J D Canter E Books

6/13–Start Your Day Off Right Series 

Quote:

UNITY in the CHURCH is NECESSARY for the CHURCH TO GROW!

Story:

Scripture:

1 John 4:8

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Humor:

6/13–

Humor:

A group of seminary students gathered in the chapel one day as the dean challenged them to NOT pray for a large church because of the stress, problems and worries that go with it. The next year one of the students who graduated returned to give his testimony. He said, “I did ask God for a big church; however, I also asked God for a pretty wife. My prayer was ALMOST answered. Instead of getting a big church and a pretty wife, I got a pretty church and a big wife!”

 

Have you ever felt like giving up—right when you’ve been giving it your all? Like you’re pushing a heavy rock uphill, only to feel like it’s slipping back down? If so, you’re not alone. But before you quit, pause and consider this: you might be just one step away from your breakthrough.

Too often, we walk away when the finish line is just around the corner. The truth is, most success stories weren’t born from talent alone—they were born from grit, persistence, and a refusal to let the struggle have the final word.

Think about Thomas Edison, who made over a thousand unsuccessful attempts at inventing the lightbulb. When asked why he didn’t quit, he said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” That’s not failure—that’s determination with a backbone.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going.

Here’s the good news: Motivation isn’t a constant fire—it’s something you can reignite every day with the right mindset. Start small. Make your bed. Write the email. Take the walk. Speak the kind word. One action at a time builds a mountain of momentum.

Don’t underestimate the power of showing up.

Even on your hardest days, you are planting seeds that will bear fruit—if you don’t quit on them too soon.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

So today, I want to encourage you: hold on a little longer. Push a little further. Smile in the face of discouragement. You never know—the next door you knock on might be the one that opens everything.

Your future is still unfolding. And you’re closer than you think.

Finding Purpose: The Compass That Guides Your Life

Have you ever woken up and wondered, “Why am I here?”

It’s one of life’s deepest questions — and one that every heart asks sooner or later. It’s the question of purpose.

Purpose isn’t just a lofty idea for philosophers or motivational speakers. It’s the quiet compass guiding every choice, relationship, and dream. It’s what makes the difference between drifting and driving, between surviving and truly living.

1. Purpose is Not Always Loud

You might think purpose has to be grand: changing the world, becoming famous, or building empires. But more often, purpose is quiet. It’s the teacher who inspires a child. It’s the parent who shows up every day with love. It’s the friend who listens, the nurse who comforts, the stranger who smiles.

Purpose is not always about what you do — it’s about why you do it.

2. You Were Made for More

You weren’t born by accident. Your life is not a random collection of days. You have gifts no one else has, a story no one else can tell, and a light no one else can shine. Purpose isn’t found in comparison, but in connection — to your Creator, to your values, and to those you serve.

Whether you’re 18 or 80, it’s never too early or too late to walk in purpose.

3. Struggles Can Shape Your Purpose

Your pain, your past, your trials — they don’t disqualify you. They prepare you. Some of the most purposeful people are those who’ve been through the fire and came out refined. They turned their mess into a message and their setbacks into stepping stones.

If you’re in a tough season right now, don’t give up. This might be the soil where your purpose is being planted.

4. Live With Intention

Purpose gives clarity. You begin to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to distractions. You don’t just work — you work with meaning. You don’t just talk — you speak life. You don’t just exist — you live with direction.

5. Purpose Connects You to Others

Purpose isn’t about isolation. It thrives in community. When you live with purpose, you begin to help others find theirs. A life of purpose is contagious — it lifts others higher, encourages the weary, and ignites a spark in those who’ve lost hope.

⸻

Final Thought:

Your purpose is not something you have to invent — it’s something you uncover. It’s already in you.

Ask yourself:

• What breaks your heart?

• What brings you joy?

• What can you do that makes a difference, even in one life?

Your purpose might be closer than you think. Purpose: The Compass That Guides Your Life

Have you ever woken up and wondered, “Why am I here?”

It’s one of life’s deepest questions — and one that every heart asks sooner or later. It’s the question of purpose.

Purpose isn’t just a lofty idea for philosophers or motivational speakers. It’s the quiet compass guiding every choice, relationship, and dream. It’s what makes the difference between drifting and driving, between surviving and truly living.

1. Purpose is Not Always Loud

You might think purpose has to be grand: changing the world, becoming famous, or building empires. But more often, purpose is quiet. It’s the teacher who inspires a child. It’s the parent who shows up every day with love. It’s the friend who listens, the nurse who comforts, the stranger who smiles.

Purpose is not always about what you do — it’s about why you do it.

2. You Were Made for More

You weren’t born by accident. Your life is not a random collection of days. You have gifts no one else has, a story no one else can tell, and a light no one else can shine. Purpose isn’t found in comparison, but in connection — to your Creator, to your values, and to those you serve.

Whether you’re 18 or 80, it’s never too early or too late to walk in purpose.

3. Struggles Can Shape Your Purpose

Your pain, your past, your trials — they don’t disqualify you. They prepare you. Some of the most purposeful people are those who’ve been through the fire and came out refined. They turned their mess into a message and their setbacks into stepping stones.

If you’re in a tough season right now, don’t give up. This might be the soil where your purpose is being planted.

4. Live With Intention

Purpose gives clarity. You begin to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to distractions. You don’t just work — you work with meaning. You don’t just talk — you speak life. You don’t just exist — you live with direction.

5. Purpose Connects You to Others

Purpose isn’t about isolation. It thrives in community. When you live with purpose, you begin to help others find theirs. A life of purpose is contagious — it lifts others higher, encourages the weary, and ignites a spark in those who’ve lost hope.

⸻

Final Thought:

Your purpose is not something you have to invent — it’s something you uncover. It’s already in you.

Ask yourself:

• What breaks your heart?

• What brings you joy?

• What can you do that makes a difference, even in one life?

Your purpose might be closer than you think.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 8:18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

6/11—Start Your Day Off Right Series 6/11/21

Quote:

Story:

Once a spider built a beautiful web in an old house. He kept it clean and shiny so that flies would patronize it. The minute he got a “customer” he would lean up on him so the other flies would not get suspicious. 

   

Then one day this fairly intelligent fly came buzzing by the clean spider web. Old man spider called out, “Come in and sit.” But the fairly intelligent fly said, “No, sir. I don’t see other flies in your house, and I am not going in alone!” 

   

But presently he saw on the floor below a large crowd of flies dancing around on a piece of brown paper. He was delighted! He was not afraid if lots of flies were doing it. So he came in for a landing. 

   

Just before he landed, a bee zoomed by, saying, “Don’t land there, stupid! That’s flypaper!” But the fairly intelligent fly shouted back, “Don’t be silly. Those flies are dancing. There’s a big crowd there. Everybody’s doing it. That many flies can’t be wrong!”

Scripture:

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.