Christian Part Four: December 17, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 17

CHRISTIAN
Part Four

Today we will look at how to live a successful life as a Christian. As we prepare for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS” on Christmas day it is important that we offer our lives to Jesus in a way that honors and glorifies Him.

Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus

GODS WORD

“Only be strong and very courageous that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may prosper. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:7; 9.

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

Success according to the Word of God is just the opposite of success according to the worldly standards that we live in. Most of the men and women of the Bible would be called failures today but they were considered successful according to God’s standards. Old Testament heroes and heroines had trials of mockings and scourgings including being put in chains and in prisons, but they were successful in God’s sight.

Others were stoned, tempted, slain with the sword, were destitute, afflicted and tormented, but in God’s sight they were successful. Some wandered in deserts, in mountains and hid in dens and caves of earth, but in God’s sight they were successful. The scripture says that these obtained a good testimony through their continual faith in their God and they were successful in His sight.

The world around us today measures success mostly in material things. But when you read the scriptures it is made very clear that God does not measure our success based on “THINGS.” Christmas is a wonderful time for each of us to reestablish in our minds what the real definition of success in our lives is. What is more important in your life? Is it discussing politics with a friend or leading that friend to a personal relationship with God? Is it lowering your standards to keep a friend or raising your standards to lead your family in these troubled days.

God looks at success from a far different perspective than the world does. At Christmas, we as Christians need to take time to reevaluate how we are living, what our priorities are and remember that JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON and He must be the focal point of all we do and say.

In Joshua chapter one, God gave Joshua a fourfold conditional promise that we can claim if we are willing to meet God’s conditions and then we must leave the response to Him. He may choose to bless you with spiritual victories and success, but not prosper you with wealth. But the bottom line is that He has promised to make us successful in His sight if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

God promised Joshua prosperity, victory in battle, good success and a reward for obedience!

But God gave Joshua certain conditions. First he needed to cross over Jordan and claim the land by faith. Then he must know God’s Word. Thirdly he must meditate daily on God’s Word and fourthly learn to apply God’s Word to every moment of his day. God gives us the same conditions and as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas day we need to stop and reevaluate whether we are meeting these conditions so that in God’s sight we can live a successful life.

God expects us to have a vision to honor and glorify His name. When we have that vision then that will be our Jordan to cross over. Then we must commit to knowing God’s Word, meditate daily in His Word and finally apply God’s word to every action, both in our words and deeds that we face daily. Then you will be successful in God’s sight.

OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

Help me today to take a look at success in my life from Your perspective. Make me willing to meet the conditions You give me to live my life in a way that honors Your name.