Posts with the tag “purpose”

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3   Pain is a part of life. It’s a painful truth, isn't it? Whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual, we all experience pain in one form or another. And in those moments, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, even de...  Read More

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day." - John 6:44   Have you ever felt like you're not enough? Like you don't have anything significant to offer? It's a common struggle in a world that often measures worth by worldly standards. But what if I told you that God sees things differently? You see, God specializes in turning the ordin...  Read More

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 I want you to know something today: God believes in you even when you doubt yourself. His faith in you remains steadfast even when your own confidence wavers. Today, let's explore the profound truth that God's belief in you transcends your own self-percept...  Read More

"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   Have you ever felt a nudge, a whisper in your heart, prompting you to step into something significant for God? Maybe it's a calling to serve, a mission field, or a specific purpose in your life. Whatever form it takes, God's calling is not to be taken ligh...  Read More

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14   Goal setting is a practice that many of us are familiar with in various aspects of our lives, such as our careers, education, or health. However, have you ever considered the importance of setting spiritual goals as a means to become more like Christ? In Philippians 3:14, the ...  Read More

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'" - Matthew 2:1-2   As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the incredible events that took place over two thousand years ago—the birth of our Savi...  Read More

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:9   Life can often feel like a complicated puzzle with missing pieces. We struggle to make sense of the past, wrestle with the challenges of the present, and worry about an uncertain future. It's during these times of uncertainty that we need to remember why we should tr...  Read More

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)   Life is often filled with uncertainties, and we may find ourselves in the midst of the unseen. In these moments, our faith in God's plan becomes a beacon of hope and assurance. Today’s key passage of Scripture defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do no...  Read More

Romans 8:28 (NIV) - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."   Have you ever made a mistake that left you feeling broken, unworthy, or discouraged? The good news is that God can use even our mistakes to bring about something amazing. He is the master of redemption, turning our brokenness into beautiful testimonies...  Read More

Deuteronomy 28:2 (NIV) - "All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God."   When we choose obedience to God, He pours out His blessings upon our lives in abundant measure. Our obedience opens the door for His favor, provision, and grace to flow freely. The path of obedience is not always easy, but the rewards it brings far outweigh any sacrifice we may make. ...  Read More

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." - Deuteronomy 30:19   In the journey of life, we are faced with a crucial choice: are we going to embrace life in Christ or succumb to the grip of sin and death? Let's explore the profound benefits of choosing...  Read More

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5   The stirring within your heart, the calling that tugs at your spirit—when will you rise up and respond? God has placed a unique purpose on your life, and He is inviting you to step into it. Let's explore the challenge of answering God's calling and embra...  Read More

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." - Psalm 5:3   The way we begin our day sets the tone for what follows. Starting our day alone with God in solitude and seeking His presence can have a profound impact on our hearts, minds, and spirits. Let's explore the benefits of carving out sacred moments each morning to connect with our...  Read More

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3   In a world that offers countless remedies for our brokenness, there is still hope we can cling to as we remember this truth: only God can fix you. The things of this world may provide temporary relief, but true healing and restoration can only be found in the hands of our loving Creator.  Only God can heal because He understan...  Read More

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4   Close your eyes for a moment and envision your dreams. They may be big or small, near or far, but they hold a special place in your heart. Now, imagine entrusting those dreams to the loving hands of God. What would that look like to trust God with your dreams and embrace His perfect plan for your life? T...  Read More

"In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean." - Isaiah 11:11   There is an incredible anointing that God pours out upon His people. The book of Isaiah talks about this in length. So today, I want...  Read More

“But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.” - 1 John 2:27  If you want to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, it is important that you abide in Him. Yesterday, we discussed how, as children of God, we are anoint...  Read More

“But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.” - 1 John 2:27  When God anoints you, He doesn’t just leave you on your own. We have spent much of the last couple of weeks talking about God’s purpose and plan for our ...  Read More

“But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.” - 1 John 2:27  As a child of God, you are anointed. God has anointed you for a specific purpose, a specific plan, and with specific spiritual gifts. Before you were eve...  Read More

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 4:10-11  Did you know that God gives each of...  Read More

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!” - Romans 11:33  Even when you don’t understand what He is doing, God still knows best. Yesterday, we talked about when life seems to fall apart – when someone you love walks out, when you lose a job or your family moves, when your dreams seem like they aren’t going to be ...  Read More

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28  Are you struggling to figure out what you want to do with your life? Maybe something in your life took a wild turn and has left you scrambling. Maybe your spouse left you, someone you love is now gone, you lost your job, your family up and moved cities, or ...  Read More

