The Price of Success

By James Arekion

September 2010 First Edition

1 he contents of this Book and the cover of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher.

V 2010 James Arekion. All rights reserved

DEDICATION

To mv wife Diane,

Thank you for your patience and faithfulness God has blessed me indeed.

To my Daughter Karen.

1 love you dearly.

To my Parents.

Thank you for your prayers, support and great upbringing.

FOREWORD

My mom always told me that there was no free lunch in life. If you wanted to achieve any measure of success, it would come from knowing God, believing God and working hard.

This is what this inspiring mini-book by Pastor James Arekion is all about. Following God’s order and succeeding - Hallelujah!

Knowing God loves us - developing godly character and living the victorious Christian life by faith. It will encourage anyone who wants to leave mediocrity behind and live a life of maximum potential in God. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book on good success and so will you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Beverley Wolmarans (Christian Family Church International, San Antonio)

The world has their definition of success and the Word has its definition of success. Unfortunately because believers are so influenced by the Babylonian system of thinking, many judge their lives by the yardstick of the world which keeps them on a spinning wheel like a hamster. Always moving but never getting forward. In this book you hold in your hands, Pastor James teaches you how to enter the rest lhat God has for you. The principles revealed in this book will take you on the road of Good success. Meditate and act upon these principles to power up your life

Dr Glen Arekion (Faithlift International Church. Louisville. Kentucky)

Success and failure are often perceived as being a matter of luck, or destiny, or the randomness of life. This teaching will show you that all too often success and failure are the result of the choices we make and the principles we follow. James Arekion gives us some scriptural principles, which, if we follow, will help us along the road to success and leave failure behind. Reading this book will not make you a victorious person, doing what it says most certainly will.

Rev. Lindsey Mann (Word of Truth Ministries. Anerlv. London)

WHAT A DIFFERENCE YOU’VE MADE IN MY LIFE.

I am not yet where I want to be but I am not where I use to be. It is your grace that is sufficient for me. Although, you love everybody the same. I do feel as if I am your favorite. Thank you my Lord and Saviour. Jesus Christ who has blessed me indeed.

Thanks to my elder brothers. Glenn and Bruno, for their encouragement and support. You have been a teacher to me since birth and still patiently you both stand for me. I thank God for two of the best brothers that he blessed me with.

To the man who was my school principal, teacher, mentor, pastor and is a true friend. Lindsey James Mann. You influenced me at a young age and still you are a blessing. Thank you.

To a man and a woman of God who has invested spiritually and even financially not only to me but also to my nation. Drs Theo and Bev, I treasure the lessons you teach and thank our Lord for the input you have in my life. You’ve impacted the lives of many worldwide and yet you still saw the importance to reach out to an island. Thank you.

To my partners and friends, thank you for believing and trusting me. Your powerful protective prayers and support is truly appreciated.

To the staffs and members of Christian Family Church International. Mauritius - You are all an inspiration and motivation to me.

Thank you Barbara De Oliveira for helping and assisting me to finalize this book.

My deepest and sincere gratitude to all!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1 You Can Enjoy Success

Chapter 2 Let’s Begin...From The Beginning

(i) God Created Man In His Image

(ii) The Origin Of Man Is The Word Of God

Chapter 3 Base Your Life On Truth

Chapter 4 Important Steps To Success

Principle 1 - Refuse

Principle 2 - Choosing

Principle 3 - Esteeming

Principle 4 - By Faith He Forsook

Principle 5 - Through Faith He Kept

Principle 6 - By Faith They Passed

Chapter 5 So, Are You Ready For Good Success?

Your Life Will Never Be The Same Again

INTRODUCTION

As one man said, “Are you sick and tired of always being sick and tired?”

Do you always seem to be living a life of failure and never having any success?

Many of us blame other people, the devil or even God Himself when actually most of our failings are a result of decisions we make, courses of action we take and foolish things we say.

I have endeavored in this teaching to give you the antidote to the constant cycle of failure and lilt you onto a consistent cycle of success and victory in all your doings.

Remember always:

"To win (he prize, you have to pay the price. "

1

YOU CAN ENJOY GOOD SUCCESS

Our life can be meaningful, successful and prosperous! We have heard many say this and have seen the evidence in other's lives but somehow it seems that it doesn’t work for us. So, instead of seeing marvelous things happening to us we see failure and lack and we feel inadequate and inferior.

At times we’ve accepted our current situation as final. We have even convinced ourselves that it is not God’s will for us to make it or perhaps God does have certain preferences and we do not seem to be one of them. I hear and see many Christians comparing the world's success to their way of life. For example, they will see a corrupt, cheating and lying businessman driving the best make of car. wearing top brand suits and living in a luxurious home. They envy this way of life and class it such as ‘success.’

What is the secret of successful people? Is it luck, heritage, wits, intelligence or perhaps the colour of their skin? Is it because they’ve integrated and accepted a corrupt system of manipulation, dishonesty and briber)'?

To really answer these questions and to find out how we can be successful, we need to define ‘success’ and as Christians wc need to understand success from a biblical point of view. Having a wrong perception will lead to deception.

As Christians, we are told not to lie and it is against God’s will to walk in corruption.

God does not want us to just have success - He wants us to have GOOD success. There’s a difference! It is God's will that we have success in all areas of life, primarily in our Christian walk or spiritual life then our marriage or family life, our health or physical life, our prosperity or financial life, our friends or social life.

God's word is God’s will and scriptures tell us that God wants us to have GOOD success.

This hook of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; hut thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shall make thy way prosperous, and then thou shall have good success.

