An Unusual Day of Joy
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October 6, 2008“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2 – 4 I am writing this blog on the flight from Charlotte to Atlanta where I change planes for Sarasota, Florida. As I was reflecting on this most unusual day, the Scripture above came to mind that we are to count the trials and temptations we face as sheer joy. To say that runs counterintuitive to everything in me today would be a big understatement! You see, today was the day I got to reveal to the world my new book, Rainforest Strategy. It is the culmination of 3 ½ years of study, prayer and application. I allowed extra time for the book release because I wanted everything to be just right. And instead, everything that could go wrong did. For some strange reason, it went out in a red text instead of the normal black text. If you tried to actually order the physical book, you were taken to the e-book inside the store. It gets worse, but I will spare you. That’s when I read James 1 again and decided to count all this as joy. After all, it is working patience in me and if I let if have its perfect work, it will mature me wholly and leave me lacking in no good thing. Sounds like a plan to me! A very good plan. So as I head home for the weekend, I am counting the trials of the day as sheer joy. It beats the alternative! If you were one of the numerous host of folks who ordered the book on Friday and helped us set a new record for orders in a single day I thank you from the bottom of my heart! And I ask you for grace. (o-: Nearly every order was processed as an e-book order when we know most of you wanted the physical book. Somehow our links got messed up despite all the test orders we processed successfully before sending out the email offer. I rarely say this, but I really believe there were other forces at work today that got in and got some wires crossed. I believe those spiritual forces would do anything to hinder this incredible revelation of practical business truth gleaned from God’s creation from getting out and helping folks gain financial freedom. Your kindness, mercy and understanding in what is no doubt a frustrating experience for you would be greatly appreciated. Maybe you too could count it all joy with me... (o-: Please read any email from Cheryl@SellingAmongWolves as she will be updating all of you who placed an order on Friday and getting things straightened out. If you were planning on ordering but haven’t yet, please DO NOT use the link on Friday’s email. Simply go to www.RainforestStrategy.com/about-the-book or order from our follow up email when we resend the offer with all the links working correctly. I am joyful because of Christ and I am grateful because of you! May God bless and watch over you this week. Be extra prayerful and watchful the next few days. We live in unprecedented times and your adversary, the devil is seeking whom he may devour.
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As the simple song says, \"Turn your eyes upon Jesus (the living Word of God), look full in his wonderful face (meditate on the beauty of the Truth therein), and the things of earth will grow strangely dim\". Count it all joy, a simple truth that changes the perspective of any circumstance or trial. Thank you for reminding me. It's so easy to look at the storm of circumstance and sink instead of fixing my eyes on the Word and walking on the waves of the storm.
Randy Browne at 7:44am EDT - October 6, 2008
Well....I didn't order the book...BUT, the good news is....my hubby did! We have been fasting weekly and seeking the LORD together and a little over a week ago my hubby was lea to inquire about a business we could do together. Interesting, and scary, in these troubling times. Well, I did get the email about the book, and sent it to his email, and he ordered it! Hurrah for him. We will be fasting again today and praying for HIS guidance, HIS direction and HIS blessings. I have been hearing many scary prophetic things, similar from different sources concerning the times. But, as I read the Word, I see we need to keep pursing HIM in all ways. Thanks Michael and blessings to you all today. In HIM, KLH
Kara L. Harris at 8:13am EDT - October 6, 2008
After reading that the book somehow without explaination got printed in all red I have to see the God in that. I do believe nothing happens by accident and the fact that many bibles print the words of Jesus in red text tells me the Lord has given you a sign that he played a role in the development of the book. I am anxious to get my hands on a copy for this reason alone. He uses the weak to confound the wise and his ways are not ours. The difficulty is his signature on the work of your heart.
Due to my own financial difficulties I am not able to purchase a copy at the moment but I am trusting jahova jira that I will have a copy soon.
Be Blessed in all you do
Thomas Welch at 12:35pm EDT - October 6, 2008
Here is a GOOD reminder from a devotional that I received today, it pertains to your \"happenings\" this week. Standing with you in ALL this.
