Lots going on and so today between getting to watch my daughter playing in the national championship tournament and looking to wrap up the work week strong, I am leaning in on God for wisdom and discernment along with health and protection to help me accomplish the good works He has prepared in advance for me to accomplish. There is always a lot that will pull at us for our time, our resources, and our finances. The key is to lean in on God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us down the right path so that we can remain focused and live with purpose, on purpose, and for a purpose! So today as I get my day started, figuring out the things to get done and the things that can wait till next week, I turn to God for wisdom and direction so that in and through it all, He will receive the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus’ name.
Verse of the Day:
‘For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. ‘
Are you being faithful? Are you trusting God? Are you putting Him first? Are you living with purpose, on purpose, and for a purpose? Are you ready to finish strong? Invite Jesus into your heart! Invite Jesus into your life! Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in being faithful with the little things so that God can work in and through your life for your good and His glory!
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
So with tomorrow being Friday how are you going to live out your today? Are you over the hump of Wednesday and coasting? Are you flying because Wednesday was a ramp and you are pressing in and pressing forward towards the goal for the glory of God? Are you focused? Are you prioritizing things so that what is most important is getting done? Let’s pause and consider the prioritization quadrant for a moment.
or another way to look at it would be
So, tomorrow is Friday so consider the things pulling for your time and let’s press in and press forward to accomplish what needs to be done now and plan for the things that will need to get done. Let’s choose to not be distracted by the things that aren’t important, especially those that aren’t important but are coming at you like they are in crisis.
As I reflect on things on my plate I see family things, like celebrating my daughter’s graduation including a party planned for tomorrow. I also see calling things like prepping the final details for camp to bless a bunch of teenage girls that are coming up soon. I also see a huge project for work with many tasks that need to get done. There are some things that are needing me to action today. There are some things that I need to plan out today. There are some things that I need to say no to and others that I will need to delegate.
How about you? What are you pressing in on? What are you pressing forward on? How are you prioritizing all the things pulling at your time?
Let’s choose to thrive for the glory of God!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ‘
So where are you at today? What is it that you are facing? What is it that you need to prioritize? What is it that you need to evaluate? What detour has entered the picture? What will you do? Where will you turn? How will you respond? Invite Jesus into your heart! Invite Jesus into the situation! Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment to help you decide and move forward for the glory of God!
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
As the week continues do you have a lot more questions than you do answers? Do you have a lot of questions even though you have many answers? Is it because of the reality that the more you know the more you know you don’t know? When you ask a question are you doing it with the right heart? Are you asking to learn or to put the other person on the spot? Are you asking and then listening to understand or do you ask and start to come up with your next question? Are you asking questions in a way that can be understood and helpful? Are you asking questions in a way that will help you better learn from the answer and understand? Are you asking questions in a way that is worded or expressed so as to elicit information? Are you asking questions in a way that is for the purpose inquiry and query? Are you asking questions that are more along the lines of doing an interrogation or examination? Check your heart before you ask so that you are asking with good intentions! Check your heart so that you can ensure you ask it for the right purpose! Are you ready to ask questions today to help you learn and understand better in order to be able to help, move forward, and thrive?
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. ‘
Are you ready to listen? Are you ready to learn? Are you ready to trust? Are you ready to forgive? Are you ready to heal? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life? Are you ready to be transformed? Are you ready to share the load? Are you ready to give up the weight?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
As I wake up this morning I see a list of todos in front of me with excitement and energy. As I look ahead and see how busy work is and how busy life is I am excited to see God’s hand at work across all the areas of my life. Be it work with planning and preparing, meeting and learning, driving and executing. Be it life with training plans, camp plans, college plans, family plans, travel plans, and graduation plans. Both are busy and as I like to joke with people it helps me stay balanced. So as we get today going, let’s be focused, putting first things first, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness so that we can get it done in alignment and accordance with His perfect will and plan and purpose for our lives and allow God to help carry the load and get it done for His glory!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
‘The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. ‘
Are you ready to go beyond just being a hearer of the Word to being a doer for the Word? Are you ready to get your to-dos into to-dones? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your situation and ask Him for wisdom to help you live your life to the full as He desires? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your heart and allow Him to lead and guide you through your day?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email.
So you do realize that God has invested in you right? Every good and perfect gift you have came from God! God gave you the gifts and talents to thrive! God gave you the ability and opportunity to thrive! God created you on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose! You have a choice of what you will do with it. Will you choose to be a good steward by using the gifts and talents He has given you? Will you choose to be a good steward by taking the gifts and talents and looking to have a multiplying effect on them so that when you get to be in front of God you will be like the people who got a return on the talents they were given and hear “well done, good and faithful servant“? Will you waste or bury those gifts and talents and lose what you have been given? The choice is ours and we get to decide how we will use our gifts, talents, time, and energy. Let’s choose to invest in what God has given us so that He will receive the glory in the midst of seeing us thrive!
Verse of the Day:
‘Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. ‘
Is your life too busy? Is your life too distracted? Are you looking for ways to slow down? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your life? Are you ready to allow Jesus to come into your heart? Could today be the day your life is transformed?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
In order to THRIVE for the glory of God, we need to be hearing from God. In order to THRIVE for the glory of God, we need to be spending time with God. In order to THRIVE for the glory of God, we need to understand God’s plan and direction.
I am so thankful for Jesus who gave His all in order for me to be able to be reconciled with God and be in a relationship with Him. I am so thankful for Jesus who when He returned to sit at the right hand of the Father interceding for you and me because He sent the Holy Spirit so that we wouldn’t be alone but have a comforter and guide to help us through this life. I am so thankful for Jesus who taught us through His Word and His experiences how to live a life to the full by raising the bar on average. I am so thankful for Jesus who warned us that in this world we would have troubles because He also reminds us that we can take heart because He has overcome the world. I am so thankful for Jesus who came that we could have life and life more abundantly. I am so thankful for Jesus who demonstrated that the devil will try to trick us and trip us up when we are at our weakest by twisting God’s Word and yet that we can rebuke the lies and treacheries by correcting Him using God’s Word too.
Let’s choose today to follow Jesus and allow Him to guide us into a life where we can THRIVE. Let’s choose today to wait on Jesus and allow Him to provide us with the wisdom and discernment we need to address what comes our way. Let’s grab hold of what it really means to THRIVE:
Verse of the Day:
‘Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. ‘
So where are you today? Are you making time to spend with God? Are you making time to be with God? Are you making time to hear from God? Are you making time to do what God calls you to do? Are you seeking and searching? Are you hearing that tug on your heart from Jesus? Are you ready to open the door to your heart and invite Jesus in?
If you pray today’s prayer with me feel free to let me know so I can pray with you and for you too. (If you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment then you can always try email or text.
Do you remember how God can work what the enemy planned for evil and turn it around and use it for good? Do you remember how God does or allows something to happen for two reasons: (1) for His glory and (2) for your good! So yes, it’s 2022 and I am facing an unknown change and how it will look, feel, and be. But I don’t need to worry because worry does me no good, it doesn’t extend my life or fix anything. If there is anything that is concerning to me I can cast them on God because He cares for me. May it bring troubles? Maybe but I can take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. Maybe but I can consider it pure joy because I know it will build my faith, it will strengthen my endurance as I persevere, and when perseverance has finished its work I will be complete and lacking nothing. So today with so many unknowns for my team and me, I turn to God and put all my hope and trust in Him! Today as I prepare for a meeting to review 2021, I give it up to God trusting that I know He can use it all for His glory and my good!
What about you? What are you facing? What are you going to do about it? How are you going to choose to respond? Will you choose to TRUST God? Will you choose to PERSEVERE? Will you choose to walk out UNITY in health? The choice is yours! The decisions are yours? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! How about you?
