I may not be able to get to a computer for the next couple of days, so I just wanted to send out a Christmas blessing! May your holidays be filled with love, joy, hope, and happiness. And may the love of God fill your whole being!
Be blessed!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Success... What is it? (part 4)
I really like the commentary to Joshua 1:8 in the Amplified Translation. It writes, "This is the only place in the early English versions where the word "success" is found. The secret of success is given in verses 5 through 9. Joshua accepted Moses' place of leadership without misgivings. God's will for him was his will, and he did not hesitate. To go "all out" for God was already habitual with him; it is the unfailing prerequisite of eternal success (Deut. 6:3-5; Ps. 1:1-3; Luke 10:25-28)."
So, do you want the secret to success? Here it is:
Well, if I may, what I see here is that success really means having God by your side. Success means that God will never forsake you or fail you. THEN we will prosper and "have success".
But, how do we know God is with us? What does success look like?
Does this answer our questions or just open up a whole slew of new ones? Hmmm...
So, do you want the secret to success? Here it is:
"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only you be strong and very courageous, that you may do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have goodsuccess. Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:5-9Hmmmm? So to be success means (i) being strong, (ii) and courageous, (iii) keep God's law, (iv) let it not depart form our mouths, (v) meditate on it, (vi) observe, (vi) and do it. But if you look at those verses more closely, really what are they saying?
Well, if I may, what I see here is that success really means having God by your side. Success means that God will never forsake you or fail you. THEN we will prosper and "have success".
But, how do we know God is with us? What does success look like?
Does this answer our questions or just open up a whole slew of new ones? Hmmm...
Monday, December 20, 2004
Success... What Is It? (part 3)
As I mentioned in my previous post, the word success is actually only used once in the King James Translation. It is found in Joshua 1:8. And it comes from the Hebrew word sakal.
Now, this is not the only time we find sakal in the Old Testament, even though it is the only occurrence of the word success (in the early English translations). In other instances in the Old Testament (and there's over 60 instances) of the word sakal, it has been translated into the words understand or understanding, wise, wisely, or wisdom, prosper, consider, instruct, prudent, skill, teach, guiding, wittingly, behaved, skillful and, of course, success.
Interesting spread of words. No where in those words do I see any indication of success being some kind of destination or goal. Instead it seems to be very vague, at least vague to those who like things concrete, practical and in absolutes.
To me all these words give a sense of learning and growing; something that does not actually end. Because, we can always learn more, grow in deeper understanding (just ask a Microbiologist), have more wisdom, grow more skillful. Even when you are the best at something, say the fastest runner, you can always train more to gain that extra 1/100th of a second.
Well, I suppose we can then say that success is a journey, as John Maxwell put it.
But you know what. That also means that you are, or you can be, a success RIGHT NOW!
Think about it. Comment on it. I'll write more about that tomorrow.
Be blessed.
Now, this is not the only time we find sakal in the Old Testament, even though it is the only occurrence of the word success (in the early English translations). In other instances in the Old Testament (and there's over 60 instances) of the word sakal, it has been translated into the words understand or understanding, wise, wisely, or wisdom, prosper, consider, instruct, prudent, skill, teach, guiding, wittingly, behaved, skillful and, of course, success.
Interesting spread of words. No where in those words do I see any indication of success being some kind of destination or goal. Instead it seems to be very vague, at least vague to those who like things concrete, practical and in absolutes.
To me all these words give a sense of learning and growing; something that does not actually end. Because, we can always learn more, grow in deeper understanding (just ask a Microbiologist), have more wisdom, grow more skillful. Even when you are the best at something, say the fastest runner, you can always train more to gain that extra 1/100th of a second.
Well, I suppose we can then say that success is a journey, as John Maxwell put it.
But you know what. That also means that you are, or you can be, a success RIGHT NOW!
Think about it. Comment on it. I'll write more about that tomorrow.
Be blessed.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Success... What Is It? (part 2)
Did you know that in the King James Translation, there is only one use of the word success?
You'll find it in Joshua 1:8, and it reads, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
Interesting, eh!?
