Tag: success

When Blessings Become Distractions

1 Kings 9–10

Psalm 60

1 Corinthians 11

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

Solomon’s kingdom had reached astonishing heights.

The temple was complete.
The palace was built.
The nation was prosperous.
The surrounding kingdoms were amazed.

1 Kings chapters 9–10 describe a period of extraordinary success. Solomon’s wisdom became internationally famous. Wealth flowed into Jerusalem. Leaders traveled great distances just to hear him speak. Even the Queen of Sheba came away overwhelmed by what she witnessed.

From the outside, it looked like the golden age of Israel.

And yet, hidden beneath all the glory is a quiet warning.

God appeared to Solomon again and reminded him of something critically important:

“If you or your descendants turn away from me… then I will cut off Israel from the land…”
— 1 Kings 9:6-7

Why would God give such a warning during the kingdom’s greatest moment of success?

Because prosperity can be spiritually dangerous.

Hardship often drives people toward God.
Success often tempts people to slowly forget Him.

When life falls apart, people pray desperately.
When life feels secure, people sometimes begin trusting the blessings more than the One who provided them.

That danger still exists today.

A good career can slowly replace dependence upon God.
A comfortable life can dull spiritual urgency.
Even ministry success can quietly become pride.

And Solomon’s story demonstrates how subtle that drift can be.

These chapters list staggering amounts of gold, military strength, trade networks, luxurious possessions, and political influence. None of those things were automatically sinful by themselves. But together they reveal a king whose attention was gradually shifting from simple devotion toward accumulation, prestige, and earthly security.

The human heart has a dangerous tendency to turn gifts into idols.

The Queen of Sheba recognized that Solomon’s wisdom came from God. Sadly, Solomon himself would eventually begin losing sight of that truth.

That makes these chapters deeply relevant for us.

Sometimes the greatest spiritual threat is not suffering.
Sometimes it is success.

The Bible never teaches that money, achievement, or influence are the ultimate goal. In fact, all earthly kingdoms eventually fade. Solomon’s kingdom — despite all its glory — would soon begin unraveling.

But God’s coming Kingdom will not collapse.

Its foundation will not be gold, military power, or political influence. It will be built upon righteousness, justice, resurrection, and the rule of God’s appointed King.

That is why our hope must never rest primarily in earthly prosperity.

Because even the greatest human kingdoms eventually crack.

Three Things to Remember

  1. Prosperity can distract us from God.

Success often tests the heart more than hardship does.

  1. Blessings should point us back to the Giver.

The Queen of Sheba recognized God’s hand in Solomon’s wisdom.

  1. Earthly kingdoms never last forever.

Only God’s coming Kingdom will endure permanently.

It is easy to assume we are spiritually strong when life is going well.

But sometimes the most dangerous words a person can say are:

“I’ve got this.”

Solomon’s story reminds us that no amount of wisdom, wealth, or success can safely replace humble dependence upon God.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you seen evidence in your own life or in others that, “prosperity can be spiritually dangerous”?
  2. Focus in on your own life – what blessings have you received that have then stolen some of your time, desire and devotion away from serving God with all your heart?
  3. Do you own too much? Do you value things too much? What is your greatest treasure?
  4. Are you more humble or prideful, thankful or entitled, generous or greedy, kingdom-seeking or self-centered? Is your heart, time and finances more focused on possessions in this life or properly preparing for the one to come?

Prayer

Dear Father – I don’t want any thing that will distract me from doing what You want me to do. I want to keep growing closer and closer to You, not further away. Help me remove excess that gets in the way. Help me be thankful and generous with what You have given me and my family, always focused on You and Your coming kingdom. May my life show that You are my greatest treasure.

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Finishing Well Matters

1 Kings 1-2

Psalm 58

1 Corinthians 7

-Devotion by Brian Froehlich (IL)

David was old. Weak. Near death. And yet the future of the kingdom still depended on what happened in those final moments.

1 Kings opens with confusion, ambition, and uncertainty. Adonijah tried to take the throne for himself while David was still alive. He gathered supporters, hosted public celebrations, and acted like the kingdom already belonged to him. But God had already chosen Solomon.

