The Miracle Card

                                                                             

 ^“ The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!                                      The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!”                                                                

The Holy Bible  |  Numbers 6:24

Gratitude is often reserved for Thanksgiving; but I contend that it is even more important at Christmas and Easter… So I have to ask: do you have your Miracle Card, yet?

Some time ago, in prayer, it occurred to me that I have had an abundance of miracles in every aspect of my life, all unexpected, against all odds—Physical healings, healing of depression and anxiety, protection from harm, healing of broken relationships, financial blessings, healing of memories relating to childhood trauma, etc…. Though I can’t list them all here, I will tell you that my miracle list is quite extensive, and goes on and on. And I am sure yours is too!

There is such power in the name of Jesus, so much in fact, that repeating His name alone, when not taken in vain, can be your fervent, frequent prayer. No need for eloquent speech when praying. Are you ready to have the Christmas spirit all year long in a way that will radically change your faith experience forever? If so, then consider this:

During this Christmas season, you likely have an empty Christmas card sitting on your kitchen table. Here is something you can easily do to make this Christmas more meaningful, and keep the ‘holiday spirit’ going all year long. All you need is an empty Christmas card and a pen:

1)      Find a Christmas card that you really like.

2)      With a permanent marker, write on the top of the front: of the card: ‘MIRACLE CARD.’

3)      Say a quick prayer, thanking Jesus for all the blessings and miracles he has given you.

4)      Begin by writing inside the card, in small print, a word or phrase that describes any time that Jesus interceded for you or answered your prayers over the past year. It could be anything. I say write small, as you may be rather surprised at all the things He has done for you over the years, and you may even run out of space on your Miracle Card!

5)      Continue writing in your Miracle Card throughout the year, going back over time as you remember all the times Jesus has helped you in ways that could not be explained.

6)      When you are done, you can revel in your new found joy, and the peace that comes with knowing you are loved unconditionally, by your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In essence, in doing this, you are giving Him all the credit for His many blessings!

Keep the card easily accessible. Maybe in your office, or near your bed. Continue throughout the year to write all your lifetime blessings and miracles in your Miracle Card, and continue to pray for whatever you need. For gratitude to God opens the door to His peace and joy, two things that far outlast the seasonal ‘Christmas spirit’ we have all come to know. This Christmas season, let’s acknowledge, and seek, the Great Healer, Comforter, Protector, and Savior, Jesus Christ, and give Him due credit, in gratitude, for all your miracles and blessings!

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

Nehemiah 10:8

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[ASK]  “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you.”

Luke 11:9

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©    Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

A Christmas Story: THE GENEROUS HOMELESS MAN

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill

      “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,                                                    

 so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

Romans 15:13

Something wonderful happened this week, at the Soup Kitchen/Community Outreach where I volunteer once a week. It involved a woman with special needs named Vicki, and a generous homeless man.

The woman who leads our clothing ministry brought in gifts for all 100+ guests in attendance to select from. Before our guests came, she carefully set the gifts out along 6 long tables in the back of the room, and eagerly anticipated the arrival of our guests. Shortly after we opened, a homeless man named Charlie, came over to talk with me as he does each week. He and his wife live in a camper with no running water, no bathroom facility, no electricity, but they say they feel blessed to “have a place with a roof over our heads.” Though they are homeless, Charlie is a hard worker, and has held down a full-time job for some time now. By the grace of God, they are soon moving into an apartment.

You can imagine how surprised I was when Charlie approached me at the Christmas celebration that day, and handed me a small, live, 10 inch small Christmas tree, a spruce, with the pot wrapped in burlap that he had just gotten from the gift table. “This is for you for helping me and my wife.” “Thank you” I said, adding, “I can’t take this from you—It’s so beautiful, and you and your wife should keep it for Christmas!” “No, I insist” he replied. At his urging, I did finally accept it, and was deeply touched by his very special gift.

