Tag: Purpose

Glowing magical sword embedded in stone altar on mountain with sunset
A Date With Destiny

Fighting Human Injustice: A Call to Action

lastwordrecovery
Glowing magical sword embedded in stone altar on mountain with sunset

“With our own eyes we saw Him work miracles and do terrifying things to our oppressors.” (Deuteronomy 6:22)

Assured that the Creator of the Universe is interested in what happens to those who are harmed by human injustices, you remain alert to any violation of basic human rights.

God promises to hand down a ruling which is just, bringing integrity where there was once corruption; and equality where there was once disparity.

You know that you are called to speak for those who have no voice. You feel impassioned to stand up for those who are crippled by prejudice and inequity.

Like Jesus, you reject any ideology which promotes bigotry or derision.

You often cry out to God about this particular aspect of the human condition. You pursue all peaceful paths available to you in order to eliminate its ugly presence in society.

In answer to your passionate prayers, the Commander of Angel Armies, is empowering other individuals who will help you advance your cause and shed light on the social injustices which have plagued society for centuries.

No human will be able to stand against His plan. Justice will be served, and honor will be given where honor is due.

learn more about people born on 6/22

Glowing human figure interacting with wolf, deer, eagle, bear, fox, and owl amid a starry night forest
A Date With Destiny

The Spiritual Connection Between Humans and Animals

lastwordrecovery
Glowing human figure interacting with wolf, deer, eagle, bear, fox, and owl amid a starry night forest

“There will be two of every kind of bird, animal, and crawling thing. They will come to you to be kept alive.” (Genesis 6:20)

You care deeply about animals, and you understand their fundamental value to the ecosystem of this planet. You sometimes prefer the company of animals to humans because you appreciate their non-judgmental acceptance.

You realize that the human connection to animals is a deeply spiritual bond. Medical breakthroughs and scientific discoveries are dependent upon the animal kingdom to guide the way.

Animals play a vital role in the development of life-saving medical procedures. Throughout the centuries, animals, both domestic and wild, have been the inspiration for  countless human inventions and technological advancements. By studying and mimicking the unique traits of other species, humanity was able to survive.

You are intrigued by the interconnectedness of the ecosystem. You hold a deep sense of honor and respect for conservationists. You admire people who preserve the natural habitats of untamed creatures who reside on this planet.

You are a good person because you hold deep appreciation for the wild world.

More insights for 6/20

Open wooden treasure chest with glowing gold and jewels inside in a dark stone cellar
A Date With Destiny

Pursuing Purpose: The Real Treasure in Life

lastwordrecovery
Open wooden treasure chest with glowing gold and jewels inside in a dark stone cellar

“Don’t store treasures for yourselves here on earth. Moths and rust will destroy earthly treasure; thieves can break in a steal them.”(Matthew 6:19)

Your life is much too valuable to waste time worrying about the accumulation of wealth.  God has promised to take care of your needs as you take care of His.

The value of your life is very precious. God designed you in a unique way so as to provide you with the proper skills and experience you would need with which to accomplish the assignments He selected just for you.

Significance and personal value comes from pursuing your purpose in the Kingdom. You are passionate about sharing the grace you have received and sharing the good news of hope carries its own reward. 

You find the true value of life from a spiritual perspective. You know that life is more important than mere possessions. The true value of life far exceeds things which can only be measured by human currency…

more insights for 6/19

Split image showing a happy woman hiking with 'YES Paths and Possibilities' and a sad woman sitting with 'NO Hesitation and Regret'
Tetelestai Recovery

Understanding the Power of Yes and No

lastwordrecovery
Split image showing a happy woman hiking with 'YES Paths and Possibilities' and a sad woman sitting with 'NO Hesitation and Regret'

As we level up, we begin to view every decision as both a yes and a no. Every yes carries an implied no, and every no carries an indirect yes. 

  • If we say yes to the blue shirt, we are also saying no to the red one.
  • If we say yes to a shower, we are also saying no to bad hygiene.
  • If we say yes to watching TV, we are also saying no to going outside.
  • If we say yes to healthy habits, we are saying no to junk food and laziness. We are also saying no to medical problems and poor self-image.
  • If we say yes to wasting time at work, or stealing from our employer, we are saying no to a clean conscience and integrity. As a result, we will develop resentment toward our boss to help alleviate our guilt.
  • If we say no to flirtations from a co-worker, we are saying yes to the trust and respect of our spouse.
  • If we say yes to gratitude, we are saying no to discontentment.
  • If we say yes to good manners, we are saying no to boorish behavior.

