define spiritual assignment

7 Spiritual Keys to Fulfill Your God-Given Assignment

In today’s culture of increasing identity confusion, there is a need for believers to understand and model a healthy identity and purpose that is Christ-centered and kingdom-focused. When we know who we are, why we’re here and where we’re going, we will offer to the world a picture of what a true son and daughter of the kingdom looks like. Here are seven keys that may help start the process in learning how to know your true identity in the kingdom of God in order to fulfill your call and assignment.

1. Determine to love Jesus more than anyone or anything . Simple? Yes. Easy? No. We become what we focus on—who we focus on. As we fix our eyes on Jesus and determine to please Him above all else, our hearts and affections will be rightly placed. In order to make wise choices and determine God’s will, loving Jesus first and foremost is foundational to everything else. We will never know who we really are apart from learning who Jesus really is. We are to be a reflection of Him.

2. Walk in the fear of the Lord, not the fear of man. Once we have settled to love Jesus most, we can expect to be tested in it. The fear of the Lord keeps us faithful to His purposes even when others may misunderstand us, mock us or challenge us. Though I can walk with sensitivity towards people’s needs and perspectives, I don’t have to bow to them or change my beliefs for validation. Especially in the current atmosphere of hostility towards those who seek godly truth, we must guard ourselves from compromise at the altar of “acceptance.” Walking in a healthy fear of the Lord provides wisdom, protection and confidence in all things eternal and right.

3. Seek a reputation in heaven more than on the earth. In today’s social media, the more friends you have, the more tweets you post and the more “likes” you get, the more likely you are to draw a crowd. But getting attention is a lot different than having influence. Standing out in the crowd isn’t hard to do in our shock-driven, entertainment-saturated culture. What’s a lot more challenging is saying or doing something that will cause heaven to move on your behalf to change entire cities and even nations. Sometimes those in the secret place are changing history a lot more than those in the public eye. Seek to move heaven first and then watch the earth respond.

4. Know your spiritual gifts. You have been given a measure of spiritual gifts that have marked you from creation. The seven gifts listed in Romans 12:3-8 point to the motivations and passions your heavenly Father put within you from birth: prophesying, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading and showing mercy. When you can identify your primary “motivational gift,” you can better know your strengths and weaknesses and where you best fit in the body of Christ. Though these gifts do not necessarily define who you are, they do point to what you’re good at and what will bear the most fruit in your life.

5. Know your call. Where your spiritual gifts explain your primary motivation, your calling is what you were born for, or better yet, who you were born to reach. God’s priority is always people, and our calling will be a reflection of His heart to reach someone. This may take a lifetime to fulfill, but you will know it is His call because it continues to burn in your heart, keep you up at night and never quite goes away regardless of challenges or setbacks. It will require faith and is bigger than you are, but your call is what draws your heart and inspires your journey.

6. Know your present assignment. If your life story was written as a book, your calling would be the title. Your spiritual gifts would shine in the unique writing style and illustrations. The individual chapters would highlight the various assignments throughout your journey. Specific assignments will come and go and serve to advance the kingdom, increasing the measure of grace on your life to ultimately fulfill your call. Some may seem like side roads to your destination, but all will lead to His purposes as you trust His heart in knowing how to prepare and equip you.

7. Measure your success by the fruit. Regardless of our call, gifts and assignments, the true measure of success will be in the fruit that follows us. If we are walking in the fullness of our identity, the people around us will recognize it, grow from it and encounter Christ through it. God’s grace will flow out of us and will exponentially increase in those around us. Look for disciples, not just followers. Look for reproduction, not just reputation. Look for transformation that lasts, not just a fascination that quickly fades.

Ultimately, knowing who you are is not about “finding yourself,” but losing yourself in order to find Christ. Seek to know His heart above your own and trust His plans in molding and shaping your life to be a perfect representation of Him. There won’t be any identity confusion. In the end, the world won’t see you anyway; just Him! {eoa}

Wanda Alger is a field correspondent with Intercessors for America . She ministers with her husband in Winchester, Virginia. Follow her blog at wandaalger.me .

Jenny Rose Curtis

Jenny Rose Curtis https://www.charismanews.com/author/jennyrose-curtis/ Why We Must Take a Firm Stand Against Facebook Labeling PragerU as Fake News
Jenny Rose Curtis https://www.charismanews.com/author/jennyrose-curtis/ In Thick of COVID-19 Crisis, We Need to Rediscover Jesus for All He Is Right Now
Jenny Rose Curtis https://www.charismanews.com/author/jennyrose-curtis/ Rick Joyner, Larry Tomczak Share Prophetic Perspectives of This Perilous Time
Jenny Rose Curtis https://www.charismanews.com/author/jennyrose-curtis/ George Floyd's Ministry Friends Say He Was a 'Man of Peace'

God’s Sovereignty and the Choosing of Israel

Why did God choose the people of Israel to be a “royal priesthood” and a “holy nation” (Ex. 19:6, ESV)? Was it because of something inherently…

End-Times Confusion and the Great American Eclipse

As the Great American Eclipse of April 8 approaches, the internet is buzzing with theories and speculation about its meaning. Some have gone so far as…

Related Podcasts

Click and play our featured shows

Charisma Newsletters

Christian newsletters and downloads for life in the Spirit. Stay informed, be blessed, grow and deepen your faith.

Tendencies Toward Worry and Anger

Benny Hinn Breaks Silence Amid Controversy

Pastor. Preacher. Author. Charlatan. Evangelist Benny Hinn has been called a lot of things and held many titles over the years, and whether people love him or hate him, they ...

Hillsong Settles Assault Case Against Former Staff Member

Hillsong has settled an assault case against one of their former staff members, Jason Mays, in the assault against Anna Crenshaw. According to ChurchLeaders, the Australian-based megachurch has settled ...

Benny Hinn’s Regrets: ‘I’m a Human Being. I’ve Made Mistakes’

In an exclusive interview with Stephen Strang, Benny Hinn addressed his two major regrets in regard to prosperity gospel and prophecy. "I'm a human being. I’ve made mistakes," Hinn says ...

7 Ways to Bless Your Wife This Mother’s Day—and Always

Spirit-Filled Minister: A Mother’s Day Letter to My Daughters

Watch This Stunning Mother’s Day Musical Tribute

Why My Mother Is My Proverbs 31 Shero

Benny Hinn’s Public Apology: ‘I Am Sorry’

How You Can Help Heal a Deeply Divided America

This Mother’s Day, Celebrate the Power of a Praying Mom

Top of the Week: Benny Hinn Breaks Silence Amid Controversy

‘Is This My Fault?’ ‘Fox & Friends’ Co-Host Shares Painful Path to Motherhood

Jenny Weaver: Breaking the Curse of ‘I’m a Bad Mom’

This Mother’s Day, Remember Moms Who May Need Extra Help

Benny Hinn: Should He Repent?

Fulfilling God’s Assignment | Christian Leadership Insights

by Mark Dreistadt | Jun 8, 2012 | Leadership

God has given everyone an assignment! An assignment is a mission or position to which a person is assigned. We each have a position in the Body of Christ and a distinct mission to fulfill… and God has perfectly equipped us to succeed in His assignment. All visionary leaders have to some degree recognized and embraced this charge.

The Calling of Christian Leadership

God places a Word in your spirit … He gives you a revelation. Then as your life surrounds that revelation it comes to life within you. That revelation released into the world through your thoughts, words, and actions is your Godly assignment. This is a hallmark, a cornerstone of inspirational leadership .