Later, Charlie came over again to tell me he had another gift for me: A long necklace with a string of blinking Christmas lights. “Thanks! How about if we give these to someone here who would really enjoy them?” “Ok!” he said. “How about the woman over there with the special needs community in the purple top?  She waved to me twice earlier today.” “Great idea!” So we went over together right away to give them to her. Her name was Vickie. When I told her they were for her from Charlie, she started yelling, “Charlie! Charlie!” as she leaped out of her chair, with arms extended wide open, she hugged me with great fervor, then grabbed him tight and hugged him twice, too. “OMG! I can’t believe it! Why me?” “Everyone! Everyone! Look at my new Christmas necklace! Charlie gave it to me!” Hugging him tightly and enthusiastically again, he and I were jubilant too, we were deeply moved and speechless by her joy.

As Charlie and I were walking away from Vickie, side-by-side, I looked over and saw he was trying hard to hold back the tears, while trying to compose himself. “You know,” he said, “This is what Christmas is really all about…”

There is so much to learn from this story:

1)      Life is full of surprises.

2)      It really is the simple, little things in life that give us the greatest joy.

3)      Everyone has something to give others, regardless of finances or circumstances.

4)      There is great joy in giving to others.

5)      Sharing joy can be a life-changing event for all involved.

What a wonderful experience and a Christmas blessing! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the joy we experienced will be with the 3 of us for many years to come. Believing in the power of God-given joy, I’m sure Vickie will wear her Christmas lights from Charlie for days, perhaps months, to come as long as they still light up and blink.

I’m sure that Charlie, in his generosity, experienced profound joy that day that the likes he has never known before. And me? I will plant my little Christmas tree from Charlie in the spring, and will always remember Charlie and Vickie with joy and gratitude, and all that transpired that day. The 3 of us now have a great, joy-filled Christmas memory. Those who witnessed what transpired, and those we share this story with, now have a new Christmas story to tell others. And so we see the ripple wave effect of generosity and joy in giving and receiving.

What happened that day at the community outreach was not random—it was clearly a series of God-events that remind us all that true joy is a God-given gift. We are so grateful to have a loving God of surprises who enables us to share with others and experience joy--even when we think we have precious little to give another person. Joy really is contagious. May you experience joy this Christmas in all things great and small. May you embrace the joy that only God can give!

© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

Blessed Beyond Measure

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!

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This Christmas season, I am collecting donations of toiletries, underwear, socks, and hand warmers for the local homeless at the Manna House Outreach in Bel Air, and the Epi-Center in Edgewood. Donations will be accepted until December 15^th. If interested in donating any of these items, please email me at: adelemgill@gmail.com or IM me to arrange a time for drop off.  Any of these items that you can donate will be most appreciated. Thanks! Adele

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Today’s blog post:

Blessed Beyond Measure

 [Jesus said:]

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:1-12   |   The Beatitudes

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ certainly has blessed, and continues to bless his flock beyond measure. For He freely gave His life in atonement for the sins of humanity. He did this not for just a few, but for all people. But do we recognize his unconditional, pervasive love, and care, in our lives? Today’s Holy Scripture reminds us that those who walk humbly in faith, particularly in times of vulnerability, have God’s full, undivided attention, compassion, and mercy. The poor, the oppressed, the grieving, the timid, those searching for truth while trying to do the right thing in God’s eyes. According to this scriptural WORD, the downtrodden, the merciful, the holy, and yes, even, and especially, the persecuted, find favor with God through Jesus Christ. Yes, He knows we are a flawed people; but He loves us profoundly and with complete abandon any way, as He tries to bring us closer to Him, and on to higher ground.

The Good Shepherd

Like a good shepherd or a dedicated classroom teacher, God’s attention is most focused on those in most need, those who ask for His help. Through this Bible passage today we learn that Jesus is ever present and aware of our frailties, and unspoken needs. And He is passionately and compassionately ever present to those in need—sometimes through other people.

Reaching Out

In these tumultuous times, He depends on us to reach out to others in need; to be His hands and feet here on earth. God needs us to clothe, feed and help support the poor, comfort the grieving, the lonely and the sick. He wants us to stand up for, and with, those persecuted for their beliefs and other reasons. None of us is in this alone. As the body of Christ we are called to be Light to in this world of darkness. Every life is a precious gift from God, and everyone goes through times of vulnerability and turmoil. As followers of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of Peace, we especially need to strive to protect the unfortunate, vulnerable, downtrodden and endangered among us--from the pre-born and the disadvantaged, to the aged, and everyone in between.

