DAILY STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL - 8/6/2016

DILIGENCE IN YOUR WORK Scripture reading:  Proverbs 22:29 Yesterday, the Holy Spirit advised us never rely on our strength, but to commend our ways always to God, who alone is worthy and able to rescue us.  Today, He tells us to be diligent in whatever we do.  He says that only those who refuse to quit win success.  There are occasions when one begins to rest on his laurels because he had made some successes.  A typical example is the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13 – 20.  Beloved each time you lose focus on your legitimate life pursuit, unconsciously, you put a lid on your growth.  Solomon writing in our reference today says, “Do you see a man diligent in his business?  He will stand before kings.  He will not stand before obscure men.”  This means that hard working people gain the respect of other people.  If one knows how to work hard, he would have no problem providing for himself and family.  Dear friend, success in our life endeavours is always a possibility, but not always guaranteed.  Sure success is for man or woman who is prepared to show up early, stay late, go the extra mile and always wanting to find out alternative and better ways of doing what he is engaged in.  Three conservative times a President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, tried his hands at the Presidency of Nigeria.  Three times he failed, but he refused to quit.  Today success has been achieved and he can now dine and wine with number one citizens of other nations. This question was put up by Henry Ford, “How can I make a name for myself and be successful.”  In his response, he said, “Decide what you want, then stick with it.  Never deviate from your course no matter how long it takes or how hard the road, until you have accomplished your purpose.”  St. Francis de Sales says,“Though perseverance does not come from our power, yet it comes within our power.”  St. Thomas Aquinas complements St Francis de Sales this way, “We cannot commend our final perseverance, but must ask it from God.”  Beloved, the ability to persevere and be focussed can only be achieved with the help of God.  No wonder St. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ that gives me strength.”  Dear friend, you may seem to have failed severally in your endeavours, remember that the strength to continue is from the LORD who made heaven and earth.  On the way to Calvary, Jesus fell three times but continued until the ultimate purpose, the salvation of mankind is realised.  Thus, successful people have one thing in common: that is they refuse to give up.  No matter how many times they failed in their effort to get at something, they are never totally discouraged. Secondly, even when they succeed in one area of life, they courageously and wittingly seek other avenues of improving themselves, thereby gaining more successes. St. Ignatius of Loyola concludes today reflection thus: “A tree is shown by its fruits, and in the same way those who profess to belong to Christ will be seen by what they do.  For what is needed is not mere present profession, but perseverance to the end in the power of faith.” Prayer Points: Take up a worship song as you are led. O’ Lord, God of all creation I stand on the authority of your Word that says, “Even in the time of famine you will satisfy me.” (Ps. 37:19). Satisfy me I beseech you in Jesus name. In the name of Jesus I rise against all powers responsible for the near success syndrome in my life (Pray seriously). You evil spirit that causes failure at the edge of my breakthrough, I attack you by Fire (Pray seriously) Pray for all members of the Daily Strength Family for God’s for strength to persevere trusting in God. Exercise:  Take the Prayer of the Blood of Jesus, “The Weapon for demonic destruction”. Memory Verse:  Psalm 37:19