First , you must discover your assignment? Look inside yourself. What do you know God has said to you? What is your passion? What makes you happy? What makes you angry? What excites you? The answers to these questions will help you know the assignment God has placed within you.
Secondly , to effectively fulfill your assignment you must learn to limit. You cannot read everything — know everything — do everything — and be everything — for everyone! Once you understand your assignment, you must focus wholeheartedly and complete the tasks God has entrusted to you. Church leaders often struggle here because they want to do everything and help everyone, but we need to focus on what our unique assignment is.
Thirdly , to fulfill God’s assignment, you need to be willing to self-assess. You need to take stock of how well you serve in the position God has placed you. Assess what is right and what is wrong — what works and what does not work.
Fourthly , you must be willing to change. If you discover something that does not work in your life, you have to change it. If you discover something needs to be done, you need to do it. You must listen to the Spirit of God, and make a change. Effective church leadership always looks to change things and make adjustments to stay focused on their assignment.
Lastly , you need to be willing to make critical choices. If you do not make the hard decisions, you will never successfully fulfill God’s assignment. The great news is once you make the tough decisions, God fills the void left behind with His grace and provision. His joy and blessing will follow you — when you walk in your Godly assignment. The most fulfilling place for Christian leadership to be is right in the middle of their God given purpose.

God has a spectacular plan for you. You will be amazed at what God will do through you! Discover his assignment, make the right choices and watch your life soar!

Infinity Concepts understands what you need as a Christian Leader. Let us help you deliver your message in the most effective way. Let’s talk today!

Recent Posts

Navigating Christian TV:Maximizing Impact through Effective Program Placement - December 8, 2023
Anticipating Direct Mail Success Through Doubling Day - July 28, 2023
Your Brand Is Talking—What Is It Saying? - March 24, 2023
Church Growth
Fundraising
Press Releases
Productivity
Public Relations
Social Media

Stay Informed!

Join thousands of subscribers who love our content! Subscribe for the latest insights.

DARRELL LAW

Vp | chief growth officer.

With two decades of leadership experience at a multi-campus megachurch and a global broadcast ministry, Darrell brings a wealth of expertise to Infinity Concepts. His knack for leveraging limited resources to achieve maximum results has made him a pivotal figure in the realm of faith-based initiatives. Darrell’s diverse skill set includes developing effective fundraising strategies, crafting donor retention programs, initiating global humanitarian efforts, and driving growth in local churches through innovative marketing and assimilation strategies. His ultimate drive is to empower our clients to realize their visions and accomplish their missions.

At the helm of Infinity Concepts’ client teams, Darrell orchestrates the creation of integrated fundraising and marketing strategies tailored to a broad spectrum of ministries, nonprofits, and organizations keen on connecting and engaging with the Christian community. His adeptness at pinpointing growth obstacles, formulating strategic solutions, and delivering tangible outcomes underscores his role as a catalyst for client success.

When Darrell is not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and daughter. Darrell also loves being in the great outdoors water skiing and boating, and hopes to one day build his dream home on a lake.

Blogs | Empowerment | Kingdom

Keys to Living in Divine Alignment

April 9, 2018

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

Have you ever felt out of alignment—either physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

There are many ways our lives and bodies and hearts and minds can get out of alignment with God’s best intentions for us.

When we step out of His love, His rest, His peace, or even His presence, our lives can quickly fall into misalignment on all sorts of levels.

If you’re not growing, your life is out of alignment.

Many of us are ignorant that our lives are misaligned.

We are quick to blame forces outside of ourselves—the circumstances, people, government, and too often, the enemy—for what isn’t working in our lives.

But more often, we allow our lives to become misaligned because of socialization.

We defer to our relational constellation, the people we hang around, and how we were brought up to determine how high we fly.

If you want to change the flock you fly with, you must first change yourself.

The truth is, when you change, everybody and everything around you must adjust to accommodate your growth and progress.

Don’t wait for people or circumstances to get into alignment with your hopes and dreams; align yourself.

Could things be the way they are because you are the way you are?

What one thing can you change that can change everything?

You can change the way you think.

You can change your expectations.

How would knowing that God wants to use you to impact a multitude of people change your thinking about what’s possible?

God is wanting to increase your influence wherever He has positioned you.

God is actively providing you with opportunities to increase your network. I encourage you to leverage these opportunities, because when your network increases, so does your net worth.

I want to take you to Genesis 48:16 where Jacob laid hands on his grandson Ephraim.

Jacob was not only laying hands on him so he could prophesy over him and transfer an anointing, but to bring alignment to his mind.

When hands are laid on you, it’s not just about what God is going to do for you, but it’s also about what God is aligning you to.

Whenever hands are laid upon someone, it means God is inviting them to cooperate with a mantle adjustment.

Adjusting your spiritual mantle requires a realignment.

In other words, there is an adjustment of perception or “alignment of the mind” taking place—a mental adjustment.

Your mind is spiritual, but your brain is physical—your brain seeks homeostasis.

If God sends you a word that challenges you to grow, your brain is going to fight you every step of the way.

Anybody that has been on a diet can testify to the brain’s resistance to change. This is why breaking a habit is so challenging!

You can’t just break a habit by stopping something; you have to break a habit by creating a new habit. This works by the law of displacement and the law of replacement.

If you displace something, you must replace it with something else.

You break a bad habit by replacing it with a good habit.

When it comes to God bringing alignment so you can grow and increase in your ministry or business, it means you will have to change the way you think—you will have to change your mind.

And when you change, the culture will have to change—procedures and precedents will have to change—but your brain will always want to do the same thing the same way.

Do the same, get the same. Do different, get different.

Once you start changing, your brain is going to resist. Your own neurobiology is the biggest stronghold you will be required to overcome.

So when God begins to invite you into a realm of growth, you don’t have to worry about the enemy fighting against you.

Too many of us use the enemy as a reason why we can’t change.

Do you not know God has given you power over all of the works and wiles of the enemy?

Even so, it’s most probably not the devil fighting against you. More often, it’s our own wiring; we misfire because we’re mis-wired!

God wants to rewire your mind so you think thoughts that will enable you to maximize your potential.

God wants to reset your mind.

When Jacob lays hands on Ephraim and Manasseh, it gives God an opportunity to reset their thought processes.

Jacob commands a blessing and prophesies:

“God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day, The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Genesis 48:15-16

I decree and declare your children are being redeemed from all evil—your grandchildren and great grandchildren, and all of your loved ones are being brought back and pulled out of evil—not by your hand, but by the Angel of the Lord.

Jacob was not only commuting a blessing, but he was transferring influence.

The name and the anointing God placed on Abraham that made him influential and wealthy was being transferred.

Jacob was saying, “How God transformed my life, I’m transferring that to you. You are going to think differently. You are going to think like a powerful and wealthy person of influence.”

Your thoughts are a precursor to your lifestyle.

I decree that however God shows you that you’re going to live in the next 2-3 years—whatever vision He has given you—whatever prophetic word He has spoken over you—I decree and declare that you are acquiring the necessary mentality right now!

If you want to be the best in the industry, you must think like you’re the best, you must act like you’re the best, dress like you’re the best, network like you’re the best.

Many of us don’t leave the realm God delivers us from because we’re afraid of what people are going to say.

I say, give people something to talk about!

It starts with a mentality.

Your internal reality will express itself externally as the reality you experience.

Whatever the realities are in your life, don’t try to fix your circumstances, fix your thoughts.

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

Show me your life, and I’ll show you your thoughts…

Are you ready to align your thoughts with God’s divine purpose for you?

If you’re serious about doing the work of living in divine alignment, plan now to join me for Kingdom School of Ministry in Atlanta!

I look forward to seeing you there!

10 Facts About Your Assignment

God gave you an assignment before you were born. God told Jeremiah, “Before you were formed in the womb, I knew you…I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV). God has an assignment for each of us. I am called to be an evangelist. It was prophesied that I would be an evangelist when I was five years old. Joyce Meyer says, “What you can’t stand is a hint to what you are called to fix.” If you had the money and time to do anything you wanted to help people, what would you do?

