Copyright © 2013 by Henk Kruger

All rights reserved

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means – for example, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the author, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Edited by Gerrohn Michalitsianos

Cover photo and design by GoPhotoMagic (www.gophotomagic.com)

Visit the author’s website at www.henkkruger.com

Jeshurun, Benoit and Shaunnah

May the truth of God’s Word be deeply rooted in your hearts forever!

Introduction

1: Understand Your Purpose

2: Know Your Calling

3: Redefine Your Definition Of Success

4: Love

5: Honour

6: Do... As If Unto The Lord

7: Commit Your Plans To The Lord And Develop A Clear Sense Of Direction

8: Seek First The Kingdom

9: G.I.G.O. (Good In / Good Out)

10: Put Off The Old, Put On The New

11: Calling The Things That Are Not

12: The Power Of Praise And Worship

13: Don’t Be Offended

14: Pray... And Then Some

15: Embrace Your Righteousness

16: Daily Communion

17: Pay God First

18: Know The Word

19: Dedication And Hard Work

20: Overcome Evil With Good

21: Expect The Goodness Of The Lord

Final Words

APPENDIX A: The Faith Dimension

Introduction

I remember trying to read a book in 2006 about the renewal of the mind. At the time, my life was a total mess. I felt helpless and completely hopeless. I also struggled with certain anti-social behaviour – I was extremely irritated with a lack of empathy for others in need. Owing to where I was in my life, I personally encountered two problems with the book I was trying to read. The first problem was the book was written for real Christians. I was a false convert and a Pharisee, only believing I was saved. As a result, I was unable to relate to many aspects of the book, which otherwise would have made perfect sense to a true born-again believer. The second real problem I encountered was on a page where the author listed a number of things that constitute a poor soul. When I found they all applied to me, I threw the book down.

It was only two years later in 2008, after watching an episode from a series called The Way of the Master presented by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron, I realised what it meant to be born-again. I repented by confessing and forsaking my sins and truly gave my heart to the Lord. However, I still had a problem. Becoming a true born-again believer did not cure all my behavioural problems. Most of the points listed in the book still applied to me and I was feeling even more hopeless.

In 2010 someone gave me a book about the biblical definition of love. I was desperate to change and really hoped the book would help me. The book lists a number of truths about what love is or isn’t and I found I lacked love in most of those areas. I decided to re-read the book. My idea was to start at the beginning and take one point at a time, meditate on and practice it until I have mastered it, then move on to the next one. The result was even more depressing than I experienced with the book about renewal of the mind. I found myself reading the first and second chapters over and over again, not being able to achieve any breakthroughs in my life. I was unable to get two simple things consistently right: patience and kindness. Patience and kindness... Patience and kindness... Over and over again I tried to make only those two straightforward principles of love a part of who I am...  And I failed miserably. I threw the book down and cried out to the Lord.

Although it is a brilliant book, it is just like so many others which focus more on the good fruit of salvation every Christian is striving toward, than on how to deal with the bad roots causing bad fruit. What I was trying to do was change the fruit I was bearing, without addressing the root cause of my bad behaviour and attitude. I was like a lemon tree, desperately trying to produce oranges.

Even though I was made righteous in God’s eyes when I became born-again, nobody ever explained the difference between righteousness and holiness to me. Gradually, as I was seeking the Lord, I was able to identify certain things that are vitally important if we want to get rid of any bad roots causing bad fruit in our lives, and grow in holiness instead. When applied correctly, these principles get deep into the depths of your soul and help to cleanse you of everything preventing you from bearing good fruit and achieving true biblical success.

There are hundreds and possibly thousands of success principles to be derived from the Bible. It is by no means my intention to dismiss or diminish the value of other success principles identified by other authors. In fact, I encourage everyone to read books like the ones I have mentioned. However, for the person who has tried everything else and failed, or who wishes to grow even more by exploring a few previously overlooked, eternal biblical truths, this book is definitely for you.

In this book I have compiled a list of success secrets derived from the Bible, which I believe are essential for every human being. The first four principles are foundational principles. Without having a deep-rooted understanding of these principles, there is a great danger of ending up pursuing worldly success instead of true biblical success. As you read these principles, the difference between the two will become clear.

The remaining principles will help you identify areas you may need to work on, or give you practical advice to follow in your quest for success. I believe that by God’s grace, when these principles are applied faithfully together with whatever else He might reveal to you, even the worst of hearts or situations can change. No matter what battle you are fighting, whether it be intense anger, anti-social behaviour, homosexuality, extreme poverty or any illness of the body or mind, nothing is impossible and they can be overcome. There is no situation too big for God and anything can be changed to be in line with His Word, if we remain faithful to Him, use the tools and apply the methods He has provided.

All Scriptures quoted are taken from the Amplified Bible, unless otherwise indicated. I feel the Amplified Bible succeeds very well in bringing the intended meaning of the original Hebrew and Greek texts across. For those not familiar with the Amplified Bible, the following explanation taken from the introduction of the Amplified Bible will be useful:

Parentheses ( ) signify additional phases of meaning included in the original word, phrase, or clause of the original language.

Brackets [ ] contain justified clarifying words or comments not actually expressed in the immediate original text, as well as definitions of Hebrew and Greek names.

Biblical Success Secret 1

Understand Your Purpose

What is the purpose of man’s existence? Whenever this question is asked, you can be sure to get all sorts of answers. The most common ones are ‘to have fun’, ‘to enjoy life’, ‘to make a success of the life I was given’, ‘to praise and worship God’ and many similar replies. Could the purpose of my existence really be 'to have fun'? These answers sound more like things we do while we are here, with our true purpose being far more significant than just having fun.

In Psalm 8:5 the Bible says, “Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” In the original Hebrew language, the word used for God or heavenly beings in this instance is ‘Elohim’, one of the Hebrew names for God. One of the meanings of this word is God the Creator. In other words, He has created us just a little lower than God the Creator, yet in His creative image. While angels and other heavenly beings were magnificently created, they were not created in God’s image.

This places man in another class – the god-class. This means that man has two qualities surpassing those of other created beings. He can create, and he can have fellowship and communion with God in a way no other being is able to. This is why God gave Adam dominion over the earth in Genesis 2, in order for him to replenish it and exercise his creative power in it. It is also why we see God walking in the garden in Genesis 3, looking for Adam after he had sinned. No doubt Adam and his wife were expecting God’s usual visit, but this time they hid themselves because of their shame. They had enjoyed habitual and intimate fellowship with God, but when God expelled them from the garden because of their sin, they also lost this personal relationship with God.

Since that time God has been at work with one primary goal in mind: restoring this relationship through the salvation of mankind (see John 5:17). This is because God desires a family and wishes to see the realisation of the very purpose He created Adam for in the first place.

The book of Ephesians discusses the purpose for which we have been created in great detail. In Ephesians 1:5 we read, “For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent].” In verses 9 and 10 this matter is made plain: “Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). [And it is this:] In accordance with His good pleasure (His merciful intention) which He had previously purposed and set forth in Him, 10[He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth.”

Romans 8:29 sheds more light on the original intent and purpose for the creation of man as well. “For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.” God wants a family of people with whom He can have fellowship and an intimate relationship, who He created in His likeness and moulded into the image of Jesus Christ.

This brings us to a vitally important aspect of this realisation. In Revelation 12:9 we read about the rebellious army that revolted against God, led by Satan himself. God then stripped Satan of his splendour and glory and cast him out of heaven, together with all who had joined him in the rebellion. Later, when God created man, we see Adam was warned against the enemy, right in the beginning when man received his first calling. In Genesis 2:15 we read, “And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it.” Not only was he instructed to cultivate and take care of the garden, he was also instructed to guard and keep it, instead of losing it or giving it away. This means Adam must have been warned in some way that there was an enemy walking around like a roaring lion, not very happy about this new creation called Man. Sadly, Adam did not do a very good job at executing his assignment. We find Adam and Eve disobeying God and heeding the voice of Satan instead. By doing so, they gave up their dominion and Satan legally took possession of this newly established kingdom. Man found himself disconnected from God and connected to Satan instead.

God then sent Jesus to legally buy this dominion back from Satan, by defeating Satan on the cross. While we are all predestined to be adopted into God’s family, the choice of who actually becomes a child of God is given to each individual. We now find ourselves in a period where we are thoroughly tested and tried, to be purged of all possible rebellion. Those who choose life by putting their trust in the Saviour and repent of their sins, who shun evil and pursue holiness and who endure till the end, will be saved and receive everlasting life. God will have a family of people free of rebels and there will be no possibility of a recurrence of that which went before. God’s desire has always been to show the exceeding riches of His grace toward His true children in the ages to come (see Eph 2:7). While those born of the Spirit now already experience a personal relationship with God who lives in us through His Holy Spirit, we have the assurance of the perfected realisation of our purpose for all eternity, as seen in Ephesians 3:11-12 “This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord, 12In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).”

This is the purpose for which we have been created. When we fail to understand this, religion is born. Hosea 6:6 says “For I desire and delight in dutiful steadfast love and goodness, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of and acquaintance with God more than burnt offerings.” When we understand our purpose, futile religion is abandoned and an authentic relationship with God begins. Love for God,  together with a genuine knowledge of and acquaintance with Him then becomes the norm. Achieving true, biblical success in life is entirely dependent on our comprehension of this truth. Without a deep-rooted understanding of the reality of our true purpose, we live meaningless lives where we pursue our own selfish dreams, instead of embracing our true calling.

Biblical Success Secret 2

Know Your Calling

The Bible very clearly differentiates between only two classes of people. These are the saved and the unsaved; the natural man and the spiritual man. 2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.” It is clear that God wants everybody to be saved. In Deuteronomy 30:19 we are presented with the choice, “I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live...” If you choose life by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, you are already a 100% more successful than those who don’t.

The Bible makes it very clear that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, regardless of their wealth or social status. Since all have sinned, all have incurred the death penalty. Since those with a death penalty have no eternal or godly life in them, it is clear that true success is dependent upon having this death penalty cancelled.  This is the same as being born-again and restored to God. Since the Bible makes it very clear that Jesus legally paid the death penalty on our behalf, trusting in Him and repenting of sin is the only legal grounds that God has to forgive us this outstanding debt. The minutiae of this legal transaction are discussed in great detail in my book Raping Grace.

When you became born-again, you conquered spiritual death and stepped into eternal life with God, made spiritually alive in Christ. It must be made clear that not attaining spiritual life – to be eternally separated from God – is the biggest catastrophe that could occur to any human being. If becoming born-again is the only social status a person ever achieves, he or she should be content, knowing there is no amount of earthly success to compare with this everlasting victory over death.

This is the first and foremost calling in our lives. We are called to choose life. We are called to be transformed from being natural to spiritual; from unsaved to saved. We are called to accept the price Jesus paid on our behalf, to have our death penalty cancelled and to step into a relationship with God. This is in line with the purpose for which we were created, making it the most important decision any human being could ever make.

Secondly, we are called to be holy. Salvation and the pursuit of holiness go hand in hand. The Bible very clearly teaches that without repentance there is no salvation. We are called to grow in holiness by turning our backs on sin and to embrace and keep the Lord’s commandments instead. The reason for this is obvious: since it was sin that destroyed man’s relationship with God, we cannot embrace our first calling while maintaining a sinful lifestyle. By grace we have been saved, but the proof of our salvation is our desire to avoid sin and cultivate our restored relationship with God. We cannot separate our first calling from the second.

All other callings spring forth from the first two callings. It is essential to have a sound understanding of these two, because a corrupted or contaminated view will cloud our judgement and cause us to lose sight of the importance of our third and subsequent callings.

Adam was called to tend, guard and keep the Garden of Eden. He was also called to replenish the earth and subdue it. After Adam sinned, we see a new calling given to Noah. God was about to cause a flood and pour out His wrath on all the inhabitants of the earth as judgement on their sin. Noah was instructed to build an ark and the whole human race was to be preserved through his obedience. When the flood ended and the waters subsided, a new calling was given to Noah: multiply, replenish and rule the earth. A few generations later, we see another calling given to Abraham: become the father of nations and through your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.

This calling given to Abraham was passed on to his sons for generations to come. The promise of the Messiah was to be preserved through this lineage. This remained the primary calling of all Abraham’s descendants, until it was fulfilled 2,000 years ago in the life of Jesus Christ. Of course they had other callings as well. For example, King David laid down the plans for the building of the Temple. He also collected the money so that this enormous task could be carried out by his son. After King David died, King Solomon took up his new calling of ruling Israel and completing the Temple. However, the primary focus was still to see the realisation of the promise of the Messiah, as another guarantee was given in Jeremiah 33:17, “For thus says the Lord: David shall never fail [to have] a man [descendant] to sit on the throne of the house of Israel,” referring to the Messiah that would come from David’s lineage.

After the fulfilment of the promise of the Messiah 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave us our new and third calling in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you...” We will only take this new calling to heart when we understand the purpose we have been created for. God wants no one to perish. Since my death penalty has been cancelled by such amazing grace, I can’t help but have an intense desire to do my part in helping God – the Almighty Creator of the whole universe – realise His dream of having a family. After what He has done for me, it is the least I can do for Him. And since we can’t realise our purpose without being true to our first and second callings, Jesus instructed us to teach the whole world this message of how salvation can be obtained. He also instructed us to teach His commandments. Those who do not keep His commandments are those who are still in rebellion against God. The test to see who remain rebellious, even after becoming born-again, lies in the keeping of the Lord’s commandments. This includes the commandment to preach the gospel to the whole world – the Great Commission – as our third calling.

