How To Prosper

Read Psalm 1:1-3

Money, power, respect is the key to life...or so they say. We live in a world of foolish insight but we don't have to adopt it. As leaders of the faith, we follow a different motto. For us, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit is the key to a prosperous and meaningful life.

We all want good things. I'd like to advance in my career, ministry, and family life. If I pursue a goal, I'd like to accomplish it. I want my life to be productive and show signs of growth. I want to make an impact. As much as possible, I'd like to see positive results. Is that your desire?

The first few verses of Psalm 1 give us some critical advice. Advice that is so straight forward yet so transformational. In these verses you find two key instructions for producing amazing results in your life:

1. Live Distinct - Psalm 1:1 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly.."

As an evangeleader, the challenge will be influencing the world without adopting behaviors that contradict our faith. We're not called to live in a bubble but we are called to be distinct. How distinct are you in God's eyes. Remember, His eyes search the very heart of man. Pay close attention to your relationships. Influence people by upholding your biblical values and at the same time honor God by denying certain values of this age.

2. Live for God - Psalm 1:2 "But his delight is in the law of the Lord..."

When we delight in the will of God, we commit ourselves to living out His desires. We love others, we give, and we are eager to develop a strong relationship with Him. Delighting in God places Him as the director of our lives. Contentment, provision, peace, joy, and purpose are found when we live for God. When it comes down to it, prosperity is found in the plans of God and not our own.

Live distinct, live for God, and you'll find the favor needed to prosper.


"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper."

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Leadership Tips From Paul

Read 2 Corinthians for more background information.

Have you ever heard a dynamic speaker or observed a charismatic leader win the hearts of people and maybe even attracted you to their leadership? Let's be honest. We gravitate to leaders that have the ability to eloquently motivate us, inspire us, or even make us laugh. We sometimes validate people's position, power, and authority by the "hype".

Paul, one of the greatest men of God, was challenged by the church of Corinth who began to question his authority, integrity, and even began to criticize his lack in skilled oratory. He wasn't a philosopher that could "wow" them. His approach to ministry was all about the Good News, humbling himself, and moving as far away from the spotlight as possible. He didn't want people to affiliate with Paul but with Christ.

Though he didn't have some of the hype that attracts people today, he had something more important. He had the knowledge to back up his ministry. Faithfully, he served even after being stoned, beaten, imprisoned, and shipwrecked. He received direct revelation from God and wasn't just wise in his own understanding. At the end of the day, the fruits show that he was a leader that was called.

Here are a few of the many things we can learn from Paul's life of leadership...

1. Be leaders and follow leaders that grow in knowledge (2 Cor. 11:5-6)

Paul knew that he is not inferior to the false prophets or the genuine apostles of that day. He knew that he had as much or more truth and knowledge then the most "eminent" apostles around. Are you lacking confidence in your calling? Seek out knowledge.

2. Be leaders and follow leaders of calling and not just capability (2 Cor. 11:22-27)

When your called, your heart, mind, level of faith, and discernment is built for a particular position. Your capabilities are the hands and feet that help do the job. Calling is given while capabilities can be learned. Of the two, calling is most important. Only a true calling of grace enabled Paul to fulfill his mission in the midst of extreme hardship. If your called, your far ahead of those that seem to be better equipped.


3. Be leaders and follow leaders that have the right focus (2 Cor. 11:28)

Too many ministers and progressive Christians fall into the trap of building a focus around themselves. Support leaders that have the right focus and intentions. What is your daily focus? Is it how you can better yourself or is it how your life can better others?

We can all learn from Paul's life of leadership. May God confirm your calling, increase your knowledge, and protect your focus.

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B.A.P