Becoming a Mighty Man

This morning I was privileged to be invited to join my Pastor, Keith Craft, and approximately 300 men from our church. We began our morning with a healthy breakfast of steel cut oats, fresh fruit and juice (as we are currently on a fast). Next, we kicked off with praise and there is something to be said about hearing 300 men “sold out” for God praise Him with such passion and honor.

After praise, we were blessed to hear a great word about how to become a Mighty Man. Pastor related to David and his Mighty men. David would not be able to accomplish what he did as a king without having men that had a heart for him and men he could call on for anything at any time.

Without giving away the whole session, here are a few points that stood out for me. A Mighty Man is…

… one who embraces resistance
… obedient to the unenforceable
… is loyal
… courageous

Being a mighty man requires to have an honorable spirit first. Without honor, being obedient, loyal and courageous is not sustainable.

As a man, do you have 3 men you can call right now about your most pressing problems? Will they stop what they are doing to come aid you to see you succeed? If not, maybe you should become a mighty man so you can be align yourself with other mighty men. Greatness invites greatness!

Consider visiting some of my other posts: HONOR, FELLOWSHIP, WARRIOR and others. Also, check out the pages: GET CONNECTED, RESOURCES and EVENTS. I pray that God speaks to you and you are able to take something from this site to become a better man, live a better life and find proper alignment.

Be Mighty!
- John Vakidis

Starting off with a Positive Spirit

How do you start your mornings? Are you like most people, with a cup of coffee? Don't get me wrong, I drink coffee too, but it isn't the caffiene that kick starts my day. It's my morning ritual that helps me start my day with a positive spirit.

I say this outloud...


"This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice in all that it brings and be glad in it. I can do all things through Christ who stregthens me. Good Morning, Precious!"

All of us have thoughts racing through our heads, some controllable and some not. It's important to be intentional and kick start your day with a positive attitude. With this message deeply rooted in your spirit, there is nothing that you can't accomplish. Knowing that allows you to walk with #CONFIDENCE out into the world and guess what? Good people want to be around people like that!

My pastor, @KeithCraft says, "It's your alignment that determines your assignment."

But before the #ALIGNMENT comes a right way of thinking and a positive attitude.

Believing God's Best for You!
- John Vakidis

Giving Praise

Well, today marks day 2 of our 21 day fast at ELC. If you are fasting and praying, I want to also encourage you to give praise. My cousin, Amy, posted this video on Facebook yesterday and it inspired me to share with you, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

HALLELUJAH - 4 top singers from Norway combine a beautiful version of Hallelujah

Giving Him Praise and all of the Glory,
John Vakidis

TENACITY

Today marks Day 1 of a 21 day fast for me and many others at Elevate Life Church. Over the next 3 weeks, we will be giving up certain foods and over that time, we will be challenged internally to give up. I write these words today as encouragement to those that have made this commitment.

I encourage you to have a Tenacious Spirit. Here are a few quotes for inspiration…

“Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.”
- Louis Pasteur

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure , the process is its own reward.”
- Amelia Earhart

“I know of no such unquestionable badge and ensign of a sovereign mind as that of tenacity of purpose...”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let NO THING get in the way of you and your goal! I have faith that you will succeed!

Praying for HIS strength for you!
- John Vakidis

#TENACITY

INCREASE

This weekend was my church’s 12-Year Anniversary. Each year Pastor Keith Craft gives us a word a prophesizes over our congregation. This year in 2012, that word is INCREASE!

In a brief summary, Pastor let us know that Increase …

.. is the Way of God (Deuteronomy 1:10-11)
… is the Will of God (Isaiah 9:7)
… is the Want of God (1 Corinthians 2: 6-10)

God wants us to have Increase because He wants us to be greater. He wants us to take dominion over the earth and He wants us to live rich, abundant lives. By following His word, we can have Increase in our family, our finances, our relationships, our work and just about every other aspect of our lives.

I stand in agreement with Pastor Keith and the members of Elevate Life Church that 2012 will be our year of INCREASE. I believe that this can be a great year for you as well. Simply follow God’s word, get aligned with right-living people, get connected and you will see Increase in your life!

Believing God’s Best for You!
- John Vakidis

Man Up

As a man, it's hard to admit our mistakes. Even worse, it's harder to admit to your spouse. As the new year came about, I've been consumed in projects and I've been a little over stressed.

To say the least, my attitude has needed an adjustment. So, as the author of this blog, I also admit that I too need correction and direction from time to time. So, without further adieu, it's time for me to Man Up!

Caren, I'm sorry! Thanks for correcting me and making me better. I took a vow to serving you and I owe you more. I love you, appreciate you and I will improve. Looking forward to better days. Love you, babe!

I've had this quote floating in my head today, and it hits the nail on the head, so here goes..."Your attitude is the hinge of the door that your destiny swings on." - Pastor Keith Craft

So, men, if you owe your wife an apology, don't be afraid to Man Up!

All the best!

- John Vakidis

Increasing Favor

Recently, my Pastor Keith Craft spoke at Lakewood Church in Houston over the New Year weekend. He spoke about "How to Increase in Favor." In order to receive favor in your life, he taught that we must first live with a merciful heart. When we do that, this leads to showing honor to those around us.

When we live with mercy and honor in the forefront of our thoughts and actions, we receive build a path towards receiving God's favor.If would like to learn more, consider going online to www.elevatelife.com and watch the recorded podcast.Believing that 2012 will be a year of Increase and Favor for you!

Honoring Him,
John Vakidis