(Joshua 1:8 KJV)

What is the difference between ‘good’ success and worldly success? The distinction is weighty and important. A luxurious home, a top of the market car and a prosperous account is the world’s qualification of success-However, that same person who is rich could be suffering from sickness and disease. He or she could be lonely and hurt. Often times their family life is non-existent and they or their partner are unfaithful in their marriage vows. They are successful in one area of life but are lacking and failing in other areas.

Good success is when you are achieving in all areas of life. It is when love is evident and understanding, prosperity, security, peace, faithfulness and joy follow. The world cannot offer you that. Only the Word can! The Word produces a balance in all departments of life.

Therefore, stop thinking and envying the success of others. Reconsider and reboot your mind. Stop comparing yourself to other people. God wants the best for us and that is good success.

How then do we tap into 'good success’ and make it happen for us? What will it involve? Understand that it will not be automatic and there is no quick fix solution! I am going to give you some keys towards your success. We are all unique and so too is every situation. God will do nothing without our participation and He has established principles in His Word that always work. Good success is going to cost us. The price is expensive but worthwhile. It will bring completion and produce a feel-good factor for you. Although, we are ail unique and so too are our circumstances, we serve a great God that never changes and His principles will work no matter the environment. He is our starting point and there are certain values that He has set that w'c need to submit, obey and carry out.

2

LET'S BEGIN....FROM THE BEGINNING

Let’s stop dreaming and start living the good life. It all f begins with God. He is the source and origin of all good things. So, we will start at the beginning of His Word, the Bible, in the book of Genesis. It contains some of the best known stories such as Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the first flood, the first skyscraper the tower of Babel, Abraham, Sodom and Gomorrah and many more characters.

This book of beginnings can be defined as the volume of first things. It records creation and the launch of mankind. It accounts for the first man and woman, first love, first sin, first lie, first murder, first covenant, first commandment and first tithe...

But let us pay close attention to our source of life. There are a few important points that we need to discuss and accept.

And God mid; Lei us make man in our image, after our likeness...

(Genesis 1:26 KJV)

This is God at work creating man. There are at least two things that this verse reveals:

•    God created man in His image.

•    Man began by a spoken word from God.

Let us study these two points and search the scripture to find our origin.

(i) GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS IMAGE...

God is a Spirit...

(John 4:24 KJV)

Here we are told that God is a Spirit. Therefore, if man was created in the image of God then man is a spirit-being first. We were created to have fellowship with God through our spirit man. Jesus said that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6). We were created with the nature of God but when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, we lost that nature. However, through the power of the blood of Jesus, we have been redeemed, restored and recreated to the nature of God (2 Corinthians 5:17). We have been made heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus (Romans 8:17).

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and / pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV)

As a recreated spirit being, we need to understand God has restored order in our lives. The above verse gives us an ordered description of our whole being. We are a spirit being, we possess a soul which is housed in a body. Spirit first, then the soul which is your mind, emotion and will, and lastly the body. We need to reeducate our mind to think in line with our spirit.

If we are to have good success then we need to re-establish the order of God in our life.

Let all things he done decently and in order.

(1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV)

There are no miracles or breakthroughs without divine order. In dealing with the multiplication of bread to be a blessing to the followers, Jesus asked his disciples lo make them sit down by filties in a company (Luke 9:14). Before the people could receive a miraculous blessing, they had to get in order.

Following God’s order you will succeed, neglecting it will result in frustration and despair. As born-again, we are a spirit and the Word should dictate our life. Our soul which is made up of our mind, emotion and will must submit to the Word. The will requires effort, discipline and training. That is the principle that God has established and it is a prerequisite to good success.

God is love...

(1 John 4:8 KJV)

Now. John tells us that God is love. He doesn’t only have love but He is love. The origin of love is God. That is perfect love because God is perfect. Love seems to have lost its meaning and value. Today we say we love somebody and then say we love something. Let me explain myself. We tell our wife or children: “I love you” and then say things such as: liI love my dog, I love pizza and 1 love snorkelling...”

The same word is used to express our feelings toward a person and to show our appreciation to food, a dog or a thing. Love is neither a feeling nor an emotion. To know God is to know true love (1 John 4: 7-8).

Love is a person and that person is God. If man was created in God's image, then he was created in love. However after falling into the temptation of the devil. Adam and Eve took on the nature of the devil which is hate, selfishness and greed. Once we are born-again we receive God’s nature and His Holy Spirit empowers us to have His image again. The Holy Spirit is not only the source of power lor healing, deliverance and miracles He is also the power of love! Once we receive salvation, he is at work in us to pour the love of God in our hearts (Romans 5:5). He helps us in our new life and enables us to develop Godly character in our Christian walk as God's children. He begins a process of change in us.

Why is this so important to us in our search for good success? Because the Bible says, “Love never fails!”

Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be done away with; if there are languages, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be brought to an end.

(1 Corinthians 13:8 KJV)

God is love and His character is outlined in the first letter to the Corinthians in chapter 13. We get to know God through his Word. The Holy Spirit revealed to Paul the character of God in this portion of scripture.

Love has long patience, is kind; love is not emulous of others; love is not insolent and rash, is not puffed up, does not behave in an unseemly manner, does not seek what is its own, is not quickly provoked, does not impute evil, does not rejoice at iniquity hut rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures alt things. Love never fails...

(1 Corinthians 13:4-K Darby)

This should lake away any doubts or misconceptions that we have about God. Some of us think that God is angry with us. Well. God is patient! I once heard a prophecy that said: "God is sick and tired and fed up with us." I had to laugh! How can God be sick? How can we declare the Holy One to be tired when He said come unto me all those who are weary and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 GNB)? How can He be fed up with us? NO! God has long patience and is kind. In fact, we could insert God where the Word shows what true love is. So this scripture could be read like this:

God has long patience, is kind; God is not emulous of others , God is not insolent and rash, is not puffed up, does not behave in an unseemly manner, does not seek what is its own, is not quickly provoked, does not impute evil, does not rejoice at iniquity hut rejoices with the truth, hears all things, believes alt things, hopes all things, endures all things.