When I looked up the Hebrew word used here, it was sakal, pronounced saw-kal'. It's Biblical uses range as follows:
1. To be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper
a) (active verb) to be prudent, be circumspect
b) (passive verb)
i) to look at or upon, have insight
ii) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent
iii) to have insight, have comprehension
- insight, comprehension (subst)
iv) to cause to consider, give insight, teach
- the teachers, the wise
v) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely
vi) to prosper, have success
vii) to cause to prosper
2. (intensive active verb) to lay crosswise, cross (hands)
Interesting, eh!?
The Amplified translation adds this to the verse: "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. [This is the only place in the early English versions where the word "success" is found. The secret of success is given in verses 5 through 9. Joshua accepted Moses' place of leadership without misgivings. God's will for him was his will, and he did not hesitate. To go "all out" for God was already habitual with him; it is the unfailing prerequisite of eternal success (Deut. 6:3-5; Ps. 1:1-3; Luke 10:25-28).]"
Interesting, eh!?
There's no mention of success being a destination... Or even having anything to do with money, wealth, power or possessions. Hmmm? The word prosper only shows up three times in that definition above. And even that word has been twisted in its meaning. We often equate prosperity with financial prosperity, but it actually has a more holistic definition. Prosperity refers to a total, whole body/person prosperity, from health, wealth, emotions, relationships, etc...
There's a lot to chew on here. I'll leave it at that for now. I welcome your comments.
Be blessed!
You'll find it in Joshua 1:8, and it reads, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
Interesting, eh!?
When I looked up the Hebrew word used here, it was sakal, pronounced saw-kal'. It's Biblical uses range as follows:
1. To be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper
a) (active verb) to be prudent, be circumspect
b) (passive verb)
i) to look at or upon, have insight
ii) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent
iii) to have insight, have comprehension
- insight, comprehension (subst)
iv) to cause to consider, give insight, teach
- the teachers, the wise
v) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely
vi) to prosper, have success
vii) to cause to prosper
2. (intensive active verb) to lay crosswise, cross (hands)
Interesting, eh!?
The Amplified translation adds this to the verse: "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. [This is the only place in the early English versions where the word "success" is found. The secret of success is given in verses 5 through 9. Joshua accepted Moses' place of leadership without misgivings. God's will for him was his will, and he did not hesitate. To go "all out" for God was already habitual with him; it is the unfailing prerequisite of eternal success (Deut. 6:3-5; Ps. 1:1-3; Luke 10:25-28).]"
Interesting, eh!?
There's no mention of success being a destination... Or even having anything to do with money, wealth, power or possessions. Hmmm? The word prosper only shows up three times in that definition above. And even that word has been twisted in its meaning. We often equate prosperity with financial prosperity, but it actually has a more holistic definition. Prosperity refers to a total, whole body/person prosperity, from health, wealth, emotions, relationships, etc...
There's a lot to chew on here. I'll leave it at that for now. I welcome your comments.
Be blessed!
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Success... What Is It?
If I were to throw out the question, "What do you think success is?" I am sure I would get as many different answers as people have different hair colour. Weird analogy, but I think you get my point.
Nevertheless, I think the majority of people do view it as a destination; as a goal to get to; as a "place" you are not at yet, but hope to be someday; or something to that effect. The typical mentality would be something like, "I'm not quite there... Yet." And I suppose, many Christian view "ultimate" success as "getting" to heaven. (Why all the " "? Well, I'm not sure how each person really sees these things. We all have a different view or understanding of what "ultimate" means and even what "getting" to heaven means... But I am not a fan of arguing semantics, though I know that it IS important to get our definitions in order... But I digress)
Can I throw out four areas that most people would define as symbols or markers of success (sure I can... It is my blog :):
Well, the Scriptures definitely have a different view of what success is. And that's what I'm looking at. Will you now allow me to throw out a hypothesis? And will you join me as I seek out an answer to what success is?
Now, I read this definition from the book "Your Road Map For Success," by John C. Maxwell, so it's not necessarily my original idea. But, it did spark something in my mind. And since John Maxwell is a Christian and a pastor, I wanted to see if this definition was founded in Scripture. Here is the definition:
That's where my search begins. And I'll share with you what I've found so far in my next post.
