Tag:

destiny

Focused on Your Future

by Lauren Koch May 22, 2022

Have you felt distracted recently, unsure of where God wants you at this time? I want to encourage you to stay focused on your future ahead.

The enemy loves to deceive us, but if he is unable to, his next best tactic is to distract us. Where are the areas in your life where He might be doing this? Where your purpose and future are! This is why we so often can feel discouraged in the very place we are meant to prosper in. No one is able to do everything at once, making it so important to know what few things are a priority for you in your current season. As you make these clear to yourself, you will be able to share your priorities with those around you.

Being Focused on Your Future Requires Discipline

Not looking to the right or to the left, but on the path ahead requires undivided attention. What has God called you to prioritize in this season? If it’s your family, give them your best. If it’s your marriage, put it above other obligations. Maybe it’s a season of deep inner healing; devote time and attention to stewarding the breakthrough God is releasing over you.

Make Your Yes and No Very Clear

Here are some practical questions to ask yourself as you commit to plans and make decisions:

-Does attending this event prevent me from completing any tasks or requirements to hit my weekly goals?

-How will saying “yes” or “no” to this person or thing hinder or support what I’ve chosen to focus on in this season?

As you learn to focus on where God has you, you might find yourself saying “no” more often. Don’t believe the lie this is a problem! Walking out your destiny with God should challenge you. You are doing better than you think! Staying the course with God will always be better than veering into distraction.

May 22, 2022 0 comment

The Purpose of Your Story

by Lauren Koch April 13, 2022

written by Lauren Koch

The purpose of your story is to walk in alignment with God as a testimony for others, no matter what you have come out of.

Have you been moving through your life thinking the circumstances of your upbringing and the place you are at now are coincidental? Maybe you believe that all the random elements of your life are not connected; they are just your life and the cards that you have been given.

Here is the truth for you today:

You purpose started with God

You carry a unique history, a story that began before you or anyone in your family ever arrived on earth. It started with your parents, sure, but even before that, you started with God.

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5)

In the midst of the trauma, shame, and ugly parts of your story that you’d prefer to hide, God has been carving out your life’s purpose. Some of the very things you feel helpless in God has a plan to heal you from, teaching you how to lead others into their healing. Your purpose is not confined to the bubble of life that we so easily believe we exist in.

The purpose of your story stretches beyond you. And better yet, there is nothing that you have to make happen. God is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12).

God takes the broken pieces of our stories and shapes them into our destiny

Consider Joseph: abused and sold into slavery by his brothers, he was still positioned for his purpose many years later. He could have let the shame of abandonment from his family prevent him from walking with God. Likewise, we too have a choice. Let God lead your healing, showing you all the parts of your story that He intends to flourish; so that you will look back in awe at His goodness and grace over your life.

April 13, 2022 0 comment

Faith Featured

Trust God

by GOD TV March 28, 2022

written by GOD TV

I went to encourage you with my testimony. So, I am free and I’m full of life and joy and all of these things, these amazing things God has given me right now, but that is not where I came from. I came from a very hard and scary past, abusive family, abusive, even religiously. My dad was a pastor and he really used the Word of God and a lot of other things to hurt me. And, my mom was mentally ill because of that. And then they divorced, there was drug addiction in my family. I came and saw all of that, which then led to me at teenage years, being suicidal and I attempted it many times. I was like that all the way up to just recently, a couple years ago, even, I still was struggling.

It wasn’t until I finally knew who my King Jesus really was. It was not so much just knowing about Him. He invited me into His chambers. He literally said that I could sit next to Him, and He spoke for Himself. Because, since I grew up in religion, but it was a lot of abusive things; it wasn’t really God. So, for me to sit in the chambers and Him say, “This is me and I have healing for you, I have life for you, I have joy, and peace,” was amazing!

So now you see me, I do want to live. I have a daughter, that’s three. I’m going to be married 10 years. And I am just fiercely, and courageously, and bravely just seeking out God and my purpose and destiny. And I know that there’s a reason that I’m here. From being suicidal to that; that is just the testimony of my life.

