Optimistic Journey

Your Name Has Been Changed!

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:15:22 +0000

When you come into Christ, the old becomes past away. The scripture says you become a new creature.

Many things change. Your thoughts and your actions change. You take on a new way of living. You project a new kind of fruit: peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are known as the Fruits of the Spirit.

In the supernatural, another thing changes. God changes your name. Often throughout the scriptures, God would change the name of a person He wanted to use. For example, Abram became Abraham, which meant father of many nations. Sarai became Sarah, which meant princess.

Saul used to be a persecutor of the Christian church. When He came into Christ, his name was changed to Paul. He then became a major influence in the Christian church. Simon became Peter who was a follower of Christ who was later given the keys to the church.

In the same way, God changes your name. The person you used to be doesn’t matter. The things you used to do have no meaning. What matters is that you’re a child of the most high God. He has changed your name.

Others may know you by who you used to be. But God knows you by who He has called you to be. With Christ, you’ve gone from a victim to a victor. You’re no longer a failure you’re a success. You’re not poor, you’re rich.

Let this seed take root. Your name has been changed. Your story ends in victory. Don’t answer to the name of your yesterdays. Answer to what God has called you to be as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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When the Rubber Meets the Passion

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:15:09 +0000

Something amazing happens when we seek out to pursue our dreams. Anytime something is new and fresh we go after it with passion, enthusiasm, and desire. But what happens when the fire dies? What happens when the passion that was once there subsides?

For many, a number of things happen. Some abandon their dreams. It gets old and stale. Some get lackadaisical and lose their way.

But let me encourage you to rekindle the flame. Stir up those gifts that you’ve allowed to lye dormant. Relight that fire.

You may be familiar with an idiom that says, “when the rubber meets the road.” It’s defined as the moment of truth. This is the point that determines if you’re in it to win it.

The same principle applies to our dreams. I give it a different twist. It’s when the “rubber meets the passion.” This is the moment when you make a decision that no matter how hard it gets, you’re going to go on to pursue your God-given destiny. It’s the moment when no matter how tough the goin’ gets, you chose to press through the difficulties. Press through the struggles. Press through the setbacks.

If you come into this moment of truth when the rubber meets the passion, that’s when it’s time to up the ante. Kick your passion into the next gear. Don’t lose the love for those dreams that are near and dear. Don’t let your goals and visions get washed down the drain. It’s at this point that you dig your heels in and fight to the finish.

Leap over the obstacles. Embrace and conquer the challenges. When you do so, you’ll come into your full potential as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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April 11, 2012 -- Relight the Fire! (0)
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How to Enjoy Your Life! (Video)

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:02:29 +0000

God has an abundant life for you. He doesn’t want us to go around stressing over needless things. He doesn’t want us to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day that we lose sight on the abundant life. No, He wants us to enjoy our life and live it to the fullest!

Here’s encouragement for you. In this week’s vlogisode video, I encourage you to not take life too seriously. Live a little. Laugh a little. Enjoy every waking moment. These, along with others are just a few tips to get you on your way to living the abundant life that God has for you. I hope this video blesses and encourages you!

(If reading by email, click Here to watch video on the blog page)

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February 2, 2012 -- 10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day! (2)
August 23, 2011 -- Don’t Take Yourself too Seriously (1)
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He’s the Supplier of Your Every Need!

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:34:41 +0000

We serve a God who knows our every need. Your desires may be outside of the will of God. Your wants may limit God’s plan for your life. But in the end, God’s will for your life will prevail.

Too often, we get focused on our wants and desires. But God is in control. He sees the big picture. He knows how to align everything to fit our ultimate need. And He sets everything accordingly.

Philippians 4:19 says “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Notice it doesn’t say that God shall supply your wants. It doesn’t say that He’ll meet your desires. No, it says that He will supply all your needs.

Your needs are above your desires. You may desire a huge mansion on a hill. But to a homeless person, a simple warm dwelling is enough to suffice. You may desire the latest most popular car on the road. But to someone without a vehicle, something that gets them from point A to B will fix the need.

Now, don’t get me wrong, God wants you to live an abundant life. He doesn’t want you to just get by, He wants you to thrive. But first, the foundation has to be in place. A teenager who just starts out driving may desire a brand new popular sports car. But most of the time, their first car may be a used one. It’ll be something that they can manage for the time.

In the same way, God wants our needs to be a priority. He’s going to make sure our needs are supplied above all else. Let this encourage you. If there is something that you need, know that God will supply it.

He is the Good Shepherd and He will feed His flock. Let this encouragement take root deep on the inside and you’ll never have to worry about your needs as you charge forth on your journey!