Before jumping into my usual next section, today’s verse speaks more. It speaks to how producing fruit means demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart. It speaks to how producing fruit in keeping with repentance is a conscious decision to turn away from sin. So let’s grab hold of this and decide to live out our today in a way to bring God the glory and the honor. Let’s choose to live out today elevating God’s authority and power by not quitting! Let’s choose to live out today building trust!
So do you have a relationship with Jesus? Are you ready to receive His wisdom and discernment? Are you ready to get godly directions and instructions? Are you ready to break free from the chains of the past in order to move forward in true freedom? Then let’s pray together.
As you begin today, who are you? Where does your identity come from? Who do you say you are? Who does God say you are? Are you ready to live according to who God says you are rather than being defined by what you do, how you do it, or what others think? Are you ready to grab hold of your identity and live out the purpose for which you were created?
Today’s verse of the day comes to us from Matthew 28:19 and says:
‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ‘
Are you ready to go today? Are you ready to share the good news today and make disciples? Are you ready to remove the limits and the barriers of who you can share the good news with? Are you ready to help them enter into the baptism? Are you ready to bring them into and under the covering of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Are you ready to help them find their true identity in Christ Jesus? Are you ready to help them be redeemed? Are you ready to answer the call?
There are so many things in this world that try to tear us down. There are so many things in this world that try to define us or write out our identity. Let’s not allow the world to rob us of our true identity. Let’s grab hold of who God says we are. Let’s decide today to accept and receive the gift of God through Jesus Christ and become children of God. Let’s pray:
It’s the day before a year that will be filled with lots of change. It’s the day before a year when one daughter who has been raised up in the way she should go will be leaving home to pursue God’s purpose, passion, and plan for her life. It’s the day before a year when another daughter will be heading off to college and getting to play collegiate soccer after graduating her senior year. It’s the day before a year when the house will only have one child left and our son will get the experience of being a teen and only child type of experience. So needless to say there will be a lot of changes in how our house is going to be and feel. God help us enjoy every day we have with our kids. God help us to focus on what is important to you as we prepare for and go through these changes throughout the year. God help us to live our lives in ways that will point our kids towards you and will bring you the praise, the honor, and the glory. Lord, help me I pray to Be The Dad you created me to be for Your purpose, Your plan, Your honor, and Your glory. Seasons are changing and we need to be ready. Seasons are changing and we need to get prepared. Seasons are changing as we move from a home of 5 to 4 and after a few months 3 and after a few years down to 2. Seasons change! So let’s enjoy the one we are in and prepare for the one that is coming so that we can make the most of it for the glory of God!
‘For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land.’
Let’s look for additional context and details by expanding the verses and using the Amplified version:
‘“I am the rose [of the plain] of Sharon, The lily of the valleys [that grows in deep places].” “Like the lily among the thorns, So are you, my darling, among the maidens.” “Like an apple tree [rare and welcome] among the trees of the forest, So is my beloved among the young men! In his shade I took great delight and sat down, And his fruit was sweet and delicious to my palate. He has brought me to his banqueting place, And his banner over me is love [waving overhead to protect and comfort me]. Sustain me with raisin cakes, Refresh me with apples, Because I am sick with love. Let his left hand be under my head And his right hand embrace me.” “I command that you take an oath, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the does of the field [which run free], That you do not rouse nor awaken my love Until she pleases.” “Listen! My beloved! Behold, he comes, Climbing on the mountains, Leaping and running on the hills! My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he is standing behind our wall, He is looking through the windows, He is gazing through the lattice. “My beloved speaks and says to me, ‘Arise, my love, my fair one, And come away. For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth once again; The time for singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree has budded and ripens her figs, And the vines are in blossom and give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, And come away [to climb the rocky steps of the hillside].’ ” “O my dove, [here] in the clefts in the rock, In the sheltered and secret place of the steep pathway, Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely.” “Catch the foxes for us, The little foxes that spoil and ruin the vineyards [of love], While our vineyards are in blossom.” “My beloved is mine and I am his; He pastures his flock among the lilies. Until the cool of the day when the shadows flee away, Return quickly, my beloved, and be like a gazelle Or a young stag on the mountains of Bether [which separate us].”’
Ever noticed how our relationships go through seasons?
Ever noticed it in your romantic relationships?
Ever noticed it in your relationship with God?
When you think of seasons have you ever felt like your relationship is going through Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall?
When you went through the season of winter, did you make the conscious decision to press through and keep going even though it seemed like there was very little warmth?
Ever considered how the season of Winter when we compare what happens in nature to the plants speaks to the state of our hearts? A season of barrenness.
We need to not lose hope because seasons don’t last forever!
We need to hold onto the reality that when this cold season passes it will be heading into Spring.
Are you looking for signs of spring? Are you looking for the warmth to return? Are you ready for your heart to be filled with hope?
Ever watched mature marriages and compared them to a relationship with God?
Marriages start with the heat of passion and idealism of pure love.
Ever noticed how when the honeymoon ended how reality hit the husband and wife hard?
Ever witnessed the reassessment that needed to happen and go through?
Ever witnessed how they took on this necessary challenge?
Ever seen how they had to rebuild their relationship based on reality?
Ever seen how they built their relationship on realistic expectations and good communication?
Ever seen it not work out and the marriage turn into an empty shell?
In the midst of the winter season, opportunities to have richer conversations appear.
In the midst of the winter season, opportunities to have deeper affection appear.
In the midst of the winter season, opportunities to have a marriage that flourishes like never before.
So don’t lose hope! Lean in and work to make things better! Be on the lookout for signs of Spring and what needs to happen to be ready.
Ever had a similar experience when you started your relationship with God?
Did you start the relationship with great joy and high hopes?
Did you get incredible experiences with God that built up your faith?
Did you eventually get to the point of needing to grow in your faith and find yourself in the point of a change of experience facing trials, troubles, and more difficult situations?
We you able to grow and mature through these times like James 1:2-4 speaks of and be able to consider them pure joy?
‘Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing. ‘ James 1:2-4
Did you find that the more challenging paths caused you to struggle?
Did you find that the more challenging paths caused you to find disappointments?
Did you find that the more challenging paths caused you to have misunderstandings?
Did it challenge your young faith but by pressing in and pressing on found you built a more mature and strengthen faith?
Did you find it helped you draw closer to God?
Did you find it helped you build a deeper relationship with God?
Are you facing a Winter season today? Don’t lose hope! Remember that Winter’s season of dormancy is required in preparation for Spring.
Be it in nature when we see Winter come before Spring.
Be it in romantic relationships when we see Winter come before Spring.
Be it in our walk with God when we see Winter come before Spring.
If we develop greater trust when it is cold and dark, we’ll get to experience more love in the warmth of Spring.
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
How have you observed seasons in relationships wtih people and God?
In both kinds of relationships, what are some things we can do in winter to prepare for spring?
