How to Love Generous Living

How to Love Generous Living

We have been talking a lot lately about generous living.  Today at church, we are talking about learning to love living generously.  Our focal passage for today is in 1 Timothy.

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

¹¹ But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. - 1 Timothy 6:10-17

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here. 

How to Love Generous Living

Loving generosity will protect you from the love of money, which causes people to wander away from their faith.  

A generous person will be prosperous,
And one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty. - Proverbs 11:25

One who is generous will be blessed,
Because he gives some of his food to the poor. - Proverbs 22:9

Generosity invites God's blessings into your life. It is more about what God wants for you than what He wants from you.  

The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever. - 1 John 2:17

How to Love Generous Living

1.  We need a spiritual understanding.  

Money is temporary.  It is not permanent.  

As he came naked from his mother’s womb, so he will return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. This also is a sickening evil: exactly as a person is born, so will he die. What then is the advantage for him who labors for the wind? - Ecclesiastes 5:15-16

When you set your eyes on it, it is gone.
For wealth certainly makes itself wings
Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. - Proverbs 23:5

Money is not certain.  Only God and His Word are absolute. 

Money is not satisfying.  When we have a little money, we tend to want more.

The love of money will never cure the greed in a person's heart.

2.  We need a personal understanding.

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. - 1 Timothy 6:17

God wants you to enjoy what He has given you.

God wants us to share with others.

 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. - 1 Timothy 6:18

Tithing is Biblical.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and put Me to the test now in this,” says the Lord of armies, “if I do not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. - Malachi 3:10

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Tithing is more than a law.  It's about love.  Tithing is not commanded in the New Testament.  In the Old Testament, it was law.  In the New Testament, it's about grace and loving others.

Tithing is the best way to love generous living.

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

Trusting God repositions your heart.

How to Love Generous Living

What You Have (Ephesians Series)

What You Have in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 1

We are in a new Bible study series at my church.  Our pastor is calling today's sermon "What You Have."  We are studying from the book of Ephesians.  The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

In the opening of the book of Ephesians, Christ followers are called saints.  Jesus made us saints.  Every Christian is a saint and every saint is a Christian.  If you are a saint (Christ follower), you are going to learn what you have today.  If you are not a Christ follower, learn more about how to have a relationship with Jesus here.

Let's begin by reading Ephesians 1:3-14.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. - Ephesians 1:3-14

If you have ever visited The Varsity in Atlanta, then you know that when you approach the counter, the counter worker will yell at you with a quick "What'll ya have?!"  They take this job very seriously, and if you don't order fast enough, they'll yell at you again.  At least this has been my experience when I visited the popular Atlanta fast food chain.  

In the video above, our pastor shares his own experience which was similar to mine.  Then he mentions that the apostle Paul takes us to the "buffet" of salvation in Ephesians 1.  He says the table is full.  There are many dishes, and they are filled with every spiritual blessing.  According to my pastor, this is Paul's version of "What'll ya have?!"

What we have is our position.  Feasting on what we have should be our condition.

Truth:  You don't need what you already have.  You already have all that you need.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all have spiritual wealth to give us.  Believers are blessed with every spiritual blessing.

What You Have

1.  What We Have in the Father (verses 4-6)

We are chosen.  God chose us before the foundation of the world.  You are not an afterthought.  Before anything existed, we (YOU) were on His mind.

We are adopted.  God calls us sons and daughters.

We are accepted.  

2.  What We Have in the Son (verses 7-12)

We are redeemed.  Jesus paid the price for our sin with His blood.  We were slaves to sin but in Jesus, we are now free, redeemed.

We are forgiven.  There is good and bad to learn here.  The bad news is that we are all guilty and there is a penalty to be paid.  The good news is that Jesus took our blame and our guilt.  He has completely forgiven us.  

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our wrongdoings from us. - Psalm 103:12

I have wiped out your wrongdoings like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist.  Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. - Isaiah 44:22

They will not teach again, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their wrongdoing, and their sin I will no longer remember.” - Jeremiah 31:34

I will endure the rage of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me out to the light, and I will look at His righteousness. - Micah 7:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

This wall art is available here.

God's grace does not end.  Your sin will never outweigh His grace.  Don't let the devil bring up your past!

