We have to aspire to change our minds to reach these thoughts. To change our mind we must change the things that we listen to daily. We must change the programs we watch. Enhance the people we are around. And finally, to change our thought pattern, we must change the things we read. So remember that there is always someone in your corner. This Someone is God and He desires peace and prosperity for as your end result.