I hope that encourages you if you’re in that place, or if you’re coming out of that place. There is hope. Be patient in your healing. There is that healing time. So be patient in the healing; He has so much for you. He has so much in store for you. He has beautiful, beautiful visions, bigger than yours. So just trust Him with your life. He can turn it around fast, just like He did with me.

________

How Art Can Help You Discover Your Purpose And Destiny

by Deborah Manchac February 6, 2022

written by Deborah Manchac

Are you in the middle of a self discovery journey? Would you like to begin to know more about your destiny in your life and in God’s Kingdom?

Do you know that art can not only help you find yourself, but show you what you most love and desire. It can also show you where to begin to birthing your destiny.

I remember asking God one day to please help me be able to finally walk into my calling. I did not get the answer I expected…or honestly even wanted.

He told me to start painting.

Takings Risks

You must know that before this point, I had only painted once in my life. I was so embarrassed at the outcome that I never painted ever again. So, when I say I was not excited about doing this it’s an understatement.

I did not consider myself a artist but I decided to be brave and try. I figured that there was a reason art class was part of the school curriculum and why it’s considered to be so important in our development years. I figured it was probably because there is no better way to teach a student to be all they can be and discover their purpose.

What Does Painting Have To Do With Your Destiny?

Art is something that can be both inviting and intimidating. Very much like risks and adventures. On one hand, the word risk is intimidating and on the other, adventure is inviting and exciting. However, they are both the same thing, just with a different approach. What differentiates the experience you have with art is your faith. Let’s define faith as “your approach”.

Yes, faith is part of this equation. If you have faith and believe in anything in your life, then you carry the potential to create inside you. That means your approach (faith) is a part of what you CAN do. Fear can also be an approach in which you create the situations that say confirm CANNOT do something.

Faith is what “creates” confidence in what you’re doing or thinking. So if you feel you’re having a hard time with your purpose you can quicken the process by taking risks, like painting or any kind of artistic expression, that both invites you and challenges you. For example, the artistic expressions of dancing, drawing and even fixing things. The point is to do something that you have only imagined but never really tried. Taking that step will quickly grow confidence in yourself.

In summary, risk taking and faith birth creativity, which then leads to confidence, which then brings forth your purpose.
Your purpose will inspire others around you which will result in stepping into your destiny. That easy!

Where Your Destiny Unfolds

When we are discovering ourselves the first step is to heal from what is holding us back. It can be our past, trauma, or wounds. Then, when you start feeling more whole you are strong enough to play in your new found freedom. Some of us, have to learn to play again because the blank canvas of our new freedom can make us cringe in fear of doing something they’ve never done. Thoughts like; “What if I don’t do it right?, “This may be my only chance”, or “Maybe I’m no good all together?”

Maybe some of the previous thought examples resonated with you. Maybe it’s time to grab that brush in your life and dip your brush in knowing that the ‘Master of Art’ is telling you that you CAN do it. You don’t have to even want to. Faith can be as small as “Ok, Teacher if you think so, I’ll try.” Trust is letting go of it all and giving up control – even letting go of insecurities. Once you put that paint brush to the canvas you can make the mess you were so afraid of making. It might even be fun! Just like when you were a child, scrapping your elbows and knees meant you played NOT that you failed.

The Child In You Knows The Way

Move. Paint. Jump. Dance. The Teacher of teachers is there to guide and protect you. You can just be a child and focus on learning more about yourself. Worry and doubt steal so much time and energy, but being childlike is not having a care in the world in the world. Now go, whatever that may mean for you, and start playing and leave the outcome to Him. This is how you will accelerate your destiny.

Deborah Liza

Find more encouragement for you soul here: Let Your Light Shine

February 6, 2022 0 comment

Faith Lifestyle

Dear Allergy Sufferer: God Will Give You an Answer of Peace

by The Shulammite February 24, 2021

written by The Shulammite

I could feel the closing of my nostrils as my chest tightened. A wave of anxiety hit me because I knew the world would close in on me again. No air. No peace. I run to get the nasal spray and circumvent hours of feeling restless and without hope. The allergy sufferer, is this really my identity?

