PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE DAY 18: EXPERIENCING LIFE TOGETHER
Life is meant to be shared.
Real fellowship involves communicating intimately with other people. Its walking through life with other people who share your same faith, values etc. This fellowship includes "unselfish loving, honest sharing, practical serving, sacrificial giving, sympathetic comforting etc...
In Real Fellowship people experience:
1. Authenticity: Everyone needs a confidant that they can share their most intimate parts of their lives with someone else. The beauty of authenticity is that it frees us from hurts, negative feelings, failures, doubts, fears, and weaknesses.
2. Mutuality: This is the gift of giving and receiving which is the essence of fellowship. Ultimately, with this mutual desire to live, heal and move forward , fellowship allows for building reciprocal relationships, sharing responsibilities and assisting one another.
***AHA MOMENT: Additionally,engaging in fellowship will keep us encouraged, engaged and accountable. ***
3. Experience Sympathy: Sympathy is entering in and sharing the pain of others. We can share your hurts, get someone to listen intently and wholeheartedly. It will satisfy our need to be understood and validated.
4. Experience Mercy: Through fellowship, we get mercy and grace. It is an opportunity to release, so we can heal. Its an opportunity for us to be reminded that mercy and grace are available no matter the weight or magnitude of the sin. Its an opportunity for us to forgive ourselves, others and move forward with peace. Its opportunity to restore trust in others.
Love Always & Blessings,
Stephanie
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Day 17: A PLACE TO BELONG
PURPOSE DRIVEN DAY 17: A PLACE TO BELONG
We are called to belong ...not just believe. Day 17 is all about belonging to a church home where you can consistently attend, be fed, grow and pour back into church. In this season of our lives, we now know or have always know that each of us were called to achieve a particular purpose. This "purpose" although God given is not something that we can achieve alone. Maybe you have the innate abilities, such as gift of speaking, writing, singing, encouraging, dancing, creative arts, debating etc., but your particular purpose can not be achieved alone. You need the "the body of Christ" to help propel you forward, to pray for you, encourage, provide resources and provide well needed support along the way. GET CONNECTED!!!
In the bible, Paul identified that being a "member" of church meant being a vital organ of a living body, an indispensable, interconnected part of the Body of Christ. Meaning? We are all irrespective of our differences physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually are pieces that are necessary for the completion of this puzzle. The puzzle is our purpose. Your puzzle piece is just as necessary as the next person's puzzle piece. "You were created for a specific role, but you will miss this second purpose of your life if your not attached to a living, local church. You discover your role in life through relationships with others. (pg.133) Joining and faithfully going to church will grow that passion, desire, and eventually you will fill equipped to birth the purpose.
WHY YOU NEED A CHURCH FAMILY?
-A church family identifies you as a genuine believer.
-A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation.
"When you were born again, you automatically became a part of God's universal family, but you also need to become a member of a local expression of God's family."
Make a commitment to the body. There are several hundreds of thousands of churches locally and internationally, find one that you love and just go!
Xoxo and Blessings,
Stephanie
We are called to belong ...not just believe. Day 17 is all about belonging to a church home where you can consistently attend, be fed, grow and pour back into church. In this season of our lives, we now know or have always know that each of us were called to achieve a particular purpose. This "purpose" although God given is not something that we can achieve alone. Maybe you have the innate abilities, such as gift of speaking, writing, singing, encouraging, dancing, creative arts, debating etc., but your particular purpose can not be achieved alone. You need the "the body of Christ" to help propel you forward, to pray for you, encourage, provide resources and provide well needed support along the way. GET CONNECTED!!!
In the bible, Paul identified that being a "member" of church meant being a vital organ of a living body, an indispensable, interconnected part of the Body of Christ. Meaning? We are all irrespective of our differences physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually are pieces that are necessary for the completion of this puzzle. The puzzle is our purpose. Your puzzle piece is just as necessary as the next person's puzzle piece. "You were created for a specific role, but you will miss this second purpose of your life if your not attached to a living, local church. You discover your role in life through relationships with others. (pg.133) Joining and faithfully going to church will grow that passion, desire, and eventually you will fill equipped to birth the purpose.
WHY YOU NEED A CHURCH FAMILY?
-A church family identifies you as a genuine believer.
- "You are not the body of Christ on your own. You need others to express that. (pg.135)"
- The gathering of people from different walks of life with the same common love and admiration for God is a powerful witness to people.
