Word for the day “Life and leadership success.”
Psalm 42:1 (NKJV) As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
Dear Leaders,
Success can be intoxicating, especially for leaders. However, I’ve discovered as a leader that I must be careful about my pursuit of success. I believe today’s message is worth your consideration as related to aspiring for success in your life and leadership.
THE LORD IS THE KEY TO GREAT SUCCESS.
Looking for an edge in life? Consider this: God is the key to any success you may have in learning to control your desires. It begins with the Lord being your strength, your counselor, and your sure foundation. Yes, this message is for you, sisters and brothers. God is the key to great success in our lives.
We can try any “get rich” scheme that we want, but in the end, it is God that gives the increase. God wants us to work passionately, but he also wants us to understand that it is our dependence on His provision, not our works, that is the cause for our increase. (I Corinthians 3:7 NKJV) advises us to work purposefully and look to God for our success.
Why is God so important? Because the Lord is the source and fulfillment of all human life, including yours. In other words, you were created by God as well as for God. We often forget the latter, or maybe I am the only one who forgets this poignant spiritual reality. St. Augustine made this beautiful confession nearly seventeen centuries ago: “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in You, O Lord.” It was true for him then, and it’s true for you and me now.
THE BIBLE TEACHES US THAT OUR SUCCESS IS CONNECTED TO OUR SHARING WITH OTHERS.
The Bible teaches us that unselfishly giving to others will result in creating success for ourselves. Many people do not get this because they are thinking selfishly and are shortsighted. A more long-term view is to think of giving to add value to others and increase the world around you. Eventually, that increase will come back to you and your life beyond your imagination (Ephesians 3:20 NIV). In (Luke 6:38 NKJV) gives us the advice to give, and it shall be given unto you. This passage applies to our homes, communities, nation, and world.
The Psalmist King David gives all the credit to the Lord and has an insatiable thirst that is a sign he understands that God is significant to his success. “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:2). Then we also see in scripture Jesus makes known that relationship with Him is the reason for spiritual success “Whoever drinks the water I give Him,” said Jesus, “will never thirst [it] will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
(John 14:4) “I am the bread of life,” said Jesus, “He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Spending time with the Lord is the key to our strength and success in life’s journey. Be sure that you never try to work God into your schedule, but always work your schedule around God.
POINT TO PONDER
I am excited about the possibilities for success in my life, despite all our cravings, and Lord knows we have some undeniable cravings. Embedded in each of us is yet craving for God may you find Him now. And this craving can only be filled through a relationship with the Lord. May you have the day you need in your life, which will move you to the next place of success in your spiritual journey!
What’s your definition of success?
What does King David teach you about success in today’s message?
What does Jesus teach you about success in today’s message?
What, if anything have you learned about success from reading today’s message?
As we grow relationally in God, success in life will be our outcome!
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in August 2023, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. David Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Mr. Brent Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Mr. William Buchanan Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Jennifer Sanchez, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Lola Moore, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Mr. Calvin Griffith, and, . Ms. Gertrude Scott, Pastor Raymond, and Mrs. Ranghill-Philip.
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Kingdom Blessings,