Often success only comes on the heels of disappointment and failure. We live in a real world, with very few born into instant money, privilege and position.

For most of us, life is  a day-to-day 'bump and grind’' existence, with only a minuscule chance of winning a Lotto 649 and living the fantasy life projected on TV commercials.

But hard work has never hurt anyone and a little strain, stress and sweat is really quite healthy.

IF YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AND TRY AGAIN

The old adage, "If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again", is good advice indeed.

Abraham Lincoln ran for public office several times and was defeated. He did not give up and finally was elected President of the USA and became renowned as one of America’s greatest leaders.

Theologian Dr. Kenneth Taylor sought in vain for a publisher to print his new paraphrase of the Holy Bible. He organized Tyndale House Publishers and has sold more than 35 million copies of the Living Bible.

Science fiction writer Frank Herbert who authored the galactic epic Dune was turned down by 20 publishers before his manuscript was finally accepted. His book has sold more than 12 million copies.

THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND HAVE FAITH IN GOD & IN YOURSELF

If we turn our mistakes and failures into stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, the experiences we go through are reversed from negative to positive. We can learn from our mistakes and failures and not make those mistakes again.

But if we take the low road of complaining, sulking and blaming people, it becomes a long-term aggravation that eats like a canker.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE
- SO GET POSITIVE THINKING

The Bible says, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he". Here’s a poem that reinforces that truth.

SUCCESS BEGINS WITH
YOUR THOUGHTS

ALL IN THE STATE OF MIND
If you think you’re beaten, you are;
If you think you dare, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.

St. Paul stated emphatically: "I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me". (Philippians 4:13)

And Jesus said: "All things are possible to him that believes". (Mark 9:23) "And Jesus looking upon them saith, With me it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)

COME to GOD IN SIMPLE FAITH

We must come to God, in simple faith, believing that Christ’s victory over Satan, death and Hell has purchased our freedom.

The Bible says, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil". (Heb.rews 2:14)

Jesus said: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you: For everyone that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened". (Mathew  7:7-8)

Here are four things that most people are concerned about!

IT ALL BEGINS WITH PEACE OF MIND

PEACE OF MIND: This comes through the knowledge of salvation, with the forgiveness of sins and the removing of guilt. Jesus said: "My peace I give unto you". (John 14:27; Romans 5:1; 8:1)

PROTECTION OF ONE’S HOME & FAMILY: The Bible says: "There shall no evil befall you and no plague shall come nigh unto your dwelling". (Psalms 91:10) The angels of God protect His people. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." (Psalms 34:19)

SECURITY FOR ONE’S JOB - The Bible tells us not to be concerned about tomorrow for He shall bless us with abundance. If we put Him first, He has promised to prosper and bless the work of our hands. (Matthew 6:33; Luke 6:38)

CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH - When Jesus died on the cross, He purchased our healing, for the Bible states: "He was wounded for our transgressions ...and with His stripes we are healed". (Isaiah 53:4-5)

"When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His Word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." (Matthew  8:16-27)

The key to success is turning your thoughts from negative to positive.  The key is in not giving up. We must ask in prayer for our need, seek His Word for an answer and keep knocking till we receive. That’s real faith!