If we say yes to forgiveness, we are saying no to the weight of being easily offended, resulting in freedom and peace of mind.

 

Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.  Matthew 5:37

For every yes, there is a no; and for every no, there is a yes. As we level up, we become aware of our personal guardrails and use good judgement concerning what to accept and what to reject.

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Land Rover driving through muddy off-road trail during sunset
Tetelestai Recovery

Mastering Personal Growth Through Mindful Decisions

lastwordrecovery
Land Rover driving through muddy off-road trail during sunset

Just as potholes, ruts, mud, and carelessness are a bad combination when driving on muddy country roads, relationships and personal growth can also be messy, so we can’t afford to be careless with our decisions. We might not be able to control the storms of life, but we can control our focus and reaction.

When driving on a muddy road, we need to be precise in our movements, grasping the steering wheel securely, scanning the horizon, watching for standing water, and making conscious, deliberate adjustments to speed and direction. And above all else, never get too close to the edge.

As we level up in our new normal, we must adopt that same type of mindset with our life choices as we do for driving flooded roads. Our decisions and actions need to be precisely calculated to achieve the results we want. Just as it would be foolish to walk carelessly along the edge of a ravine, it is also foolish to see how close we can get to temptation without giving in.  

To level up, we must acknowledge that every action starts with a choice. And every choice carries two equal and opposite decisions. In other words, every choice carries both a yes and a no decision.

If we say yes to sobriety, we say no to chaos and destruction. And visa-versa. If we say yes to a drink or drug, we say no to hope and sanity. When we say yes to thinking about our choices, we say no to making the same dumb decisions, expecting different results.

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Winding mountain road with cars and sun rays breaking through dark clouds
Tetelestai Recovery

Finding Joy in Trials: Embracing Life’s Challenges

lastwordrecovery
Winding mountain road with cars and sun rays breaking through dark clouds

When the roads are easy, we feel joy in looking back to see how far we’ve come. When the roads are difficult, we seem to take one step forward, two steps back. Sometimes we slip and fall. Sometimes we just stand still and shrug. Even when we do finally get on firm footing again and start to move forward, we scold ourselves for not being stronger, more resilient, or more determined.

We aren’t sure what to call these moments of uncertainty. The word ‘backsliding’ seems way too judgmental. The last thing we need is to feel more isolated and cut off from God than we already do.

One evening without notice, a moment of grace fell on our Friday night group. One member shared a passage from the book of James. It altered our perspective about these irritating, uninspiring days when we are simply putting one foot in front of the other.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

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Young woman spinning glowing LED ribbons outdoors with blurred person holding lantern in background
A Date With Destiny

4/27 How to Recognize Divine Helpers in Your Life Journey

lastwordrecovery

Exodus 4:27

Meanwhile the Lord said to Aaron, “Go out into the desert to meet Moses.” When Aaron went, he met Moses at Sinai, the mountain of God, and greeted him.

You have always known that God has a special plan for your life, but the questions of what, when, how, and where, remain unanswered.

Like Moses, you have a burning desire to impact the lives of others, bringing social justice to a world filled with inequalities.

You faithfully spend your days tending to the duties of life, while watching for opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those you encounter.

When the time is right, you will experience your own ‘burning bush moment’.  It may come in the form of a dream, an event, a chance encounter, or an angelic appearance, but when it happens, you will know it.

The encounter will be powerful, surprising, and life changing.

When your burning bush moment comes, you may feel insufficiently equipped for the task God is asking of you. Don’t worry. Moses had the same response.

Thankfully, God in His divine wisdom and mercy, had already picked out a helper for him. Moses’ brother Aaron was called by God to bolster his confidence and help him succeed at the mission for which he’d been called. 

In the same manner, you too will be aided by others whom God has called to assist you in your call.

Keep watching for these helpers as you continue your journey. They may cross your path at the least expected moment, bringing clarity and confidence to your mission.

Your call is genuine, unique, and totally out of the ordinary.

God’s plan for you is exciting, terrifying, and truly satisfying.

Your life on this planet is destined to make a significant impact on the lives of many who don’t even know you.

Your burning bush moment is sure to change the trajectory of your life and give you a divine sense of purpose.

Wait for it.  Be prepared to do whatever God asks of you, even if you feel inadequate, intimidated, or unprepared.

God will empower you to pursue His call and He will give you the helpers you need to make it a stunning success.

learn more about april 27
Small fern with glowing blue and yellow roots in dark forest soil
A Date With Destiny

4/26 From Darkness to Light: A Seed’s Journey

lastwordrecovery
Small fern with glowing blue and yellow roots in dark forest soil

Mark 4:26

Then Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who plants seed in the ground.”

