One of the basic truths that most successful people embrace is that of the value of friendships. People can play a key role in our lives if we allow them to be involved with our lives. Among the circle of people that we often interface with, a few could become life-changing sources of 'good seeds.' These few are the ones who can teach us by being a model to us and enabling us to learn the important lessons of life. These people, or perhaps only one person, are desirable roles as mentors.
Mentors draw from their life experiences - both good and bad - and help guide us toward achieving our own life's purpose.
If you don't currently have mentors in your life, seek them out. There are always people who are willing to teach someone who is willing to learn.
"Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors bring success."
--Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Positive Thinking
We are all familiar with the phrase 'you are what you eat' and there is no debate that there is an element of truth to that. Today, poor eating habits has become a major topic of discussion. However, I would submit that there is a far more important statement which has far greater impact on everyone than food and it is this: Our thought life is the precursor and major determinant of how we live our lives.
What we allow to come into and play out in our minds, to a great extent, will affect everything we do. It begins with what we say and then it works out in our actions. One of the valuable 'seeds from the Bible' is the verse from the fourth chapter of Philippians: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." (NKJV)
What God through the Apostle Paul is telling us is that we need to train our minds to think on good things. Changing how we think and what we think on is a critical step in becoming all that God purposed us to be.
The Bible throughout its pages leaves no doubt that people's lives are the product of their thoughts. Our thoughts have rewards and consequences.
"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."
--Proverbs 4:23
What we allow to come into and play out in our minds, to a great extent, will affect everything we do. It begins with what we say and then it works out in our actions. One of the valuable 'seeds from the Bible' is the verse from the fourth chapter of Philippians: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." (NKJV)
What God through the Apostle Paul is telling us is that we need to train our minds to think on good things. Changing how we think and what we think on is a critical step in becoming all that God purposed us to be.
The Bible throughout its pages leaves no doubt that people's lives are the product of their thoughts. Our thoughts have rewards and consequences.
"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life."
--Proverbs 4:23
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Seeds of Common Sense
As we move into the 21st century, it is amazing the level of advancements being made in areas like medicine, technology, telecommunications and transportation. From that standpoint, these are wondrous times to live. At the same time there are areas within our society that give you pause for concern. One such area is a lack of the use of common sense.
Some key questions at this point: What has happened to common sense? Why do so many people seem not to have or to use this faculty? What explanation can there be that might help us see why this trend has occurred?
I believe that a major reason for this unfamiliarity with common sense relates to the drift of many years in our country to overlook and discount the value and emphasis and, most importantly, the acceptance of the Bible. Common sense is a gift from God and many of its elements are spelled out in the Bible. As a people becomes disconnected from the Scriptures, they become disconnected from the wisdom of God, much of which plays out in the basic activities of life. When we lose the foundations for common sense, we leave a vacuum that is filled with the wisdom of the world and of the natural man, leading to many of the disasters so prevalent around us.
For centuries most people read the Bible and valued the wisdom that it contains. This was true of believers and unbelievers alike. Society in general recognized the profound wisdom of the Scriptures. Sadly, over the past sixty years, we are seeing the results of a society which has discarded the need to read the Bible.
Common sense is defined in Webster's Collegiate Dictionary as: sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment. The world is captivated by the sophisticated but in many ways it has abandoned the sound and the prudent. If you desire to have good common sense and let it impact your life, go to the Bible and discover the treasure of wisdom within its pages.
The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
--Proverbs 10:21
Some key questions at this point: What has happened to common sense? Why do so many people seem not to have or to use this faculty? What explanation can there be that might help us see why this trend has occurred?
I believe that a major reason for this unfamiliarity with common sense relates to the drift of many years in our country to overlook and discount the value and emphasis and, most importantly, the acceptance of the Bible. Common sense is a gift from God and many of its elements are spelled out in the Bible. As a people becomes disconnected from the Scriptures, they become disconnected from the wisdom of God, much of which plays out in the basic activities of life. When we lose the foundations for common sense, we leave a vacuum that is filled with the wisdom of the world and of the natural man, leading to many of the disasters so prevalent around us.
For centuries most people read the Bible and valued the wisdom that it contains. This was true of believers and unbelievers alike. Society in general recognized the profound wisdom of the Scriptures. Sadly, over the past sixty years, we are seeing the results of a society which has discarded the need to read the Bible.
Common sense is defined in Webster's Collegiate Dictionary as: sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment. The world is captivated by the sophisticated but in many ways it has abandoned the sound and the prudent. If you desire to have good common sense and let it impact your life, go to the Bible and discover the treasure of wisdom within its pages.
