July 27, 2026 Devo

July 27th, 2026

Powerful Words from the Prophets
“But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king! Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink. But he was just and right in all his dealings. That is why God blessed him. He gave justice and help to the poor and needy, and everything went well for him. Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the LORD. – Jeremiah 22:15-16 (NLT)
“How God Defines Success”

There’s an executive I’ve gotten to know who has obtained a fairly high position in his organization. Many people, on the outside looking in, would say that this man is successful. But what’s interesting is that as I’ve talked to other people in his organization, no one seems to like him. Most regard him as rude and a bit obnoxious. Others have said that he is a bit of a bully. Still others have claimed that he takes credit for other people’s work. Would you call that “success”?
God points out to King Jehoiakim that there’s more to success than power and money. Jehoiakim was trying to build a great palace for himself. He wanted to be known as a great king. But he thought only of himself and treated his workers and his people like dirt. He not only didn’t follow the Lord, but he was also unjust and unfair in his dealings with others. Nobody liked him. And God wasn’t happy.
God uses Jehoiakim’s father, Josiah, as an example of what a successful person really looks like. Josiah was obviously wealthy as a king, but he wasn’t greedy. He was content with what he had and was grateful for God’s blessings. He was a just king. He was a fair king. He was humble before God and generous with those in need. People loved King Josiah. They not only obeyed him, they respected him. And God was pleased with Josiah.
So, what is success? Success is being faithful to God and grateful for what He blesses you with. It is also having the love and respect of the people who know you the best. Having a corner office and a high income is nice, but is it really worth it if everyone thinks you’re a jerk? Is it truly worth it to climb the ladder to the top, but then get to the end and not hear the words, “Well done,” from the Lord? Be a Josiah, not Jehoiakim. Success is not what you achieve. It’s who you ARE. And it’s who God made you to be! That’s God’s Word for you today.