Much has been said about “A life well lived”, but how would you define such a life? What does it take to make us successful? Many would answer, “good health”, “great wealth”, “fame”, etc. But what do you say? More importantly, What’s the right answer? Just guessing isn’t good enough. Nor is feeling good about your assumption sufficient. Feeling good about your life doesn’t make your life good.

True success is simply discovering the will of God and doing it. So, if I had to put it into one word it would be “submission”. Success isn’t about your accomplishments, popularity, possessions, power, etc. And that ought to encourage us.Those who submit themselves to the will of God are successful although they can’t live the life style of the rich and famous.

We don’t have to keep up with others or surpass anyone else. Success isn’t about beating others. We aren’t in competition with anyone else. Our only need is to submit ourselves to the will of God. That makes us successful, regardless of how we are viewed by others. A godly housewife is just as successful as a famous missionary. An elderly prayer warrior confined to a nursing home is just as important as a popular preacher. The hard-working man who provides for his family and guides them in the ways of the Lord is more valuable than the “most valuable player” in the “Super Bowl”.

So, just one question remains–“How successful are you?”. You don’t have to be a failure. Success is within the reach of every person. All we have have to do is discover God’s will and do it. What are you doing? Those who hear the Lord say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” are those who did His will. That is a live well lived!

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.–Isaiah 41:10

As we journey through life we never know what a day may hold. Often we are compelled to take a path that leads us to a very painful and perplexing place—and we wonder, O how we wonder, What am I doing here? Why must I be here? We are haunted by questions for which we have no answers. Everything seems so uncertain and that frightens us. It is in times like these we need to remember this glorious certainty—“I am with thee”. Regardless of how we feel, we are never alone. John MacDuff, in 1858, said it well:

The Divine presence is . . .
  the believer’s strength in weakness;
  his support in suffering;
  his consolation in the hour of death.

The blessed assurance, “I am with you,” is sufficient to
enliven every scene, and sweeten every condition. Its
realization opens springs of joy in the cheerless waste
of this desert world. The Divine presence . . .
  dissipates the thickest darkness,
  soothes the anguish of the keenest affliction, and
  lightens the heaviest load of poverty and distress.

Reader, be anxious to possess an abiding consciousness
of the great truth—that the eye of God is ever upon you!
Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing—set the
Lord always before you. Having Him at your right hand,
whatever difficulties and dangers may surround your
path—you shall not be moved.

“—-I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”–Matthew 28:20

Man, in general, knows very little about greatness. We tend to applaud the wrong people. We congratulate the athlete who wins the contest, the entertainer who wins the award, the investor who makes millions, etc, yet none of those things are really important. We don’t seem to realize that excelling at things of no eternal value does not constitute greatness. Consider there words by James Meikle (1730-1799):

Many are reckoned great by the world, and are often envied by their inferiors, who are yet ignorant of what renders man truly great. A courtier, as Ahithophel, a prince, as Haman, and a king, as Belshazzar, may be vile and sordid people; for often in the highest stations the basest of men are set up. Coaches and chariots; horses and hounds; many servants, and a numerous retinue; a sumptuous table, and fine apparel; high titles, and honorary posts; great friends, and noble blood; rich connections, and immense wealth—do not constitute true greatness. It is not nobility, or popularity, or beauty, or talent—that will render one great. It is not strength of body, natural courage, liberal education, bright parts, or sparkling genius—that can make a truly great man. Hence this seeming contradiction, yet sterling truth, Great men are not always great.

Are there, then, great men any where to be found? Yes, though they attract not much notice or regard of men. The holy, humble, self-denied soul, is truly great. He who lives above the things of time, and has his meditation on God, and the things of the invisible world. He who is pleased with a little of the good things of this world—can forgive enemies—pass by affronts—forget injuries—repay hatred with love—rejoice in tribulation—triumph in faith—have rule over his own spirit—mourn for the sins of the times—weep over his lack holiness—tremble at God’s threatenings—depend on the promises—bewail his omissions—repent daily for his sin—wrestle in prayer, and prevail with God, and, Enoch-like, have his conversation in heaven, and walk with God—this is he who is truly great in the eye of angels, in the eye of God!