We must never lose sight of our three primary callings in life. Any subsequent callings must always be in line with the first three. If I believe I am called to be a millionaire, famous, a father, a husband or a person of great influence, then I must be that person while I continually ensure what I do:

1 – Is not in opposition with my righteousness

2 – Does not work against my holiness

3 – Must in some way, whether it is directly or indirectly, help with the fulfilling of the Great Commission

There is a fourth calling awaiting us, but it is reserved for those who will remain faithful to the end. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first. 17Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!” Those who remain true to their allegiance with Christ will be called to rise and meet Him in the sky, and to live with Him forever.

After that, who knows what incredible plans God has in store for us? Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:9 “But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].” Amongst other things, we will be called to reign on the earth in the Millennium and in the New Earth forever, together with Christ. Revelation 5:9-10 says “And [now] they sing a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the scroll and to break the seals that are on it, for You were slain (sacrificed), and with Your blood You purchased men unto God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10And You have made them a kingdom (royal race) and priests to our God, and they shall reign [as kings] over the earth!” Revelation 20:6 says “Blessed (happy, to be envied) and holy (spiritually whole, of unimpaired innocence and proved virtue) is the person who takes part (shares) in the first resurrection! Over them the second death exerts no power or authority, but they shall be ministers of God and of Christ (the Messiah), and they shall rule along with Him a thousand years.”

These things are included in the Bible to encourage us to stay strong in our faith and to endure until the end. For now we must watch and guard ourselves to ensure any form of success we wish to pursue, must always line up with our current, primary callings until the Messiah returns for us. If we do not, then true biblical success will elude us and we put the realisation of the purpose we were created for at risk, as well as any other eternal callings waiting for us.

Biblical Success Secret 3

Redefine Your Definition Of Success

We can define success in many different ways. For many, success is measured in money. For some, it is only about education, degrees, certificates and qualifications. For others, success is all about promotion and position. Our definition of success is heavily influenced by society through movies, advertisements and propaganda from those attempting to ‘milk’ the system for personal gain. It is also shaped by how we see different ‘classes’ of people treating others, based on their perceived position or status in society. Slowly but surely we form a mental image of what success is and it doesn’t take too long before we choose which end of the food chain we want to be.

On the other hand we find ourselves bombarded with religion, which seldom seems to have a balanced approach to wealth and success. Whether it is Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity or even Atheism, we are either conditioned to be selfish and self-centred, completely unselfish and selfless, or to feel guilty when we desire or achieve any significant degree of success.

On top of it all, very few of us grow up knowing what our true purpose is – the very reason we were created in the first place. Since very few of us are privileged enough to have someone instruct us in these matters, we subconsciously accept the doctrine that we are here only to have fun, to praise and worship the Lord, not to squander our talents and to make an incorrectly defined success of our lives.

We end up with a mental image that shapes and develops our character, to the point where we are completely driven by our own personal and selfish aspirations, inspired by this false impression of what success is. We end up in a very vicious circle, caught in a battle where we abandon sound, biblical guidance in exchange for pointless achievements and a false sense of success, with no eternal value.

When this happens we find ourselves feeling empty, hollow and frustrated with life. When our accomplishments fail to make up for everything else that is wrong in our lives, we need to go back to the Bible for new insights and sound advice to replace our wrong thinking about success. Once we are able to redefine our definition of success according to the Word of God, we are able to reshape and redevelop our character as well. As our character begins to line up with the Word of God, true success becomes inevitable.

WHAT SUCCESS IS NOT

To put things in perspective, it is useful to know what success is not. While the world lures us into believing success is measured in terms of material wealth, position and education, we need to understand those things are merely a means to an end, not the end itself. Big houses, fast cars and enough money to retire with come with their own problems. If you are not mature enough to handle the extra property taxes and levies, paper and admin work, capital gains and losses, insurance and sound investment strategies, to name only a few of the responsibilities that accompany material success, you will become overwhelmed and risk losing everything.

Being promoted at work or in the public arena is great, but this should not be seen as success if it robs and prevents you from attaining true biblical success. Having a specific rank, title or status comes with responsibilities not everyone can cope with. What good is a promotion if it prevents you from spending any time with your family, or if it takes you out of the place where God might want you for a specific reason He has in mind? Real biblical success does not depend on a position at a company which defines your pay grade. God will provide, regardless of your pay grade, qualification or position.

An education can be helpful, especially if it is in line with God’s plan and purpose for your life. However, there are countless examples of people who made their mark in history, regardless of their education. If you take too much pride in your degrees and diplomas, you might miss the mark entirely when confronted with a situation that requires the guidance of your conscience or your heart, instead of resolving it cognitively as per usual. For example, I once heard of a brain surgeon who had to cut a lump out of someone’s brain. It was a standard procedure, requiring an exact operation. However, he received a very strong feeling from the Holy Spirit that he should cut away less than what was originally assessed. Only after doing so did he notice that if he had cut any more, he would have killed the patient instantly. He was only able to see this new information after taking action.

While I am a proponent of prosperity and promotion, I am only so for sound biblical reasons and never if it will affect your right-standing with God.

THE BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

The Bible is full of examples of how success can and should be defined. It is not necessarily the same for all, as a lot hinges on your particular situation or circumstances. For example, someone who is called to be a preacher will not have the same objectives or obstacles as someone who is called to make money for the preacher to be supported and enabled in his ministry.

However, there are certain matters in the Bible that pertain to all of us and our definition of success should be built around them. When we don’t, we fall into the trap of becoming part of the rat race and we end up pursuing hopes and dreams with no eternal value. For true biblical success, always take Philippians 2:13 to heart, “... for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” The spiritual man has new but godly desires and his definition of success will always line up with what God is asking of him, instead of how the world defines success.

When we embrace these new desires, the illusion of success this world has to offer gets exposed and in its stead, we seek God’s will and favour above all else. We also get a new understanding of passages in the Bible, like Psalm 37:4, which states, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” John 12:26 says, “If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me [to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.” This is true biblical success: being honoured by God for being faithful to the callings He placed in our hearts.

This brings us right back to our first, second and third callings in life. Firstly, the person who becomes born-again and escapes eternal damnation is infinitely more successful than the person who doesn’t. Secondly, every time we overcome evil with good we can make a tick mark on our success list. Thirdly, since every born-again believer was given the Great Commission, true success must always be measured in how effective and how faithful we went about this task. From God’s perspective, the person who never made a significant amount of money, but led a significant amount of souls to Christ, was far more successful in life than the person who became a millionaire, but never contributed in any way to the fulfilling of this Great Commission.

I am not saying we should not have a desire to make a lot of money in this life. However, if I do make a lot of money and if my focus is in the right place, I know my money will directly and proportionally benefit the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ. No matter what level of success I attain, my primary motivation is always directly linked to my primary callings in life. If I am promoted, I have a new sphere of influence from where I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost. If I make a million dollars, I can support a soul-winning ministry in a way I could never before. I can also give a significant amount of money to a homeless person and in the process, share the gospel with that person. If I attain the highest qualification possible, those who take me seriously for my professionalism at work can also take me seriously about what I have to say about Jesus Christ. If God blesses me with children, their salvation should be my number one concern. If someone crashes into my car because of his disregard for others, his salvation should be my number one concern as well.

Paul said in Philippians 2:15-16 “That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guiltless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, 16Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose.” It is clear from this Scripture that true success is directly linked to our concern for the lost. If not, our labour and every day doings will be in vain and of no eternal consequence.

We need to redefine our definition of success to be in line with Matthew 6:33, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” When we do, we are able to handle the things life throws at us in a far more mature and Christ-like manner. We can then turn distractions or diversions into opportunities to expand the Kingdom of God instead. While doing so we will experience the fulfilment of the promise from this verse, as well as the satisfaction and fulfilment that accompanies true biblical success.

Biblical Success Secret 4

Love

Love has become the forgotten key to every form of success in the life of a Christian. In any area of life where we struggle to make a breakthrough, you can be sure love is not at the centre of it all. Consider the follow passage from Matthew 22:

“Teacher, which kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light—which are heavy?] 37And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). 38This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. 39And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. 40These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 22:36-40

Think of all the areas in life you would like to excel in or experience success. It could be financial prosperity, physical healing and the ability to pray for others with effective results, to name just a few. From this passage of Scripture, Jesus made it clear all the Law and the Prophets depend upon this commandment of love.

To illustrate this point, picture a coat hanger with many hooks on which you can hang your coats. Each coat represents an area where you would like to see results. You might have a prosperity coat, a healing coat, a prophecy coat and even a preaching coat. The hooks on the coat hanger represent love. If I try to hang my prosperity coat, but it is not done out of love, there will be no hook to hang my coat on and my coat will fall to the ground. If I pray for someone to get healed, but my healing coat keeps falling to the ground, I should inspect my heart and my motives and make sure what I am doing is being done out of love for the person I’m praying for. If I fast for forty days with a selfish motive in an attempt to twist the Lord’s arm, can I reasonably expect to get the same results compared to when I do so with a sincere and affectionate desire for a situation that needs to change on someone else’s behalf?

Love is like the electricity that runs through a long power cord. The cord is fitted with various electrical sockets. If I try to switch on my lamp of prophecy, or my lamp of preaching or healing, but it is not done out of love, I will only experience a reduced current or perhaps even none, and my lamps won’t work the way they should.

Love is the catalyst for everything I try to get to work and on it hangs all the Law and the Prophets. Whether we tithe, whether we witness to someone, whether we pray or apply the seven habits of effective Christians, none of those things will work as they should without love being the driving force behind it all.

For years I tried to avoid this truth. I followed every teaching that promised prosperity, healing and marriage advice, just to name a few. In fact, if there was a teaching on the significance of the two hundred foreskins which David collected from the Philistines in exchange for Saul’s daughter and how they could be the cure to my problems, I probably would have pursued it as well. None of those teachings carried the message of love effectively and I tried every ‘formula’ for success in vain. All this I did in an attempt to avoid the message of love, a quality which I am sad to say I had none of. If only I had looked at my love-walk sooner, I could have saved a lot of people a lot of pain and heartache. The bottom line is love is one of the pillars of biblical success and without it everything we attempt in life, even if it is for a noble and eternal cause, ends up failing with no eternal value at all.

The Bible very clearly defines the basis for success in 1 Corinthians 13, and we can see it as the blueprint for successful Christian living:

“If I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2And if I have prophetic powers (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God’s love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody). 3Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God’s love in me), I gain nothing. 4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth]...

13And so faith, hope, love abide [faith—conviction and belief respecting man’s relation to God and divine things; hope—joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love—true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-8; 13

In verse 13, we see the definition of love: true affection for God and man, growing out of God’s love for and in us. It is very important to recognise this love is beyond human love and originates from God Himself. If we operate from human love, it is a false and wrong degree of love. This brings us right back to the purpose we were created for. You can only operate from this love when you are in a relationship with God. It also brings us back to our primary callings in life. This love only flows in and through us when we are in right-standing with God, pursue holiness and shun evil, and have a deep and genuine concern for the lost.

This forms the basis from where God’s love in us originates, but how do we make God’s love practical for us today? We only need to look at ourselves and how God demonstrated His love for us, to get a clear and valid answer. For example, human love says I love you because of how you look. When God looked at us, he did not see a pretty picture. Even if Adam and Eve had good physical appearances after they had sinned, God looked at them spiritually and saw they were dead. In John 8:44 God said those who are not born-again are children of the devil. Ezekiel 37 draws an ugly picture of a valley of dry bones, requiring a great miracle to be made alive again. Yet God loved us in spite of our appearances and spiritual condition and paid the ultimate price for us. He saw our potential – who we could be in Christ – and paid the fine for those who would choose to be made spiritually alive again.

Jesus Himself defined the love with which we ought to love in John 13:34, “I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.” Jesus loves us with one concern in mind: our eternal salvation! This commandment to love others the same way gives a new perspective on everything in life. Since Jesus paid the ultimate price for our eternal well-being, are we willing to pay whatever is required for the eternal well-being of others? No wonder everything hinges on this commandment of love. God made us for Him, not the other way around. Since He asked us to fulfil the Great Commission so all can have the opportunity to realise the purpose for which they were created, there is no reason why anything should work for us if we are not willing to be faithful to this calling - in Christ-like love!

True biblical success is only achieved when we are operating from these four foundational principles:

1)  Understand your purpose

2)  Know what is of eternal value by knowing your true calling

3)  Redefine your definition of success to line up with your purpose and calling

4)  Let God’s love through you be your driving force behind everything you do

As we continue to look at more success secrets from the Bible, it should be noted they are only as effective as the intensity with which we allow God’s love to flow through us.

Biblical Success Secret 5

Honour

When the four foundational principles of success are established in our lives, honour for God and man will be the fruit that bears witness to the depth of that foundation. It is a direct result of the love of God that flows through us, just like two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen in suitable conditions can’t help but form a water molecule.

Many who profess to be Christians walk around treating others with complete disregard and no respect at all. They have no desire to show honour to any except themselves and maybe the person paying their salary. Incidentally the majority of us lack power in everything we do. We lack power because God’s love is not flowing through us the way it should, blocked by our unwillingness to cultivate a lifestyle of showing honour instead.