Your assignment will be revealed by your diligence. You will never discover your assignment sitting in a rocking chair. You may not know whatyour assignment is right now, but if you will start moving diligently in the direction of your dominate focus your divine assignment will be revealed. Initially, I did not know I was called to be a writer. But, my larger assignment to be an evangelist created the need for me to also be a writer.
Your assignment will be something that no one else can accomplish. Look at your thumb. No one else on the planet had your fingerprint. You are unique and special. God has given you abilities that are not duplicated in any other person on earth. If you do not complete your assignment, it will never be done in the way that only you can do it.
Your assignment is bigger than you can accomplish alone. You need other people. You need God to be involved in your assignment. With God’s help you can do something bigger than is possible with your own strength.
Your assignment will take your whole life to accomplish. Your life purpose is bigger than a few months or years. It may take you a lifetime to prepare to accomplish your assignment. After you die, the fruit of your assignment will continue.
There are a variety of ways for you to accomplish your assignment. The nature of your calling comes from God, but the way you fulfill your assignment comes from your creativity. My assignment is to be an evangelist, within this calling there are a variety of ways of accomplishing my assignment. I could be a street evangelist, a crusade evangelist, an Internet evangelist, or a television evangelist. Each of these options would be a fulfillment of God’s call on my life. My assignment comes from God, but the method I use to fulfill that assignment comes from me. The nature of my calling comes from God, the scope of my calling is revealed by my willingness to be used.
Your assignment is attached to a particular place, people, or problem. You are not called to fix every problem in the world. You are called to fix a specific problem that no one else can fix. Stay in your assignment and don’t try to minister to everyone. Paul was not assigned to John Mark. A trash collector cannot collect trash in both Seattle and Miami, he has to choose a geographical location to fulfill his assignment.
By embracing your assignment, you are saying no to distractions. Know who you are and what you are called to do. I am called to be an evangelist. When I embrace my assignment, it forces me to decline many invitations that are good but have nothing to do with my calling. The more clearly your assignment is defined, the easier it will be to make important decisions. On Facebook, some people make comments that I disagree with but I do not say anything. Why? Because trying to set them straight is not my assignment.
When you are in your assignment, you will be sought out by people who need your specific skill. People will appreciate you for who you are instead of for who they wish you were. I don’t get mad at my dentist because he does not cut my hair. You will be rewarded for the problems that you solve.

Evangelist Daniel King, D.Min is on a mission to lead people to Jesus. He has visited over seventy nations preaching good news and he has led over two million people in a salvation prayer. To support King Ministries in our quest for souls, click here!

What Is Spiritual Authority According To The Bible

What is Spiritual Authority According to the Bible? Have you ever wondered what it means to have spiritual authority and how it relates to our lives as believers? Understanding spiritual authority can have a profound impact on our relationship with God, our effectiveness in prayer, and our ability to walk in victory. In this blog post, we will delve into the depths of scripture to discover what the Bible teaches about spiritual authority and how embracing this truth can bring about transformation and empowerment in our spiritual journey. Get ready to unlock a greater level of authority and experience the benefits of living a life under God’s divine authority!

Understanding Spiritual Authority: A Biblical Perspective

What is Spiritual Authority According to the Bible

In the Bible, spiritual authority refers to the power and influence that God has given to individuals or entities to carry out His will and purposes. It is rooted in the belief that God is the ultimate authority and that He delegates authority to human beings to act on His behalf.

1. God as the Ultimate Authority According to the Bible, God is the creator and ruler of the universe, and He holds ultimate authority over all things. Psalm 103:19 states, “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” As the sovereign God, He has the right to delegate authority to others.

2. Delegation of Authority Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God delegates authority to specific individuals or groups. For example, in the Old Testament, God appointed Moses as the leader of the Israelites and gave him authority to speak on His behalf (Exodus 3:10). In the New Testament, Jesus delegated authority to His disciples to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1).

3. Authority in the Church Within the context of the church, spiritual authority is often associated with leaders who have been appointed or anointed by God. Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service.” These leaders have the responsibility to shepherd, teach, and guide the congregation in accordance with God’s Word.

4. Submission to Authority The Bible also emphasizes the importance of submitting to spiritual authority. Romans 13:1 states, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” This verse extends beyond the church context and encourages believers to submit to secular authorities as well. However, it is important to note that submission to authority should always be in alignment with God’s principles and not contradict His Word.

5. Accountability and Stewardship Those who operate under spiritual authority are accountable to God for how they exercise that authority. Jesus taught in Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Spiritual leaders are called to steward their authority responsibly and with integrity, using it to serve and edify others rather than for personal gain or manipulation.

In conclusion, spiritual authority according to the Bible is rooted in God’s ultimate authority over all things. He delegates authority to individuals or groups to carry out His will and purposes. It is important for believers to submit to spiritual authority while also holding leaders accountable to exercise their authority in alignment with God’s Word.

What does authority mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, authority refers to the power or right to give commands, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It is often associated with positions of leadership or governance, such as kings, judges, or religious leaders. The concept of authority in the Bible is rooted in the belief that all authority ultimately comes from God.

Authority is mentioned throughout the Bible, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament, we see examples of God granting authority to individuals like Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, and King David, who ruled over Israel. These individuals were seen as having divine authority, as they were chosen and anointed by God Himself.

In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as having ultimate authority. He often spoke with authority, teaching and interpreting the Scriptures in a way that amazed people. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, “ All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This statement emphasizes His divine authority as the Son of God.

Moreover, the Bible teaches that earthly authorities are established by God. In Romans 13:1, it states, “ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. ” This verse highlights the importance of respecting and submitting to earthly authorities, as they are ultimately accountable to God.

However, it is important to note that authority in the Bible is not absolute and can be misused. There are instances where individuals in positions of authority have abused their power or acted unjustly. In such cases, the Bible encourages believers to appeal to a higher authority, ultimately seeking justice and righteousness.

In conclusion, authority in the Bible refers to the power and right to command and govern. It is ultimately derived from God, who grants authority to individuals and establishes earthly authorities. While authority should be respected and obeyed, it is not absolute and can be subject to accountability.

What verses submit to spiritual authority?

There are several verses in the Bible that emphasize the importance of submitting to spiritual authority. One such verse is Hebrews 13:17, which says, “ Obey your leaders and submit to them , for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Another verse that highlights the principle of submitting to spiritual authority is 1 Peter 5:5, which states, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ ”

In addition, Romans 13:1-2 teaches about submitting to governing authorities, which can also be applied to spiritual leadership. It says, “ Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. ”

These verses highlight the importance of recognizing and obeying spiritual authority, demonstrating humility, and understanding that ultimately, all authority comes from God.

How should we relate with our spiritual authority?

In the context of the Bible , relating to our spiritual authority should be done with respect and submission. The Bible teaches us that God has established certain authorities in our lives for our benefit and guidance. This includes spiritual leaders such as pastors, elders, and other church leaders.

First and foremost, we should recognize that our ultimate authority is God Himself. All human authorities are ultimately accountable to Him. Therefore, when relating to our spiritual authority, we should always prioritize obeying God’s commands above the commands of any human authority.

However, the Bible also urges us to submit to and respect our spiritual leaders. In Hebrews 13:17 (NIV), it says, “ Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. ”

This passage emphasizes the importance of submitting to our spiritual leaders because they have been entrusted with the responsibility of caring for our spiritual well-being. We should honor and esteem them for their service and seek to support and encourage them in their roles.

It is important to note that submitting to spiritual authority does not mean blindly following without question. If a spiritual leader teaches or encourages anything that contradicts the clear teachings of Scripture, we are called to test everything against the Word of God (1 John 4:1). Our allegiance to God and His Word should always take precedence.

In summary, when relating to our spiritual authority, we should approach them with respect, submission, and a willingness to follow their guidance as long as it aligns with the teachings of the Bible. Our ultimate authority is God, and we should always prioritize obeying Him above all else.

