​In life, we sometimes wrap our purpose up in what we do.  We might say, “My purpose is teaching, leading worship, being a mom, preaching, or writing.” We think what we do brings purpose.
When we read John 10:10, Jesus makes His purpose clear for us. He came so we will have life ---life to the full.
Jesus wants us to live in the fullest possible way.  Not a life full of overscheduled calendars and obligations but a life of abundance --- a life superior in quality. A life full of purpose, passion, and a love for people.

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John 10:10 begins with, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.”

• The thief is stealthy in his stealing. We don’t always notice when our joy is gone because we’re focused on the annoyances of the day. The thief sneaks in and distracts us from joy and onto frustration instead. It doesn’t take much.
• Killing is ceasing life. Relationships can be wreaked, strained, and even choked out through controversy and lack of communication. Again, the thief has gotten his way.
• We associate the word ‘destroy’ with complete obliteration. The Greek word for destroy is apollumi which comes from two words apo meaning separation/inactivity and the word ollumi which can mean ruin; render useless.  If I wanted to render useless your car, I wouldn’t need to obliterate it. I could simply add water to your gas tank. The enemy doesn’t need to completely destroy us, he can simply render us useless by adding water to our gas tank; wearing us down, getting our eyes on stuff of earth and battering us with thoughts that aren’t helpful.

We can assist the enemy by overscheduling our own calendars, neglecting rest, and putting off times of refreshment in God’s Word and soaking in His presence.
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​We often focus on keeping everything in balance. Juggling time of family, ministry, and employment on the scales and keeping them in balance. But that’s a tricky act especially when these areas don’t weigh the same.

​​​Instead, I like to picture Jesus’ idea of life to the full as Him filling us to overflowing. As we sit in His presence, we are filled with His joy, wisdom, discernment, and Spirit. Our life then overflows, pours out and refreshes the other areas of our life --- Filling them with purpose and passion.

“The key to contentment is not getting more time, energy, or money. But it is noticing more.” ~ Pastor Bob Reeves

• What are we noticing in our life? 
• Are we noticing our lack?
• What we’re not getting done?
• Events we’re missing?

OR are we noticing…

• The provision He gives
• The good in our lives
• The blessings of our relationships
• The significance of the time and place in which He has placed us

Our purpose is not in what we do but in how we live --- Living fully in what God has for us. We can be replenished by Him so out of the overflow we are fully living. 

In evaluating your own life:

• Is the enemy stealing and wreaking havoc in your life?
• Are you depleted and running on empty, trying to keep up with the balancing act?
• Are you living, but not fully where you want to be?

Set aside time to consider the questions below. Allow the refreshing Spirit of God to flow over and through you, bringing you back to your purpose of living life --- Life to the full.
Blessings on your week~
~Rachel

JUMP INTO THE CONVERSATION: In the comments, share with us any of these ideas below.

• How do you find refreshment for yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically?
• What wreaks your balancing act in life?
• How can we pray for you this week?

A new year has begun and I’m guessing when the new calendar year came around, some of us started with new resolutions and goals.

I usually enjoy the beginning of a new year with planning new objectives, reaching for new ideas and beginning new habits.  This year had a bit different feel to it.

For the last 5 or so years I have chosen a “word” for the new year. A word to focus my learning and place my attention. I have chosen words like courage, trust, love, welcome, to name a few. This year, I didn’t seek out a word but instead kept coming back to the idea of a verse.

Habakkuk 1:5 “Look at the nations and watch --- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told.”

Looking at our nations and what’s happening around our world, my mind is a bit boggled. I stand shaking my head as I read stories coming across my screen. I wonder, “God, what is happening?”  and this scripture returns again and again in reply… “watch and be amazed.”
We can become discouraged with the news of the day and the ever-changing environment of what we will face as the sun rises for a new beginning.
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As I sit in my office typing this out to you, my eyes glance toward the blocks in my workspace.

Each block holds a different encouragement. The sides facing us today speak to us about what God is telling us about these days.

• DARE TO BELIEVE – Believe He will do things in our days that are beyond what we can see today.
• BE STILL & KNOW – Rushing through our to-do list and checking off the agenda can be satisfying yet also exhausting if that list never ends.  Mentally quieting our minds can bring our hearts back around to the purposes of God and believing that His stand. We can be still in our hearts and know in our minds that He has our days and situations under control. We can trust Him.
• PRAYERS MOVE MOUNTAINS – When obstacles stand in our way, and we can't see our way forward. Prayer plows through.  Prayer stills our hearts, re-establishes our focus, and prepares our minds to see the creative way God is working.

We can be overwhelmed by the day’s events but by focusing through these ways, we can move our attention towards what God is doing. We can watch and be amazed at what the Lord is bringing about in our lives. Even when we don’t see the changes today, God is moving and God is able.

Believing with you for amazing things –
~Rachel
 
JUMP INTO THE CONVERSATION by leaving a comment below:

• Do you have a ‘word’ for the year or scripture you are focusing on? Share with us.
• What are you believing for in these days?
• How do you practice ‘being still’ in the busyness of the day?
• How can we be praying and believing with you?