Optimistic Journey » Growth and Maturity

Grow Into Your Full Potential

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:15:42 +0000

We are forever evolving into the person that God has called us to be. We can never learn too much. We can never experience all there is to experience.

We can never be too wise, or too strong, or too smart. God always has more for us. But the fact of the matter is that it’s easy to settle. It’s easy to get comfortable where we are in life.

Many stop growing. They stop pushing and striving to reach their ultimate potential. But know today that God wants the best for you. He wants you to continue to grow. He wants you to continue to thrive, flourish and blossom into your God-given destiny.

Here’s encouragement for you- don’t get settled. Don’t get so comfortable that you miss out on the next dimension in life.

Continue to grow. Let the lessons, the hardships and the setbacks of life catapult you into a better, stronger and wiser person.

Before long, you’ll be able to say, “I’m stronger than my yesterdays.” “I’m more equipped and empowered than I was before.”

But it all starts with a mindset to grow. It starts with the decision to overcome mediocrity and stagnation. Here’s my question for you: Will you dare to explore new horizons? Will you dare to be all you can be and grow into the full abundance God has for you?

Don’t get comfortable where you are. Always strive to grow and reach the next dimension in life. When you do so, you’ll come into your full potential as you charge forth on your journey!

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Did You Get Bitter or Better?

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 02 May 2012 05:15:58 +0000

There is a lesson in every life experience. But It’s up to us to fish out the good from the bad. You have the choice to take every little positive nugget from every situation and grow from it.

When you face a negative life experience, it might be easy to get down in the dumps. You may be tempted to crumble and get bitter. But God has a better way for you.

The scripture says that that the almighty God has placed life and death before you. It was the creator of the universe who placed blessings in curses at hand. Now, it’s up to you to choose–choose life!

Maybe you got a bad hand in life, don’t get bitter, get better. Maybe you’ve faced some disappointments. You’ve had a bad relationship or you’ve faced some defeats and you’re tempted to get soured on life.

Don’t grow cold. Don’t get bitter. No, let me encourage you today, you’re not at a loss. Victory is yet at hand. You will come out better than you were before.

God has given you the choice, now it’s up to you to walk the good road. When you come to a cross roads in life, don’t take the bitter route, take the better route. Take the route that’s going to cause you to triumph.

Now, if you’re going to come into this better way of living, you’re going to have to shake off the defeat. Shake off the disappointments. Declare that you’re getting better, stronger and wiser in every area of your life as you charge forth on your journey!

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May 21, 2012 -- Grow Into Your Full Potential (0)
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Avoid the Bandwagon, Jump on the God-wagon

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:15:07 +0000

It’s human nature to do the thing that everybody is doing. The bandwagon effect is something that, too often, we fall prey to.

Just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t mean you have to. When everyone goes left, sometimes you have to go right. Sometimes you have to say “no” to the things the crowd says “yes” to. And other times you’ll have to say “yes” to the things they’re saying “no” to.

You are unique. You are set apart. You were designed by the almighty God with a purpose. You weren’t made to blend in the crowd. No, God distinguished you and called you to do something great.

Dare to be bold. Dare to be courageous. Think outside of the box. You can make a difference in a way that no one else can. You can change the world in ways that it has never been changed before. Don’t do the same things others are doing. No, you have to look for a different way of doing things.

Take the Star Trek approach, boldly go where no man has gone before. Venture out into the unknown. Explore new territories.

Don’t jump on the bandwagon, jump on the God-wagon. Follow God’s ultimate path. Seek the Lord today and He will direct your path. Say “no” to the things that everyone is saying “yes” to so that you’ll get the opportunity to say “yes” to the things that no one gets to do.

James 4:4 tells us that anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Another scripture asks, “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?” Don’t chose the world’s way of doing things. No, God’s way is the best way. Don’t jump on the bandwagon, jump on the God-wagon and watch doors of opportunity open as you charge forth on your journey!

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Take the Other Route

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:15:15 +0000

Day in and day out, we face the same routine things. We do the things that are most comfortable. We get stuck in a rut and settle for mediocrity.