What does the Bible say about respecting spiritual authority?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting spiritual authority. In Romans 13:1-2, it states, “ Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ” This passage reminds believers to submit to and respect the governing authorities, both in the spiritual and secular realms.

Additionally, Hebrews 13:17 instructs believers to obey and submit to their spiritual leaders , stating, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” This verse highlights the accountability of spiritual leaders and encourages believers to trust and follow their guidance.

Furthermore, 1 Peter 5:5 urges humility and submission to spiritual authority, saying, “ Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ ” This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and respect in relationships with spiritual leaders and fellow believers.

In summary, the Bible teaches that respecting spiritual authority is crucial. Believers are called to submit, obey, and show humility towards their spiritual leaders, recognizing that these authorities are established by God.

What is spiritual authority according to the Bible?

Spiritual authority according to the Bible refers to the power and influence that individuals or entities possess to lead, guide, and teach others in matters of faith and spirituality. It is derived from a deep connection with God and a commitment to following His teachings. Those who possess spiritual authority are seen as having the ability to speak on behalf of God and make decisions that align with His will.

How is spiritual authority defined in the context of the Bible?

Spiritual authority in the context of the Bible is defined as the power or influence granted by God to individuals or entities to carry out His will and lead others in matters related to faith and spirituality. It is based on a person’s understanding and adherence to biblical teachings, their submission to God’s guidance, and their ability to effectively communicate and demonstrate spiritual truths.

What does the Bible say about spiritual authority?

The Bible teaches that spiritual authority is given by God and should be respected and obeyed. In Romans 13:1, it says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Additionally, Hebrews 13:17 states, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” Thus, the Bible emphasizes the importance of recognizing and submitting to spiritual authority as a reflection of one’s obedience to God.

[email protected]

+2348035394934

Finding Your Divine Assignment: A Biblical Guide to Purposeful Living

shallow focus photography of man wearing black coat and black pants standing beside green trees

In a world where distractions and worldly pursuits often consume our attention, we can easily lose sight of our divine assignment on this Earth. We find ourselves chasing material possessions, success, and societal validation, yet deep within us, there’s an innate yearning for something more profound, something that aligns with our Creator’s plan for us. This yearning is our soul’s call to discover and fulfill our divine purpose.

The Manufacturer’s Divine Design

Imagine entering an electronics store and noticing two devices, both bearing the same manufacturer’s name – a television and a washing machine. At first glance, they may appear similar, perhaps even constructed from the same materials. However, their purposes are distinct. The television is designed for entertainment, while the washing machine is meant to cleanse your clothes. When these devices fulfill their intended purposes, they bring satisfaction to their maker.

Likewise, God, our Divine Manufacturer, fashions each of us with a unique purpose in mind. Just as a television was never meant for laundering clothes, we were not created to wander aimlessly through life Instead, our Creator delights in our discovery and embrace of our individual assignments because, in doing so, we bring Him pleasure.

The Dangers of Misplaced Purpose

Consider this scenario: these electronic devices, the television and the washing machine, suddenly gain consciousness and decide to swap roles. The television, not designed to hold water, attempts to do laundry, and the washing machine endeavors to display your favorite shows. What do you imagine would occur?

Chaos would surely ensue, and both devices would rapidly lose functionality. The television would short-circuit, and the washing machine would become inoperable. Why? Because they strayed from their intended purposes.

Similarly, when we deviate from our divine assignment, we risk spiritual short-circuiting and ineffectiveness. Just as the manufacturer designed each device for a specific purpose, our Creator fashioned us with a unique mission that aligns with our talents, passions, and spiritual gifts.

Embracing Your Unique Assignment

Understanding that no two individuals share the same divine assignment is crucial. You are endowed with a unique calling, a specific purpose that only you can fulfill. This realization should not foster competition but rather inspire collaboration and support as we work together to fulfill our respective assignments, contributing to the greater good.

Now, Let’s explore biblical ways for discovering and embracing your divine assignment. The following Scriptures provide profound insights and guidance to help you align your life with God’s purpose:

Seek Divine Guidance

Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly means surrendering your desires and ambitions to Him. Acknowledge that His understanding surpasses yours, and seek His guidance in every aspect of your life. When you do, He promises to direct your steps and lead you along the path that aligns with your divine assignment.

Listen to Your Heart

In Psalm 37:4 , the Bible says, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” When you delight in the Lord, your desires become aligned with His will. Your heart’s desires, when rooted in a deep relationship with God, can provide valuable clues about your divine assignment. As you cultivate your relationship with Him, your desires will naturally gravitate toward the purpose He has for you.

Seek and Discern Spiritual Gifts

God has put in place unique spiritual gifts for the discovery and fulfillment of your purpose. These gifts are not only meant to build up the body of Christ but also to guide you toward your divine assignment. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” Take time to discern your spiritual gifts through prayer and self-reflection. Understanding your gifts can reveal where you can make the greatest impact in the body of Christ.

Pray and Meditate

Psalm 119:105reads, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Regularly immerse yourself in God’s Word through prayer and meditation. Scripture serves as a source of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration. It illuminates your path, helping you discern God’s will and understand the specific steps you need to take to fulfill your divine assignment.

Seek Wise Counsel

The Bible says, “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” (Proverbs 15:22). Seek the counsel of wise and mature believers who can provide guidance and insight on your journey to discovering your purpose. They can offer perspectives and experiences that may shed light on your unique assignment and help you navigate challenges along the way.

Act with Faith

Faith is essential, but it must be accompanied by action. As you discern your divine assignment, step out in faith to pursue it. James 2:17 reads , “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” Trust that God will guide and empower you to carry out the work He has prepared for you. And ensure your faith is expressed through meaningful actions that is aligned with your purpose.

Conclusion: Living a Purpose-Driven Life in Alignment with God’s Word

In conclusion, living a purpose-driven life isn’t about comparing yourself to others or competing with them. It’s about recognizing your unique role in God’s grand design, just as the television and washing machine serve distinct functions in the world of electronics.

By embracing your divine assignment, you not only find fulfillment and satisfaction but also bring glory to the One who lovingly created you. Your life becomes a testimony to God’s wisdom and grace, and you become a beacon of inspiration and guidance for others seeking their own purpose.

As you embark on this journey of purposeful living, remember that you are a unique creation, fashioned by the Divine Maker for a specific mission. It’s time to align your life with your divine assignment and fulfill your purpose, bringing glory to God and leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration and purpose for generations to come.

Shopping Cart

No products in the cart.

What Is a God-given Assignment?

by Daniel Bacon

Moving toward fulfilling the good work God has for us includes wisdom and action. Bacon offers guidelines for finding our way in the myriad of options.

Over the years of my missionary career there have been numerous times when leadership has suggested that I take on a new ministry assignment that involves a change in role, and in some instances, even a change in location. That inevitably sets in motion a period of heart searching, asking difficult questions without always finding answers, coupled sometimes with uncertainty, frustration, and anxiety before coming to a final decision.

I suspect that most of us have gone through this process. How do we really know when a proposed assignment is something God is ordering or something else? How do we recognize a God-given assignment? Keep in mind that some might even challenge the notion that God truly has assignments for us that we must discover and fulfill. Regardless, we need to think carefully about the answers to this key question as it may have a profound impact on our daily spiritual life and how we approach our ministries.

From the perspective of Ephesians 2:10 it is clear that God has prepared a path which is characterized by “good works” in which we should walk. In Hebrews 12:1, the writer exhorts us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” The idea is to run faithfully in the lane uniquely marked out for each of us. From our limited perspective, how then do we discern that path or identify the particular good works that God purposes for us? Let me suggest three approaches.