The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
--Proverbs 10:21
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Reliability
I am continually amazed at how some businesses spend all kinds of money to get you to become a customer, then completely drop the ball in the execution of what they promise. Sadly, this problem occurs not only with businesses but also happens with all areas of our society and individuals.
Unfortunately, reliability in our culture today is not something you can count on. People are quick to over promise and under deliver. Follow through is not the standard. Poor customer service has sadly become the standard mode of operation for many companies and institutions. Granted, there are exceptions and when you encounter one of those exceptions? What a pleasure!
Reliability should be a trade mark of everyone who wants to be successful. It is one of those important qualities that will distinguish you over time.
"The only thing that exceeds 'right-doing' is 'right-being.' Your motives must be so
pure that God Almighty can see nothing to rebuke."
--Oswald Chambers
Unfortunately, reliability in our culture today is not something you can count on. People are quick to over promise and under deliver. Follow through is not the standard. Poor customer service has sadly become the standard mode of operation for many companies and institutions. Granted, there are exceptions and when you encounter one of those exceptions? What a pleasure!
Reliability should be a trade mark of everyone who wants to be successful. It is one of those important qualities that will distinguish you over time.
"The only thing that exceeds 'right-doing' is 'right-being.' Your motives must be so
pure that God Almighty can see nothing to rebuke."
--Oswald Chambers
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Talents
Within the complex code of every person's DNA, God has purposed certain talents that are unique to that individual. No one has ever or will ever have this same combination of unique skills. Every person born is distinct and one of life's challenges is to discover and develop those distinct, individual talents within to their full potential. This is a key element of success.
The familiar expression, 'You can become anything you want to be if you are willing to work hard enough', is not true. Sadly, some people spend time pursuing goals that will never be realized for the simple reason it is not what they were meant to be. The vast majority end up in vocations that will fit some of their talents while missing others, then they tend to remain half satisfied for the rest of their life. Others find an excellent fit for their skills, become successful and enjoy what they are doing. However, they use their success to accumulate 'the toys life' and spend their time investing mostly in themselves.
God's purpose for giving gifts, I believe, has three main objectives:
The familiar expression, 'You can become anything you want to be if you are willing to work hard enough', is not true. Sadly, some people spend time pursuing goals that will never be realized for the simple reason it is not what they were meant to be. The vast majority end up in vocations that will fit some of their talents while missing others, then they tend to remain half satisfied for the rest of their life. Others find an excellent fit for their skills, become successful and enjoy what they are doing. However, they use their success to accumulate 'the toys life' and spend their time investing mostly in themselves.
God's purpose for giving gifts, I believe, has three main objectives:
- Truly discover your talents
- Apply and develop those talents to their full potential
- Employ the success of those talents to serve others
"Lord, you have put me in this world for something; show me
what that is and help me to work out my life purpose."
--Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Deceit Versus Honesty
Today, in large measure, we live in a culture which operates in a deceitful manner. We are continually bombarded with falsehoods, lies, scams and tricks. Most people who operate in business, government and the media are guilty of some degree of deceitfulness. Very few people ever stop to consider this biblical truth - 99% truth is still a lie. The concept of upfront, open and honest is, in most cases, just an advertising slogan without much reality to back it up.
Given the condition in the culture today, being honest is a challenging exercise but one we need to continually work at. Being honest is doing the right thing and not giving in to the temptation to go against the truth. Honest people don't lie, don't shade the truth, and don't withhold part of the truth.
In the long run being honest pays huge dividends. It builds respect from others. It builds a good reputation and builds our character - who we really are. Finally, and most important, it maintains our relationship with our Creator.
Honesty is the best policy and is a key part of what it means to be successful.
" Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about
things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things
that are excellent and worthy or praise." (Philippians 4:8) NLT
Given the condition in the culture today, being honest is a challenging exercise but one we need to continually work at. Being honest is doing the right thing and not giving in to the temptation to go against the truth. Honest people don't lie, don't shade the truth, and don't withhold part of the truth.
In the long run being honest pays huge dividends. It builds respect from others. It builds a good reputation and builds our character - who we really are. Finally, and most important, it maintains our relationship with our Creator.
Honesty is the best policy and is a key part of what it means to be successful.
" Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about
things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things
that are excellent and worthy or praise." (Philippians 4:8) NLT
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Ambition
Like so much of life, ambition can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing. When ambition is centered on self interest - personal goals focused on success with little regard for others - then it is not being used as God intended. We see this type of ambition displayed all around us in those who are consumed with becoming famous or others who make their primary ambition to become rich or to gain power. Sadly, in many places and in many ways this behavior is applauded.