-A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation.
- The church is the perfect classroom for learning how to love, practicing unselfish, sympathetic love.
- You learn to care about others and share the experiences of others.
-A church family helps you develop your spiritual muscle.
- Participation grows the spiritual muscle.
- We need each other to grow. Our experiences enrich other's lives.
- Having an accountability to partner will lead to faster and stronger growth.
-The Body of Christ Needs You.
- You have been assigned a unique role in this family. It is needed to help the entire church.
-You will share in Christ mission in the world.
- "As members of Christ's body, we are his hands, his feet, his eyes and his heart." We are to share His love to the world.
-A church family will keep you from backsliding.
- "Mind your business" is not a Christian phrase. We are called and commanded to help one another stay on track. Satan wants you to be detached, so He can have the opportunity to get to you easily.
YOUR CHOICE:
"When you were born again, you automatically became a part of God's universal family, but you also need to become a member of a local expression of God's family."
Make a commitment to the body. There are several hundreds of thousands of churches locally and internationally, find one that you love and just go!
Xoxo and Blessings,
Stephanie
Saturday, January 17, 2015
DAY 16: WHAT MATTERS MOST
PURPOSE DRIVEN DAY 16: WHAT MATTERS THE MOST
"Life is all about love."Because God is love, He wants us to learn how to love Him, people especially those in the family of believers.
AHA MOMENT: God wants His family (Us) to be known for their love. FIRST POINT, He aspires for this love to witness to people. Again many people in this lifetime will never open a bible, so realize that you are the bible people will be watching and emulating. Moreover, if you are showing love to all people you come in contact with, it will spark something in those that observe you. SECOND POINT, love can not be learned on your own or by yourself. It involves active learning around all types of people -irritating, imperfect, frustrating people.
LIFE WITHOUT LOVE IS REALLY WORTHLESS
God says relationships are what life is all about. Relationships...not achievements or accolades is what matters the most.LOVE GOD AND LOVE PEOPLE. God even gave specific instructions concerning this in The ten commandments: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart..." This is the first and greatest commandment. The second : "Love your neighbor as yourself."
LOVE WILL LAST FOREVER
It is eternal. Faith, hope and love continues forever...the greatest of them all is love. People will not remember you for the material things you gave them; rather, they will remember the way you loved them and made them feel. Value your family, friends etc because tomorrow is not promised and your legacy depends on it. As Mother Teresa once said, "Its not what you do that matters, but how much love you put into it that matters."
WE WILL BE EVALUATED ON OUR LOVE
We will be evaluated on how we loved in eternity. Jesus instructed the way to love is to care for the things that break His heart , love His family and care for their practical needs. It is illustrated in the bible: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did to me"<-----POWERFUL!!!! Remember this when interacting with people who you believe our not of your "standards" or so you say or think. However, it is way you choose to treat people that can do nothing for you is what God is evaluating and assessing.
AHA MOMENT: THE BEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE IS TIME!
The most precious blessing bestowed upon you that is limited is TIME. Everyone has a limited time, so what you use your "limited time" for matters. So when you give people your time, it shows love. Why? because your are giving them a portion of yourself that you will never get back. Whenever you give time to communicate via phone, interact in person, support a person's endeavor etc, your making a sacrifice and sacrifice is the essence of love. LOVE means giving up --my personal quests for the acquisition of money, material items, goals and time to benefit someone else. Love is giving away the time you do not have to let people know they matter.
TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED! LOVE TODAY YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND PEOPLE YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH IN YOUR LIFE. AFTER ALL,
"BEST USE OF LIFE IS LOVE. THE BEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE IS TIME. THE BEST TIME TO LOVE IS NOW."
"Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone."( Gal 6:10 NLT) Use every chance you have for doing good. (Esp 5:16 NCV) Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now. (Proverbs 3:27 TEV)
"Life is all about love."Because God is love, He wants us to learn how to love Him, people especially those in the family of believers.
AHA MOMENT: God wants His family (Us) to be known for their love. FIRST POINT, He aspires for this love to witness to people. Again many people in this lifetime will never open a bible, so realize that you are the bible people will be watching and emulating. Moreover, if you are showing love to all people you come in contact with, it will spark something in those that observe you. SECOND POINT, love can not be learned on your own or by yourself. It involves active learning around all types of people -irritating, imperfect, frustrating people.