1. The “to-do list” approach. Some have argued that God’s call or assignments are very specific and can be determined through thoughtful prayer, scripture, and godly counsel. In other words, God reveals the where and the how through these time-honored means. Historically, Christians have been taught that God does indeed have good works or assignments for us individually as well as corporately. As a young believer, I was told that God had a specific plan for my life and I must discover it and then do it with all my heart if I were to fulfill my calling. My task was to find God’s “to-do list” for my life, and then at each junction pursue it.

2. The “godly wisdom” approach. Others see God as giving us freedom to make choices and believe that those very choices become the will of God for us as we seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. In other words, God has already revealed all that we need to know to live out the Christian life, and as long as we make decisions consistent with his revealed purposes and values in scripture, we are within God’s will.

Furthermore, this approach would add that God has given each of us a mix of natural abilities, acquired skills, and spiritual gifts, and that he expects us to live out our “gift mix” as good stewards. Thus, whatever task or “good work” we undertake doesn’t really matter in terms of being God’s will or call, but rather our main concern should be that it expresses his revealed purposes in scripture and is done in a way that brings glory to him. This is what is meant by exercising godly wisdom in choosing from among alternatives as we seek to glorify God in our lives. In effect, whenever I choose an assignment believing that it is a good and right thing to do, God, in his sovereign control and purposes, makes it my God-given assignment and ultimately works out his plan (Rom. 8:28).

I confess that I struggle to understand just how God guides. At times, doors open in a way that seems to shout, “Pay attention! This is your opportunity. Walk through it.” There are other times, however, when I feel as if I am totally on my own to make a decision and hear no voice whispering in my ear, “This is the way; walk in it.”

So how do we resolve the tension or polarity between these two views—between what seems a very personal and subjective approach (discover the list and do it) versus a very objective approach (exercise godly wisdom)? My own conviction is that resolution lies in a dynamic tension between the two. But just what do I mean by this?

3. The “partnership with God” approach. As I read scripture, and in particular passages that relate to God’s involvement with the believer in working out his sovereign purposes, I am persuaded that the process of guidance is more complex than we may think and grows out of a partnership with God rather than a simple “follow the directions” approach.

Passages such as 1 Corinthians 3:8 and 3:14-15 indicate that rewards will be given to a believer according to his or her own labor before the judgment seat of Christ. The expression “labor” seems to be referring to one’s unique contribution to the planting and building up of the Church. In other words, the focus is on one’s function and faithfulness in fulfilling that role rather than saying anything specific about where or in what setting we labor. We are rewarded then according to the quality of our contribution (gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, straw) as we operate within our general sphere of gifting or function. As the Apostle Paul puts it, “…as the Lord has assigned to each his task” (1 Cor. 3:5).

Furthermore, Paul describes us in 1 Corinthians 3:9 as God’s fellow workers—an amazing statement! He indicates that as workers we are privileged to serve in a partnership with God to accomplish his purposes. Again, in another setting, the Apostle Paul talks about this partnership in this way: “…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil. 2:13). In other words, God does not treat us merely as robots at the end of a remote control. Rather, there is a divine synergy between the Lord of the Harvest and each of us individually in working out his plan for our lives.

This synergy is further emphasized in 2 Thessalonians 1:11: “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” What is interesting here is to see the initiative seemingly coming from us to undertake a purpose or act. Then, after taking the first step in faith, we see God working in power to fulfill that act or purpose through us. Here then is the mystery of partnership with God. What has happened is that God worked in us at first (“to will and do of his good purpose”). In responding, we in turn take ownership of that burden and it becomes “our purpose” as well as God’s, and thus we see this reciprocal dynamic taking place.

I am persuaded that God will guide us, but the defining of any so-called "God-given assignment" is a process that includes us as well as the Lord. I believe that it is important for us to pray about what we should do, read scripture carefully to make sure our motives and overall values are in alignment, and seek godly counsel. But I also believe that we need to take more responsibility for our part in decision-making and believe that in the process God will be at work.

What then is the role of the subjective and the objective in the equation of discerning a God-given assignment or in receiving a call? In addressing this question I would like to touch upon two important factors and then outline some general guidelines.

Important Factors in Defining a God-given Assignment 1. Culture and environment. Part of the complication in defining how God guides our lives or in determining what constitutes a “God-given assignment” is our own cultural conditioning. Western or Postmodern cultures that put more emphasis on individual choice and freedom tend to emphasize the subjective side of guidance. In other words, the key questions would start with how you feel about the task: Are you convinced in your heart that it is the right thing to do? Do you have personal peace about the decision? What would bring you the greatest sense of fulfillment and use of your potential?

By contrast, traditional cultures which are more family-oriented and communitarian in their values and practices would tend to stress the objective side of guidance: What is expected by others? What is required or what is your duty? What would please or benefit the group most? Seldom heard is the oft-mentioned phrase so common in the West: “I don’t feel like it!”

2. The call. Inevitably, any discussion about guidance will bring up the matter of the call. Few questions come up as frequently or creates as much confusion in Christian circles as the whole matter of the “call”—whether to a place, ministry, or task. However, what does it really mean and how does one really know if he or she is called by God? When am I “free to just choose” and when must I have a “call”?

The Greek word kaleo, usually translated “call,” occurs 148 times in the New Testament with an additional 70 times in related terms. The predominant use of the term is in reference to God’s calling of individuals to salvation and to a quality of life as a Christian. Thus, we could describe this as God’s general call to all believers.

At the same time there is another use of the term as found in Romans 1:1 and 1 Corinthians 1:1, which describes a call to a unique role or function. Paul saw himself as an apostle, called and appointed by the will of God (Eph. 3:7). Related to his function as an apostle, he then viewed his service as an outworking of that call or function (Acts 13:2; 16:9). Thus, we are all called to salvation and a Christian walk worthy of that calling (Eph. 4:1). Beyond that, however, some are called to a kind of ministry or task as Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2. The focus of a call, then, is on the function more than the where and how.

It is important to note that the only time geography is used in relation to a call in the New Testament is in Acts 16:10. Beyond that there is no other reference to Paul being called out from Macedonia to some other location or ministry task similar to the way he was called to Macedonia. Why geographical direction was given here but apparently not elsewhere is not clear, but perhaps there was something special about the circumstances. Therefore, we need to exercise caution in demanding a geographic call before determining our direction. Furthermore, there is no record of any individual in the Book of Acts being accepted or rejected on Paul’s apostolic mission band because of a personal call. Also, the term is never referred to as a requirement in the list of qualifications for church leadership in 1 Timothy 3 or Titus 1.

What do we mean then by the call? For many, the traditional use relates to a feeling or conviction that someone should be in a particular country or in a certain kind of ministry and undertake a specific task. The call is frequently tied to God’s guidance for special service, usually in the cross-cultural sense or to the staff of a local church. One should never go out without one, nor accept a position without one, for that would be inviting trouble. Ignoring the call would be disobedient and result in serious consequences and loss. The call usually comes through the formula of the word, prayer, and circumstances.

On the other hand, a number of Bible teachers or mission leaders question the biblical validity of a special missionary call. They stress that scripture’s commands to go and make disciples are evident, and extraordinary guidance of a subjective nature is unnecessary. Rather, the emphasis should be on a person’s suitability and availability to respond to given needs or opportunities. If those are in tandem from an objective standpoint, the person should move ahead even without a “feeling” of being called.

Many, however, use the term “call” in a generic sense, synonymous with God’s guidance, including both subjective and objective factors. Although in this system an individual’s convictions are given consideration, responsibility for assessing suitability is not ignored. If the qualifications are lacking, the church or mission agency usually discourages candidacy, regardless of the person’s subjective feelings.

The following guidelines may help steer our thinking through this important decision-making process of discerning a God-given assignment.

