Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

 Do you want to be successful? If you are like me, the answer is yes depending on what you mean by success. One person may define success by the number of likes they receive on Social Media; another defines success by the number of people who buy a product they make. Still others define success as having and maintaining two and a half kids, a wife, two jobs (making good money), one dog, one boat, and eight activities and living to tell about it. 

 To be honest I like to get likes, my biggest accomplishment is over 8 million views on Google Maps and Reviews for Gluten Free food and restaurants. I am also thankful for being able to provide for my family although I do not have the dog or eight activities for the boys anymore. All these accomplishments are nothing compared to success as defined by the Bible. Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus is the giver of the abundant life or as I am talking “The Successful Life!” This month’s sermon series will follow the lectionary reading for this summer in 2 Corinthians. You will be amazed how relevant God’s Word is when it comes to success. I’m going to define success through the book of 2 Corinthians: 

1. Knowing the Trinity – May 26 & 29 

2. Handing out Treasure in Clay Jars – June 2 & 5 

3. Living Well when my Body is Falling Apart June 9 & 12 

4. Living Well in Temporary Tents – June 16 & 19 

5. Putting up with Garbage for the Sake of Others June 23 & 26 

6. The Act of Giving vs. Receiving – June 30 & July 3 

7. Living with Contentedness – July 7 & 10 

 All of these unusual life style choices take place within living out our Vocations (i.e. Living as a Parent, Husband or Wife, Neighbor, Employer or Employee, Governor or Citizen.) All of the above are gifts from Jesus. Putting up with garbage does not seem successful, yet when we follow Jesus such a lifestyle will change the world or at least the people around us. Success may involve making money and even doing well, but for a different reason than merely living the stereotypical imagined life for its own sake. God may grant us the gifts to manage money well for the benefit of ourselves, our family, and to impact the world around us for the sake of Jesus, but he may grant us success with the gifts of conversation and the management of other resources! 

 I pray you are blessed with true success from Jesus! In Christ, 

Pastor Travis

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