Dear
friends,
Over
a number of weeks as I have observed, God has been speaking to all people
around the world. The big question today is, “Not that He has been
speaking, but has He been speaking to you?
Infect,
just a few days ago as I was studying 1 Samuel 2:30. The Lord
said to me, "You need to give a word of encouragement to my people from me." These are those words. "In acquiring the wisdom of the Babylonians, Daniel
and his companions were far more successful than their fellow students; but
their learning did not come by chance. They obtained their knowledge by the
faithful use of their powers, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
They
realized that in order to stand as representatives of true religion amid the
false religions of heathenism, they must have clearness of intellect and must
perfect a Christian character. And God Himself was their teacher. Constantly
praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in touch with the Unseen, they
walked with God as did Enoch.
True
success in any line of work is not the result of chance or accident or destiny.
It is the outworking of God’s providences, the reward of faith and discretion,
of virtue and perseverance. Fine mental qualities and a high moral tone are not
the result of accident. God gives opportunities; but success depends upon the
use made of them.
While
God was working in Daniel and his companions “to will and to do of His good
pleasure” (Philippians 2:13), they were working out their own salvation.
Herein is revealed the outworking of the divine principle of cooperation,
without which no true success can be attained. Human effort avails nothing without
divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no
avail. To make God’s grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to
work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort.
As
the Lord cooperated with Daniel and his fellows, so He will cooperate with all
who strive to do His will today. And by the impartation of His Spirit He will
strengthen every true purpose, every noble resolution. Those who walk in the
path of obedience will encounter many hindrances. Note MANY!
Strong,
subtle influences may bind them to the world; but the Lord is able to render
futile every agency that works for the defeat of His chosen ones; in His
strength they may overcome every temptation, and conquer every
difficulty." This is the word of the Lord.
Friends,
let us get back to the big question of which I started todays devotional. Is
Jesus the center of your joy? Is He the heart of your contentment, and the
hope for all you do? To those of you who are going through a season of trials,
and tribulations. Have you lost your direction? If you have, then reach
out to Jesus today, and let Him be your compass. Always remember that success is not the result of chance but intentional commitment. Keep your head up my
fellow colleagues, because God is with you.
Song
of the day: Richard
Smallwood - Jesus, You are the Center of my Joy
Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the
blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment,
write to comments
Blessings, Blessing, Blessings
Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci
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