"Purpose is what gives life meaning" Charles H. Perkhurst
Have you ever wondered about your purpose in life?
Why you were born?
What dream or vision is calling out to you?
Where you are called to make a difference?
These are questions we all struggle or wrestle with from time to time.
For myself, I really want to know God's will and purpose in and for my life.
I don't want to miss it.........not even by a tiny margin. Perhaps you're in that zone of exploration now--asking, seeking, praying, discerning, and inviting counsel from godly friends. Sometimes when we want an answer "RIGHT NOW" it can lead to doubt, fear, and more confusion. It's an uncomfortable position to be in as many others will tell you. But you have to guard against making hasty or impulsive decisions without prayer, trust, and waiting for God's revelation. Believe me, it's worth the wait!
3 SIMPLE STEPS FOR FINDING YOUR PURPOSE:
#1 Know that you have a purpose
Jer.29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The word of God tells us we are fearfully, wonderfully made. You have value, significance and worth in the eyes of God. After all, He made you in his image and likeness and created you to have an intimate relationship with Him.
#2 Pray
Matt.7:7 "Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
God wants you to pray and seek his will. He plants His desires deep in your heart and spirit. He gives you certain talents, abilities, skills, character traits and gifts that can lead and draw you toward His divine plan for your life.
#3 Read and Meditate on the Word of God
Ps.119:130 "The unfolding of His words gives light."
His words are LIFE! Each day as you immerse yourself in the Word of God, his Spirit, living within you will lead and guide you in the way of wisdom and discernment.
Prov.4:4 "Lay hold of my words with all your heart."
Ps.119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
God has a divine design and purpose for your life. It is uniquely tailored just for you. So trust Him and believe that He is working all things according to your good. His will and purpose for your life is being revealed to you in His Spirit.
Enjoy the time and process of discovery...it is a time of Grace.
"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."
--William Shedd
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Heb.6:19
We all want to have hope for the Journey,don't we? We want to have something to anticipate, to expect, to hold on to? Hope, indeed, keeps us anchored, steady, secure because our hope is in Jesus....the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Aldous Huxley once said: " Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what man does with what happens to him."
Perhaps some of you are in circumstances and situations that are challenging, overwhelming, and depressing. You're asking questions like:
Is life worth living?
Is there any hope for my marriage?
Is there any hope for my family members to be saved?
Is there any hope to overcome these addictions?
Is there any hope for forgiveness?
Is there any hope for selling my house?
Is there any hope of finding a job?
Is there any hope that this abuse will end?
Is there any hope for this illness?
It's a good question isn't it? I often wonder how people can survive horrific experiences or even day to day setbacks without having Hope and Faith. You can go 40 days without food...3 days without water...8 min. without air...but you can't go a single second without HOPE. When Hope is gone...your life ceases.
HOPE makes all the difference.
When you have hope--you are capable of bearing incredible burdens and standing firm under trial. You become an overcomer.
Where do we get HOPE?
Ps.42:5 Put your hope in God
Ro.5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Our hope as Christians is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ. Without Him...our life is truly meaningless.
You have to have hope to believe that God will work in your life.
You have to have hope to believe that God can change your situation or circumstances.
You have to have hope that He will indeed work all things together for your good.
Hold fast to Jesus and you will go from hope to hope. You will not give in to despair or temptation.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful Heb.10:23
Where in your life right now do you need HOPE?
Take a moment and jot it down...bring it to the Lord in prayer with believing faith. Our God does not disappoint. He will never leave or abandon you. He is working in your circumstances, relationships, trials even now as you wait upon Him.
"What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise." Oscar Wilde
One of my favorite passages from Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength--they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint.
Allow God today to revive your spirit and fill you with renewed hope in Him and in the promises of His Word.
Heb.6:19
We all want to have hope for the Journey,don't we? We want to have something to anticipate, to expect, to hold on to? Hope, indeed, keeps us anchored, steady, secure because our hope is in Jesus....the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Aldous Huxley once said: " Experience is not what happens to a man. It is what man does with what happens to him."
Perhaps some of you are in circumstances and situations that are challenging, overwhelming, and depressing. You're asking questions like:
Is life worth living?
Is there any hope for my marriage?
Is there any hope for my family members to be saved?
Is there any hope to overcome these addictions?
Is there any hope for forgiveness?
Is there any hope for selling my house?
Is there any hope of finding a job?
Is there any hope that this abuse will end?
Is there any hope for this illness?
It's a good question isn't it? I often wonder how people can survive horrific experiences or even day to day setbacks without having Hope and Faith. You can go 40 days without food...3 days without water...8 min. without air...but you can't go a single second without HOPE. When Hope is gone...your life ceases.