The Microsoft Encarta Dictionary defines honour as having or showing great respect and admiration for somebody or something. How many of us show respect or have admiration for the homeless, the poor, the hungry or the mentally ill, to name a few? When we realise God created everybody for the same purpose, regardless of their social status, we can understand why it is so important to show honour to more than just the people we feel like showing it to. All the more so when we understand God wants us to play a part in reaching out to the lost, helping them to escape damnation and realise the purpose they were created for as well. 1 Peter 2:17 says “Show respect for all men [treat them honorably]...”

In Psalm 8:5 we see that God created us worthy of honour, “Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” Humans were made admirable, praiseworthy, respectable and good, and God expects us to treat our fellow human beings accordingly.

In Ezra 7:23 we have an example where honour was required, accompanied by a warning should it be lacking, “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done diligently and honorably for the house of the God of heaven, lest His wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons.”

In Proverbs 14:31 we see how a disregard for others is an insult to God, but showing kindness and mercy is not just an act of extending honour to man, but to God as well, “He who oppresses the poor reproaches, mocks, and insults his Maker, but he who is kind and merciful to the needy honors Him.”

A clear example of how a lack of honour can prevent the manifestation of God’s blessings in our lives can be found in Matthew 13:57-58, “And they took offense at Him [they were repelled and hindered from acknowledging His authority, and caused to stumble]. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house. 58And He did not do many works of power there, because of their unbelief (their lack of faith in the divine mission of Jesus).” A lack of honour where honour is due can literally prevent God’s power from flowing in our lives. It should come as no surprise, since honour is rooted in love and all the Law and Prophets hang on the commandment to love.

In Exodus 20:12 the commandment was given to honour our parents as well, “Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you.” This commandment was later repeated in the New Testament as a commandment still to be kept. Giving honour where honour is due can even determine the length of our days upon the earth.

Ephesians 5:33 states the importance of husbands and wives loving and honouring each other, “However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].” 1 Peter 3:7 shows how dishonour can even affect our prayer lives, “In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]” So many Christians feel like their prayers can’t get past the ceiling, but how many Christians fail to treat others, especially their wives, the way they know they should?

If you have any area in your life where you can’t make a breakthrough, or if you have an area where success constantly eludes you, remember that treating others with honour is a biblical success secret we cannot avoid. Our obedience to this commandment directly affects the manifesting power of God in our lives. No matter which way we look at it, we cannot neglect taking this principle of giving honour where honour is due to heart.

Biblical Success Secret 6

Do... As If Unto The Lord

Treating people with honour does not always come naturally and very seldom for the person who had years of practice dishonouring and disregarding others instead. When we begin to practice the flowing of God’s love through us, honouring people becomes a habit and a joy instead of it being a burden or something that seems like a pipe dream. However, if you really feel you are unable to align your conduct with God’s love, the principle of doing whatever you do as if unto the Lord will help you change, grow and ultimately succeed in this area.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”

I would like to use an example from my own life to illustrate how this principle can influence our circumstances when applied to our conduct. It was in the beginning of 2011 when my wife and I were very concerned about our children’s health. At the time, my youngest one was three years old, my second one was four years old and my oldest one was five, going on six. After conducting extensive tests, we concluded that our whole family had somehow been exposed to harmful chemicals – probably attributed to the polluted area we lived in. We lived in a city surrounded by industrial factories, and we were diagnosed with an acute case of heavy metal poisoning and various treatment options were considered. However, most of them had serious side-effects with the possibility of causing other long term problems. In the end, we decided to go with what seemed to be the safest and most natural detoxification method.

Together with a whole range of natural supplements, our chosen method required a dose of Alpha Lipoic Acid and Dimercaptosuccinic Acid administered in the following way: three days a week, one capsule to be taken every three to four hours with a minimum of eight capsules within a twenty four hour period. This meant medicating three very young kids at nine o’clock in the evening, one o’clock in the morning, and then at five o’clock in the morning again. The medication is time sensitive and has to be administered on the clock within a ten to fifteen minute window. If you take longer than the allotted time, it is advised to end that week’s medication until the next week’s cycle starts again. Although my wife assisted me with this, she wasn’t always able to do so due to the side-effects she experienced from taking the medication as well. I was the least affected, with only very mild symptoms. This meant I often found myself administering the medication to my children without any help.

Can you imagine what it takes to try and wake up a child at those times? Then multiply the effort by three! Any idea how long it can take to get them fully awake so they can drink their medication? To top it all, one side-effect of the heavy metal poisoning was bed-wetting, which affected the youngest ones the most. So after having administered their medication with water, I had to get up an hour or two afterwards to take them to the loo again. Drinking water in the middle of the night is counterproductive if you want to potty train a child, but the medication required a great intake of water as well. Then, as soon as the sun was rising, I had to get up and get ready for work.

The worst part of it all was that this went on for more than a year. You see, to detoxify heavy metals safely, you cannot use too strong a chelating agent, as this could cause an excessive amount of toxins to become available in the blood with some serious side-effects. So you’ve got to take your time, chelating bit by bit, working at it consistently for as long as it is necessary.

I did not react to this routine very well. My character was tested and challenged like never before and I often found myself treating my wife and kids with disrespect. Sometimes I would get emotionally aggressive with a child just in order to get him or her to become fully awake, so I can get them to drink their medication. If I got up an hour later to take a child to the loo and the bed was already wet, I would show my disapproval in a very irritated tone of voice.

Then the Lord showed me how counterproductive my actions were and how my behaviour was attributing to the problem and not helping to relieve it. I repented and asked the Lord to help me keep it together. The Lord then showed me this principle of doing whatever I do as if unto Him. Essentially, I heard the Lord ask me, “Henk, will you please do this for Me and at the same time be patient with your children? After all, they didn’t ask for this to happen and it is definitely not their fault. They are precious in my sight and I am counting on you to do this for Me.” The moment I shifted my focus from myself and my own self-pity to my children’s wellbeing and what God requires of me, I immediately experienced the Lord’s grace and His empowerment. This principle of doing whatever you do as if unto the Lord gave me a new desire to treat my children with respect and honour, no matter how tired I felt. After all, Jesus did so much for me by restoring me back to God. If He asked me to do this thing for Him with patience and kindness, it was still nothing compared to the price He paid on my behalf. Ironically, when I changed my conduct, healing and restoration came much sooner as well. With the change, my kids were (obviously) less nervous. As I complimented them or showed them love in spite of how I felt, they were able to overcome the bed-wetting and other problems in a far less stressful environment.

Another excellent example of how this principle can radically change a situation is from an account by Smith Wigglesworth, which I have heard many times in the past. Wigglesworth, who was born in England in 1859, locked his wife out of the house one night because she attended a church service which he didn’t want her to go to. His wife slept outside on the porch in the cold that night. The next morning when he opened the door for her, she greeted him with a smile and asked if she could make him some breakfast. This Christ-like love with which she responded to the situation shook Wigglesworth to his core. Because of her obedience and willingness to share the love of Christ in such a bold manner, Wigglesworth had a change of heart and became a man referred to by many as the greatest apostle since Paul (who wrote most of the New Testament). The only way I could possibly imagine myself sleeping outside in the cold and still having a merry heart the next day is if Jesus Himself asked me to do so for Him. Who knows what changes we could be making in this world if we were willing to embrace just this principle?

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.” When we keep this commandment in everything we do, success is inevitable.

Biblical Success Secret 7

Commit Your Plans To The Lord And Develop A Clear Sense Of Direction

Developing a clear sense of direction is undeniably a habit all successful people practice. When you make up your mind about what it is you would like to achieve, the ones who actually accomplish their dreams are almost always the ones who had set clear goals for themselves.

Clearly define your objectives, goals and sub-goals by writing them down, meditate on them constantly and do at least one thing every day that will bring you closer to your destination. This principle of writing something down is also a biblical principle. In Habakkuk 2:2 regarding a specific situation we read, “...Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.”

Furthermore we read in Luke 14:28-29, “For which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it? 29Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation and is unable to complete [the building], all who see it will begin to mock and jeer at him.” When King David wanted to build a Temple in honour of the Lord, he laid down the plans and collected all the money in advance. During David’s son’s reign, the vision was carried out and the mission accomplished very successfully. Compare this to when the Israelites were wandering in the desert after their great exodus from Egypt. They had no clear idea of which way to go next. They ended up travelling around the Promised Land for forty years without ever entering it. The next generation, led by Joshua, did have a clear sense of direction and they were able to possess the Promised Land. If you read the account of Noah, it is startling to note the precision with which the plans for the Ark were presented to him by God. Planning and organising is obviously an integral part of running a successful venture.

However, while it is very important to have a clear sense of direction, for the Christian it is even more important that his or her goals in life are clearly defined, based on the four foundational principles of biblical success as defined at the beginning of this book and not only by personal aspirations. Philippians 2:13 says, “... for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” When we become sold-out for Christ, our desires change in accordance with the four foundational principles. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says “...But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.” The things we wished for, the hopes and dreams we had for ourselves, are no longer important unless they are still important to God. He will impart new desires in us in accordance with His plans and purposes for our lives, as well as for the whole world.

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” This verse shows us very clearly that we will only experience true success when we revise our definition of what it really is, in accordance with God’s will. True biblical success can only be obtained when we allow God to change our thoughts to agree with His. So many people struggle in life, unable to make any progress or fulfil their dreams. When this happens, we need to realise it is only when we realign our plans and dreams with God’s will for our lives that we will be blessed with true success. While God promises to bless everything we lay our hands on, He is under no obligation to do so if it is not something He has authored for our lives, or if it is something in direct opposition to His will.

Committing everything you do to the Lord is the surest way to avoid spending time on fruitless ventures. It serves like a navigator in life and will help you to steer clear of things with no eternal value. For example, if I learn about a very successful cigarette brand from Brazil and I realise that nobody is marketing it in my country, committing this venture to the Lord will make me realise that it does not carry His approval. Cigarettes destroy life and bring death, create addictions and rob poor families of money that could be used for food instead. Jesus came to give life, break addictions and strongholds and alleviate people from extreme poverty. Even if I stand to make millions of dollars for the Kingdom of Christ, why would I spend my time, money and energy on something in direct opposition to the Lord’s work? If I really believe I am called to be a millionaire for the Kingdom of Christ, I will find alternative but sound methods of doing so. I will then have the assurance my plans are established in line with God’s will and my plans will succeed.

In his teaching called King’s and Priests, Charles Nieman tells the story of a man who experienced incredible success in a Fortune 500 Company, while only in his twenties. He made a lot of money for himself and his company and before the age of thirty he was in charge of thousands of employees. Everybody agreed he would probably become the CEO of the company one day. Then something happened that changed his life forever. He had a personal meeting with the Lord, repented of his sins and gave his life to Jesus Christ. He became born-again, sold-out for Christ and instantly had an intense desire to serve Him only. He then made the mistake of asking the wrong people how he can serve God. They told him that he should go to Bible school and become a pastor. He followed this advice, retired from his position at the Fortune 500 Company and was ordained as one of the pastors in his church. However, it didn’t take very long for him to realise he had no special talents for being a pastor. If he had asked the Lord about this plan to quit his job and become a pastor before taking action, he probably would have heard this was not God’s will for his life. God had called him to be a business man and had anointed him with the abilities and gifts to be successful at it. Through this position in society and the business world, this man would have been able to reach thousands upon thousands for Christ. Although he was sincere in his decision to become a pastor, he lived a very unhappy and unfulfilled life. The opposite can be true as well. There are many who are called by God to be in the ministry but who refuse to do so. They struggle in life, unsuccessful in everything they do because they have not committed their plans to the Lord to become in agreement with His will.

Recommitting all your plans to the Lord on a regular basis is key to making sure that you don’t end up riding a dead horse. What was once a good idea might not necessarily be so a few years later. It is also vitally important in any undertaking to ensure we continually strip away the things that are a diversion or distraction from what God has called us to do. For example, if I make movies for a living, dedicating my profession to the Lord on a regular basis will ensure I don’t end up producing films with questionable content. It is the secret weapon that will destroy all the subtle tactics of the devil to infiltrate the plans we originally committed to the Lord. It helps us to keep our energy focused on the things that have eternal value, not on the things of this world that are only temporal.

Biblical Success Secret 8

Seek First The Kingdom

Once a clear sense of direction in accordance with God’s plans for our lives has been established, it is important this takes priority over any other dreams or aspirations we might have. The challenge, however, lies in balancing everything else we have to do with that which God has called us to do. Obviously there are important things like spending time with your wife and kids, maintaining relations with relatives and tidying the house, just to name a few. However, we must never lose sight of that which is most important and then prioritise our lives and the goals we work toward accordingly.

In Matthew 6:33 we read, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” For the person who is not sold-out for Christ, this verse will sound like a suggestion. On the other hand, the person who is sold-out for Christ will realise these words of Jesus are a commandment from God Himself, understanding that when we seek His Kingdom first, above all else, all other things will be added unto us, if we still need it.

I’m not saying we should not spend time with family, or neglect our duties around the house. I’m saying when we don’t get time to expand the Kingdom of God and when we fail to work at the plans we have committed to Him, we need to reprioritise our lives. We can certainly watch less television. We don’t need to check Facebook or Twitter every thirty minutes. Chores around the house don’t have to take up all our time because we are being perfectionists. Planning our time better so we only go to the shops once a week instead of two or three times, will add much more free time to our weekly schedule.