For many, stagnation can become the one thing that holds them back from reaching their full God-given potential. In the natural, we take the same route to work. We eat the same foods. We take the same approach that winds us no where.

But if you’re going to come into your divine destiny and experience the better life God has for you, you’re going to have to change some things. Step out of your comfort zone. Change your approach.

Take a different route in the game of life. You’ll discover that in doing so, you’ll learn some things along the way. You’ll make new discoveries, new perspectives and gain new outlooks.

For years, I took the same route on the way home from work. But one day I made a new discovery. I took a different route home.

Not only did I discover that it was quicker, easier and more scenic, but I discovered my favorite restaurant along the way. That restaurant was there for years I just didn’t know it was there. I had to change my routine. I had to take the other route.

I’m asking you today, are you missing out on the supernatural conveniences of life? Are you wasting out on unknown discoveries, failed opportunities and explosive blessings due to stagnation?

You have to change your approach. Get a new perspective on life. Break tradition, stagnation and mediocrity. Break out of the rut. You’re going to have to take the other route in life. You know… the one that everyone said wouldn’t work. The one that you simply discounted because it was out of the ordinary, mundane routine of everyday life… yes, take that route.

I’m reminded of the story in Luke chapter 5 where Simon Peter and the disciples were fishing. They had been fishing all night long in the shallow waters and didn’t catch any fish. Then Jesus told Simon Peter to go out into the deep waters and let out their nets.

I’m sure they were tired and exhausted. At this point they toiled all night long, I’m sure they were discouraged, weary and without hope. But Jesus understood one principle, He knew that in order for them to come into their abundant blessings, they would have to come out of their comfort zone. They would have to change their routine. They had to break out of their comfort zones and go out into the deep waters.

The bible says that after they complied and went out into the deep, they caught an over-abundance of fish. So much so that they their nets began to break.

Friend, in the same way you’re going to have to break tradition. In order for you to come into your abundant blessings and provision you’re going to have to take the other route. Don’t settle for the shallow waters of stagnation and mediocrity. No, step out into the deep waters of life. Make a change that’s going to catapult you into blessings, increase and favor. When you do so, you’ll come into the higher dimension that God has for you as you charge forth on your journey!

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August 19, 2011 -- Don’t Limit Yourself (0)
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Stuck in a Rut? How to Get Out

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:49:40 +0000

By nature, we all desire to progress forward in life. We all have hopes, visions and dreams. But for many, its the same day in and day out, year in and year out.

For some, traditions are holding them back. Others fall prey to the barely-get-by, lackadaisical mindset. But know today that we serve a God who makes all things new. He doesn’t want you to be stuck in a rut. He wants to bring you into increase, promotion, and a higher dimension.

If you’re going to come into your God-given destiny, you’re going to have to leave the old mindset behind. Don’t fall prey to that toxic mindset that says, “I’ll never achieve that dream” or “I don’t have the talents to be an achiever.”

Don’t say what you can’t do, say what you can do. Don’t be stagnant, make positive declarations that will catapult you into your destiny.

I’ve heard it said that you believe more of what you say, than what anybody else says about you. If you’re going around saying, I’ll never break this bad addiction… I never get the right breaks… I never come into the right relationships, then that’s all you’ll ever acquire. Like the Children of Israel in the Bible, you’ll be stuck in a rut. You’ll be circling that same mountain over and over again, day in and day out.

In order to progress, you’re going to have to break bad traditions. If you’re going to stretch forth to the next level, you’ll have to change some things.

Instead of saying, I don’t have the talents, say I have everything I need to do anything I could imagine. Instead of saying, this relationship will never work, your declaration should be, I serve a God who mends broken relationships.

I’ve heard a great saying, “When you complain, you remain.” If you’re going to progress in life, you must first believe that a change is yet at hand. You’ll have to get rid of the limiting, defeating mindset and believe that you can achieve those dreams. You can get that promotion. You can break through into a higher dimension.

I always say, “change your I can’ts to the I cans.” In other words, let your declaration be, I can recover from a bad break. I can achieve the unachievable. I can break down the walls stagnation. When you do so, you’ll discover that with God, you’ll come into bigger opportunities, better relationships, and fulfilled dreams as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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It’s All in the Attitude!

