Word for the day "The Reality of Life"

Ecclesiastes 9: 11 (NLT) I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.Life is provocative and many times life is full of surprises. I have been greatly surprised by the way people’s lives have turned out. I think of people I went to school with who seemingly had no potential whatsoever, and they have clearly proven otherwise. Then there are those who seemed to have so much promise, but when I look at the trajectory their lives took, it is another story altogether. Where are you in your life today? God knows when I look at my life, my mouth is open, even now!I have been a working in office of a pastor for more than 2 years now, and I have seen a lot of people come and go through the 2 years. I’ve seen some individuals who were gifted as musicians, preachers, or in some other way effectively crash and burn. I have also seen some who I thought would go out and change the world basically self-destruct instead. Where are you in your life today?As time goes by, I find myself being less impressed with things I was once very impressed by, and more impressed with things I was once less impressed by. Nowadays, I am far more impressed by character than charisma. I am more interested in personal integrity than in mere talent. (Will this person stand the test of time?) I am impressed not by a person who has a huge ministry, but by someone who is still married to the same person they started out with. That impresses me, because so many things change as time goes by. What are you impressed by?Point to ponder- If God has gifted you, then you need to take that gift and use it for His glory. You not only want to start this race well, but you also want to finish it well. You can hold on to first place in a race for a while, but if, at the end, you break the rules or don’t cross the finish line, it doesn’t count. Finish well great people of God!Follow me on Twitter @ElderJamesBaker, as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!Our Leadership team is especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of September by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season. Why don't you take the opportunity to write us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you Great people, we'd love to hear from you!!!Kingdom Blessings,Pastor James Baker, Jr.Thank you for using the Word Cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership on (Word press). We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals, and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the link below to give as the Lord leads. Thank you so much!http://www.tpgeneration.com/donate