Do you want to root for success? Here's the route map

Uni-verse 250/10,000 For better through verse
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper


Without an intimate connection with God, all mankind including the richest, the most beautiful, the greatest, are like the grass that withers in a short time or like flowers that fade overnight. The allusion is that common people are like the grass and the elite, the achievers, the glamourous, the affluent are like the flowers. Everything is in vain.

But, when we are grafted on to ‘the root of Jesse’, Jesus we are each and collectively like a tree that is planted by the rivers of water, a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Our roots dig deep into the soil of the Word and the sap of nourishment will run up into the stem and branches of our lives, meaning the main purpose and the tertiary aspects of our lives. We will bear fruit, a different fruit in every month of the year to meet different needs. Even our leaves will not wither, meaning even our thoughts, desires and words will not be in vain. Our thoughts and words will bring healing to the nations. Our thoughts and words will find fruition in actions and deeds. Nothing is in vain, even our failures.

Whatever we do will prosper. I found this true in my life: soon after I committed my life to Christ in 1979, I began to succeed in whatever I did: became the first ever to secure both the First Rank in the state and the National Talent Search scholarship in the space of a few months in 1980. In 1993, became the first police officer in the world to start the Friends of Police movement to empower ordinary citizens to partner with the police. In 1997, became the first civil servant to be selected for the British Gurukul Scholarship for Excellence and Leadership. In 2002, became one out of two to be awarded the inaugural Queen’s Award for Innovation in Police Training and Development. ALL for the greater glory of God. As the Psalmist said, “ Unto Him and unto Him alone be the glory.” People who knew me began to wonder how did this very ordinary or mediocre guy suddenly become extraordinary. The Lord told me the secret, “ You were neither very intelligent nor wise nor smart before you began to lean on me.” If you want to root for success, the route is Jesus.

Prateep V Philip

The Faith that alters fate

Uni-verse 153/10,000 Joshua 1 v 7

Jos 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.


In one brief verse, this scripture reveals the very secret of true success and fulfillment. Why does success and happiness elude the vast majority of humanity throughout history though it is the universal goal? Perhaps, we are looking in the wrong places. The history of mankind is the story of man climbing the wrong tree. If we wish to prosper in spirit, mind and body, then we must diligently study and obey the Word of God. We must not be deceived by the philosophies, beliefs and ideologies of the world, whether of the right or the left but exhibit an unswerving devotion to believing and obeying God's Word embodied in the Bible. This is not easy for God does not make things easy for us in our lives. He makes it possible.
Faith is not about being weak and ineffective. It is about being strong and very courageous. We need a little strength or all that we can muster in our spirit, mind and body and a lot of courage. For courage never denies hope and faith for the basis of courage is hope and hope cannot be carried to fulfillment except through hope. When we repose our trust in His Word, God will alter our lot according to His promise. It is impossible for man to obey " all the law" , for instance, who among us has never lied. But, God will supply the grace to fill the gaps in our faith, strength and obedience. Faith is like a blank cheque drawn on God's treasury which we can use once we have brought in our own equity and shown due diligence.
The promise is that God will prosper us regardless of whereever we go or what we do. The Word of God will cast light on what we must do and what we must avoid. It will impart to our spirits the spirit of true faith and worship. Our minds, it will transform into the mind of Christ. It will give power to our words so that none of it falls to the ground unfulfilled. It will give us flint-like determination to carry out our intentions and decisions. It will uplift our emotions. Our life will become truly purpose-driven and principle-centred. The results will be there for all to see: a life of quality accompanied by the quality of life.


Prateep V Philip