Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK “Are you Ready to Really Get Ahead?” "If you have understanding, you will see that my words are just what you need.” – Proverbs 8:9 Have you heard the story of Charles Schwab and Ivy Lee? Schwab was president of Bethlehem Steel. Lee, a consultant, was given the usual challenge: "Show me a way to get more things done and with my time." Schwab agreed to pay him "anything within reason" if Lee's suggestion worked. A week later Lee handed the executive a sheet of paper with the following plan: “Write down the most important tasks you have to do tomorrow. Number them in order of importance. When you arrive in the morning begin at once on Number 1 and stay on it until it is completed. Recheck your priorities, and then begin with Number 2. Once you have completed that task then proceed to Number 3. Make this a habit every working day. Pass it on to those under you. Try it as long as you like, then send me your check for what you think it's worth.” That one idea turned the Bethlehem Steel Corporation into the biggest independent steel producer in the world within five years. How much did Schwab pay his consultant? Schwab admitted that it was the most profitable lesson he had ever learned so several weeks after receiving the note, he sent Lee a check for $25,000!! That may not seem like a large amount of money but this was in early 1900’s!! The equivalent of $150,000 in today’s economy. I find it interesting that this verse begins with the word…”if.” On several occasions I have made the statement that the word if could very well be the most important word in the dictionary. So much depends upon our actions/reactions—our attitudes and/or our decision-making. And it begins here—with this one incredibly important word…if! If we want what God has to give. If we will listen and truly take it to heart. If we will follow through and apply His words step by step, day by day! Today’s message will be rather short and here is why—God’s Word has given us all we need to be successful. He has laid it out in very simple, understandable language. And, as millions have discovered through the years His track record for success through the centuries has been proven. What more do we need to know or say at this point? The question is, how much would it be worth to you?