Gen.11:4, 6 - And they said, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name; lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth." …. 6 And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them. NASB
The Bible is filled with many stories of how people accomplished success in their lives. What is it you would like to succeed in today? I will share with you one Biblical plan for you to become successful.
If you want to be successful then have a Purpose. In Genesis 11 - the people had a purpose, and it was to build a city and a tower. Can you hear the person with the dream? What we need people is a city, and in this city we need a tower, and not just any tower, our tower must reach into the heavens. The people were united, they worked as one and they had a singleness of purpose. They worked as ONE. If your plan entails more than one person working with you to accomplish your goal then you all have to be on the same page. Listen to what the Lord said, "Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them." They spoke the same LANGUAGE or in other words they were all on the same page. If you want to be successful you need to identify your purpose. You need to name what it is you want to accomplish. You will not be successful without naming your purpose. Who is more likely to get in trouble today? It is my belief people without a purpose will get in more trouble then people with a purpose.
Second, we must also have a PLAN (vs. 3) They said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly." And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar. Their plan was to build this city by making bricks. What is your plan? What are you going to do to become successful? Their plan was to work together and work together they did. The result was the city and tower were both built by their hard labor. Third, we have to be PERSISTENT (vs.6) - The LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them. Why will they be able to accomplish the impossible? They will not quit. They will work persistently on any obstacle that is in front of them. When you make up your mind to do something, before you begin, you'll be hit with every negative thought imaginable trying to deter you from this project. Once you begin the project your temptations to quit will come in many a variety of forms. The only way you will succeed is to remain faithful to your purpose and plan. Think On These: Every accomplishment, great or small, starts with the right decision, "I'll Try." Today's preparation determines tomorrow's achievement. Stay Pumped, Gary A. Serago Minister of God's Word
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Luke 9:62 - But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." NASU
Please allow me to paraphrase what Jesus said, If you begin to plow a field keep your eyes straight ahead, don't be looking around. You can't plow straight furrows when you are looking all around. The person who stays focus is the person you want on your team. This person will not be distracted by what is going on all around them.
We watched the love of money change them, or the love of being popular, or the stupidity of thinking drugs was going to help them in anyway. If you want your dreams to come crashing down then lose your focus on what is important.
The one who is able to drive the car without texting. The one who puts their hand to the plow and doesn't look back. This person has the dedication to accomplishing the goal that is before them. Anything that tries to take them off course is immediately squelched and they are wise enough to know there will always be something trying to distract them from accomplishing their goal. So what is your goal today? What are you doing to fulfill your dream? Hopefully, you are making sure nothing distracts you. Take the advice of Jesus once you put your hands to the plow don't look back. Think On These: A man with a burning ambition is seldom fired. Too many of us shoot blanks when aiming at our goals. Enthusiasm is apt to breed more action than accuracy. Stay Pumped, Gary A. Serago MInister of God's Word Go To www.SeragosPumpUps.com to listen to Pump Ups on Podcast 2 Tim. 2:4 - No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. NASU
As we can see the Apostle Paul uses a military soldier as an example. When he says, "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life." In other words, the soldier will not become distracted. He will not lose his focus. His focus is on being a good soldier and pleasing the person who enlisted him. Therefore, daily distractions will not disqualify this soldier.
Some soldiers have been known to go AWOL (absent without leave) because of love. They left home to join the military and in so doing the one they were in love with was left behind. While serving they believed they had to see this special person and left their post. This never ends good. Illnesses likewise can cause a person to become distracted from the task in front of them. Some job offers will come your way and at first appear to be the answer to all your problems. We probably have all heard of battle fatigue. This happens when a person has been in the fight way too long without getting some rest and relaxation. Everyone needs time to recharge their batteries.