Jesus Has Overcome Persecution

In this Bible passage, Jesus also tells us you will be persecuted in this world because of emulating or sharing Him, and it is cause for celebration. If you’ve ever been insulted, taunted, hated, or tormented for your faith, surely you know how difficult enduring it can be. But you need to remember that when religious persecution occurs, it is only because of the witness you give, the witness you are, for Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At that point, despite how it may feel, you truly are blessed beyond measure for your eternal reward is in Heaven.

~

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:1-12

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© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

http://theinspirationcafeblog.net/blog/

Part II: Joy Abounds

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post:

Part II: Joy Abounds

By Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’ Nehemiah 8:10

Joy abounds. I recently wrote about joy in a blog called ‘Unshakable Joy.’ However, feeling inspired enough to continue on the topic, hence Part II.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?’

 For Christians, love and peace and joy are central concepts. God-based joy especially has the ability to help us live hope-filled lives in peace. There is no need for despair and/or hatred when you are confident that God is in control and fighting your battles for you. ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ When you believe God is at the helm and in control, you are more able to hop hurdles and challenges that would bog anyone down in their humanness. In fact, joy is a manifestation of God working in one’s life, and is accompanied by a deep, abiding peace.

Happiness vs Joy

Joy is one of the first fruits of the Holy Spirit. To experience joy in our lives is a blessed gift from God, an enduring treasure. Happiness is similar to joy. However, it leaves us feeling good for a time, then the feeling soon passes, as life presses on with its ongoing issues, challenges, frustrations, and disappointments. In essence, happiness is often a fleeting feeling, but joy is lasting as it stays with us even and especially as we enter into times of adversity. Happiness is dependent on one’s mood, environment, short comings, successes and accomplishments, where joy is more of an enduring internal state found when one experiences the peace that the Holy Spirit of Jesus brings.

Joy Is Easy to Spot

Joy is particularly easy to spot. When one gets into times of adversity; that is because it is paradoxical. For joy is best witnessed in someone who is going through times of tumult, yet they are seemingly at peace. With that kind of joy comes a quiet knowing that all is well, despite how things appear. Scripturally, that is called ‘walking by faith, not by sight.’ You are able to put aside daily strife and walk in the sublime confidence that God is leading the way.

7 Bible Passages for a Joy-filled Life

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

John 16:24

“Until now you have not asked anything in My name [Jesus]; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” 

Philippians 4:4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!”

3 John 1:4

“Nothing gives Me greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

Proverbs 12:20

“Those who promote peace have joy.”

Luke 15:7

“I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”

Nehemiah 8:10

‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’

My prayer for you today is that your joy will outweigh whatever you endure this day. May God himself be with you and yours showering you with enduring joy especially in times of adversity. May you walk in the confidence that God is with you through it all, in control, and fighting your battles with you and for you. Amen!

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. From Broken to Blest is now available on Amazon and at Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.            For more info:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

© Copyright 2019   |   Adele M. Gill

Great Things

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post: Great Things

“The Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name.”

Luke 1:49

by Chaplain Adele M. Gill

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net 

Today’s Holy Scripture is an answer to the question posed by a popular song called ‘Mary Did You Know?’ that came out just a few years ago. The angel appeared to Mary, and was very clear about what was ahead for her, and she said “Yes!’ all the same. In this Bible passage, Jesus’ mother, Mary, spontaneously expounds on her awe-inspiring feelings of gratitude that she has for God’s unsurpassed gift to her and humanity. She is grateful to God for allowing her the privilege to be Jesus’ mother. Yet Mary had a choice. She did not have to say “Yes,” but did so willingly, with some trepidation, and with complete abandon, then went on to become Jesus’ mother and His first disciple.

Here is the contextual Bible passage for when Mary was approached by God to become Jesus’ loving mother:

The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

²⁹ Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. ³⁰ But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, ³³ and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

³⁴ “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called^[b] the Son of God… ³⁷ For no word from God will ever fail.”

³⁸ “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fullfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Sometimes God asks us to do things that are out of our comfort zone. Such was the case with Mary. She was just a young girl, unmarried, and a virgin. Though she was betrothed to Joseph, as you can imagine, in those times, her pregnancy presented serious complications in her life. But she still said “Yes!” to God’s request.