Assignments that apply to all. Every believer has been called to a relationship with God and to a quality of life that honors him in every aspect of daily life. As Paul reminds us, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Eph. 4:1). This is the will of God for each of us, regardless of where we live or what our individual roles might be. Jerry Sittser adds this practical note:

The will of God concerns the present more than the future. It deals with our motives as well as our actions. It focuses on the little decisions we make about the future. The only time we really have to know and to do God’s will is the present moment. We are to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength, and we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. These are the basic responsibilities Jesus challenges us to pay attention to… (2000, 29)

Assignments that express our unique giftedness and basic function in the Body of Christ. Scripture makes clear that what God has equipped us with as believers (natural abilities, acquired skills, spiritual gifts) should give direction to our primary service and assignments. Peter states it simply when he exhorts, “Each one should use whatever spiritual gift he has received to serve others, faithfully ministering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Pet. 4:10). There is a sense in which all of us are called to serve—to do the necessary things at times, regardless of whether or not we feel that it matches our training or giftedness. However, as a general rule, God expects us to take on tasks or accept assignments that enable us to best utilize our giftedness.

In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds us that God has given gifted people to serve within the body and to reach out to the world. These gifted people are called apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Each of these gifted people is called to fulfill a certain function. What is stressed is not the specific location or organization within which they might serve, but rather the nature of their unique roles. As one reads through Paul’s journeys in Acts, we see frequent changes in place, circumstances, and assignments. And yet the thread of continuity in all of Paul’s ministry settings was the unique role he fulfilled as a gifted apostle, teacher, and pastor.

Sittser clarifies the importance of distinguishing between our basic calling and our careers (2000, 63). Sometimes we confuse our God-given function with any specific job description, role, or career. We think that God calls us to a career (e.g., missionary, doctor, engineer), but fail to understand that within any vocation we are called to a basic function which flows out of what God has equipped and gifted us for (e.g., evangelist, pastor, teacher, encourager).

Assignments that respond to needs and opportunities. The New Testament is replete with exhortations for God’s people to engage in “good works” (e.g., 2 Cor. 9:8; Gal. 6:9-10; Eph. 2:10; Titus 2:7, 14). The theme running throughout these texts is that each of us is to respond to needs and opportunities for doing good; by doing so, we are fulfilling God’s redemptive purpose or calling for us.

Thus within these broad parameters of God’s clearly revealed will, each of us takes on various assignments that reflect God’s purposes. I really don’t need to pray about whether or not I should love my neighbor or seek to serve within the local church. God has already spoken about these duties. In my daily priorities and choices, any action or response that flows naturally from life’s circumstances or demands and looks like, smells like, and talks like a good work, becomes a God-given assignment to me at that point. Whatever best expresses the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) in a situation automatically qualifies as God’s assignment and thus God’s call or will for me.

There are innumerable potential good works that theoretically could be considered divine assignments. The key issue, however, is not to be unduly concerned over which should be mine or yours, but to start from the perspective of what are the needs or opportunities that I’m uniquely equipped to undertake or have the reasonable opportunity to meet.

Assignments that come from a God-given burden or concern. There is strong biblical evidence that God also works in our hearts so that a vision, burden, or concern to meet a need begins to emerge and gives us a conviction that there is something we need to do. Paul reminds us that “…it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil. 2:13).

Titus is an interesting case study. At one point, Paul asks Titus to go to Corinth to assist in the pastoral care and development of this important local church. Using his apostolic authority, Paul could have ordered Titus to go and likely he would have. Paul was not adverse to issuing orders to fellow workers such as Titus in other settings (see Titus 1:5). But instead we read, “I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative” (2 Cor. 8:16-17).

It is interesting that most ministry visions flow out of a desire to meet a need or solve a problem. Seldom does a vision come from a vacuum. History is filled with stories of God’s servants seeing a need, and feeling within a growing desire or burden to do something about it. Hudson Taylor saw one million souls a month perishing without Christ in China, and the burden to help is what drove him to start the China Inland Mission in 1865.

God has called us to partnership in his work in this world. It would seem that as we walk with God, from time to time he brings to our awareness a situation that cries for help. We are confronted and begin to feel in our heart of hearts that this should not be. It becomes a cry or protest against the status quo. That kind of a conviction would strongly indicate a God-given assignment.

Assignments that come from organizational requirements. When we are a part of an organization as an employee or volunteer, then scripture makes clear that work-related assignments are in reality God-given assignments. Paul reminds slaves in Ephesians 6:7, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is a slave or free.”

When we are serving under authority, we are told to see our tasks not just as menial or mundane jobs to be done, but rather as acts of service to God. How much more so when we are serving within a Christian organization or as part of a ministry team. Tasks then that come to us from the team need to be seen as God-given assignments and solicit from within us a wholehearted commitment to contribute as best we can.

Summary In the end, we are all called to walk by faith and not by sight. We desperately want to get things right and thus, at times, want “absolute proof” of what God is asking or calling us to do. However, each of us needs to take a final step of faith even after we have done all to discern God’s will with respect to a proposed assignment. Ultimately, we are to trust not in our guidance, but in the God who guides (Ps. 48:14).

Reference Sittser, Jerry. 2000. Discovering God’s Will: How to Make Every Decision with Peace and Confidence . Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan.

Having served in Japan and Singapore, and as U.S. national director for OMF International, Daniel Bacon has focused on leader development among OMF personnel and consulting with other ministries. Daniel has a DMiss from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

EMQ, Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 60-66. Copyright © 2011 Evangelism and Missions Information Service (EMIS). All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced or copied in any form without written permission from EMIS.

Welcoming the Stranger

Presenter: Matthew Soerens, US Director of Church Mobilization, World Relief Description: Refugee and immigration issues have dominated headlines globally recently. While many American Christians view these…

Mapping Church Missions: A Compass for Ministry Strategy

Description: The terrain of church missions is often bewildering. Should we prioritize evangelism or works of service?

Identity, Security, and Community

By Dick Brogden Jeddah, KSA. November 2019 Synopsis: God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). It is…

From Unhealthy Dependency To Local Sustainability

Presented by: Jean A. Johnson, Executive Director of Five Stones Global Description: It takes a great amount of intentionality to create a culture of dignity,…

The Roles of Church and Mission in Crisis Management: Overlap? Competition? Cooperation?

Description: This webinar will look at the issues churches and missions face in responding to crises on the field. How do they cooperate and communicate…

Upcoming Events

Gateway to the unreached, international day for the unreached, virtual prayer gathering: call to prayer, video storytelling for missions, mission agency consultation | denver, co.

There was a problem reporting this post.

Block Member?

Please confirm you want to block this member.

You will no longer be able to:

See blocked member's posts
Mention this member in posts
Invite this member to groups
Message this member
Add this member as a connection

Please note: This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin. Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.

Preparing for God-Given Assignments

RSS this blog
Contributors

Originally published Monday, 16 July 2018.

www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org

At this time, do you think or believe that God has given you an assignment? If so, what is it? Are you preparing for it? And in what ways? That’s what I’m going to help you focus on this week from a biblical and practical perspective. So, let’s get started.

For starters, there were many in the Bible we can quickly trace back to such as Noah who was given the assignment of building the ark. Moses who was given the huge task of leading millions of the Israelites out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Joshua who was given the torch to bring them into the Promised Land. Esther who was chosen to be a queen for such a time to save her people from annihilation. Nehemiah who was heavily passionate and burdened with the task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. And the disciples, as well as the Apostle Paul with carrying out the Great Commission to all the nations and spreading the gospel ( we also have this assignment).

So, has God given you any assignments?

As I thought and prayed about this post, the Lord impressed upon my heart to write specifically about understanding the importance of assignments, who they affect, how we should prepare ourselves for them, and why we do them in the first place. Before I go deeper, just know that any assignment God gives you should be taken seriously and with a confident trust that He will show up and be there to help and lead you by His Spirit. And guess what, no matter what it looks like or how it turns out in your eyes, God’s plans never fail. Remember that.

