Success At Last!

"It is not your business to succeed, but to do right; when you have done so, the rest lies with God."-C.S. Lewis

 
In today's individualistic and highly competitive culture, we are strongly encouraged to depend upon ourselves- that is, upon our skills, talents, and abilities-as we embark on a seemingly never-ending quest for what the world in which we live, defines as 'success.' But we often neglect and/or forget the fact, that all of our individual skills, talents, and abilities come to us, directly from the Father, with the sole purpose of bringing glory to His Holy name! (Amen! Hallelujah! Glory be to God!) For the Word of the Lord says:

"For from [H]im and through [H]im and to [H]im are all things. To [H]im be the glory [F]orever! Amen."  

(Romans 11:36; NIV Study Bible)

The Word of God further declares the following:"Don't be deceived by dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights..."

(James 1:16-17a; NIV Study Bible) 

 
As we continue to discuss the topic of success, let us ponder for a moment on the dictionary's definition of success; just for the sake of argument. Shall we?

According to the Collins English Dictionary, success is "the favorable outcome of something attempted; the attainment of wealth, fame, etc." (Collins English Dictionary, 2009). That is the world's take on the definition of success. God however, has a very different perspective with regard to success. When we look at the concept of success based on what God reveals to us through His Holy Word, we soon see, that as far as God is concerned, success is not dependent upon one's financial and/or social status. It is NOT defined by one's monetary acquisition power-if I may call it so. One's level of success is NOT defined by property ownership-or the lack thereof-or the extent of his/her investment portfolio.

By contrast, from my humble and personal perspective, I have come to find, as I continue to ponder upon God's Word, that success in God's eyes, is defined as one's willingness to surrender completely to His will; thus allowing His Holy Spirit to guide us, to fill us, and to move freely within us, so that we may be co-laborers, partners, and ambassadors of Christ indeed in His redemptive work! (Amen! Hallelujah! Glory be to God forevermore!) 

Success to God, has nothing to do with money, or with anything that the world acquaints with the concept of success. But it has everything to do with, surrender, humility, transparency, and sincerity before the LORD our GOD! (Amen! Hallelujah! Glory be to God Forever!). For as we surrender, as we humble ourselves, and as we seek the LORD our God with the strength and sincerity of our hearts, we break the barrier of our selfishness and pride, and yield to the good and perfect will of God; thus, becoming completely dependent upon Christ Himself. And that, my dear friend, is the ultimate and everlasting key to true, and lasting success! (Amen! Hallelujah! Gory be to God Forevermore!)

Well, I must leave you now. But before I go, I would like to share with you a couple of additional Scriptural verses related to the content of this blog post. So, here I go:

"But seek first [H]is [K]ingdom and [H]is righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33; NIV Study Bible).

"I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in [M]e and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from [M]e you can do nothing."  

(John 15:5; NIV Study Bible)

May God bless you!

Both now, and always!

Amen! :)


All glory be to God!
Forever & Always!
Amen & Amen! (Glory! Hallelujah! Amen!)  

References: "Success." Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers. 31 Aug. 2010. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Success>.

Simply Pondering Upon Scripture...

Well, as it happens, my thoughts are scattered today. As a matter of fact, I cannot find a coherent phrase to say. (Although I must say, in my defense, that it wasn't for the lack of effort; perhaps it has something to do with my lack of brain cells today.... :)) But since I have nothing worthwhile to say, I thought it would be a good idea to simply ponder upon Scripture today; meaning no long introductory speech, no mumbling, no babbling on, and on, and on... (Wait a minute. Am I contradicting myself here..?)

...Anyway, what do you say? Will you join me as I dive head-first into Scripture today? (For the sake of validating the further content of this blog post, let's just pretend you're nodding in agreement with me... Shall we?)

Let us begin:

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  

(Romans 12:9-13; NIV Study Bible)

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:14-16; NIV Study Bible)

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19)

"On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." 

(Romans 12:20-22; NIV Study Bible)

May the LORD of Hosts fill us with His Holy Spirit, and enable us to put His precious Word into practice, so that His Holy name may be glorified! (Amen! Hallelujah!) And may those who do not yet know Him, see the light of Jesus in our lives, and in our actions. May the words that we say, be words of wisdom, blessing, encouragement and healing; not of destruction, deceit, and fallacy.

May LORD HIMSELF help us! For we are utterly hopeless without Him.

In Christ's name I pray,

Amen and Amen!

All glory, honor, and praise be given to God Everlasting!
Both now, and Forever!
Amen & Amen! 

So, What Is Christianity Anyway...?

...Well, I would tell you; (as I have in previous blog posts.) But this time, I would rather show you. You know... just to 'shake things up' a bit. And in order to do that, I have found yet another video, which I would like to share with you. So, without further ado, here's the video I promised you:


Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut-UOhY0s8E

May your ears be open to hear, and your eyes be open to see, that Jesus Christ-the Son of God-died for you and me. This is my plea, to God the Father indeed!

In Christ's name I pray,


Amen & Amen!

Scriptural food for thought: "But God showed [H]is great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."  

(Romans 5:8; New Living Translation)

"For God loved the world so much, that [H]e gave [H]is [O]ne and [O]nly Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

(John 3:16; New Living Translation)

"I [Jesus] tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." 

(John 5:24; New Living Translation)

"He [Jesus] has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but [H]e has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what [H]e has seen and heard, but how few are those who believe what He tells them! Anyone who accepts [H]is testimony can affirm that God is true. For [H]e is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God gives [H]im the Spirit without limit."  

(John 3:31-33; New Living Translation)

May all glory, honor, and praise be given to God Almighty!

Forever & Always!
Amen & Amen!