From this birthday verse, you are reminded that all seeds are planted, anchored, and supported in dark, rich, soil which is filled with nutrients and hydration. Lush green leaves, hearty vegetables, fragrant blooms, and delicious fruits are sustained by a crucial process which occurs just below the surface, out of view. What looks like ordinary dirt, becomes a food and flower factory, once the tiny seeds split open and take root.

Functioning in the image of your Creator, you spend your time planting seeds of hope and promise into the world around you.

Many of the seeds you sow are done in secret and remain hidden. You are not boastful or arrogant about your charitable contributions or personal sacrifices. You attend to the needs of your family and community without recognition or fanfare.

Sometimes you may feel as if your efforts are unappreciated or even unwanted.  There are times you are tempted to believe that you are wasting time and energy because you can’t see the fruits of your labor.

Thankfully, you have the Word of God and His wonderful creation to remind you that a seed hidden in the darkness is a harvest waiting to happen.

As trees mature and produce seeds, their tiny promises of life are dropped into the surrounding soil where they remain unseen during the germination phase. In the dark, a seed breaks open and new life is begun. There is a waiting time before the shoot appears. There is another waiting time before the harvest comes.

In the same way, your good works and loving efforts may often be hidden in the dark for a time, but this doesn’t mean they will remain unfruitful.

When the time is right, God will bring your results into the light, much like the tiny plant which emerges from the dark soil. Your random acts of kindness and quiet loving gestures will not remain hidden in the darkness. The results will become visible, and each tiny sprout will deliver the promise of a bountiful harvest.

You may not always receive human recognition or praise for the contributions you make. Sometimes your good intentions may even be misunderstood. God knows what is in your heart and He promises that someday you will enjoy a beautiful harvest which far exceeds your expectations.

Learn more about april 26
Person hiking on mountain trail with backpack and trekking poles during sunrise.
A Date With Destiny

4/25 Creative Collaboration: Fulfilling Your Destiny

lastwordrecovery
Person hiking on mountain trail with backpack and trekking poles during sunrise.

Proverbs 4:25

“Keep your eyes focused on what is right. Keep looking straight ahead to what is good.”

You do not consider your life to be your own. You know that your life is set on a specific course designed by God. Your existence holds significant implications for future generations and you do not take this responsibility lightly.

This knowledge doesn’t indicate an attitude of presumption or arrogance, but rather, a position of humility. You know that your role is one of duty, rather than that of comfort and self-indulgence.

You know that without God’s gift of guidance, you would be wandering through life unsure of your purpose. Without knowing your purpose, you would be subject to life on the proverbial hamster wheel, struggling to find meaning for your existence.

You are grateful for the destiny you have been given and you know that there is nothing you lack in order to fulfill it.

Contentment comes easy to you, because God has enabled you to see through the deception of greed and envy to find the true meaning of life.

God has provided you with clarity of mind and purpose. Your work is an expression of your gifts and talents. You do not compete for other positions or titles.

You are content with what you have and enjoy working toward something greater than personal happiness.

Your deepest satisfaction comes when you confer with God in creative collaboration. You function best when you are working to improve the world you live in. You find that this is what generates your passion and creative expression.

Your willingness to follow God’s plan and timing is evident in the paths you take, and those you don’t.

God has given you a creative mind which empowers you with enthusiasm and fervor. You dedicate your days of human existence working for the greater good.

Learn more about april 25
Brown leather sandals on a dirt path with dry grass and trees
A Date With Destiny

4/24 Understanding Holiness: Beyond the Common Misconceptions

lastwordrecovery

Ephesians 4:24

“You were taught to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God – made to be truly good and holy.”

The word holy has often been misinterpreted as someone who is grim, dutiful, and devout; one who maintains a high standard of pious behavior and has little patience for those who don’t.

However, in many scriptural passages, the word holy is defined as that which is uncommon or extraordinary.

You have been declared holy by the Creator of the Universe. God has proclaimed that your existence is extraordinary, and your life is far from common.

There is significance in everything that you do.  There is nothing ordinary or common about you.

You are holy. You are wisdom. You are free to talk openly with your Creator. Your life in Christ is a spring of living water, making ripple effects on the world around you.

Every place your feet touch becomes sacred ground, because you carry the Creator of Life within you. The significant impact you make during your years on earth will pale in comparison to the lasting effect imprinted on the planet because you once walked here.

learn more about april 24