LIFE WITHOUT LOVE IS REALLY WORTHLESS
God says relationships are what life is all about. Relationships...not achievements or accolades is what matters the most.LOVE GOD AND LOVE PEOPLE. God even gave specific instructions concerning this in The ten commandments: "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart..." This is the first and greatest commandment. The second : "Love your neighbor as yourself."
LOVE WILL LAST FOREVER
It is eternal. Faith, hope and love continues forever...the greatest of them all is love. People will not remember you for the material things you gave them; rather, they will remember the way you loved them and made them feel. Value your family, friends etc because tomorrow is not promised and your legacy depends on it. As Mother Teresa once said, "Its not what you do that matters, but how much love you put into it that matters."
WE WILL BE EVALUATED ON OUR LOVE
We will be evaluated on how we loved in eternity. Jesus instructed the way to love is to care for the things that break His heart , love His family and care for their practical needs. It is illustrated in the bible: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did to me"<-----POWERFUL!!!! Remember this when interacting with people who you believe our not of your "standards" or so you say or think. However, it is way you choose to treat people that can do nothing for you is what God is evaluating and assessing.
AHA MOMENT: THE BEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE IS TIME!
The most precious blessing bestowed upon you that is limited is TIME. Everyone has a limited time, so what you use your "limited time" for matters. So when you give people your time, it shows love. Why? because your are giving them a portion of yourself that you will never get back. Whenever you give time to communicate via phone, interact in person, support a person's endeavor etc, your making a sacrifice and sacrifice is the essence of love. LOVE means giving up --my personal quests for the acquisition of money, material items, goals and time to benefit someone else. Love is giving away the time you do not have to let people know they matter.
TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED! LOVE TODAY YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND PEOPLE YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH IN YOUR LIFE. AFTER ALL,
"BEST USE OF LIFE IS LOVE. THE BEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE IS TIME. THE BEST TIME TO LOVE IS NOW."
"Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone."( Gal 6:10 NLT) Use every chance you have for doing good. (Esp 5:16 NCV) Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now. (Proverbs 3:27 TEV)
Friday, January 16, 2015
DAY 15: FORMED FOR GOD'S FAMILY
HEY LADIES AND GENTS,,,I HOPE YOUR ALL WELL! KEEP GOING...WE ARE HALF WAY THERE. YOU WERE "FORMED FOR GOD'S FAMILY"
God is the one who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory.
Hebrews 2:10 (NCV)
See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT)
God's second purpose for our lives is to be apart of God's family. The entire bible is story of God building a family who will love him, honor him and reign with him forever.
Benefits of being in God's Family
1. You were spiritually born into God's family and were given some outstanding birthday gifts: family name, family likeness, family privileges, family intimate access and family inheritance.
The aforementioned statement solidifies you are rich...no matter how bank account looks right now. True riches come from being connected to God's family ...for peace, love and joy are over flowing in that household.
2. On Earth, we are given "the riches of his grace...kindness...patience...glory...wisdom...power...and mercy. These items are priceless. There is no amount of money that could outweigh these gift/riches.
3. Being apart of God's kingdom, gives us access to a mighty inheritance:
a. We get to be with God forever.
b. We will be completely changed to be like Christ.
c. We will be freed from all death, pain and suffering.
d. We will be awarded and assigned positions of service.
e. We will get to share in His glory.
Your inheritance is non-negotiable. It awaits you...no one has access except you!
Baptism: Identifying with God's Family
Baptism is not optional. Jesus commanded that we all be baptized as an expression of our faith in Christ. It an outward sign of your private commitment to God. It declares your faith, shares Christ burial and resurrection, symbolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ. Moreover, it a public celebration of joining God's family. The only rule prior to baptism is that you believe.
Having a place in God's family is the highest honor and greatest privilege you will ever receive. Honor and treasure it! Live eternity minded! Live your purpose. Be the best version of yourself. Let God lead you and have joy, peace and love at the center of your daily living!
God is the one who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory.
Hebrews 2:10 (NCV)
See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT)
God's second purpose for our lives is to be apart of God's family. The entire bible is story of God building a family who will love him, honor him and reign with him forever.
Benefits of being in God's Family
1. You were spiritually born into God's family and were given some outstanding birthday gifts: family name, family likeness, family privileges, family intimate access and family inheritance.
The aforementioned statement solidifies you are rich...no matter how bank account looks right now. True riches come from being connected to God's family ...for peace, love and joy are over flowing in that household.
