12 Differences Between Successful and Unsuccessful People (May 2023)

Written by Harold Herring.

Have you ever read a scripture that just ignited a mental firestorm. . . stirring your spirit and energizing your fingers on a laptop keyboard?

Here’s the scripture that fired me up today.

Proverbs 12:24 in the New Living Translation says:

“Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.”

As I read that scripture I began thinking about the differences between successful and unsuccessful people.

Brian Tracy, a noted author and success teacher, said:

“Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, 'What's in it for me?'”

Being successful is not necessarily the result of your education, experience, family background or luck. . .but neither is being unsuccessful the result of those same things.

Here are twelve differences between successful and unsuccessful people.

1.      Successful people make plans. . .unsuccessful people make excuses.

Practical Ways To Maximize Your Talents

Written by Harold Herring.

For most of my life I was taught that talents were gifts of abilities and not financial gifts.  That’s not the case… talents as discussed in Matthew 25 is clearly defined as money.

If you have any doubt about the accuracy of what I’m saying… consider Matthew 25:16 in the New English Translation Bible:

“The one who had received five talents went off right away and put his money to work and gained five more.”

Next, take a look at Matthew 25:18-19 also in the New English Translation Bible which says:

“But the one who had received one talent went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money in it.”

I realize some people might say, “Well, yes but you’re just quoting those new -fangled translations.  What does the King James Version say?”

Glad you asked.

Matthew 25:18 in the King James Version says:

“But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.”

He hid his Lord’s what. . .oh, yes. . .MONEY.

Growing up. . .I saw illustrations in church with a fifty-cent piece or a silver talent representing a talent. . . yet that’s far from the truth.

In Jesus’ day, a talent referred to a large sum of money.  According to the commentary found in the Dake Bible, one talent equaled roughly $29,000.

Seven Keys To Experiencing God's Best

Written by Harold Herring.

Since we began Rich Thoughts For  Breakfast. . .I’ve written 137 blogs or television programs just on leadership.

You would think that I had covered on the bases on the do’s and don’ts of being a leader.  At least, that’s what I thought . . .until God allowed me to see something in a way that I’d never seen it before.

As this passage in Exodus begins, Moses is being paid a visit by Jethro, his father-in-law.   

Exodus 18:17-23 in the Message Bible says:

“Moses' father-in-law said, "This is no way to go about it. You'll burn out, and the people right along with you. This is way too much for you—you can't do this alone.

“Now listen to me. Let me tell you how to do this so that God will be in this with you. Be there for the people before God, but let the matters of concern be presented to God. Your job is to teach them the rules and instructions, to show them how to live, what to do.

“And then you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders over groups organized by the thousand, by the hundred, by fifty, and by ten.

“They'll be responsible for the everyday work of judging among the people. They'll bring the hard cases to you, but in the routine cases they'll be the judges. They will share your load and that will make it easier for you. If you handle the work this way, you'll have the strength to carry out whatever God commands you, and the people in their settings will flourish also."

As I was reading these verses, God shared me seven characteristics of leadership and what it takes to be successful in this world of ours.

Exodus 18:17-19 in the Message Bible says:

7 Keys To Ever-Increasing Faith

Written by Harold Herring.

When I was dating my fine wife Bev. . .there was a popular song by Diana Ross entitled “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

“If you need me, call me

No matter where you are

No matter how far

Just call my name

I'll be there in a hurry

On that you can depend and never worry”

The lyrics to the chorus are:

“Ain't no mountain high enough

Ain't no valley low enough

Ain't no river wild enough

Seven Primary Ways Jesus Heals

Written by Harold Herring.

Jesus is our Great Physician and His power, knowledge and abilities are without limitation because He is Jehovah-Rapha, our God who heals.

Exodus 15:26 says:                                     

“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”

According to Strong’s Concordance. . .the very name of God. . .Jehovah-Rapha reveals He is “. . .the Lord that healeth thee.” (H7495)

The fact that Jesus paid the price for our healing was prophesied 700 years before His birth by the prophet Isaiah.  In fact, Isaiah 53:4-5 says:

“Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses) and carried our sorrows (pains); yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

Isaiah prophesied long before Jesus ever walked the earth as a man. . .long before He was crucified and resurrected.  That’s why some people who don’t believe in divine healing cite this verse as historical fact with no spiritual application.  However, we cannot ignore the words of Matthew 8:16-17 which says:

“When evening came, they brought to Him many who were under the power of demons, and He drove out the spirits with a word and restored to health all who were sick.  And thus He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He Himself took [in order to carry away] our weaknesses and infirmities and bore away our diseases.”

Seven Things to Never Misplace

Written by Harold Herring.

Have you ever misplaced something you not only wanted to find. . .but you had to find?

Perhaps it was your car or house keys, an important document for work or some back-up files for your taxes.

After some time passed and more mental anguish than you care to admit, you finally found the misplaced items.

Recently, a precious, close friend of ours, Pastor Malc Burton sent me the following text.

“Good morning, Pastor.  Read Psalm 62:5 when you get a moment.  God stirred me this morning about misplaced expectation and misplaced trust.  Love you.”

Pastor Malc is full of revelatory insight.  He has ghost written over 100 books for many well-known Christian leaders. . .names you would immediately recognize.

As I read Pastor Malc’s text I was stirred as well.  Even before reading his scripture. . .I felt impressed to write seven things never to misplace.

1.      Misplaced expectation.

Psalm 62:5 in the Amplified Bible says:

“My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.”