Success in Life

Success is something we all want to experience in our personal lives as well as in the workplace.  Motivational speakers point to various elements that go into making someone a success such as being positive, setting specific goals and following strict discipline.  Obviously, these are not the only way to success.  Success according to the criteria of the world and Biblical success are quite different.

In the Scriptures we are given information to help us understand success from a Biblical perspective.  The Bible says, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8).  Let’s take a look at the specifics of success that this verse suggests and try to come to an understanding of prosperity and success through God’s eyes.

1)      Allow the Bible to be a regular part of your life – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth.”  This means that we should constantly spend time reading, listening to, and thinking about God’s Word. It does not mean to simply consider what God’s word says when we attend church on Christmas and Easter.  These two Christian holidays share important biblical events, but in no way would hearing God’s word during these two times during the year be considered “regular”.  Rather, get a Bible and begin to read once a day.  Start in the Gospel of St. Mark.  Do not be concerned about how much you read but start with a paragraph or two, or maybe even read just one verse. 

2)      Let the words of Scripture constantly permeate your mind – “Meditate on it day and night.”  As you read the Bible, take time to think about and concentrate on what it says.  Let the words of Scripture speak to you.  Take time to diligently study what you read and identify what the Bible tells you about God or what it instructs you to do. As you approach the Scripture do so with the idea that you want to grasp the meaning to help you understand what the author intended.

3)      Make practical application of the Word of God in daily living – “Be careful to do everything written in it.”  God’s Word is more than just a book to be read.  In addition to reading, it needs to be studied with the idea of putting what it says into action in practical ways. The value of meditation is determined by the obedience which produces results in daily living.

These three steps are a formula for success in God’s eyes.  No matter what you do or where you are you can be confident that you are a success if you regularly expose yourself to the Word of God, meditate on it, and practically apply it every day.

Promises of God

In the Bible, at the end of the reign of Joshua, the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel were called together and reminded what God had done for them over the years.  One recap Joshua gives points to the promises that God had made to them.  He said: “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed” (Joshua 23:14).

 

Many of the promises from God that are contained in the Bible are not only for Israel but also for us.  So, from time to time, we need to be reminded of what Joshua said to the leaders of Israel.  When God promises something, we can be assured that it will come to pass.  We can also be confident that God will do exactly what He says He will do.  Notice the following comments that are reflected from Joshua’s reminder:

 

1)      We can know the promises of God.  The words “You know” suggests that God has been faithful in the past and those who trust in Him can understand and have complete confidence in what God says and does.

2)      God’s promises are always great.  If one were to characterize the promises of God, they can be done so under the word “good.”  This means that the promises are not only excellent, but they are something to be desired.

3)      God’s promises are always successful.  Regarding the promises “not one … has failed.” In other words, each promise has been effective to accomplish what God intended.

4)      Promises that God makes always come to pass.  The text says that the promises God has made have been “fulfilled.”  In every situation they can be counted on to be completed.

5)      God’s promises never stop working.  His promises have not “failed”, nor will they ever fail.  There is no time that God’s promises will not come to fruition.  They will always turn out positively.

Here are a few of the promises that God has made.

1)      God is faithful to you – “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Corinthians 1:9).

2)      God is present with you – “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

3)      God abundantly provides for you – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

4)      God gives guidance to you – “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

5)      God protects you – “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (II Thessalonians 3:3).

In what promise of God are you resting in today?  Remember, God is faithful, and you can have complete confidence in the promises that He makes.

Things That Last

It was not so long ago that we celebrated Christmas.  We decorated our homes, sang songs, purchased gifts, ate food, opened presents, and enjoyed times of celebration with family and friends.  Have you noticed that some of the new things that you received for Christmas are changing?  They are beginning to fade.  They are not used as much as when you first received them. They have dents or cracks.  They are beginning to corrode.  They are outdated because something newer has come on the market.  Things in this world just do not last.  Since this is true, we ought to ask ourselves, “What in the world is going to last?”  The Bible points to two things.

1)      God’s Word will last.  Peter tells us, “For, ‘all men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.’” (I Peter 1:24-25). Reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word is not only a good thing to do; it is imperative because in it we are told how God wants us to live.  Furthermore, we are also told specifics regarding what Scripture does for us.  The Bible says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  Scripture’s usefulness comes through instruction, reprimanding, improving, and teaching which is all for the purpose of helping us grow and be prepared for godly living. The Bible challenges us to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).  This means that when we allow God’s Word to be engrained in our lives it will not only help us grow spiritually but we will also be enabled to help others.

2)      People will last.  The Apostle John reminds us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  People were created by God to have fellowship with Him both now and in the future.  The disciple Peter tells us that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9).  Therefore, we ought to be about the business of making sure that we have a right relationship with God and that other people have the opportunity to become part of God’s family as well.  John continues to say, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12).  It was Jesus who said, “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life” (John 6:47). People are important and God wants them involved in eternity with Him.

So, the two things that will last are God’s word and people.  This should give us cause to think about an application question.  The question: “Where am I spending my time?  Is it with God’s Word and with people or with something that will not last?”  Take time to evaluate your life and your activities and then take appropriate action.

Contentment

Question #1: Are you a child of God?  According to Scripture, you are if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus as your Savior (John 1:12).  Question #2: How do you live as a child of God?  The Bible says we are to live wisely (Ephesians 5:15).  Some people become anxious and fearful about things that happen to them.  Sometimes, even people who are children of God tend to forget that they are a member of God’s family and that they should entrust their lives to God.  In the Bible, the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:11-12).

Here are several life situations.  Think about what a child of God might do in these circumstances.

