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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional 

Guiding Scripture: Isaiah 7:3 And the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer’s Field.

 

🔴 GOD KNOWS WHERE WE ARE!

 
We often say, and it is true, that God sees everything that we do, and He hears everything that we say. Further, He knows our every thought. God is Sovereign!  
 
As I was reading Isaiah 7 for my devotions today, I wanted to ask Ahaz, “What’s wrong with you, dude?” Didn’t you just hear God tell you to ask Him for a sign and that He would prove to you that He would crush your enemies as He promised!!! What’s wrong with you, Ahaz? Are you crazy?” But wait! I had to stop and ask myself, what’s wrong with me? Am I unaware of all the promises God has declared for those who believe in Him and His Word?
 
Admittedly, I have been facing some challenges with social media and being able to navigate and post, and all else that I need to do with this new entrepreneurship that I have engaged. Why worry? God knows what I need and where I am. When embarking on any project or venture God brings you to, I know that He will carry you through.  
 

God continually provides for our every need.

 
Just yesterday, He provided me with a top-notch videographer skilled and affluent in social media and much more. God made it possible for her to talk with my team member, who gave her the scope of what I needed. So always pray and ask God for what you want. Do not use it as an excuse as Ahaz did. Ahaz really didn’t want to know what God would say because he didn’t want to communicate with God. Never let anything keep you from hearing and obeying God! 
 

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for seeing us and knowing where we are and that we can depend on you to lead us and guide us where You want us to go. We as believers are nothing without you and your sovereignty. Evildoers will not thwart your plans; you are just, true, and dependable. We give you honor, glory, and all the praise! Thank you for your Word and our having access to you, and for your perfect timing. Amen

~Diana L.W. Coleman

This devotional was submitted by Diana L.W. Coleman, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Numbers 26:1-51, Luke 2:36-52, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 11:15

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 72

Written By Torrie Slaughter

(With an excerpt from The Gospel of Luke 24-Day Devotional ©2018)

Guiding Scripture: Luke 1:16  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God,

🔴 Silence and Reflection

We begin the Gospel According to Luke; we journey to learn more about God through the reading of His Word. It is helpful for us to start with the basics and give some background. Luke is a Gentile physician and historian that occasionally traveled with the Apostle Paul. The purpose of Luke’s story is to provide an orderly account of the fulfilled things. The belief that Jesus is the accomplishment of God and Israel’s covenant story serves as a valuable faith lesson to us now. The Gospel According to Luke and its sequel, Acts of the Apostles, gives us a richer understanding. Luke’s attention to detail and desire to get many eye witness statements reached audiences beyond the immediate Gentile and Israelite community.

Worthy

We know Zechariah and Elizabeth were God-fearing people and were both in the priestly line of Aaron. The exciting fact about serving in the Temple is the order by which one can offer prayers. Some priests only experienced standing in the Holy of holies once in a lifetime, if at all. God’s timing is always perfect.

Luke 1:20 “And behold, you will be silent and not able to speak until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”

Not so long ago…

I saved a turtle’s life. No, I didn’t give it mouth to mouth, but I saw it on the road, picked it up, and placed it in a safer area. He looked back at me, and I felt his gratitude. With a smile on my face and warmth in my heart, I walked away… SMACK!!! I killed the gnat that was flying around my face. Yep, I saved the turtle and “silenced” the gnat. Why??? Well, the apparent reason; gnats get into places they shouldn’t!! Buzzing around eyes and ears, they are annoying little… buzzers.

Are You Easily Annoyed?


I shocked myself with my thoughts. I reacted with compassion for the turtle and annoyance to the gnat. (Insert the people in your life.)
We don’t always understand the bigger picture, so we question and react poorly. I recognized my need to be mindful of my impulses, and even though it was a gnat, it showed me how quickly emotions change.

God Shows Mercy


In Luke 1:13-17, The angel Gabriel came to give Zechariah good news. An answer to his prayers! Not only was he going to have a son, but this child would announce the coming of the long-awaited Savior of the world. But, Zechariah smacked down this excellent news with his questions and doubts. Through the angel Gabriel, God responded to Zechariah by silencing him. Zechariah’s posture needed to change. God’s divine timing was at hand, and Zechariah was unaware of the glorious miracle that was about to take place.

Zechariah’s doubt demoted him. He was part of an intricately woven master plan but questioned the authority and ability of God. Zechariah underwent a divine season of reflection while learning new ways to communicate more effectively. WOW! That made the wonder of this miraculous event even more powerful and historic. God’s arrival in human form was something to behold, a prophecy fulfilled. But He had to work around His created humans.

Whether we meet turtles crossing the road or gnats that fly around us, we are responsible for what we feel, say, or do. Will we react in understanding, doubt, or annoyance? Let’s be careful not to quickly dismiss the events in our lives simply because we can not see the immediate usefulness. God’s plan defines us; we all serve a purpose in His WILL. How much involvement we have may depend on God being able to trust us.

Points to Ponder

  • For what am I idly praying?
  • Am I living out my purpose in God’s plan, or have I given myself “busy” work?
  • Has God rendered me silent in an area I wanted to celebrate because I doubted Him?

