Friday is for Heart Songs
What does it take to change the world (God’s Way)?
King Saul had a great beginning. He starts with a changed heart (10:9) and the Spirit of God coming upon him mightily (10:10). He starts with great boldness and leadership (11:7). He starts with great support from the majority of the people (11:8). He starts with a great victory (11:10ff). He starts with humility and dependence upon God (11:12-13).
None of it lasted long and his life ends in tragedy.
The prophet Samuel, on the other hand shows great consistency over his entire life. He puts his life on display before the people. He asks them if he has been a man of integrity with regard to his leadership of the nation (12:3-5). Then he reminds them of how God has dealt with them in the past (12:6-11). Samuel does not have a credibility gap. He has credibility with his countryman because he walked with God before them.
Samuel’s influence was godly because his life was godly.
That’s what it takes to make a difference in the world—godliness. Remember that, this Christmas season and in all your decisions today. And remind yourself of that everyday.
1 Timothy 4:7-9 (ESV)
7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.[1]
ChosenRebel's Blog 
We all tend to be entranced by the glitz and glamor of bold leadership,a great move of the Spirit of God, and mighty victories. None of these are wrong or evil. What we tend to do though is chase after these events and experiences and forget the God who is drawing us to himself. I have struggled with growing in holiness and godliness while trying to do “great things” for God. In the middle of planting a church I realized that apart from God forming in me his nature and godliness, whatever I do will crumble and fail. Godliness will lead you to fulfill your God given vision and dream big, well dream just like God.
LikeLike
Amen brother. And yet, it is a lesson that unfortunately, we don’t just learn once and have it forever tatooed on our psyche. It is a lesson that is more like a dry erase marker in the white-board of our hearts that we have to continually remind ourselves about and make sure it is still there.
It was great to meet you up in NY last week. I’m praying that God will do a great work in all the churches that he moves you to plant. My prayer is that a great church planting movement will be started out of your ministry. Thanks to for your service to the country. You’re a hero man.
LikeLike