You Can Change a Life

Gary Keesee • December 9, 2020

Reading Time 5 mins – 



Merry Christmas!

The Christmas season has always been one of my absolute favorite times of the year. For me, it’s always been a great time to slow down and really reflect on what God did through Jesus. This year, it seems even more important that we take time to do that.
 
Of course, I also love all the extra time with my family and the special traditions we’re making, especially now that Drenda and I are grandparents (of nine, and soon to be 10 next year!).  
 
How do you celebrate Christmas? Are you like me and desire to slow down, or do you prefer to load your calendar with parties, activities, and events through New Year’s Day? Do your holiday celebrations involve family, friends (old and new), or strangers as you serve others somewhere?
 
Here’s the thing: No matter how different or alike we are in the way we spend the Christmas season, there is one thing most all of us share more so at this time of year than at any other, and that’s a desire to bless and care for those who are less fortunate or hurting.
 
This has been a hard year for a lot of people.
 
We’ve been through a lot in 2020.
 
But at Faith Life Now, we’ve seen and heard SO MANY incredible stories of people helping people— with generosity, kindness, and love.
 
It’s Christmas time. This is when everyone seems to pay a little more attention to their loved ones and those in need.
 
That’s why I’m writing a blog like this...

As a friend and supporter of Faith Life Now, this Christmas season, you can change a life.

There are so many people all around the world who are hurting and desperate for help and for hope.
 
You can do something about it.
 
My heart is to get the principles and promises of the Kingdom of God into your hands and heart. I love to tell the stories of people whose lives have been radically changed after they learned how the Kingdom operates.
 
Drenda and I have said that just ONE experience with the Kingdom of God can completely change a life.
 
That one experience doesn’t have to be huge; it can be as simple as having a need met—a need for a hot meal, a personal care or hygiene item, a need for school supplies—or as simple as supporting a community by providing Christmas care packages to children and their families.
 
That’s what your giving is doing. YOU are helping to draw people into the Kingdom of God.
 
YOU are making a difference every day .
 
When you give financially to Faith Life Now, your gift  contributes to worldwide outreaches  that feed the hungry, clothe the homeless, rescue those trapped in human trafficking, provide safe homes, care for orphans and abandoned children, share the Gospel in prisons, translate teaching materials into multiple languages, provide disaster relief, and so much more.
 
When you support Faith Life Now, you GIVE HOPE and REBUILD LIVES.
 
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

I look at missions and outreaches in a similar way—through missions and outreaches, we give men, women, and children food, water, shelter, and clothing to “feed” them for a day, to satisfy their immediate needs, so that we can “teach them to fish” by sharing the Word of God, how the Kingdom of God operates, and how they can tap into the Kingdom to obtain God’s provision.

Every year at Christmas time, I read Isaiah 9 with my family. It’s one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.


The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.


For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

 
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. —Isaiah 9:2-7 (NIV)


These Scriptures are so powerful, and not just because they’re about the celebration of Jesus’s birth. There’s much more history here.


See, the Israelites were being oppressed. They had done evil in the sight of God. He had turned them over to the hands of their enemy—the Midianites—for

seven years. The Israelites had been outnumbered thousands to one. They had been held hostage. Nothing was working in their favor. Desperate, they had resorted to living in survival mode in caves in the mountains. They had no hope for their futures.

Then, God showed up. He used a man named Gideon to defeat their oppressors and to make things right despite the Israelites’ past mistakes.


The battle was finished, and an entire nation was set free.


The Bible says the birth of Jesus is like that day—a day of GREAT FREEDOM, a day of salvation and rejoicing.


God sent Jesus as a baby as a part of His greatest undercover rescue mission, to usher His government back into the earth realm and to rescue ALL OF US from the darkness.


Like the Israelites, you have been set FREE!


Just as God empowered Gideon, He will empower you—to help others experience freedom and to bring hope to those who have lost hope.

As sons and daughters of God, we are called to help the hurting and those “walking in darkness” to see The Great Light that is Jesus.
 
It’s so important that we’re boldly asking for you to give a special, generous financial gift today . Your gift to Faith Life Now ensures that the mission projects and outreaches reach farther and deeper into the world. .
 
Thank you in advance for your generosity. This is an exciting time as we join together to change even more lives in 2021!
 
As a special thank you, we’ve opened the Faith Life Now vault for YOU …
 
When you give your best gift of $35 or more this month, we’ll immediately send you THE LIFE-TRANSFORMING SERIES THAT STARTED IT ALL— The NOW Revolution 2.0 .

The NOW Revolution 2.0 is where it all began. This teaching will take you back to the basics. It’s packed with the Kingdom principles that set Drenda and me free. In fact, The NOW Revolution 2.0 is THE SERIES that prompted the launch of both Faith Life Church and Faith Life Now. It’s the perfect companion for your kingdom learning  to pull from the Faith Life Now vault to refresh you for the year ahead.

Plus, as an additional bonus when you give your best gift of $35 or more this month, you’ll also receive our brand-new 2021 Kingdom Thoughts Wall Calendar !

Want to help support these outreaches and missions but can’t give $35?

When you give your best gift of ANY AMOUNT this month, we’ll  send you Drenda’s teaching Setting Your Life Goals as well as our 2021 Kingdom Thoughts Wall Calendar!

Thank you in advance for your generosity! Remember, you ARE changing lives!

Merry Christmas, and God bless you!
 

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.