SUCCESS

Success is relative — The more success, the more relatives!

3 men were trying to come up with a definition of “success.” Said the first, “I would consider myself successful if I could have a private, personal conversation with the President of the United States in the White House Oval Office.” The second man said, “I would consider myself successful if, while I am having a private personal conversation with the President of the United States in the White House Oval Office, his hotline rings and he ignores it.” Said the third man, “For me to feel successful, I would be having a private, personal conversation with the President of the United States in the White House Oval Office, the hotline rings, he answers it and says, ‘It’s for you.’ ”

A survey of 100 executives asked this question: “What does success mean to you?” These were their top 10 answers:
Do you agree or disagree with them?

1.) Possessing something specific and worthwhile.
2.) Experiencing a special feeling.
3.) The process of going from point A to point B.
4.) Reaching my maximum potential at any given moment.
5.) Overcoming obstacles.
6.) Success is work.
7.) Success is power.
8.) Not looking back with regret.
9.) Success is production.
10.) Success is lasting.

John Maxwell’s Definition of Success
KNOWING God and His desires for me;
GROWING to my maximum potential;
SOWING seeds that benefit others.

My Time With God

Preparation Time
Read Genesis 1:27-28.

Verse 28 says that God expected Adam (man) to be successful.
Verse 27 says that God equipped Adam (man) to be successful.

God expected Adam to have the success image. He expected Adam to do that which was right and pleasing in His sight, and so gave him instructions. The only way failure could gain entrance to Adam’s life was for him to disobey.

As you spend time with God, remember…
Success is Obedience to God!

Waiting Time
During your waiting time, let God…

Love You.
“God, I feel Your love today, especially in the area of…”

Search You.
“God, You have permission to reveal any wrong motive in my life.”

Show You.
“God, is there anything that I need to know as I enter this day?”

Confession Time
If success is obedience to God, take a moment and confess to Him any area in which you are disobedient to Him.

Bible Time
We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

… Read Psalm 1 slowly a couple of times.
…Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.
…Pray the Scripture & allow God to minister to you.

Meditation Time
After praying the Scriptures, write down the thoughts that God has impressed upon your mind:

Intercession Time – Praying for Others
Begin this time with a prayer of blessing & thanksgiving for the people for whom you will now intercede.
Name Request

Petition Time – Praying for Yourself

How to Petition God Properly
Talk to Him about the “little things”
Be honest with God
Pray “Thy Will Be Done”
Prayer Requests

Application Time
The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing that God has impressed on me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

Steps to take in my obedience to God:

Faith Time
Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying, through the eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

Praise & Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by recognizing WHO HE IS!
Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE!

This Week’s Memory Verse – Joshua 1:8

This Week’s Time Alone With God:

Monday – This lesson.

Tuesday – Read again the “Preparation Time.” When Adam sinned, the nature of sin became a part of the human family. Our sinful nature causes us to…
1.) Disobey God
2.) Keep a distance from Him
3.) Withhold affections from God
4.) Avoid responsibility for wrong-doing

Wednesday – Memorize John Maxwell’s definition of success.

Thursday – Which of the 3 parts of Maxwell’s definition of success do you find the most difficult?

Friday – Make a commitment to work on that difficult area.