Stepping Stones: Do You Really Have Determined Purpose?

06 September 2010



Transformational Thought

In Philippians 1:20 Paul seems to be saying; “My determined purpose is to be my best for His glory.…whether by life or death”, Paul was determined to let nothing stand in his way from doing exactly what God wanted.

What will it take to for you to choose to follow God’s will? We all start off our days with the idea, resolve, and attitude that we will do the right thing. Regardless of the temptations, we will make the right decision. But somewhere during the day, we get sidetracked, our determination gets undermined. Our choices become faulty. We stray from following God’s will.

I believe that many times a crisis must develop in our lives before we make the decision to have determined purpose to follow God’s will. This is often how He gets our attention to help us focus on Him more acutely. This happens because we are so unresponsive to God’s gentle nudges. Once we arrive at that place where He asks us to be the best for His glory, the debate within us begins. And when the crisis hits we must decide…for or against? For there is no middle ground. That moment, the moment of deciding for or against, is the greatest crossroads we face in our daily battles.

Today, when adversity comes into your life…on any front…surrender your will to God and you will find peace and freedom. This happens by asking, “what need of mine is out-trumping or competing with God’s instruction, will, promises, or character?” Then make a willful decision to follow His will and put yours on hold. This glorifies Him, and is the actually the best for you as you will actually renew your mind spiritually, psychologically, and even physiologically when you make a Godly decision. Believe it or not, your brain chemistry actually gets stronger.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray to You that Your Holy Spirit reveal Your message to me in a way that I understand and can live out daily. I feel very much ashamed that I have not yielded those areas of my life that You have asked me to. I want to live a life so that in no way I am ashamed. Help me, Lord, shut out everything that keeps me from doing my very best for Your glory. I actually find my limitations liberating when my strongest desire is to do my best for Your glory. Thank You, Lord, for the freedom this provides, for Your word tells me that where Your Spirit is, there is freedom. In Christ’s determined name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Peter 3:18
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Stepping Stones Devotional

Lighthouse Network's Stepping Stones Community
  • Stepping Stones: Loss Is Your Door to His Stability
    February 10, 2012

    Transformational Thought

    As young children, one thing we learn quickly is the reality of loss. Missing a meal, seeing others whose needs do get met, losing a mother’s attention to a newborn sibling, losing a beloved toy, losing at games, loss through divorce or job relocation. Loss of innocence through abuse or extreme life circumstances.

    Life is filled with many kinds of losses. But despite the cause, one thing is certain: all loss hurts, regardless of its size. We recover quickly from some losses … but others take months or even years to absorb and process. Certain losses are temporary while others are permanent.

    In today's economic environment in which businesses are closing and downsizing, many are facing the loss of their jobs. This kind of loss can be devastating to anyone, but especially to the breadwinner of a family. Even if it is a second job, it may represent a threat to survival, credibility, and stability for our spouse or kids.

    Job loss can produce many emotions, but fear is usually at the root of any uncomfortable response. Will I lose my home? My child is leaving for college this fall—will I have to break the news that it will be impossible? We have built up credit card debt trying to keep our heads above water … what now? Who will respect me? Will our marriage survive this pressure?

    These and many other concerns are very real and can seem extremely threatening. If we keep our eyes on the waves of hardship, we will sink into despair and hopelessness. This is a time when it is difficult … but imperative … to focus on Jesus, not on the problems. This is a time to remember that He, not our job, is our source of value, peace, security, comfort, redemption, and abundance.

    We may go through some real challenges. We may have to tighten our belts and make some sacrifices. These struggles are not easy, but with Jesus we have hope and a powerful peace. Our job may be gone and the economy may be falling apart, but God has not changed. Step back from the hardship and see your life from God’s perspective. It is because of his mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed.

    Today, dig into the areas where you struggle or have experienced some recent hardship. What is the fear at the bottom of the issue? Infuse Jesus’ teachings into your fear, let Him bring healing and comfort to your pain. Then re-evaluate your struggle through these new lenses. Remember, great and abundant is His stability and faithfulness in all things. Life is your decision, so choose well.

    Prayer
    My Father and Lord, This economy and my finances have left me feeling angry and fearful. Help me to regroup … to remember that You are here, that You love me and my family, and that You have a plan. Help me remember that this economy and my recent loss have not taken You by surprise … and that You have already made a way for me. Thank You that Your compassion never fails and that Your stability and faithfulness are abundant. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who provides my stability, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

    The Truth
    It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
    John 10:10
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