HOPE makes all the difference.
When you have hope--you are capable of bearing incredible burdens and standing firm under trial. You become an overcomer.
Where do we get HOPE?
Ps.42:5 Put your hope in God
Ro.5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Our hope as Christians is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ. Without Him...our life is truly meaningless.
You have to have hope to believe that God will work in your life.
You have to have hope to believe that God can change your situation or circumstances.
You have to have hope that He will indeed work all things together for your good.
Hold fast to Jesus and you will go from hope to hope. You will not give in to despair or temptation.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful Heb.10:23
Where in your life right now do you need HOPE?
Take a moment and jot it down...bring it to the Lord in prayer with believing faith. Our God does not disappoint. He will never leave or abandon you. He is working in your circumstances, relationships, trials even now as you wait upon Him.
"What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise." Oscar Wilde
One of my favorite passages from Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength--they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint.
Allow God today to revive your spirit and fill you with renewed hope in Him and in the promises of His Word.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Building Disciples: Living and Loving Like Jesus
" I don't have a great vision. A great Vision Has Me." Willie George
Don't you think this statement describes Jesus? The vision and the will of the Father marked every word and action of Jesus' life here on earth. He imparted that same vision to His disciples and told them to take it to the nations with the power and anointing of his Holy Spirit. When I read this statement I think to myself:
Wow! I want that! I want Jesus' vision to be in me and to transform me. Because of His vision in me..........I want to make a difference in this world. I want to make an impact for His honor and glory.That's why I'm so excited about the direction and vision that God is giving to our church.
BUILDING DISCIPLES: LIVING AND LOVING LIKE JESUS.
To become part of something bigger than ourselves is both exciting and challenging. It stretches us and calls us out of our familiar comfort zones.
And when we do it together as a church body, we grow in love and unity. We become Focused, Direct, and Intentional as we discover ways to spread the love of Jesus not only overseas but right here in our own "local outreaches." I pray that God gives us holy zeal as He continues to unfold His plan more clearly day by day.
John Maxwell says,
"To cast a vision,
you must see it clearly
show it creatively
and say it continually."
Building Disciples: Living and Loving Like Jesus
As we begin to live and walk out this vision may the words of the psalm 37:5 come to mind. "Commit your way to the Lord and He shall bring it to pass."
Don't you think this statement describes Jesus? The vision and the will of the Father marked every word and action of Jesus' life here on earth. He imparted that same vision to His disciples and told them to take it to the nations with the power and anointing of his Holy Spirit. When I read this statement I think to myself:
Wow! I want that! I want Jesus' vision to be in me and to transform me. Because of His vision in me..........I want to make a difference in this world. I want to make an impact for His honor and glory.That's why I'm so excited about the direction and vision that God is giving to our church.
BUILDING DISCIPLES: LIVING AND LOVING LIKE JESUS.
To become part of something bigger than ourselves is both exciting and challenging. It stretches us and calls us out of our familiar comfort zones.
And when we do it together as a church body, we grow in love and unity. We become Focused, Direct, and Intentional as we discover ways to spread the love of Jesus not only overseas but right here in our own "local outreaches." I pray that God gives us holy zeal as He continues to unfold His plan more clearly day by day.
John Maxwell says,
"To cast a vision,
you must see it clearly
show it creatively
and say it continually."
Building Disciples: Living and Loving Like Jesus
As we begin to live and walk out this vision may the words of the psalm 37:5 come to mind. "Commit your way to the Lord and He shall bring it to pass."
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Winter poems
As today is the first official day of winter, I'd like to share just a poem or two that will usher you into the spirit of this season. Our winter wonderland is a glorious backdrop for these musings and reflections..........
Silent Solstice (Winter Becomes Maine)
sleet against the windowpane,
or maybe a mouse in the wall...
I listen...
but silence knows no direction
outside,
heavy pine boughs,
deep in the woods
so quiet, so still
a deer steps...
inside, warm,
the sound of a cat's paw
disturbs very little
as it hunts in a dream
silent as sleet
by Denis Dunn
Let Every Day Be Christmas
Christmas is forever,
not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving
are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel,
in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others
is good you do yourself.
--Norman W. Brooks
Silent Solstice (Winter Becomes Maine)
sleet against the windowpane,
or maybe a mouse in the wall...
I listen...
but silence knows no direction
outside,
heavy pine boughs,
deep in the woods
so quiet, so still
a deer steps...
inside, warm,
the sound of a cat's paw
disturbs very little
as it hunts in a dream
silent as sleet
by Denis Dunn
Let Every Day Be Christmas
Christmas is forever,
not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving
are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel,
in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others
is good you do yourself.
--Norman W. Brooks
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
LOOKING AHEAD...