Have a blessed day. Nelson
\"God is good; the devil is bad. Sounds pretty elementary, doesn't it? Yet, when we're in the midst of a painful situation, we can forget these things pretty quickly. The Bible says: \"Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.\" (James 1:16-17 NIV) One of Satan's greatest deceptions is trying to make Christians believe that God is behind many of the bad things that happen to them. That couldn't be further from the truth. The devil is the one who works overtime trying to do us harm any way that he can. Jesus said: \"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).\" (John 10:10 AMP) Here, the Savior makes it clear that Satan means us only harm, while God means us only good. Keeping these simple truths in mind is very important when we're facing negative circumstances. If we think that God is behind our troubles, then we will not be as likely to respond properly to our situation. And if we don't respond properly, we will forfeit the victories and blessings that God had in store for us all along. Every time we face adversity, we have a choice to make. Are we going to become resentful and vindictive, and try to fight our own battles? If so, then we are headed for serious trouble. Or are we going to trust that God is a good God, and that whatever comes our way, He will work out for our benefit as we cooperate with Him?\"
(J. M. Farro)
(Romans 8:28)
Nelson P. Fox at 3:23pm EDT - October 6, 2008
Congratulations on your launch! For the last year + I have been reminding myself that things are not as they appear! It is good to keep that perspective. There is so much we do not see and can not comprehend that the only way that makes sense is to view it through daddy's perspective. Let him tell you how it really is. :)
I'm Joy-filled along with you. Blessings!
Carrie
Carrie at 7:04pm EDT - October 6, 2008
Well, from a PR viewpoint, you could say your new book is already widely read, ...er, red.
Thanks for your transparency. It teaches us all. There is a remarkable joy knowing God gets the glory, even in odd circumstances.
From now on, when I see the color red, I will think of your experience and God's unique victory.
Part of His-story too,
Tia
Tia Nielsen at 7:45pm EDT - October 6, 2008
WOW!!! Satan must be afraid of the anointing on this book!
Hang in there, Michael and remember \"The Joy of the Lord is YOUR Strength.
Jackie Cafferello at 8:56pm EDT - October 6, 2008
Victory is yours/ours. Just persist in prayer and the leading and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Great that you follow the Word...
Very encouraging to read about your experience.
moserw at 9:49pm EDT - October 6, 2008
Michael,
Congratulations on the launch of your new book as well as the highest sales achieved on this one! That is execellent!!!
My joy is also overwhelmed by the responses you received. You are sure in good company.
Now I look forward to the wonderful debates we can all have together as we learn through the pages we turn!
Lots of blessings in Him,
Wilhelmien
PS. The new Rainforest Strategy website is beautiful!
Wilhelmien van Nieuwenhuizen at 6:52am EDT - October 7, 2008
Hello my dear friends...
You are truly awesome! Thank you for your kind support and hearty encouragement. We keep developing the site and the new services we will be offering shortly. I look forward to your feedback on the content! Be sure to check out our rainforest excursions on the www.rainforeststrategy.com site. We plan to take a group there in January right next to the Panama Canal.
Blessings, Michael
Michael Pink at 1:08pm EDT - October 7, 2008
I just found your blog and I am totally excited about your book, your vision, your purpose. I read your previous book, \"Selling Among Wolves\" and must read the new one. Press on toward the mark. Press in.
Beverly at 6:42pm EDT - October 7, 2008
Dear Michael,
amen to all that was written by you and the posts. we are all learning about the
\"upside down\" kingdom principle. Love those who hate you. Lend to the poor and God repays in awesome ways. Rejoice in suffering. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. It's all backwards! hmmm.. or maybe it's \"right-side up\" and WE are upside down. It's all His. As the brother quoted earlier Romans 8;28. When will we learn the eternal \"mo\". God is the first and the last. Actually, it would be cool
to have a copy in red. A little hard on the eyes but you would see it in your sleep!
Be blessed all you who call Him King
keith/ohio
keith webb at 2:15am EDT - October 12, 2008
You are a very smart person! :)
James at 7:39pm EST - March 5, 2009