This can be your greatest year, IF you refuse to do THIS

Gary Keesee • March 9, 2021

Reading Time 5 mins – 


$75 million.


That’s his net worth. Years after he passed away, his legacy is stronger than ever.


In 2000, when Publishers Weekly compiled their list of the best-selling children’s books of all time, 16 of the top 100 hardcover books were written by this man. More than 600 million copies of his books have been sold, and they have been translated into more than 20 languages. You may have even watched a film or play based on one of his books just last month.


Who am I talking about? Theodor “Ted” Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.


I’m sure you know who Dr. Seuss is, but did you know that his work was rejected by 27 different publishers before his first children’s book was published?


Twenty-seven , friend.


And did you know that, before he drafted his first children’s book, he drew political cartoons and made short films for the United States Army?


Why am I telling you all of this?


Well, first, because I love to share stories to help encourage you. I love to share how people overcame struggles and failures, how their lives were changed, their bodies were healed, their marriages and families were made whole, and their finances were fixed.


Because stories give you pictures of hope. You can read about or listen to someone’s story—like Dr. Seuss’s—and be encouraged.


I also shared his story because I want to give you an example of what can happen if you don’t settle.


Dr. Seuss could’ve settled for drawing political cartoons or making short films for the military instead of writing children’s books. He could’ve quit when he was rejected by publishers the first time, or the second time, or the twentieth time. But he didn’t. (And his story doesn’t even tell us he trusted in God.)


This is the first quarter of a NEW YEAR. Wherever you are in life right now, wherever 2020 may have left you, I want to make sure that you don’t settle for less than God has for you this year.


2021 can be your greatest adventure. But… you’re going to have to REFUSE to settle.

In Genesis 11:31-32 (NIV), it says,


Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Harran, they settled there. Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Harran.

 


Not exactly a great story, right? In fact, this is the only reference to Terah made in the Bible.


Why? Because Terah

settled . He never reached Canaan—the destination God had for him.

Adventures or journeys can often be long, hard, and tiring. Maybe Terah got tired. For whatever reason, instead of pursuing his destination, he settled in Harran. It was a trading center, a place that I’m sure had many provisions and offered rest from his journey. Harran probably felt safe and comfortable.

 


But Harran wasn’t the best God had for Terah and his family.
 
 Like Terah, I have seen so many people with great God-given visions, ideas, and plans who have ended up settling when the journey got tough. They lost sight of their destinies, and they stopped.
 
Now, look at the story of Joshua with me.


Joshua had been mentored by Moses, and Moses had died. So Joshua was supposed to take over. He was suddenly responsible for this huge nation of people—millions of people—in the wilderness. It was a big job.

Now, Joshua could have looked at his situation and said, “You’ve got to be kidding me, Lord.” He could have looked at the millions of people surrounding him and said, “You want me to do what with these grumblers? With all the problems Moses had? This is impossible! I’m not even going to try.”


But he didn’t. Joshua knew what God said. God told him that no one would be able to stand against him all the days of his life. God even promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).


God knew the pressures, temptations, and struggles Joshua had to overcome.


God reassured Joshua that he wasn’t alone.


God encouraged Joshua to trust Him.


God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous.


Just like Joshua, GOD IS WITH YOU!


But again, you need to do a few things.


1. You have to take your eyes off of who you think you are and set them on who God says you are.


God told Abraham to lift up his eyes (Genesis 13:14), and Abraham obeyed. Abraham was called by God to leave his family, his hometown—everything (Genesis 12:1)—because he was promised something that wasn’t even possible in the natural. He willingly gave up everything to walk out the promise.


And the Bible says God blessed Abraham in EVERY WAY.


Galatians 3:14 says YOU have the SAME blessing through Jesus.


So, if you want God’s best for your life in 2021 , that’s the first thing you must do— lift up your eyes from where you are.


We have a tendency as human beings to pay attention to the details around us, or to what was behind us. But to GO anywhere, you have to leave where you are.