God never fails...

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8 KJV)

I hope that you are seeing the true nature of God revealed in the scriptures. This is our God, our Saviour! That is why the Father sent His only begotten Son. because God is love and love is not an emotion and looks beyond sin and mistakes. Love is powerful because God is omnipotent. The Bible says God so loved the world. The world is full of sinners and people doing evil things yet God looks beyond that because although He hates sin and evil. He loves people. The reason why God always wins is because He is love and love never fails.

We can't conclude this revelation of God and love just yet. You may say ‘ok’, I now have a different perception of God but how is this helping me to have good success. Well, we are finding out our true origin. We were created in His image and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the new recreated life. Remember, the Holy Spirit pours the love of God in our hearts. So, if we submit to the Spirit and the Word, then changes will begin and we can love like God loves. Once we love like God loves, we can win like God wins and have good success.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

(1 John 4:17 KJV)

This scripture declares that as God is, so are we in this world. We have learnt that God is love. In fact our love needs to be made perfect and it can only be done through the help of the Holy Spirit. As He is so are we in this world not when I get to heaven. We are to reflect God’s image on this earth. We need to live the love life to the measure of God. This can be possible through faith and confession. We need to develop godly character and the Word and the Spirit empower us to achieve this. This is the way to victory. We need to let go of our old life with its bad character and develop new godly character. God-like character is developed over time as we maintain a Spirit filled life.

Character is important if we want to achieve a consistent life of good success. We will treat this subject later in the book. One of the key points to developing godly character is forgiveness. That is why Jesus said to forgive others as God forgives us and if we withhold forgiveness we will not be forgiven. God wants us to be like Him.

We've looked at the character of God through the love chapter; now let us confess some changes in our character. Confession will bring possession. Let us now insert T in the place of love and God and let us see the result.

I have long patience, am kind; I am not emulous of others;

I am is not insolent and rash, am not puffed up. do not behave in an unseemly manner, do not seek my own. am not quickly provoked, do not impute evil, do not rejoice at iniquity but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I never fail...

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8 KJV)

This is the new you that can produce results and live consistently in victory. This is hearing and doing the Word that Jesus likened to in Matthew 7: 24-28. The storms of life may come but because we are rooted in the love of God developed by the Spirit and the Word, we outlast every challenge of life and have good success. Because of our new image and the development of Godly character, we will have a successful marriage, a prosperous life, a blessed home and a healthy body.

I recommend that you confess the love verses above daily to see changes operate in your life. Your life will never be the same again. Also, walk in forgiveness so that God can answer your prayers and confession (Mark 11:24-26).

(ii) THE ORIGIN OF MAN IS THE WORD OF G01)

Let us look at our second point which is that man originated by a spoken word from God and was created in the image of God who is a Spirit and is full of love.

Why is that important in our search for good success? Well, because in finding our origin, we will discover our abilities.

You see the reason we fail is because we omit the Word. We started with the Word and we will be mouled for success by the Word. The Word brings the healing and deliverance we need and the victory we long for (Psalm 107:20).

As we walk according to the Spirit, meaning we walk by the Word, we are guaranteed good success. The Word of God renews our minds and must have the final authority in our life and decisions. Believe the Word, think the Word and speak the Word.

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written,

I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

(2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV)

Speak, declare or confess what the Word says about you. This is where meditation is important. I am not talking about Yoga. I am referring to the book of Joshua where it was promised by God that we will have good success and will make our way prosperous if we meditate on His Word (Joshua 1:8).

Biblical meditation is not the same as transcendental meditation where one seeks to empty the mind. Rather it is to fill the mind with the thoughts of God through His Word. It is to contemplate, ponder, review and repeat what the Word says.

Andrew Murray described it as holding the Word of God in the mind until it affects every area of your life and character.

It is to 'chew' on the Word until it forms part of you. I remember when I was learning the multiplication timetable. We were told to repeat it, sing it and know it olT by heart. Today, after so many years. I still remember it! It is part of me and has helped me calculate my income, expenses and budget in life. No one can fool me because I know multiplication. The devil or people cannot fool you when you know the Word!

Once you’ve meditated, the next step is obedience. It is to do the Word. You can’t do something that you don't know. Revelation ol the Word also produces strength to do the Word. Because we were created in God's image from the Word, we were formed to live in harmony with the Word.

Meditation plus obedience equals good success and prosperity.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so. whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

(Psalm 107:2 KJV)

We are the redeemed of the Lord and we need to say so! We need to say what God says about us, our life and our future. Line your mind to the Word. Don’t allow your emotions to control you. God created us with emotion but never intended that we should be controlled by our emotions. To walk according to the Word is to walk in the spirit and in love.

Once you allow yourself to be developed, you are a step closer to good success.

3.

BASE YOUR LIFE ON TRUTH

Truth is an important factor in life. If you believe a lie then you are deceived. There arc many Christians that have been deceived. Deception is one of the primary weapons of the devil. Jesus revealed the devil as the father of lies and who has been a murderer since the beginning (John 8:44). To believe his lies is to allow yourself, your life, marriage and future to be murdered by the devil. Murder is defined as the unlawful killing with intent. It's highly detrimental to the good order within a society and is considered a most serious crime worthy of the harshest punishment.

Satan was the agent that murdered the spiritual life and communion between Adam. Eve and God. We are told not to give place to the devil (Eph 4:27). How can one give place to the devil? Well by believing one of his lies. However, you cannot know a lie without first knowing the truth. What is truth?