Neh. 6:1-4 - Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, to Geshem the Arab and to the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall , and that no breach remained in it, although at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates, 2 then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, "Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono." But they were planning to harm me. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" NASU Nehemiah gives the perfect answer in my opinion: "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" Basically, he is saying I am not going to be distracted by you guys. I am doing a great work and I am not going to finish my work by entering into a meeting with you. Don't let anything or one distract you from your goal and you will find out success comes to those who refuse to quit. Think On These: We rate ability in men by what they finish, not by what they attempt. Some fellows dream of worthy accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them. You can't make a place for yourself under the sun if you keep sitting in the shade of the family tree. Stay Pumped, Gary A. Serago Minister of God's Word John 1:19-23 - This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' … NASU
John the Baptist knew who he was and if you want to have a better life I highly recommend this pathway for a better life. He wasn't the Christ nor was he trying to be the Christ. He was completely satisfied with being the "Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness." Don't try to be anyone else. Just be yourself and the best way to be yourself is by knowing who you are. Know who you are.
Maybe you heard: "You will never amount to anything, or You don't have a lick of sense do you? or Why can't you be like …?" It has been said, "It is easier to build up a child, than repair an adult. Choose your words wisely." I read about Steven Spielberg's life and found one part rather amusing. He applied and was denied entrance twice into the prestigious film school at USC. He later applies and is accepted at Cal State University in Long Beach. He graduates from CSU and goes on to direct some of the movie industries' biggest blockbusters. What I found really amusing is in 1994 USC gave him an honorary doctorate degree. The same school that said in essence: "You are not good enough to attend here."
He was given a goal to accomplish and this is what motivated him. What is your goal? The greatest blessing you can give yourself is a goal. So, what is your goal? Let me ask you this one question, "Who Are You?" You must answer this question. You need to tell yourself in very positive affirmations who you are. It is imperative that you have a positive mental attitude about yourself. Now go and do great things for yourself and others. Think On These: It is your Attitude not your Aptitude that determines your Altitude. Some people entertain ideas; others put them to work. Stay Pumped, Gary A. Serago Minister of God's Word Share this Pump Up with others by Sharing on Your Facebook Page, Twitter or Forwarding to a friend. Luke 15:3-7 - So He told them this parable, saying, 4 " What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 "When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7 "I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. NASU
The team was preparing to leave for the 1982 Big 10 Wrestling Championships in Michigan when it was discovered that Barry wasn't going to make the trip because of a weight issue. Dan sent the other coaches and wrestlers on ahead of him as he went to search for one missing wrestler. Dan found Barry in a convenience store at 7 am. Dan was able to convince Barry to come with him. Barry went with Coach Gable and lost 8 pounds in two days, made weight, and won his 2nd of 4 Big Ten Championships. Two weeks later Barry would wrestle and win his 1st of three NCAA Championships. Barry won the Olympic Silver medal in 1984 and has been the head coach at the University of Wisconsin for 22 years. One can only imagine how different Barry's life would be had Coach Gable not left the Nine wrestlers for the One.
Look at all the lives Jesus has changed while He was on earth. Look at all the lives He is changing now that He is alive in Heaven. I can tell you He has changed my life. I would venture to say I would not be alive now if Jesus hadn't changed my life in 1975. Some of you who are reading my Pump Ups may not be alive today if Jesus hadn't changed your lives also. So, who is that One lost sheep that you want to bring back to the fold?
In the parable of the lost coin we get a clearer picture of who is rejoicing. Luke 15:10 -"In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." NASU The "joy" is in the presence of the angels. I believe God is the One with the "joy" who is in the presence of the angels. If you ever wanted to bring joy into the life of God here is an opportunity, bring one back who has lost his or her way. Has one of your co-workers, teammates, or Christian brothers or sisters gone AWOL? Here is a chance for you to be a Great Leader like Jesus: go find them and help them return to active duty. Think On These: A fault which humbles a man is of more value than a virtue which puffs him up. Virtue has more admirers than followers. Stay Pumped, Gary A. Serago Minister of God's Word Share this Pump Up with others by Sharing on Your Facebook Page, Twitter or Forwarding to a friend. |
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