Biblical ambition begins with our desire to be the best we are capable of being in the area God has placed us and to continue to learn and improve so that we can be used by God to fulfill the purposes we were created for.
It is also having a passion to achieve noble goals. It begins with an attitude that is focused away from ourselves and towards others. An example of this is where we want to help others by using the gifts and abilities God has given to us. It may be belonging to a team or group or it might be playing a key supporting role for those groups.
Having a noble ambition is when you learn to see meaning in every activity of life and that you learn to place value on these activities.
To develop this point further, I highly recommend a book by Mark Sanborn titled, "The Fred Faction." The sub-title gives an idea of the theme of the book: How Passion in your Work and Life Turns the Ordinary into the Extraordinary.
Biblical ambition begins with our desire to be the best we are capable of being in the area God has placed us and to continue to learn and improve so that we can be used by God to fulfill the purposes we were created for.
It is also having a passion to achieve noble goals. It begins with an attitude that is focused away from ourselves and towards others. An example of this is where we want to help others by using the gifts and abilities God has given to us. It may be belonging to a team or group or it might be playing a key supporting role for those groups.
Having a noble ambition is when you learn to see meaning in every activity of life and that you learn to place value on these activities.
To develop this point further, I highly recommend a book by Mark Sanborn titled, "The Fred Faction." The sub-title gives an idea of the theme of the book: How Passion in your Work and Life Turns the Ordinary into the Extraordinary.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Importance Of Reading
In an earlier blog of January 11, 2012, I referenced the value of books as a great source for discovering seeds for success. The importance and benefit of reading good books cannot be overstated. But as in most cases, it is not the knowing of something that is critical - it is the doing - following through with the knowledge one has learned. Books must be read if they are to become profitable to a person. Take the Bible, for example. It is by far the best-selling book of all times and continues to be so year after year. At the same time, a great number of people never get around to reading it. Its value to these people, therefore, is lost because the contents remain unknown to them.
The vast majority of books published are not worth reading. So, at the outset of your pursuit to read, it is critical to be selective in what you choose to read. The following tips will assist you as you begin the process of examining a particular book.
The vast majority of books published are not worth reading. So, at the outset of your pursuit to read, it is critical to be selective in what you choose to read. The following tips will assist you as you begin the process of examining a particular book.
- First, learn about the author. Examine the back cover or the inside flap of the book (if it's a hardback book) for this information. If you decide this is someone from whom you would be open to learning, are they qualified to write on the subject you are considering reading?
- The next step is to review the Table of Contents. This information will provide you with a basic idea of the fundamental elements contained in the book.
- Chapter titles can also be helpful in providing an overview of the book.
- Scan the preface of the book. Often the author will provide a summary of the book and what he hopes you will learn from it.
- Be sure the book is written in a clear and readable fashion. If you are not a regular reader, start with books that are short and simple to grasp.
- Practice making a book your own. Mark in it, underlining key sentences. Makes notes on things that impress you and review those notes from time to time later on.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Need To Examine Ourselves
It is easy to live one's life never asking hard questions. It takes little effort to simply get into a routine and continue with that course. Socrates was correct when he wrote his often quoted statement, "The unexamined life is not worth living."
Improving one's life begins with a serious examination of the make-up of what constitutes the life we are now living. We need to be honest and face the truth about ourselves. Only then can we establish the first step in planning how we are going to improve.
Over the course of the next few days, take time to examine your life. How are you investing your time and your money? What are your main interests? Are you learning and broadening yourself? What excites you? What are your goals for this year?
To grow in knowledge of God we must also grow in knowledge of ourselves,
and the knowledge we must acquire is largely painful and unwelcome.
--David B. Clotfelter
Improving one's life begins with a serious examination of the make-up of what constitutes the life we are now living. We need to be honest and face the truth about ourselves. Only then can we establish the first step in planning how we are going to improve.
Over the course of the next few days, take time to examine your life. How are you investing your time and your money? What are your main interests? Are you learning and broadening yourself? What excites you? What are your goals for this year?
To grow in knowledge of God we must also grow in knowledge of ourselves,
and the knowledge we must acquire is largely painful and unwelcome.
--David B. Clotfelter
Friday, February 10, 2012
Defining Success
If you were planning to go on a trip, the obvious question is, 'Where are you going?' If you said you were going to write a book, the key question would be, 'What kind of book?'