In 1918, Irving Berlin wrote “God Bless America,” a song that has touched millions of lives for nearly a century. Then in 1938, Berlin slightly rewrote the lyrics to reflect the tone of the country as war threatened Europe. He created an instant sensation. “God Bless America” was soon heard from shore to shore in churches, town squares, and social gatherings. The song received tremendous air time on the radio. The American people feared the coming war and embraced this song as a unified prayer for peace and protection.

The lyrics pierced the heart of the culture. Millions of Americans prayerfully sang:

God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home.

God has certainly blessed the United States. He’s extended His hand of provision across this great nation. Yet, how often do we fail to thank Him? It’s a tragedy that we’ve lost touch with this song of faith. Over the past few decades, we’ve shifted away from a national faith in God toward a sometimes self-centered and self-empowered lack of faith.

As most Americans prepare to celebrate our independence, it’s fitting to take a moment and offer thanks to God. He’s provided so abundantly for us. Think about how God has blessed us in the following areas:

• First, our godly heritage. History shows that many of the men who signed our Constitution were Christians. This country was founded on biblical principles and a Christ-centered interpretation of justice, fairness, and equal opportunity.

• Second, He’s blessed us with natural resources. Just think about the blessings God’s placed at our feet: ore, minerals, oil, forests, lakes, pastures, farmlands, and more. He’s provided what we need for ourselves and enough to care for other countries around the world.

• Third, we should appreciate our economy. The free enterprise we enjoy in America is a remarkable blessing. We excel in innovations because we’re at liberty to follow our passions.

• Finally, God has placed us in a free country. You should thank God for the election process and the freedom to personally impact the direction of this nation. It’s an amazing blessing that’s completely foreign in many parts of the world.

As you cry out to the Lord today, rediscover “God Bless America.” Speak the words slowly. Let each phrase touch your heart as you make this petition to the King of all nations. Then lift our nation up to God in prayer, intentionally thanking Him for faithfully blessing our land.—In Touch Ministries

The prayer itself is remarkable, for it is short, but seasonable, sententious, and suggestive. David mourned the fewness of faithful men, and therefore lifted up his heart in supplication-when the creature failed, he flew to the Creator. He evidently felt his own weakness, or he would not have cried for help; but at the same time he intended honestly to exert himself for the cause of truth, for the word “help” is inapplicable where we ourselves do nothing. There is much of directness, clearness of perception, and distinctness of utterance in this petition of two words; much more, indeed, than in the long rambling outpourings of certain professors. The Psalmist runs straight-forward to his God, with a well-considered prayer; he knows what he is seeking, and where to seek it. Lord, teach us to pray in the same blessed manner. The occasions for the use of this prayer are frequent. In providential afflictions how suitable it is for tried believers who find all helpers failing them. Students, in doctrinal difficulties, may often obtain aid by lifting up this cry of “Help, Lord,” to the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher. Spiritual warriors in inward conflicts may send to the throne for reinforcements, and this will be a model for their request. Workers in heavenly labour may thus obtain grace in time of need. Seeking sinners, in doubts and alarms, may offer up the same weighty supplication; in fact, in all these cases, times, and places, this will serve the turn of needy souls. “Help, Lord,” will suit us living and dying, suffering or labouring, rejoicing or sorrowing. In Him our help is found, let us not be slack to cry to Him. The answer to the prayer is certain, if it be sincerely offered through Jesus. The Lord’s character assures us that He will not leave His people; His relationship as Father and Husband guarantee us His aid; His gift of Jesus is a pledge of every good thing; and His sure promise stands, “Fear not, I WILL HELP THEE.”   —Morning and Evening