~Torrie Slaughter

 


 

 

 

This devotional was written and submitted by Torrie Slaughter (with a portion from The Gospel of Luke Devotional Save the Turtles, Silence the Gnats) the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, March 13, 2021

Numbers 19:1-20:29, Luke 1:1-25, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 37

🔴 Praise for Deliverance 

 Guiding Scripture: Matthew 23:23-26

King David praised God in Psalm 30 for delivering him from his enemies. He encouraged others to praise Yahweh and trust His plan. We learn from the Psalms that we can cry out to our Lord, lay our burdens down, and sing His praise. The incredible peace and comfort that comes from worship are healing to our mind, body, and souls. 

Psalm 30:4-5 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. 

While we are waiting for the coming of our Lord, we must prepare. The end of this world will certainly come. And when it happens, it will be as evident as vultures circling overhead. (Matthew 24:28)

As part of the body of Christ, we are to help one another prepare. Singing praise to our Lord and practicing love, kindness, mercy, and self-control are a few ways to lead by example. If we allow fear or discouragement to govern our minds, we will miss the opportunity to guide our sisters and brothers to God’s saving grace. 

If we are unsure of how to proceed, we can ask God to give us instructions. Exodus 25:1-40 is another example of our Abba Father’s divine character’s attention to detail and order. The enemy wants us to remain in chaos and confusion to thwart the plans of God. If our Lord has given you instructions to lead your family, business, or ministry, don’t allow Satan to overtake it. We can kill, steal, and destroy that which God intended to glorify Him. We know not the day or the hour of His return.

What will He find that you’ve attempted to keep hidden? 

 

 ~Torrie Slaughter


 

 

 

This devotional was submitted by Torrie Slaughter, the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Exodus 23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

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Encouragement: Big Waves Create Lingering Ripples – Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show

A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 32

🔴  God of Action

Exodus 14 is a powerful reminder for Christ-followers. If we believe God will,” we also have a responsibility. The urgency to cross the Red sea and not stand still praying is the lesson. We can pray on the move! The danger was upon the Israelites, and God miraculously rescued them.

Is God asking you to move and act following His will?

In Exodus 14:15, God asked Moses why he was praying and not acting. We can apply this same principle to our lives. We know that the gospel is for everyone willing to hear it and place it in their hearts.
God wanted to set the Israelites up for success and create the church’s foundation through these people so they would be able to spread the news of God’s holy kingdom through generations.
We may be standing at the crossroads of walking parallel with this world or boldly proclaiming trust in God.


God constantly warned Moses and the Israelites to be aware of what they allowed into their promise. What they determined was to be part of their destiny.

There will be people who will intentionally make our lives more challenging because of their power position, or they want to maintain control. We have to decide to follow God and His plan separating ourselves from them. It may mean doing it slowly or quickly, walking through a sea of uncertainty. The shock of God’s work may hurt those who rejected Him, but rejoicing will come. Seeking God brings gladness to our hearts, and that is something the enemy can not take away. Guard your joy amid the walls of water on either side. Pay attention to the reprieve God gives so you can exit into a future with God.

 ~Torrie Slaughter

 


 

 

 

 

This devotional was submitted by Torrie Slaughter, the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Monday, February 1, 2021

Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

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A Daily Purpose

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Bible Study & Devotional Day 28

🔴  Forgive is a Verb 

Forgive, to stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.


I have struggled to forgive and still have moments when I need to ask God to help me. In those times, the reminder is quick and subtle. I need forgiveness.

The Lord Speaks through His Word:


Ephesians 4:22 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Peter asks a question I’m sure many of us have wondered. How much is enough? Is it ok to stop excusing the trespass against us? That was my “AHA” moment. I encourage you to ask God to reveal the people you believe have sinned against you. While you’re praying, plead with our Lord to soften your heart. We are to let go of anger and remove bitterness.

Our Debt is Paid:

Christ settled our accounts on the cross when He shed blood for our sins. When we ask if it’s possible for God to love someone we don’t approve of, we trade places with our Savior. Isn’t it amazing that Jesus submitted to death on the cross for all of humankind?! Not just the ones who ‘act’ like they have it all together?
Christ knew we were incapable of judging righteously, which is why we need His grace and mercy.

Matthew 18:22 Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.”

Training our Minds:

It takes discipline to heed the warnings of Christ. Remembering what happened to Pharoah and the Pharisees for their lack of humility helps us walk the straight path. However, before we condemn those who were unrighteous and questioned God’s authority, we can learn a powerful lesson.

  • Have you ever been mistreated?
  • How did you deal with it?
  • Did you immediately start gossip about the person and situation? 

When we are mad, offended, or feel betrayed, we want everyone to stand with us in those emotions. Our revenge is making as many people dislike the actions and the other person as much as we do….but we forget that our feelings are temporary.
The one thing I cling to is the hope in Christ that not only have my sins been forgiven, but He erases them. I continue to pray that the words I used that may have hurt or caused someone pain would forgive me. And I pray for their walk with God to be strengthened because if not for God’s grace and mercy, where would any of us be?

A Softened Heart:

Sin creates a barrier between our Holy God and us. He forgives a remorseful, repentant heart. When I became ashamed, God healed me.
Oh, the benefits of being restored! That renewed transformation is also available to you! God removes transgression from us as far as the east is from the west.

 

Forgiveness:

Matthew 6:14-15  For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

~Torrie Slaughter

 


 

 

 

 

This devotional was submitted by Torrie Slaughter, the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23

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