When will it end?

Is it even worth it to complain?

I listen as another plethora of steps on how to help manage the symptoms pours in. I get annoyed and hang the phone up. “I love you, but I don’t like what you’re saying. You don’t understand the extent of my exhaustion.”

The silence in the room reminds me that I still have a life, others who depend on me “pulling my weight.”

Searching for answers

I begin the search for natural remedies to cure allergic rhinitis. Suddenly, the amount of money I’ve spent flashes across my eyes. I look up to the ceiling. God, is there any way you can open a door for me to find the correct medicine? Something to once and for all put an end to this?

This time, I don’t search for a man-made solution. I decided to investigate whether another person has been healed of their allergies.

Right then and there, the testimony reminds me that the battle is spiritual. It isn’t about suffering from an allergy. This is my Goliath, and victory depends on how I respond.

Fear, delay, and apathy? Or righteous indignation, holy courage, and boldness?

The Allergy in The Time of Transition

David, God’s shepherd boy, heads out to carry lunch to his brothers. What was supposed to be a food delivery turned into a Kairos moment of divine destiny.

Rugged and good-looking, David stood out for the youth that he was among the best of Saul’s armies. Mighty men of war who would one day chase him like prey.

Perhaps he still smelled like sheep, but that didn’t deter the righteous anger fueling his curiosity to discover why Goliath had the Lord’s army in disarray. Who was this uncircumcised Philistine to determine the destiny of the people of the Head of the universe?

His eyes squinted as he got a good look at the enemies’ army. They had no protection from the light of Yahweh. No covenant that ensured He’d defend them in the day of battle and strengthen their hands to war.

That was the key.

Allergy Sufferer or Slayer of Goliath?

David’s God was Baal Perazim, the One who beat his enemies as small as the dust. Before his eyes, he saw the lion and the bear lifeless.

He took a deep breath as the stillness of the small brook nearby reminded him of the times he drank of God’s presence while leading the sheep.

“If none go with me, still I will follow.”

Goliath was the enemy sent to bring Israel into captivity and slavery (1 Samuel 17:8-11) before David could become king. What was supposed to destroy David’s chances of being a light in Israel (2 Samuel 21:17) opened the door for his destiny and glorified God.

What now? What of My Allergies?

Just as Goliath is no more, so are the allergies. The once and for all solution is already in existence.

Jesus bore my sickness in His body before it ever existed in mine (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24) so that I could be free. I do not bow to the fear of Goliath and subject my destiny to the uncircumcised philistine shouting that lies in my ears.

Instead, I look up to the heavens and smile.

Jesus has already spoken the answer. It is one of peace.

February 24, 2021 0 comment

Faith

Don’t Miss The Lilies

by Corine Channell January 27, 2021

written by Corine Channell

In case you were questioning or wondering about certain seasons of your life that appear as wastelands (a dust bowl) or barren ground (nothing grew there), remember, “To everything, there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) It may appear as yes, a wilderness, a desert, a dust bowl (love that visual), and a place that maybe makes you shudder. BUT I venture to say that if you look carefully, and allow yourself to see PAST what you did NOT see growing THEN, you will NOW see tiny signs of life that WERE growing! Maybe you missed them because of their seemingly insignificant size. Or maybe they are meant for you to see right NOW. Don’t miss it again!

In the jungle rivers of Honduras lay alligators among beautiful water lilies. The flowers grow by the hundreds all along the side of the river, right in the face of unseen danger. When I got to go there a few years back I am sure I was very safe in that speeding tourist boat for ONE solid hour of fear, but those hungry alligators looked threatening. I am so thankful that I noticed something far greater than the hungry reptiles along this forbidding jungle river. There were lovely submerged lily pads everywhere. And I DO mean, everywhere. Such fragile beauty in the midst of danger. It was a stark contrast, simultaneously dwelling together.