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

(John 17:17 KJV)

The Word of God is truth. God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). It seems that man has great difficulty in learning that God is not man. God does not think like man and is not characterized by man’s traits (Isaiah 55: 8, 9). Life is based on the scripture mentioned in the book of Numbers. The whole Bible would be ineffective if we were to remove or doubt that scripture.

It is the foundation of all that God says through His Word. God and His Word are one. Failing to believe the Word of God would result in believing the evolution of mankind instead of creation. It would cause confusion, frustration and lack of answers!

The Apostle Paul writes a stronger statement relative to God and man.

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but even man a liar; as it is written. That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

(Romans 3:4 KJV)

In the day and age that we live in, it is so important that we know and understand truth. This is only possible when we receive revelation by the Word. We have been deceived by the devil in all areas of life as he is the father of lies and has been since the beginning. Deception is anchored in our psychology. It causes incorrect and false mindsets which produce generational curses...

Jesus said that deliverance is possible through sanctification that is revealed in the Word. Sanctification means to be separated or set apart for God. All believers enter into this state once they are born again. Sanctification not only means separation from sin, but a separation to a new life.

Sanctification is that continuous operation of the Hlyv Spirit by which the holy disposition imparted in regeneration is maintained and strengthened.

A.H. Strong

Jesus said that sanctification is possible by the Word which is-truth. In the Bible, sanctification was done on a person, place or object. One of the first things we need to sanctify to the Lord is our mind. We need to line up our mind with the truth and only the Word of God is truth.

We need to decide today that the Word of God has final authority in our life. It doesn’t matter how we've been brought up. We need to reframe our mind and understanding. Releasing every thought which is contrary to His Word and principles. We need to look for the answers in God’s Word and reject unscriptural advice.

It takes courage to make a quality decision and to stand against the surge of family traditions. In order to obtain a different result we have to be willing to do something different. You will be different as you swim against the tide. People will wrongly judge, criticize and persecute you. You need to rise above criticism by refusing to be offended. You are not ready for a blessing if you don’t prepare yourself to face persecution.

There are two scriptures that Jesus personally spoke that have helped me to combat criticism in life.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye. when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the pwphets which were before you.

(Matthew 5:10-12 KJV)

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto von, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Mark 10:29-30 KJV)

Make a quality decision to abide in the truth of the Word. Think and talk the Word. Abraham was fully persuaded with God's promises (Romans 4:21). Good success will cost you. It will cost you to make changes, which will affect your relationships, your time, your energy, your courage.

In the next chapter we are going to learn the important steps needed to make quality decisions.

4

IMPORTANT STEPS TO SUCCESS

The bible has records of great men and women who were successful in immense feats. One of those men that we can learn from is Moses. What a great man! He made some mistakes but also had enforced some phenomenal victories. He led people to success and was and still is an outstanding example. His perseverance is second to none. His reputation takes him to the famous hall of faith of Hebrews 11.

Moses was educated with the very best that Egypt had to offer. Remember that Egypt was a world power at that time and those people had ‘brains’ enough to build great monuments that can still be seen today. When Moses appears on the scene, his people, the Israelites, were in bondage. He was born a Hebrew but raised in Pharaoh’s house.

Moses became distressed with his own people’s suffering. He wanted to help them and so he did what most of us do, which was to try and bring change with the help of his flesh and own natural strength. That cost him dearly! He saw an Egyptian beating one of his fellow Hebrew men. And he became furious at this injustice. He retaliated by beating and killing the Egyptian. Once Pharaoh found out about it. Moses was “wanted” dead and so he had to flee into the wilderness. He was forty years old when all of this happened.

It cost him another forty years in the desert. Yes. he found his wife and family but it delayed his destiny. He tried out in his own strength to succeed in bringing deliverance to his people but failed.

Then he met God who sent him back to Egypt with a mandate to deliver the Israelites from the bondage of the Egyptians. Many believers seek the presence of God but very few search for the plan and purpose of God. When Moses met the Lord, God revealed his purpose.

God’s first contact with Moses was through a burning bush. An angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a “flame of fire from the midst of a bush.” This bush was burning with fire, but the bush itself was not being consumed by it! The task was not easy as it would require outstanding character to go back to Egypt. This time Moses would not be depending on his natural strength to bring three million Israelites out of bondage. He was eighty years old and any man is stronger at forty than he is at eighty! The other issue was that the Israelites kept growing in number. The population he had to deal with and help at eighty was greater than what he had to deal with at forty. Folks, there was no TV in those days!

This exploit required faith and obedience, thus the reason we find him in the hall of fame of Hebrews 11. We know the story. He succeeded in taking the Israelites out of Egypt and out of bondage. These people who always complained were not easy to please, they were an unstable group. Yet, he managed to succeed. What brought Moses success?

The book of Hebrews reveals the character trait that Moses had for success. I would summaries and classify it as the price of a quality decision.

A quality decision will cost you. It is not an “ought to" nor a “probably.” but it is a determined, resolved “I will” decision. A quality decision is a decision that is based on the Word and which will require discipline and godly character to achieve.

Gifts, blessings and even spiritual authority can be bestowed upon you by the laying of hands. However, godly character cannot be imparted as it is something that we need to develop as wc submit in obedience to the Word.

Every success in life starts from a quality decision whether it is to successfully lose weight or to become famous. The fruit of the spirit begins with love and is completed with self-control which is discipline. Self-control is essential to any successful endeavor. God revealed to Paul the importance of self-control as it is listed in the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Love is the first fruit evident on the recreated human spirit. Then he ended the list with self control, because we attain it as a result of working with the other eight fruits of the spirit. Self-control therefore is a spiritual quality.

When you love God, you begin to love yourself and others. Once you have love then you will know your priorities and walk in order. See, when you have love for God and for your life, then you will not jeopardize that life. Let me illustrate. When you love yourself, you will discipline your body to obtain health. You will learn to say ‘no’ to food that can harm and cause sickness to your body. It starts with loving God and loving yourself. Then you take that love and help others with the right words and example to follow.

