Tag Archives: God’s Plan for your life

Aug16

I Am…and so are YOU

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“But by the Grace of God, 

I am what I am…”

1 Corinthians 15:10

I am…

I keep a list in my journal which I have entitled “I am…” I add to the list as I read God’s word and come across verses that remind me of who “I am” as a child of God. Sometimes during my quiet time, especially when I am feeling less than significant, I turn to the list and read aloud, taking time to grasp the meaning of each phrase as it pertains to my relationship with my Heavenly Father. No circumstance will ever change the way He feels about me. By reminding myself of who I am in Christ, I am encouraged, inspired and energized to begin my day living out the divine purpose for which I was created.

…and so are YOU!

The beauty of the list is that it is not unique to me. Anyone who is a child of God is included in these promises. He cares about EACH of His children the same way. Below are a few items on the list. Read them out loud to yourself as His child, taking time to absorb the significance of each phrase. Before you read each phrase, repeat the words, “I am…” to personalize them to your relationship with your Heavenly Father. These promises capture a glimpse of the essence of how God feels about you, and they are all found in His word.

                        “I am…”

  • Created for a unique and special purpose
  • Fearfully and Wonderfully made
  • A unique workmanship hand crafted by God
  • A precious and treasured possession of my Heavenly Father
  • Valuable
  • Forgiven
  • Secure in Him
  • A Child of the King of Kings
  • Ransomed, Redeemed and Saved by Grace
  • Shielded and Protected by God and His Angels
  • Bought with a price
  • Accepted in His Son
  • Surrounded by God
  • Engraved upon His hand
  • The apple of His eye
  • Quieted and Comforted With His Love
  • Rejoiced over with joyful singing
  • The one in whom God takes Great Delight
  • Chosen by the God of the Universe
  • Gently Led by God
  • Loved Eternally by my Heavenly Father

“See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;” Isaiah 49:16

Sep5

Get Up and Go!

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“While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Simon, three men are looking for you.  
So get up and go downstairs.
Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.'”
Acts 10:19 – 20 (NIV)

Has God given you a vision or dream for your life? Has He gently whispered His plans for your future? What are you doing about it right now?

Like Peter, God may be telling you to stop thinking about the vision and start doing something about it.  The Holy Spirit instructed Peter to “get up and go” without any hesitation, fear, doubt or second-guessing. Do you feel God nudging you into action today? Is it time to take the first step ~ or leap ~ toward making the dream a reality?

You can be confident that if God has given you the vision, He will give you the provision and wisdom to successfully bring it to fruition. If you feel inadequate to accomplish His plans, you can rest in God’s promise that where you have weaknesses, you are strong in the grace of Jesus. So take that first step and pray for supplies of divine strength and grace to fulfill His vision for your life.

Stop thinking…start doing….get up and go!

“Each time He said, ‘No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.’
Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am;
I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (TLB)
Jul6

Bloom Where You’re Planted

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“And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else.
Where you are right now is God’s place for you.
Live and obey and love and believe right there.”
1 Corinthians 7:17a (MSG)
 

In most parts of the world, a limb cut from a tree will not continue to grow and thrive. But in the fertile, tropical rain forest region of Central America, the growing conditions are so perfect that even limbs used as fence posts will sprout roots and produce new limbs!  Eventually these “Living Fences” begin to look like groves of trees, growing in perfect alignment.

In the same way, God wants to use your life right where you are planted, and He has specifically placed you where you are at this moment in time for a special reason. Don’t miss out on the great opportunities to serve Him right where you live! We often feel strapped to our life’s obligations, and we are so concerned about what we could be doing if we were someplace else, but you can do God’s work and have a tremendous impact on others in your current sphere of influence.  You are uniquely positioned to influence those around you in your home, your workplace, your community, your school, your team, your neighborhood, etc… You don’t have to be in full-time ministry or ship off to a foreign mission field to serve others.  Live out each day of your life as your ministry, wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Ask God to open your eyes and show you new and creative ways to serve Him. Be like the “Living Fence,” and live and obey and love and believe right there ~ Bloom where you are planted!

Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him,
so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught.
Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.
Colossians 2:6 – 7 (NLT)
Jul5

God Uses the Ordinary for Extraordinary Purposes

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But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.
The Lord does not look at the things people look at.
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
 

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I was awakened each morning at dawn to an exquisite sound…the beautiful song of the Clay-colored Thrush.  Before I ever spotted one of these birds, I was mesmerized by its beautiful serenade.  And when I finally saw one of them, I was surprised by its bland appearance, and I was even more surprised when I learned that this plain-looking bird is the national bird of Costa Rica!  In a country full of flashy and iconic birds – such as the macaw, toucan and motmot – why in the world would a tawny-brown bird that blends into the scenery be chosen as their national bird? But then when I connected this ordinary bird with its ethereal song, it became extraordinary in my sight.

The Clay-colored Thrush has achieved national bird status not by being showy, strong, colorful, huge or any other superlative. This common bird gained its status by simply using its God-given talent of singing its beautiful song. It has a tendency to live close to humans and is widespread throughout the country of Costa Rica, so each day its residents are all awakened by the same lovely sound – a rich, enchanting call which unifies the entire nation – making it an excellent choice for a national bird!

This ordinary bird is a great example of how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. God knows what’s in our hearts, and He’s not concerned with outward appearances. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance, but they spend very little time developing their inward character and seeking out God’s purpose for their lives. Samuel almost overlooked David as God’s choice to be king of Israel, because he was young with a ruddy complexion, and he did not have the outward regal appearance of a future king. Not everyone is destined to become a king, but God has designed each one of us with a unique and meaningful purpose in mind. Live your life the Clay-colored Thrush — use your God-given talents and “sing your life song” to make an impact in the lives of those around you. Don’t let any excuses (such as your age, physical abilities, or outward appearance) stop you from fulfilling the extraordinary purpose for which you were designed!

Jun11

Before You Decide

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“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the BEST pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.'”
Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
 

Are you facing a major decision in your life?  Do you feel overwhelmed and mentally exhausted with weighing all the pros and cons of each possible scenario?  Is every thought interwoven with a thread of uncertainty?

Wouldn’t it be an incredible feeling to know with absolute certainty that you are moving in the right direction? Imagine the relief of not questioning each step you make, worried that you might be heading in a trajectory that is completely away from where you should be going with your life.

You can relax and rest in God’s promise to you:  Your Heavenly Father will guide you along the BEST pathway for your life, and He will advise you and watch over you along the way.  Here’s a simple prayer that you can pray to God right now:  “Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you” Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT).

While you are listening for God’s answer, spend time alone with Him, free of distractions and away from your daily routine.  Often His answer comes in a gentle whisper to your spirit, and the “noise” in your life can drown out His voice. Place all your hope in the One who has written every chapter of your life, the One who has your name inscribed on His palms, the One who knows the desires of your heart, and the One who knows the reason for which you were created.

Allow Him to show you the best pathway for your life and trust that He will watch over you every step of the way.

May12

The Path To A Beautiful Life

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“You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life.
    As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending,
    and I know true joy and contentment.”

Psalm 16:11 (VOICE)

As a child of God, you can believe in the truth that God’s will for your life is always the best place to be.  He created you, and He knew you before your very first heartbeat. He knows all your strengths and all your weaknesses, and He knows the exact purpose that He had in mind for your unique life.  Seeking His guidance and following His direction will always lead to a beautiful life where you experience true joy and contentment.  If He guides you on a certain path, you can be confident that He will be right beside you and will equip you for the journey. “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  Deuteronomy 31:8(NIV)

So if you are facing a big decision or venturing into a new chapter in your life, continually seek divine wisdom and guidance from your Heavenly Father.  He will direct your steps and illuminate the perfect pathway to your beautiful life ~ the life He designed just for you!  Trust in His precious promises:

  • “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
  • “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”  Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
  • “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”  Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 (NIV)
Nov2

The Straight Path for Life

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P1100268Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

lean not to your own understanding. 

In all your ways, acknowledge Him,

and He will make your path straight.

Proverbs 3:5 – 6 (NIV)

Do you desire a “straight path” in life that is free of wasted time heading in the wrong direction, without unexpected U-turns, void of treacherous twists and turns, and detours around devastating dead ends?  God knows what is best for you, and He promises to make your path straight if you follow these clear instructions:

“Trust the Lord with all your heart…”  Trust God from the bottom of your heart.  Place all your confidence and faith in the wisdom, power, love, promises and goodness of God.  Believe with your whole heart (not just a portion of it!) that he is able to do anything and that His plan is best for your life.