There is an important lesson here: Not everyone who promotes themselves has been appointed by God.

Adonijah looked impressive. He sounded royal. He had influential friends. But appearances are not the same as obedience.

Meanwhile, David gave Solomon final instructions before his death. He did not simply tell his son how to rule politically. He told him how to live spiritually:

“Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands…” — 1 Kings 2:3

David understood something many people never learn: success is not measured merely by how long we live, how much we accumulate, or how powerful we become. A life is measured by faithfulness to God.

Even David himself was a reminder of that truth. His life had victories and failures, courage and sin, repentance and heartbreak. Yet through it all, David still trusted the promises of God. He died looking ahead to a kingdom he would not fully see in his lifetime.

That hope matters.

The Scriptures repeatedly point beyond temporary kingdoms toward the coming Kingdom of God — a kingdom ruled by the promised Son of David. David himself knew he would one day rest in the grave awaiting resurrection and restoration under God’s final King.

That is our hope too.

Not escape from earth. Not floating away forever somewhere distant. But resurrection, restoration, and life in God’s coming kingdom.

The beginning of Solomon’s reign reminds us that every generation must choose whether it will submit to God’s wisdom or chase its own ambitions.

And the ending of David’s life reminds us of another truth: Starting well is good. Finishing well is better.

Three Things to Remember

1. Self-promotion is not the same as God’s calling.

Adonijah exalted himself, but God had already chosen someone else.

2. The condition of the heart matters more than outward success.

David’s final concern was Solomon’s obedience to God.

3. Our ultimate hope is still future.

Like David, we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises and the resurrection of the dead. The world teaches us to chase comfort, status, and recognition now. But Scripture constantly points us forward.

Toward a better King. A better kingdom. And a better future than this world can offer.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you tend to measure success in your own life or in the lives of others?
  2. “A life is measured by faithfulness to God.” How is your life measuring up?
  3. What have you started well that still needs to be finished well? What steps can you take toward that purpose?
  4. Who has shared spiritual wisdom with you? What spiritual wisdom have you gained thus far that you can pass along?
  5. What evidence can you find regarding David’s view of death? How is it like or unlike yours?

Prayer

Dear God – I thank You for the wisdom found in Your book and in Your people. Help me grow in wisdom, seeing what is most important, and faithfully living in obedience to You. Thank You for the promises You give, including the coming resurrection and kingdom with the Son of David (who is Your Son, too). In his name I pray.

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Sayings of the Wise

Proverbs 22-24

There have been countless attempts to condense all the complexities of life into a few simple and concise rules to follow. If the steps are practiced effectively then success will be rewarded. Variations of these lists are reiterated over time through experience of generations adapting to changing societies. Each one tries to improve upon the previous list, but there are often more similarities than differences. While there are some noticeable differences between many of these lists and Proverbs 22-24, as a whole these chapters are simply a list of sayings meant to be followed for success. It certainly wasn’t the first list nor last, but it accomplishes the same goal, with the added benefit of being God’s trusted word. 

These thirty sayings are introduced in chapter 22, and it is encouraged for all to hear and pay attention to. “Counsel and knowledge” are provided with a reward of increasing trust in God along with honesty and speaking the truth (NIV, Proverbs 22:17-21). They don’t necessarily promise to bring worldly success, though many do, but instead offer the opportunity to further develop a relationship with God. These sayings align with seeking wisdom. Following them will result in the growth of truthful actions, trust, and an increased ability to love God and others. 

Each of the sayings provide guidance on some aspect of life, though there is overlap. Some of the sayings teach how to interact with others and develop meaningful relationships. For example, avoid exploitation, consider the perspective of others, and don’t be associated with people who will only cause trouble and be a bad influence. Other sayings claim that righteous character and behavior will be rewarded socially, and even if there is no benefit in today’s society God will reward those in the future. Similarly, the opposite is warned against. Another common theme is to not get caught up in chasing money or other common indicators of success, as they aren’t as meaningful as they may initially seem. Lastly, these sayings teach the value in learning and the willingness to be taught.