Let’s read and understand Moses’ example in order to rightly apply principles that will always work. Principle precedes glory and success.

By faith Moses, when he was horn, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

(Hebrews 11:23-29 KJV)

Here 1 have underlined the necessary steps to making a quality decision in order for success to manifest for you no matter where you are. what you did and how old you are! These are the steps for a man or woman of faith to obtain success.

PRINCIPLE 1-REFUSE...

Hebrews 11:24 says: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to he called the son of Pharaoh's daughter... "

Just as Moses refused something, you also need to learn to let go of what is stopping you from moving forward. I believe we need to learn to say 'NO'! We need to learn to refuse to be called something that we are not. I heard a saying that helped me mould my life and I will never forget it.

“You may have done what people have said you've done but you are not who people say you are!”

Refuse the name tags that people have put on you and see yourself through the mirror of the Word. Don’t accept negative titles and words from others. Let go of the past and move ahead. These negativities and inferiorities are inner obstacles to our faith.

You cannot live a positive life with a negative mind and by surrounding yourself with pessimists.

Blind Bartimaeus is a great example of this.

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus. sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to ay out. and say. Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man. saying unto him. Be of good comfort, rise: he calleth thee.

And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

And Jesus answered and said unto him. what wilt thou that / should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him. Go thv way; thv faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

(Mark 10:46-52 KJV)

Bartimaeus was a blind beggar. In those days, they had a special garment made for such people, a cloak that identified him as blind and a beggar. Just like today we identify a blind person with a cane and sunglasses or with a trained dog.

I want you to notice this man. Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho and a crowd followed them. These were Jesus’ last weeks before dying on the cross. Bartimaeus must have heard about Jesus, but he couldn’t see! Faith comes by hearing (Rom 10:17). This was his only opportunity to make something happen and he needed to seize the moment. So he began to cry out to get Jesus’ attention. Whilst others who could see saw and knew Him as the son of Joseph, he recognized Jesus as the son of David. After hearing about Jesus, Bartimaeus must have discerned that this man. who can heal the sick, cleanse the leper and raise the dead, was not a natural man; He was royalty, the Messiah. The Messiah would rescue and protcct the Jews from the results of their sin (Isaiah 35: 5-6). The promised one sent by God in the lineage of David. He called Jesus his King and as one of His servants, lie asked for mercy.

One of the translations of mercy means ‘don't give me what I deserve but give me what I need.’ We don’t know why he was the way he was. Perhaps his parent’s sinned or he had a major accident or had a curse operating in his life. The Bible doesn’t reveal the ‘why* of his condition. However, he did not bemoan his condition or accuse God of being unjust. He simply asked for mercy.

What we understand is that he wanted a change to what he was. He made an inward quality decision to refuse to be known as a blind beggar. He shouted to be delivered. He refused to allow people to distract him in his demand. He knew what he wanted and persevered irrespective of the amount of people who pressured against him. He declined their advice of staying quiet and rejected that he should accept who he was. He wanted to change!

His action corresponded to his belief.

Here's a saying that God dropped into my spirit:

"Your inner voice of faith must be stronger and more influential than the outer voice of criticism and obstacle. "

Bartimaeus got the attention of Jesus! He cast off his old identity, the garment that branded him a blind beggar before getting to Jesus. This is faith in action. Those who walk by faith have the courage to take off things that people have put on them. They decide to be unstoppable in their pursuit. They develop tenacity and don’t allow opinions, no matter how many are against them, to influence or stop their inner desire. Bartimaeus was made whole. He received the desire of his heart.

Refuse what negative people have said about you. Refuse the harmful things they have branded you with. It is the first step to a quality decision and to receive the desires of your heart.

PRINCIPLE 2 - CHOOSING.

Hebrews 11:25 says: "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season "

Once you have refused the old tags, the next step is making the right choice. Life is based on choices. We are a product of the choices we have made in the past. Your choices today will affect your future and your generation. To have good success and be prosperous is not by chance but by choice.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD swore unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

(Deuteronomy 30:19-20 KJV)

The above verses teach us that there are two choices:

1.    Life and blessings

2.    Death and curses

God has given each of us the power of choice. We are born in a world where everything operates by decision. We choose how we live life. Jesus stated that He has given us abundant life (John 10:10). So it is God's will for us to live in abundance but in order to see it manifesting in our lives, we need to make the right choices. Your choice determines the outcome of your life.

God recommends that we choose life. Life as God would want us to live it is found in Him (John 1:4). You can only make the right choice by knowing and meditating on the Word of God. Christianity is nothing more than following a series of God ordained decisions.

Moses chose God and His will instead of the pleasures of life. Today, many believers choose the pleasures of sin rather than to walk in the spirit. Walking in faith will require that you make and stick to the choices that are in line with the Word of God. So, change your mind and change your choice. Your right choices will have a positive generational effect. Look at Moses, he chose to act on the Word and left a legacy.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: hut as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

(Joshua 24:15 KJV)

Moses was a great example to Joshua. Even after Moses died, Joshua made a choice to serve the Lord. Joshua was known as a man who served Moses (Ex 24:13). Now as Joshua prepared the children of Israel for the land of Canaan he made it clear that his first priority and that of his family wras to serve the Lord. Every choice we make becomes part of our character and can affect our generation.

One of the factors that will help you make right choices is principle 3 - Esteeming.

PRINCIPLE 3 - ESTEEMING...

Hebrews 11:26 says: "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. "

This point now becomes interesting as the next step will reveal our true nature. According to the Bible, there are two ways of living (ie. Blessings or curses).

What we consider to be more important for our life will show by the decisions we finalize. We have to choose but our choice will expose our esteem or value.