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December 21, 2011 -- He’s a God of Many Roles (0)
May 16, 2012 -- When the Rubber Meets the Passion (2)
May 4, 2012 -- It’s Already Worked Out! (2)
May 3, 2012 -- Master Fix-It (He Always Fixes It) (1)
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Now or Later?

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:15:12 +0000

Procrastination is one setback that robs many from reaching their full potential. The longer we wait, the longer we continue to make excuses, then the longer it will be before our plans come into play.

Too often, we’re putting things off until tomorrow. Maybe you wanted to start an exercise program. But your declaration has been, “I’ll do it tomorrow or next week.” Maybe you wanted to break an old habit or bad addiction but you’ve been putting it further and further into the future.

The longer you delay- the longer you continue to buy into the wrong excuses, the slimmer the chances are of even accomplishing the goal.

A question we should ask ourselves is will it be now or later. No, I’m not talking about a pack of candy. I’m talking about giving yourself an ultimatum.

One thing that will help is to examine the priorities. Determine what’s important. And put those things at the forefront of your mind. Commit to performing them. Make a decision to go after the important matters now.

Don’t make an excuse. Don’t continue to put it off until tomorrow. No, let me encourage you today- start now! Be about those dreams that you’ve put along the wayside. Go after your visions with a new found passion and a new persistence.

Procrastinate no further. When you put this principle into play and take action, you’ll lead a more accomplished and more fulfilling life as you charge forth on your journey!

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January 24, 2012 -- Find the Lessons in Your Failures (0)
August 16, 2011 -- Don’t Wait too Long (0)
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The Naysayer Within

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 09 May 2012 05:15:18 +0000

I heard an interesting statistic. We believe more of what we say about ourselves than what anyone else says about us. Unfortunately, the problem comes into play when we become our own voice of defeat. We become our own worst critic and naysayer.

If we could play back the words and thoughts that we think, we would realize why we never accomplished that dream. We would soon find out why we never met that goal and came into that victory. It’s because the whole time we’ve been allowing the negative voice of defeat to set in.

Make a choice today to speak victory into your life. Speak hope, blessings and courage into your destiny.

The scripture says that God has given us a choice. He has set before us blessings and curses. He’s given us a choice at life and death. He then urges us to choose life!

Friends, also remember what else God’s Word says. It says that life and death lies in the power of the tongue. You have the choice to continue to speak death, curses, and defeat over yourself- or you can speak victory, hope, and prosperity into your future.

At least if others around you are speaking against your God-given destiny, you can tune them out. You can get a new circle of friends. But if it’s your own voice and thoughts then that puts you at a disadvantage. You would be doomed for defeat.

So don’t become your own worst critic. Don’t be the naysayer within. No, be a “yay-sayer”. Speak a yes into your future.

God has an expected end waiting in store for you. But in order to come into this hope, you’ll have to start by speaking life and blessings. When you do so, you’ll come into the abundant life that God has for you as you charge forth on your journey!

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July 10, 2011 -- Make Positive Declarations (0)
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How to be Cool! (Video)

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:48:19 +0000

Many have got the wrong perception of what it means to be cool. They think that being cool is keeping up with the newest trends, being the most popular or owning the latest gadget on the market.

I must say that over the years my perception of “cool” has changed. And no this is not one of those “be cool, stay in school” posts… although I’m all for that. But this is a slightly different interpretation of what “cool” is.

I hope you will check out this week’s inspirational video. I give a scenario of what it was like the first time I was asked if I had email. And how being on top of the latest trends isn’t what makes you cool. Check out the video to find out what makes you cool. Hope it encourages you!

(If reading by email, click Here to watch video on the blog page)

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July 31, 2011 -- You Are Set Apart! (0)
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Is Christmas Here Today?

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:15:55 +0000

As a child, I can remember loving the Christmas holidays. When I was younger, I didn’t know exactly what day of the month Christmas fell on, I just knew it was my favorite time of year. The decorations, the music and the festivities let me know it was Christmas season long before Christmas day actually arrived.

As a child, I didn’t quite realize the true meaning behind Christmas but I did remember it was a time to share gifts and spend time with family. I remember all the excitement. There were days in early December when I would ask, “Is Christmas here today?” Much to my dismay, it was quite a few days away.

A few days later I’d ask: “is Christmas here today?” Again and again, day in and day out I was told “no, it’s not here yet, but it’s coming you just wait.”

Finally, Christmas day arrived. The day I had long awaited. After all the waiting, after all the anticipation, the day had finally come. Just a few days ago, I was asking: “Is today the day?” Time and time again, I was told no. But not today. No, today was the big day… the day where I got a yes.

Often times, we get discouraged in life. We’re waiting on that big moment in life. We’re waiting on the big day of expectations, blessings and favor to rain down on our lives. And when it doesn’t happen in our time, we give up and get discouraged.

