Friday, December 31, 2021

Friday, December 31, 2021
Old Testament Jeremiah records God’s truth that success is ultimately found in a life that invests in knowing Him.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me,” (NASB)

Heaven, here, states concisely a pathway to success! The great individuals in the world’s eyes boast of their ability to solve the problems of society depending on no one. They have all the resources necessary for their pleasure, boasting of strength sufficient to bend other’s will to their own! Impressive resume, . . . but one that falls short in God’s Eyes.

In human terms, living for eternity has no place in the plans of man. As a result, you must live as if there was no tomorrow – grabbing all the gusto you can for as long as you can – because you can’t take it with you! God’s way says, boast in the fact you are humble enough to seek a deeper knowledge of the eternal God, and live accordingly. God could not say it more plainly: to thrive in 2022 means aligning yourself with eternal resources – they are there for the asking!

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Wednesday, December 29, 2021
King David states there is happiness in keeping good company and wanting what God wants for your life.

Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. (NASB)

In poetic language, the Psalmist David, lays out a lifestyle for success! A thriving life make wise choices: some things they will do and others they will not. Do not be passive, instead intentionally determine to live life God’s way.

In the Bible when it a statement begins with “Blessed”, what it really means is, “Happy”. Albert Barnes writes, “He who casually and accidentally walks with the wicked, listening to their counsel, will soon learn to place himself in their way, . . . and he who indulges in one form of depravity, or in the neglect of religion in any way, . . . will, unless restrained, . . . be likely to run through every grade of wickedness . . . The sentiment in this verse is, that the man who is truly blessed is a man who does none of these things.” The result of making a firm decision to follow this model is staying power and joyous productivity. In short, a life of impact!

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Tuesday, December 28, 2021
King Solomon declares there is safety in seeking the advice of wise counselors.

Proverbs 15:22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed. (NASB)

Pride often keeps us from seeking the input of others that could reveal weaknesses in our plans. When a great idea comes to us . . . we tend to think it’s all about us! A great idea is about those it will benefit . . . take the time to seek other points of view. Other’s advice can make a good idea, a great one!

John Gill wrote, “If a man determines . . . upon a matter, and at once . . . goes about it, without mature deliberation, without . . . taking the advice of others in forming a scheme to bring about his designs, it generally comes to nothing” Be vulnerable . . . seek the advice others . . . make your plans the best they can be!

Monday, December 27, 2021

Monday, December 27, 2021
King Solomon urges live a life of impact by following the Lord’s leading even if it stretches you.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed. (NASB)

Living a life of impact for the Lord is risky . . . you’d probably love to have the Lord just speak audibly and tell you what direction your life should take. But that doesn’t usually happen. King Solomon says – take risks. Farmers that sow only when conditions are perfect, risk never getting their crop into the field. One truth that every parent can appreciate: if you wait till you have the perfect time to have kids — you’ll never have kids! Solomon says diversify . . . plant seed all day long – from morning till evening! What risks should I take?

Don’t limit yourself. In the NT book of James, it says if a Christ-follower lacks wisdom . . . ASK! Some people sensing the Lord’s direction in a certain area will risk doing certain things: like, despite being incredibly busy, they decide to teach a Sunday School class or volunteer to be an AWANA leader. God says in the Bible that He has a plan for you i.e., “good works foreordained” that He has planned just for your life. Every day ask Him to give you the strength to do what He has already planned for you to do. He can give you “more time in the day” . . . He can help you mentor young people, or teach a Sunday School class, — even with everything else you have going on! God uses pressure on our lives to move us to the next level of usefulness for Him. Ask for wisdom to know which risks to take!

Friday, December 24, 2021

Friday, December 24, 2021
The apostle Paul wrote concerning God’s attitude toward personal giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NASB)

God doesn’t need your money – but He wants first place in your life! Love given out of obligation is meaningless. Loving words and actions – borne out of a sincere heart are one of life’s treasures.

Pleasing God with the gift of material or financial resources, is all about attitude. God would rather have $5 given gladly, than $500 given grudgingly! Albert Barnes wrote, “God loves [cheerful giving] because it shows a heart like his own – a heart disposed to give cheerfully and do good on the largest scale possible;”

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Thursday, December 23, 2021
The apostle Matthew records Jesus’ view on a person’s top priority.

Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NASB)

A close examination of our life choices quickly reveals what means most to us. Spending all your time at work versus time with family or spending your money excessively on material things versus the work of the Lord — tips your hand about what is uppermost in your life! It’s certainly not wrong to have nice things – but the Lord should always come first.

Treasure is the key word – if the things of the Lord are of utmost importance to you, your priorities will reflect a heaven-ward bent. Albert Barnes wrote, “Do not exhaust your strength and spend your days in