When Jesus visited a certain house and taught there, the hostess Martha was very upset because her sister didn’t help her serve the guests as she expected her to. Instead, her sister chose to listen to what Jesus had to say. This is what Jesus said to the hostess in Luke 10:40-42, “But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]! 41But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; 42There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.” Choosing the Kingdom of God above all else is choosing the good portion.

When we embrace this principle of seeking the Kingdom of God first, we also embrace our calling to reach out to the lost. When we do, God can work in our lives mightily, according to the promises of His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 4:19).

I recently spoke to someone about the importance of seeking the Kingdom first by sharing our faith with the lost. I told her I believe Jesus will be very upset with many Christians when He returns. I told her Jesus asked us to preach the gospel to the world, but very few have taken this Great Commission to heart. She then told me the problem is that we move in our exclusive circles; having a Bible study here, having a prayer session there, all playing church and playing ‘good Christian’, but with no opportunity to speak to others about salvation. I told her she had explained the problem perfectly. We are so busy playing church we neglect our calling. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have Bible studies, but why don’t we have more outreaches instead? What good is studying the Bible if we don’t practice what it teaches?

Yes, we all have busy lives, bills to pay and probably Bible studies to attend. However, by neglecting the important things like reaching out to the lost, we are disobeying the commandment to first seek the Kingdom of God above all else. Since success for the Christian is linked to his faithfulness in executing this commandment, is it any wonder there are so many Christians not experiencing success in their lives? A busy life is no excuse, as most of us are only as busy as we have allowed ourselves to become. At the very least, all Christians are able to carry around packs of gospel tracks and hand them out everywhere they go. At the very least, every Christian can give money to an organisation faithful to this calling of reaching out to the lost.

I experienced how being faithful to this commandment can change a person and his circumstances. For many years I struggled with issues in my life with no breakthrough or success. I struggled with behaviour problems that negatively affected me and those around me. I had some anger management issues and from time-to-time I abused my loved ones emotionally. No matter what I tried, I was unable to overcome these issues and achieve any level of success in these areas. When I became sold-out for Christ, unfortunately these behaviour problems didn’t go away by themselves. I still felt like I was being controlled by my old nature and it seemed my prayers to be delivered remained unanswered. At the same time I had an intense desire to witness to people and share the good news with them. However, I was told by my pastor and other people that I could not do so before I salvaged my relationship with my wife. I was really discouraged, as I didn’t see any hope for my own proverbial ‘thorn-in-the-flesh’. I took the advice, but the more I tried to sort out my own issues, the worse they became.

In the end I realised the Kingdom of God was suffering because I was ‘prohibited’ from embarking on my own calling to share my faith with the lost. Paul said in Romans 7:15, “For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns].” I realised that, like Paul, I also struggled with many works of the flesh. Obviously there is no excuse for sin and the call to be holy should be taken seriously at all times. But to neglect all our callings and duties because we fail in one or even many other areas, is like saying I can’t rescue a person who is drowning because my boat is leaking oil. Yes, a boat leaking oil is a problem, but nobody in their right mind would care about a little oil spillage if it saved a life – least of all the person who was drowning.

We come up with many excuses why we can’t reach out to the lost. Do we really think we will be justified when we say to God, ‘I’m sorry Jesus, while there are many people who are lost and burning in hell forever, please understand I was unable to reach out to them when I had a chance, because I was unable to be a good husband to my wife’? Which scenario is better, a person who struggled with a particular sin for his whole life, but led thousands to Christ in spite of his sin, or the person who didn’t do anything for the Kingdom of God, because he felt his sin prevented him from doing so? While we should make every effort to overcome the sin and strongholds in our lives, when we find we are unable to do so is exactly the right time to embrace this commandment with even more determination. The commandment does not say ‘But first overcome your sin and then seek second of all His kingdom and His righteousness...’ It says “But seek first of all His kingdom and His righteousness, and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

In spite of all the bad things still in my life, I started to share my faith with those I worked with on a regular basis. When I ran out of people to talk to at the office, I started to see my lunch-breaks as an opportunity to literally ‘go into the world and preach the gospel.’ I would walk out of the office into the streets and find someone I could speak to about salvation. I started to carry gospel tracts with me, distributing them everywhere I went. I said to the Lord I would share the Good News of the Gospel in spite of my sin and in turn trust Him for complete deliverance from all the bad in my life. The moment I did this, I began to see positive changes in my character, for the first time in my life. Slowly but surely I started to feel God’s hand of deliverance as I began to overcome the negativity in my life.

You see, Romans 8:28 says, “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” When we first seek the Kingdom of God above all else, we are called in accordance with His design and purpose. Since all things work together for our good when we are called in accordance with His design and purpose, I have the assurance of success I didn’t have before.

If Christians and the Church would take this commandment to seek first the Kingdom to heart, the world would notice a transformation in the Body of Christ like never before.

Biblical Success Secret 9

G.I.G.O.

(Good In / Good Out)

We all have heard the saying ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out.’ The saying is based on the fact that when we feed ourselves ‘garbage’, it is only a matter of time before garbage begins to manifest in our lives, through our behaviour and our words. We live in a society and age where we are bombarded by information like never before. Our minds are constantly flooded with images by mass-marketing companies in an attempt to change our shopping habits and general behaviour to their advantage. On top of that we are exposed to music, movies, computer games and books with questionable content like never before.

Growing up I hated it when somebody would say that the devil was using the media to brainwash the public. I hated it because I was using the media to satisfy my own flesh in every possible way. I grew up in a religious home and certain moral boundaries were clearly defined. Diving head-first into socially acceptable but religiously condemned media-based content was the easiest way to bypass the physical barriers that were set up for me by my parents and the community I grew up in. With no one teaching me why some content should be avoided, and with no one really caring what I was actually keeping myself busy with, I saturated my mind with music put out by artists who promoted unsolicited sex, drugs, blasphemy and Satanism just to name a few. I also played computer games filled with witchcraft, lustful or demonic characters and violence. I read novels by bestselling authors, famous for their horror or psychopathically based content. When it came to movies, my friend and I would sometimes watch the same horror sci-fi movie over and over again, even three or four times during the same night. We would then repeat this weekend after weekend, to the point where we could narrate every gruesome detail of the film.

The ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’ philosophy does not necessarily pose a problem for the person who is trying to make a success of his life based on worldly values. However, unless dealt with, for the authentic Christian the amount of ungodly content he or she has been exposed to, presented in a pleasurable or excitable form, has a direct and negative impact on his or her life. This was one of the reasons why I struggled with so many behaviour problems, which I just couldn’t shake without the Lord’s help. All these things are designed to desensitise us from the real horror of this world, to the point where we lose the ability to empathise with those who are in dire need of the love of Christ. Some traumatic experiences as a child together with the amount of dark content I had exposed myself to did create a side to my character which I wasn’t very proud of. As someone who struggled with anger, together with a lack of empathy for those in pain, I found myself labelled by my wife as someone with severe antisocial behaviour.

When I finally repented and gave my life to the Lord, I found I still couldn’t shake my anger outbursts. I felt like a rat in a cage, trapped and unable to achieve any significant degree of success. As explained in the previous chapter, the first change only came when I started to seek first the Kingdom of God, above all else.

As I began to lead other people to Christ, the Lord showed me the exact opposite of the ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’ principle, and how it could change me. Just like we are affected by all the negative content we feed ourselves, we are also affected by all the positive content we regularly supply our hearts and minds. I was personally responsible for all the bad content I had fed myself for so many years, so I had to take responsibility and do my part by applying the ‘Good In, Good Out’ principle instead.

The ‘Good In, Good Out’ principle is found in Luke 6:45, “The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks.” At the time I had a lot of evil stored in my heart, and the devil used it to come against me and my family. I then decided that I was going to fill my heart with the good of God’s Word, and asked the Lord that He would replace the evil with His Word instead.

Most people will agree that going through the whole Bible in a year is quite a challenge. However, within one year I went through the whole Bible from beginning to end – twice! I was spending between two and three hours per day on the road travelling and I saw it as the perfect opportunity to feed my mind and heart with the Word of God by playing an audio version of the Bible. Later, I took the book of Romans and listened to it over and over again. I then took the book of Hebrews and did the same, and then the book of Luke. I also made a commitment to listen to wholesome music only. When I was growing up, the Christian music industry did not have a lot to offer. Nowadays, I am of the opinion that the quality of music put out by Christian artists completely surpasses anything the secular music world has to offer. We really don’t have any excuse to listen to music with questionable content anymore.

As I was continually feeding myself with the Word of God, I slowly but surely noticed that life began to flow out of me instead of all the negativity.  It was a gradual change, but the more I fed myself with the life-giving, life-changing Word of God, the more it changed me. I also enrolled in biblically-sound evangelical courses and started listening to sermons by people who are Kingdom focused. All this directly affected my ability to witness to strangers and colleagues. Suddenly I found people asking me tough questions about life and God and surprisingly, I seemed to have an answer for every one of those questions. I progressively started to feel empathy for others, where I previously had not felt much at all. As I continually seek the Kingdom of God and fill my mind with the truth of His Word, I still feel a constant change in my heart, as the good I put in shines a light on the darkness and expels it from my heart.

The ‘Good In, Good Out’ principle is not just a suggestion, it is actually a commandment from the New Testament for all believers. Philippians 4:8 says, “For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].”

God’s Word has the answer to every problem we face. To obtain biblical success we must pour God’s Word out like a bucket of water over our lives and over every failing situation. Psalm 119:25 says, “...revive and stimulate me according to Your word!” Only the Word (which is Jesus Christ) can give life to every dead situation. Keep in mind the words of Jesus in Luke 6:45 (quoted earlier in this chapter) as you read the following passage from Isaiah 55:

“For as the rain and snow come down from the heavens, and return not there again, but water the earth and make it bring forth and sprout, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. 12For you shall go out [from the spiritual exile caused by sin and evil into the homeland] with joy and be led forth [by your Leader, the Lord Himself, and His word] with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 13Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name of renown, for an everlasting sign [of jubilant exaltation] and memorial [to His praise], which shall not be cut off.”

Isaiah 55:10-13

The ‘Good In, Good Out’ principle can be applied to any area where we lack success. If I can’t motivate myself enough to work harder in order for me to qualify for a promotion, then I need to fill my mind with all the genuinely good reasons why a promotion would be of great benefit. To me, a promotion or financial increase means a new sphere of influence, or the ability to give more for the Kingdom of God. The more I meditate on this, the more I feel inspired to be excellent at my job so I can be promoted for all the right reasons.

If I don’t like someone, then I just need to find one good thing about that person that I can shift my focus to. The more I meditate on it, the more I open my mind to the possibility of other good things about that person as well. If I can’t find even one good thing, I shift my focus to the potential they have in Christ – the way God looks at us in love. I see them based on the four foundational principles of success. I see them as people created by God for the same purpose, created honourable and praiseworthy. This changes the attitude I have towards them and brings success in a previously untenable situation.

In Ephesians 4:23 we are commanded as follows, “... be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude].” When we continually focus on that which is good and pure and worthy of praise, and when we fill our minds and hearts constantly with the Word of God, we are setting ourselves up for success, because we are being obedient to the commandment to renew our minds.

The renewing of the mind is accomplished by saturating our minds with the Word of God. As we fill our hearts and minds with the Word, good begins to flow out of us. The good that flows also serves as a purifying method for the bad we originally filled ourselves with. As the good flows out, we might initially still struggle with some bad as well. However, as we continually fill ourselves with God’s Word, the bad becomes less and less until it disappears. Imagine a barrel filled with black oil. As I pour clean water into it, the barrel immediately overflows. Initially, the oil rejects the water and I see water and some oil spilling over. As I continue to pour water into the barrel, the amount of oil decreases as it is replaced by the water, until I have nothing but clean water left in the barrel. Like the water in the illustration, the Word of God purges the evil we stored in our hearts, until only the love of God flows out of us.

Biblical Success Secret 10

Put Off The Old, Put On The New

Practicing the ‘Good In, Good Out’ principle by filling our minds and hearts with that which is good and pure and worthy of praise, must be accompanied with the ‘Putting Off, Putting On’ principle as well. Philippians 3:13 says, “... but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” You see, as we begin to purge the evil from our hearts, we must purposefully let the old sinful nature go. The flesh will try to hold onto it with all its might, and the responsibility lies with us to loosen it from ourselves and to strain forward by embracing who we are in Christ instead.

Ephesians 4:22-23 says, “Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; 23And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude].”

You see, even though we were made righteous in God’s eyes when we became born-again, putting off the old nature and renewing the mind is still a commandment from God under the New Testament covenant. It is not necessarily something that happens automatically for everybody. As I explained in the previous chapter, even though I became a born-again child of God, I still battled with some personality disorders. As I started to replace the evil gunk that I had stored up in my heart with the Word of God, I gradually began to see a change. However, when I embraced the ‘Putting Off, Putting On’ principle, the good work that the Word started to do in me was immediately amplified.

We need to make a decision that we actually want to let go of all the evil. There are many people who fill themselves with God’s Word, but they still fail to be truly set free from their addictions or negative conduct. As long as there is still some desire for the evil that we previously embraced, it will continue to show up in our lives every now and then, preventing us from achieving the success in life that we otherwise could have obtained. When we make a decision to get rid of it once and for all, we can then strip ourselves of our former nature by telling it to go.

