God's Got A Plan
Dear Friend,
Check out today's devotional by my friend D. Andrews.
Good Morning Ladies (and few gents),
Today’s devotion included below “God’s Got a Plan! Part 1” is a reminder from GiG Mary that, “How important you consider a race to be influences how hard you will run it and determines the goals you set in order to win that race.” OUCH or Amen!
GiG, I’ve mentioned that for me, 2020 is all about focus. And I hope I’ll inspire you to reclaim your focus too. Most of us can say we’ve been focused for quite some time now, but what I’ve realized in recent weeks is that I’ve allowed distraction to derail me from my focus (purpose). I’m ready to step it up a notch, move into Olympic training mode, S.M.A.R.T goals focused, and with tools and competence in hand pressing toward the mark (Phil 3:14), fulfilling HIS purpose: spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.
I’ve decided that my word for the year is joyful. While in prayer, contemplation and meditation several truths have come to light. I’m involved in a lot, with a number of people, for a lot of people, and available for many people, but rarely is there overlap. OUCH! Well, that’s about to change, which is a good thing, depending upon who I talk to about it. Here are just a few verses the Holy Spirit used to get my attention.
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 NLT
3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, Titus 2:3-4 NLT
And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18 NIV
We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 NLT
GiG, the one thread being woven into all of what I have been doing and continue to do, “the purple thread” whether intentional or unintentional and I’m finally realizing can be summed up in one word—discipleship. The Holy Spirit has pressed upon my heart that discipleship is crucial. But allow me to clarify what I mean because the dreaded D-word brings to mind in some of us an uneasiness, unpleasantness. I’m talking Jesus modeled discipleship, Paul modeled discipleship, Daniel modeled discipleship, and Naomi modeled discipleship, just to name a few. This type of discipleship doesn’t mean I teach, but I lead with my life. Those who are in my circle of influence are not just hearers, but observers. They are watching: the why, the how, the where, the when and my life is a canvas testifying to what I believe, why I believe it, and what the Holy Spirit is doing about it in me and through me. Am I intimidated by this, heck yeah! However, I read recently that “…as long as I keep my focus on Christ, He is the One on display, not me. He is the One they are ultimately looking to—I just have to be honest with where I am in the process.” Ah, but don’t get it twisted; I’m not seeking to replicate a mini-me and neither should you.
As my husband would say, “In DEA’s world, God speaks in ways that there’s little doubt it’s HIM doing the talking or leading.” And recently the Spirit nudged me into action. Yup, I’ve accepted the task of a one-year, focused mentorship with a couple young ladies. However, with this new call to action came some practical instructions:
Don’t make it complicated.
Be hospitable.
Make myself available.
Share what I know.
Say no when I need to.
Most importantly, don’t wait.
Truth is, God longs to use us all to invest in the next generation. So, I’m praying for opportunities for us all.
DEA
