Have you ever known anyone who just never seems to get what they want in life? They make lots of plans but things never seen to pan out well? I believe there are 5 requirements for getting successful outcomes in any area.

In today's episode I will share the 5 Requirements, and explain how you can put them to work starting today.

•Thanks for the 5-star reviews on iTunes from Brian Knight of SuccessForNurses.com, and Cheri Fields at CreationScience4kids.com, If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes.
•I'm speaking at the Platform Conference in November. Register using this link, and as you check out enter the promo code RAY to save $100 on your ticket.

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What is the Kingdom, and how do we know we're in it?

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans [14:17]

We are instructed to seek first the Kingdom of God every day (Matthew [6:33]). But what is the Kingdom of God? Is it good works? Being sinless? Bible reading?

In Romans [14:17] Paul writes that the Kingdom of God isn't something outside you flowing in — “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking”. It's something inside you flowing out — “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

So how do we experience this practically? How do we “seek first God’s kingdom”?

We must be flowing with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Righteousness is not something you can work for, because it's not based on what you do. This righteousness is actually His righteousness, and it is a gift. (Romans [5:17]; 1 Corinthians [1:30]) We need to be grounded in the truth that you are the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians [5:21])

The debt for your sin has been paid, so God says He has cleansed our conscience. We have peace with God and we also have the peace of God.

So where does the joy come from? The same place it came from for the disciples. They were filled with joy when they saw Jesus, His hands and His side. (John [20:20])

So here's what to do: every day, practice seeing yourself righteous in Christ. This means don't be conscious of your sins – but rather be conscious of your righteousness.

You may be listening to worship music, or to preaching or teaching, but whatever you are feeding yourself on should help you see Jesus, with His pierced hands and side, the same evidence of his finished work that gave the disciples joy. See all your sins forgiven, and you will experience peace and joy. This is exactly how to seek the kingdom of God!

1. Clarity
2. Confidence
3. Character
4. Consistency
5. Commitment

If you enjoy the podcast, I would consider it a great favor if you subscribe (and leave a review) in iTunes. This helps new people discover the show. You can also find the podcast on Stitcher.

Question: How have these 5 Requirements helped you to succeed – or how has their absence caused less than ideal results?