God Chooses Our Path

A lily pad is a large floating leaf with a beautiful flower jutting up through it; by actual name it is called a Water Lily – it grows IN the water. It grows in the same waters WITH the alligators. The daunting alligators peer ominously out of the murky waters, right NEXT to them. You could call it the lily’s season in the sun, the place where God chose for them to grow into ALL they were meant to be, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their growth.

This taught me that beauty can still bloom and blossom in the midst of danger, and it reminds me of how strong and resilient WE as humans can be. Maybe you were much like the water lily growing strong in spite of all the alligators next to you, or maybe even BECAUSE of them. “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

I have learned by experience that NOTHING is wasted – the good, the bad, and even the ugly ALL have something that was…is…or will be contributed into the bigger picture of our life. I had this experience recently. And I had a dark season where I felt like maybe I should have made a different decision. Where I was wondering about all the would’a/should’a/could’a’s of that time frame. I kind of felt like it was a fail on my part. Man, if only I had done THIS instead of THAT. You know, all the doubts.

THEN…

One morning recently I woke up to a memory of a word I had been given during that time. Literally, a single word. Someone had said they felt to tell me this one word – that it was from God and they themselves had NO idea what it meant. Fast forward a few years later and that one word was foundational to my healing journey out of abuse. IF I had never had a front seat to that hard season, I would not have received a specific “meant/for/only/me” KEY to unlock a bolted door in my life. This was a stunning and humbling revelation to me – NOT to despise past hard times, NOT to question God’s ways and choices for me, and NOT to beat myself up anymore for what I thought to be a failure.

Don’t Miss His Perfect Plan

I now see that sometimes though people or circumstances seem to just fall into our stories, they are there for a reason – not to destroy us, but to help our growing process. I NOW understand that even if we make the wrong decision, God can and WILL bring good out of it. He will ultimately perfect the original plan He had for your life. Sometimes we need to just wait. Wait to see the final completed work – wait to see where each puzzle piece fits – wait to see the lilies growing next to the alligators. NOTHING is wasted in God’s creative handling of our stories. Nothing. “The Lord will perfect that which concerns ME…” (Psalm 138:8)

We must each stop and look back at our own alligator filled river or barren wastelands. Or what APPEARED to be so. I promise you SOMETHING WAS growing there. Don’t miss it! Maybe you didn’t notice then but look again NOW. Maybe it was a relationship, a timely word, a seemingly insignificant gesture, a puzzle piece that you didn’t see yet. OR maybe what was growing was – YOU.

January 27, 2021 0 comment

Faith Lifestyle

How To Seek God Through Worship

by The Shulammite October 9, 2020

written by The Shulammite

Seek God with All Your Heart

One of the most beautiful and fulfilling aspects of our relationship with God is the opportunity to worship Him. We have the gift of reflecting and considering all of whom God is and allowing His goodness to fill our lives. How do we do this?

Matthew 7:7 says, “Seek, and ye shall find.”

Seek is the Greek word zēteō, which means to aim at, strive after, require, demand something from someone or to think, meditate, reason, or to inquire into something.

However, there is also a hidden key that unlocks worship in the word “zēteō.” By Hebraism (usage or expression in the Hebrew language), it can signify worshiping God or plotting against life.

What does this mean for us? In every moment, whatever we search for has the potential to worship God or to plot against our destinies.

Turning Our Experiences into Worship

Let’s look at David.

Often, he found himself fearing for his life as mighty men, skilled in the art of war, were hunting him. Years of torment, sleepless nights, and physical and spiritual agony fueled his search for God.

When Adonai said to him, “Seek ye My Face,” David responded, “My heart cries out to You. Your Face Lord will I seek.” (Psalm 27: 8)

In the trenches of despair, he wondered how long he would have to endure the ailment of persecution and the rejection of all around him. So, David sang to God:

“But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, the One seated in eternity because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6)

Seeking God as His vital need, and inquiring after the Lord’s presence, David realized that every situation was an opportunity to worship God.