We have insight.  We are chosen and adopted.  We are not victims of the age.  The cancer of sin is spreading all over the world but history is His story.

We have an inheritance.  We are valuable to Jesus.

When Jesus Christ wrote His last will and testament for His church, He made it possible for us to share His spiritual riches.  Instead of spending it all, Jesus paid it all.  His death on the cross and His resurrection make possible our salvation.  He wrote us into His will, then He died so the will would be in force.  Then He rose again that He might become our advocate to make sure the terms of the will were correctly followed. - Warren Wiersbe

This Bible Commentary is available here.

3.  What We Have in the Holy Spirit 

We have been sealed.  To seal something is to make it secure.  This speaks of authenticity and permanence.  Everything is secure.  It can never be lost.

We have been guaranteed.  

God blessed us immensely.  He chose us unconditionally.  He adopted us adoringly.  He redeemed us graciously.  He forgave us completely.  He gave grace lavishly.  He revealed His mystery wisely.  He granted us inheritance eternally.  He sealed us permanently.  He guaranteed our position personally.

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What You Have in Christ Jesus

The world is offended.  Seriously, some days I feel like everyone is offended over any given number of offenses.  Small offenses or bigger ones, it really doesn't matter.  All that seems to matter is everyone's opinions and everyone is right.  Everyone suddenly becomes an expert over any given number of topics and if anyone doesn't agree with them, then "anyone" is wrong.  But I have a confession to make.  I'm easily offended.  I'm not so much offended over differing opinions or views.  That's just life.  Everyone is unique with differing God-given skills and talents.  That's the way God created us.  I'm not offended over the uniqueness that God created in all of us.  I'm easily offended when someone criticizes ME or something I've said or done.  It has been often said that I can't take a joke.  Well, I can as long as the said joke doesn't criticize a person's character.  In my personal case, I'm easily offended when someone brings to my attention that I have acted in error or performed a task that doesn't measure up to my criticizer's standards.  I carry my heart on my sleeve.  I don't like criticism even if it is intended as constructive criticism.  This is a serious problem for me because this character flaw (one of many) causes me to react negatively instead of responding positively.  Sometimes my reactions cause rifts in my relationships with others, especially those closest to me who always endure the "privilege" of hearing my said reactions.

What does the Bible say about being easily offended.

As a result of my very recent reaction to the criticism of something I did, I did something I should have done a long time ago.  I went to God's Word to explore what the Bible says about being easily offended.  I know what God says about being easily offended in general, but I wanted a list of Bible verses to turn to when I become easily offended in the future.  It will happen again and "truth be told," it will happen to you too.  No one really likes to hear someone else bring to our attention a character flaw (we all have them) or criticize something we have said or done.  

I've been working on a prayer strategy like I learned about in the movie, War Room.  I will soon have a war room (part of a closet) in my home.  I also bought an ammo box that will become my battle box.  My prayer requests will be attached to my closet wall much like Clara's closet in War Room.  My battle box will be geared more toward my growth in my relationship with Jesus.  I've decided that these verses about being easily offended will be placed in my battle box.  Whenever I feel offended, I'll go to my battle box.  I'll go to war against Satan and his intention to destroy my relationship with my Lord and with the people around me.  

 Now, let's get to those verses.

What does the Bible say about being easily offended?

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others. - Ecclesiastes 7:21-22                               (Wow, this one stepped on my toes.  How often have I been critical of others?  Probably more than I realize.)

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil. - 2 Timothy 2:24

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. - Exodus 14:14

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The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. - Proverbs - 22:16

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words. - Proverbs 23:9 (Let's not be fools and despise the wise words of others.) 

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. - Proverbs 29:11

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. - 1 John 2:16

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:11

But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. - 1 Corinthians 8:9

You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. - Job 5:21

A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both. Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. - Proverbs 27:3-6

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. - Proverbs 19:11

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. - James 1:19

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. - Proverbs 18:19

Now let's take this one step further.  When we are criticized by others, whether it was meant to be harmful or not, we have to learn to forgive others when they have committed an offense against us.  The said offense might have been words alone or perhaps the hurtful words were attached to a hurtful action.  Either way, forgiveness is a vital part of our spiritual growth.  Forgiveness is sometimes hard for me (another character flaw -  I have many), but the Bible has a lot to say about forgiveness.  Come back soon for a list of Bible verses about the topic of forgiveness.  In the meantime, consider checking out the following resources about forgiveness.

