Leadership
Planning For Success
What do you think of when you think of success? Perhaps it’s becoming a doctor, computer analyst, web developer, therapist, entertainer, pastor, roofer, painter, architect, landscape or interior designer, lawyer, nurse, policemen, chef, executive or business owner…? Webster defines success as; a favorable completion of something. The gaining of wealth, favor, or prestige. Whatever career paths you decide upon or have decided upon don’t forget to consult the Lord! Opportunity is available to all that put forth the necessary exertion. Society tells you to get an education and do something with your life. Be successful! Parents encourage their children to apply themselves in school or to excel in sports. Whatever directions you choose just make something of yourself! Be successful! The Bible tells us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and everything else will be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. I think God knows best don’t you? If you haven’t begun to employ God’s principles in your life, please start now!
There are so many unhappy unfulfilled people despite all the necessary material comforts. Looking for success in all the wrong places, people and /or things from every sector of life. I often hear people say "things don’t make you happy". But not one of them did not have anything themselves! They were clothed, fed and had a roof over their head. Yes its true things don’t make you happy, but we live in a material world. Material meaning anything that is derived from matter, better yet physical. The problem is not the things but how we prioritize and relate to them. Never measure yourself by someone else!
Let it become more important to you what God knows rather than what people think! Don’t allow them to subliminally program your thinking by the thoughts they project. If you listen to someone long enough they will reveal the sentiments of their own heart.
Few people really know what it means to truly understand. They make a whole lot of assumptions based on what they see. To often by misinformed information they arrive at conclusions that aren’t actually true. Don’t ever put confidence in the flesh! Understanding comes from God. To understand you must solicit righteous judgment. Real success is when your security and significance is in the LORD!
When you are walking with God you should see some personal improvement in your life. Your ability to handle life should improve. You don’t fall apart at the seams as much. You are able to shake off invalid perceptions perceived by others. You learn to allow the peace of GOD to guard your heart! Humility becomes a favorable companion. God’s perspective is quite different from that of man’s. God looks on the inside man looks on the outside. God’s Blessings are not contingent upon what man thinks!
"Learn to be anxious for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God!" Philippians 4:6 Be patient and exercise discipline. A certain amount of anxiety in life is healthy. It gives us an incentive to desire to improve.
There’s always room for growth in all of us. When you study God’s WORD it will increase your ability to DISCERN! Discern means to recognize or to discriminate mentally. To increase your cognition of good and evil. It will also guide you successfully over or around any seen and unforeseen stumbling blocks. "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Hebrews 5:14 Did you know Christ really did die for you and me! He has promised to meet all of our needs. The problem is needs and wants are often confused. The children of Israel confused their needs and wants. God provided all their needs. His presence was constantly with them. He even rained manna from heaven. They were instructed to take just enough. Why? Because it would spoil and become infested withmaggots. Moses was a great leader but because of his disobedience he was not able to enter the Promised Land. God wants us to be obedient to Him. But how can you be obedient if you don’t know what He requires?
God has created in us a void only He can fill. No career, nobody, no thing, nor any recreational sport, video game, activity or substance can fill that void. God has created us to have an intimate personal relationship with Him! If at this point in your life you have not established such a relationship please don’t procrastinate any longer. Launch into the deepness of His WORD.
Cease to worry about whatever giant stalks your life. Giant meaning anything that prohibits you from coming into closer fellowship with Him. God can and will fight your battles. He can break any stronghold. But, He won’t force His way into your life. "Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty!" He allows you the freedom to choose.
" Trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding in ALL thy ways acknowledge HIM an HE WILL direct thy path." Proverbs 3:5-6. Joshua had a brilliant career under the direction of the Lord. Joshua is an excellent example of what happens when we are obedient to GOD. Joshua conquered the land of Canaan giants and all. He accomplished what seemed to be impossible. Why? Because he trusted and obeyed God. God did not say there wouldn’t be any opposition. Just make sure your position is congruent with God. Joshua was successful because of his adherence to God’s direction. You see God told Joshua in the very beginning the land was given to him. That "No man would be able to stand against him all the days of his life. That He would be with him and not forsake him all the days of his life. To be strong and of good courage." In turn Joshua was to meditate on God’s WORD day and night and be careful to follow all that is written. It was then that God told Joshua he would be successful.
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof the world and they that dwell therein." He has a plan for each of His children. Just make sure your success plan includes Him! He really does have it all under control.
About the Author:
DeBorrah K. Ogans is a licensed Pastoral Counselor and ordained minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. DeBorrah is a Co-Founder along with her husband Randall of "Alpha 7 Ministries". She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do”, and just released her second book "Holy Matrimony: Now That We Are Married"
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