Know Where You're Going?

In studying the life of Jesus, one thing I love was His focus. Jesus knew His mission, did what He had to do to prepare for His purpose, and when His time came to shine, He went full steam ahead.

Jesus knew from an early age that He was on Kingdom business. As a young child, He spent His time in the synagogues and temple talking with the priests and religious leaders of the day. Jesus was well versed in Scripture and even had His teachers in awe!

Jesus didn't rush into His calling either. He followed the timing of the Lord. Jesus didn't start His ministry until He was about 30 years old. That leaves a significant amount of time where Jesus was in the background, hidden, preparing for His destiny.

When the time came for Jesus to start His ministry, He made sure He followed the proper steps. He knew that He had to commit to fasting and prayer in order to prepare Himself. He also went through temptation from the enemy proving the strength of His convictions to fully follow God's plan. Jesus also was baptized by John the Baptist prior to going forth in ministry.

And once Jesus went into ministry, He was fully committed to fulfill everything that was being asked of Him. Jesus travelled from town to town preaching the gospel. He healed all that came to Him. He subjected Himself to the sneers and accusations of the haters. He mentored twelve men who would become His legacy after His death. Jesus stayed in constant prayer with the Father. And even though He did take time to rest, He was always ready with the Word of God for those who came to Him in need. Jesus walked out His purpose to the point of death knowing that He would be resurrected on the other side.

Jesus was a man who fully understood His call, purpose and destiny in God.

Studying Jesus' life inspires and challenges me in my purpose as well. Do I fully understand my purpose? Do I know my next steps? Am I able to withstand temptation when it comes? Can I remain faithful to the call in the midst of haters? Will I be able to stay true to the call even in times of pain and heartache?

Jesus is our pristine example of how to live a life walking with the Lord. He had such a relationship with God that He knew His exact steps and the exact timing of His life. Can you say the same? Do you know what season you're in? Are you walking in step with God's plan?

Don't just live your life without purpose. Don't allow time to pass you by without walking in your destiny. Whether you're planning, positioning, preparing, or walking it out, your purpose in God should be known to you. As you follow God's instructions for your life, you will make the impact He created you for in the earth.

Verse of the Day: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23

My, How You've Grown!

While Jesus' ministry was going on, He wasn't just serving the people. He was also training His disciples to do their own ministry work after He was gone. At certain points, Jesus sent the disciples out on their own to get real world experience of the skills they had been taught.

Returning from one of their treks in the field, the disciples were bursting with enthusiasm of how successful their time was. They were amazed that even the devils had to obey the name of Jesus. (Luke 10:17)

The disciples went out and did things that they didn't even know they were capable of. Jesus, however, knew how they had grown. He sent His disciples out to do the work because He knew they were ready. He had planted in them the seeds of life, and He wanted to show them that those seeds had sprouted forth beautiful plants.

When was the last time you looked back at how you've grown in the things of God? What areas can you point to with pride knowing that you've matured?

I can honestly say that I've grown in the practical knowledge of my faith. I had scriptural knowledge, but now I have historical background, cultural knowledge, and practical application points to utilize in my faith-walk. It's one thing to know what the scriptures say. It's another to know the how, why, and when of scripture.

I've also grown in patience. I used to have a very short fuse. I wanted things to happen now, and would get impatient very quickly when things weren't moving fast enough for me. Now, I can sit and wait patiently with my mouth closed. I may be thinking some things... but at least my mouth is closed. I'm working to harness those thoughts!

I still have areas where I can improve - and I always will - but it's nice to look and see some areas where I've grown.

Today, take some time to look at the areas you've improved in with your own life. Give God praise for your growth and maturity! Then ask God to help you tackle those things yet left to be strengthened. If you can grow and mature in one area, you can grow and mature in another. Nothing's impossible with God!

Verse of the Day: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18a

It's Raining Rings!

I'm so happy for you!
Really... I am.

It is my heart's desire to be married one day to a wonderful man of God. Currently, there is no one on the premises that even hints at filling that role in my life. So I'm learning how to be content.

While I'm learning to be content and letting patience have its perfect work in my life, it seems like a majority of my single friends and acquaintances are getting engaged and/or married. For the last few weeks, it's like I was getting marital news every other day. No. Lie. It's raining rings all around me.

In prior years, this would seriously have made me question my existence. I would spend days wondering if I was on the right track, if God really heard my prayers, and be spending some serious time before God's throne trying to get a sense of when my turn was ever going to pop up.

However, I can honestly say that I am content. My time with the Lord has shown me things about myself, about Him, and about my purpose right now that lets me know that everything is exactly where it's supposed to be right now. I have no reason to complain. My day is coming.

It took a while to get to this spot. But this spot is much better than the envious/worried/anxious place I used to reside in. Right here, I can celebrate the changes in the lives of others while cherishing my own corner of the world.

Can you celebrate with someone who gets exactly what you've been believing God for? If your friends popped up with a new fiance/job/car/house/insertyourprayerrequesthere could you honestly praise God with them? Or would a piece of your heart be breaking because they got it, and you're still waiting?

Depending on your answer, you might need to spend some more time talking to the Captain of your ship. Because no matter how your life pans out, you should be content, trusting that God has you right where you are supposed to be.