God wants to show you something brand new this year. He wants you to trust Him outside of your “normal.”


So, where do you look? To God! Let Him show you who you really are and who He has made you to be. Look to Him and His Word, and let Him affirm you.


2. You’re going to have to hear what He says and walk it out. Because, more than likely—like Joshua and Abraham—He’s going to call you to go someplace you’ve never been before. And just like Joshua and Abraham (and even Dr. Seuss) had to walk out their adventures with God, so will you.


3. You have to know that God has promised to be with you , to give you the direction you need, and to make your best life happen with you, no matter what problems may arise.


Frankly, God loves when the odds are stacked against Him because that’s when He really shines. After all, you don’t need God if you’re going to walk in the possible. You don’t need Him if you’re going to play it safe, never venture outside of your comfort zone, or settle.


If you want a life full of stories, adventures, and victories —stories you want to pass on to your children and grandchildren— you must also learn to be uncomfortable.

Stepping into new territory can be unsettling.



But God is always faithful.


God has a plan. He’s not caught off guard or taken by surprise. He knows all the details, and He has the answers.


It will take faith to step out into the unknown, but God wants to lead you. After all, He’s promised never to leave you nor forsake you. And if God is for you, who can be against you?



So, get up and GO! Stay the course. Don’t settle like Terah did. Don’t throw in the towel.


You will want to quit, but don’t. The journey with God is ALWAYS worth it.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


We want to see you live your own adventures with God. That’s why we want to get my new teaching series, Get Up and Go! The Road to Finding Your Purpose and Drenda’s Ready, Set, Run into your hands.


Drenda and I want to impart the wisdom and revelation that will give you the motivation you need to see your purpose come to fruition in 2021!

Are You Taking Care of God’s Business?

By Gary Keesee • April 14, 2025
Reading Time 3 mins 8 secs – Let me ask you something. Are you truly concerned about God’s business? Or are you more focused on your own? That might be a tough question, but it’s one we all have to answer at some point. The truth is, when we align our lives with God’s agenda, everything else begins to fall into place. Jesus made it clear in Luke 2:49 (NKJV) when He said, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” He was focused. He understood that His life was about fulfilling a divine purpose, not just going through the motions of everyday existence. And guess what? The same applies to you and me. God’s Business First A lot of people are trying to build their own lives, solve their own problems, and make their own way—only to end up frustrated, tired, and lacking. But Matthew 6:33 (NIV) gives us a powerful principle: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” That means if we take care of God’s business, He’ll take care of ours. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own life and in the lives of countless others. When we align our time, energy, and resources with what God is doing, He ensures that we never lack what we need. Provision follows purpose. Philippians 4:19 (NIV) reminds us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” When we prioritize His business, He supplies all we need. What Does It Mean to Be About God’s Business? Being about God’s business isn’t just about working in ministry. It means bringing Kingdom principles into everything we do—our careers, our families, our finances, and even our daily conversations. It means: Using your talents and skills to make an impact for God’s Kingdom : “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23, NIV). Handling your finances according to His Word, not just worldly wisdom : “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9–10, NIV). Being led by the Holy Spirit in decision-making, rather than reacting to circumstances : “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14, NIV). Viewing your work as a mission field, wherever you are. Stepping into Your Kingdom Assignment Too often, people are waiting for God to bless them before they take action. But that’s backward! When you step into your Kingdom assignment—when you take that step of faith and prioritize what God is doing—then provision, opportunities, and success start flowing your way. That’s how the Kingdom works. James 2:17b (NIV) tells us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” God has called you to make a difference, to live with purpose, and to operate in the blessings of the Kingdom. But it starts with a choice: Will you focus on His business, or will you continue trying to figure things out on your own? Make the Shift Today If you’ve been struggling, feeling stuck, or wondering why things aren’t working, take a moment to check your focus. Are you aligned with God’s business? Are you seeking His Kingdom first? Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) encourages us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” When you trust Him and put Him first, He will lead you to success. I challenge you today: Make the shift. Start putting God’s agenda before your own, and watch how He transforms every area of your life. His business is the best business to be in! Let’s go after it together! Watch the full message here: Are You Concerned About God's Business?

