SixThirty3 Student Ministry

Today's text was 1 Samuel 18:10-30. Here is what God revealed to me.

1. The secret to success is found in Him. 1 Samuel 18 is a dramatic picture of 2 very different men--one of his way down (Saul) and one on his way up (David). The difference between the two men is found in vs. 12: "the LORD was with David but had left Saul.:" Because of his disobedience back in 1 Samuel 13, God removed His hand of blessing from Saul.
   
   We need to understand that the secret to success in life is found in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We will be utter failures in life unless we are intimately connected to Him. Jesus said it this way in John 15:5--"I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me." If we live "disconnected" from God, it doesn't matter what we do or how many people know us or love us--we will be failures. It is only by living in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ that we accomplish anything of eternal value. That kind of connection is so much more than a "once a day meeting"! It's a continual, moment by moment awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence. It's living in constant connection with Him!
   
   Here are some questions I'm asking myself to evaluate my life in this area:
   
        * Is there any element of disobedience in my life of which I need to repent?
        * Am I continuously aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in my life? Why or why not?
        * What can I do to be more aware of the Spirit's presence on a moment by moment basis?
        * How do I define "success" in my life?