To esteem means respect, honour and admire. I like the Webster’s definition:

•    To set a value on; to appreciate the worth of; to estimate; to value; to reckon.

•    To set a high value on; to prize; to regard with reverence, respect, or friendship.

The word estimate comes from the word esteem. So, what has more value or worth to you? Where do you have more respect? To whom do you regard with reverence? To answer these important questions, let us see what the Word of God reveals.

THE TWO WAYS OF LIVING

That the righteousness of the law might he fulfilled in us. who walk not after the flesh. but after the Spirit For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

(Romans 8:4-9 KJV)

The scripture states that there are two ways of life that start in the mind. The mind is a powerful tool for good success. As I have j mention before, you cannot have a negative mind and expect a positive life. Your feet cannot take you where your mind is not J prepared to go. To walk in the spirit is to walk by the Word and in love. This is possible to all believers once we develop a spiritual mind.

If you don’t feed your mind with the right information and with truth, you will live a life of failure. However, as soon as you get revelation knowledge from the Word, you need to know what is ' more valuable to you. Life and peace is a product of a spiritual mind. Death comes with the wrong mindset incorrect things that have been cemented and settled in your mind. We need to break that wrong and false thought pattern that has for so long shaped our life. No matter how pleasant the fleshly desires appeal to us, we

need to esteem what is more profitable for us. Living in the pleasures of sin is short term gain but long term loss. I believe we all want to live a long life. As believers, we need to choose by esteeming the short term lost by long term gain.

The crowd at Jesus’ judgment esteemed the way of the flesh above the way of the Word. They shouted for Barabbas who was a notorious murderer, liar and cheat. His conduct was a danger for society! Barabbas was a rebel (Matthew 27:16. Mark 15:7). Yet Jesus who taught good messages and performed healing, deliverance and raised the dead was rejected. Why? One of the reasons was that they wanted a quick fix deliverance from the tyranny of Rome. They thought that Barabbas was their answer. The crowd insistently shouted. "Let Barabbas go!” He seemed to be getting more results by handling things in the flesh. He was the action man. They esteemed him more highly than the way, the truth and the life. This resulted in the crucifixion of Jesus and the freedom of Barabbas.

We weren’t present in that crowd that day. We weren't the ones that had to choose between the action man in the flesh or the way of the Word - Jesus. However, everyday we will face the same choice: Jesus or Barabbas! The right choice will be revealed in our esteem. Do we have faith in the Word and confidence in the flesh? Many times, we have opted to crucify the Word instead of the flesh.

Instead. clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not obey your flesh and its desires.

(Romans 13:14 ISV)

This was (he route of success for the Apostle Paul. He esteemed the principles of the Lord above the desires of the flesh. As a result, fourteen out of twenty-seven books in the New Testament have been attributed by the Apostle Paul. He achieved great things, opened many churches and developed some outstanding people.

Moses, the man who wrote through revelation knowledge the first five books of the Old Testament, became a great man. The reason being is that he esteemed the reproach of Christ far above the riches of Egypt. Can you live above the reproach of people? Do you back off once people disapprove your difference? Can you handle criticism? Because of you can’t then you are not ready for good success.

Some time ago I watched an interview of a famous actor who won Mr. Universe in the eighties. They asked him how he got to where he is. He answered by discipline and dealing with reproach. The reporter looked quizzed when he answered that he had to deal with reproach. Discipline in training is vital to develop muscles but what has reproach got to do with it? So the winner proceeded to explain. He mentioned that in the course of fulfilling his dream, he lost many friends. He was different because he didn’t do or participate in what others did. His friends would go to eat at fast food restaurant but he didn’t go. They would go out late nights and miss work while he trained and ‘pumped iron’. He was tagged with being boring and was considered ‘unacceptable’. He was judged as being a loner. He was criticized by ‘supposedly’ good friends and family constantly. Yet, he refused to stop and live to their standard of life. Today, he is famous, a champion and he makes lots of money while his critical friends keep going around in circles.

So, let me ask you again: Can you live above reproach? Can you handle being different? If your answer is a loud 'YES’, then you're on the track of good success. What do you esteem more: The Spirit and the Word or the pleasures of sin ?

To break thought patterns that have taken you captive for so long will take time. It’s going to be a battle in the mind. One night in my prayer room, the Spirit of God whispered, “If you don’t take thoughts captive, thoughts will take you captive. If you don’t cast negative thoughts down, they will cast you down.” If we think any thought that is contrary to what God says in His Word - no matter how pleasant it is - we must put it down!

PRINCIPLE 4 - BY FAITH HE FORSOOK...

Hebrews 11:27 says: “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”

God is serious about His children operating in faith. When we accept God's free gift of salvation and make Jesus our Lord and Saviour, then we are declared righteous by God (Romans 5:19). The just are those that have been justified by the blood of Jesus. That’s you and me! His blood has washed away our sins and we are a child of the living God. He has declared us righteous. We are the just!

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith (Habakuk 2:4 KJV)

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as ii is written. The just shall live by faith.

(Romans 1:17 KJV)

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for. The just shall live by faith.

(Galatians 3:11 KJV)

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

(Hebrews 10:38 KJV)

We are justified by His blood and by faith (Romans 5:1, 9). Four scriptures, ranging from the Old to the New Testament, declare that the just shall live by faith. Faith is not a movement, rather it is a way established and commended by God. Living by faith is not a suggestion by our heavenly Father but a command. It is not something we do casually, once in a while, or on Sunday mornings, we are supposed to live by faith everyday of our lives. It is not a spare tyre nor a magic wand but a way of life. It is our new way of life and reasoning as the blood bought born again believer.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

(Romans 10:17 KJV)

Faith is a product of the Word. Moses heard God and acted on what he heard. Once you receive the Word, you will need to forsake some things in order to achieve what God has promised you. Many believers want results but they don’t want to let go of whatever is holding them back!