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Ps.37:4
The other day as I was gazing on the winter wonderland outside my window, I gave myself over to a period of quiet thought and reflection about dreams, wishes and desires.
I love Ps. 63 where it talks about being hungry, thirsty and satisfied by God. How many times I seek to be filled with other things or relationships when I know deep down in my soul that He is the giver of Life and Love and of all good things. He is the One and Only in my life who is constant and faithful and true--He is the only one who can fill me up to overflowing.
That being said, I recently saw a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called "The Bucket List." It portrays the story of 2 men who were diagnosed with terminal cancer and so they decide to make a bucket list of all the things they wanted to do before "kicking the bucket." Honestly, I loved this movie...it moved me to belly aching laughter and to copious tears and reminded me that this is life!
Do you have a bucket list? What are some of the things you'd like to do before you die?
As we are entering into this sacred season of Christ's birth and the drum roll on the year 2010-- what bucket list could you create for the year 2011? What's knocking on the door of your heart? What things have you wanted to do but simply put off till a later date--for no reason at all. Actually, I'm a firm believer that if there's really something you are passionate about, you will find a way to make it happen.
SO HERE'S THE CHALLENGE:
Make a bucket list of 5 things you'd like to do or accomplish or see in the year 2011.
Have fun with it. Draw a bucket if you like and write your desires all over it... or buy a bucket and put your lists inside it...whatever you do, have fun! Allow yourself to dream. As Christians, we know someone who has the power to make our dreams come true because with our God "all things are possible." Matt.19:26 If you're up to it and brave enough--share it with a friend and ask that person to keep you accountable in a friendly sort of way.
Here's your start: My____________bucket list for 2011.
The other day as I was gazing on the winter wonderland outside my window, I gave myself over to a period of quiet thought and reflection about dreams, wishes and desires.
I love Ps. 63 where it talks about being hungry, thirsty and satisfied by God. How many times I seek to be filled with other things or relationships when I know deep down in my soul that He is the giver of Life and Love and of all good things. He is the One and Only in my life who is constant and faithful and true--He is the only one who can fill me up to overflowing.
That being said, I recently saw a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called "The Bucket List." It portrays the story of 2 men who were diagnosed with terminal cancer and so they decide to make a bucket list of all the things they wanted to do before "kicking the bucket." Honestly, I loved this movie...it moved me to belly aching laughter and to copious tears and reminded me that this is life!
Do you have a bucket list? What are some of the things you'd like to do before you die?
As we are entering into this sacred season of Christ's birth and the drum roll on the year 2010-- what bucket list could you create for the year 2011? What's knocking on the door of your heart? What things have you wanted to do but simply put off till a later date--for no reason at all. Actually, I'm a firm believer that if there's really something you are passionate about, you will find a way to make it happen.
SO HERE'S THE CHALLENGE:
Make a bucket list of 5 things you'd like to do or accomplish or see in the year 2011.
Have fun with it. Draw a bucket if you like and write your desires all over it... or buy a bucket and put your lists inside it...whatever you do, have fun! Allow yourself to dream. As Christians, we know someone who has the power to make our dreams come true because with our God "all things are possible." Matt.19:26 If you're up to it and brave enough--share it with a friend and ask that person to keep you accountable in a friendly sort of way.
Here's your start: My____________bucket list for 2011.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
"LET US COME BEFORE HIM WITH THANKSGIVING." Ps.95:2
I love the smell and feel of Autumn
I love the subtle crispness in the air as August announces the coming of Fall
I love the glorious array of color splashed over our streets that renders me
speechless ( and that's quite a feat in itself).
I love the majestic splendor of each and every tree as they display their own
shape and form and personality
I love the rustle of leaves beneath my feet
I love trying to find a golf ball landing in a bundle of leaves
I love the scurrying of animals as they gather nuts for the winter
I love the squirrels trying to get seed from my birdfeeder
I love football--high school; college; and NFL
I love the bands and the fans
I love the commentators
I love the excitement of the crowds and the cheering for their teams
I love the smell of bonfires and the roasting of marshmellows and smores
I love prayers whispered under the stars
I love the beginning of school after the summer break
I love seeing parents stand with their children as they wait for the school bus
I love our women's bible study getting back together
I love harvest celebrations and collecting for food pantries
I love putting on my warm colored jacket given to me by my husband
I love walking under a shower of falling leaves with my 2 dogs
I love the anticipation of Thanksgiving
I love Hallmark movies
I love being with my family on Thanksgiving Day
I love the parade
I love turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie
I love everything and more about Autumn
I love most of all --GIVING THANKS TO GOD
FOR HIS BLESSING AND FAVOR
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR...
How about you?
What do you love about Autumn?