We have authority in the name of Jesus and everything that tries to set itself against God or His children must go when we command it to do so. Let’s look at some examples that will show us how to do this:

Firstly, identify all the things hindering you from achieving success in the specific areas you desperately need it. At the top of my list was the emotional anger I inflicted on those closest to me. I was not honouring them as I should have and as a result, I experienced the Lord’s impeding hand instead of His favour. Next was the way I treated others like beggars and destitute strangers, whom I deemed as unworthy from my own self-righteous perspective. Your list can include anything that is a hindrance in your life. Do you feel like you struggle with laziness, your temper or even the ability to like a particular person? Write it all down.

Secondly, identify all the emotions that accompany each item on your list. It is very important that you are totally honest with yourself. For example:

Problem 1: Antisocial and abusive behaviour

Feelings or emotions associated with this problem:

• Lack of empathy towards people in pain

• Feelings of anger and resentment towards those who show me love

• An unexplained desire to hurt those who love me

• I feel I am better and more important than others

• An unexplained feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction when I emotionally hurt those who love me

Once those emotions and feelings have been identified, take them to God and discuss them with Him. Realise that you are wrong for feeling the way you do and for acting on those feelings. However, you don’t want to just be able to control those feelings. You actually want to get rid of them and replace them with godly feelings and emotions. If we only learn to control those feelings, we are like the Incredible Hulk who needs to train himself not to switch and become the monster. It is only a matter of time before something triggers the monster again. We want to get down to the root of all the bad fruit, uproot them and replace them with good seeds that will ultimately bear good fruit instead.

Thirdly, take each emotion or feeling and see what the Word says about it. To list a few examples, I can derive the following from the Bible:

• Unrighteous anger is warned against

• Lack of sympathy is the opposite of compassion

• A desire to hurt is rooted in selfishness and the opposite of having a desire to help or comfort

• Feeling superior to others is rooted in self-righteousness, while the Word commands us to deem ourselves lower than others and to serve instead

When we see who we are supposed to be in Christ, we are in a position where we can begin to deal with the flesh. Since we have been given authority over the enemy and since we are the righteousness of God, Satan can no longer have any power over us if we resist him in Jesus’ name.

So fourthly, take each feeling or emotion that sets itself against the Word of God and put it off by commanding it to go in Jesus name. Also, do the same for every root-cause of any bad fruit you have identified. Then, put on who you are in Christ and what the Word commands. For example, my prayers might look like this:

• In the name of Jesus Christ I command all unrighteous anger that I have allowed in my life to go. I declare that Christ has delivered me from the power of darkness, and I choose life instead. Father, because of your grace and mercy, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ that you will give me the strength to overcome my unrighteous anger, and clothe me with who I am in Christ. In the place of my unrighteous anger, I now put on love, peace, compassion and joy, and I choose to allow these emotions in the place of any anger. Thank you Lord for changing me.

• In the name of Jesus Christ I command every desire I have to hurt other people to go. Those feelings and desires are from Satan, as he is a thief, a murderer and the father of lies. I declare that Christ has delivered me from the power of darkness, and I choose life instead. Father, because of your grace and mercy, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ that you will give me the strength to overcome my desires to hurt other people, and clothe me with who I am in Christ. I pray that you will uproot any evil roots that I have allowed, or that were planted by the enemy causing me to bear this bad fruit. In its place I ask for a deeply rooted understanding of your love and compassion, and that I will bear fruit that testifies of a Christ-like nature, which is pleasing to you. I now put on a Christ-like desire to help, comfort and care, and I declare in the name of Jesus Christ that I am a helper, a comforter and carer filled with compassion for other people. Thank you Lord for changing me.

Obviously these are only example prayers, and rather than just following a formula they should be prayed from the heart. John 15:26 says, “But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.” Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any secrets and truths you might not be aware of, that need to be prayed about as well.

Constantly renew your mind with the Word of God. Identify areas where you are lacking and need to change. Then pray over them, and in authority put off the old by commanding it to go and put on the new by establishing it through the spoken Word. It is important that these prayers are prayed out loud, filled with faith and authority, as I will explain in the next chapter.

Biblical Success Secret 11

Calling The Things That Are Not

One day, a friend of mine found himself in the central business district of Johannesburg, which is one of the most dangerous places in South Africa. He was lured by a false ad for good prices on mobile phones, and by neglecting sound safety principles and common sense, he ended up with a gun pointed straight at him. My friend was shot at twice, at point blank range while sitting in his car, yet not one of the bullets hit him. How did this happen? Right before the shots were fired, my friend confessed Isaiah 54:17, with authority, directly at his assailant, saying to him in a loud and stern voice, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper!” With that the assailant aimed at my friend’s chest and pulled the trigger twice. Later while cleaning his car, my friend discovered two fired bullets lying on the floor of his car. The Word of God is our sword and shield. We activate the Word when we speak it with faith-filled authority.

The reason for this is we were created in the image of Elohim, God the Creator. How does God create? By calling the things that are not as though they were! Romans 4:17 says, “... [God] gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.” Since we were created in His creative image, we can imitate Him by also calling the things that are not as though they were.

In Genesis 1 we see just how God brought order to this world by calling forth the things that were not as though they were. For example, in verse 3 God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. In verse 28 we see how God brought a blessing into existence after He created man, “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.’”

In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve had sinned, we see how God brought a curse over the serpent, the woman and the man. In verse 14 the Lord God said unto the serpent, “Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. Upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.” In verse 16 the Lord said unto the woman, “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” From verse 17 God said unto Adam, “Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, ‘Thou shalt not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. 18Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. 19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return unto the ground, for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

From these verses of Scripture we can see how God changed a situation by calling the things that were not as though they were. By adding emphasis to some words, we can see that in the beginning God said “Let there be...” and there was. God blessed Adam when He said to him “Be fruitful... have dominion...” and Adam received the ability to be fruitful and to have dominion. God cursed the serpent when He said, “though art cursed... upon thy belly shalt thou go... dust shalt thou eat...” To the woman He said, “in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children... thy desire shall be to thy husband... he shall rule over thee...” To the man He said, “cursed is the ground... in sorrow shalt thou eat of it... Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth... In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread... unto dust shalt thou return...”

In Genesis 9, after the flood from which only Noah and his household escaped, God blessed Noah and his sons by saying to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth...”

In Matthew 21:19-20 we see how Jesus similarly changed a situation with His words, “And as He saw one single leafy fig tree above the roadside, He went to it but He found nothing but leaves on it [seeing that in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. And He said to it, Never again shall fruit grow on you! And the fig tree withered up at once. 20When the disciples saw it, they marvelled greatly and asked, How is it that the fig tree has withered away all at once?” What I find interesting is what Jesus said in the next verse, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done.”

Apart from the fact that we were created in the image of God the Creator with creative ability, we were also given the authority to rule and have dominion in this world, just like Jesus did. In Luke 10:19 Jesus said, “Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.” Furthermore, in John 14:12 Jesus said, “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.”

In the light of this, what has been our response to the authority we were given and how are we utilising our creative ability? Just keep your ears open and it won’t take you very long to notice! Parents and teachers say to their children and students, “You are stupid...”, “You are an idiot...”, “You will never amount to anything...”, “You are a failure...”, “There is no hope for you...”, “You are useless...”

Faced with our own insecurities we say about ourselves, “I will never...”, “There is no hope...”, “I cannot...”, “My parents were poor, so I will probably also be poor...”, “I’m destined to be bald just like my dad...”, “Cancer runs in the family so there is a good chance...”, “I must be crazy...”, “I’m not in my right mind...”, “It makes me sick...”, “I’m dying to...”

Are we really surprised when we read in Matthew 5:22, “...and whoever says, You cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire.”? Since Jesus showed us by example when He rebuked the storm and said “Be still!” should we be surprised when storms wreak havoc while all the Christians remain quiet? In general, we are either neglecting to use the authority we were given, or we abuse it by speaking curses instead of blessings.

There is a miracle in your mouth and you can use it to bring life or you can use it to bring death. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].” How foolish of a parent to say to his child, “Those drugs are going to kill you,” and then cry when it happens and say, “I told him those drugs will kill him, but he wouldn’t listen...” Could the outcome have been different if the parent had rather said, “You will come to your senses before it is too late!”

James 3:3-5 says, “If we set bits in the horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about. 4Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze!” A boat’s rudder applies pressure when turned in water, which has a direct effect on the direction the boat moves. When pressure is applied at first, you don’t see any change. Slowly but surely, after a while the boat begins to turn. We might not always see the effects of our words immediately, but when we keep applying pressure by staying true and faithful to our positive or negative confessions, we will begin to see and experience change.

A decree is an announcement, an order or a law that has been established. Psalm 2:7 shows us how a new order or law is established, “I will declare the decree of the Lord...” When we announce or proclaim or speak something with authority, we are establishing a law. This is how we create with our words. This is how we call the things that are not as though they were: through our spoken confessions.

An example of how a curse can be created is found in Genesis 31. After Jacob had married Laban’s daughter Rachel, Jacob left Laban and was on his way to his homeland. However, unknown to Jacob, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. Three days later, Laban pursued Jacob in an attempt to recover the idols. Jacob, unaware of the fact that Rachel had taken the household gods, declared in verse 32, “The one with whom you find those gods of yours, let him not live.” Rachel cleverly hid the gods and they did not find them. However, Jacob had made a decree and Rachel dearly paid the price for her sin. In Genesis 35, Rachel died prematurely during childbirth.

Another example is found in Joshua 6. After the walls of Jericho came tumbling down and the city was destroyed, Joshua declared in verse 26, “... Cursed is the man before the Lord who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. With the loss of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.” For centuries, no one attempted to rebuild the city. Then in 1 Kings 16:34, the curse made by Joshua on those who would rebuild the city, came to pass, “In his days, Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho. He laid its foundations at the cost of the life of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Joshua son of Nun.”

Sometimes success eludes us because of curses and strongholds that were created by our parents, grandparents or other persons of influence through their negative words or confessions. For example, if you find that people treat you with disrespect no matter where you go, it could be that someone, like a mom or dad, kept telling you that you are worthless. Many times we will know exactly what the origin of something like this is, but often it requires a revelation from the Holy Spirit.

Such a curse or stronghold is like a bad seed that was planted, causing a deep-rooted but unwanted weed to grow in an unwelcome environment. Once you have identified the root cause of a problem in your life, it can be uprooted and destroyed by the blood of Jesus Christ and the word of your confession. You can also plant a new seed in its place and literally establish the truth of who you are in Jesus Christ instead.

Once a curse has been identified, declare in the name of Jesus Christ the curse broken, uprooted and utterly destroyed. Then declare, in the name of Jesus Christ, the truth of who you are in Christ. Here is an example of such a declaration: “In the name of Jesus Christ I declare the curse that I would be worthless, as established by my parents, cancelled, uprooted and utterly destroyed. I declare that Christ has rendered the curse harmless and ineffective against me and my children. In its place, I declare in the name of Jesus Christ that I am appreciated and worthy, because I was bought with a price by Jesus Christ Himself. I declare the Word of God is true and that I am wonderfully made, honourable, praiseworthy and glorious in God’s sight.”

When we speak the opposite of what God’s Word says for ourselves or for others, we help to establish the kingdom of darkness. Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak.” Find out who you are in Christ and establish God’s Kingdom in your life and on the earth by only speaking His Word.

Biblical Success Secret 12

The Power Of Praise And Worship

When we realise there is tremendous power in our words, especially when we speak God’s Word, we can only begin to appreciate why praise and worship is such an effective force in the mouth of the Christian.

Music has the ability to move us on an emotional level unlike anything else. Praise and worship, especially when combined with music, can connect us with God on an emotional and spiritual level. This is such an effective method we can use to engage with the Lord. When we do, we fulfil the primary purpose we were created for. I’m not talking about a religious practice that has lost its meaning over time, but a genuine heartfelt connection with God created by a loving relationship with Him.

Praise and worship through music is often created in such a way that when we speak to the Lord, we are not only confessing His goodness and how great He is, but we also call forth the things that are not, as though they were. For example, a song might contain lyrics proclaiming God’s light dispels the darkness, or that His peace reigns when fear wants to take me over and so on. When we sing these lyrics, we are literally calling forth light in the place of evil darkness, calling peace in the place of fear.

John 6:63 says, “It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.” God’s Word is spirit and life. This means that some words are flesh and death. When we speak or sing God’s Word, we confess and proclaim spirit and life. This is one of the main reasons I listen to music with a positive and godly message only. Have you ever noticed how the lyrics of a song can repeat itself over and over in your mind, even long after the music has stopped? When this happens, I much rather want words that contain spirit and life to repeat themselves in my heart and mind, than words that bring death. For example, I would much rather hear the repetitive lyrics “Lord your love has made me whole” in my mind than “Girl you make me sick...”

I’m not saying we shouldn’t listen to secular music. However, if you are pursuing true biblical success with all your might, listening only to music with positive and godly confession is essential. This ties directly in with the principle of calling forth the things that are not as though they were. It also ties directly in with the principle of renewing your mind, putting off the old and putting on the new. It is also a very effective method for practicing the ‘Good In / Good Out’ principle.

