Subscription Lists

As you head off to school, work, and new adventures, do so with calm assurance and confidence of success. You have been prepared for this in varying degrees by your parents, school, church and in your own efforts to insure success. Assurance? Confidence? In a new town, a new school, with people I don't know?! Is it possible to have assurance and confidence in situations like this? Not automatically, but it can be had. Remember your parents' love and instruction, your church's concern and direction, your education and effort. Then look directly to God for further guidance. He has declared to believers throughout the ages that we are, "...not to be afraid or terrified..., for the Lord your God goes with you."; and promised that, "....He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5) Something is required in return though, "...in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." (KJ) Proverbs 3:6 God promising to direct our paths, (or make them straight, more easily traveled - NIV) with a safe journey IF we, in ALL things, acknowledge His authority and right to direct, as well as His desire to bless.

Let's define the term acknowledge: Webster's Dictionary says: to admit to be true, confess. The book of Matthew interestingly records Jesus as declaring, "Whoever acknowledges (or confesses) me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32 We must be able and ready to acknowledge that God is who He says He is, that we are sinners in need of Him, that Jesus is, "...the image of the invisible God." (Colossians 1:15) and through Him we have life and that to the fullest extent. (John 10:10)

Webster also defines knowledge: to recognize authority or claims. In this instance the authority of God, Jesus as His Son and representative, as well as his sacrifice and subsequent right to expectation of response. "You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God.. " 1 Corinthians 6:19.20

Again we turn to the Dictionary, which infers that this acknowledgment will then enable us: to recognize and answer, a concept Paul enthusiastically urged in his letter to the Roman Christians. "I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – (which) is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will able to test and approve what God's will is..." Romans 12:1,2

In further defining acknowledgment, the ability to express thanks in recognition of receiving a gift is noted as well. Does that ensure we will receive everything we want, as soon as we want it? No. But God does promise direction in our lives as we seek to accomplish our goals and fulfill his will. Not a forcing of His will on ours - maybe a prodding or nudge; but never forcing us to obedience. The choice is still ours to follow. But if we acknowledge Him and His righteousness, His claim to our lives and the gift by which He established that claim - then why wouldn't we be willing to accept and follow His direction; which is defined as: turning or pointing a person or thing toward an object, a place, or goal? In Christ, we will be directed to a "good life," a Christian attitude and world view, and ultimately heaven. For "...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." Romans 8:28

God further promises, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3 That's a pretty straight-forward declarative statement. Commit whatever, or better yet, everything you do, and you WILL experience success! Let's define some things again for clarity. Webster's Dictionary defines commit this way: to set apart for some purpose. The Apostle Peter emphasizing in his letter that as believers in Christ, we have supplanted the Jewish people as God's purveyor of truth, one with a designated purpose to fulfill. "...you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

Webster gives us another definition of commit: to bind as a promise or pledge to a course or purpose. To make known one's opinion. As we are blessed by God's directing of our lives and find strength and ability through His word to live successfully as followers of His way; we must boldly and eagerly seek ways to proclaim our faith in Christ. For, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory..." Luke 9:26 (See also Matthew 10:33)

Do we need to define success? It's certainly not, 'All I want, whenever I want it.' The Dictionary defining it as accomplishing something planned and/or tried. God never promises us all we want, but does furnish us with all we really need, as we use it to glorify Him and in thanksgiving use it to the benefit of those around us as well as ourselves. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

If we are willing to do these things - acknowledge and commit - He guarantees us the direction, blessing, and ability to succeed. Stay in the word. Remember God's love and promises, the love and concern of those you leave behind; and you too will be able to declare with Paul, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." Hebrews 13:6

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

"Lord God, You Have a Funny Way of Working at Times"