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Key Bible Verse: Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed (Joshua 1:8). Bonus Reading: Psalm 1:1-3

I had been sold a bag of goods. I'd embraced the American Dream as the way to happiness, and come up empty. All the outward signs of success were mine: a beautiful home, nice car, blooming career, and lovely wife. But inside I felt like a desert. Something was missing.

I began to search the Scriptures and talk to God about my emptiness. My eyes soon came to rest on today's Key Bible Verse. Joshua had been given the huge task of leading his people in occupying the land God had promised them. They'd have to fight for it. But God assured Joshua that he'd succeed if he made sure to do things His way.

Suddenly it hit me: I'd let culture define success for me. But God's idea of success is to pursue His plans for our lives, obey His Word, and use our lives for the good of others. Joshua got the message, and he and his people won big.

I decided to do life God's way. I filled my mind with Scripture and sought God's plans for my life. Good things happened. Like Joshua, I saw God work through me in wonderful ways. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction I never found while pursuing the American Dream became mine.

—Mike Raether in Montana

My Response: Which take on success is more motivating to me? Why?

Thought to Apply: Don't be grieved if you don't enjoy popular favor; grieve rather that you don't live as well and carefully as befits a servant of God.—THOMAS à KEMPIS

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

I realize, Lord, that I can only become a success in Your eyes if I understand what true success looks like. Please show me.

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