In the spiritual, it’s as if we’re asking: “is today the day?” We’re being told “no” in one way or another.

But let me encourage you today. Your “yes” is somewhere down the line, it’s only a matter of time. You see, for me as a child, I was told Christmas day wasn’t here yet, but it’s coming soon. Notice that keyword “yet.” In the same way, you have to know that your big day of expectation isn’t here yet, but it’s coming.

Here’s the thing: God sees the big calendar of life. He sees the supernatural “holdiay”, the day where He get’s to grant you your yes. He sees the countdown until your day of blessing, your day of expectation- the big “yes” that you’ve been waiting for.

You may wake up asking “is today the day,” but let me encourage you. The promises of God are yes and amen! You may get a delay but never a denial. If God promised it then it will come to pass, it’s only a matter of time.

Don’t get discouraged. Don’t give up. Don’t throw in the towel. If today is not the day, then say, “that’s alright.” Just draw a line through that day on your supernatural calendar. Say, “that’s one day down, only a matter of time now.” Let this be your declaration. Before you know it, you’ll come into the big day of expectation as you charge forth on your journey!

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March 26, 2012 -- Facing Rejection? What to Do? (Video) (4)
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It’s Already Worked Out!

Jarrod Clark — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:15:27 +0000

In the supernatural, God has got it all lined out. He has planned every good break. Every divine connection is in store. Every successful opportunity is waiting on the right time to be revealed.

Too often, we forget that God is in control. He’s on the throne. He’s the captain of our ship. We’re in good hands.

Don’t worry about tomorrow. Don’t doubt the works of the Lord. No, you need to know that God has it all worked out.

Jeremiah 1:5 says before you were formed in the womb, God knew you and He had a plan for you. Notice the scripture didn’t say He has a plan, present tense- it didn’t say He’ll develop a plan in the future to come. No, it says before you were even formed God had a plan for you.

Before the foundation of the world, God had it mapped out. He ordered your every step. He knew every choice you would make. He numbered the hairs on your head.

Now, get your hopes up! Get your excitement back. There are great things in store. God has your best interests at heart. The scripture says the Lord has plans to prosper and not harm you. He has plans to give you hope and a future.

Let this be the one thing to ignite that joy, passion and fire deep down on the inside. And watch as great and mighty things come to pass as you charge forth on your journey!

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Master Fix-It (He Always Fixes It)

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:24:55 +0000

The God we serve isn’t just Mr. fix-it, He’s Master Fix-it. Whatever you need, the Lord can fix. There’s nothing too hard for God.

He’s more than just equipped. He’s an Ephesians 3:20 God. He’s able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ask or think.

I think about how our natural father is the one we run to when something needs to be fixed. I can remember being a young child and if my favorite toy broke, I’d carry it to my father and he would fix it. If something broke around the house, I may have tried to fix it on my own. I put all my hard energy into trying to fix it. But somehow dad was always able to fix it.

I can even remember how when I got my first car and the first time it broke down, I was discouraged. I felt helpless. I felt like I was in over my head. But dad knew the right connections. He knew what the problem was and how to get it fixed.

Well that’s how it is with our heavenly Father. Except there’s nothing He can’t fix. There’s nothing that can overcome the Creator of the universe.

Dad may have been able to fix a lot but there were times when dad couldn’t always fix it. But our great God is there waiting on the order. He’s waiting to answer your every prayer.

He’s equipped. He’s got His supernatural tool belt on standby ready to perfect that which concerns you. He’s ready to put His finishing touches on the job.

Be encouraged today. Carry your burdens and cares to the Lord. Let Him fix your problems. Your supernatural engine may have went out on you but God can fix it. Maybe you’ve had a bad relationship, someone broke your heart. But God has the answers, He can fix it. He’s the mender of broken hearts.

Maybe you fell down on the bike of life; you’ve bruised your knee. Well, go running home to the Lord. He’ll bandage it up, fix it and make it feel all better. You may have had a supernatural tire flat on the roadways of life. A call to the Lord is better than any Triple A service can ever do. He’ll be there right on time and get the job done!

Know today that you’re in good hands. Our heavenly Father is the Father of the greatest carpenter in the world, Jesus Christ. Surely He can fix any and every need that concerns you. Take your problems, worries and cares to the Lord and He will fix them as you charge forth on your journey!

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May 11, 2012 -- He’s the Supplier of Your Every Need! (1)
May 4, 2012 -- It’s Already Worked Out! (2)
April 30, 2012 -- Take Bold Steps of Faith! (2)
April 25, 2012 -- Utilize the Gifts on the Inside! (2)
April 16, 2012 -- God is Not Mad at You! (1)

Optimistic Journey

Your Name Has Been Changed!

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