Defining Success

“Hezekiah trusted in, leaned on, and was confident in the Lord, the God of Israel . . . He clung and held fast to the Lord and ceased not to follow Him, but kept His commandments . . . the Lord was with Hezekiah; he prospered wherever he went. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.”

2 Kings 18:5-7 Amplified Bible

A recent study revealed that an amazing one-fourth of the adult population “has no idea what would make their life successful.” They go through life, with a variety of ups and downs, highs and lows, but don’t seem to have perspective, or even a sense of ultimate purpose.

Others have a variety of ways of feeling successful. Some point to having a strong family or lasting marriage. Others feel successful based on some “tangible accomplishment” (such as “financial accumulation, educational achievement or making a difference”). Some look to “personal emotional fulfillment.” Just a few believe that success can be “a result of spiritual experiences or development.”

King Hezekiah provides an example of a person with a clear sense of purpose for his life, a person who knew how to define “success.” The Bible says that he “prospered wherever he went.” He simply succeeded in everything because he trusted in and obeyed God.

Would you consider that your life has been successful? What is the basis of your conclusion? How you feel? Your achievements? What would God say about your life? Have you followed His plan for you? Are you obeying His call?

Don’t allow the world to set your standards. Remember that popular opinions can change quickly. Focusing on worldly fame and “success” can be like “chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Make sure that God is pleased with your life. Commit yourself to serving Him. Make Jesus the Lord of your life. And let Him give you perspective and purpose.

Today's Inspiring Prayer

Father, show me Your purpose for my life. I trust in You. My goal is to be obedient to You, and serve You. My desire is to please You and serve You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Inspiration Ministries

Kindly Support : 
ArleneJoy"AJ" Beats Stage IV Cancer 

https://www.gofundme.com/ajbeatscancer                         

Grace Battle for Breast Cancer :    

https://www.gofundme.com/x2q86phg

Hiding from God

“The sons of Israel did things secretly which were not right against the Lord their God.”
2 Kings 17:9 NASB


It was a dark time in Israel. Deciding to ignore or reject God’s Word, they seemed to realize that what they were doing was “not right.” But that didn’t matter. They simply decided to go their own way.

Yet, knowing that God would not be pleased, they tried to hide their actions from Him by acting “secretly.” The Hebrew word here (used for the only time in the Bible) comes from a root word that implies being veiled or shielded. Thus, in effect, they were trying to cover up what they really were doing, as if placing a veil over themselves in the hopes that others (including God) could not see them.

They acted covertly, just like spies, disguising their real intentions, and masking their true actions. But, all along, God knew what they were doing.

People throughout history have made this same mistake. We think of Adam and Eve, who tried to hide themselves and their sins from God (Genesis 3:8). Others, like Achan, have thought that God would never see their actions, and so they could do what they wanted (Joshua 7:21).

Jesus said, “There is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open” (Luke 8:17). We may try to hide from others. But God knows everything we do! Every thought! Every action! We cannot hide from Him.

Today, remember that God knows everything about you. You cannot hide anything from Him. Don’t run from Him or try to hide. He really wants the best for you, but you need to be honest with Him. Open your heart and mind. Let Him teach and purify you. Free you from burdens and cleanse you from sins. Seek to live in harmony with His Word.


Today's Inspiring Prayer


Father, You know my heart. Search me right now. Cleanse me and free me from anything that displeases You. Help me to have a more intimate relationship with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Inspiration Ministries

Kindly Support : 
ArleneJoy"AJ" Beats Stage IV Cancer 

https://www.gofundme.com/ajbeatscancer                         

Grace Battle for Breast Cancer :    

https://www.gofundme.com/x2q86phg

The Promise of Humility

  The Promise of Humility

Read | 1 Peter 5:5-7

Jesus’ life exemplified humility. He did not assert His divine rights while on earth but instead left behind the glory and authority to which He was entitled. Cloaking himself with humanness, Jesus chose to be an obedient servant of His Father (Phil. 2:5-8).

Our Savior’s example was and still is countercultural. This world does not value an attitude or lifestyle of humility; rather, it applauds high achievement, outward beauty, elevated positions, or exceptional skills. But God assures us that if we choose meekness—living in submission to Jesus as Master of our lives—He will reward us in both this life and the life to come. (Matt. 5:5 niv).

In today’s verses, Peter outlines our options. Spiritual blessings are promised if we choose God’s way of humility. But if we pridefully forsake His path, the Lord will oppose us because we are essentially working against Him in arrogant self-sufficiency. However, when we humble ourselves by yielding to His authority and desiring to obey Him, He will be our source of strength and confidence.

There’s something else to consider: Since we sometimes buy into the significance society places on instant gratification, we tend to want recognition now. But God honors us according to His perfect way and timing.

The decision is yours to make: Will you humble yourself and live for God’s glory rather than yours? Or will you plot your own course and invite His opposition? If you’re wise, it’s not really much of a decision after all. So take a look at your priorities and ask God to reveal any areas driven by pride.