Day 6: Life Is a Temporary Assignment

GREETINGS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I TRUST THAT YOU ALL ARE DOING WELL.

PURPOSE DRIVEN DAY 6: LIFE IS A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT

On yesterday, we spoke about life being a test and trust. Life is a test in the sense that God is paying attention to our daily circumstances, situations, personal interactions, and the way we react to them. Our reactions determine whether we are ready for the next blessing He has in store or whether He still needs to work on us a little using the Holy Spirit, so we can be prepared for advancement to attain His next level of blessings.  Also, Life is a trust because God instilled/entrusted us  with values, gifts, talents, intelligence, favor, opportunities and ability that He expects for us to use while on Earth to accomplish His purpose for our life. And lastly,

Life is Temporary Assignment

 Lord, remind me how brief my time on Earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. Psalm 39:4 (NLT)

I am here on Earth for just a little while. Psalms 119:19 (TEV)

Never forget:
1. Life is extremely brief.  Act accordingly which means discover your purpose, be your purpose and live your purpose. No apologies...live a full life daily.

2. Earth is your temporary Residence. Your only here for a predetermined duration of time. Don't get consumed by the material things or too comfortable here. Make use of everything around you to live a full life, but do not get attached. This is not your final destination. 

AHA MOMENT

In an effort to prevent us from getting to attached to the world and the numerous "things" available, He allows and reasonable amount of "discontent" and "dissatisfaction" in life, so we can look forward to reuniting with Him and going "home...home."  Therefore, that is why we go through personal trials and tribulations,terminal illness, possibly why we experience natural disasters, wars etc. With this ideal that there is a better place which awaits where none of the aforementioned exists, that will give us the peace to seek to know more about God. 

This life is temporary. Today your here. Tomorrow your gone. Utilize your time on Earth the best way you know how...on purpose daily. Don't let life's unfortunate circumstances rob you of joy. Rather, always remember life on Earth is temporary and your real "home ..home" that awaits you is overflowing with an abundance of love, peace, joy and a Father who is waiting to embrace you.


POINT TO PONDER: THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME. 

VERSE TO REMEMBER:  " So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18(NIV) 

QUESTION TO PONDER: How should the fact that life on Earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I'm leaving life right now?

Love Always,

Stephanie 

Day 5: Seeing Life from God's View

HEY LADIES AND GENTS...DAY 5!!! KEEP GOING...YOU STARTED...LETS FINISH!

PURPOSE DRIVEN DAY 5: GOD'S VIEW OF LIFE: 

1. LIFE IS A TEST.
2. LIFE IS A TRUST.
3. LIFE IS A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT.

TODAY, WE WILL FOCUS ON LIFE BEING A TEST AND TRUST! ENJOY THE RECAP!

LIFE IS A TEST.    God continually is testing our character, faith, obedience, love, integrity and loyalty. There are numerous illustrations in the bible of God testing biblical characters, some passed and others failed. For instance, when God asked Isaac to offer his son as a sacrifice. That was a huge test of loyalty, obedience, faith and character all wrapped into one. God is continually observing our responses to these simple and large tests These tests are not to harm us, rather they are preparing us for bigger roles and assignments, PURPOSE and ultimately our eternal life. Our reactions have eternal implications. Every time you pass, the Father takes record of that and will reward you accordingly in eternity.


LIFE IS ATRUST.  The time, energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships and resources are all gifts from God that He entrusted for our care and management while on Earth. At the conclusion, we all will be evaluated on how well we handled what God entrusted to us. If we treat what God entrusts to us with care and importance as He directed, three main rewards await us in eternity:

1. God Affirmation
2. Promotion
3. Celebration 

Value what God entrusts you with, there is too much at risk not too! Use everything inside of you...talents, gifts, purpose, passion...LEAVE THIS WORLD EMPTY.

****Money is a test and trust. It has been said casually several times in society and  is uniquely express in bible that root of all evil is money. In NIV 1st Timothy 6:10:  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  God watches how we utilize money to assess whether we are trustworthy. There is a direct correlation with money management and God's entrusting us with spiritual blessings. 

POINT TO PONDER: LIFE IS A TEST AND TRUST. 