So are you ready to live your life on purpose? Are you ready to live your life with purpose? Are you ready to live your life for a purpose? God created each of us on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose. So we need to choose to receive it and then start to live it in order to achieve it. Let’s invite God into our lives and ask Him to help lead and guide our thoughts, words, and actions so that we can live out our lives for His glory in Jesus’s name. Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
As I was considering these a song came to mind and so sharing it here to close today’s post: https://youtu.be/QvHE65nImmM
Are you living a purpose-driven life? Have you searched for, sought, asked what your purpose is, and gotten an answer? Have you received a call and answered it and started to pursue it? As 2021 is coming to a close, I had read a book through this pandemic time which got me searching and seeking and wondering what my calling, purpose, mission, and reason for being was. It was interesting as it brought me back to when I had to get my priorities straight and make sure I was living my priorities? It was interesting as what came to me was being a dad. It was being a dad for my 3 kids. It was serving kids in the foster care system through camps where there was a need to help dads be the dads their kids need. It went from me being the dad to a larger calling of looking to help others so that we can be the dads that God created us to be, that our wives need us to be, and that our kids need us to be. When the aha of this mission kicked in I started to search and see if there might be a name available for such a mission, such a cause, such a purpose, such a reason for being and I found that bethedads was available and so I picked up many domains as I prepare to step up and step into this mission that God has given me. God has started to give me ideas and plans to get going like starting small groups for dads to come together, prison ministries for dads who made decisions that took them away from their kids but need to still be the dads God created them to be, and even the possibility of starting to go out into the schools and traveling to different locations to help encourage and motive dads and boys and men that we need to take a hold of the calling on our lives to be the dads God created us to be so that our kids and wives and society have the men they need. Going into 2022 the question of who are you going to be? Going into 2022 the focus for me in my devotionals and extracurricular times will be around being the dad. I will be looking to post daily from various devotionals about dads. I will be looking to put together resources for dads to use be it in small groups at churches, small groups in prisons, small groups in schools, and even in and through presentations to men around the country and around the world.
So what about you? Why are you here? What is your reason for being? What is the purpose you are to fulfill? What is your mission to accomplish?
Let’s get more details and context for this by expanding the verses to check out the surrounding verses as well as using the Amplified version.
‘Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (member of the Sanhedrin) among the Jews, who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), we know [without any doubt] that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles] that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised that I have told you, ‘You must be born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be possible? ” Jesus replied, “You are the [great and well-known] teacher of Israel, and yet you do not know nor understand these things [from Scripture]? I assure you and most solemnly say to you, we speak only of what we [absolutely] know and testify about what we have [actually] seen [as eyewitnesses]; and [still] you [reject our evidence and] do not accept our testimony. If I told you earthly things [that is, things that happen right here on earth] and you do not believe, how will you believe and trust Me if I tell you heavenly things? No one has gone up into heaven, but there is One who came down from heaven, the Son of Man [Himself—whose home is in heaven]. Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever]. “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]. This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].” ‘
As we continue through December we have finished the readings of the Tanakh and I thank Sefaria for their resources in helping me to see the Old Testament in a new way and my friend Lionel for having shared this tool with me. As we kicked off December the idea my wife brought up came to mind about going through the book of Luke (who was a doctor) which happens to have 24 chapters so that we can read one a day and complete it in time for Christmas. To get as many details from this I am going to use the Amplified version to try and grasp all the details Luke gives us to consider and learn.
So today we will read Luke 21:
‘Looking up, He saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in [proportionally] more than all of them; for they all put in gifts from their abundance; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” As some were talking about the temple, that it was decorated with beautiful stones and consecrated offerings [of magnificent gifts of gold which were displayed on the walls and hung in the porticoes], He said, “As for all these things which you see, the time will come when there will not be one stone left on another that will not be torn down.” They asked Him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign when these things are about to happen?” He said, “Be careful and see to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name [appropriating for themselves the name Messiah which belongs to Me alone], saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and disturbances [civil unrest, revolts, uprisings], do not panic; for these things must take place first, but the end will not come immediately.”
Then Jesus told them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and [deadly and devastating] pestilences (plagues, epidemics); and there will be terrible sights and great signs from heaven. “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, turning you over to the synagogues and prisons, and bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. This will be a time and an opportunity for you to testify [about Me]. So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you [skillful] words and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. But you will be betrayed and handed over even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be continually hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your [patient] endurance [empowered by the Holy Spirit] you will gain your souls. “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by [hostile] armies, then understand [with confident assurance] that her complete destruction is near. At that time, those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are inside the city (Jerusalem) must get out, and those who are [out] in the country must not enter the city; for these are days of vengeance [of rendering full justice or satisfaction], so that all things which are written will be fulfilled. Woe to those women who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For great trouble and anguish will be on the land, and wrath and retribution on this people [Israel]. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed).
“There will be signs (attesting miracles) in the sun and moon and stars; and on the earth [there will be] distress and anguish among nations, in perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea and the waves, people fainting from fear and expectation of the [dreadful] things coming on the world; for the [very] powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with [transcendent, overwhelming] power [subduing the nations] and with great glory. Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”
Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put out leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is near. So you too, when you see these things happening, know [without any doubt] that the kingdom of God is near. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [those living at that definite period of time preceding the second coming] will not pass away until everything takes place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. “But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth. But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].” Now in the daytime Jesus was teaching in [the porches and courts of] the temple, but at night He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people would come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.’
So where are you at? Are you ready to invite Jesus into your heart? Are you ready to allow Him to lead and guide the rest of your life? Are you ready to accept the calling? Are you ready to accept the purpose? Are you ready to accept the reason you were put on this earth? We were all created on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose! So let’s accept the gift of grace and forgiveness of God through receiving Jesus into our hearts and lives. Let’s make today count! Let’s allow today to be the beginning of something amazing. Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
What is God calling you to do? Who is God calling you to be? Where is God calling you to go? When is God calling you? How did God call you?
We know that God created each of us on purpose. We know that God created each of us with purpose. We know that God created each of us for a purpose. Have you discovered yours or are you still seeking?
Do you know what success will look like? Do you realize that what people view as success may differ from what God is looking to accomplish? Have you ever accomplished what God wanted you to do and found yourself thinking it wasn’t what you expected but rather it was so much better than what you expected? When will you know that you are done and it is complete? Are willing to keep going till God says you are done? Do you realize the purpose is connected to what will last? People! Do you realize the purpose is connected to what will last and focusing n the best? Faith, Hope, Love and the greatest of these is LOVE. Are you ready to be amazed at what God is able to do in and through you? Remember how Jesus knew success and completion? Remember His Words on the cross?
‘When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ‘
‘Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.’
We see how as Paul begins the final part of his letter to the Philippians that they mean the world to him.
POINTS FROM THE DEVOTIONAL:
Ever viewed Paul as a determined adventurer?
Ever viewed Paul as someone who perseveres no matter what dangers or obstacles come his way?
Ever considered Paul to be dedicated to God’s calling and purpose for his life?
Ever considered Paul dedicated to the cause?
Ever taken grasp of Paul’s love for the people and how they were his joy and crown?
Ever taken grasp of Paul’s love for the people and how much they meant to him?
Ever considered how he poured out his heart to the people?
Ever grasped the how dear people were to him?
Consider how much their faith in Christ brought joy to him.
Consider how much their generosity in supporting him doing the work of God brought joy to him.
Ever considered how on that day we come before Jesus what we will have to speak for? Paul points to the people as his crown, evidence of his faithfulness in God’s calling.
How about you? What message are you giving those who are in your life?
How about you? What do you communicate to the people who come into your day?
Do you communicate warmth and affection?
Do you communicate love and hope?
Do you have a problem being able to tell people you love them?
You can be tough like Paul and yet be very affectionate to the people too!
So today don’t be afraid to show love to others!
Today be ready and willing to pour out from the overflow of God love into the lives of those around you.
Not fake love but authentic love!
Not a going through the motions but a overflow from the heart that causes your mouth to speak in and out of love!
Let’s speak with authentic love so that it will build trust.
Let’s not make it up or fake it till we make it because then it will build up resentment.
So let God fill you to overflowing with His love so that you can then pour into the lives of those around you authentic and unconditional love!
Let’s ask God to give us His eyes to see people like He does.
Let’s ask God to give us His love to pour into the lives of others.
Let’s bring the life changing love of Jesus into this world around us.
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
At this point in your life, who is your “joy” and “crown”?
If you have difficulty expressing affection for people close to you, how would it help to see them the way God sees them?
