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TIme – It’s Time

Imagine that everyone likes you. No matter what you do, everyone thinks you’re awesome. In reality, we know it won’t happen, though we often spend much time and energy concerned with the opinion of others. Now imagine that pleasing God is the most important thing. You wake up each day with passion and purpose, knowing and doing what you were created to do. This is what God wants for all of us, and it can be a reality. Although we may be unsure of our BIG purpose in life—“Why am I here?” we can begin to grasp our daily purpose by walking in the Spirit, by serving God in our daily situations. When you are obedient and allow God to get involved, you recognize what you should do. Maybe it’s a kind word, a helpful hand, a listening ear that you are prompted to provide to someone. Or maybe there’s a situation you can help, a need you can meet. As you are faithful in your daily opportunities, God trusts you with more, and often the BIG purpose for life (which has been so illusive) begins to come into view. But it’s up to you; you have to begin. It’s time to start!

Scriptures
Ec 3:1; Jn 10:10; Ga 5:16, 6:4; Ne 6:3; Hb 11:24-26; Ac 5:29; Ro 8:28

Verse
Here’s my instruction: walk in the Spirit, and let the Spirit bring order to your life. (Ga 5:16)
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Ac 5:29)

Thought
God has a purpose for your life. When you are obedient and seek his guidance in the day-to-day, moment-by-moment situations, you begin to find his purpose. Purpose has many benefits; for one, it reduces distractions. Satan will always try to keep you from God’s plan. He uses people, things, circumstances…every trick in the book to try and pull you off track, away from what God wants for you. Knowing your purpose, keeps distractions in their place. Purpose also pushes you through pain. The Devil will attack; it’s an absolute certainty. Purpose quickly separates what’s of value and what isn’t, how you spend your time and how you don’t. The path to purpose is paved with pain, but the value outweighs all sacrifice. Deciding in advance what matters, keeps you on track. And, purpose empowers you. Peter and the other apostles were arrested, beaten, and humiliated repeatedly. They were told to stop preaching in Jesus Name, but they could not. Their purpose was clear and empowering, their determination unwavering. “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Ac 5:29) Deciding to please God above all else and above all others is the key to purpose. It is a choice, and it’s time to start!

Questions
Do you know your BIG purpose? Explain. Do you know your daily purpose? Explain. How are you fulfilling your purpose…both BIG and small? Is there anyone you know who has a strong sense of their purpose? Why do some people seem to know what they were created to do from an early age and others (although devoted to Christ) struggle to find the BIG meaning for their life? What is your greatest distraction in pursuing your purpose? How important is it for others to approve of you? Is there a group of people you want to please? How important is the approval of your co-workers? Why? How does your personal approval rating at work affect your approval rating as an employee? What does “walking in the Spirit” mean to you? Do your actions show that God’s approval means more than the approval of people?

Response
Keep a journal of daily situations and interactions. Reflect on how well you “walked in the Spirit.” If you didn’t walk in the Spirit, reflect on how you might have done things differently. Take steps toward living in each moment with God’s purpose in mind.

Prayer
Father, I want your Holy Spirit to guide and direct my life. Your purpose for me is the best purpose. Help me to seek you daily and to keep my eyes, ears and heart open so that I am sensitive to your leading. There are people and situations around me that need your love and care. I am available. Use me Lord. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

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