1)      A Strained Relationship.  Suppose a relationship with a family member has gone bad.  A child of God could think of persons who may have never known what it is like to love and be loved and pray for that family member.

2)      Purpose in Life.  Everyone wants their life to count for something.  A child of God can be thankful to God because God has gifted every child of His with abilities to do things well.  There are many people who struggle to find purpose in life.

3)      Unkind People.  Perhaps you might encounter someone who is unkind, bitter, or harsh as they interact with others.  If you are a child of God, you can pray for that individual asking God to help you be courteous and kind to them and to others.

4)      Physical Difficulties.  Some people do not have vocal cords with which to speak and sing or hands to use to help others.  You can thank God for what you can do and pray for contentment for these people.

5)      Failing Health.  You may find yourself with failing health or maybe you are unable to get around like you used to.  If you are a child of God, you can be thankful for the portion of health that God has given you and that He meets all your needs.  You can also pray asking God to help those who have difficulty in these areas.

The child of God should have a contented life.  However, notice that the Apostle Paul said that contentment is something that needs to be “learned” – it does not just happen naturally.  It does not matter what the situation is - even if you are challenged by your circumstances.  You can always give thanks to God and ask Him to give you an attitude of contentment.  What is the secret of contentment?  It is to trust God completely and trust Him in everything. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I challenge you to live a contented life.

Sacrifices of Praise

When reading from the book of Hebrews, I was struck with the phrase “the sacrifice of praise.”  Here is what the writer of Hebrews says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16).

Notice several things from this text about the “sacrifice of praise.”

 1)      The Channel through which this activity is to be done is “Through Jesus.”

2)      The Frequency in which we should be involved in this activity is “Continually.”

3)      The Focus of our praise should be directed “To God.”

4)      The Mechanism through which the praise is to be uttered is “The fruit of lips.”

5)      The Content of the praise should be to “Confess His name.”

6)      The Result or what happens when we praise God is that “God is pleased.”

It is easy to utter words that do not have meaning because they are not expressions of our heart.  That is kind of like singing a song from memory – we know the tune, but we merely voice words which have little or no meaning.  Jesus made an interesting comment about some people who were simply mouthing words.  He said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8). Their words were hollow because those words did not come from the heart.  When our lives have been changed by the renewing power of God’s Spirit within us, the fruit of our lips will be that which flows from our heart as a sacrifice of praise to God for who He is and what He has done for us. 

Let me ask you: Has your heart been changed by God?  Are you offering God the sacrifice of praise?  Do you talk about the mighty power of God and praise Him throughout the day?  Have you thanked God today for the air that you breathe?  Have you expressed your appreciation to Him for sending Jesus to die on the cross so your sins could be washed away?  Have you thanked Him for your family?  I encourage you, right now, to express your thanks and praise to God.  Let’s let the fruit of our lips be the expression of our hearts to God as we bring to Him the sacrifice of praise.

The Beginning and the End

For many people the month of March is both an end and a beginning.  It is the end of the long cold winter and it is also the beginning of warmer weather associated with spring.  It is interesting that the Bible also speaks about a beginning and an end.  The first words of Scripture tell us, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Both Jesus and the Apostle Paul spoke about the end.  Jesus said, “This is how it will be at the end of the age” (Matthew 13:49).

The Apostle Paul said, “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power” (I Corinthians 15:24). In a Bible search you will find the words “beginning” and “end” used together in twenty-two different verses.  Most of these references have to do with something that starts and then comes to an end, such as the reign of a king.  However, when you get to the last book of the Bible you will find Jesus using both of these terms.  Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 21:6) He also said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:13).

So, what does Jesus mean by the words Alpha and Omega?  Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet – similar to our A and Z.  The idea of Christ being from A to Z means three things.

1)      Christ is Complete; there is nothing that He needs from any other source to complete who He is.

2)      Christ is Eternal.  He has always existed, and He always will exist.

3)      Christ is Authoritative.  He has creative power, sustaining power, and complete power over all things.

What does this mean for you and me?  The God who created all things and who exists throughout eternity has invited you and me into a personal relationship with Him, through His Son, Jesus Christ.  All we must do is to receive Him by faith and utilize the mighty power that He gives us to live a life that pleases Him. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Have you put your faith in this wonderful Lord who is the Alpha and Omega – the First and the Last?  Why not consider making that decision today?

The Love Factor

Since February is the “love month” let’s take time to examine this important subject and determine what kind of a love factor we have.  Many people think of love in terms of cozy affection or passionate devotion – what we might call “warm fuzzy feelings.”  However, when the Bible speaks about Christian love it speaks of a determined and active interest in the true welfare of others.  Love is not a feeling; love is an action word.  Christian love – the kind of love that should characterize the actions of those who name the Name of Christ – is a special kind of love.  It emanates from the love that God has for all people.  Christian love acts in godly ways.  Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). 

The action this kind of love takes is described in these words: “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails” (I Corinthians 13:4-8).

A person who has this kind of love will not pass by someone in need but will reach out to help meet that need.  Examples of love-motivated action include such things as sharing a word of encouragement with someone, spending time listening to someone over a cup of coffee, provision of needed finances for those who are hurting, helping someone get to a doctor appointment, helping a neighbor with yard work, or helping an elderly person move down the hallway.  Whatever God prompts a Christian to do, love will help them respond willing, cheerfully and with great care.  When true love is the motive, the action is not carried out because of a duty to perform.  Duty is quick to obey rules; love seizes the opportunities.  Duty acts under certain limits; love is spontaneous and gracious.  Duty desires recognition or reward; love does not expect anything in return.  As you examine your life, what would you say is your love factor?  Make sure your love factor is high and measures up to God’s standard.