His search for God through worship gave us the Psalms.

A Moment of Reflection

No matter the circumstance, God says, “Seek My Face.”

Why?

He is the light that enlightens our darkness, and in His presence, there is always fulness of joy. Jesus can impart His character, grace, and strength more mightily in our times of miserableness and frustration. It is through our search for Him that we can learn true worship because even in the darkest hell, God is still there (see Psalm 139:8).

We cannot escape His goodness.

A Call to Seek

In times of despair, loneliness, chaos, and rejection, David faced two choices: seek God, or search for immediate release. He could either worship God or plot against his destiny.

By choosing to worship God, David secured his life in God’s hands, and thus, set himself up to receive the blessing of establishing the throne of David (see Luke 1:32-33).

Today, we also face the same decision: Seek God in all things or plot against His divine script for our lives.

Friends, let us not be as the horse or mule, which must be bridled to come near because they have no understanding. Instead, may we choose to trust our Heavenly Father’s instruction and guidance. He will show us where to go and guide us with His eye (see Psalm 32:8-9).

Let us Seek Him through Worship.

October 9, 2020 0 comment

Faith

40 Day Challenge Day #13 – Opportunity or Destiny

by Navigator Jo March 11, 2020

written by Navigator Jo

It would appear that Jesus clearly knew the difference between an opportunity and something that Father wanted Him to do. His focus was always on what Father was doing rather than anything else.

The difference between opportunity and destiny

Jesus is our model for being focused on what the Father is doing. This is not so much about discerning and choosing good rather than evil. But it is about knowing the difference between a good option (opportunity) and what God is doing (destiny).

Taking opportunity or meeting needs is not wrong. But prioritising things, relationships, situations and opportunities that are part of what God plan for us to walk in is both foundational and life changing. Many in ministry feel the need to accept every invitation and opportunity to minister, which often reveals their own needs for acknowledgment.

Let’s choose to be secure and receptive to Holy Spirit. Let’s be like Jesus – doing only that which you are prompted to do. Remember, obedience flowing from a heart of love and devotion is success! Think about that for a moment…

Jesus is our model

Jesus modeled for us a way of living. He only did what He sensed and saw the Father doing or saying.
If we follow this example it leads to the most extraordinary way of being and living – a lifestyle most of us never dreamed of.

This creates a mind-set (or more accurately a spirit – set) and lifestyle of collaboration with God rather than one of servitude. Take a moment right now to pause and consider your thoughts. Think about your lifestyle and choices and allow Holy Spirit to show you what He sees.

Walking into destiny

Making right choices is easier if you have some sense of who God created you to be. Discovering identity facilitates finding destiny.

Proverbs 2:21 – For all my godly lovers will enjoy life to the full and will inherit their destinies

Luke 22:29 – I give you your destiny: I am promising you the kingdom realm that the Father has promised Me.

Jeremiah 29:11 – I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for peace and well-being and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Who does God say you are – specifically not generally? Does what you do in life provide an opportunity to express who you were made to be? Destiny does!

– Navigator Jo

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Now Is The Time For The Voice Of The Kingdom Mother To Arise

by GOD TV January 4, 2020

written by GOD TV

Every woman, no matter her culture, ethnicity, age, or station in life, is called to own the assignment of mothering world changers. The Christian community has been equipped with powerful books and trainings that champion the call of spiritual fathers, yet there stands a missing piece in the kingdom family —the call to mothering, particularly spiritual mothering, remains faint and undefined. This powerful book will equip women to:

- Shatter current myths and misconceptions about mothering.
- Discover the secrets to raising up world changers.
- Help you identify those you are called to release a mother’s voice to.
- Unlock keys for accelerating and advancing destiny.
- Explore the contrast and synergy between spiritual fathers and mothers.

Now is the time for the voice of the Kingdom mother to arise and take her place in the family of God. Now is the time to own your assignment.