So where are you at today? What is it that you have need of? What are you pursuing? What are you seeking? Are you ready for the call? Are you ready for your purpose? Let’s invite Jesus into our situation so that we can walk it all out with Him. Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
What comes to mind when you think of the word refining? Growing up in a mining town the word refining makes me think of the process used to remove impurities from metals. It brings to mind the metallurgical site my dad worked at. I remember the heat used. I remember the concentrator, the smelter, the refinery, and the zinc plant that had a lot of electrical pieces.
Can you think of times in your life when moments were used to refine you? Experiences that were used to help remove impurities from your life? Experiences that were used to purify your heart? Can you think of the process used to get rid of the old responses and behaviors and replace them with new ones from your clean, refined heart?
Ever considered what the Bible has to say about the refining process? Let’s see what we can find:
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 1:6-7
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. — Isaiah 48:10
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” — Zechariah 13:9
The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. — Proverbs 17:3
But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. — Malachi 3:2-4
Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do, because of my people? — Jeremiah 9:7
I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy. — Isaiah 1:25
The words of the Lord are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. — Psalm 12:6
Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time. — Daniel 11:35
Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. — Daniel 12:10
‘Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.’
Let’s take hold of what is being said and dig a bit deeper to get additional context and understanding by using the Amplified version of the bible.
‘See to it that you do not refuse [to listen to] Him who is speaking [to you now]. For if those [sons of Israel] did not escape when they refused [to listen to] him who warned them on earth [revealing God’s will], how much less will we escape if we turn our backs on Him who warns from heaven? His voice shook the earth [at Mount Sinai] then, but now He has given a promise, saying, “Y et once more I will shake not only the earth , but also the [starry] heaven .” Now this [expression], “Yet once more,” indicates the removal and final transformation of all those things which can be shaken—that is, of that which has been created—so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, and offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship with reverence and awe; for our God is [indeed] a consuming fire.’
Do you realize that Jesus by humbling Himself and sacrificing Himself has been exalted to be more exalted than angels and more renowned than Moses?
Are you comfortable? Don’t become complacent in your faith! Remain true to God!
One day we will all come before God and the earth will be shaken.
Let’s decide today to live out our lives with God’s grace while we are serving Him in a way that will demonstrate His amazingness and our awe of Him.
We know there will be a final destination for everyone and that based on our decision to receive or reject Jesus will confirm that place.
Will we come before a throne to determine what type of a steward we have been in and through our lives?
Will we come before a thone of judgment to give an account before ending up in the pit?
The answer depends on if we choose to receive or reject Jesus.
Are you considering how amazingly powerful God is and remembering the punishment and demonstration of power He has shown us through the Bible?
Are you considering how gracious God is and how He doesn’t want anyone to perish but would rather they repent and turn back to Him?
Fear when described by the Bible is more that we shouldn’t be casual in our relationship with God but rather we should be living in reverance awe of Him.
Fear of the Lord isn’t about terror but more about how we live our faith in awe and amazement of who He is and what He has done.
Let’s allow our faith, our hope, and our love to grow because of His amazing power!
Let’s allow our faith, our hope, and our love to grow because of His incredible grace!
Let’s decide to walk out every moment of every day with God!
Let’s invite Him into every situation and every circumstance so that we can have the wisdom, discernment, and direction we need to move forward for His praise, honor, and glory!
Let’s come humbly before God, like those in the Bible who recognized His greatness and fell on the ground in abject awe.
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is the author and perfector of our faith!
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is the creator of the universe and everything in it!
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is the beginning and the end!
Let’s take hold of the reality of God’s greatness as we read about even John a friend of Jesus, fainting at the vision of Him in Revelation 1:17.
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is merciful and kind.
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is a consuming fire and when we come to Him, it will burn up all the impurities and purify us heart, mind, and soul.
So let’s decide today to invite Him in and to help us walk through everything that will be required to remove the sin (the impurities) and make us more like Jesus (purifying us heart, mind, and soul).
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
What happens to our faith when we lose sight of the awesome nature of God?
In your conception of God, is He both gracious and amazingly powerful? Explain your anser.
So where are you today? Are you in the heat of the furnace? Are you in process of having the impurities float off the surface? Is your focus on God and His awesomeness? Are you in the process of having your heart house cleaned up? Are you having to let some of the past go in order to grab hold of the future God has planned for you? Are you unsure where you are or what to do? Why not invite Jesus into your life and allow Him to walk through the rest of your life with you so that you will never have to go through any of it alone? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Many years back I had a big project that I was working on and it was through this experience I learned the importance of priorities, plans, and purpose. During that project for about 3 months I was running on approximately 4 hours of sleep per night. It took my regular / quarterly doctors appointment that told me my diabetes was out of whack to be the wakeup call that something was going wrong. It also helped me come up with the idea that it isn’t good to be burning the candle on all 4 ends, that’s right 4, not 2 which is the normal view but if you light the middle you get 2 more ends and the candle burns up even quicker. It was at that time I had to do some self-reflection on what were my priorities and how was the way I was living aligned or off kilter? I realized what I said my priorities were and how I was living were out of sync and so I needed to make some adjustments. So I came up with some plans:
The company hires smart people and so I should be able to delegate and verify rather than try to continuously monitor. The project being international meant I was working with people around the globe and making this decision made it so that I could get a normal and good night sleep as well as remove and reduce an extra layer of stress that I shouldn’t have been carrying anyways.
The association that I was leading had been setup for success and the various openings, agreements, and deals had been made and agreed to and as such were in the right place for me to be able to put more focus on my family and step down.
And it also helped me in my plans for spending time with God and with my wife and family.
It was amazing to me how many times I have gotten to speak life and truth in love to people who have been pushing themselves to the point of burnout over the years. Many people think they need to burn bright to their own detriment in order to make it and become a success. I have been able to share that by putting your priorities straight and living by them on purpose and with purpose, that God is able to take care of the rest. It is ok to shine brightly but you don’t need to be lighting all 4 ends or more of the candles in order to try and shine brighter to the risk and outcome of burning out.
So where are you at today? Consider everything that has been going on since 2020 and how our lives have been changed. For those of us who are now having to work from home, are you able to keep the work life balance? You need to realize it is a choice! It is a decision! And no matter what others do or say, it is in your hands to decide if you are going to choose to live your life with purpose, on purpose, and for a purpose that will help you shine brightly without burning yourself out. If someone asked you how your relationship with God is, how would you answer? If someone asked you how your relationship with your spouse is, how would you answer? If someone asked you how your relationship with your kid(s) is/are, how would you answer? With the reality being that those tend to be the top of the priority list, that would mean anything and everything else fall after this and that if those aren’t good it probably means there is a trouble light showing up on your dashboard of life. Be it your emotions, your responses, your temper, or even the words you use in conversation. From the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. What is coming out of your mouth? What is that saying about the state of your heart?
Let’s take some time today to evaluate our priorities. Let’s take some time today to evaluate if we are living our lives in alignment with what we say our priorities are. Let’s take some time to consider what it would take to realign our lives to line up with our priorities. Let’s take some time to pause in order to decide how we can decide to live our lives in a way where our light shine brightly and yet that we don’t burnout!
‘When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”’
Let’s take a pause and look a bit deeper into this conversation. It is important that we remember our purpose and rather than just go, go, go, we go towards that purpose. It makes me think of a title I have heard from good to great. You might be able to do good by go, go, go and burning out but if you stop and move in your purpose you can go from good to great instead. Today’s verses show in the middle of verses 35-39, so let’s take a look at these or feel free to read the full chapter, using the Amplified translation:
‘ And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed. And Simon [Peter] and those who were with him followed Him [pursuing Him eagerly and hunting Him out], And they found Him and said to Him, Everybody is looking for You. And He said to them, Let us be going on into the neighboring country towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out. [So] He went throughout the whole of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.’