Egypt represented the world system. Moses forsook the world system and yielded under the Word. He trusted more in God than in the riches of Egypt. He grew up and adapted to that world system but he needed to let it go. The first time he left under threat, now he forsook the methods of Egypt under God’s command. He needed to re-educate himself and be dependant upon God. In biblical terms, this is renewing of the mind.

Once you hear the Word, to then succeed, you need to submit yourself to the new system. You choose to operate according to the Word. You conduct yourself in line with the Word of God. There is a new manager in your life, a coach and an instructor. He will inspire and show you the best route to overcoming in life. Your whole life must be adjusted to the Word.

This takes us to the New Testament record of two well-known sisters Mary and Martha.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said. Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha. Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary' hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her (Luke 10:38-42 KJV)

Martha invited Jesus to her house but was too busy to listen to the Word. Mary on the other hand sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to the Word. Mary is mentioned three times in the Bible and each time, we find her at the feet of Jesus (John 11:32, John 12: 3). It was unusual in Jewish custom for a woman to sit at the feet of a Rabbi. Traditionally it was the male disciples that sat at the feet of their Rabbi to learn. It was a sign of humility demonstrating that “I am ready to receive instruction”. Mary chose to listen and submit to the Word irrespective of cultural and traditional settings. She considered herself a disciple of Jesus and He welcomed her as such. Martha was offended and asked Jesus to tell her sister to help her. Mary forsook the business of serving to lake time to sit and receive the Word of Jesus. An action that Jesus applauded!

I end this key principle with a powerful statement from Jesus:

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

(Matthew 19:29 KJV)

PRINCIPLE 5 - THROUGH FAITH HE KEPT...

Hebrews 11:28 says: "Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.”

I’ve discovered that one of the greatest challenges in the body of Christ is once we learn new revelations; we fail to keep basic biblical principles. For example, we learn about the Apostolic and Prophetic anointing but fail to keep the principle of walking in love. We discover our place of authority in Christ but neglect to understand the importance of submission.

Moses was successful because he kept principles that he learned from God. With every fresh Word we receive, we are to still tenaciously hold firm to things we’ve already been taught.

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

(2 Timothy 1:13 KJV)

Revelation brings blessing and progression in life. However, if we neglect former lessons, our foundation is not solid. Moses kept key principles that brought success. He persevered in applying the blood that protected the children of Israel from the destroyer. It was the blood that produced deliverance that day.

Today, not much is taught about the blood. The blood of Jesus bought our redemption. His precious blood paved the way for our salvation Why is this so important in our quest for success? As Christians, we must make faith a living reality in our lives so that we can produce faithfulness. The world is full of people with good intentions but little action. Many start out a course but very few maintain and finish.

To succeed in our faith walk we will be required to keep persevering until we obtain. We cannot neglect the foundation of salvation.

There fore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

For the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.

(Hebrews 2:1-3 KJV)

Tin.' word salvation in the New Testament comes from the Greek word Soteria. Salvation does not only save us from eternal damnation and provide the visa to heaven, but it also includes benefits such as healing, safety, deliverance, protection, peace and security.

I am sure you will agree with me that these touches all areas of life and they are what Jesus bought for us on the cross of Calvary.

Notice what the Apostle Paul said concerning our salvation. Firstly, salvation is our way of escape. Secondly, to neglect our salvation will result in losing all the benefits that accompanies it. This happens when we let the Word slip! So we need to remain focused, determined and keep doing the Word at all times.

PRINCIPLE 6-BY FAITH THEY PASSED...

Hebrews 11:29 says: “By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.”

Finally, we come to Moses example of success. He passed the test. It required faith! It needed tenacity and character. Through faithfulness, Moses did the impossible. Not only was he able to pass through the Red sea but he also led about three million people out of bondage.

I like to watch Cartoons. Dreamworks production of the animated film, ‘The Prince of Egypt’, was simply breathtaking. My favorite scene was when Moses had to part the Red sea with God’s help. The Hebrews crossed on the sea bottom, a giant fish that was swimming suddenly stopped and turned back! Truly top notch!

It was probably what Moses and the delivered people witnessed. An open aquarium made possible by Moses’ obedience and faith. When the army gave chase, the water closed over the Egyptians, and the Hebrews were freed. They overcame them by the faith of one man - Moses!

5

SO. ARE YOU READY FOR GOOD SUCCESS?

Remember God will do nothing without your participation. So in this chapter, we are going to conclude by adding the cherry on top of the cake.

For whatsoever is horn of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

(1 John 5:4 KJV)

Born again believers are born of God. So if you are a child of God then this scripture is referring to you. We’ve understood that as child of God, we have been justified. The just have a lifestyle of faith. Notice here that faith overcomes the world. Faith leads to a victorious life.

But look carefully, it doesn’t say faith overcomes the world. It states our faith overcomes the world. Therefore, we have a responsibility to use the faith that we receive in order to achieve success in life. No faith means no victory.

We saw that Moses made a quality decision and persevered in faith. No matter the obstacle or the pressure, he pursued his God given destiny. Jesus said that in the world you will have tribulation. We are in this world but we are not of this world. Some believers have a mistaken idea that once we are born again, we won’t have anymore troubles. Nothing could be further from the truth! Since we became a Christian, we seemed to have entered a world of trouble and challenges. But praise God that He teaches us how to deal with the difficulties of life through His Word.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33 KJV)

Webster's 1913 Online Dictionary defines Tribulation as that which occasions distress, trouble, or vexation severe affliction. It includes adverse circumstances, adversity, affliction,. difficulties, hardship, irritation, oppression, ordeal, persecution, stress of life, trials. 1 thought it will be best to describe all related words so that you get the point.

