Success Come From God

Scripture

Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless Yahweh watches the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.

~Psalm 127:1, LSB

Quote

No matter how intense our effort, success comes from the LORD and from no one else.

~Temper Longman, III

Not everyone will agree with my convictions but I believe with all my heart that the quote above is on target. It is true that builders build a house. Without human agency and effort, a house is not going to appear. It is also true that we need police and the military for our protection and without them we would be vulnerable but without God’s guidance, help and mercy, all the carpenters in the world can’t build a house. Without God mercy and grace, the strongest military in the world will fail to protect us. The house that Solomon is talking about here may actually be the family: David’s family was often referred to as his house. Of course I relate these verses to the ministry: “If the Holy Spirit does not anoint me, my sermon is in vain.” I can talk but I can’t preach. I can share the gospel but I can’t convict of sin. This Psalm reminds us that every good thing we enjoy {food, shelter, family, protection} comes from Yahweh the God of creation. Whereas we should be zealous for good works and not be slothful or lazy, we should never depend upon our selves or our efforts: we need more, much more.

We all need God’s mercy and grace. The breath in our lungs is on loan from HIM. Our energy and strength come from Him. We are only a heartbeat away from becoming lifeless, and this Psalm is not an encouragement to be lazy and wait for God and others to do everything for us. Neither is this Psalm teaching us that all those who love God will have large families, many sons and daughters, success and prosperity, peace and security and plenty of good sleep. I know people who love Jesus and put him first and they have no children or grand children. It is true that children, grand children and great grand children are a blessing but there are saints who do not know the blessing of children or a big family. There are people who work hard but they have never accumulated wealth and there are people who are devoted to Christ but battle insomnia.

I am a firm believer that God is the author of prosperity. You say, “Then why are most rich people given to evil?” I don’t know. You will have to asks Jesus when we get to heaven. My father was a concrete finisher and he worked hard and he raised two of mothers brothers, seven of his own and some of the neighbors kids as well, and cousin lived in our basement for two years. He did not accumulate great wealth. On the other hand, I have known people who never got their hands dirty, yet made a fortune. Granted they worked smart but they never worked hard. If you are financially independent, thank God for it. If you have to work hard to make ends meet, thank God that you know how to work and are able. Then one thing that we must not do is exalt ourselves above others in view of our success.

Extra

Excited about today: 49 ers meet at 11:30. We are having KFC {Kroger Fried Chicken} and Dana’s pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Plus a lot more. I hope you have a great weekend and thanks for reading the blog.

Extra/Extra

~49er Fellowship today at 11:30

~Sunrise Service at New Center April 5 at 7:00 am followed by breakfast

Men’s Breakfast Saturday April 11, 8:00

~National Day of Prayer May 7, 5:00 am-11:00 am