Like Jesus we need to get away and make time to be with and communicate with and be in relationship with God our Heavenly Father. Like Jesus we need to know our purpose and know when to stay and when it is time to move onward so as to accomplish our purpose. Where are you at? Where do you need to be? Should you stay? Should you go? What is God’s purpose and plan for your life and how does that impact your next step and your progress towards that end?
POINTS FROM THE DEVOTIONAL:
You popular? Is that impacting how you are living your life?
Jesus never let His popularity get to His head!
You being opposed? Is that impacting how you are living your life?
Jesus never let opposition get Him off track!
Do you know your priorities? your purpose? your plan? Are you keeping your eyes focused on that?
Jesus kept His eyes focused on the purpose God the Father had given Him!
No matter what phase of the journey you are in, don’t lose focus and don’t lose heart!
Remember how Jesus was popular up front with his miracles and healings?
‘At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.’ Mark 1:32-34
Can you imagine being one of the disciples and seeing this and how it must have made them feel? Can you imagine how they must have wanted it to continue and never stop?
Where is God wanting you to be? to go? What is God wanting you to do? to become?
Jesus knew and He knew when it was time to go in order to be able to do what God needed of Him!
Remember the call upon our lives “go out into the world and preach the Good News”!
It means more than just your house. It means more than just your neighborhood. It means finding a way to get others to know Jesus and make Jesus known!
Ever felt like you were burning out while you were succeeding?
Ever felt like you were burning out while you were failing?
Remember the emotions in both cases?
Success: adrenaline rush, try to be more, try to do more, try to please more
Failure: fear, shame, worry
How do you keep your emotional gas tank filled up? fueled up?
How do you ensure you are filled with the right things in order to be able to overflow and pour out into the lives of the people around you?
To keep filled up with the fuel that allows us to shine brightly is to stay connected to God, to His purpose, His plan, and His priorities!
If we allow Jesus to be our well that never runs dry, we then can be people who overflow!
If we allow Jesus to be our fuel that fills us up then we can shine brightly like those old oil lamps where it is the fuel not the wick that is burning and hence we can shine brightly and not burnout!
As long as we can keep the fuel tank from going empty, we can keep shining our light for God!
We need to remember and keep ourselves connected and grounded to God’s plans, purposes, and priorities so that through the ups and downs of life, we can continue!
Psalms 120 (Cry out to God when you are in trouble or distressed)
Where are you at today? Are you feeling burned out and not sure what to do or where to turn? Are you getting to the end of your rope and wondering what to do and if you should hold on tighter? Are you wondering what to do in this moment in order to be able to refresh and rejuvenate? We need to put God first! We need His wisdom and direction! God is love and His love for us is eternal! We need His instruction and discernment for our current situation so that the joy of the Lord can be our strength! Not sure what to do or where to turn? Cry out to God! Invite Him into your very situation! Ask Him for wisdom because He gives it without finding fault! Seek Him with all of your heart, mind, and strength and you will find Him! Knock and He will open it for you! Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Ever considered the miracle of creation? Ever considered how you are a miracle of creation? Ever considered how God knit you together in your mother’s womb? Ever considered how you are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works? Ever considered how you are God’s masterpiece? Ever considered how you were made by God? If you have then how has it impacted the way you choose to live your life? If you haven’t how does it impact you or what thoughts start to go through your mind as you contemplate this reality?
Ever considered what is considered to be God’s handiwork and called out in God’s Word? Check out these verses as you consider the reality of this:
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. — Genesis 1:3
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. … — Genesis 1:1-31
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.” Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. … — Isaiah 1:1-31
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” … — Isaiah 6:1-13
Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name. For the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, … — Isaiah 45:1-25
By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. — Hebrews 11:3
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. — Colossians 1:16-17
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. — Ephesians 2:10
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. — Psalm 139:14
But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. — 2 Peter 3:7
They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” — 2 Peter 3:4
And that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. — 2 Peter 3:6
So where are you at today? Have you turn to God to capture the reason and the purpose you were created? Have you turned to God to capture the understanding of how you were created on purpose? You aren’t a mistake or an accident to God, He wasn’t surprised but was expecting you. Have you asked for God to reveal to you the purpose He created you to accomplish? That’s right, God created you on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose! So are you ready to live out your today and your life purposefully? Are you ready to live a purpose driven life? Do you realize there is a difference between living and existing? Do you realize how much you matter? Do you realize what you are here for so that you can go beyond survival, success, and get to the significance level of living?
So is today the day you will decide to live to your full potential? Will you go beyond surviving and existing to succeeding and being and providing significance? The decision and choice is yours!
What did you observe? What did you hear? What did you see? What did you feel? What did you smell?
Stayed up late enough to see the sky on a cloudless evening?
What did you observe? What did you think? What did you consider? What did you ask?
Checked out any gardens lately?
Seen flowers? plants? vegetables? fruits? bees? butterflies?
What did you observe? What did you think?
Ever considered the scale of creation? The small you can observe in the garden and the vast you can observe in the sky?
Ever considered the simplicity and complexity that comes in and through creation?
Ever considered what it takes to measure God’s creation from microscopes to see the small and telescopes to see the vast?
Ever considered the idea that what you see isn’t now? The stars as an example are past versions because of how long it takes for the light to get to us.
It takes 8 minutes for the light from the sun to reach the earth. And some of those stars have taken light years to get to us, that’s right 6 trillion miles in a year and it still took years to get to us.
Ever considered that the nearest star in the galaxy (beyond our sun) is 4.3 light years away and as such whatever we are seeing through our telescopes is from 4.3 years ago?
Ever considered the special setup that was made on earth to allow us to live here?
Ever considered that there might not be another planet like it in the entire universe?
Ever considered all the scientific breakthroughs and the complexity and yet the predictability they are finding?
Take a look or reflect on all that has been discovered around DNA.
Consider and reflect on all that has been discovered when it comes to weather, storms, earthquakes, volcanos, and more that impact and can interrupt our lives.
Considering how fragile we are and with so many things out there creating disturbances, it keeps me in awe.
All we have to do to notice God’s handiwork is to pause long enough to look, to listen, and feel God’s presence and power.
Are you willing to take the time to be with God, connect with God, and experience God?
Are you willing to consider how much greater God the creator is in comparison to His creation?
Are you willing to accept that with God knowing and understanding all of His creations that He is able to similarly know and understand us?
So where are you at today? Are you noticing God’s handiwork? Are you living a life that demonstrates God’s handiwork? Are you becoming God’s masterpiece? Are you living like nature in a way that point people back to God? Are you ready to start? Are you ready to start living on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose? Are you ready to be everything God created you to be? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
How are you choosing to spend your time? Are you cautious with your time? Are you careful with your time? Are you guarded with your time? Are you watchful of your time? Are you alert of how fast time is going? Are you attentive to your time? With but a short number of hours in a day, how do you choose to use them? How do you choose to prioritize what you will spend your time on? You may have heard that time is money, showing the value of your time? You may have a job and are working for some of that time and getting paid. You may be married and should be spending time with your spouse. You may have kids and so you need to make time for them because as much as some think quality time is enough, quantity time is just as important. How do you spend your day and time with God? Are you walking through life with Him so that He is a priority and gets a lot of your time or do you schedule out some time for Him and so need to figure and balance out His time too? Rest, you need to make sure you have time for rest! Be it your evening of sleep of 6-12 hours, your body needs rest to rejuvenate and restore. So how will you spend your time?
There are similarities between time and money in that you need to be a good steward of both. There are differences between time and money too though as you can’t make more time. One is finite and limited and the other is able to be generated and produced. Both require good stewardship though. Both require prioritization too. So you need to make a plan for both your time and your money. Time may have a value comparable to money or demonstrated by the amount of money you make over time but it is limited as we only get so many trips around the sun before our time on earth is up. So we need to consider how to make the biggest impact with that time in order to glorify God by accomplishing the cause He has created us to accomplish.
