Purpose Driven In Christ

Repentance is not one time action, but it’s an ongoing decision and action to turn to God and do things His way. This involves areas in our thinking that are not visible, but could eventually have an impact in our actions.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13

Whatever we choose to meditate on can impact our emotions. If we are easily offended or disappointed, then we are often times meditating on something negative versus positive. It takes humility and intentionality to think through the lens of love despite how our emotions want to influence our actions.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭

Complete surrender involves us releasing control over situations and truly love God with all of our hearts and minds. It is a processs in which we renew our minds so that fear doesn’t grip and distract us. When we receive the unconditional love of God, it makes the process of surrendering easier because our desires change and peace becomes more prevalent in our hearts.

“Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:37-39‬ ‭

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:18-19‬ ‭

I give thanks to the Lord for all that He has done. I just realize that it’s been a little over a year since I’ve been making these podcasts. It’s been a blessing to share the love of God with others through this platform. My prayer is that you have been encouraged and inspired through these messages, and that your purpose as a follower of Christ has been more defined. May the Lord continue to bless you as you continue to surrender your heart, desires, and emotions to Him. His love for us endures forever. Be reminded that He sees your efforts and He hears your prayers even during the times of frustration. Stay focused on Him and be encouraged even when things seem weary or challenging. Continue to receive His unconditional love at all times. Be encouraged & thank you for being a follower of Christ!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107:1‬ ‭

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:38‬ ‭

God wants us to truly rely on Him in all areas of our lives. When we put our confidence, trust, and security in Him, it leaves minimum room for the enemy to influence us with fear or anxiety. We are able to reroute our thinking by renewing our minds on God‘s word which will also give us peace.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew‬ ‭6:27‬ ‭

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭

There are benefits from going through trials. When we renew our minds, we will be able to discern how the Lord is shaping our lives through them for His glory. Our character and dependency on God can also grow as a result of trials.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” ‭‭I Peter‬ ‭4:12-13

Followers of Christ should become workers for His mission because we were created for His glory. The harvest of individuals who want to know Christ and their purpose for living is great, therefore we should be the hands and feet of Jesus.

“The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”Luke‬ ‭10:1-2‬ ‭

We are called to steward our health and make wise decisions to take care of our bodies daily. It’s important to rest, exercise, and consume healthy foods. God gives us free will and wisdom to make decisions that will benefit the well being our health. We each have one earthly body in which we should steward with love, faith, discipline, and self-control.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭

“This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth. Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John‬ ‭1:1-2‬ ‭

God desires for us to free from debt and financial oppression. He wants us to keep Him first versus chasing money which distracts us from being in His will for Kingdom building. We have self- control through the fruit of the spirit which allows us to moderate excessive spending that can impact financial freedom and the ability to be a blessing to others.

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23:4-5‬ ‭

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭16:13‬ ‭

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭

As we grow in our walk with Jesus, He will prompt us to step out of our comfort zones for His glory. Being a follower of Christ involves denying ourselves, taking up our crosses, and following Him. This includes insecurities and things that make us feel uncomfortable.

We should consistently ask for God to fill us with the Holy Spirit and for His power to come upon us so that we are able to do things in His strength-not our own.

The more we rely on our abilities, the more effort it will take to accomplish the tasks. This can cause us to become frustrated because we were never called to rely on our strength and comfort levels. When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we will start to do supernatural things that are impactful for the Kingdom of God.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Acts 1:8‬ ‭

“And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” Acts ‬ ‭4:29-31‬

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,”. Luke‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭

“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Matthew‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