In Touch 05-09-04

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Sunday, May 9
InTouch Early Light Devotional

God's Pathway to Success
Psalm 1

   
What would you have to accomplish in life in order to feel successful? The truth is that our view of success is often quite different from that of God's. We think a person is successful if he or she has achieved some degree of financial security.
    
We look at another's material possessions and say, "He has this kind of car or owns this type of house; therefore, he must be successful." Nothing is further from the truth. God defines success not by what we own or have materially but by whom we serve and what we do with our service.
    
If you are living for yourself, striving to gain a greater level of worldly recognition, or looking to add to your financial assets, then chances are you are not on the road to true success.
    
In Psalm 1 we are given a prescription for success. The psalmist tells us that "blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord . . ." (1:1-2b).
    
In order to have and enjoy success, the focus of our hearts needs to be fixed on Christ. However, if the world's wants and desires drive us, we always will be left unsatisfied and longing for more.
    
Success is a matter of godly attitude and perspective. If yours is set on Christ, then you will experience a lifetime of true prosperity.

Make sure you tune in for this week's message from Dr. Stanley. For expanded studies and outlines of this week's sermon, visit the In Touch Web site. http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/broadcasts/index_76108.html

Do your teenagers know about Teen Connection - the official teen outreach of In Touch?  The latest interviews include Philip Yancey, Point of Grace, ZOEGirl and Rebecca St. James.  Visit Teen Connection at www.teen-connection.info.