For most of my life I was taught that talents were gifts of abilities and had nothing to do with financial gifts.

Sometimes people can teach things that are sincere but sincerely wrong. The word translated as 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:

There is a powerful passage of scripture in Ephesians 6:13-18 which reveals how you’re equipped to win every battle. . .the enemy wages against you.

A real understanding of spiritual armor will reveal how you can win every battle and not just one here and there.

Ephesians 6:13-18 in the Message Bible opens the door to winning every battle you face. It says:

"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. (1) Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. (2) Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. (3) God's Word is an indispensable weapon. (4) In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. (5) Keep your eyes open. (6) Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.(7)"

From this powerful scriptural passage God showed me seven facts you should know in order to defeat the enemy in every attack he launches against you.

1.      Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.

The World English Dictionary defines preparation as:

“the act or process of preparing and the state of being prepared; readiness”

Preparation is a mental decision because it becomes a practical reality.

I suppose the first time I ever heard the word heathen other than church was when Aunt Esther on the hit television show Sanford and Son called Fred Sanford one. It seems I even remember her calling Fred a “heathen reprobate.”

In the scripture, the Greek word for heathen appears in the scriptures 164 times in 152 verses. . .and in 157 of those occasions the word appears as gentiles or nations.

According to Strong’s Concordance the Greek word for heathen means:

“a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together; a multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus.”

According to the Random House Dictionary the word heathen means:

“an unconverted individual of a people that do not acknowledge the God of the Bible; a pagan; an irreligious, uncultured, or uncivilized person.”

The word irreligious is defined by dictionary.com as:

“showing indifference or hostility to religion.”

Showing indifference to the Word of God. . .could also be interpreted as not caring to obey His instructions.

I have a dear friend. . .a brilliant man. . .who is, in fact, a member of the Mensa Society, with an IQ of over 120.

In the midst of any conversation. . .whether about politics, people or ideas. . .he is prone to say. . . “Let’s get this conversation back where it belongs. . .on me.”

For my friend, the statement is just a way of having fun. . .or re-directing the conversation but it doesn’t have to be on him. . .he isn’t self-centered in the least.

However, we do live in a “me” society.

“What’s in it for me?”

“What difference does this matter to me?”

“How will this benefit me?”

Success is an attitude.  Success is a habit.  Success is a lifestyle.  Success is easily available to anyone who wants it...believes they can have it...works for it...never gives up and always... trusts God...through thick and thin.

Remember, faith is personified by being faithful.

Success happens inside you before it ever happens around you.  There is a defining moment when you decide to take control of your own life and embrace the success God wants you to achieve.

Age, education, money, background and childhood experiences do not matter in the face of these principles.

Joshua spent twenty years preparing for his divine destiny…his success as a leader for the Children of Israel. In the life and book of Joshua there are ten success secrets that Joshua found were critical to his future and they are critical to your future too.

1^st Step—See your goal