Occupy Your Destiny: Finding Your Purpose in a World of Distraction

By Gary Keesee • March 18, 2025
Reading Time 2 mins 52 secs – Have you ever felt like there’s more to life than what you’re currently experiencing? That nagging sense that you were created for something greater, yet you’re not quite sure what it is or how to step into it? You’re not alone. Many people go through life knowing deep down that they have a specific purpose—a destiny to fulfill—but they struggle to identify it and take the necessary steps to walk in it. But here’s the truth: You weren’t just saved to survive; you were saved to occupy! You were created with a unique assignment and a position of influence in this world. Your destiny isn’t just about achieving personal success; it’s about fulfilling your Kingdom purpose. Moving Beyond Deliverance to Destiny One of the biggest traps believers fall into is celebrating deliverance but never stepping into their destinies. Think about it—have you ever experienced a breakthrough in your life? Maybe you got out of debt, overcame an addiction, or walked away from a toxic situation. But instead of pressing forward, you found yourself simply enjoying your newfound freedom without any real direction. Here’s the problem: Deliverance is never permanent unless you learn to occupy! The enemy will always try to reclaim territory in your life. If you don’t move forward into your destiny, you risk falling back into old cycles. Your breakthrough is just the beginning, not the end. God didn’t free you so you could sit still. He freed you so you could step into your purpose and advance His Kingdom! Understanding Your Authority To occupy your destiny, you have to understand the authority God has given you. Too many believers live far below their potential because they don’t recognize the authority they carry. Authority isn’t about how powerful you feel; it’s about knowing your legal standing. Think about a police officer directing traffic. Cars don’t stop because the officer has the physical strength to stop them. They stop because of the badge —the authority the officer represents. It’s the same with you. Your authority doesn’t come from your abilities. It comes from the One you represent. But here’s the key: You can’t walk in authority unless you’re also submitted to authority. Finding Your Place in God’s Organizational Chart Have you ever considered where you fit in God’s organizational chart? Your destiny is directly tied to understanding your role and responsibilities in the Kingdom. Ask yourself: Where has God called me to be? What unique gifts and abilities do I bring? Who has God placed in authority over me? Who has He placed in my care? When you’re in the right place—operating within your assigned role—things work smoothly, and God’s authority flows properly in your life . The Power of Staying Submitted One of the biggest challenges in stepping into your destiny is staying submitted —especially when you disagree or face correction. Your maturity isn’t measured by your talent or your age. It’s measured by your ability to remain submitted even when it’s difficult . Think about how quickly you want to defend yourself when criticized. Do you get offended? Do you want to quit? That’s a sign of immaturity that can derail your destiny. Submission isn’t about control; it’s about protection. When you remain under authority, you position yourself for greater authority and greater Kingdom impact. Moving Forward with Confidence As you step into your destiny, God will provide everything you need —the right people, the right resources, and the right opportunities to fulfill your assignment. The double portion is already yours! When you align yourself with God’s plan and operate under His authority, you’ll find that He supplies “exceedingly, abundantly above all that you could ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). So, are you ready to move beyond just celebrating your freedom to actually occupying your place of influence ? Your destiny is waiting. It’s time to take possession of what’s rightfully yours! What area of authority has God placed in your hands? How are you occupying that space for His Kingdom?

