HANDBOOK FOR SUCCESS
Brenda Lineberger
Today’s Scripture: “And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12, ESV
Theme: Earnestness, not sluggishness, embodies those patient, faithful ones who inherit the promises.
A NEW JOB
When you start a new job--a well-paying job with many benefits, bonuses, room to move up the corporate ladder, to grow with the company and grow the company as well--you’re beyond excited. It will take some time, but you’re more than willing and ready to give your best and can’t wait to start.
They hand you a book (a huge manual!) and inside is everything you need to succeed. The book is a little daunting, but this job will help you to provide a better life for your family. You will need to change some things, set priorities, adjust your schedules, and manage your time. Habits will need to change! I think you may know where I'm going with this. Our time spent with God has even more benefits and will give you and your family a better life, eternally.
HOLY HABITS
When we receive Christ as our personal Savior, believing that He is the Son of God and that He died on a cross, was buried and resurrected after three days, we are sealed and are now children of God. We now have access to the Father and the Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts. We soon find that the Holy Spirit will become our best Friend.
In comparison to the amazing job mentioned above, the benefits of knowing and growing in relationship with God far outweigh money or a corporate ladder. God’s benefit package is better, and you received an incentive from Jesus up front: salvation! God has a Book as well, a big book, a manual for living. It may look daunting at first, but remember the incentive and that’s just the beginning. You will need to change a few things, set new priorities, rearrange some schedules, manage your time, and create some “Holy Habits.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) tells us that, “All Scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so the servant of God may be thoroughly EQUIPPED for every good work.”
SPIRITUAL MATURITY
God’s Holy Word is filled with the “faith growing” nourishment to take our wisdom, understanding, and faith from infancy to maturity. It wasn’t until I learned to ask the Lord to open my eyes and ears and for wisdom and understanding as I read His Word that I truly began to grow. (And, by the way, I still do, and He does!) I learn something new or am reminded of something I need every time I read the Bible. He never fails. Make that Holy Habit of being in His Word every single day. It’s not only the most rewarding thing you can do, but there will come a day when you realize that you can't start a day any other way.
Make It Personal: Don’t settle for less than what God has for you. He wrote this Book using real live people who faced then exactly what we face now: a decision, needing faith or hope, and how to understand it and use it. You’ll read of their sins, failures, their victories, and what it took for them to learn to trust Him enough to obey Him. You will read some very exciting stories, of Moses, David, Abraham, Daniel, and so many more who didn’t settle for less. Will you? What will you do this week to set aside time and make God’s Word a priority in your life? Will you put into practice our five habits that we discuss often here at The Cove to help you grow in your walk with Christ? Attend a weekly service, serve, attend a Life Group, have a daily quiet time, and practice generosity.
Pray: Lord, I pray for a hunger and thirst for Your Word, wisdom and insight by the Holy Spirit, understanding of the messages we hear in church, and the studies we share in groups to grow us in knowledge of Your perfect character, of Your goodness and blessings. You don’t want us to settle for less than You have for us. Help us grow in faith and tell others about You that we may help grow Your Kingdom. Amen
Read: Ephesians 4:14-15; Philippians 3:12-21; 1 Corinthians 14:20
Weekly Memory Verse: “For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,’ not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17, ESV