Requirements For Success

From: Bob Gass Ministries

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without Me you can do nothing."  

Brian Tracy says: "There are so many good things you can do, that your ability to decide may be the critical determinant of what you accomplish. If you're like most people, you're overwhelmed with too much to do and too little time."

Success is determined by the habits you develop. Setting priorities, overcoming procrastination and getting on with the most important task is learned through practice and repetition until it becomes a permanent part of your behavior. Once it becomes a habit, it's automatic and easy to do. When you complete a task of any size or importance, you get a surge of energy making you feel more positive, personable, creative and confident.

What you put off until tomorrow, you'll put off again tomorrow. Success requires decision, discipline and determination. Make the decision, discipline yourself until it becomes automatic and stay determined until it becomes part of who you are. And remember, "...without Me you can do nothing." 

Father Knows Best

From: Os Hillman Ministries

Isaiah 55:8-9 "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'"

God speaks to his children in many varied ways. God has said that his ways are not our ways. If left to our reasoning, we will fail to fully walk in the full counsel of God, which leads to poor decisions.

Our goal is to avoid being deceived and to develop a listening ear that hears the voice of God with confidence. Our goal is to have such intimacy with God that we can walk in the full blessing of our decisions and to be assured they are not based on our own reasoning alone. This does not mean that we do not use the intellectual and logical skills that He has equipped us with.

God has equipped us with everything we need to make good decisions. Hearing His voice is the first step toward making right choices in life. Today, submit to the Lord's leading in your life. Ask Him to make the desires of your heart the same desires that He has for you in this matter. "Your will be done."  Await His perfect timing on the matter. He knows what is best.  

Choose Wisely

From: Michael Youssef Ministries

Joshua 24:15 "...Decide today whom you will serve... As for me and my household we will serve the Lord..."

Life is a series of choices. We can choose wisely or unwisely as we are confronted with decisions, temptations, and priorities. Sometimes we will make the wrong decision, but hopefully we will learn from our mistakes in order to make better choices in the future.

We learn which choices lead to eternal blessings and which lead to short-term happiness. We learn which choices lead to spiritual success and which lead to failure. While some decisions are minor, others have eternal consequences. We must learn how to choose wisely because many decisions will determine the quality of our lives.

One of the greatest choices we make is to obey Christ in all things. We must choose to place God and only God as the top priority in our lives. God wants us to make life decisions based on what will have eternal benefits, what will bring Him glory, and what will expand our faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in making wise, eternal choices and to give you the strength to step out in faith.

True Quality Of Life

From: Boyd Bailey Ministries

Proverbs 13:20 "Walk with the wise and become wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
 
What does it mean to have quality of life? Good health? Harmony at home? A happy heart? Financial security? Freedom of speech and worship? A fulfilling career? Grateful and content children? A meaningful marriage? A life of significance? Peace with God? Certainly these elements make up a life worth living—a quality life.

Moreover, the quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships. Our life is a reflection of our relationships. Are you diversified with people who bring value to all aspects of your life?  

Above all, quality of life results from your relationship with Christ. He is life itself and everything good in life flows from Him. When you grow in your personal relationship with Jesus—it affects the growth of your other relationships. Relationship building in heaven, builds relationships on earth. Ultimately, Jesus is the life to model and follow...true quality of life.

Any Circumstance

From: In Touch Ministries

Philippians 4:12-13 "I have indeed learned how to be content in any circumstance… I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."

In today's reading, the apostle Paul says he has learned the secret of experiencing contentment in all circumstances, good or bad. Does it surprise you that he wrote this when he was in prison, unsure of his future?

We're often discontent even when all is going well. Consequently, we wonder how it's possible to be truly content during our most difficult trials, especially when there's no end in sight. So what is genuine contentment? Paul is speaking of a freedom from worry and frustration about everything in life.

This is something that the apostle had to learn. Paul endured amazing suffering, from shipwrecks and hunger to unjust imprisonment and beatings. He had gone through countless situations that were uncertain, extraordinarily painful, and seemingly hopeless. But he finally discovered that contentment could not be dependent upon his circumstances. Only in Christ can we be strengthened to endure any circumstance. 

Good News

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

Job 42:2 "I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be hindered."

We’re constantly bombarded with bad news – everywhere we turn. Crime, moral decay, turmoil at home and abroad...it’s depressing! The harsh reality of the daily news challenges those who believe that man is inherently good and the world is getting better.

The Bible tells us the truth. Human beings are not innately good and kind, and society is not progressing toward universal peace and harmony. In fact, just the opposite is true! Man’s sin is a constant reality and if we don’t want to believe it, we can just ignore the news and refuse to lock our doors at night.

