Based on “Step out in Faith; Sing out in Thanks” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
1/16-17/10, Message #MB404; Daily Devotional #6 - “Secret to Success”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 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 1:7-9)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Our God is so great and so kind. He gives us everything we need (Philippians 4:19). We all have the desire to have purpose, joy, peace, and fulfillment in life. Apart from God, our country tends to outline the secrets to success in a terribly incorrect manner: power, education, money, houses, and fame. Countless books, videos, lectures, and experts promise to deliver the secrets to success. The media and the world in which we live bombard us with such messages. Yet, apart from God, these so-called solutions are sadly dead end roads. Among other places in God’s Word, He tells us the real secret to success in Joshua 1:8. We must constantly meditate on God’s Word and walk in obedience. And as Jehoshaphat’s men did, we must practice active faith. Yes, God promises to fight the battle, but we are responsible for showing up. Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out; Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld: have faith in his prophets and you will be successful. (2 Chronicles 20:20)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Meditate on God’s Word, walk in obedience, and have active faith; these are just a few instructions we receive from God on how to do life correctly. True prosperity and success comes from knowing Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and living our lives for His glory and honor. Let us step out in obedience to God, face the humanly impossible situations with great confidence and reassurance, and give loud thanks and praise to our God, who is everything we need. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies."The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.” (2 Samuel 22:3-5) In every season of life, we need to give thanks and praise to our God. He is worthy of all our praise.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 136
lh
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.