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What does the Bible say about being easily offended?

Why Does God Allow Suffering (Asking for a Friend Series)

Why Does God Allow Suffering (Asking for a Friend Series)

This is a question many of us ask all the time, even seasoned Christians.  The question is "Why does God allow suffering?"

My pastor helps us answer this question in his sermon titled "Why Does God Allow Suffering?"  The following are my Bible study notes based on his sermon.

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

My pastor refers us to Romans 8.  You can read those verses here.

Let's focus on Romans 8:18 for a moment and hold onto its truth.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. - Romans 8:18

This Romans 8:18 wall art is available here.

Suffering is temporary.  Glory awaits us.

When we experience suffering, we tend to point fingers at God.

When things are good, we say God is good but when things are bad, we blame God.  Some people think God allows suffering because He doesn't care about us.

The Bible tells us that God cares about us so much that He even knows the number of hairs on our heads.  

The Bible also tells us that we are to love others because God first loved us.

We love because He first loved us. - 1 John 4:19

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God doesn't just care about us.  He LOVES us.

But still, why is there suffering in the first place?  Suffering is brought on by:

- Our sinful choices.
- Other's sinful choices. (drugs, suicide, affair, etc.)
- Satan himself brings havoc into our lives.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. - John 10:10

John 10:10 is the verse on which I am building this blog.  Satan intends to steal, kill, and destroy us but Jesus came so that we may have life and have it abundantly.

Our world is deeply broken.  Ask God what He wants to tell you through your suffering.

How do we make sense of suffering?

Truths About Suffering

1.  This world is not right.  It is broken and in need of a Savior.
2.  We are not innocent.  No one is guiltless.
3.  God is not indifferent.  His grace is sufficient.
4.  This life is not ultimate.  Heaven awaits us.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

5.  God never wastes our hurt.  He can use our hurt for good.

Good Things That Come Out of Suffering

Suffering can turn us back to God and eternal things.

It is good for me that I was afflicted,
That I may learn Your statutes. - Psalm 119:71

Suffering can grow us and prepare us for greater things.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance. - Romans 5:3

Suffering produces perseverance,  character, and hope.

Suffering can be used to help others.

Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - 2 Corinthians 1:4

We can disciple others out of suffering because of our own suffering.

God can take our suffering and brokenness and turn it into beautiful things.  We need to stop wallowing in past grief and let God us us.

Suffering can bring our worst or our best to the surface.  Do we love God when things are good AND when things are bad?

Job is a good example for us.  He didn't curse God through his suffering.

We don't need an explanation for our suffering.  We need a Savior.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1

All the suffering we have gone through doesn't begin to compare to the suffering of Jesus.  

How do we prepare for suffering?  We cling to Jesus.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:14-16

We are all fellow sufferers.  We ALL need Jesus.

Without Jesus, your suffering will never end.  

With Jesus, you can look forward to an eternity in Heaven.

Are you ready for eternity?  Learn more here. 

Read all posts in this series here.

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Why Does God Allow Suffering (Asking for a Friend Series)

By now, it seems that everyone on the planet has heard of the Coronavirus known as COVID19 and everyone around the world is doing whatever they can to avoid it.  It's a deadly virus and it is still taking its toll on nations around the world including ours, the United States.  If that news isn't bad enough, our pastor presented to us today even worse news of something even more deadly than COVID19.  The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Confessing Our Need for Jesus Christ."

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

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The bad news is that we all already have a deadly virus.  It's called sin.  This virus of sin is more deadly than COVID19 because it separates us from God and can separate us from Him for all of eternity, but there is a cure.  The cure is Jesus.

Our scripture passage for today is John 13:5-17.

Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”
 
So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?  You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.  Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

In the upper room where Jesus and His disciples gathered, Jesus washed his disciples' feet.  Jesus was signifying that He was the only One who could cleanse their feet.  In John 13:11, Jesus told the disciples that there was one among them who was not clean.