Meet The Author

Bethany Hicks is a prophetic trainer, author and psalmist who serves as a Co-Founder and Innovator in Prophetic Company Global. She is known as a strong communicator who releases passion and grace for people to embrace their world-changer identity. Having ministered on six continents, Bethany enjoys training and activating thousands in the biblical gift of prophecy. Her first book, Own Your Assignment, is a powerful prophetic call to redefine spiritual mothering in the kingdom of God. As a leader, musician, singer, and songwriter, Bethany also serves as the Worship Director at her home church, The Mission, in Vacaville, California where she resides with her husband and three children.

Get your copy of Own Your Assignment here!

January 4, 2020 0 comment

Articles Faith

To The Brink And Back

by Henrietta Decruz October 11, 2019

written by Henrietta Decruz

Life matters to me because I almost threw it away. God saved me and taught me that my life has a purpose! There was a time I had reached the brink and thought that I just could not go on. I had even made plans in detail to get rid of my life. Then God did something extraordinary to get me to change my plans. I tried two more times. I sensed the presence of someone on the terrace, I believe it was an angel, I couldn’t go through with my plan.

Being rejected as a child for being a girl played a big part in making me believe the lie of the enemy that I didn’t matter. I felt unwanted, worthless, not-worth-loving. Many of us look down on ourselves because someone else rejected us or ill-treated us. Even though the person who behaved badly or betrayed us was wrong, we keep punishing ourselves for what happened…for years. We forget that our life matters.

Tree of Life - image by Emilio Küffer

Life Matters

Life on earth is nothing but a “stopover”. It doesn’t feel like home, because it isn’t. Our real home where we will be perfectly loved and accepted, even celebrated, is Heaven!

When I would feel suicidal years ago, I was always longing to die. I felt, “Nobody loves me, nobody cares, why should I live? My life doesn’t matter!” The truth was that I had locked myself up in a dark room; the light was outside. All I needed to do was leave the darkness to see the Light. The Light was always there, I had gone away into a dark corner and covered my head so it couldn’t come in. You see the truth is that “Darkness is the absence of Light.”

After God saved my life I came out of my dark corner and I learned that HE LOVED ME! He brought me out of that dark place in my life and gave me a purpose to live. Before my purpose to live was related to persons but when I got to know God, it changed and I began to live for Him.

Public Domain picture by Felipe López

Heaven is our Home

When I learned about “Heaven” in the Bible, I was so excited because that was Home, the place of perfect love and complete acceptance! I prayed and asked God to take me “Home”. But then God made me understand that He had given me a fixed time to live on earth. There are many people who wanted desperately to live longer but they couldn’t. I have been blessed by a chance to live and do things that would make my Heavenly Father, my Lord, proud of. Would I lose that chance? NO!

Since then my prayer has been to live the length of life that God had written for me; to live a wholesome, godly life that is pleasing to God and to fulfill my destiny!

There is no one else like you!

Psalm 139:16 says, “Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book, all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape when as yet there was none of them.”

The truth is that God created you – UNIQUE & SPECIAL. Each one of His children is like a masterpiece. Not the same as anyone else in the whole world. People can look-alike, but they do not have the same DNA, the same fingerprint, the same abilities, giftings, skills and strengths you have.

Selective Focus Photography of Person Molding Clay

Life matters And God loves you!

When anyone tells you that you don’t matter… They are LYING! God loves you! The same is true about unborn babies. In Luke 1:44, Elizabeth tells Mary (the Mother of Jesus) “For behold, the instant the sound of your salutation reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” John the Baptist was still a fetus in the womb of his mother Elizabeth but he made a movement and “leaped for joy” when Mary came to meet his mother. I sense God is saying that little unborn baby had character even there inside his mother’s womb!

No matter what your life has been like… If you have looked down on yourself or your life, ask God to forgive you. He created you. Saying that you don’t want your life is an insult to He who created you. You are who God made you to be! He made you unique, special and one of a kind. There is no one else like you in this whole world. This world needs you.

October 11, 2019 0 comment

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