E-votional - The Cost Of Success
October 30, 2001
Verse:
"Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice."

Luke 17:15 (NRSV)

Thought:

    Success, it is measured by change and new developments. Success changes not only the immediate, but he future outlook and even the moral of those around you. Success is a desirable and positive action in an area where things could in fact go wrong or a different direction. Success is then something to be celebrated because something did not go in the wrong direction. To not celebrate such an action would then be to take the action for granted or to communicate a lack of care for the success. We celebrate birthdays to remember the wonder and joy that has come through life. We celebrate promotions and graduation to mark the and success of accomplishments. After such a change, do we then have some obligation out of thanks and love? Is the need external or internal?

    Hear the Good News, as God works in our life, He does want us to take joy in His actions, but He also wants us to respond faithfully as well. As God blesses our life, He wants us to be blessing for others as well. Of the ten lepers that Jesus healed, only one returned to give thanks. As God works in your life, give Him thanks, and if it means sharing that blessing with others, please do.

Prayer:  

    Lord, success is what we want and strive for, help us to recognize Your work in our life and then to share it with others, all the while giving thanks to You. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for I ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.