Study the sayings of the wise and learn from them. These thirty sayings are included in the book most known for wisdom, so if wisdom is loved these sayings should be considered in daily life. The increase in wisdom associated with applying these chapters will encourage genuine care and love for others through truthful words and actions. Further, trust in God is strengthened by wisdom in knowing how God defines success. Although it is still just a condensed list, follow these sayings and success will naturally be rewarded.

-Josiah Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. How is the wisdom found in Proverbs 22-24 similar to wisdom literature from other times and cultures? How is it different from what “the world” today says is wise and profitable for success?
  2. In your relationships with others which of these sayings of the wise would you benefit from focusing on this week?
  3. How can you work towards the ultimate success of having a better, growing relationship with God?
  4. Which verses would be great on your refrigerator, desk, bathroom mirror or bedside table for the next month? Post them.
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Joseph: Prosperous Slave & Successful Prisoner…And God Was With Him

Gen 39 20b-21a

In the beginning of Genesis 39, Joseph has just been sold to a new master named Potiphar.  During the course of the chapter, Joseph is falsely accused and thrown into prison.  The chapter ends as Joseph goes from being a slave to being a prisoner.  Sounds pretty bad, right?  Strangely enough, the chapter starts out by saying of Joseph the slave, “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.”  The chapter ends by saying of Joseph the prisoner, “The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.”  So God was with Joseph and gave him success and prosperity even as a slave and a prisoner.  Sounds very strange to me.  It would seem to me that success would be not being a slave and not being a prisoner.  But Joseph understood some things that many of us never understand.

 

We can learn a lot of good things from Joseph.  Whatever happened in his life, he kept on trying to live for God.  He continued to have a good attitude and he continued to work hard.  He didn’t pout, become discouraged, depressed or cry out, “Why me?”

 

How about you?  When you go through tough times, do you continue to seek God and discover His will?  Do you try to keep a positive attitude?  Would you keep working hard if you were in Joseph’s shoes?  We will soon see how God’s plan unfolded in Joseph’s life.  Feel free to read ahead in the Bible on this story of Joseph.  It is way more interesting than a TV show.

 

-Jason Turner

The Key to COURAGE!

Joshua 1

Joshua 1-8

Monday, October 9

40 years of wandering have passed since yesterday’s devotion and the Israelites stand at the doorway to the Promised Land once more.  But, this time their leader Moses is dead and Joshua and Caleb – the two who courageously trusted God to lead them into the land of giants – are the only ones of their generation to have survived the wandering.  A new generation is at the door – this time with Joshua as their leader.  Is there any hope that this new generation, which did not personally see how God provided miracle after miracle in saving His people out of Egypt, will have the courage to do what their fathers did not?

Just before his death, Moses – at 120 years of wisdom – had rallied together the younger generation for some final words.  He knew the power of fear and discouragement and he remembered all too well the events of 40 years ago.  To the gathered Israelites he said, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Then he called forward Joshua and spoke to him: “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land…The Lord himself goes with you…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

What more could be done to inspire them to action with a courageous heart and not crumble again in fear?  God knew they would need a strong connection to Him, reminders of His faithfulness as well as His requirements.  So He directed Moses to write it all down and make sure it was shared with the people – and thus the first five books of the Bible were created – with direction to listen to it, learn it, and teach it to the children – so that they would fear the Lord their God – rather than fearing the circumstances around them.  What a gift!  What a treasure!

And so, in Joshua 1 God himself speaks to Joshua – giving him his orders and how to lead His people.  In one short paragraph (Joshua 1:6-9), God tells Joshua three times, “Be strong and courageous!”  This is important!!  Fear and discouragement must not be allowed to reign in Joshua’s heart.  And what is sandwiched in between that repeated refrain – the answer of HOW to build up Joshua’s courage and give him daily doses of Godly direction.  “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful.”  (1:8).

There it is: the answer to living a courageous life of action following God’s direction (as well as being successful) —  daily – meditating – on – His – Words.   Are you ready to exchange fear and discouragement for a good dose of strength and courage?  Get in His Word!  How many times can you read Joshua chapter 1 today?  What new directions, warnings, details will you find each time?  God’s Word is loaded with what we need.  It is our connection to the God of the Universe.  Use it boldly and courageously!

Go With God Today – Marcia Railton