What You're Called To Do vs What You Choose

So many people get up and go through their daily, planned routine...Most of that is going to work, completing some sort of to-do list, and/or taking care of family. However, there is more to life than just a routine. Do you ever think about why you are in the place you go to daily? Do you ever stop and ask yourself why you meet the people you encounter? You are meant to reach others, and impact environments that God desires to change and influence. We are His vessels, and we were made for more than just a daily routine. Ask God today why your here, who you were meant to impact, and for more details concerning a purpose that only you will be able to carry out.

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, Ephesians 4:1 NKJV

God MUST Come 1st!!!

I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:8‭-‬11 NKJV

*No matter where I go in life or what I accomplish, God is my foundation and will ALWAYS come first. He is who put me there, and we have to always keep His purpose in mind in order to keep Him first. I prosper because of Him alone. When my soul prospers, I prosper. I am only prepared because of His wisdom and training, and I will always be His humble servant..All praise goes to Him.

Permissible vs Perfect

Wait on the Lord ; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord ! Psalms 27:14 NKJV

*It is so much better to wait on God than settle, or step outside,of His will. Choosing His guidance and perfect will is going to lead to fulfillment. Choosing your own way, aka the permissible will, always leads to satisfaction for a moment. Temporary satisfaction is no comparison to fulfillment in God.

Building Yourself According to God's Direction

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: Matthew 7:24 NKJV

*Following and actually obeying God is like preserving yourself from harm and unnecessary hardship.

God's Removal of the Unnecessary

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 NKJV

*Definitely ready for the removal of the former things in order to move forward. I refuse to go in an endless circle and cycle with the same type of people and same scenarios. God promises us an expected end, and I expect the best and refuse to deal with things that I don't have to suffer with.

Coming Into Focus

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 KJV

*It's so easy to become disgusted by people, news, ignorance,  etc. However,  we must train our minds to focus on God's good works, and the positivity He placed in us in order to receive His promises.

Pleasing God

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 NKJV

*God works in us for His will, but also for His enjoyment. You are pleasing God when you are on the path that He placed you on vs doing your own thing. Stay covered by God, and in His good graces...He is worth it!

Stay Focused on God

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

*It is a must to keep godliness around you as much as possible...God is always trying to help us grow, provide encouragement, and reveal things to us. However, the world is field with noises that are designed to be distractions. Meditating and surrounding yourself with the word of God helps remove distractions, keep us grounded, and push us into a closer relationship with Him. In that relationship are the promises of God that fulfill your desires. Make God the priority in all you connect to, and He will make your desires become His priority.

Who is Priority in Your Life?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

*When you remember to take care of God's house, even more so than your everyday job, He will take care of you. Volunteer at church by using the gifts you were given as you seek Him, and the rest will be added.. He should be first in our lives. After all, God is the one who gave you that job and those blessings.

Living a Good Life Regardless of Perception

For it is Godʼs will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as Godʼs slaves.

1 Peter 2:15‭-‬16 NIV

*One of the things that I've noticed lately is how people try to find bad things about people, instead of lifting those people up. For some, it's a natural fulfilment to be able to have an "A-ha, caught you" moment... And I can't help,  but ask God why people are so obsessed with finding wrong in others. Could it be the wrong doing that they feel within themselves, and won't to passify that wrong by finding something out about others? Let's be real... No one is perfect. However, we should be striving to do good to remove the bad from our hearts and actions. We should even do good to those who talk about us or look for bad in us, which will always overshadow the ignorant talk of looking for poor behavior in the first place... Live free from people's opinions and thoughts,  but may the good we display be sincere and not used for malicious intent. We should be more in tune to what God says and thinks of us,  which will develop into a natural habit of submitting to Him. This submission will begin to influence your thoughts and actions, and the good in you will come naturally.

Living for God or Humans

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 NIV

*Winning the approval of humanity is an endless task that never provides peace, or a steady conclusion. There are ups and downs, rarely contentment, or consistency in pleasing humans. However, pleasing God is consistently a pathway towards growth, always laced with love and good intentions, and the guidance behind it is well-rounded. This is what gives you the peace to deal with people. Live for God, and people will follow.. If you live for people, confusion will follow. Be who God made you to be, and see how many souls you win in the process...

Being Budget Conscientious

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;

Proverbs 27:23 NIV

*Every pay check, I take the time to ask myself about my savings, review my payoff goals,  and budget for a treat if I can afford it.  All this comes after paying my tithes and my bills. I know sometimes we desire to do things, and your eye is set on specifics, but being aware and real about your situation is far more important  than any moment  of shopping pleasure. Plus,  if you do the right thing by God, He will always give you what you desire at the right time. Even when you have overflow, if you embrace the wisdom of a budget,  you still do not allow yourself to be ripped off by over-priced things. Take the time to really review your financial situation. Now,  ask yourself what do you consistently see... Does God come first?  Do you give as He leads you in order to enhance your harvest?  Are you too lax in your giving without keeping account into your responsibilities, and whether it's your own doing or God's?  Do you limit yourself based on your budget instead of faith?  Are you selfish? Does business come before pleasure? Keep track of where you are today with a budget and plan more in order to be more financially free tomorrow, and build upon you and your family's future.

Relating on a Glorified Level

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:15‭-‬16 NIV

*Many times people feel that God doesn't understand,  or that He is too busy taking care of larger issues to be concerned about the little ones... This is absolutely incorrect. No matter what you face, be it big or small, God has already faced it and would like to be your example in how to overcome it. As a matter of fact, He is waiting on you to discuss it with Him. Who better to relate to and keep your secrets,  but our sweet and open Lord and Saviour?  When there is no one else to talk to or understand, God understands... On a personal note,  I've spent many nights crying and/or speaking with God. This is not to say you will not require a connection with a human because no man is an island, but go to God first and see how that desire to run to everyone else begins to fade. We all could work on talking to Him more...

God Over Everything....

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Colossians 1:17‭-‬18 NIV

God will always be before all things and people, and I will treat Him as such.  Nothing comes before Him, and He is the first true example of completion, and how to do things correctly. We must use God as our ultimate example,  and follow His lead. Therefore, if we seek God first (Matt. 6:33), He will never be second to our own mindset and desires. We must learn to put God before the items we desire, the fear we face, and the people we embrace in order to impact those areas in our lives.

Actions vs Words

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:18 NIV

Actions speak louder than words. If we never see any action from what a person has said,  it's safe to say they are lying. Utilizing words alone is a way to stall,  and try to throw people off. However, what is or isn't done reflects the validity of your words. Speak the truth, and hold your actions accountable.

Putting God First

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:17 NIV

Lord may I do your will and flow in the way you desire, instead of doing what I desire and asking you to bless it. May each action and decision be guided by you. May we all learn to consult with you before everything we do and say, instead of moving forward and then asking for your blessing. May you be first, instead of the second source after we have already made up our minds.