What will you thank God for this year?
What traditions do you most cherish?
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 2 Thess.5:16-18
I love the subtle crispness in the air as August announces the coming of Fall
I love the glorious array of color splashed over our streets that renders me
speechless ( and that's quite a feat in itself).
I love the majestic splendor of each and every tree as they display their own
shape and form and personality
I love the rustle of leaves beneath my feet
I love trying to find a golf ball landing in a bundle of leaves
I love the scurrying of animals as they gather nuts for the winter
I love the squirrels trying to get seed from my birdfeeder
I love football--high school; college; and NFL
I love the bands and the fans
I love the commentators
I love the excitement of the crowds and the cheering for their teams
I love the smell of bonfires and the roasting of marshmellows and smores
I love prayers whispered under the stars
I love the beginning of school after the summer break
I love seeing parents stand with their children as they wait for the school bus
I love our women's bible study getting back together
I love harvest celebrations and collecting for food pantries
I love putting on my warm colored jacket given to me by my husband
I love walking under a shower of falling leaves with my 2 dogs
I love the anticipation of Thanksgiving
I love Hallmark movies
I love being with my family on Thanksgiving Day
I love the parade
I love turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie
I love everything and more about Autumn
I love most of all --GIVING THANKS TO GOD
FOR HIS BLESSING AND FAVOR
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR...
How about you?
What do you love about Autumn?
What will you thank God for this year?
What traditions do you most cherish?
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 2 Thess.5:16-18
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
You are His Delight
"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives." Ps. 37:23
So many times, more than I'd like to admit, I encounter women who walk around with a smile plastered on their face but secretly wearing a cloak of shame and worthlessness. It makes me want to reach out and hug them and tell them the good news again...yes, again. God loves you above and beyond anything you could ask or imagine........He is a forgiving God and doesn't hold you at arms length because of something you've done in your past. He calls you to draw near ...to seek Him with all your heart. From childhood you've heard that God loves you but do you really believe it? For many of us it's just head knowledge and hasn't penetrated to the heart. Perhaps you haven't experienced that unconditional love from your family, friends, or even church and so you continue to bear that shame and negative self-esteem. I often wonder if we know how much power we've been given by the Holy Spirit living within us? We can unleash it and free someone from their state of captivity. Love shows itself in action--isn't that what we've been told? So what's stopping me from giving a word of affirmation or encouragement to someone? What's stopping me from offering help to someone in need? What's stopping me from offering forgiveness to someone who's hurt me? What's stopping me from listening with compassion rather than judgment? What's stopping me from speaking words of life and hope into the heart of another woman? The answer is--NOTHING! So will you accept the challenge to choose to make a difference in someone's life today? Will you make that postponed phone call; will you write that note of encouragement; will you say "I forgive you", will you speak words of hope to someone who needs it? Will you help someone take off the mantle of shame and put on the robe of righteousness in Christ? I hope today will be a day of Grace...received and given away to another.
I'm eager, hopeful, expectant at what God will reveal to me and to you.
Get ready......take up your position.........move forward in Jesus name!
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph.3:17
He delights in every detail of their lives." Ps. 37:23
So many times, more than I'd like to admit, I encounter women who walk around with a smile plastered on their face but secretly wearing a cloak of shame and worthlessness. It makes me want to reach out and hug them and tell them the good news again...yes, again. God loves you above and beyond anything you could ask or imagine........He is a forgiving God and doesn't hold you at arms length because of something you've done in your past. He calls you to draw near ...to seek Him with all your heart. From childhood you've heard that God loves you but do you really believe it? For many of us it's just head knowledge and hasn't penetrated to the heart. Perhaps you haven't experienced that unconditional love from your family, friends, or even church and so you continue to bear that shame and negative self-esteem. I often wonder if we know how much power we've been given by the Holy Spirit living within us? We can unleash it and free someone from their state of captivity. Love shows itself in action--isn't that what we've been told? So what's stopping me from giving a word of affirmation or encouragement to someone? What's stopping me from offering help to someone in need? What's stopping me from offering forgiveness to someone who's hurt me? What's stopping me from listening with compassion rather than judgment? What's stopping me from speaking words of life and hope into the heart of another woman? The answer is--NOTHING! So will you accept the challenge to choose to make a difference in someone's life today? Will you make that postponed phone call; will you write that note of encouragement; will you say "I forgive you", will you speak words of hope to someone who needs it? Will you help someone take off the mantle of shame and put on the robe of righteousness in Christ? I hope today will be a day of Grace...received and given away to another.
I'm eager, hopeful, expectant at what God will reveal to me and to you.
Get ready......take up your position.........move forward in Jesus name!
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph.3:17
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