Leave the Junk Back in 2024 & Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet

By Gary Keesee • January 8, 2025
Reading Time 4 mins 39 secs – You know, every January, people talk about starting fresh—setting New Year’s resolutions and trying to reset their lives physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. And that’s great. But how many times have we found ourselves setting the same resolutions year after year, only to abandon them a few days, weeks, or a month later? This year, I want to challenge you to think differently. Instead of focusing only on what you want to achieve in 2025, let’s also take a hard look at what you need to leave behind in 2024. Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come not from what we gain but from what we let go of. Here are three things to leave behind as you step into God’s best for your life in 2025: 1. Insecurities Let’s talk about insecurity for a second. It’s a sneaky thief. It keeps you stuck, paralyzed, and doubting whether you’re capable of doing what God called you to do. Insecurity is not from God. It's the enemy’s tactic to rob you of your destiny. God made you on purpose, for a purpose, and He doesn’t make mistakes. Genesis 1:27 says you were created in His image. That means you have His DNA—His creativity, power, and potential—inside of you. Stop comparing yourself to someone else’s highlight reel. Stop trying to fix yourself with things that don’t matter—more stuff, more status, or other people’s opinions. God has already given you everything you need to walk confidently into your calling. Here’s what to do: Spend time reminding yourself what God says about you. When insecurity tries to creep in, stand firm on the Word of God. Write down affirmations based on Scripture, and speak them out loud! Your words carry power. Be confident in this truth: God chose you for this moment, this season, and this purpose. Let 2025 be the year you leave insecurity in the rearview mirror. You have too much ahead to let fear hold you back. 2. Complaining I’m going to be real with you: complaining is one of the fastest ways to keep yourself stuck. It focuses all your energy on what’s wrong instead of what God’s doing. And the Bible makes it clear: “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21a, NIV). What are you speaking over your life? Complaining doesn’t just create negativity; it’s a mindset. When you constantly dwell on the problems, you miss the solutions God is already providing. So, what’s the alternative? Gratitude. Gratitude is a weapon. It shifts your focus and aligns your thinking with God’s promises. Here’s how to flip the script: Start a gratitude list. Write down three things you’re thankful for every day. Train your mind to focus on what God is doing, not what isn’t going right. Catch yourself. When you start to complain, pause and say, “What can I be grateful for in this moment?” Get perspective. Ask yourself, “Is this going to matter a year from now?” Most of the time, the things we complain about aren’t worth the energy. When you retrain your mind to focus on the good, you’ll find that joy and strength naturally follow. The Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b, NIV). Let’s lean into that joy in 2025. 3. Toxic Relationships We’ve all been there. Relationships can be a blessing, but some relationships weigh you down, pull you away from God’s plan, and drain your energy. Toxic relationships aren’t just in romantic settings. They can show up in friendships, family, or work environments too. If someone is constantly pulling you away from your purpose, making you question your worth, or keeping you from stepping into God’s best, it’s time to set some boundaries. And listen: this doesn’t mean cutting off people entirely. Boundaries don’t mean you stop loving people. They mean you stop letting their dysfunction control your life. Ask yourself: Is this relationship pushing me closer to God or pulling me away? Does this person consistently build me up, or do they tear me down? When you let go of relationships that aren’t aligned with where God is taking you, you make space for the right people—people who will encourage you, challenge you, and grow with you. I’m Sure You Can Think of More Things to Leave Behind… This list is just a starting point. Maybe for you, it’s leaving behind procrastination, negative thoughts, or the fear of failure. Maybe it’s doubt, pride, or the need to control everything. Whatever it is, take some time to reflect. Ask yourself: What’s holding me back from stepping into the life God has for me? We all have things we’ve been carrying for far too long—things that don’t belong in the next chapter of our lives. This year, don’t just focus on what you’re reaching for; get intentional about what you’re letting go of. There’s power in leaving behind what no longer (or never did) serve God’s purpose for you. Stepping Into 2025 Here’s the good news: You don’t have to navigate this alone. God didn’t design you to do life by yourself. Surround yourself with people who will speak life into you, remind you of God’s promises, and stand with you in faith. You won’t always get it right—and that’s okay. Nobody succeeds at everything all the time. But when you fall, God’s grace is there to pick you back up. He’s cheering you on, and so are Drenda and I. As we move forward into 2025, let’s leave behind insecurity, complaining, and toxic relationships. Instead, let’s embrace God’s truth, walk in gratitude, and surround ourselves with the right people.  This is your year to step boldly into what God has called you to do. Let’s make it count.