Verse of the Day: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. I Timothy 6:6, 7

You're Still Blessed!

Today is a gray day in Chicagoland. Clouds are filling the sky and a slight mist is drizzling down. Yet, people are smiling, and there are many out wandering the streets enjoying our weather.


Why?

Because along with our cloudy, drizzly day, we have a 50+ degree breeze blowing! It’s like springtime in February! Everyone is taking advantage of this rare treat.

The snow is melting quickly away. Despite the muddy, dirty traces that are left behind, we couldn’t be happier here in the Chi. I know I’m grateful to God for a little respite from the bitter cold.

You give us this same day with 10 degree weather, and we’d all be griping about the clouds and rain. Yet, the warmer temp is making it all bearable.

Often we can get caught up in everything that’s going wrong and let those details dictate how we feel. However, if we take the time to find what’s going right, we will be better able to handle the bad.

I know I am always thankful for the help that I receive when I have to deal with a difficult task. I give God praise for my friends who are there to listen to and pray for me when I am going through problems. It’s always good to count your blessings when negativity knocks on your door.

Remember: it could always be worse than what you’re experiencing.

So, even though your day may be cloudy and you feel the rain coming down, don’t let that detract from the warm breeze that God is blowing your way! You still have something to smile about!

Take some time to count your blessings that are still with you in spite of it all.

Verse of the Day: Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Just Wondering...

Right now I am in a state of wonder. Not the wonder where you’re in awe of something. The wonder where I’m wondering what just happened.


You know, like those times where you know you were living right, doing right, talking right, and something comes and slaps you back? The times where you’re wondering how all of your staying on track got you halfway in left field?

That’s where I am right now.

I’m trying not to wallow in it, but I can’t help the wondering.

Was I right? Was I wrong? Did I hear God correctly? If so, then why am I here? Questions, questions, questions.

It made me think of how the disciples must have felt those three days while Jesus was dead. They had believed that He was the Messiah. They had heard His profound teaching. They experienced His love firsthand. They had been there with Him when He performed miracles in front of their eyes!

Yet, they had watched their Messiah die a lowly death on the cross. To them, it was all over.

So they locked themselves up in a room and drifted into wonder. Had they been wrong? Was it all a dream? Was Jesus just another prophet? Did they give up everything for nothing?

It was probably exhilarating to feel the exuberant joy and find that they were right all along in following Jesus! One can only imagine their happiness in realizing that the Savior had risen!

Even though I am in a state of wonder right now, I have to hold on to the faith that I have in Jesus. No matter how my life twists and turns, I have to trust that God is ultimately in control. As long as I continue to follow after His Word and obey what He is requiring of me, I’ll be alright come what may…that is the confidence I have in spite of everything.

Verse of the Day: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

A Promise is a Promise!

Okay, guys. I promised you an evening post… This is more like a nightcap though.


Right now I am on my GRIND. I am working hard to get my Masters in Christian Leadership.

So, my days consist of work – study on lunch – work – home – study – an hour to eat – bed – repeat.

Throw in my responsibilities as a Youth Leader, helping out with my dad, blogging, and other fun things around the way (currently I have a huge bag of laundry staring me in the face), and I have not really had time to sit and relax.

But I am working this hard because I have a goal in mind. I want to get this degree with a 4.0 average. And every ‘A’ makes the hard work seem effortless.

There are times in life where we have to square our shoulders, bow our heads and press in with gusto. Those times where we have to put blinders on, take on great sacrifice and get a long distance view in our eyesight.

In fact, our entire life is a press for the ultimate goal of making our Heavenly Father proud. Our times of denying our flesh, ignoring the world, and focusing in on living holy might be difficult at times. Yet, every blessing from God, every word that He shares with us, every insight into the mysteries of His Kingdom make the lifestyle easier.

So, keep on Grinding for Jesus! Keep the final goal in the forefront of your mind. The payoff will be more than worth it.

Good night!

Verse of the Day: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Winds of Change

It’s starting to get chilly here in Chicago again. I must admit, I love the fall. I love the changing of the leaves and the feeling of being bundled in a coat. It’s not super hot and it’s not super cold. The crisp air is so pleasant, and I feel that fall is the perfect season.

I’m amazed every year though by the people who just can’t let go of summer. Despite the plunging temperature, men refuse to don jackets and women still parade in open toed shoes. They dress oblivious to the cold and as a result, many of those same people wake up with colds and the flu later on in the season.

Often in life we too can be stubborn to change with the seasons. God may be trying to bring us into a new place, a higher level, or have us face down a new challenge. Yet we are still content with where we currently are, and fight to stay in our comfort zone. As a result, we can send ourselves down roads of unnecessary detours and trials we could have avoided if we would have just gone with the changes God ordered.

God ordained seasons so that the earth could be replenished and refreshed. Too much of any one climate can cause stagnation and decline. Even the desert gets rain and has cool temperatures at times. So, don’t try to fight against God when you feel the winds of change blowing. Get excited and keep moving! Know that whatever season you’re walking into, God is still bringing you to your expected end.

Verse of the Day: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… Ecclesiastes 3:1