Jesus said that in the world we will have tribulation. However, he did not stop there. He also stated that IN HIM. we will have peace. Peace is security amidst all tribulations. Although the New Testament was written in Greek, I believe that we need to acknowledge at least one of the translations of the word peace in Hebrew. It is the word “Shalom”. This is also one of the redemptive names of God. One meaning of Shalom is: “nothing missing and nothing broken."

Jesus said peace is a product of the words He has spoken. So, peace comes from the Word of God. The spoken word brings security in the midst of tribulation and nothing will be missing and nothing will be broken in our life! As we continue in the Word, we remain in Him. That’s how we overcome. We don’t undergo troubles, we overcome them!

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

(Romans 10:17 KJV)

The Word of God produces faith. We need to hear and hear the Word until it influences us and our decisions. Then faith is released by what we say and how we act. Remember your faith overcomes the trouble you face. Jesus overcame the world and He has given us everything we need to do likewise.

Now faith brings with it another force that we need to develop. In fact, they work hand in hand. They are what has been commonly referred to as power-twins or 'the dynamic duo’. Just like prayer and lasting, faith and patience are spiritual productive forces.

If we decide to start to live by faith then we need to pursue in patience to see the fruition. Faith opens the door and patience keeps the door open.

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

(Hebrews 6:12 KJV)

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure.

(2 Thessalonians 1:4 KJV)

Another word for patience is endurance. I have learned that the Christian life of faith is not a hundred meter sprint, it is a marathon. In any long distant race, endurance is the key to finish. Kenneth Copeland describes patience as being constant or being the same way at all times. So no matter how hard it gets, we constantly remain in the Word and faith and patience inherits the promise and cause us to overcome.

Much has been said about Moses failing to make it to the promised land. He hit the rock instead of speaking to it; he misrepresented God and was not allowed to enter (Numbers 20:1-13). He died and was buried by God. But I believe that there is a hidden revelation in the New Testament that we may have overlooked.

Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain and was transfigured before them. God’s mercy is shown so much more abundantly by the fact that He not only showed Moses the entire land of Canaan but he also allowed Moses to be in the Promised Land even after over a thousand years later. (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-9; Luke 9:28-36). He was even given the privilege to talk face to face with Jesus.

The Bible states that from Moses to Jesus are the dispensation of law, but grace and truth followed the son of God. The grace of God has the power to forgive and destroy sin.

Today, you and I live in the time of grace, so how much more can we achieve? I want to encourage you to never give up. Whatever you’re going through, find at least two scriptures of God’s unfailing promises. Believe the Word with all your heart and make a quality decision to remain in the Word. Keep confessing it and let patience have her perfect work and your faith will cause you to overcome and have good success.

YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN!

Confession Brings Possession

I want to help you in your quest for success. As I’ve mentioned, find a scripture that promises you what you are looking for.

Jesus said you will have whatever you say (Mark 11:23-24). The Book of Psalms states that the redeemed of the Lord must say so (Psalm 107:2). The Apostle Paul added that we have the same spirit of faith, so once we believe, we speak (2 Corinthians 4:13). Basically, your future is in your mouth.

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach: That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

(Romans 10:8-10 KJV)

There is a connection between the heart and the mouth and it is how we received salvation and anything else from God. Remember salvation in the Greek is Soteria which includes healing, deliverance, peace of mind, security...

Make sure you're in God’s order for your life and that your heart is right before God. So, walk in love and forgiveness and refuse to be offended.

Pray and say the scriptures out loud, as often as you can in confidence daily! Remember that faith comes by hearing the Word. We believe with our whole heart and release faith by speaking and boldly declaring the scriptures. Then our faith will cause us to overcome. Don't allow criticism to stop you nor any obstacles to hinder you. Control your emotions because we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)

And God will watch over His Word that you believe and confess with your mouth to manifest (Jeremiah 1:12).

For the Word that God speaks is alive and fid! of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective!; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature/, exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the veiy thoughts and purposes of the heart.

(Hebrew 4:12 Amp.)

The Price Of Success

As one- man said, “Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

Do you always seem to be living a life of failure and never having any success;1 Many of us blame other people, the devil or even God himself when actually most of our failings are are a result of decisions we make, courses of action wo lake and foolish things we say.

This book will encourage anyone who wants to leave mediocrity behind and live a life of maximum potential in God.

Dr. Beverley Wolmarans

Christian Family Church International, San Antonio

This book you hold in your hands will teach von how to enter the rest that God has for you.

Dr Glen Arekion

Faithlift International Church. Louisville. Kentucky

Reading this book will not make you a victorious person, doing what it says most certainly will.

Rev. Lindsey Mann

Word of Truth Ministries. Anerlv. London

James Arekion (BMin. mm in) is pastor of the thriving multi-racial Christian Family Church International in Mauritius. He is an anointed and dynamic teacher of the Word of God. Communicating in personal and practical way, he began teaching from the age of 16. His messages are straightforward, fundamental, simple and yet effectively encouraging people through life situations and empowering them to succeed in every area of life.

He is married to Diane and they have a daughter, Karen.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 You Can Enjoy Success

Chapter 2 Let’s Begin...From The Beginning

(i) God Created Man In His Image

(ii) The Origin Of Man Is The Word Of God

Chapter 3 Base Your Life On Truth

Chapter 4 Important Steps To Success

Principle 1 - Refuse

Principle 2 - Choosing

Principle 3 - Esteeming

Principle 4 - By Faith He Forsook

Principle 5 - Through Faith He Kept

Principle 6 - By Faith They Passed

Chapter 5 So, Are You Ready For Good Success?

Your Life Will Never Be The Same Again