How will you use your time today? this coming week? this coming month? this coming year? and those yet to come?
How will you use your time to show the value of others in your life? God? Spouse? Kids? Family? Friends? Neighbors? Coworkers? Strangers? Workers at the stores and restaurants? etc.?
What will it take for you to make the most of your time today?
I missed 2 days and when I went to post on the 15th, I just realized I grabbed the devotional for the 14th and so updated the date above. I am going to have to catch up on 13th and 15th at some point.
Keeping Track of Time
MEMORY VERSE OF THE DAY:
‘See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’
Are you making the most of your time or are you wasting it?
Does your time have purpose or is it being wasted?
Are you using your time to the full or are you procrastinating?
Are you using your time to the full or are you putting off your chores or responsibilities?
Are you using your time to accomplish God’s purpose and cause for you and your life?
Are you using your time to accomplish something else? Are you using your time on the wrong pursuits?
Are you using your time to accomplish God’s purpose and cause or are you using your time to achieve selfish goals?
Are you using your time to accomplish your calling or are you using your time to get to the top and steamrolling over everything and anyone who gets in your way?
Are you using your time doing or worrying?
Are you using your time doing or worrying about what others are thinking?
Are you using your time doing or worrying about what might happen?
Are you using your time doing or worrying about things that were said in the past?
Are you using your time doing or allowing fears of what could happen to hold you back?
Are you using your time doing or just measuring your time by how full your calendar is?
Are you using your time building and strengthening relationships?
So will you use the time you have, in this battle of good vs evil, to accomplish God’s will rather than wasting it away?
Will you use your time for good in this battle through time?
Will you use your time to learn and know God’s will so that you can get it done for His glory?
How are you using your time?
Are you able to discern or analyze how well you are using your time?
Let’s use our time wisely! That doesn’t mean to use it all up so you can say you are busy!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean to accomplish God’s will in God’s timing!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean redeeming every moment we have as a gift from God!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean redeeming every moment in order to honor and glorify God!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean redeeming every moment with an eternal focus and purpose in mind!
Let’s use our time wisely! That does mean redeeming every moment to have a positive impact on those we love and He loves! That’s right let’s love everybody!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Wat are the most common ways you see people wasting time?
How would it change your life to realize that every moment is a gift from God to be redeemed and use to honor Him?
So where are you at today? How are you using time time? Are you using it for good or are you wasting it? Are you using it to do God’s will or your’s? Are you ready to invite God into your life to walk it out with you and help you to live it to the full like His purpose and plan for you are? Remember the plans from Jeremiah 29:11 to give us a hope and a future? Remember the plans from John 10:10 comparing the devil’s plans vs Jesus’s plans? (“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”) So how will you choose to live your life? Will you invite Jesus in so that you can enjoy the time you have left? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
None of us are accidents! We’ve all been created on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose! We all have a cause to live for and to make a difference for in this world! Are you living out your purpose and your cause? Are you seeking your purpose and your cause? Don’t lose hope if you haven’t found it yet, just know that you have been created on purpose by God, no matter what others may say, He wasn’t surprised by your entering of the world! Let’s pursue our cause with purpose for the glory of God!
Let’s check out some scripture on this subject:
‘The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked [according to their role] for the day of evil. ‘
‘For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us]. ‘
‘When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. ‘
‘Trust in and rely confidently on the L ord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. ‘
‘And Jesus replied to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ ‘
As we consider the following verses, let’s let them sink in…
Genesis 1:27 (NLT) 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Proverbs 20:5 (ESV) 5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Proverbs 20:5 (NIV) 5 The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
Psalm 139:13 (NIV) 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb
Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT) 5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart
Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) 21 You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
Jesus knew His purpose and His cause for coming to the earth.
Jesus knew His purpose wasn’t about building up a group and living comfortably.
Jesus knew His purpose was to keep reaching out to the outcast and the troubled, the sinners, those who needed Him and to be reconnected with God.
The religious folks ridiculed Him, but He knew that the sick, the “unclean”, and the the people who were living questionable lives needed a savior and needed to know and hear the truth and love of God!
The religious folks questions His methods and practices but He didn’t because Jesus know and never forgot the reason why He came. (check out John 3:17)
God’s love is unconditional! He doesn’t wait for us to get things right and all cleaned up to start loving us!
Remember why God sent Jesus? He loved us so much that He sent Jesus to make the way! (check out John 3:16)
Unlike the religious leaders who thought if people were unclean, sick, or living questionable lives that they were off-limits, those were the people that Jesus pursued because they knew they needed help and He knew He was the one who could give it to them.
So are you ready to be someone like Jesus who is open armed, open minded, and open hearted enough to receive and accept people who come into your life or through the doors of the church being addicts, adulterers, agnostics, and homeless?
How do they feel when they encounter you? at the store? in the church?
How do they feel when they walk through the doors of your church?
How do they feel when they walk through the doors of our churches?
Are we living more like Jesus or the religious elite?
Are we living more like a hospital or a country club?
Are we seeing them and treating them with the love and respect God desires?
Are we acknowledging them and loving them like God desires?
Are we looking down our noses at them?
Can we live like Jesus so that they don’t and never feel rejected?
Can we live like Jesus so that they feel embraced and loved?
Can we choose to live our lives with love so that they are touched and ready to receive God into their hearts and lives?
Who are the people that are outcast that you see and pass by?
Who are the people that need you to stop and pour into their lives?
Who are the people in your neighborhood? your workplace? your family?
Will you decide to follow Jesus’ example and be a friend to sinners?
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Who are the “tax collectors and sinners” in your world?
How do they feel around you? How do you want them to feel?
So where are you at today? Are you ready to start your journey of purpose? Are you ready to start to live for a cause? Let’s start with connecting with God and pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
We have each been created on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose! We aren’t accidents and we aren’t mistakes! God knew before you were born you were coming and has prepared in advance all the good works He desires for you to accomplish. Have you found your purpose? Are you seeking your purpose? Did you know that you have a purpose?
As these thoughts come to mind this morning, I remember many years back reading and having a study at church on the Rick Warren book The Purpose Driven Life. I am currently also reading a book by Matthew Barnett who is leading the Dream Center in Los Angeles called The Cause Within You: Finding the One Great Thing You Were Created to Do in This World. I am just getting into the part of the book that talks and challenges me to find my one great thing I was created to do, my purpose. God has blessed with me with an incredible wife and three incredible kids. God has blessed me with being able to serve in the worship & arts department of our church as well as in the men’s ministry and as a deacon over the years. God is blessing me with getting to lead a group of volunteers to provide camps for teenage foster kids and at risk youths. God is blessing me with the opportunity to help orphans in Watoto. God is blessing me with the opportunity to support radio stations like Spirit 105.3 (which helped me catch the reality and power of forgiveness), Air1 (which was a light when I landed in AZ to start my new job in 2013), and K-LOVE (which has been a channel when I travel). God is blessing me with being able to work at a great company and shine the light of Jesus through love and relationship with so many people. Serving others is where we will find our purpose. How we are to best serve and where we are to serve is the bigger picture that I am hoping to capture with the current reading to take things to the next level. Being able to grab hold of the purpose God has for me right here and right now, as my kids are getting older and as we are coming out of the year plus that has been covered by COVID. Is there something I am to do or could do to speak life and help bring unity to situations? Is there something I am to do or could to shine love and hope to those in need? Is there something or somewhere I am to be to be best position to own the race I am to live? So I stay connected to Jesus! So I stay seeking and leaning on Him in trust rather than trying to figure it out or use my own understanding.