Furthermore, praise and worship empowers us and makes us strong. It also activates the divine authority we have been given. In the story of Abraham narrated by Paul the apostle, we read in Romans 4:20-21, “No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.” Abraham had received a promise from God that he would be the father of many nations. When Abraham was about 100 years old, the Bible says his body was ‘as good as dead’, and his wife, Sarah, had a ‘dead’ womb. This Scripture in Romans 4 tells us Abraham was empowered as he gave praise and glory to God, regardless of physical appearances or natural limitations. According to the Microsoft Encarta Dictionary, the word ‘empowered’ means “to give somebody power or authority.” So when Abraham praised and worshiped God, he wasn’t just given power in his physical body to enable the fulfilment of the supernatural promise God had made to him, but he was also given the divine authority to do so. He was calling forth the things that were not as though they were – in agreement with God’s Word. Once he was given the authority, no one and nothing could stand in his way.

In addition, praise and worship has the power to break the chains of spiritual and physical bondage. It is the key that can unlock prison doors and set captives free. When Paul and Silas were in prison because of their faith in Jesus, we read in Acts 16 that they were praying and singing hymns of praise to God. This was in spite of them being heavily wounded, in much pain and being unfairly treated. This act of praise and worship caused an earthquake to open the doors of the prison and unfasten their shackles. They were set free!

Perhaps the most astounding demonstration of praise and worship is found by comparing two events from the Bible. In the first example, only prayer was used without praise and worship. In Daniel 10 we see that Daniel was praying earnestly regarding a certain matter. His prayers were immediately heard and an angel was sent to him. However, while on his way, the angel was resisted by the Prince of Persia. For twenty one days Daniel had to keep on praying before his messenger was finally assisted by the archangel Michael and only then could he get through to him. Daniel 10:12-13 says, “Then he said to me, Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your mind and heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come as a consequence of [and in response to] your words. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief [of the celestial] princes, came to help me, for I remained there with the kings of Persia.” So while Daniel’s prayers were instantly heard, the messenger couldn’t get through to him immediately, due to the spiritual darkness that surrounded him.

In the second example, praise and worship was used with radically different results. 2 Chronicles contains the account of the Moabites and the Ammonites who came up against Jehoshaphat in battle. Jehoshaphat was afraid, called a fast unto the Lord and all of Judah sought the face of the Lord regarding the matter. The Lord answered them and told King Jehoshaphat they should not be afraid. The Lord had heard their cries to Him and assured them the battle would belong to the Lord Himself. So they set themselves against the enemy, not to fight but to worship instead. Verses 21-22 says, “... he appointed singers to sing to the Lord and praise Him in their holy [priestly] garments as they went out before the army, saying, Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! 22And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were [self-] slaughtered.” The Lord had caused confusion in the camp of the enemy and they destroyed themselves – not one escaped.

From the first example we see that when Daniel prayed, an angel was sent to help him, but due to the spiritual darkness in the area, the angel took twenty one days before he was able to deliver the message to Daniel. Compare this to the second example. When King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah praised and worshipped the Lord, God Himself showed up and fought the battle on Israel’s behalf.

The act of praise and worship is also a command under the New Testament, which should not be neglected. Hebrews 13:15 declares, “Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.”

Praising and worshipping God is not something that should only be a weekly event at church. Praise and worship should be a lifestyle; a natural extension of who we are in Christ. I am of the opinion it is impossible for the Christian to experience genuine and true biblical success without having a lifestyle of praise and worship.

Biblical Success Secret 13

Don’t Be Offended

Proverbs 18:19 says, “A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.”

It is so easy for us to become offended. To be offended means to feel upset, insulted, treated rudely, or have our feelings hurt. Sadly, when we are treated this way it is so easy to upset, insult, be rude to, or hurt someone else’s feelings as well. The moment we do this, we are violating some of the biblical success laws described in this book. Instead of honouring and treating others with love, we turn on them and do or say things to hurt and let them feel the same way too. Regardless of whether we feel justified to act in this manner, it should never be an option, as it can rob us of the good plans God has in store for us.

Above all, we should never feel offended by God. When things are not going our way, when we feel frustrated or when bad things happen and we don’t understand why, blaming God is not going to help us. In fact, it could possibly hinder the Lord’s work in our lives, which we could have experienced in spite of the things that offended us.

Compare the example of Paul and Silas from the previous chapter with what happened to John the Baptist. Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned, but instead of being offended at God or their assailants they chose to praise and worship God instead. This act of faith and obedience to love and trust in spite of their affliction caused the hand of the Lord to mightily work on their behalf. Miraculously the prison doors were opened and they were set free.

John the Baptist, on the other hand, was also imprisoned but instead of praising and worshipping God in spite of his circumstances, he got offended and was decapitated in the end. Before John’s imprisonment, we can clearly see he received divine revelation about who Jesus is. In John 1:29 we read, “The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, Look! There is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!” However, after John’s imprisonment, it is obvious that John’s faith was greatly tested. It is also obvious he was offended because of the mighty work Jesus was doing, yet he was actually in prison for Christ’s sake. In Luke 7:19-20 we read about John’s frustrations when he sent his messengers to ask Jesus, “... Are You He Who is to come, or shall we [continue to] look for another?” In Luke 7:22-23 we see Jesus’ response to this situation: “So He replied to them, Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the good news (the Gospel) preached to them. 23And blessed (happy—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, apart from outward conditions—and to be envied) is he who takes no offense in Me and who is not hurt or resentful or annoyed or repelled or made to stumble [whatever may occur].” From Jesus’ response it is clear that God’s blessing, which is a requirement for true biblical success, may be hindered from manifesting in our lives when we take offence.

In another account, we see in Numbers 12 how Miriam, the sister of Aaron, was made leprous by God for seven days in His anger towards her, because they were speaking against Moses. They had become indignant, jealous and offended because of the higher position of authority Moses had before the Lord. Numbers 12:2 says of Miriam and Aaron, “And they said, Has the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Has He not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it.” Because of the offense they had taken, the Lord’s anger was kindled against them.

In Matthew 20, Jesus told the parable of the owner of an estate who early in the morning hired workmen for a day’s wage. Later in the day, he hired more workmen, but for the same wage. When all were being paid, the ones who worked for only a short while were paid the exact same amount as those who had worked the whole day. The ones who had worked the full day for the same wage became disgruntled and complained to the owner of the estate. The owner of the estate answered one of them as follows in Matthew 20:13-15, “... Friend, I am doing you no injustice. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this man hired last the same as I give to you. 15Am I not permitted to do what I choose with what is mine? [Or do you begrudge my being generous?] Is your eye evil because I am good?” Just because we feel let down when someone else is blessed by God does not give us any reason to take offense. Why not be happy for him or her instead?

To conclude, if I compare what happened to John the Baptist with Paul and Silas, I can see praise and worship is an act of faith where I wholeheartedly trust the Lord regardless of my circumstances. Taking offence on the other hand, seems to be the exact opposite of praising and worshipping God. When we understand this principle, it shouldn’t be too difficult for us to make a conscientious decision to trust God for a positive outcome in a dire situation, rather than to take offence and insult our Maker, preventing God’s blessing in the process.

Biblical Success Secret 14

Pray... And Then Some

James 5:16b says, “... The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”

If we are to experience biblical success, we need tremendous dynamic power made available to us. In order for us to activate this power, earnest, heartfelt and continued prayer may be required. There are times when we pray and an answer is given immediately. But Christians in general have lost the ability to pray. We live in a time and age where everything that is not available instantly leaves us frustrated or is frowned upon. Those in the current and future generations who are not taught the principle of delayed gratification are going to have a hard time accepting the need to wait for things that cannot be obtained on the spot.

Sometimes we really need to seek the Lord’s face regarding a specific matter. This is a biblical principle: ask and keep on asking, and you will receive. However, this Scripture does say the prayer of a righteous man makes power available. When we pray and don’t get an answer, it will be either because we are not in right-standing with God, because we are asking outside of the will of God, or because we need to pray some more.

John 16:23-24 says, “And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]. 24Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.” While Jesus said we will be granted whatever we ask, we need to ask based on the foundational principles of biblical success, as discussed earlier. Is what you are asking in line with and representative of all that Jesus is? The answer to our prayer for salvation, healing, deliverance and so on is representative of who Jesus is. But when I pray for money to satisfy my own selfish desires, or if I pray for a promotion because I have my own personal aspirations and not because I have a desire for the Kingdom of God, there is no reason why God should answer our prayers. I’m not saying He won’t, but there is no obligation on His part to have to do so.

James 4:2-3 makes this plain, “You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3[Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.”

However, when we are asking for all that is in line with God’s Word for us, we sometimes need to see it through with prayer. Isaiah 62:6-7 says, “I have set watchmen upon your walls, O Jerusalem, who will never hold their peace day or night; you who [are His servants and by your prayers] put the Lord in remembrance [of His promises], keep not silence, 7And give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her a praise in the earth.” Set your alarm for every hour and go on your knees before God in prayer, if need be.

In Luke 18, Jesus told a parable to the effect that we should always pray without losing heart. There was a widow who came to an unjust judge, asking for justice against her adversary. Luke 18:4-5 says, “And for a time he would not; but later he said to himself, Though I have neither reverence or fear for God nor respect or consideration for man, 5Yet because this widow continues to bother me, I will defend and protect and avenge her, lest she give me intolerable annoyance and wear me out by her continual coming or at the last she come and rail on me or assault me or strangle me.” In verse 7, Jesus said, “And will not [our just] God defend and protect and avenge His elect (His chosen ones), who cry to Him day and night? Will He defer them and delay help on their behalf?”

Joel 2:17 says, “Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar...” Sometimes, depending on what we are praying for, we need to bring our petition before the Lord even with weeping, if required. Praying consistently to the Lord is part of fulfilling our purpose. We were created to have a personal relationship with God and how else can we build this relationship unless we talk to Him constantly?

To conclude, In Acts 10 we read of a certain man called Cornelius, who gave money to the poor and prayed continually to the Lord. Acts 10:4 says, “... Your prayers and your [generous] gifts to the poor have come up [as a sacrifice] to God and have been remembered by Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); 17Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; 18Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].” When we rejoice in our faith, pray with perseverance and give thanks to God no matter what the circumstances, we are exercising God’s will for our lives; when we do so with praise and worship and because we are seeking first the Kingdom of God, above all else and without being offended, our prayers will be answered and true biblical success becomes inevitable.

Biblical Success Secret 15

Embrace Your Righteousness

Ephesians 6:14 says, “Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God.” Our victory over Satan is dependent on one thing and one thing only: our righteousness before God based on what Jesus did for us on the cross.

To be righteous means to be in right-standing with God. When we become born-again, our death penalty is cancelled, because someone else paid the fine for our sins. We are restored to God and death has no more power over us. However, we don’t just believe we are the righteousness of God, but we wear it by putting it on like a breastplate. A skydiver doesn’t just believe in the power of a parachute, but he puts it on. The way we put on our righteousness is through faith, and by changing our conduct to line up with everything God asks of us or who He says we are in Christ.

I am of the opinion too many Christians fail in life because they fail to actually wear their righteousness. Sin makes cowards of men, so it is important to avoid sin at all cost and pursue holiness instead. However, we need to have faith that once we have confessed and turned from our sins, we are clean before God and can wear our righteousness with boldness and with no fear of condemnation.

When you know you are in right-standing with God, you have faith on the inside that will help you stand against everything that is in contradiction with who you are in Christ. As someone who is the righteousness of God, I have no other desire but to seek first the Kingdom of God above all else. And when I do, I know that all things work together for my good. Therefore, I can come with boldness against anything that is trying to contradict who I am in Christ, by using the power of my words and speaking them in authority to cause every lie of the devil to be made null and void. Every situation must change to fall in line with the truth of the Word of God for my life, because I am the righteousness of God. The Word of God is true and every word spoken by man or Satan that is the opposite of who I am in Christ, is a lie.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.” Our righteousness is our greatest weapon against the enemy. When you are in right-standing with God, Satan has no case against you. When we embrace the free gift of righteousness, the power that we have in quoting Scripture, praising and worshipping God and rebuking Satan will be infinitely more. It will produce faith and confidence inside you that you never had before. It will also give you the confidence to pursue biblical success, because you know God is on your side and everything you put your hands on will prosper!

Biblical Success Secret 16

Daily Communion

As Christians we have an instruction from the Lord to take communion in remembrance of Him. It is an outward act of obedience, designed and intended for the strengthening of our faith. In Egypt, just before the tenth plague was about to be visited upon the Pharaoh, the Hebrews were instructed to apply the blood of a lamb on their door posts. There was enough power in the blood of the lamb to keep the angel of death out of their homes. How much more power is there today in the blood of Jesus? In Matthew 26:28 Jesus said “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Whenever you feel the enemy has the upper hand in your life, enforce your righteousness under the New Contract by taking communion. When we eat of the bread, we are declaring as much as we are reminded that we are now part of the Body of Christ and that Satan has no power over us anymore. We are also declaring that by His stripes we are healed. When we drink of the wine or red grape juice, we are declaring as much as we are reminded that by His blood we were purchased and that it was poured out for the forgiveness of our sins. It was poured out so we can be righteous. By taking communion we are enforcing this truth, the enemy is restrained and has to back down. Take communion on a regular basis, even many times during the day if needed. I prefer to start and end my day with communion and have found it to be invaluable in my daily routine – not as a religious ceremony that has lost its meaning over time, but as a true opportunity to apply the blood of Jesus Christ over my family, my house and every other aspect of my life.

Biblical Success Secret 17

Pay God First

Another success principle found in any number of self-help books, is the principle of paying yourself first. The suggestion is that you should always save some of your money (preferably at least ten percent) and spend some of your money on yourself. It is not my aim to explore this principle in this book and while I don’t argue its importance, I believe the more important principle is to pay God first.