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:09:34 +0000

Too often, we allow the circumstances of everyday life to take our joy away. So many go around with the mentality that says, “I’ll smile, when I have a reason to smile.” And what’s even worse, is that sets a bad example for others who need to see a positive light.

Many have made a habit of going around with a sour attitude. We’re on the edge. We’re on the defense. We allow the doom and gloom to set in and bring us down.

Instead of being affected by the negative circumstances, we should make a decision to be a positive effect. We can choose to be a light in a dark world.

When you wake up in the morning, your goal should be that no matter what happens, you’re going to operate in the joy of the Lord.

Friend, it’s not God’s desire for you to walk around sad, discouraged, doom and gloom. No, the scripture says you’ve been anointed with the oil of joy more than your companions. That means that as ambassadors for Christ, we’ve been chosen to set an example for Christ.

I heard an interesting statistic. When you smile, you’re communicating to your body that everything is going to be alright. I’ve heard it said that when you smile, others wonder what’s the good news.

It’s possible to be joyful even in the bad times. The truth is, joy comes in knowing that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord. That means we should rejoice always, in the good times as well as the bad times.

Now I understand, for some, it naturally comes easier to be chipper and joyful all the time. True, some have had a life full of hurts, failures, and negative experiences. But the truth is you have a choice to break those strongholds.

You have the potential to unlock the joy that God has placed on the inside of you. Know today that joy is yours for the asking. John 16:24 says to ask and receive that your joy might be full.

Make a decision today to put on a good attitude. Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength. If you’ll make a decision to smile for no reason, God will give you more and more reasons to smile as you charge forth on your journey of life.

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It’s by no Coincidence

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:16:03 +0000

You weren’t just birthed into this world by chance, God has had a purpose for your life since the very beginning. Your life is divinely orchestrated by God, and He has great things in store for you!

Too often, we find ourselves being tossed back and forth in the wind. Many people feel a since of no purpose. We’re just taking chances hoping for what the world calls “luck.” But with God, there’s no such thing as luck. No, you’re not here by chance. There is a method to His madness. You’re not doing what you’re doing by coincidence. Your steps are ordered by the Lord, and He has every step planned out for you.

Maybe you didn’t have the same upbringing as your peers. Maybe you’ve had it rough all your life, and you’re tempted to think that God has deserted you. Well know today that what you’ve been through is not by chance. Jeremiah 1:5 says that “even before you were born God knew you and He set you apart.” And Jeremiah 29:11 pretty much answers this when it says, “God knows the plans He has for you. He wants to prosper you and give you a future full of hope!”

The seemingly insignificant things that you partake in day in and day out, could be the very things that lead to the next major opportunity. It’s no coincidence that those contacts that you’ve met along the way, have become an influence in your life. They may have been placed there by the almighty God, as a vehicle to lead you to your success.

It’s by no coincidence that you’ve faced some hardships along the way. It’s those very setbacks that will give you the ability to blast through the ultimate finish-line. Those roadblocks that you encounter, serve a purpose to show you what road not to take in the future.

Those defeats that you’ve suffered they didn’t happen by coincidence. Maybe you’ve encountered some closed doors and passed by opportunities, know that it’s no coincidence. Anytime you come face to face with a closed door, it’s because God has something greater in store.

Now just think, if you would’ve accepted the mediocre opportunity, or walked through the wrong doors, you would be delaying yourself from the destiny that God has purposed and designed for you.

I heard a wise person say, “what was supposed to be your setback, is your setup.” So next time you suffer rejection, next time you experience failure or let downs, know that it’s not by chance. Those setbacks will set you up for the next major move that God has planned for you.

God is working behind the scenes. And He’s turning the pages of your life one opportunity at a time. So take pleasure in your defeats and failed opportunities. They are there to bring about growth and maturity as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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Take Bigger Risks

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:21:15 +0000

Too often we fall prey to contentment and complacency. And in the end, all this does is bring stagnation and hinders our growth.

But do you know that it’s better to take risks in life than to end up short changing yourself? When you play it safe and take the comfortable road in life, you end up holding the short end of the bargain.