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11  If you follow along with us daily, you know we spend a lot of time discussing our purpose. God created each of us for a specific purpose, and our job is to A) figure out what that purpose is and then B) put it into action. As we grow closer to God in our ...  Read More

“Turn to the Lord before it’s too late. Call out to Him while He is still ready to help you. Let the one who is evil stop doing evil things. And let him quit thinking evil thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord. The Lord will show him his tender love. Let him turn to our God. He is always ready to forgive.” – Isaiah 55:6-7  Is God speaking to you? Has He made it clear what His will is for your life? W...  Read More

“Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28  Serving others is not about you. But that doesn’t mean it won’t change you. When you give your life to Christ, you forfeit the right to live the way you want to live. You no longer live the way the world lives, but the way He has called you to live. How is that life different? J...  Read More

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2 God’s ultimate purpose for you is that you become like Jesus. So, how do you become like Jesus? You act like Jesus. How do you act like Jesus? You have to think like Jesus. But how do you think like Jesu...  Read More

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2  If we want to grow our faith and live in a way that honors God, it starts with transforming our minds. The reason most people don’t have the type of faith that can move mountains is because they don’t t...  Read More

“Another of the disciples said to him, ‘Lord, let me first go and bury my father.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.’” - Matthew 8:21-22  When you choose to wait and delay obeying God, you risk the chance of losing an opportunity of a lifetime. Now, that might sound dramatic, but it is that important. Whatever plan, purpose, or mission God gives you, tha...  Read More

“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.” - Psalm 119:60  Has God given you a mission or a job to do? Has He made it clear about His purpose for you? Once God reveals His mission for your life, do not delay; get started right away. Delayed obedience is disobedience. One of the worst things you can do is delay the plans of God. When God gives you clarity, there is a reason He is doing so...  Read More

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” - Proverbs 18:24  If you have given your life to Christ and you are pursuing Him, His plan, and His purpose for your life, then I want to specifically speak to you today. As you remain obedient to God and faithful in pursuing Him, who are your people? You say, “Pastor... my people?” That’s right, w...  Read More

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” - Psalm 37:23-24  As God prepares you to do His perfect will and purpose and gives you the opportunities you need, He will take care of every little detail you are worried about.  Sometimes, as followers of Christ, we gain clarity about what H...  Read More

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:10  There are a lot of people in today’s society that believe that their opportunity has passed by. They believe the job market is closed, and there is nothing available to them. They believe all the best candidates for marriage are already taken. They truly belie...  Read More

“For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body.” - 1 Corinthians 12:14-15  Did you know that you cannot play a basketball game with one person? You might be saying, “Of course you can’t pastor, duh! You would get killed playing 5 on 1.” But that’s not what I...  Read More

“To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these empowered by one and the same spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills.” - 1 Corinthians 12:10-11  As we continue to look at the spiritual gifts God has given us, I want you to un...  Read More

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” - Proverbs 27:1  Yesterday, I asked you the question: what are you waiting for? See, God has a special plan and purpose for your life. He wants to do something incredible in and through you. And make no mistake about it…that plan is custom designed for you. It is not for anyone else. But He needs you to act. He needs you to s...  Read More

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” - Proverbs 19:21  Did you know that you can’t mess up God’s plans? That is right, even when you oppose Him or directly disobey Him, God’s purpose will prevail. The only question is whether you will be with Him or against Him.  Sometimes, we think we know exactly what God is going to do. So we become surpr...  Read More

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17  Do you ever feel like the prime years of your life are behind you? Maybe you think back to high school or college and remember the “fun years.” You think about the experiences you had, the accomplishments...and you just wonder if the very best is behind you. You think...  Read More

“’Get out of here, Satan,’ Jesus told him. ‘For the Scriptures say, You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’ Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” - Matthew 4:10-11  When it comes to facing temptations, Jesus gave us the perfect blueprint to follow. As we have seen over the past few days, Satan tempted Jesus on three different occasions. And here we are,...  Read More

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10  When God makes His purpose clear in your life, what keeps you from saying “YES God, I’m ready and I will go now.” What is it that holds you back? Over the last three days, we have looked at the fears that keep us from i...  Read More

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” - Isaiah 26:3We serve a God who is a peace giver and hope dealer. We serve a God who knows everything about us and chooses to love us despite that. We are fully known and fully loved. God knows everything that is going to happen in our lives.He knew everything about us, everything that would take place in u...  Read More