Today’s verse of the day from the Bible App was from the verses about staying connected to Jesus, the one about the vine and the branches:
‘If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ‘
The key is to stay connected to God! The key is to stay connected to His Word! The key is to stay sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit! The key is Jesus!
So are you ready to be you? Are you ready to be the you God created you to be? Are you ready to live out the cause that God created you to do in this world? Are you ready to face it? Are you ready to pursue it? Are you ready run the race? Are you ready to run to win the race? Are you ready to receive the prize? Are you ready to live a life where you will hear one day “well done good and faithful servant“? When you find it are you ready to chase it down? When you find it are you ready for the marathon (not a sprint) that it will be to accomplish what God created you to do?
Imagine if you were challenged by someone asking “anyone who would like to be able to give away $1M stand up”. Everyone in the room at that point had their eyes closed and he then said to stand up so he could pray for each of you. Would you be willing to lift up your hand for such a challenge? Would you be bold enough to stand up? Even if everyone had their eyes closed and the reality is that it would be something between you, the preacher, and God?
What cause are you ready to get up for? What cause are you ready to live for? What cause are you ready to give for?
Are you ready to pursue your cause, the purpose you were created for and run your own race?
Let’s take a look at the full set of verses around striving for a crown:
‘Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.’
Are you focusing on God’s will, plans, and purposes for your life and how you are doing against that?
Are you comparing yourself to others around you?
Are you comparing yourself against others successes?
Are you comparing yourself against others failures?
Are you just pursuing God’s will and letting Him take care of the rest? (Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?)
If you are running your life comparing yourself to others then you are running the risk of losing your identity!
Are you leaning on God for your security?
Are you falling into a sense of insecurity and as such are trying to copy what others are doing?
Are you falling into a sense of insecurity and as such criticizing those who face failure?
When you are living a life where you are comparing yourself to others, measuring your life and success against your neighbor, then you try to one up everyone else.
When you are living a life where you are comparing yourself to others, measuring your life and success against your neighbor, then you have to live your life on guard all the time.
Are you on the defensive and trying to ensure others don’t look better than you?
Are you so focused on others that you are missing out on who you are and what your purpose and cause are?
Are you so focused on others that you are living your life in fear?
Is your focus on others impacting your health? your life? your relationships?
Do you realize that there is another way to live?
It starts with a relationship with Jesus!
It starts with turning to Him and meeting Him face to face!
He is more interested in our hearts and how we are doing in accomplishing the purpose and cause He has uniquely created for us to accomplish!
He will ask about if we did what He asked of us!
He will ask about if we did it the way He asked us to!
As the title of today’s devotional says, we all have our own race to run.
So we need to stop comparing ourselves to others and focus on the race we have before us so that we can run it the best we can.
If you catch yourself or when you catch yourself comparing yourself to others, turn back to God and put your focus on the race you have to run!
What comes your way today, choose to get it done God’s way in pursuit of His purpose, His plan, and His cause for your life!
How can you take that purpose, plan, and cause and allow it to outlive you?
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
What are some ways that “comparison kills”?
How would it help you to focus on running your own race?
So where are you at today? Are you able to take your eyes off of everyone else and put your eyes on Jesus? Are you able to take your eyes off and prevent yourself from coveting and comparing yourself to others and pursue God’s purpose and cause for your life? Are you ready to receive a word from God so that you can focus on running your own race? Could today be the first day of the rest of your life? Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Are you channel surfing on the TV? Are you hopping between stations on the car radio? Are you searching for things? Are you doing comparison shopping between yourself and others? Are you keeping the main thing the main thing?
What is it that you are supposed to be doing? What is it that you need to get done? What are the gifts and talents God has given you? What purpose and plans does God have for your life? Will you choose to use your gifts and talents to accomplish God’s purpose and plans? Will you decide to focus on what is important rather than things that seem to be urgent but not important? Will you decide to focus on the important row with the urgent being in the front and the non-urgent close behind? Will decide to make the main thing the main thing?
Will you decide to let God be your encouragement? Will you decide to focus on God and His will and His purposes for your life rather than getting trapped in the comparison and coveting games? Will you allow the joy of the Lord to be your strength? Will you joy come from God and hence can’t be taken away? Will you feel good thanks to God rather than from all you have done? Remember we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works so that nobody can boast! So let’s allow God working in us to produce good fruit and for our eyes to stay focused on Him! Let’s live out our lives to the full for we know that faith without works is dead! But it is not by works that we are saved, works are an overflow from God!
Search result for: we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works so that nobody can boast
Happy Today! Let’s keep the main thing the main thing!
Do you realize what comparing yourself to others does? It steals from your soul!
Do you realize what comparing what you have with others does? It causes us to try and stack ourselves up against them. It can make us feel better or worse depending on how the activity concludes!
Do you realize what comparing what you have with others does? It causes us to either have a false sense of being better or it causes discouragement and creates wrong motives to do better!
We need to turn our focus to God and His will for us instead of comparing ourselves to others!
It was in the 10 commandments and it is still something the devil uses to trip us up today!
We are to love God and love people! Not compare ourselves to them!
Let’s decide to live our lives in a way that will be pleasing to God!
Let’s choose to live our lives as though only God is watching!
Let’s live our lives in a way that shows our affection and allegiance to God!
Let’s decide to not get tripped up by the devil’s desire for us to compare ourselves with others and find ourselves on the downward spiral of envy and pride!
Let’s make our passion be associated with following Jesus rather than comparing ourselves or trying to be better than others!
Let’s make our purpose about focusing on people’s souls rather than their appearance or possessions!
Let’s decide that we want our soul to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live out our lives in a way that is pleasing to God!
Let’s hold tight to the reality of Jesus! His wonder! His majesty! His mystery! Let’s follow after Him!
Let’s be Jesus with skin on to the world around us to make a difference for His glory!
So we get to chose where we will focus! Will we focus on Jesus or the things of this world?
Let’s allow our hearts and minds to be filled up with the riches of God!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
What are some ways you can “not let your heart envy sinners”?
Resist the devil and he will flee
When tempted turn from it and turn to God
Be focused on what God has done and given you rather than what others have or do
What about Christ is so valuable that it makes Him beyond compare?
His love
His forgiveness
His passion
His unconditional and unending love
His patience
His ability to give us a second chance (more than once)
So will you focus on your calling? Will you focus on your purpose? Will you focus on God? Will you keep the main thing the main thing?
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
You wake up in the morning and what is top of mind? For me I start to pray and talk to God thanking Him for a new day and then I thank Him for my wife and pray over her for the day and then I pray over each of my kids individually and for their day, and then I ask for wisdom and direction for my day. How about you?
Have you ever done the prioritization exercise to ensure you are putting first things first? If you wrote out your life priority list and then compared it to how you are living your life, would they line up? If you used things like time and money as measuring tools to help you determine if you are living your life in alignment with what you think or say your priorities are, would they line up? How would you respond if you found out they didn’t? Would you be willing to make a change to get back on track? Would you re-evaluate what you thought your priorities were to match your findings? I know when I had that happen to me back in 2003-2004 timeframe, it caused me to need to adjust a bunch of things. It took a medical report to get my attention and realize a change was required and then I did the priorities mapping and had to adjust my life to line up with what I said my priorities would be. I had to adjust the way I was working and spending my time to get back on track and also to get healthy too. I had to adjust things to get back into alignment with my priorities: (1) God, (2) Wife and our marriage, (3) Kids and our family. Everything else had to line up behind these. Everything else had to enhance these. Everything else had to support these.
How about you? Ever taken inventory of what you think your priorities are and how you are living them out? Top of mind and Top priorities…
‘How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.’
Do you realize how much someone cares for you when you know they are thinking about you or they tell you they have been thinking about you?
Do you realize that you are so important that God is thinking about you?
Do you realize that God is thinking about you more often that you can count?