VERSE TO REMEMBER: "UNLESS YOU ARE FAITHFUL IN SMALL MATTERS, YOU WONT BE FAITHFUL IN LARGE ONES." Luke 16:10 A (NLT)

QUESTION TO PONDER:  WHAT HAPPENED TO ME RECENTLY THAT I KNOW REALIZE WAS A TEST FROM GOD? WHAT ARE THE GREATEST MATTERS GOD HAS ENTRUSTED TO ME? 

Day 4: Made To Last Forever

HEY FRIENDS...DAY 4 IS HERE! HOPEFULLY, ITS GETTING EASIER FOR YOU ON THIS FAST. REMEMBER THAT GOD WILL HONOR YOUR VOW AND SACRIFICE. CONTINUE TO BE IN PRAYER MORNING, THROUGH OUT YOUR DAY AND NIGHT ABOUT YOUR PURPOSE AND SPECIFIC PRAYER POINT FOR 2015. WATCH HIM MAKE BREAKTHROUGHS HAPPEN FOR YOU. I TOUCH AND AGREE WITH EVERY PRAYER REQUEST.


DAY 4: MADE TO LAST FOREVER

KEY POINTS:

1. "THIS LIFE IS NOT ALL THERE IS"  We have eternity with Jesus to look forward to. So upon taking our last breath, there is more life to LIVE outside of Earth. So your time on Earth is really just a snapshot of what is to come. With that in mind, it is important to realize that ETERNITY offers two options: 1. Heaven or 2. Hell. Your present choice of accepting or denying Jesus determines your destination. It is truly that simple...no other strings attached. No, you do not have to be  perfect, without sin, resemble Jesus in character etc. Actually, COME AS YOU ARE...sinner, addict, murderer, thief etc. He just wants your permission to love you unconditionally, help change your heart  for your  benefit, and use you for purpose He originally intended.  CHOOSE JESUS AND LIVE FOREVER!

2.LIVING IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY-  With this new found knowledge that you were "made to last forever" and that your present life determines your eternal life, you'll be led to alter things in your life. For instance, your values change, the way you handle relationships, your priorities are rearranged, your mindset changes. Somethings just begin to fall off your list of priorities because it simply does not matter more than achieving God given purpose. AS YOU LIVE, CONTINUALLY REMEMBER  ETERNITY IN YOUR MIND AND VALUE IT IN YOUR HEART!


3. DEATH IS NOT THE END OF YOU Paradise awaits you when its your time. Heaven can not be compared to any place on Earth. The beauty and wonder of Heaven cannot be put into words. OMG THERE IS MUCH THAT AWAITS US IN HEAVEN :
 1. Communion and Fellowship with God 
2. Reunited with loved ones (who are believers)
3. Released from pain and suffering
4. Rewards for faithfulness on Earth
5. Reassigned to do work we enjoy

THIS LIFE IS PREPARATION FOR THE NEXT....ACCEPT JESUS AND LIVE ON PURPOSE!

POINT TO PONDER: There is more to life than just here and now.

VERSE TO REMEMBER : "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17 (NLT)

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:   Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?


Have A Blessed Day Friends!!!

Love Always,

Stephanie

WHAT DRIVES YOUR LIFE?

HEY LADIES AND GENTS!!! I HOPE THIS REACHES YOU WELL...IM A BIT LATE TODAY. I HOPE YOU ALL ARE WELL! LEAVE COMMENTS BELOW TELLING ABOUT HOW THE FASTING/REFLECTION JOURNEY IS GOING SO FAR FOR YOU? DON'T FORGET...WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. I'M PRAYING FOR YOU ALL DAILY THAT  YOUR "PURPOSE," "DESTINY," "WILL" SHALL BE REVEALED TO YOU AS WE EARNESTLY SEEK HIM INDIVIDUALLY AND TOGETHER DAILY.

***PLEASE READ DAY 3 SLOWLY AND GRAB ALL THE PEARLS BECAUSE IT INDEED HAS MANY.***

DAY 3: WHAT DRIVES YOUR LIFE?

"Everyone's life is driven by something." What drives you?  What makes you get up in the morning? What makes you work hard?  What are you doing? Who are you doing it for? 

