It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. -Ephesians 1:11-12
 
What is your purpose? 

What exactly are you on this earth to do?  Why did God create you?  You may have asked yourself these questions or maybe someone has asked you and you stood there like….”UH, I am not exactly sure”. 

Right now let's check-in on your mindset about 'your purpose'.

• First, in this scripture we see God had His eye on you long before you knew Him.  
• Second, long before you ever heard of Jesus Christ, God had His eye on you.  This means that His design for your life; the path for you; was already determined and laid out.  Wow!  That is simply amazing!
• Third, God has prepared in advance ‘glorious living’ for you which means you were chosen to live good and be good. 
• Fourth, He has done this because you are a part of God's body.

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of
Christ. -1 Corinthians 12:12
Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part.  If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. -1 Corinthians 12:14
But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. -1 Corinthians 12:18-19

Simply put, you are "...part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone..."

The questions for you are:

• 1) Have you accepted this truth?
• 2) Are you following your hearts unique design that God gave you; OR are you being who others told you to be; OR what your circumstances are forcing you to be?
• 3) Do you believe God wants to use you to make a difference in the world. 

I love this quote by Pastor Rick Warren:
What matters is not the duration of your life but the donation of it.  Not how long you lived, but how you lived. -Pastor Rick Warren

It is our prayer for you today that as you stay in God's Word, He will reveal to your heart, (if He hasn't already), your purpose.  We pray God's strength in you as He trains you for this 'designed purpose'.

Your life matters in the body!  God is ready to use you for the building up of the Kingdom. 

Until next time, live in peace!
-Billy & Yolanda

P.S.- Hey friend, we really want you to see God's purpose for your life.  So we have created this one-page quick resource guide "5-Minutes to Discovering Your Purpose" just for you.  This guide has the 5-key questions that will certainly help you to discover your purpose in just minutes.  Click the pretty red button below to download the guide and get started!

"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people."  -Ephesians 6:7​ 

​This scripture covers a lot. Including what we've heard growing up; 'Turn the other cheek'.  Today this is hard to do with all that's going on in the world. But remember, we are fighting the 'good' fight! A fight from victory because the battle has already been won.  Thank you Jesus! 

As much as your flesh attempts to pull you away from the 'fruits', (Galatians 5:22), you must allow the Spirit to guide your peace. 
That means you have to: 

• ​be nice in the face of anger and aggression; 
• give even when someone takes; 
• remain courteous when all around you may be threatening; 
• keeping your head when all others around you are losing theirs. 

Work, live, act, respond, love, speak, give and bless enthusiastically as if you are doing EVERYTHING for the Lord. Because, guess what, you are! You are a Kingdom Citizen and your actions should align with your beliefs.  

When you find it hard to comply to this, pray the prayer found in:
Psalm 119:5-8 (NLT) "...Oh that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me!"     

Don't ever do anything that will make you feel ashamed in the eyes of God. Your 'want' should be that you make Him proud, so that not only will He bless you more, but He will also assign greater missions to you in your ministry. 

Remember, the same way the world is attempting to torment you, it already tried with Jesus and lost. I'm so glad my Savior didn't give up. Let us follow Him and stay the peaceful course. I pray God's strength in you on your journey. 

Be blessed!

Questions for Reflection:
1) What have you found to be the best response when others do not agree with your belief or stand?
2) What is your current assignment for the building up of God's Kingdom?
3) How can you let your light shine even brighter in your marriage, on your job and in your community this week?

Until next time...live in peace!
-Billy

P.S.- Many couples have found that our new book "I Thee Wed: A Couple's Journey to a Godly Marriage" has increased their knowledge and understanding of the Word and how it relates to marriage today.  Pick up your copy and join us on this journey.  CLICK HERE to order!

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Sign up below for our weekly devotional and as a THANK YOU,  we will send you this FREE Guide 6 Simple Steps that Will Make the Biggest Impact on Your Marriage, Starting Now!

Matthew 5:11-12 "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way."~NLT 

In your new lifestyle continue your journey in becoming like Christ.  As you do this you will begin to feel better but you may begin to walk, sound and even look awkward to others around you.

You'll hear them ask; "What do you mean you don't eat that any more...you don't drink that any more...you don't wear that any more...you don't go there any more...you think you too good?"

When you stay in the Word of God and become God's humble servant, the uniform you wear reflects The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. As people see you, they should see the God in you. This means shedding places, things and some situations. Now people, don't necessarily have to be shed, BUT: if they remain in your life they clearly will notice the change in you and will either stay or leave on their own. They will either lay their life down and take up the Cross or not. (Matthew 16:24)  Your spiritual uniform will begin to lead those close to you toward making a decision.  
 
When this topic of conversation comes up with others remember Proverbs 26:4 "Don't answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are." 
Here is another one, Matthew 7:6 (NLT) "Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.  Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you."

We find in scripture that Christ followers before you have gone through the same persecution. Even look how they treated Jesus Christ!  Did you think your life would be any different?  You must HOLD FAST to your faith and keep pressing on.  (Hebrews 10:23)  The key is staying in God's Word and as you learn what NOT TO DO, train yourself in making that obedience a lifestyle.

May God bless you and continue to give you strength in your journey.

Until next time, live in peace!

Hey, how do you see God transforming you in your relationships with others?

-Billy & Yolanda

P.S.- Our new book "I THEE WED" is still blessing so many couples. Have you received your copy? Grab you copy TODAY and we will be sure to autograph it for you. 


Like this Devotional?
Sign up below for our weekly devotional and as a THANK YOU,  we will send you this FREE Guide 6 Simple Steps that Will Make the Biggest Impact on Your Marriage, Starting Now!