How many times have we tried to avoid what God is asking us to do? How often do we opt to stay in our comfort zone rather than follow God’s leading in our life? Unlike Mary, it is likely that we have never been approached by an angel with a message from God, yet all of us have had times where we feel compelled to ‘do the right thing’ through blessings of conscience. Though I don’t believe in  coincidence, there have been times where I felt I got a God-wink that led me out of my comfort zone, to act on something, or to look at something—or someone—in a new way.

I believe that God tries to communicate with all of us in a way we can understand and embrace. Perhaps not to the extent of Mary through an angel, but we need to pray to God in the name of Jesus, listen and try to be open to whatever He has in store for us and our lives. We need to be open to His Holy Love, his peace, His kindness, and His mercy, and share them with others as we have received them from God. Putting aside any negative imagery of God the Father, we need to bask in His benevolence and Light, and listen a little closer to what He is trying to tell us and show us. His presence is real. Maybe we need to seek Him with greater fervor and a grateful heart and see what miracles He has in store for each of us!

© Copyright 2018   |  Adele M. Gill

Good News!

Greetings from The Inspiration Cafe

Today's blog post: 

Good News!

^{Adele M. Gill}

^{http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net} 

^“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. ⁴ Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, ⁵ for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”

^6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Philippians 1:3-6

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Scripture tells us that we as Christians are called, and enabled, to spread the Good News in one form or another. Sometimes it happens inadvertently, as is the case when we simply smile or say “hello” to a total stranger as we go about our day. Other times it is more purposeful as in praying for others or providing compassionate encouragement to a loved one, friend or even an acquaintance who is hurting. As this passage says, we are all partners in bringing the Bible message to the world right around us; to the people whose lives touch our own, and beyond. And to that end, it begs the question, if we, as believing Christians, don’t reach out to others, especially in times of need, who will?

Everyone’s way to share their faith is different. Some people prefer to quietly help others and thereby spread their faith through their actions sharing one-on-one. As Christians, we need to pray and look for opportunities in our daily lives to share our greatest hope, our most prized treasure—Jesus Christ.

As an aside, I have found that the internet is my chosen medium for sharing Jesus. For this effort, each time I write this blog, I post it on Catholic Online (over 1 million readers), Wordpress, Facebook, Twitter, Author’s Den, Blogger, an email service such as Mail Chimp, and most recently, FeedSpot: Christian and Faith Blogs, which reportedly has 2.2 million readers. Because of this blog about God’s Love which I have been writing and distributing for 8 years, I continue to pray for my readers and continue to look for places to post it, and by the grace of God, great opportunities continue to open up. The writing process is this: I pray and write whatever comes, edit it, then post it online. It is pure joy to write what God sends, and share His message, and I pray, with your help, that I will be able to continue this ministry for many years to come.

Even something as simple as ‘liking’ or ‘sharing’ this blog can have a far-reaching positive ripple wave effect on souls, helping them to grow in faith. I am truly grateful and consider people who do that for this blog to be important partners sharing in this effort, this ministry, also known as Silverlining Communications. Some people attend seminary and go on to preach in parishes or congregations. Others engage in leading or participating in Bible study or the written Word. 

The options for faith expression and sharing are endless as we are all unique. It does not require eloquent speech or grand standing—just heartfelt love for God and others. But make no mistake about it, God will use all of your efforts to ‘plant seeds’ of faith—No effort is too small or is ever wasted, as we walk in peace, Love and joy, sharing the gift of faith we have so generously been given by God Himself through the power of the Holy Spirit.

^6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

© Copyright   2018   |   Adele M. Gill

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is the author of 3 books including, “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. Their book is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.              Amazon link:  https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Wherever You Go

Greetings from Adele's Inspiration Cafe!

Today's blog post: Wherever You Go

^9 “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.                        For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Some say God can only be found in church, others say he is nowhere to be found. However, today’s Holy Scripture tells us He is with us wherever we go. As believing Christians, we need to guard against limiting God in our own minds and hearts, and help each other understand the truth, the timeless realities, revealed in the Bible. The New Testament promises us that Jesus, our Savior, God’s only Son who was resurrected from the dead for us, is with us always; that He will protect us, guide us, lead us, comfort us and save us as we go about our daily lives and lead us into eternal life for the asking. He is intimately involved in our lives as we invite Him in.