According to the "The Purpose Driven Life" book, commonly people are driven by:

1. Guilt-  Some people are driven by guilt. Your past is in the past. Leave it there! God gives you opportunities daily to start afresh. He doesn't hold onto your mistakes. He wipes your slate clean when you repent. HE CAN  STILL USE YOU FOR HIS PURPOSE. HE IS GREAT AT USING IMPERFECT PEOPLE TO DO PERFECT THINGS. 

2. Resentment and Anger- Some people are driven by resentment and anger. It hinders your progression forward. When your angry or resent someone, have you ever noticed the energy it takes to have these feelings. It really takes a toll on a person. Have you stopped to notice that the other person is FREE, NOT WORRIED ABOUT YOU, SMILING, HAPPY, AT PEACE. Let it go for you...not for them. 

3. Fear - Some people are driven by fear-"self-imposed" prison that will keep you from your destiny. Anything that comes easy is most likely not connected to your purpose. Why? Because God has called us to do great and mighty things that only His grace and presence can guide us through. "YOUR DREAMS ARE NOT BIG ENOUGH IF THEY DON'T SCARE YOU."-Unknown

4. Materialism- Some people are driven by material things. When every thing is said and done, nothing leaves with you when you die physically. Im not saying having nice things is bad because I aspire to have the finer things in life. However, I don't thing God intended for us to live our lives solely in search of the most expensive cars, clothes, shoes etc because it doesn't add to your personal value in His eyes.  

5. Approval--Some people are driven by approval. The expectations of family, friends,co-workers can weigh us down emotionally, physically, spiritually. Ultimately, your only serving an audience of One. 

What SHOULD drive our lives?   PURPOSE!

Why? Because when its all said and done only two things matter:

1. Did you know Jesus?

2. What did you use your give gifts, talents, opportunities, energy, relationships, and resources given to you by God for? Did you spend them on yourself, or did you use them for the purposes God made you for? 

PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE DAY 2: YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT

HEY LADIES AND GENTS....DAY 2 (WIPES FOREHEAD) SO, HOW ARE YOU GUYS DOING? HOW WAS DAY ONE? THE FIRST WEEK IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE THE MOST DIFFICULT, BUT TAKE HEART GOD IS WATCHING AND WILL REWARD YOUR EFFORTS IN ABUNDANCE.

SO TODAY'S TOPIC--- "YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT"

THIS IS MY SECOND GO ROUND WITH THIS BOOK AND I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THIS CHAPTER IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES...WHY?

BECAUSE IT REMINDS ME THAT THE "FLAWS" I BELIEVE I HAVE WERE ACTUALLY PUT THERE BY GOD HIMSELF AND ADD TO MY INDIVIDUALITY, UNIQUENESS, SASSYNESS, FABULOSITY (LOL) ... AFTER ALL, HE MAKES NO MISTAKES. AS HUMANS, WE QUESTION OUR REALITY, HOME ENVIRONMENT, OUR PARENTS, SIBLINGS, UPBRINGING, UNPLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCES AND/OR SITUATIONS WE FIND OURSELVES IN BUT IN ACTUALITY NONE OF IT IS BY CHANCE OR MISTAKE. THE WAY WE REACT DETERMINES WHETHER IT WILL PROSPER OR HINDER US...EVERYTHING WORKS TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE THAT LOVE THE LORD.

TAKE AWAY POINTS:

1. CUSTOM-MADE---> YES, YES, YES HONEY...GOD CREATED YOU WITH SUCH PRECISION, PURPOSE AND LOVE IN MIND. NOTHING ON YOU OR IN YOU... IS BY CHANCE. YOUR SKIN COLOR, HEIGHT, EYE COLOR, FOREHEAD SIZE (LOL),  YOUR PERCEIVED IMPERFECTIONS ARE ALL DESIGNED BY HIM. WE MAY THINK "OMG" MY PARENTS ARE SO INCOMPATIBLE, MY FATHER IS ABSENT IN MY LIFE, THIS OR THAT HAS HAPPENED...BUT DESPITE YOUR PARENTAL IMPERFECTIONS OR UPBRINGING, GOD KNEW THAT YOUR MOM AND POP'S DNA WAS NEEDED TO CREATE THE PERFECT CREATION...YOU!!! 


