SUCCESS

Success seems so elusive. No matter what level of success comes, so many are still unsatisfied with their lives. Their only answer is, “I must need MORE.”

Freddy Prince was a young unknown comedian, when he began a TV career staring on “Chico and the Man”. Then his life was filled with new and exciting things. Cars, Money, Women, Fame … it all was his, yet he was found dead, a self inflicted end to a success story.

And everyday we read or hear about new Freddys, who are seen as glamorous people, yet are empty on the inside.

Worldly success has brought them little satisfaction. Mick Jagger’s song looms like a prophecy over their heads. “I can’t get no satisfaction.”

Could the problem be that we don’t have a realistic view of what Success really is?

In a pole, people were asked “What is Success?”
Here are some of their answers:
Owning a home.
Having a steady income.
Being able to afford insurance.
Having a job.
Making it through another season.
Having a good harvest.
Having a roof over our heads.
Being able to feed my family.
Owning a Cadillac, BMW, Porsche, Lamborghini.
Being able to breath on my own.
Being able to protect my family.
Having a family.
Being able to walk.
Being free from cancer.
Being free of debt.
Retiring with money in the bank.
Having Grandchildren who love me.
Being in charge of the company.
Being like _____________ . (Rich and Famous People)
Being the boss.

The list proves my point. And you begin to understand that Success is not the same for everyone, … or is it? We must stop and re-examine the list. For many of these people their list has become a dead end. That place of success is just not attainable, it was meant for someone else.

In life, there are things that you can not change:
- Where I was born.
- What family I was born into.

But in America, thank God! … you don’t have to live where you were born. And you don’t have to let your family’s past failures, or your past failures dictate your future.

You have the right to develop your abilities and overcome your disabilities.

Here is the good news:
The only person who is holding you back in life is YOU!
- Who says “YOU can’t go back to school?”
- Who says “YOU aren’t smart enough for that job?”
- Who says “YOU are too old to change?”
- Who says “YOU will never get out of that situation?”

Have you ever heard these words?
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? (Phi. 4:13)
- My God will supply all of your needs according to His riches?
(Phi. 4:19)
- I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you,
plans to give you a hope and a future? (Jeremiah 29:11)

These are words from God. He says “YES YOU CAN!”
(And God is no politician - He keeps his promises.)

Here are the keys to your Success:
The Decision to change must start with YOU.

John Maxwell shares that “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting change is the definition of insanity.”

Stop doing the old things, start doing the new things!
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old had gone, the new has come.” (II Cor. 5:17)

If what you’ve been doing isn’t working, why keep doing it that way?
“If the horse is dead, dismount!” Dr. Mark Rutland

Look to your source of Strength - Your help comes from God, He is your provider.
- Don’t expect your parents to resource your life.
- Don’t expect your family to resource your life.
- Don’t expect the government to resource your life.
- Don’t expect your company to resource your life.
- Don’t try to make it on your own.

Trust God.
One of the wisest and richest men in the world gave these instructions to his son: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5 & 6)

Speak the Word – Get It into your heart.
There is so much bad news. You must turn off the input of worry and woe and replace the bad news with good news.

When Joshua was just a young man, he had to take over an assignment that was unthinkable - replace Moses!

Replacing Moses, meant leading 4 million people into the promised land, no maps, no supplies, no weapons, no water! He would be the commander-in-chief over this rag tag nation of Israel.

Here is the advice God gave him –
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:8 & 9)

More advise from the father of the wise man: (Solomon)
“My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

Follow his Steps.
Here are more promises to guide you:
“If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:232 & 24)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)

I wonder what God would say to the question asked those people in the survey?

What is Success to God?
- Caring for others?
- Sharing the Good News of the ONLY WAY to Heaven?
- Offering encouraging words?
- Living an exemplary life?
- Delivering hope?
- Selfless living?

Yes! To God, a life well spent is one that is lived for others. In fact Jesus says, “seek first his kingdom and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)

When I take my last breath here on earth, I want to hear those words. “Well done faithful servant!”

How about YOU?
FYI: Success starts at the foot of the cross.