In as much as Jesus loves us all unconditionally, He is ‘Emmanuel,’ which means God with us. He is with us in good times and in bad. How can it be that He is with us through it all; that He knows us better than we know ourselves? It is through the power of the Holy Spirit, imparted to the Disciples on Pentecost that the Holy Spirit it came into being when He breathed new life into the disciples.

In order to be present to humanity, Jesus stands close to us all, as the above Scripture says, ‘with us wherever we go.’  This is true for believers and non-believers alike, though the latter are generally unaware of His presence, or they would likely believe in salvation through Jesus Christ.

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 / NIV

This passage also talks about the command to be strong and courageous. Though through free-will, and fear and uncertainty we often fall short, we need to try to follow God’s commands. Perhaps to gain strength in times of weakness, and grow in our relationship with Jesus, we need to approach life reminding ourselves that we are never alone; that all that is good comes from God. He IS our strength in times of adversity, watching over us especially in times of need. Yes, it is easy to forget we are children of God and need to depend on Him for everything. But in our humanness we sometimes don’t trust Him as we should, as fear takes hold and we lose our courage.

Could it be that we need to pray more fervently for God’s help, that we will be able to trust Him fully, seek Him more often, and accept His Son as our Lord and Savior? Certainly it would be helpful in assisting us to grow spiritually, in peace and Love, the essence of Christian life. 

© Copyright 2018   |   Adele M. Gill   |   Distributed by News Consortium

http://www.theinspirationcafeblog.net

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Chaplain Adele M. Gill, RN, BSN, ABDA is author of 3 books including “From Broken to Blest: Embracing the Healing that Awaits You,’ written with Dr. Verna Benner Carson. Their book is now available on Amazon and Barnes at Noble in print, Nook & Kindle versions.              

Please click on this link: https://amzn.to/2pNt9Sk

Finding Your God-given Purpose

Though ones’ focus and purpose can and do often change throughout a lifetime, the fact remains that God has a series of purposes and plans for each of us. But it is important for us to want to have a purpose. Understandably, many people find it especially hard to recognize their purpose in life when they are hit hard by adversity. But remember this: Purpose often quietly comes to the forefront DURING times of great challenge.  It is up to us to recognize it and pursue it.

Have you ever wondered if your life has purpose and what your purpose is in this life? Sometimes when we are in a ‘good place’ in our lives, we become complacent and at times a little too comfortable. We may not see the need for having a purpose at that point as we go about our daily lives.

Finding your purpose. No need to wonder if you have purpose, for God already has a purpose for each and every one of us—No one is exempt! In talking about purpose, it naturally brings me to one of my very favorite Holy Scriptures, Jeremiah 29:11-14, as written in the New American Bible, the NAB:

 

Thus says the Lord:

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you,

plans for your welfare and not for woe,

so as to give you a future of hope.

When you call me, and come and pray to me,

I will listen to you.

When you look for me, you will find me.

Yes, when you seek me with all your heart,

I will let you find me,

and I will change your lot.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14

New American Bible [NAB]

In today’s awe-inspiring Scripture, there are five (5) awe-inspiring God-given promises—Some of God’s most amazing life-giving promises ever. For those who embrace God’s promises as truth, these promises lift us above any circumstance that we may encounter including unemployment, poverty, financial strain, infirmity, mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, disability, homelessness...

In this Bible passage, when we consider that the Lord himself wants to be fully involved in your life and mine, these God-promises can be truly life giving and life-changing. It’s true! God wants to be the focus and center of our lives!

So let’s take a closer look at the 5 promises that God has generously included in this Bible passage:

Promise #1: God has a plan for you, plans for your welfare, not for woe

Promise #2: God’s plan for you WILL provide you with a future of hope

Promise #3: He will listen to you

Promise #4: When you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him

Promise #5: He will change your lot

This powerful Scripture is about how God cares for us, and communicates with us in a way we can understand. In essence, God has our best interest at heart, and wants to be intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. But we have to invite Him in and then step out of the way so He can take the wheel from our hands, and thereby take control of our life. For these Bible promises enable us to grow in faith despite adversity, and sometimes because of it!

