Have you ever heard the saying “you’re not getting older…you’re getting better?”

It’s a beautiful thought…flattering…bound to make the recipient feel good even if they question the sincerity.

Hopefully, we are all getting better…I mean it would be tragic to think we can live a day and not improve something in our mental thought processes or the quality of life.

However, the reality is…we’re getting older and there’s nothing we can do about it.

Yes, we can get nipped, clipped, tucked…having our face drawn tighter than someone sucking on a lemon…but we’re still getting older.

Growing up. . .I learned it was never good to begin a letter with an apology or a sermon with something negative.

However, I want to reveal what I call “The Circle of Failure”. . .so we can get on to the remainder of this most positive, life-changing teaching.

Here are the ten points to “The Circle of Failure.”

Circumstances lead to situations producing problems spawning worry leading to stress creating anxiety followed by ineffectiveness resulting in sickness, excuses and ultimately failure.

What prompted me to think about this. . .was the number of believers I come in contact with on a daily basis who are overwhelmed by stress and pressure.  These faithful saints are so blinded by their circumstances. . .they can’t fully realize how blessed they are.

Proverbs 4:23 says:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

According to Strong’s Concordance the Hebrew word for issues is (tote sa uff) tō·tsä·ä (H8444) is a real estate term and it means:

“borders, the parameters”

Your heart sets the borders of your life.

The outside circumstances don’t set the borders of your life; it’s what’s in your heart that sets the boundaries or determines the course of your life.

There was a time in our lives when we were so broke that if we walked by a bank, the alarms would go off.  The bankers knew we didn’t have any money in the bank so they figured we must be coming to take some out.

We were so broke that when we went to have a family photograph taken and the photographer said “cheese” my kids all rushed to stand in line to get some.

All jokes aside, there was a time when we had one nostril above some troubled financial waters. Every now and then a wave would roll over us and we would struggle for air to breathe.  But God move us to a new level and He’ll do the same thing for you.

What does it really mean to live the good life?

Does the good life consist of having the latest electronic toys and gadgets. . .traveling to exotic locations for lengthy vacations. . .living in the biggest house in the nicest neighborhood. . .being successful in business and in your investments?

For those who’re sick. . .battling for their health. . .the good life is healing.

For those who’re having trouble with their children.  . .the good life is everybody knowing Jesus as Lord.

Who has helped shape your view of what you consider to be the good life?

Living the good life. . .is a journey. . .a progressive revelation and realization of the possibilities God has placed before you.