 “…lean not to your own understanding.”  When you physically lean on something or someone, you confidently trust that your whole weight will be supported by that object or person. You wholeheartedly believe that this support will not fail.  Learn to lean on God’s understanding…not our own.  Don’t try to figure everything out for yourself based on your finite experience and insight, and don’t assume that you know it all. Totally depend on Him for His guidance in your life.  Discern His will through reading His Word and talking with Him in prayer.  The limitations of human understanding are of no comparison to the flawless and divine understanding of our Heavenly Father.  Lean into Him, and don’t rely on your own judgment.

“In all your ways, acknowledge Him…” It’s easy to turn to God when the going gets tough, but God desires that you acknowledge Him in every ordinary moment of your life.  Trust God completely for every choice you make.  Begin each day by asking Him for His guidance, and listen for His direction in everything you do and everywhere you go throughout your day.

“…and He will make your path straight.”  God will keep you on the right track if you trust Him with all your heart, lean into His understanding, and acknowledge Him in all your ways.  He knows the best route for your life’s journey.  Wholeheartedly believe in His promises and allow Him to make your path straight by placing all your confidence in His divine direction.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”  Isaiah 30:21

 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.  Proverbs 25:9

I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.  Jeremiah 10:23

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

 Teach me your way, Lord; Lead me in a straight path… Psalm 27: 11

 The path of the righteous is level; You, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.  Isaiah 26:7 

 

Jan1

Happy New Year!

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See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

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As the first new day dawns in the New Year, it is a great time to look forward and think about the possibilities a new year can bring.  Most of us start the year with ideas about what we would like to accomplish in the year to come.  (Exercise more, eat healthier, lose weight, organize our finances, clean out the closet, save more money, learn to do something new, mend fences with an old friend or relative, start a business…)  Regardless of what goals you have in mind, it’s a good idea to write these thoughts down and keep them as a reference throughout the year to remind us of our vision.

I encourage you to take 10 minutes today (or more) to reflect on the past year while looking forward to the year ahead.  But instead of just thinking about the things YOU want for yourself, ask God what HIS vision is for your new year.  Is there something on your heart that keeps surfacing in your thoughts?  God’s New Year’s Resolutions might be very different from our own New Year’s Resolutions.  His vision for you might sound something like this…feed the hungry, clothe the poor, house the homeless, volunteer at a food bank, donate money, clothing, food, or time to a worthy ministry, find a church to start attending, support a missionary, start a ministry, love your neighbors, forgive someone, go on a mission trip, help a widow, foster a child, use your talents to help a ministry, renew (or begin!) your relationship with Christ, etc…  This list is endless, and only you know what God has laid upon your heart.

God doesn’t ask us to do EVERYTHING.  We are all part of the body of Christ, each member doing its own valuable part, right where you are “planted.”  He may be asking you to do ONE THING that seems insignificant to you, but in His Kingdom that one thing can change eternity.  It’s no accident that you are reading this post today.  God has a plan for you, and He wants to use your life in great ways.  He has gifted you with unique abilities and talents, and He wants to show you exactly how your life fits into His big picture.  Take the first step today toward following through with whatever God has placed upon your heart.  Don’t let another year go by without accomplishing something divinely magnificent for His Kingdom.

Happy New Year!! May God bless you in the coming year…

Nov17

The Big Picture

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God made my life complete

when I placed all the pieces before Him.

2 Samuel 22:21 (MSG)

My sons and I recently worked on a 1000 piece puzzle together.  We spent many hours over a period of several weeks slowly piecing the puzzle together.  First we began with the border of the huge puzzle, then worked our way inward.  The closer we got to completing our project, the more excited we were about seeing the end result.   We each wanted to be the one who fitted the very last piece in its place.  It was amazing to watch how the picture took shape from fitting together hundreds of tiny pieces.  In the end, we were all disappointed to realize that we were missing a few of our pieces.  We had worked so diligently, for so many hours,  only to find out that we couldn’t complete the picture without those pieces.

The verse above tells us that God wants to make our lives complete, but He can only accomplish this if we give Him ALL the pieces.  Our Heavenly Father sees the grand picture of our lives, and He knows exactly which pieces fit together perfectly.  If we withhold any part of our lives from Him, we will never know the beauty of the complete picture  as designed by our Creator.   Trust Him to know what is best for you.  Place all your “pieces” before Him today, and allow Him to make your life complete.