When someone says they want to be successful, the critical question is, 'How do you define success?'
There are many ways the world measures success -- Becoming successful in one's field of involvement. Acquiring wealth. Making an impact or an impression on culture. All of these represent an element of success but may miss the mark from a biblical standpoint.
Many years ago I came across a definition of success that has become a standard to apply for myself.
Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in
knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of
becoming.
--John R. Wooden
Head Basketball Coach, Emeritus
UCLA
It's not accumulating wealth and things; it's not moving up the corporate ladder; it's not gaining fame and power. Success comes by acquiring peace of mind.
When someone says they want to be successful, the critical question is, 'How do you define success?'
There are many ways the world measures success -- Becoming successful in one's field of involvement. Acquiring wealth. Making an impact or an impression on culture. All of these represent an element of success but may miss the mark from a biblical standpoint.
Many years ago I came across a definition of success that has become a standard to apply for myself.
Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in
knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of
becoming.
--John R. Wooden
Head Basketball Coach, Emeritus
UCLA
It's not accumulating wealth and things; it's not moving up the corporate ladder; it's not gaining fame and power. Success comes by acquiring peace of mind.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Self-Control
One of the essential components of self-control is discipline. Discipline involves training so as to produce a certain outcome. It also involves controlling one's behavior which, in turn, produces self-control. Discipline is necessary to accomplish anything in life.
Self-control also involves keeping our emotions in restraint. When we allow our emotions to be the driving force, we are usually going to make mistakes and have poor judgment.
A lack of self-control has impact on everything. Take your thought life as an example. Without self- control, our minds tend to be idle or not particularly engaged. We tend to be influenced by random input that we retain but very little is discarded or questioned. The same is true in your physical condition. Without self- control, most people eat too much, exercise too little, and worry about the consequences of both.
In order to implement a course of change in our lives, we must employ self-control. Establishing and implementing priorities requires self-control. Working hard requires self-control. Productive study requires self-control. Becoming godly especially takes self-control.
nurtured and strengthened over our lifetime. As we
learn to know God better, we grow in our self-control.
"...discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7)
Self-control also involves keeping our emotions in restraint. When we allow our emotions to be the driving force, we are usually going to make mistakes and have poor judgment.
A lack of self-control has impact on everything. Take your thought life as an example. Without self- control, our minds tend to be idle or not particularly engaged. We tend to be influenced by random input that we retain but very little is discarded or questioned. The same is true in your physical condition. Without self- control, most people eat too much, exercise too little, and worry about the consequences of both.
In order to implement a course of change in our lives, we must employ self-control. Establishing and implementing priorities requires self-control. Working hard requires self-control. Productive study requires self-control. Becoming godly especially takes self-control.
A Key Question: How do I develop self-control?The Answer: Self-control is an ability given by God which must be
nurtured and strengthened over our lifetime. As we
learn to know God better, we grow in our self-control.
"...discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Priorities
Of the many lessons that life teaches us, the importance of establishing priorities is one of the most critical. Without an understanding of one's priorities, success to any degree, in anything, is extremely unlikely, if not impossible.
Fundamentally, there are two ways to approach the exercise of establishing priorities in one's life. The first is generally based on a world perspective with regard to money, career status, security, pleasure, appearance, etc. Coupled with the influence from the world, most people determine to establish priorities based on what they believe will bring them the most satisfaction and what is most important to benefit them in this life.
The alternative approach to establishing one's priorities is to base those priorities on the revealed wisdom from God - the Bible. To many this appears to be very simplistic and even old-fashioned, but if pursued, the results will be to help you align your life with what God made you for. It will provide the foundation for you to build a life with purpose and meaning and one that will give you true success.
Take the challenge to pursue this alternative. Begin to read God's Word. It will not disappoint you.
"Lord, you have put me in this world for something; show me what that something is and
help me to work out my life purpose." (Oswald Chambers)
Fundamentally, there are two ways to approach the exercise of establishing priorities in one's life. The first is generally based on a world perspective with regard to money, career status, security, pleasure, appearance, etc. Coupled with the influence from the world, most people determine to establish priorities based on what they believe will bring them the most satisfaction and what is most important to benefit them in this life.
The alternative approach to establishing one's priorities is to base those priorities on the revealed wisdom from God - the Bible. To many this appears to be very simplistic and even old-fashioned, but if pursued, the results will be to help you align your life with what God made you for. It will provide the foundation for you to build a life with purpose and meaning and one that will give you true success.