There is good news, however. God is in control of history and the future, and anyone who acknowledges his need for God in Christ holds the key to inner peace and security. For in Christ, whether we live or die, we can’t lose. Christ gives us the key to eternal life and living this life victoriously.

The Gift Of Time

From: In Touch Ministries

Ephesians 5:17 "...Try to understand the will of the Lord."

Time is a most valuable commodity. Since it’s irreversible and irreplaceable, we ought to give careful consideration to how we spend our days—and even our minutes. Time is a gift from God. That means we are not owners but stewards and will one day be held accountable for how we used what was entrusted to us.

Those who realize that their days belong to God are careful how they live. Their goal is to understand the Lord’s will and align their schedules and activities with His purposes. As they seek guidance each day through intimate fellowship with Him in the Word and prayer, their spiritual eyes are opened to discern which opportunities are from the Father and which are not a part of His plans for them.

To make the most of your opportunities, begin each day with the Lord, submitting to His will and asking that He direct your activities. If your days are occupied with activities that aren’t God’s will for you, you’re wasting your time.

Passionate For Christ

From: Bob Gass Ministries

Romans 12:11 "Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."

You'll never have real success with anything until you become passionate about it. The Psalmist wrote, "My heart is steadfast..." (Psalm 57:7) The word "steadfast" means to have a commitment that's as strong as rock.

Henry Ford was passionate about automobiles. Thomas Edison was passionate about light. The Wright Brothers were passionate about flying. Paul was passionate about evangelism. You will be remembered in life for what you were passionate about.

When what you love begins to consume your mind, your thoughts, your conversation and your schedule - then you are headed for success. Find something you feel passionate about, something that energizes you, something worthy of building your life around. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength." (Matthew 22:37) 

Our Legacy

From: Bryant Wright Ministries

Hebrews 3:13 "Encourage one another..."

In the early days of the church, the Bible tells us that the apostle Peter had become such an influential, powerful man of God that people would bring the sick on pallets and cots in the streets where he might pass by, hoping his shadow would fall over them and, hopefully, they would be healed. Such was the aura of greatness around that man.

Do you ever think about your shadow? You should, because our shadow goes with us wherever we go, never falling on us, but on someone else. We’re often unaware of where it falls.

We all influence someone–parents influence kids, coaches influence players, teachers influence students, co-workers influence each other. As you think about the life that you live, think about the legacy you want to leave. What kind of shadow do you cast?

Spiritual Goals

From: In Touch Ministries

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith."

Paul was a man who lived life to the full. His goals were to know Christ, abide in His power, fellowship in His suffering, and preach the gospel. In doing so, he aligned his aspirations with the Lord's, diligently worked to fulfill his calling, and persevered through opposition, persecution, and suffering. He could face the end of his life with confidence since he'd "fought the good fight," "finished the race," and "kept the faith."

We'd all like to be able to say the same at the end of our lives, but that means we have to follow Paul's example. Our culture is so fast-paced that few of us take the time to actually consider where we're going. But you don't want to finish your life and find out you were on a course other than God's, fighting the wrong fight, and struggling to keep the faith.

Why not set aside some time this week to get alone with the Lord. Then ask His help in setting goals that will take you where He wants you to go. Consider every area of your life--personal, relational, financial, and vocational--but make spiritual goals your primary emphasis. 

30 Minutes Each Day

From: In Touch Ministries

Philippians 3:14 "I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus."

What three goals would you set for your life if you knew that you could achieve them? Would any of them be spiritual in nature? The apostle Paul was one of the most goal-oriented people in the Bible, yet he understood which pursuits were the most important. His chief ambition was to know Christ, His resurrection power, and the fellowship of His suffering.

It's important to comprehend that a goal is a purpose or direction toward which we work. This concept is fairly easy to understand when we're talking about specific objectives like going to bed earlier or losing ten pounds, but what steps would you need to take in order to achieve spiritual goals like Paul's?

Success requires choosing steps that are specific, reasonable, and measurable. For example, if you want to know Christ more intimately, you might commit to spending 30 minutes each day praying and reading His Word. After developing your plan and the steps to accomplish it, put your desire into action. If you don't take the necessary steps, it will simply remain a wish. No one develops intimacy with Christ through good intentions; it takes commitment, diligence, and perseverance.

Heaven Is For Real

From: Daily Disciples Devotionals

John 14:1-3 "Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
 
In John 14, Jesus has become a friend to His disciples, as well as their Teacher and Lord. They have been with each other for three years but Jesus is now saying goodbye. As He always does, He comforts them in their sorrow: "Let not your hearts be troubled..."