In my book The Grace / Wealth Connection, I dedicated a fair amount of time explaining first fruit offerings, sacrificial offerings and the tithe in great detail. To tithe simply means I take ten percent of my income and give it to God without any reservation. This means, as a person who is first seeking the Kingdom of God above all else, I want to give ten percent of my money to a church, organisation, institution or person who is first and foremost fulfilling the Great Commission by seeking the lost and leading them to Christ.

For the Christian who wants to obtain true biblical success, tithing is essential. Without money, the Kingdom of God suffers. Apart from each of us doing individually our bit on a daily basis, sharing the gospel with the world is an expensive exercise. At the same time it is not something that should be neglected. In Deuteronomy 8:18 we see why God wants us to prosper, “But you shall [earnestly] remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

Since God is more concerned about us doing our part in fulfilling the Great Commission than holding on to all our money for ourselves, He promised certain blessings for us if we are faithful with our finances and pay Him first. Since God is the one who gives us the ability to prosper, it shouldn’t be too difficult for us to part with only ten percent of our money for His sake, if that is what He asks for.

In Deuteronomy 26:1-15 we see how the Lord instructed the Israelites under the Old Covenant to tithe, together with an explanation as to the reason for this. The Sabbath was a sign between God and Israel to commemorate their freedom from the yoke of bondage they were delivered from in Egypt.  Similarly, the tithe served the purpose of coming before the Lord with a grateful heart and an opportunity to present to the Lord the first and best of their income, as an offering to the Lord to commemorate their freedom from the yoke of bondage they were delivered from in Egypt. The tithe was presented in full acknowledgement of the Lord as the only source of provision. Presenting the tithe in a fitting manner was also always accompanied with thanksgiving and worship.

In the New Testament in Hebrews 7:1-21 we see the connection between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, together with an explanation as to how the tithe should be presented under the New Covenant. With the New Testament came an alteration to the Law. While tithes were presented to the priests in the Old Testament, God declared Jesus Christ our perpetual High Priest that lives forever. Therefore, when we tithe by bringing a tenth of our income to a soul-winning ministry we are in effect presenting it directly to Jesus Christ.

While we were not slaves in Egypt like the Israelites under the Old Covenant, all believers have something else in common: we all were once slaves of Satan and in bondage to him. Luke 24:27 says of Jesus, “Then beginning with Moses and [throughout] all the Prophets, He went on explaining and interpreting to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning and referring to Himself.” Just like Moses saved the Israelites from bondage in Egypt and led them into the Promised Land, Jesus saved us from spiritual bondage and gave us Eternal Life.

When we tithe, we tithe to Jesus Christ our everlasting High Priest. We tithe with an attitude of gratitude for saving and delivering us from the yoke of bondage we once experienced while in spiritual darkness. We tithe to the Lord, fully acknowledging Him as our only provider. We present our tithes in thanksgiving and in worship.

To tithe is a commandment in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, Malachi 3:8-9 says, “Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation.” In the New Testament Paul echoed the writings of Malachi 3:8-10 when he wrote in Romans 2:22, “... You who abhor and loathe idols, do you rob temples [do you appropriate to your own use what is consecrated to God, thus robbing the sanctuary and doing sacrilege]?” When the Pharisees set a trap for Jesus and asked Him whether it was lawful to pay taxes or not, He not only told them that they should give back to Caesar what belonged to Caesar (taxes), but also to God what is God’s (the tithe). When success eludes the Christian, he must ask himself whether he is faithful with his tithe. The Bible declares those who rob God are cursed with the curse and guilty of blasphemy and disrespect (sacrilege).

On the other hand, when we tithe we are positioning ourselves for success. Malachi 3:10 says, “Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. Why? Because His servant is one who is willing to do with his wealth whatever the Lord asks of him, including being faithful with the tithe. Psalm 35:27 says, “Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.”

In your quest for true biblical success, paying your tithe or even more than your tithe, and doing so with a cheerful and generous heart, is essential. We are careful not to steal from others, yet the first person we steal from when things are tight is usually God. I have made up my mind that I will always pay God first, no matter what my circumstances are. Stealing from God should never even cross our minds and quite frankly, I’d rather hear from my bank, my creditors or from a debt collector than to have to hear from God in this regard.

Biblical Success Secret 18

Know The Word

The Lord God commanded Adam in Genesis 2:16-17, saying, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and blessing and calamity you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” In Genesis 3:1, however, we see how Satan instigated the fall of man by misquoting God, “Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?”

Notice how the serpent cleverly asked the question ‘Can it really be?’ instigating a response of natural curiosity. He then told them a direct lie, but combined it with just enough truth to make the lie believable. At first, the woman did well in responding with the truth in verse 2 and beginning verse 3, “We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden, 3Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden.” Unfortunately, the remainder of her answer clearly shows that she did not have a deep-rooted knowledge of the original command that was given them. She continued by saying, “God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.” God did say they would die if they ate of it. However, ‘neither shall you touch it’ was added by her and not part of the original commandment given in Genesis 2:17.

In Genesis 3:4-5, Satan used this to his advantage by continuing with the onslaught of lies, “But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, 5For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity.” Again, lies combined with some truth make the lies plausible.

Satan presented that man was nothing like God, while the truth was that man was already like God, since he was created in God’s image. Satan enticed man by saying man’s eyes would be opened, but the truth was that it would be opened in a different manner than what Satan was presenting. Furthermore, Satan presented them with the lie that they didn’t know the difference between good and evil, blessing and calamity. The truth was that man already knew the difference between good and evil, otherwise how could he have been accountable for the wrong he did when he disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit? While he didn’t know the difference between blessing and calamity, it was presented in an excitable form, making man want to know the difference. Then came the biggest lie of all, ‘You shall not surely die.’ I imagine Adam and Eve were only considering physical death and probably had no idea God was talking about a spiritual death.

When we start looking at the lies intertwined with some truths and half-truths, it is almost staggering to the imagination just how subtly and craftily it was done. If there is one thing we can learn from this, it is the importance of having a deeply rooted and sound understanding and knowledge of the Word of God.

Just as Satan used deception to get Adam and Eve to sin, he tried the same with Jesus. However, Jesus clearly demonstrated how Adam and Eve should have responded in a similar situation found in Matthew 4. For forty days, Satan tempted, tried and tested Jesus exceedingly. During those forty days, Jesus ate nothing. When the forty days were over, Satan continued to tempt Jesus by saying to Him in Matthew 4:6, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, He will give His angels charge over you, and they will bear you up on their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” This was quoted from Psalm 91:11-12, except it was very cleverly misquoted as the text from Psalm reads, “For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” The passage from Psalm 91 gives promises of protection for the believer, as long as certain conditions are met. Satan cleverly removed the condition from his quote, making the statement that God would protect Him, regardless of whether Jesus was walking in obedience and service to the Lord or not.

Let’s look at these verses from the King James Version. Matthew 4:6 reads, “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” – KJV. Psalm 91:11-12 reads, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” – KJV. According to the King James Version, Satan added the words ‘at any time’ and thereby misquoted verse 12 by saying, “lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone”, changing the condition upon which the promise is given in Psalm 91.

Unlike Adam and Eve, Jesus was not fooled by the subtle twisting of the Word and responded in verse 7 by saying, “On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or try exceedingly the Lord your God.” Jesus understood the full meaning of the Scriptures, in context, together with all the conditions accompanying the promises.

Furthermore, Satan tried to deceive Jesus by combining a truth with a lie in Luke 4:5-7, “Then the devil took Him up to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the habitable world in a moment of time [in the twinkling of an eye]. 6And he said to Him, To You I will give all this power and authority and their glory (all their magnificence, excellence, pre-eminence, dignity, and grace), for it has been turned over to me, and I give it to whomever I will. 7Therefore if You will do homage to and worship me [just once], it shall all be Yours.” The truth is Adam did hand this Kingdom over to Satan when he disobeyed God and obeyed Satan. However, Satan is only a fake ruler and ultimately the decision to whom authority or rule is given still lies with God. Jesus came to legally repossess this Kingdom and Satan used a lie when he tempted Jesus to take a shortcut, as he only pretended to be able to hand it over to whomever he chose. Jesus knew this and He knew the Scriptures. Daniel 4:17 says, “... the Most High [God] rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He will and sets over it the humblest and lowliest of men.” In Luke 4:8, Jesus responded to Satan with the truth of God’s Word by quoting from Deuteronomy 6 and 10 saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! It is written, You shall do homage to and worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.”

When we don’t know the Word the way we should, there is the danger of being deceived by the devil and robbed from achieving true biblical success. This world is filled with so many lies, wrapped in just enough truth to make them believable. We need a deep-rooted knowledge of the Word to help us discern these lies from the truth. Let me give some examples of lies often accepted as the truth, together with the actual truth from God’s Word, as well as some explanation as to the intention of the lie:

Lie  #1 – Money is the root of all evil

The Bible very clearly declares in 1 Timothy 6:10 that it is “the love of money” that is the root of all evil (emphasis added by author), and not money itself. The lie that money is the root of all evil is designed to make the Christian develop an unhealthy mindset where money is concerned. Since the fulfilling of the Great Commission requires a massive amount of financial assistance, the Kingdom of God suffers as Christians all over the world sabotage their own finances, because the true purpose for money and wealth eludes them.

Lie  #2 – To tithe is NOT a requirement under the New Testament

As discussed and proved from Scripture in the previous chapter, to tithe is still a requirement from God under the New Testament. In fact, if we understand the Scriptures, we know tithing is a biblical principle practiced even before the Old Testament covenant was established, and is therefore a universal principle that should always be practiced. The lie that we don’t have to tithe any more has a three-fold purpose. It is designed to bring a curse upon the Christian, as Malachi 3:9 declares those who don’t tithe are cursed with a curse. It is also designed to create a gap in the wall of protection Christians are entitled to, as Malachi 3:11 shows us that God will rebuke the devourer on our behalf when we tithe. But ultimately it works together with all the other lies around money, to try and prevent the faithful workers of Christ to have the means to fulfil the Great Commission.

Lie  #3 – It is impossible to lose your salvation

This lie is also often presented as ‘Once you are saved, you are always saved.’ The truth is that salvation is dependent on certain requirements being met. Jesus emphasised this in Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Mark 4:17 says, “And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away.” If it were true that once you are saved you are always saved, then why does Hebrews 6:6 say that when you deviate from the faith and turn away from your allegiance to Christ, there is a point when it becomes impossible to be brought back to repentance? 2 Timothy 4 and 2 Peter 2 both warn about false teachers misleading God’s children, even to the point where they abandon their faith. My book Raping Grace goes into much greater detail regarding this important matter. The lie that it is impossible to lose your salvation is designed to do exactly that: cause born-again children of God to lose their salvation. Believing this lie will have the same result as Adam and Eve suffered. It stimulates the flesh, giving it a supposedly free ticket to sin without worrying about the consequences.

This short list should make the danger of not knowing the Word loud and clear. We have all heard the saying ‘Ignorance is bliss.’ However, the truth is that ignorance is NOT bliss. Hosea 4:6a says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” On the other hand, John 8:32 says, “And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” Immerse yourself in the truth of God’s Word. Let it become an inseparable part of who you are. True biblical success relies heavily on this.

Biblical Success Secret 19

Dedication And Hard Work

Since the beginning, God’s vision for man was to be hard at work, but with a supernatural blessing accompanying him so he could be successful in all he did. God gave Adam work to do in Genesis 2:15, “And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it.” I sometimes think some people confuse the curse that came upon the earth after Adam had sinned, with the fact that we have to work. The curse was that the supernatural blessing accompanying Adam was removed from his work, making his work extremely difficult. However, Jesus paid the fine for our transgressions on the cross, so the curse can be broken for every person who chooses to repent, have his death penalty cancelled and be restored to the Father. This doesn’t mean the Christian doesn’t have to work anymore, it means the curse is broken and the works of your hands can now be blessed instead.

If we look at the work ethic of the patriarchs, we can’t help but see dedication and hard work are essential biblical principles that should not be neglected. In Genesis we read how Isaac planted seed during a famine. The Lord’s blessing was upon Isaac’s work and he reaped a hundred-fold harvest. There are many teachings on the subject of prosperity referring to this incident. The emphasis is always on the fact that God wants us to prosper and through faith we can reap a great harvest, against all odds. However, I do find it interesting that I have never read anything about how much hard work it must have taken to plant seed during this famine. Conditions were obviously not favourable, since the soil must have been hard and dry. Water was scarce, it was probably extremely hot and I’m sure labourers were few. However, in spite of the conditions, Isaac prevailed and completed the task at hand. And while faith produced the harvest, I’m sure God was proud of Isaac’s willingness to do the work during the tough times.

Isaac’s son, Jacob, obviously got his work ethic from his father. He was willing to work for seven years for his wife Rachel. After the seven years were over, he was cheated into marrying Rachel’s sister instead. However, his love for Rachel was so great that he was willing to work another seven years for her.