When you look back at his track record - the ark was built. Moses did lead the people out of Egypt. Joshua successfully lead them into the Promised Land. Esther boldly saved her people from annihilation. Nehemiah and his team did finish rebuilding the wall. The disciples, as well as the Apostle Paul kept the faith and finished the race at all cost. Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:1-2, “I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God’s plan laid out in the message of life by Jesus.” (MSG). Amen! You see, in all of these successfully completed assignments, God’s plan prevailed.

So, when God gives you an assignment, it’s very important to stay close to Him through prayer and His word for direction. He may even send Spirit-led messengers, volunteers, or instruct you to create a team to assist you. The key is following His divine provision step by step. Trust me. He knows how to get the job done, successfully .

And listen. In your lifetime sis, there will be many assignments given. If you’re a mother, you have the assignment of not only nurturing your kid or kids, but also teaching and training them godly ways and the Word. If you’re a wife, you have the assignment of being a loving, respectful and submissive wife who comes alongside her husband to help him fulfill his God-given assignment. You two are a team.

But also, if you work on the job, you’ll have many natural assignments. You’ll also have the task of being a light even on the dark or hard days. Your co-workers or fellow co-laborers will need encouragement by you and to see Jesus working through you by the way you carry yourself as a Christian. And you and I both have the assignment of helping to fulfill the Great Commission.

Assignments come in big and small packages. Our job is to unwrap them, accept them, and trust that our good Lord will help us carry them out well with the gifts He has so graciously given to us by His Spirit.

So lastly, I’ll ask one more time. Do you have a God-given assignment? Do you have something that you need to work on specifically this week? If so, prepare yourself accordingly. Break out a pen and pad, and start writing ideas down. Or open up a fresh screen on your computer and do some research about how to do what it is that you need to do. Make a list. Plan your week out early. Ultimately, you and God know what it all entails to get the job done and to get it done right and on time.

Don’t forget to pray, watch for His direction, listen for His voice and messengers, and be diligent in working towards completing your assignment. And make sure to give Him all the glory when it’s all said and done. I echo the words of the Apostle Paul from Philippians 1:6, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out !

QUESTION: Do you have a God-given assignment that He has called you to be all in on? How can you prepare for it? Also, if you need prayer, you can email me directly @ [email protected] . I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.

ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here .

*Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts, “Like” my Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye ), and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye . Also, share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!

Popular Today

The Significance of Second-Season Motherhood

Featured Essay The Love of God An essay by Sam Storms Read Now
Faithfulness of God
Saving Grace
Adoption by God

U.S. Edition

Arts & Culture
Bible & Theology
Christian Living
Current Events
Faith & Work
As In Heaven
Gospelbound
Post-Christianity?
TGC Podcast
You're Not Crazy
Churches Planting Churches
Help Me Teach The Bible
Word Of The Week
Upcoming Events
Past Conference Media
Foundation Documents
Church Directory
Global Resourcing
Donate to TGC

To All The World

The world is a confusing place right now. We believe that faithful proclamation of the gospel is what our hostile and disoriented world needs. Do you believe that too? Help TGC bring biblical wisdom to the confusing issues across the world by making a gift to our international work.

Your Job Is God’s Assignment

Tbt with every square inch: reading the classics.

More By John Piper

TBT (Throwback Thursday) with Every Square Inch: Reading the Classics is a weekly column that publishes some of the best writings on vocation from the past. Our hope is to introduce you to thoughtful literature that you may not have yet discovered and, as always, to encourage you to know and love Christ more in all spheres of your life. This excerpt is adapted from “Your Job as Ministry” by John Piper. Copyright © 1981. Used by permission of Desiring God, www.desiringgod.org .

On Sunday, June 14, 1981, John Piper preached on 1 Corinthians 7:17–24, which begins, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him” (1 Cor. 7:17). The point of Piper’s message , he said, could be stated as a declaration and as a prayer:

As a declaration it would be: How you fulfill the demands of your vocation is an essential part of Christian discipleship. Or to put it another way: How you do your job is a big part of your obedience to Jesus. Stated as a prayer, the main point today is: Father, grant to us all the grace to be conscious of your presence at our work and to obey your commands in all our vocational relationships.

He then explained how that declaration and prayer related to Paul’s letter to the churches in Corinth. He concluded his sermon by offering four helpful and practical implications for our work. [To read and/or listen to the sermon in its entirety, click here .]

First, God is much more concerned with the way you do the job you now have than he is with whether you get a new job. We have in this congregation nurses, teachers, carpenters, artists, secretaries, bookkeepers, lawyers, receptionists, accountants, social workers, repairmen of various sorts, engineers, office managers, waitresses, plumbers, salesmen, security guards, doctors, military personnel, counselors, bankers, police officers, decorators, musicians, architects, painters, house cleaners, school administrators, housewives, missionaries, pastors, cabinet makers, and many more. And we all need to hear that what lies most on the heart of God is not whether we move from one to the other, but whether in our present work we are enjoying God’s promised presence and obeying his commands in the way we do our work.

Second, as we have seen, the command to stay in the calling in which you were when converted is not absolute. It does not condemn all job changes. We know this not only because of the exceptions Paul allowed to his principle here in 1 Corinthians 7 (cf. verse 15), but also because Scripture depicts and approves such changes. There is provision for freeing slaves in the Old Testament, and we are familiar with a tax collector who became a preacher and fishermen who became missionaries. Besides this, we know that there are some jobs in which you could not stay and obey God’s commands: for example, prostitution, numerous forms of indecent and corrupting entertainment, and others in which you may be forced to exploit people.

Paul is not saying that professional thieves or Corinthian cult prostitutes should stay in the calling in which they were called. The question at Corinth was: When we come to Christ, what should we abandon? And Paul’s answer is: You don’t need to abandon your vocation if you can stay in it with God. His concern is not to condemn job changes, but to teach that you can have fulfillment in Christ whatever your job is. This is unfashionable teaching in contemporary Western society, because it cuts the nerve of worldly ambition. We need to think long and hard about whether what we communicate to our children about success is biblical or just American. The word of God for all us “success seekers” is this: Take all that ambition and drive that you are pouring into your upward mobility and pour it instead into a spiritual zeal to cultivate an enjoyment of God’s presence and obedience to his revealed will in Scripture.

Third, for you younger people who have not yet entered a profession, the implication of our text is this: When you ask yourself the question, What is God’s will for my life? you should give the resounding answer: His will is that I maintain close fellowship with him and devote myself to obeying his commandments . God’s revealed will for you (the only will you are responsible to obey) is your sanctification ( 1 Thessalonians 4:3 ), not your vocation. Devote yourself to that with all your heart, and take whatever job you want. I have no doubt that, if all our young people are bending every effort to stay close to God and to obey the commands of Scripture, God will distribute them in the world exactly where he wants their influence for him.

Fourth, and finally, this text implies that the job you now have, as long as you are there, is God’s assignment to you. Verse 17 says, “Let everyone lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him.” God is sovereign. It is no accident that you are where you are. “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” ( Proverbs 16:9 ). “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established” ( Proverbs 19:21 ). “The lot is cast in the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord” ( Proverbs 16:33 ).

You are where you are by divine assignment, even if you got there by fraud. Your job is your ministerial assignment, just as much as mine is. How you fulfill the demands of that job is just as essential in life as what you do here on Sunday. For many of us that may mean turning over a new leaf tomorrow morning. Let’s all pray before we set out to work: “God, go with me today and keep me conscious of your presence. Encourage my heart when I tend to despair, and humble me when I tend to boast. O God, give me the grace to obey your commandments, which I know are all summed up in this, to love my neighbor as myself. Amen.”

Is there enough evidence for us to believe the Gospels?

