Bishop T.D. Jakes is one of the greatest Christian thought leaders of our day — and continues to bring God-led inspiration to people every day.
As an entrepreneur, pastor, leader, author, husband, father and more, Bishop Jakes uses every platform God has given him to proclaim the Wonders of our Lord.
Bishop Jakes believes that “each day is God’s gift to you … what you do with it is your gift to Him.” And God has gifted Bishop Jakes with the ability to inspire with his words and sermons.
Here are a few of his best quotes to inspire you in your walk with God.
If you’re not familiar with Bishop T.D. Jakes and his inspiring story, please read our article about him by clicking here.
His “pioneering vision and instinct to serve others” is proven not only in the Potter’s House church of Dallas, but reaches far beyond the borders of Texas.
“In order to help lead people to their destiny, you have to meet people where they are in life.”
Jakes manifests this reality every single day, involved in outreach to the local community, crucial national needs, and around the world.
He particularly leads the way in assisting Nigeria, helping the people of this African community by providing the hope of Jesus with actions of tangible mercy.
Through regular conferences around the world and a continual release of books and other materials, Jakes also proves the empowerment of God as He blesses anyone who will give their talents, time, and treasure into Kingdom work.
POTTER’S HOUSE VISION STATEMENT:
“We are a ministry founded on biblical principles. We serve in the spirit of excellence with integrity and compassion for our community, our nation and our world. We have established a reputation for reaching the lost and broken and to minister and serve them with the utmost level of dignity and respect. We are recognized for our dedication to academic and spiritual excellence and mentoring and supporting spiritual leaders. Our environment inspires maximum participation, promotes personal satisfaction, and supports and molds effective leadership.”
In this statement, we find the heart of Bishop Jakes clearly outlined. Below are a few more glimpses into this brilliant heart God has crafted, and is using for the glory of His Name:
On God’s Plan for Your Life:
“When God has a plan for your life, I don’t care how much you murmur and complain and kick and fuss and scream and yell. When you know that God has a plan for your life, He got you tied up … I serve a God who will tie you up when you’re acting crazy, tie you up, while you’re trying to do your own thing, tie you up while your temper is raging, tie you up, when your ambition is out of control. Sometimes, God will tie you up til the time is right. Nothing will work, your money won’t work, your career won’t work, the boyfriend will leave, the house will sell, cause when God has you tied up, He’s not gonna let you get away. He’ll say, “be still and see the salvation of the Lord.’”
On Purpose:
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
“Progress apart from purpose ends in arrogance.”
“God has invested entirely too much in you for you to be comfortable in anything less than you were created to be.”
On Decision:
“Never make a permanent decision about a temporary situation.”
On Perseverance:
“It’s not over, until the Lord says it’s over.”
On Resilience:
“A setback is a setup for a comeback.”
On Forgiveness:
“As we forge deeper into this issue of forgiveness, we must be prepared to open up and discuss things that bother us before they escalate to a crisis level. We must examine our struggles with forgiveness in which there are not overt offenses or blatant betrayals. I’m convinced that seeds of resentment take root in the silent frustrations that never get discussed. Other people cannot read our minds — or our palms! — and that is why we have tongues to speak.”
“Unforgiveness denies the victim the possibility of parole and leaves them stuck in the prison of what was, incarcerating them in their trauma and relinquishing the chance to escape beyond the pain.”
“To be unforgiving is like to drink poison and wait for someone else to die!”
On Communication:
“Silence isn’t golden and it surely doesn’t mean consent, so start practicing the art of communication.”
“To those of us who often procrastinate on the decision we feel intimidated by lack of education or any area of weakness. I relieve you with this statement: It is not how much you know that arms you with the tools of great decision making, but rather how much you ask. Ask questions.”
On Connection with the Human Race:
“Blame unto others only as you would first blame yourself.”
“You cannot be a Big person with a Small heart.”
“I think it is important that we rebuild an atmosphere of forgiveness and civility in every aspect of our lives.”
On Maturity:
“The art of avoiding extremes is an art that is drawn on the canvas of maturity and painted with the abstract strokes of many experiences.”
On God-Sized Perspective:
“Sometimes what makes us insecure and vulnerable becomes the fuel we need to be overachievers. The antidote for a snake bite is made from the poison, and the thing that made you go backward is the same force that will push you forward.”
“When you begin to realize that your past does not necessarily dictate the outcome of your future, then you can release the hurt. It is impossible to inhale new air until you exhale the old.”
“But I think my mistakes became the chemistry for my miracles. I think that my tests became my testimonies.”
“There is nothing I’m any more passionate about than empowering the next generation.”
To learn more about T.D. Jakes and his continuing life works, visit tdjakes.org.
For more information about the church of Bishop Jakes (The Potter’s House of Dallas) and the outreach ministries under his leadership, visit thepottershouse.org.