Proverbs 6:6-8 says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise!— 7Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, 8Provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest.” Biblical success is dependent on our ability to get the work done during the right season, without having a boss to motivate us. This principle was also taught by Jesus when He told the parable of the servants who were entrusted with the money of the stern master. The whole parable is quite a mouthful, so let’s look at only parts of it for the purpose of this illustration:

“Calling ten of his [own] bond servants, he gave them ten minas [each equal to about one hundred days' wages or nearly twenty dollars] and said to them, Buy and sell with these while I go and then return... 15When he returned after having received the kingdom, he ordered these bond servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know how much each one had made by buying and selling. 16The first one came before him, and he said, Lord, your mina has made ten [additional] minas. 17And he said to him, Well done, excellent bond servant! Because you have been faithful and trustworthy in a very little [thing], you shall have authority over ten cities. 18The second one also came and said, Lord, your mina has made five more minas. 19And he said also to him, And you will take charge over five cities. 20Then another came and said, Lord, here is your mina, which I have kept laid up in a handkerchief. 21For I was [constantly] afraid of you, because you are a stern (hard, severe) man; you pick up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow. 22He said to the servant, I will judge and condemn you out of your own mouth, you wicked slave! You knew [did you] that I was a stern (hard, severe) man, picking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow? 23Then why did you not put my money in a bank, so that on my return, I might have collected it with interest?”

- Luke 19:13; 15-23 (Amplified Bible)

In this parable, there was no overseer, no boss and no nagging mother or wife. An instruction was given to each servant and then the master left them to work without supervision. When the master returned, those who diligently performed their duty in his absence were praised and rewarded accordingly.

We have been given the task of reaching out to the lost, until our Master returns. Will he find you diligently at work, able to reap where He did not sow? This task given, together with all our other obligations and commitments, cannot be fulfilled if we are not dedicated hard workers. Obviously we must keep things balanced, but if we want to obtain biblical success, it is essential we adopt the work ethic of the ant.

The Bible says in Philippians 4:13, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” To be self-sufficient means I am empowered to do the work required of me, without having the need for someone to motivate or supervise me. This power is made available through Christ living in the heart of the believer. However, this is not an excuse to sit back and expect things to happen on our behalf. We still need to do the work, but are confident we are able to do so through Christ who strengthens us.

In 2 Corinthians 8:12-13, Paul said regarding giving, “For if the [eager] readiness to give is there, then it is acceptable and welcomed in proportion to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13For it is not [intended] that other people be eased and relieved [of their responsibility] and you be burdened and suffer [unfairly].” While there is a responsibility on the part of the believer to help and assist those in need, this Scripture makes it clear those in need have responsibilities (hard work) of their own, which should not be neglected. This is confirmed in Ephesians 4:28, where thieves are reprimanded and instructed to not only work to provide for themselves, but even for others as well, “Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need.”

Song of Solomon 2:15 says it is the little foxes that spoil the vineyards. If we are not dedicated to staying true to the four foundational principles described in this book, we begin to neglect the small things in life that are important. We might start to cut short the time we know we need to spend with the Lord, or begin to treat others without proper respect. When we do this, biblical success begins to elude us and we need to repent quickly.

Furthermore, it is impossible to remain positive about seeking first the Kingdom of God above all else, without embracing a good work ethic and a willingness to be dedicated, no matter what. If we don’t make this a part of who we are, we will too easily give up when trials, tests or persecutions come our way. To obtain true biblical success, it must be a settled issue in our minds that Christ and His Kingdom take priority over everything else.

To overcome any and all obstacles in our lives, embracing and practicing the principles highlighted in this book may take dedication and a resilient persistence. But those who put their trust in God and who follow uncompromised godly principles, will overcome and be successful.

Biblical Success Secret 20

Overcome Evil With Good

Not once did Jesus give in to temptation. Had he done so, His mission would have been unsuccessful and a failure. Instead, Jesus showed us how to resist temptation and how to overcome evil when confronted with it.

As explored in a previous chapter, Jesus was acquainted with the Word and confronted evil by quoting Scripture in the face of adversity. Jesus also taught in Matthew 5:39-40, “Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too. 40And if anyone wants to sue you and take your undershirt (tunic), let him have your coat also.” Jesus also said in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Paul echoed the words of Jesus when he wrote in Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.” Paul also said in Romans 12:21, “Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.” Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.”

Whenever we avenge ourselves, whenever we fight evil with evil, we are in danger of preventing the manifestations of the Lord’s blessings in our lives. If this is a habit of ours and success eludes us, we really need to look no further for the root of the problem. Once we have mastered the art of overcoming evil with good, instead of reacting in a negative way, we have repositioned ourselves for success. 1 Peter 3:9 very clearly explains this, “Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God—that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].”

When we are wronged, the temptation lies in taking matters into our own hands. However, this Scripture clearly shows us the blessing of the Lord in the form of welfare, happiness and protection could very well be dependent on us acting in love instead. While turning the other cheek doesn’t sound like good advice, when it is done in love and faith, it actually provides protection. When someone steals from you, it doesn’t make sense to give the thief what he stole and even more, yet it is this very act which makes way for the Lord’s blessing, to restore you to a situation in which you are better off than you were before the incident.

Proverbs 25:21-22 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord will reward you.” The implication here is to continually do good to your enemy, regardless of what he or she does to you. When you stay focused on the four foundational principles presented in this book, together with an uncompromised dedication to fulfilling the Great Commission, this principle of overcoming evil with good makes perfect sense. When practiced, it leaves the enemy with a burning shame, intended for his or her salvation. This is very clearly demonstrated in 2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly grief and the pain God is permitted to direct, produce a repentance that leads and contributes to salvation and deliverance from evil...” In verses 8 to 12, Paul explains this in great detail and also calls it godly sorrow, designed to bring repentance.

When we remain faithful to this commandment we are also being faithful to our calling, and biblical success is inevitable as our reward lies with the Lord.

Biblical Success Secret 21

Expect The Goodness Of The Lord

In Psalm 23:6 David said, “Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.” David had an expectation that he would experience the goodness of the Lord. He had done some pretty bad things in his life and often experienced pain and sorrow because of his sin. However, in spite of it all, David understood even when he was punished for the wrongs he did, God’s love for him was so great that  the punishment was ultimately intended for his own good.

When we follow true biblical principles, we should expect to receive the goodness of the Lord. It doesn’t mean we will not face any trials, temptations or even persecution. Rather, it means when we do face trials, temptations or persecution, God will give us the strength and if necessary, the physical means to see us through it. We have confidence we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, including having the ability to stay true to our core principles, in spite of our circumstances. In Psalm 23:4 David also said, “Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.”

Regardless of our circumstances, when we stay true to who we are in Christ, we must look for and expect the Lord’s goodness. James put it this way:

“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-4

If we can conquer our victim-mentality when we are going through difficult times, we can learn, grow and allow the Lord to do a thorough work in us, and ultimately lack in nothing.

Furthermore, when we expect the goodness of the Lord, faith is built on the inside of us. We remain dedicated and hard at work, as we know our labour will not be fruitless and produce a great harvest instead. This is what happened to Isaac when he planted during the famine. He had an expectation that the works of his hands would be blessed and he reaped a hundred-fold harvest.

Psalm 35:27 says, “Let those who favor my righteous cause and have pleasure in my uprightness shout for joy and be glad and say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” When we are sold-out for Christ, keep His commandments and follow godly principles like those described in this book, we should expect the goodness of the Lord, as He is the One Who takes pleasure in our prosperity. It should move us to make room for blessings, increase and provision.

In 2 Kings 4 we read about a widow who cried to Elisha for help, after a creditor was about to take her two sons to be slaves. She had nothing left in her house except for a jar of oil. Elisha said to her:

“Go around and borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels—and not a few. 4And when you come in, shut the door upon you and your sons. Then pour out [the oil you have] into all those vessels, setting aside each one when it is full. 5So she went from him and shut the door upon herself and her sons, who brought to her the vessels as she poured the oil. 6When the vessels were all full, she said to her son, Bring me another vessel. And he said to her, There is not a one left. Then the oil stopped multiplying. 7Then she came and told the man of God. He said, Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons live on the rest.”

2 Kings 4:3-7

If the widow had an even greater expectancy of what the Lord was about to do for her, she would have borrowed even more jars from her neighbours. Jesus said in Matthew 9:17, “Neither is new wine put in old wineskins; for if it is, the skins burst and are torn in pieces, and the wine is spilled and the skins are ruined. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.” It might be time for a fresh mindset regarding God’s desire for your success. Renew your mind. Get rid of the old. Expect the Lord’s goodness like never before.

Final Words

It was my aim in this book to put success in the light of our salvation, our purpose, our calling and our character in perspective. It was also my aim to help give a godly definition of what success actually is, compared to what the world wants us to believe. When we have realigned our thoughts, our words, our character and our conduct with the principles discussed here, success should become inevitable.

However, we must always make sure our definition of success remains biblically sound. Joseph who was in prison, Paul who was shipwrecked and John who was exiled, are all examples of godly people who were successful in spite of their circumstances. Joseph made the best of his prison time, which served as a platform for great success later in his life. Paul used the opportunity when he was shipwrecked to show the power of God and preach the gospel. John received divine revelation from the Lord and wrote the Book of Revelation during his time of exile. Sometimes God’s plan for us takes a route we would not have chosen for ourselves. When this happens, it is important that we are not offended. Rather trust Him and enquire of Him what His will is instead. When we stay true to our faith regardless of our circumstances, we can ultimately arrive at the place where God wants us to be.

Paul said in Philippians 4:11-12, “... I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. 12I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.”

What really matters is the love I have for God and my attitude towards Him and others. Do I follow godly principles and success secrets in an attempt to manipulate God’s financial system, so I can gain wealth, or would I be content even if salvation is the only gift I ever receive? Do I love God above all else? Do I follow His commandments and seek first His Kingdom out of love for Him, regardless of any success I’m hoping to achieve along the way? Will I tithe just because God asked me to, even if I don’t receive any reward? Will I treat others with respect and honour, regardless of what I’m hoping to gain in return? If we won’t, we are not operating in love and we violate the core biblical principles of success.

In the end, biblical success is a heart issue. Isaiah 1:11 says, “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me [unless they are the offering of the heart]? says the Lord. I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts [without obedience]; and I do not delight in the blood of bulls or of lambs or of he-goats [without righteousness].” My prayer is that our hearts will remain focused on God as we pursue biblical success.

As mentioned in the introduction, there are many other success secrets or principles not mentioned in this book. By all means, if success still eludes you, or if you still struggle to make a breakthrough in some areas, don’t stop here. Some examples of success principles not covered in this book include the power of having great faith, the power of forgiveness, receiving true deliverance from Satan and the importance of taking care of your health, just to name a few. Study God’s Word and prayerfully pursue the Lord with all your might, until you make the breakthrough or receive the deliverance you need.

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APPENDIX A

The Faith Dimension

Faith as a dimension means we want to learn more about the measurements of that dimension. We want to know what the length, the height, the width and the breadth of faith is. We also want to learn all the facets and aspects of faith, so we can work our faith effectively.

C. T. Studd said, “Let us not glide through this world and then slip quietly into heaven, without having blown the trumpet loud and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Let us see to it that the devil will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, when he gets the news of our departure from the field of battle.”

How do we live a life where the devil holds a thanksgiving service when we finally depart from this earth? It can only be done by faith. In my book called 21 Biblical Success Secrets, I explain the importance of having a deeply rooted understanding of the purpose we were created for and the calling we have while on this earth. I also explain the importance of having a ‘Seek First the Kingdom of God’ attitude, and how we should not allow our own insecurities, faults and failures to stand in the way of this calling. I use the analogy of a person drowning, saying to neglect our calling to reach out to the lost in some way or another because of our own failures or insecurities is like saying I can’t rescue a person who is drowning because my boat is leaking oil. Yes, the boat leaking oil is a problem, but nobody in their right mind would care about a little oil spillage if it saved a life – least of all the person who was drowning. To step out of the realm that prevents us from doing what God asks us to do in spite of our circumstances or insecurities, requires faith.

Christians are bombarded with deceitful lies on a daily basis. The lies are intended to keep us from making the dreams or visions God gave us a reality, and to prevent the manifestations of any promises we might have received from the Lord.

Faith is the key ingredient that will stop the lies. It is the key ingredient we need if we want to see the fulfilment of the promises we received from the Lord. It is the key ingredient to make your dreams come true. It is the key ingredient for the realisation of any vision the Lord has laid on your heart.

In this book I tried my best to stay clear from the traditional teachings of faith. While I might have briefly touched on them, it was my intension to explore faith on a whole new yet practical level. It is my hope that the reader will finish reading this book and say, I can do all God has called me to do and more!

I’m here to tell you yes, God can use you too regardless of your background, past faults or failures, or any personal insecurities you might have. Through this book I hope to inspire as well as enable and mobilise God’s children to get up and do something of eternal value for Christ. We will explore great names from the Bible, the challenges they faced and how God used them in spite of those challenges. We will also look at modern day examples of how God can use us today. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of His Word as we embark on this journey.

Get it on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E43XBUA

Table of Contents

Introduction

1

Understand Your Purpose

2

Know Your Calling

3

Redefine Your Definition Of Success

4

Love

5

Honour

6

Do... As If Unto The Lord

7

Commit Your Plans To The Lord And Develop A Clear Sense Of Direction

8

Seek First The Kingdom

9

G.I.G.O.

(Good In / Good Out)

10

Put Off The Old, Put On The New

11

Calling The Things That Are Not

12

The Power Of Praise And Worship

13

Don’t Be Offended

14

Pray... And Then Some

15

Embrace Your Righteousness

16

Daily Communion

17

Pay God First

18

Know The Word

19

Dedication And Hard Work

20

Overcome Evil With Good

21

Expect The Goodness Of The Lord

Final Words

APPENDIX A: The Faith Dimension