2. On Earth, we are given "the riches of his grace...kindness...patience...glory...wisdom...power...and mercy. These items are priceless. There is no amount of money that could outweigh these gift/riches.
3. Being apart of God's kingdom, gives us access to a mighty inheritance:
a. We get to be with God forever.
b. We will be completely changed to be like Christ.
c. We will be freed from all death, pain and suffering.
d. We will be awarded and assigned positions of service.
e. We will get to share in His glory.
Your inheritance is non-negotiable. It awaits you...no one has access except you!
Baptism: Identifying with God's Family
Baptism is not optional. Jesus commanded that we all be baptized as an expression of our faith in Christ. It an outward sign of your private commitment to God. It declares your faith, shares Christ burial and resurrection, symbolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ. Moreover, it a public celebration of joining God's family. The only rule prior to baptism is that you believe.
Having a place in God's family is the highest honor and greatest privilege you will ever receive. Honor and treasure it! Live eternity minded! Live your purpose. Be the best version of yourself. Let God lead you and have joy, peace and love at the center of your daily living!
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Day 12: Developing Your Friendship with God
HEY LADIES AND GENTS.
PURPOSE DRIVEN DAY 12: DEVELOPING YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD
I MUST CHOOSE TO BE HONEST WITH GOD:
We must come to the Father in complete honesty. We do not have to be perfect, but honesty is definitely needed. Like in any personal relationship we have with friends, we attempt to keep it truthful. Why? Because we value honest relationships. We do not have to be perfect in order to be God's friend because of the never ending Grace that He gives. Being expressive to God concerning feelings of doubt, anger, sadness are first steps to having next level intimacy with God.
I MUST CHOOSE TO OBEY GOD IN FAITH
Executing faith and trust is a big topic in this book. Every time we trust God and carryout the assigned task, our relationship with God deepens. He loves that you use your faith...after all, He is only asking for faith of a mustard seed to show you His abilities. Obedience shows that we love and trust God intimately. God appreciates when we do the "small things" for him in loving obedience, such as telling the truth, being kind, encouraging others etc.
I MUST CHOOSE TO VALUE WHAT GOD VALUES
You must care about what God cares about: redemption of His people. Be apart of the community sharing the love of God.
I MUST DESIRE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE.
The truth is we are as close to God as we desire to be! The bible says in order to find God, we must seek Him. He intentionally will cause distress in our lives for us to reconnect and fellowship with Him.
Love Always,
Stephanie
PURPOSE DRIVEN DAY 12: DEVELOPING YOUR FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD
I MUST CHOOSE TO BE HONEST WITH GOD:
We must come to the Father in complete honesty. We do not have to be perfect, but honesty is definitely needed. Like in any personal relationship we have with friends, we attempt to keep it truthful. Why? Because we value honest relationships. We do not have to be perfect in order to be God's friend because of the never ending Grace that He gives. Being expressive to God concerning feelings of doubt, anger, sadness are first steps to having next level intimacy with God.
I MUST CHOOSE TO OBEY GOD IN FAITH
Executing faith and trust is a big topic in this book. Every time we trust God and carryout the assigned task, our relationship with God deepens. He loves that you use your faith...after all, He is only asking for faith of a mustard seed to show you His abilities. Obedience shows that we love and trust God intimately. God appreciates when we do the "small things" for him in loving obedience, such as telling the truth, being kind, encouraging others etc.
I MUST CHOOSE TO VALUE WHAT GOD VALUES
You must care about what God cares about: redemption of His people. Be apart of the community sharing the love of God.
I MUST DESIRE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE.
The truth is we are as close to God as we desire to be! The bible says in order to find God, we must seek Him. He intentionally will cause distress in our lives for us to reconnect and fellowship with Him.
Love Always,
Stephanie
Sunday, January 11, 2015
DAY 10: THE HEART OF WORSHIP
HAPPY SUNDAY FRIENDS!!! DAY 10 IS HERE...ENJOY!
THE FOUNDATION OF WORSHIP IS SURRENDER !" THE ACT OF SURRENDER IS CALLED MANY THINGS: CONSECRATION, MAKING JESUS YOUR LORD, TAKING UP YOUR CROSS, DYING TO SELF, YIELDING TO THE SPIRIT. THE BARRIERS THAT BLOCK OUR TOTAL SURRENDER ARE FEAR, PRIDE, AND CONFUSION.