Do you realize that God is always thinking about you?
God knows everything about you and loves you.
God loves you so much that He sees where you are at but doesn’t want to leave you there.
Can you imagine what such love and such consideration says about what He is thinking about you?
Remember how His plans for you are good and to give you a hope and a future?
Remember how God is light and there is no darkness in Him?
Remember how God is love?
God knows every thought, word, and deed we have or do.
God sees us at our best and at our worst!
So let’s not worry or fear, but instead with boldness and courage trust God!
Let’s be like David where in today’s Psalm finds God’s thoughts precious to him.
Knowing that God is always thinking about you, how much do you think about God?
Knowing that God’s grace and forgiveness shine through it all, does it make you want to celebrate?
God’s purposes for you are good, imagine if we walked out our lives in constant communication with Him.
We are to pray without ceasing, we are to be in relationship, we are to be intimate in sharing with God, so let’s finish strong and invite Him in and live out the rest of our time in this life with Him!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
Does the fact that God constantly thinks about you encourage you or terrify you? Explain your answer.
Encourages me because I know that even in my weaknesses or when I don’t know that He is strong in my weakness and He knows everything and that through Him all things are possible.
What do you imagine that He’s thinking about you today?
Hope he is ready for those interactions with those people today
Hope he is ready to be my arms and feet to step into the lives of others and show them value today
Hope he is ready to shine my light into this dark world
Hope he is ready to be salt and to spice things up
So what are you thinking about? How are you deciding to live? What are your priorities? How are they aligning to God’s plans for you and your life? How are they aligning to God’s purposes for you and your life? How are they aligning to God’s will for you and your life? In order to finish strong are you ready and willing to take an inventory to ensure that you are putting first things first ?
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
‘ O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples fairly and guide, lead, or drive the nations upon earth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!’
Have you seen God’s hand moving clearly and powerfully in your life?
Have you seen God’s hand moving clearly and powerfully in history?
Have you seen God’s hand moving clearly and powerfully to inspire people?
Have you seen God’s hand moving clearly and powerfully to inspire people to pursue freedom?
Have you seen God’s hand moving clearly and powerfully to direct and create structure and hierarchy to build a great nation with the necessary checks and balances?
Have you seen God’s hand moving clearly and powerfully in days of deliberation?
Have you wondered where God is when you reflect on some times in history when things seem so dark and so hard?
Have you wondered where God is when you reflect on some times in history when scandals or actions start to chip away at values?
Have you wondered where God is when you reflect on some times in history when things seem to be out of control?
Consider God’s purposes and plans and how He can take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around and use it for good and for His purposes!
Consider both in the Bible stories of the past how God was able to use the bad times and the good times for His purposes and remember that when you consider the times post the timeline in the Bible and how God is still able to use it for good and to accomplish His purposes.
Remember that in the end times those who fought against Him, turned away from Him, or never accepted Him will be judged by God.
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is in control!
Let’s take hold of the reality that God reigns supreme!
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is guiding us!
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is directing us!
Let’s take hold of the reality that God is shaping events to accomplish good things!
So we get to do our part too and decide if and how we will respond to Him.
God is with us! God is active!
We can count on God!
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
What are some ways you’ve seen God direct our nation and your life?
Looking for the promised land
Finding my wife
Providing us a place to live
Giving us children and a great family
Take a few minutes to praise Him for His leading.
Thank You Lord for helping me navigate 2020 and not give up in the midst of the trials and troubles
Thank You Lord for helping me to draw closer to my family in the midst of everything that was 2020
Thank You Lord for leading and directing us today and always
Thank You Lord for leading my children – be it into ministry, be it ministering on the sports field, be it ministering through gaming
Where does your guidance come from? Are you aware of and looking for heavenly guidance from God? Are you noticing His hand at work in and through your life and the lives of others?
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together.
Heavenly Father I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven. and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day’s of my Life! Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me? Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision? Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
![raison d'être
[ˌrāzôn ˈdetrə]
NOUN
raison d'être (noun) · raisons d'être (plural noun)
the most important reason or purpose for someone or something's existence.
"an institution whose raison d'être is public service broadcasting"
synonyms:
responsibility · duty · concern · province · aim · activity · assignment · obligation · charge · task · chore · job · role · errand · mission · detail · undertaking · commission · capacity · post · situation · office · occupation · employment · business · operation · line of country
ORIGIN
French, literally ‘reason for being’.](https://from2005toeternity.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/image-4.png)
![mission
[ˈmiSHən]
NOUN
mission (noun) · missions (plural noun)
an important assignment carried out for political, religious, or commercial purposes, typically involving travel.
"a trade mission to Mexico"
synonyms:
assignment · commission · expedition · journey · trip · errand · undertaking · operation · task · job · labor · work · chore · business · duty · charge · trust · message
a group of people sent on a mission.
"by then, the mission had journeyed more than 3,500 miles"
synonyms:
delegation · deputation · commission · task force · legation · representation · delegacy
an organization or institution involved in a long-term assignment in a foreign country.
"the head of the West German mission"
an operation carried out by military aircraft.
"he was shot down on a supply mission"
synonyms:
sortie · operation · raid
an expedition into space.
"NASA has approved a mission to investigate the atmosphere of Mars"
synonyms:
journey · voyage · tour · odyssey · undertaking · enterprise · project · quest · operation · commission · assignment · exploit · exploration · safari · trek · hike · survey · peregrination
the vocation or calling of a religious organization, especially a Christian one, to go out into the world and spread its faith.
"the Christian mission" · "Gandhi's attitude to mission and conversion"
synonyms:
vocation · calling · pursuit · goal · aim · quest · undertaking · purpose · function
a building or group of buildings used by a Christian mission.
synonyms:
mission post · mission station · missionary organization
a strongly felt aim, ambition, or calling.
"his main mission in life has been to cut unemployment"
synonyms:
aim · goal · purpose · objective · object · grail · holy grail · target · intention · intent · design · motive · aspiration · wish · desire · ambition · raison d'être
ORIGIN
mid 16th century (denoting the sending of the Holy Spirit into the world): from Latin missio(n-), from mittere ‘send’.](https://from2005toeternity.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/image-5.png)
![purpose
[ˈpərpəs]
NOUN
purpose (noun) · purposes (plural noun)
the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.
"the purpose of the meeting is to appoint a trustee" · "the building is no longer needed for its original purpose"
synonyms:
motive · motivation · grounds · cause · impetus · occasion · reason · point · basis · justification · intention · aim · object · objective · goal · end · plan · scheme · target · ambition · aspiration · desire · wish · hope · advantage · benefit · good · use · usefulness · value · merit · worth · gain · profit · avail · result · outcome · effect · behoof · boot · function · role · raison d'être
a person's sense of resolve or determination.
"there was a new sense of purpose in her step as she set off"
synonyms:
determination · resoluteness · resolution · resolve · firmness (of purpose) · steadfastness · backbone · drive · push · thrust · enthusiasm · ambition · initiative · enterprise · motivation · single-mindedness · commitment · conviction · dedication
(purposes)
a particular requirement or consideration, typically one that is temporary or restricted in scope or extent.
"pensions are considered as earned income for tax purposes"
VERB
formal
purpose (verb) · purposes (third person present) · purposed (past tense) · purposed (past participle) · purposing (present participle)
have as one's intention or objective.
"God has allowed suffering, even purposed it"
synonyms:
intend · mean · aim · plan · design · have the intention · have in mind · have a mind · decide · resolve · determine · propose · have plans · set out · aspire · desire · want · wish · expect · hope · set one's sights on · have in view · contemplate · think of
ORIGIN
Middle English: from Old French porpos, from the verb porposer, variant of proposer (see propose).](https://from2005toeternity.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/image-6.png)
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 
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