There is more to life than what meets our eyes. We need to fix our eyes and our actions toward heavenly things, for heaven is a real place. Heaven is mentioned often in Scripture: Matthew 6:9 says that heaven is where God dwells (and Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father), Isaiah 66:1 says heaven is where God reigns on His throne and John 14:2 calls heaven, home. It is home for God's children.

Life is not a dress rehearsal; our troubles, pains, tears and even our actions will all count when we get to heaven. Jesus told us about heaven so that we would know there is much more to our existence than just what we experience here on earth. He wants us to believe and trust Him, in good times and bad. For James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Trust Him

From: Adrian Rogers Ministries

Isaiah 55:8-9 "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways above your ways, and My thoughts above your thoughts.'"

Have you ever stood and watched an artist paint a picture? He starts putting his colors on a canvas. He’s just splashing on the colors, mixing this one and that. And we say, "He’s so good—how does he do that?" Then suddenly he’ll dip his brush in some colors and go swoosh! across the canvas. We say, "Oh, you ruined it! You’ve really messed up."  Then a few more strokes and suddenly it just comes together. It’s a masterpiece!

We treat God the same way. As God puts His colors on the canvas, we look and say, "Lord, you’re really doing well." Then all of a sudden God goes swoosh. "Lord! You’ve messed things up! How did You let this happen?" Have you ever felt that way? We all have!

And just because things are not making sense to you, do not think that God is just looking around "scratching His head." He's omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent! He is our sovereign Lord. "Be still and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10)

God's Ambassadors

From: Ambassadors For Christ International - John North

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, as indeed you do."

The relationships you have with the people around you are a huge part of God’s plan for your life. God has placed you among the people around you so that He can work through you in their lives!

Sometimes we treat our relationships lightly, but we should be constantly giving every relationship we have to God and inviting Him to work through us in those people’s lives. Don’t think that God only wants to work through you in your pleasant relationships; He also wants to work through you in those relationships that are tough.

Treat no conversation lightly, but look for ways to be used by God. How might God be able to use you today if you approach your relationships like this? The little word, the little time you give can have eternal impact.

God's Plan For Us

From: Adrian Rogers Ministries

Hebrews 12:1 "…let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

God has a plan for my life, and God has a plan for your life. Do you know God's plan for your life? I don’t care whether you’re nine or ninety, man or woman, rich or poor, God has a plan for your life! 

God has a race He wants you to run! And the Bible says you’re to run the race that is set before you.

Have you ever taken time to get alone with God and make your life a sheet of blank paper, sign your name at the bottom, and say, "God, You fill it in. Whatever Your will is, I'll do it"? The will of God—nothing more, nothing less, nothing else...is where my entire focus should be!

The Best Decision

From: In Touch Ministries

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths."

With so many voices clamoring for us to follow worldly paths, we sometimes struggle to hear and apply God’s wisdom. Godly wisdom is the capacity to view things as the Lord does and to respond according to biblical principles. This discernment isn’t automatic. We all have the choice (free will) whether or not to pursue the wise way.

If a person is going to walk wisely, he or she must commit to remaining on the right path—that is, to determine in the heart, "I will follow God no matter what." Pleasing the Lord and conforming to His likeness are always the right things to do.

Resolving to honor the Lord transforms the way that believers make decisions. The Holy Spirit’s quiet voice becomes easier to discern, and those worldly shouts fade. You have a loving heavenly Father who honors the heartfelt commitment to walk according to His will. Following Him is always the best decision.

Sound Advice

From: New Life Daily Devotionals - Steve Arterburn

Mark 1:35 "Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed."

Each new day is a gift from God, and if you are wise, you will spend a few quiet moments each morning thanking the Giver. When you do, you’ll discover that time spent with God can lift your spirits and relieve your stress.

Warren Wiersbe writes, "Surrender your mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day." And that’s sound advice. When you begin each day with your head bowed and your heart lifted, you are reminded of God’s love, His protection, and His commandments. Then, you can align your priorities for the coming day with the teachings and commandments that God has placed upon your heart.

So, if you’ve acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it’s time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. And if you haven’t already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Father in heaven. 

One Nation Under God

From: In Touch Ministries

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from Heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land."

The United States of America was founded on biblical principles with the intent to guarantee freedom of worship. But over time, we have removed the Lord from many aspects of public life.

Prayer in schools, for instance, was deemed unconstitutional. What was once a "nation under God" has turned into a country that tolerates a growing number of sins and yet belittles absolute truth.

If a nation turns its back on the Lord, His judgment is inevitable unless the people repent and make Him Lord once again. As believers, our responsibility is to pray that God would draw the heart of our country back to Himself—and to help the gospel and truth spread through our land.

P.S. It was nice to see a prayer offered before the start of the Indy 500 Sunday...not a "moment of silence."