"May He grant you according to your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. We will [shout in] triumph at your salvation and victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions." -King David
When was the last time you shouted and rejoiced at your dreams and plans before they were fulfilled?
We can become so engrossed in worrying about the enemy's plans or criticizing other people's businesses that we fail to act or shout over ours.
Now and then, human nature becomes jealous when other people's plans are succeeding and ours are not. But I have great news for you: THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF FAVOR WITH GOD. There is NO success, client or member shortage in the world.
There is ONLY a shortage of risk takers and champions; shortages of people that will dare to step out of the boat and onto risky waters when Jesus says COME.
We tend to think there is this big pie chart of PLANS AND WITTY IDEAS that only a certain person, business or ministry will consume a majority of.
But we have a right to shout in triumph at the plans God is preparing to fulfill in our life.
To do this, King David wrote that you must have:
- A desire in your heart
- A plan to see it come to pass
- A banner set up over it
A banner?
A banner was used to rally army troops and declare allegiance to a certain person, group, or cause. The word banner is a synonym to the word "standard." Isaiah boldly declared, "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard (banner) against him and put him to flight."
What God has spoken over your life has the power to put every strategy of the enemy to flight. The Word of God is the banner we must set up over our destiny, dreams and plans in 2009! A banner I am creating for my wall will be on an 8x14 sheet of paper and read:
INNOVATE. Creative ideas to reach 10,000 new subscribers in 2009.
"I have a lot more to tell you, things you never knew existed. This isn't a variation on the same old thing. This is new, brand-new, something you'd never guess or dream up." -Isa 48:1 (MSG)
As Champions, we must change and innovate constantly to stay ahead. For us to continue taking territory, new cities, industries, leagues and avoid stagnation, we must constantly innovate.
Dictionary.com defines that word
innovate as:
To change or alter by introducing something new; to remodel, to revolutionize; to make changes in anything established.
You must establish a plan before you can INNOVATE.
Innovation is the catalyst for growth. Each level you want to rise to requires innovation:
- Innovation to your process;
- Innovation to your training regiment;
- Innovation to your office, technology, existing structure, plans, perspective, etc.
At a conference I recently attended, the Keynote Speaker said: "Business is voluntary."
While in politics (elections) and law there are winners and losers, in business, every transaction produces winners, whether you are a small business or Fortune 500. A church is a business; God's business. Jesus said, "Occupy (do business) till I come."
The people that follow you may not necessarily follow me. I cannot force anyone to read Champions BYTES at the expense of another leadership article. You choose to read whatever you wish.
Let me explain it this way: I am an avid Starbucks fan of the Chai Tea, and this week while traveling, I went to Coffee Bean and unexpectedly fell in love with their African Sunrise and Tropical Passion decaf Tea Latte.
Now Starbucks can't pout or blame Coffee Bean that they lost a customer that day. I didn't do it to hurt them or because I was bothered with them. Coffee Bean didn't flag me down in the airport and say, you smell like a Starbucks customer, turn in here.
It was my choice.
When I gave Coffee Bean my $5.00, we both exchanged thanks because the exchange was voluntary. It was a win-win and I felt very good about my decision after I tasted the drink.
You increase in size or influence when people voluntarily come into your business, church or life and taste something that is good. I don't have to fear Bill Gates or the competitor down the street or on my team.
King Solomon wrote: "The evil men bow before the good, and the wicked [stand suppliantly] at the gates of the [uncompromisingly] righteous." (Pr. 14)
If I remain innovative and uncompromising in today's competitive marketplace, while the wicked are overthrown, God promises that my tent will flourish.
What an incredible promise.
But we still must do something for men to demand our supply. We cannot afford to wait to innovate until we have lost something (A client, member, job, promotion, spot on the team, etc.)
Why should people stand at your gates (humbly) wanting what you supply?
What you dream may be supernatural, but your faith, hope and expectation are no excuse not to plan, act and constantly innovate to get better.
Today, INNOVATE something. Create divine supply and demand. Set up a banner. We set up banners to rejoice; to shout now; to thank Him in advance before we see complete victory or fulfillment.
A banner sends a message to the enemy, that I am not discouraged or tired; that there is divine protection and favor over my dream and vision.
Your enemies or competition today are making you better. The taller, better or more qualified candidate or player will always push you to stretch beyond YOUR limits or boundaries.
The enemy always wants to convince you won't find the position, or price you want; that you don't have the ability to qualify for the loan or promotion. But if there is a purpose for what you want (REAL ESTATE, ETC.), then God will make a way for you to get it.
I release real estate and new opportunities to you. Lay your hands on property, client and team profiles and command them to come to you.
God will do it.
