1 Samuel 18:12-16  Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with David but had departed from Saul. So he sent David away from him and gave him command over a thousand men, and David led the troops in their campaigns. In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him. When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns. (NIV)

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What is the secret of your success? 

There is no secret to King David’s success. God was with him.

God chose him. God empowered him. God used him to accomplish his purposes. God blessed the whole world through what he did in and through David.

Not everyone is happy about a good life well lived and shaped by God’s hands to carry out God’s purposes. Saul was afraid of David’s success. As God had been with Saul at the beginning, so he was with David then. Saul knew God’s empowering presence is unstoppable. He also knew that he would never again experience that empowering presence.

Saul didn’t have to lead a powerless life. It was his impulsive nature and disobedience that brought him to that place. 

God wants to empower you for significance. He wants you to hear his words of truth and life, take them to heart, and to live in full alignment and attunement with him. He wants you to display his goodness, kindness, compassion, and mercy. He wants you to become a carrier of his grace. 

He wants to replace your impulsive nature with a settled and peaceful disposition. He wants to replace your rebellious heart with a heart that beats in rhythm with his own. He wants to bless you to be a blessing to everyone you meet. 

Pray like this: Our Father, I want what you want for me. Remove those characteristics that distance me from your goodness and grace. Empower me to live the life you always dreamed I would. Make me an instrument of your peace. Use me in whatever manner you see fit to build a better world. I belong to you. Amen. 

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I will live a life that honors God and blesses others.

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Our Father, I want what you want for me. Remove those characteristics that distance me from your goodness and grace. Empower me to live the life you always dreamed I would. Make me an instrument of your peace. Use me in whatever manner you see fit to build a better world. I belong to you. Amen.