PURPOSEFUL AND NOT KNOWING IT

     In order to understand why we do what we do, we need to see that most of us operate from deficit motivation, trying to obtain something we believe will meet our personal needs. When the desired goals are not reached, we are motivated to protect ourselves from the painful feelings of insignificance and insecurity. Alcoholism, compulsive spending, overeating, excuse making, drugs, lustful compulsions, many psychosomatic aliments, some forms of schizophrenia and a host of other behaviors often are designed to anesthetize or compensate for the emotional pains of feeling worthless.

     Many will search high and low, in and out of relationships, pursuing money, power, fame, trying to fill the void that belongs to God.  Until we realize who we are in God and allow God to lead us on His intended journey, their will be that void in our lives that leave us with that .....there must be more feeling.

    When we only seek to satisfy ourselves and our flesh, we will eventually feel that worthless feeling. God and God alone can give us that meaningful, purposeful feeling.

   If you don't already know God's will for your life and plan, seek it out this year.  Listen to the voice of God and he will direct you and open up to you, your purpose.
   
*Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

The enemy can't stop God's will for your life. The only one who can is You. If you allow the enemy to discourage you, distract you, move you from God's plan.
*“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himf restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”   (1 Peter 5:8-10)

God will place people in your life to instruct and counsel you in purpose.

And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.1 John 2: 17

Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished. Proverbs 15: 22

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand.Proverbs 19: 21

Purposes and plans are established by counsel; and [only] with good advice make or carry on war. Proverbs 20: 18

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]. Ephesians 3: 20

But for this very purpose have I let you live, that I might show you My power, and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth. Exodus 9: 16

The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, Surely, as I have thought and planned, so shall it come to pass, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand. Isaiah 14: 24

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth.Isaiah 25: 1

For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will and purpose but to do the will and purpose of Him Who sent Me. John 6: 38

I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! Psalm 57: 2

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.Ecclesiastes 3: 1

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time [appointed] for every matter and purpose and for every work. Ecclesiastes 3: 17

Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4: 25

The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are honest and reliable, but the counsels and designs of the wicked are treacherous. Proverbs 12: 5

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people). Ephesians 5: 15

I the Lord have called You [the Messiah] for a righteous purpose and in righteousness; I will take You by the hand and will keep You; I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles].Isaiah 42: 6

Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure and purpose. Isaiah 46: 10

Accordingly God also, in His desire to show more convincingly and beyond doubt to those who were to inherit the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose and plan, intervened (mediated) with an oath.
Hebrews 6: 17

The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose--even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil. Proverbs 16: 4

For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]. Ephesians 1: 5

When he arrived and saw what grace (favor) God was bestowing upon them, he was full of joy; and he continuously exhorted (warned, urged, and encouraged) them all to cleave unto and remain faithful to and devoted to the Lord with [resolute and steady] purpose of heart. Acts 11: 23

DANIEL'S FAST INFO

Daniel's Fast List

Please make sure to READ THE LABEL when purchasing packaged, canned or bottled foods. They should be sugar-free and chemical-free. Keep this in mind as you review this list of acceptable foods.

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast

All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon

All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.

All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.

All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.

All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.

Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.

All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.

All sweetenersincluding but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.

All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.

All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.

All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.

All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.

Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

http://pinterest.com/hayleymcroft/daniel-fast-recipes/


http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com/


http://www.vega-licious.com/health-nutrition/daniel-fast-recipes-and-things-you-need-to-know/


http://www.caringcarrot.com/


http://www.allnationschurch.org/recipes.pdf


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daniel-Fast-Recipes-Ideas/125080687558994


http://danielfast.wordpress.com/daniel-fast-food-list/

WHATS IN A NAME?

Song - I know that you are for me By: Kari Jobe

WHAT'S IN A NAME? Well in the bible it was very important. How you named your baby was you calling their future. 
The enemy will try to get you to label yourself with failure, divorce, loss, tragedy, poor, unloveable.....
But God has not defined you by your name or past. God does not require you to deny or ignore your past, but He will never define you by it. 
Your Heavenly Father's name for you in 2013 is....
*Chosen - John 15:19 (NIV)
*Mine - Psalm 50:10-12
*Beloved - Deuteronomy 33:12
*Sought After - Isaiah 62:12
*Friend - James 2:23
Prayer:
Lord what labels or titles have I put on myself that don't belong? What do you call me? What names have you called me to rise up to? Show me Lord that I may walk boldly in them.

CELEBRATE!!!

    

Song- Oh the Blood By: Kirk Franklin

 Ever been to a Super Bowl Party? There is food, yelling, laughing, cheers, singing, and dancing! When their team is winning they celebrate in a big way. They hold nothing back of their excitement.

     As a Christian, we have every reason to celebrate!  What Jesus accomplished on the cross is far more important than any game that we have been to. Although he sat on the sidelines for 3 days, he returned from the grave to erase any doubt of his true assignment. He, once and for all conquered death, hell and the grave.      He gave a way of escape from a life and death of destruction. He paved a way for us to have life and more abundantly with him. Once and for all Christ won our eternal salvation and defeated death, but he not only saved us from  death, but he invaded our self centered hearts, freeing us from ourselves.

    So we owe Christ our worship and praise daily. It's our privilege to celebrate Christ's victory with songs of praise, expressions of joy and prayers of gratitude. His expression of love toward us, truly is to be celebrated.

     This is why we sing, dance, shout, and give daily worship to the one who is always to be celebrated.....Jesus.