CAN I TRUST GOD?
Trusting God is an essential component in order to fully surrender. Fear has a way of keeping us from surrendering but love casts out all fear. The greatest showing of sacrifice is when God sacrifice His son for us. "God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." In surrendering ourselves to Jesus, we discover that He is a dear friend.
ADMITTING OUR LIMITATIONS
Pride is a hindrance to full surrender. Some of us want to be God meaning we desire to have full control of our lives. We need to stay in our lane...Never will we be God. Let Him drive...stay in the passenger seat.
MEANING OF SURRENDER
Surrender is obedience and trust. Let Go and Let God!
BLESSINGS OF SURRENDER
1. PEACE
2. FREEDOM
3. POWER
4. PURPOSE
" SURRENDER IS NOT THE BEST WAY TO LIVE, IT IS THE ONLY WAY."
LOVE ALWAYS,
STEPHANIE
THE FOUNDATION OF WORSHIP IS SURRENDER !" THE ACT OF SURRENDER IS CALLED MANY THINGS: CONSECRATION, MAKING JESUS YOUR LORD, TAKING UP YOUR CROSS, DYING TO SELF, YIELDING TO THE SPIRIT. THE BARRIERS THAT BLOCK OUR TOTAL SURRENDER ARE FEAR, PRIDE, AND CONFUSION.
CAN I TRUST GOD?
Trusting God is an essential component in order to fully surrender. Fear has a way of keeping us from surrendering but love casts out all fear. The greatest showing of sacrifice is when God sacrifice His son for us. "God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." In surrendering ourselves to Jesus, we discover that He is a dear friend.
ADMITTING OUR LIMITATIONS
Pride is a hindrance to full surrender. Some of us want to be God meaning we desire to have full control of our lives. We need to stay in our lane...Never will we be God. Let Him drive...stay in the passenger seat.
MEANING OF SURRENDER
Surrender is obedience and trust. Let Go and Let God!
BLESSINGS OF SURRENDER
1. PEACE
2. FREEDOM
3. POWER
4. PURPOSE
" SURRENDER IS NOT THE BEST WAY TO LIVE, IT IS THE ONLY WAY."
LOVE ALWAYS,
STEPHANIE
Saturday, January 10, 2015
DAY 9: WHAT MAKES GOD SMILE?
HEY LADIES AND GENTS...DAY 9...LET'S LEARN WHAT MAKES GOD SMILE..??
The smile of God is the Goal of our life. The million dollar question though is how? We probably need to take some pointers from Noah in the bible. A man the repeatedly made God smile. God was so "done" with self-centered people that He wiped out the world except for Noah's family. So, Noah's family was the starting point for the remaking of man. WOWWWW!!!!
You may be thinking...What was so special about Noah?
-Noah Loved God Supremely, Trusted Him completely, Obeyed Him, Praised and Thanked Him continually and fulfilled His purpose.
God smiles when we love him supremely
The only desire of God's heart is a relationship with us. God made us to love us and He desires for us to love Him back. A relationship with God is so needed today because the world does not give us the peace, love and joy we are in search of. Rather it strips away at our peace, love and joy. Loving God does not require you to be perfect. Your acknowledgement of His existence and Jesus Christ is the best place to begin. After all, God is a jealous God as revealed in the first commandment: " Thou shall not put any Gods before me."
God smiles when we trust Him completely
As we have learned earlier in this journey, God knows our beginning, middle and end prior to our birth. He knows the trials and tribulations, joyful and regretful experiences we will face in this life before we do. He SMILES when we put our trust in Him anyway. As humans, we will doubt and wonder whether God is truly working on our behalf. He smiles when we trust Him even when things do not make complete sense. That is what faith is all about...believing in what you do not see. Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is the best for your life.TRUSTING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP.WITHOUT FAITH, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD.
God smiles when we obey Him wholeheartedly
"Obedience unlocks understanding" (pg.74). As we obey God's commandments, ideals, and desires, our purpose will be made more clear and comprehensible. Often we try to offer God partial obedience which still is disobedience. Acting in obedience is an act of worship and love towards God.
God smiles when we praise and thank Him continually.
"He smiles when we express our adoration and gratitude to Him." (pg.75)
God smiles when we use our abilities.