2."MADE FOR A REASON" WE ALL HAVE A SPECIFIC DURATION TO LIVE ON EARTH AS PREDETERMINED BY THE CREATOR HIMSELF. BEFORE YOU WERE CONCEIVED, YOUR EXACT DATE OF BIRTH AND DEATH HAD ALREADY BEEN ESTABLISHED. LOOK... THE IDEA I AM TRYING TO GET ACROSS IS THAT WE ONLY HAVE A LIMITED TO OCCUPY THIS LAND BEFORE OUR FATHER CALLS US HOME. YOU HAVE DETERMINE WHETHER YOU WANT TO "LIVE" OR "EXIST"...TO LIVE WE MUST FIND OUR PURPOSE AND EXECUTE IT DAILY. TO EXIST...WE SETTLE FOR WHATEVER WE CAN GET WHICH GIVES NO JOY, LOVE, PEACE AND DEFINITELY NOT PLEASING TO GOD. 

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POINT TO PONDER: I AM NOT AN ACCIDENT.

VERSE TO REMEMBER:  THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS-- HE WHO MADE YOU, WHO FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB , AND WHO WILL HELP YOU (ISAIAH 44: 2 A; NIV) 

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: I KNOW THAT GOD UNIQUELY CREATED ME. WHAT AREAS OF MY PERSONALITY, BACKGROUND, AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE AM I STRUGGLING WITH?    

PURPOSE DRIVEN DAY 1: IT ALL STARTS WITH GOD

HEY LADIES AND GENTS:

I HOPE THIS REACHES YOU! HOW DID DAY ONE GO, THIS PERSONAL PURSUIT OF PURPOSE AND FASTING PROCESS IS NOT AN EASY TASK, BUT STAY THE COURSE. IT WILL BE REWARDING...:)

ITS NOT ABOUT US! (point to ponder) WHEN IT COMES TO OUR INDIVIDUAL AND UNIQUE PURPOSES, IT IS NOT UP TO US TO DECIDE. GOD CREATED EACH AND EVERY PERSON AND DECIDED BEFORE OUR EARTHLY EXISTENCE HOW HE WANTED TO USE US TO FULFILL "HIS PURPOSE."

IN SEARCH FOR "HIS PURPOSE", WE OFTEN START BY SEARCHING OUR SELVES. WRONG STARTING POINT...ACTUALLY, WE ARE SUPPOSE TO LOOK/TALK TO HIM BECAUSE AS THE CREATOR, HE INDEED KNOWS THE REASON BEHIND HIS CREATION.

TAKE AWAY POINTS FROM TODAY'S READING:

1. "You were made by God and for God."  He is your creator, so He knows you better than you could ever possibly know yourself. Moreover, your strengths, weakness, failures, successes, talents, passions, work ethic, level of discipline, personality is not new to Him. So all those factors were acknowledged and considered when God made you and outlined your life and existence for a particular purpose.

2. "Being Successful and Fulfilling Your Life's Purpose is not the same issue." We can achieve the highest of success according to Earthly standards, but still fail to achieve God's purpose. Earthly Success is measured by the numerous amount awards, accolades, monetary compensation etc. However, heavenly success is measured by identifying and fulfilling the purpose designed for you. After all, there have been many "successful people" who have died with purpose still within them. 

3. "How, then do you discover the purpose you were created for?"  ASK GOD DAILY.  SEARCH THE BIBLE DAILY. MOREOVER, SEEK HIM, THE CREATOR AND ANSWERS WILL COME. Honestly, God will show you maybe not all at once but as His own discretion. We are all at different levels of this thing called "LIFE," so His timing is the best. He speaks us to through in various means...nothing is ever by mistake. He uses people, dreams, situations to show us the way...Watch, Listen and pay attention for those opportunities. 

My Thoughts with Love,

Steph

Last Minute "Purpose Driven Life" Essentials

1. DO YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK RICK WARREN'S "PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE"? IF NOT, FOLLOW ALONG WITH DAILY BLOG AND PRAYER UNTIL YOU GET IT. 

2. HAVE YOU SELECTED YOUR TYPE OF FAST? IF NOT, REFER TO MY PREVIOUS BLOG POST AND CHOOSE.

3. HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED 2015 PRAYER POINTS?  IF NOT, PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR PRAYER POINTS AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR JOURNAL STARTING WITH:
1. IDENTIFY GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MY LIFE

4. CALL IN  9PM SHARP DAILY FOR CONVO AND PRAYER FOR 15 MINUTES:

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