To live a long life in good health.  To be debt free and job secure.  To have good relationships with the people God has placed in your life.  To live with love, joy, and peace.  To have godly wisdom and knowledge.  These are the attributes most people desire and pray for and yet most people do not attain.  How do we get there?

1.      First we must have the master passion to be like Christ.  Unless we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, we will not achieve our goal.  This means that even if we are sick, even if we are poor, even if we have a hard time with family and people in general, even if our world is upside down, desire righteousness and godliness first.

2.      Secondly, be determined to do whatever it takes to fulfill that goal.  Make it a point to be obedient to the word of God and the Holy Spirit.  Study to show yourself approved of God.  Pray without ceasing.  Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord.  Give generously. Delight in mercy.  Forgive others.

3.      Third realize that if you begin to follow the path of righteousness, you will be persecuted.  This means do the will of God regardless of what others think of you.  Deny yourself and take up the cross and follow Him.  All godly people are a little bit peculiar.

4.      Know that if you willfully choose to sin, you will stay under the curse.  Be not deceived, God is not mocked, if a man sows to the flesh from the flesh he will receive corruption, if he sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit he will receive everlasting life.           

5.      Know the word of God and confess health and prosperity.  Do not take in negative reports and surround yourself with faith filled, godly people

6.      Forsake the world as much as possible.  This means avoid secular music, secular literature, secular movies, secular entertainment in general like sports for instance if they have a hold on you.

7.      Begin a spiritual life.  Take care of hygiene, eating habits, your health in general.  Spend time with nature, enter into stillness and silence, meditate on the word, and embrace solitude.

8.      Find a ministry.  Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.  Treat people they way you would like to be treated: with love and respect.

9.      If you have a spiritual problem pray for deliverance.

10.  Do little things well.

Keep in mind that Jesus Christ has died for you and is risen from the dead.  He is our saving Lord. He is joy for all ages.  As the hymn goes.  amen