There are 3 basic phases to realizing your God-given purpose in life. They include:

1)    Wanting a purpose

2)    Searching for your purpose

3)    Finding and embracing your purpose

It’s also easy to fall into the temptation of letting circumstances, distractions and fear take over or derail ones’ sense of purpose when times get tough. These can be tremendous factors in diverting us from our God-given purpose. As I’m sure many of you know, once fear gets a stronghold, it can make any and every situation even tougher, distract us from our spiritual journey, and cause our mental and physical health to plummet.

In actuality, faith and fear cannot coexist. In tough times, we need to make a choice and decide between faith and fear while trying to continue to focus on our God-given purpose. The pressing question is this: Do we choose fear and slip away from our faith and purpose, or do we choose faith and hold on to our hope in Jesus Christ, our Great Healer, Comforter, Protector, and Almighty Savior to help us stay the course?

Sure, at times, your situation may seem out of control from your own perspective, but it is never too much for God when you place your life in his loving hands. For by His grace, He makes all things new! Though your purpose at any given time may not seem readily apparent to you, especially in confusing, turbulent or trying times, in the eyes of God, your purpose remains well-established. I’m sure you agree, in this promise-rich Scripture, He has given us much to think about and hold on to.

During difficult times, however, we may go into survival mode and our sense of purpose may seem to waiver or go by the wayside. But in the eyes of God, our purpose does not necessarily need to change or end at that point. In fact, you may actually find your purpose through experiencing and enduring tough times. Distractions and challenges come and go in life, but whether you recognize it or not, the fact is that your God-given purpose is enduring, as it is a gift from God.

So now that you know you have purpose, you may be wondering just what your Christian purpose is. Well, let’s consider another blessed Scripture, this time from the New Testament in the Book of Acts 26:16-18. This is what God told Saul, before he became St Paul while he was actively persecuting Christians with great cruelty:

 ^“Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of Me.” NIV

Formerly a ruthless tax collector, God told Paul what his new purpose was, and in a moment, his life changed forever. And he accepted and embraced his God-given purpose and pursed it with great vigor. Like Paul, we also have to be willing to accept our God-given purpose to be servants and witnesses to what we have seen of God in our lives. It is a choice each of us makes for him or herself. Though God made Paul’s purpose known to him by talking directly to him, most of us can find ours through reaching out to God in prayer, helping others, and reading the Holy Bible, the Word of God, daily.

Could it be that our purpose as Christians, like Paul, is to be servants and first-hand witnesses to what we have seen and will see of Jesus in our daily lives? If that is the case, perhaps our purpose is to serve God by example, helping others, and sharing the love of Jesus with others. This is in keeping with Jesus’ mandate to “Love God and one another.”

It is often said that every Christian has a ministry, and I believe that to be true. But that ministry does not necessarily need to be formal ministry or one that is far reaching. Rather, for many, there is a simplicity in ministry that allows us to minister to and serve those right around us, people we encounter each day. One-on-one, through example and reaching out in kindness to each other, we are able to accomplish our purpose in Jesus Christ.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we all have blessings, spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit from God himself. Your purpose in ministry could be as simple as becoming an encourager. Encouraging others is a powerful way to effectively help validate and lift a hurting souls in your midst. Prayer changes things. A gentle smile, a pat on the back for someone in need of a boost, a thoughtful gesture. Donating to those in need, and volunteering. These are all but a few ways to serve God and witness to God’s love in our daily lives-- to live out our purpose as Christians.

Yes, everyone has purpose and that purpose is found in serving God, through others, while giving witness to the abundant blessings He showers upon each of us.  What better witness to God could there be than to live a godly life serving and witnessing to others through example, compassion and kindness?

Today, after you leave here, please take a few minutes to ask yourself: What is my life purpose? How do I live out my Christian faith as a loving servant and witness to God? By so doing you will likely find your God-given purpose in this life, and be better prepared to pursue your spiritual journey. For in the eyes of God, we all have purpose—No one is exempt!

Adele M. Gill   |   Copyright 2016