Disclaimer: By no means do I profess myself to be an expert. I am just one who does not accept things at face value, and nor should you. I don't just absorb things from "pastors" and accept them as truth, without asking questions and seeking God for my own answers. Often, I come to the same conclusions... But, often enough, I have not, and have had to disagree with the "teacher". Ultimately, I stand before God, and God alone, to judge my heart and my actions... So He's the only one I am trying to please. So feel free to comment (I will not engage in a debate or argument though) and glean anything that may be of worth to you. BE BLESSED!
Nevertheless, I think the majority of people do view it as a destination; as a goal to get to; as a "place" you are not at yet, but hope to be someday; or something to that effect. The typical mentality would be something like, "I'm not quite there... Yet." And I suppose, many Christian view "ultimate" success as "getting" to heaven. (Why all the " "? Well, I'm not sure how each person really sees these things. We all have a different view or understanding of what "ultimate" means and even what "getting" to heaven means... But I am not a fan of arguing semantics, though I know that it IS important to get our definitions in order... But I digress)
Can I throw out four areas that most people would define as symbols or markers of success (sure I can... It is my blog :):
1. WealthCan we agree that for every person, each of these could--and probably does--mean something different, when you consider specifics in a person's life? And, can we also agree that your own definition of success probably has some element of one or more of these?
2. Specific & Worthwhile Possessions
3. Power
4. Achievement
Well, the Scriptures definitely have a different view of what success is. And that's what I'm looking at. Will you now allow me to throw out a hypothesis? And will you join me as I seek out an answer to what success is?
Now, I read this definition from the book "Your Road Map For Success," by John C. Maxwell, so it's not necessarily my original idea. But, it did spark something in my mind. And since John Maxwell is a Christian and a pastor, I wanted to see if this definition was founded in Scripture. Here is the definition:
Success is...It certainly sounds Christian... Well, it mentions sowing seeds... And serving :) Ultimately, John Maxwell describes success as a journey and not a destination. Hmmm... Sounds interesting. But, again, is it Scriptural?
knowing your purpose in life,
growing to reach your maximum potential, and
sowing seeds that benefit others.
That's where my search begins. And I'll share with you what I've found so far in my next post.
Disclaimer: By no means do I profess myself to be an expert. I am just one who does not accept things at face value, and nor should you. I don't just absorb things from "pastors" and accept them as truth, without asking questions and seeking God for my own answers. Often, I come to the same conclusions... But, often enough, I have not, and have had to disagree with the "teacher". Ultimately, I stand before God, and God alone, to judge my heart and my actions... So He's the only one I am trying to please. So feel free to comment (I will not engage in a debate or argument though) and glean anything that may be of worth to you. BE BLESSED!
Correction to December 6th Post
OK... So it wasn't an outline for the next week... :)
Hey, there's some meaty stuff here, and when I don't fully get it, how can I write about it, eh?!
Besides... I sometimes have trouble getting my priorities straight :)
Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!
Hey, there's some meaty stuff here, and when I don't fully get it, how can I write about it, eh?!
Besides... I sometimes have trouble getting my priorities straight :)
Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!
Monday, December 06, 2004
Outline for this Week
Well, God is doing a number on me... like He hasn't been all this time... but I think I'm starting to see where it's all going. There's a bunch of stuff I want to write about... for one, I want to finish the "10 Emerging Prophetic Shifts", but I'm still meditating on Day 4... I will write more on that.
Anyway, here's what I will be looking at and writing about thyis week:
1. Definition of Success from Scripture.
2. How to get people to catch your vision... from a Scriptural point of view.
3. Some thoughts on the 4th commandment: "Honour your father and mother..."
4. I want to share my vision for a 24/7 prayer & worship centre.
I guess that's it right now, but I'm sure there will be more... God is always talking... but are we always listening?
Anyway, here's what I will be looking at and writing about thyis week:
1. Definition of Success from Scripture.
2. How to get people to catch your vision... from a Scriptural point of view.
3. Some thoughts on the 4th commandment: "Honour your father and mother..."
4. I want to share my vision for a 24/7 prayer & worship centre.
I guess that's it right now, but I'm sure there will be more... God is always talking... but are we always listening?
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