Know today that God wants you to go above and beyond the call of duty. It’s easy to get comfortable and lackadaisical, but you should know that when you go out on a limb, God will carry you the rest of the way.

In order to grow, you have to stretch your abilities. Take risks in life. Do the unexpected. Do the things that you’ve always feared.

When you set out to achieve things that are outside of your comfort zone, you’ll be surprised at the outcome. The good thing is that the outcome will give you the confidence to take even bigger risks in life.

When you venture out and take more chances, you’ll start to see your dreams come alive. You’ll start to see your goals being fulfilled. You’ll start to notice more doors opening. But when you play it safe and do the same expected things day in and day out, you end up forfeiting your growth.

I’m reminded of what Luke 19:26 says in the Message bible. In this passage of scripture Jesus says, “That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.”

My friends, I want to encourage you to seek ways to expand your growth. Stretch your faith. That which has been given to you, put it to work for you. Let it earn you a return on your investment.

Remember, the scripture says to whom much is given, much is required. Take bigger risks in life then you’ll get the satisfaction of a “well done” as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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Don’t Limit Yourself

Jarrod Clark — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 00:56:09 +0000

There are times when we end up shortchanging ourselves. Too often, we judge our strengths and abilities based on past experiences.

We forget that everyday is a new day. Today we’re stronger than we were yesterday. We’re wiser and better than we were yesterday. And when we place limits on ourselves we limit our growth. We end up falling into a rut.

I want to encourage you not to place limits on yourself. Don’t measure today’s strength by yesterday’s strength. Don’t judge the talents of today based on past abilities.

Today I was at the gym and I was doing an incline bench press. Normally I do less weight on an incline bench press than I do on a flat bench press because the incline press is harder. But this week I unintentionally put the same amount of weight on the incline press that I put on my flat bench press. And it turns out that I was able to bench the same amount of weight on the incline press than I can on the flat press.

The lesson I learned was that I was limiting myself. I assumed that just because the inclined press was harder than the flat press that I would need less weight on the incline. To put it simply, I was limiting myself based on the past week’s experiences.

Here’s the key- don’t fall prey to stagnation. Don’t be afraid to up the ante. You never know how much you can do or how far you can go until you try. Be bold- Be courageous. Your growth depends on your ability to raise the bar. For many, the ceiling is too low. They’ve got the threshold level set way to low.

In order for growth to come, you’ve got to explore new avenues. When you stretch yourself, you’ll find out that you can leap farther than you thought. You’ll be able to jump higher. You’ll get stronger, wiser and better than the day before. Take the limits off yourself and when you do so you’ll rise to higher heights as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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February 22, 2012 -- Take the Other Route (1)
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Enjoy The Journey Along The Way

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:03:38 +0000

Too often we say to ourselves, “if i can just get this in order then I’ll be alright” or “if I can just get to this point in my life, or get through this semester in school, life will be better.” Does this sound familiar?

Well, I don’t think that God’s plan for our life is that we go through life stressing over everything. I believe that His ultimate will for your life is for you to live a joy-filled, peaceful life full of happiness, and wholeness!

The truth is that if you keep looking to the future for things to get better then you’ll never live a stress-free life. The enemy will always be planting more attacks in your life that will constantly cause stress and anguish.

John 10:10 says, “The thief (the enemy) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they (you and I) might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly.”

In actuality, you should learn to enjoy the present moment in every area of your life. If your job is stressing you out or that class is overwhelming you, then you should look to God as a source of peace in your life.

I believe that one way to enjoy the journey along the way is to make positive declarations. In other words instead saying, “once I get that new house then life will be better,” say “I’m going to appreciate all that I have and be thankful for it. Things can always be worse.” Your declaration should be that, such as the scripture says in Matthew 25:23 “I’m going to be faithful over a few things so that the Lord can make me ruler over many.”

I believe that life will be so much more rewarding and fulfilling if you learn to appreciate the small things. You should learn to appreciate the good times as well as the bad. When things aren’t looking up, let that be an opportunity to exercise your faith! Don’t wallow in despair, make a better decision to live your life in the victory that God has for you as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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Optimistic Journey » Growth and Maturity

Grow Into Your Full Potential

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