Are you like that one disciple?  Do you have a clean heart?

The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? - Jeremiah 17:9

Our hearts are deceitful.  

Now back to the virus of sin.  How did we get it?  We got it from Adam.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. - Romans 5:12

When Adam and Eve sinned, we inherited the virus of sin from them.  The only cure is Jesus.  He died so that we can be forgiven.

In John 13:10 (above), Jesus knew that someone wasn't clean.  Are you clean?

Confessing Our Need for Jesus Christ

Who needs to be clean?  All of us.  We need to confess to Jesus our need for Him.  When we receive Jesus as our Savior, He saves us - like a full bath.  We are clean but sometimes we get worldly dirt on us.  When this happens, we need a washing, but not like a full bath.  It's more like the washing of feet.  

How do we get clean?  We confess like Peter did.  When we confess our need for Jesus, we are in agreement with God.  We don't try to justify our sin, but we confess our sin and our need for Jesus.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

Peter confessed his need and asked Jesus to wash him.  When we confess our sin to God, we are admitting His ability to forgive us.  Even the worst of sins can be forgiven.  Whatever sin is coming to your mind right now, God can forgive.

Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? - Romans 8:33-35

Jesus is our final substitute.  He is sufficient.

What is the reason for being made clean?  If we are not made clean, we are separated from God.  We will not have a relationship with Jesus, but we need a relationship with Jesus.  When we are truly saved, we will have a relationship with Jesus, but sin interrupts our fellowship with Him.  Sin can cause spiritual defeat in our lives.  

How often must we experience a cleansing?  We need a cleansing whenever we have a conviction about sin. 

But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7

We need to be walking in God's light. 

In Tim Keller's book titled "Quick Strike," he asks himself a few questions. He asks:

Do I have a heart of pride?
Do I have a cold heart?
Am I afraid?
Am I hooked (like an addiction  or anything that doesn't please the Lord)?



How do we help others experience becoming clean?  We need to be clothed in humility.  We need to recognize our own weaknesses.  We need to know that we are all fellow sufferers.  We need to confess that we all need Jesus.  

God can use our brokenness for His honor and glory. 

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. - James 5:16

As Jesus ministers to us, we are to minister and serve others.  

To summarize:  

The bad news is that we all have virus called sin.  

The good news is that Jesus is the cure.  

We need a relationship with Jesus and we can have a relationship with Jesus.

That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9

God will forgive you.  You just need to ask Him.  

Confess your need for Jesus.  Receive Him.  He will forgive you.

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 Read all posts in my pastor's series on "Confession" here.

Confessing Fear

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.  

 Confessing Fear

Confessing fear is not an easy thing for me to do, but when an unhealthy fear interferes with my faith in God's sovereignty, it's a fear I need to confess to God and let Him take over.  Let's start with a few Bible verses about fear. 

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. - John 14:27

So that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” - Hebrews 13:6

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful 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, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:6-9

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 Joshua was afraid and jolted.  We need to hear what Joshua heard.  We need to be strong and courageous.  When we confess our fear, we are confessing our faith in God.  God is our leader.

In Joshua 1, God was in charge.  

4 Places Where God was in Charge:

Egypt

The Wilderness

The Promised Land

Babylon

God is always leading us.  He uses hardships to sanctify us.  Look for God's leadership.

No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. - Joshua 1:5

God keeps His promises.

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. - Zachariah 4:6

Your words were found and I ate them,
And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;
For I have been called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts. - Jeremiah 15:16

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. - 1 John 4:4

God was faithful then and He is faithful now.

So the Lord gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it. And the Lord gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hand.  Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. - Joshua 21:43-45

Confess to God that He is faithful and keeps His promises.  Confess obedience to Him.

Only be strong and very courageous; be careful 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, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. - Joshua 1:7-8

Obedience to God is the gateway to God's blessings.  Remember that God's definition of success is not the same as the world's definition of success.  

True success = Favor of God

Whatever is going on around us, we can have the peace of God within us.  

God, you are my leader.

God, you keep your promises.

God, I will obey you.

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?  He wants to be your forgiver and your leader.

Cast all your cares on Him.  

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Read all posts in my pastor's series on "Confession" here.