"God enjoys watching every detail of our life, whether you are working, playing, resting or eating." God loves observing us live. He is just not watching spiritual aspects. He abides in all areas of our lives...NUMBER ONE SPECTATOR...MAKE HIM SMILE!
"Every human activity except sin, can be done for God's pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise." Everything activity we engage in can all be done for the Glory of God! For instance, going to work, doing your homework, making a blog (lol), playing basketball, talking to a friend, creating an invention, working out etc. can all be done for the Glory of God.
"You bring Him enjoyment by being you. Anytime you reject any part of yourself, you are rejecting God's wisdom and sovereignty in creating you." --->> God made each and every one of us wonderfully and fearfully made in His image...NO MISTAKES! So, work what you got because you are SPECIAL! :)
AHA MOMENT:
" WHEN WE LIVE IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY, YOUR FOCUS CHANGES FROM "HOW MUCH PLEASURE AM I GETTING OUT OF LIFE?" TO "HOW MUCH PLEASURE IS GOD GETTING OUT OF MY LIFE?"
MOREOVER, WHEN WE REMEMBER THE "WHY," THEN WE REMEMBER ITS LESS ABOUT US AND MORE ABOUT HIM. AIM TO PLEASE GOD...NEVER MAN.
Love, Peace and Joy Always,
Stephanie
The smile of God is the Goal of our life. The million dollar question though is how? We probably need to take some pointers from Noah in the bible. A man the repeatedly made God smile. God was so "done" with self-centered people that He wiped out the world except for Noah's family. So, Noah's family was the starting point for the remaking of man. WOWWWW!!!!
You may be thinking...What was so special about Noah?
-Noah Loved God Supremely, Trusted Him completely, Obeyed Him, Praised and Thanked Him continually and fulfilled His purpose.
God smiles when we love him supremely
The only desire of God's heart is a relationship with us. God made us to love us and He desires for us to love Him back. A relationship with God is so needed today because the world does not give us the peace, love and joy we are in search of. Rather it strips away at our peace, love and joy. Loving God does not require you to be perfect. Your acknowledgement of His existence and Jesus Christ is the best place to begin. After all, God is a jealous God as revealed in the first commandment: " Thou shall not put any Gods before me."
God smiles when we trust Him completely
As we have learned earlier in this journey, God knows our beginning, middle and end prior to our birth. He knows the trials and tribulations, joyful and regretful experiences we will face in this life before we do. He SMILES when we put our trust in Him anyway. As humans, we will doubt and wonder whether God is truly working on our behalf. He smiles when we trust Him even when things do not make complete sense. That is what faith is all about...believing in what you do not see. Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is the best for your life.TRUSTING IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP.WITHOUT FAITH, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD.
God smiles when we obey Him wholeheartedly
"Obedience unlocks understanding" (pg.74). As we obey God's commandments, ideals, and desires, our purpose will be made more clear and comprehensible. Often we try to offer God partial obedience which still is disobedience. Acting in obedience is an act of worship and love towards God.
God smiles when we praise and thank Him continually.
"He smiles when we express our adoration and gratitude to Him." (pg.75)
God smiles when we use our abilities.
"God enjoys watching every detail of our life, whether you are working, playing, resting or eating." God loves observing us live. He is just not watching spiritual aspects. He abides in all areas of our lives...NUMBER ONE SPECTATOR...MAKE HIM SMILE!
"Every human activity except sin, can be done for God's pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise." Everything activity we engage in can all be done for the Glory of God! For instance, going to work, doing your homework, making a blog (lol), playing basketball, talking to a friend, creating an invention, working out etc. can all be done for the Glory of God.
"You bring Him enjoyment by being you. Anytime you reject any part of yourself, you are rejecting God's wisdom and sovereignty in creating you." --->> God made each and every one of us wonderfully and fearfully made in His image...NO MISTAKES! So, work what you got because you are SPECIAL! :)
AHA MOMENT:
" WHEN WE LIVE IN LIGHT OF ETERNITY, YOUR FOCUS CHANGES FROM "HOW MUCH PLEASURE AM I GETTING OUT OF LIFE?" TO "HOW MUCH PLEASURE IS GOD GETTING OUT OF MY LIFE?"
MOREOVER, WHEN WE REMEMBER THE "WHY," THEN WE REMEMBER ITS LESS ABOUT US AND MORE ABOUT HIM. AIM TO PLEASE GOD...NEVER MAN.
Love, Peace and Joy Always,
Stephanie
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