Take the challenge to pursue this alternative. Begin to read God's Word. It will not disappoint you.
"Lord, you have put me in this world for something; show me what that something is and
help me to work out my life purpose." (Oswald Chambers)
Monday, February 6, 2012
Peace of Mind
Much of what appears to provide satisfaction and enjoyment in this world will not ultimately produce "peace of mind." Countless numbers within our society appear to have peace of mind, but if you could spend much time with them, you would discover that true peace of mind is a missing element in their lives.
Most people are striving for that missing component but cannot seem to ever realize it. For many this true peace is sought through the use of drugs (legal or illegal), alcohol or entertainment diversions. Ultimately, peace of mind comes to us from God through the way He has made us and how He intended for us to live our lives. It begins with our relationship with the Triune God of the Bible. Until we have a restored relationship with God, there can never be real, comprehensive peace of mind. This can only occur when we realize that we were made for a purpose, and that purpose is to fulfill God's plan in our life rather than following our own agenda. All of us are formed and given certain talents and abilities that make us uniquely suited to carry out God's plans.
When we choose to pursue our own agenda, we eliminate the possibility of ever gaining that calm called "peace of mind."
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard you hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7) NLT
Most people are striving for that missing component but cannot seem to ever realize it. For many this true peace is sought through the use of drugs (legal or illegal), alcohol or entertainment diversions. Ultimately, peace of mind comes to us from God through the way He has made us and how He intended for us to live our lives. It begins with our relationship with the Triune God of the Bible. Until we have a restored relationship with God, there can never be real, comprehensive peace of mind. This can only occur when we realize that we were made for a purpose, and that purpose is to fulfill God's plan in our life rather than following our own agenda. All of us are formed and given certain talents and abilities that make us uniquely suited to carry out God's plans.
When we choose to pursue our own agenda, we eliminate the possibility of ever gaining that calm called "peace of mind."
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard you hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6, 7) NLT
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Having A Game Plan
One of my favorite football coaches is Joe Gibbs. He would also be my favorite stock car team owner if I were a NASCAR fan. Joe Gibbs has been a three-time Super Bowl champion as well as a three-time NASCAR champion. But most importantly, Joe Gibbs is a disciple of Jesus Christ and understands that the Bible provides the essential details for shaping the "game plan for life."
In his book Game Plan for Life - Your Personal Play Book for Success, Coach Gibbs states that his major goal in writing this book is to show just how practical and relevant the Bible really is. A bonus feature of this book is his bringing together eleven gifted professionals to address eleven critical topics that should be part of everyone's game plan for life. Here is what Coach Gibbs states at the end of his chapter, The Ultimate Play Book, "The whole premise of a game plan for life is that God is in charge and that His plan for your life can be found in the Bible." It is at this point that Coach Gibbs introduces us to one of his contributors, Josh McDowell, who writes on the trustworthiness of the Bible. In my opinion, I believe that, within the 19 pages that he discusses this topic, John provides one of the best overviews and summaries of why a person can trust the Bible.
Here are the titles of a few of the critical topics and their authors: The Coach - Who Is God? by Ken Boa; Salvation - How Do I Get On God's Winning Team? by Chuck Colson; Vocation - How Do I Build A Successful Life And Career? by Os Guinness; Heaven - Where Will I Spend Eternity? by Randy Alcorn.
I encourage you to secure a copy of this excellent book to help you discover God's game plan for your life.
In his book Game Plan for Life - Your Personal Play Book for Success, Coach Gibbs states that his major goal in writing this book is to show just how practical and relevant the Bible really is. A bonus feature of this book is his bringing together eleven gifted professionals to address eleven critical topics that should be part of everyone's game plan for life. Here is what Coach Gibbs states at the end of his chapter, The Ultimate Play Book, "The whole premise of a game plan for life is that God is in charge and that His plan for your life can be found in the Bible." It is at this point that Coach Gibbs introduces us to one of his contributors, Josh McDowell, who writes on the trustworthiness of the Bible. In my opinion, I believe that, within the 19 pages that he discusses this topic, John provides one of the best overviews and summaries of why a person can trust the Bible.
Here are the titles of a few of the critical topics and their authors: The Coach - Who Is God? by Ken Boa; Salvation - How Do I Get On God's Winning Team? by Chuck Colson; Vocation - How Do I Build A Successful Life And Career? by Os Guinness; Heaven - Where Will I Spend Eternity? by Randy Alcorn.
I encourage you to secure a copy of this excellent book to help you discover God's game plan for your life.
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