John Piper (BA, Wheaton College; BD, Fuller Theological Seminary; ThD, University of Munich) serves as founder and lead teacher at Desiring God and is chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary . For 33 years, Piper served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, and he is a Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He has authored more than 50 books, and more than 30 years of his preaching and writing are available free of charge at desiringGod.org .

Now Trending

1 can i tell an unbeliever ‘jesus died for you’, 2 the faqs: southern baptists debate designation of women in ministry, 3 7 recommendations from my book stack, 4 artemis can’t undermine complementarianism, 5 ‘girls state’ highlights abortion’s role in growing gender divide.

The 11 Beliefs You Should Know about Jehovah’s Witnesses When They Knock at the Door

Here are the key beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses—and what the Bible really teaches instead.

8 Edifying Films to Watch This Spring

Easter Week in Real Time

Resurrected Saints and Matthew’s Weirdest Passage

I Believe in the Death of Julius Caesar and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Does 1 Peter 3:19 Teach That Jesus Preached in Hell?

The Plays C. S. Lewis Read Every Year for Holy Week

Latest Episodes

Lessons on evangelism from an unlikely evangelist.

Welcome and Witness: How to Reach Out in a Secular Age

How to Build Gospel Culture: A Q&A Conversation

Examining the Current and Future State of the Global Church

Trevin Wax on Reconstructing Faith

Gaming Alone: Helping the Generation of Young Men Captivated and Isolated by Video Games

Raise Your Kids to Know Their True Identity

Faith & Work: How Do I Glorify God Even When My Work Seems Meaningless?

Let’s Talk (Live): Growing in Gratitude

Getting Rid of Your Fear of the Book of Revelation

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places: A Sermon from Julius Kim

Artwork for the Acts 29 Churches Planting Churches Podcast

Introducing The Acts 29 Podcast

Devotionals
Wisdom Library
Join 100,000+ on the daily pursuit of wisdom. *

February 7, 2023

Your god-given assignment matters.

Written by Shana Schutte

“ God doesn’t give His children assignments that are unimportant.”

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 7, 2023

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

I once heard Pastor Rick Warren say, “You have an assignment from God himself. Once you’re in the family, your life changes. You have a new reason for living. Your life isn’t about you anymore; it’s about God’s mission.”

If I’m honest, there are times in life when I haven’t liked the assignment God has given me as a creative encourager. I haven’t appreciated my gifts and there are times I haven’t been grateful for them. I have—in ignorance and foolishness—looked at others as if they had gotten a better slice of the “assignment” pie because their gifts and placement in life seemed to have more value, meaning, and significance.

And, when others close to me haven’t appreciated the assignment God has given me or even cared to know about it, I’ve felt like I got short-changed when God handed out the good works we would do.

If you can relate to feeling as if you would like your assignment better if you were doing something else, here are some words to encourage you:

God is the only one who can tell you if your assignment has value and meaning. Your family cannot tell you if it has value. Your pastor cannot tell you if it has value. Your best friend cannot tell you if it has value. Even you cannot determine if it has value. God is the only one who can determine if it has value and if you are making an impact, because God is the one who gives the assignments, and He assigns value to the assignments.

You must look at the assignment God has given you through the lens of eternity because all His plans affect eternity. You must look past here and now to consider how your assignment will ripple into the hereafter. You may see your assignment as small or insignificant. You may even think you have been cheated.

But could it be that your assignment from the Lord is more significant and more purposeful, more sacred, and more holy than you could possibly imagine? Could it be, that through your assignment the eternal destinies of a myriad of people will be changed because you’re faithful to your assignment? Could it be that you will not see the impact of your assignment until you enter your heavenly home?

Don’t count your assignment as insignificant or measure its value through a temporal lens, for then you will not see clearly. Look at it through the eyes of God who doesn’t waste the impact of one person whom He has created. All His children have important assignments—all of them. There is not one person who doesn’t matter—including you.

The grace of God, and His unmerited favor teaches us that every God-given assignment is important because we are daughters, we are sons, and God doesn’t give His children assignments that are unimportant.

“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being” ( Galatians 1:15-16 ).

Lord, I may not always be able to see the impact of the assignment you have given me. I may not be able to see the impact of my gifts. But I must trust that you have made me how you have made me for a reason and all you make is good. I trust you with the outcome of the good works you have given me to do. My only job is to be faithful. I praise you, Jesus. Amen.

Application

Choose one sentence that stood out to you from this devotional. Write it on a sticky note and meditate on it today.

Honoring Our Mothers

“Your mother isn’t looking for a big or expensive gift. She yearns for the gift of your presence most.” Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 12, 2024 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long [...]

May 11, 2024

I Want What You Want

“Whatever Jesus wills for us is what is best for us.” Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 11, 2024 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. Mark 10:51a, NIV Throughout the Gospels, we frequently encounter Jesus putting a simple yet profound question before people he encounters, simply asking, [...]

May 10, 2024

Fruit of Kindness

“Kindness validates a friend’s feelings without prescribing solutions.” Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 10, 2024 The fruit of the Spirit is kindness. Galatians 5:22 For Christians, kindness comes from the Holy Spirit’s inner work of compassion, which expresses itself in outward deeds. Random acts of kindness are divine encounters wrought to [...]

The Importance of Discovering Your Assignment Sample

Since the formation of an international marketplace ministry, Kingdom Investors in 2007, I have had hundreds of interactions with Christian businesspeople who seem to be failing, stalling, or not multiplying in their businesses. I came to the realization that there is an overriding problem whereby people do not understand how to engage in their God-given assignment. As a result, businesses are distressed, and Christians are not experiencing the Lord’s favour.

It should be every person’s desire to find out what God specifically put them on earth to do and after this realization, get on with doing it.

It is important to stress that an assignment is specific, unique, and applies to every person. Your assignment is simply what God wants you to do. Age is not a limiting factor, for everyone has a job to do for the Kingdom!

For example, there are multitudes of stories where biblical identities receive instructions from God relating to their assignment. For Noah, there was a flood coming, so he was instructed to build an ark. For Joseph, there was a famine coming, so he was instructed to get God’s people into Egypt. For Moses, there was an emancipation coming, so he was instructed to get to the Promised Land. For Esther, there was a genocide coming, so she was instructed to make a supplication to the King.

I have always observed that God will apply His favour on a person’s life after they wholeheartedly commit to their assignment. This is because favour goes with the assignment, not the individual. If your assignment is to work in the marketplace, seeking to do this by God’s will and way gives you opportunity to propel your business to supernatural growth and opportunities. You will no longer be tempted by enticing deals sent by the enemy as a ruse to distract you, because you will be able to identify that this contradicts your Kingdom assignment.

I hope that by the end of this Bible plan, you will have a deeper revelation around what the Lord has instructed you to do and then commit wholeheartedly to outworking this.

Psalms 139:13

Ephesians 2:10

About this Plan

The Importance of Discovering Your Assignment

You were born because something had to be done that required your existence. In this four-day plan, you will learn how to discover and activate your unique assignment from God. If you live by following God’s will and way ...

We would like to thank Kingdom Initiatives for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.kingdominitiatives.au/

Related Plans

The Secret to Attracting the Favor of the Lord

Prayer: A Powerful Business Strategy

3 Keys to Fulfilling Your Divine Purpose

Mile Markers

Break Trail

Singing in Babylon: Finding Purpose in Life's Second Choices

Unfair Advantage

Up! We Will Elevate (Week 6)

A Way In The Wilderness

Seven Marks of a Disciple

YouVersion uses cookies to personalize your experience. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies as described in our Privacy Policy

Mother's Day Messages

Knowing Your Specific Assignment In Life (Part 1)
View on one page
Download Sermon Slides
Download Sermon Graphics
Download (PDF)
Download Sermon (Word Doc)
Copy sermon

Knowing Your Specific Assignment In Life (Part 1) Series

Contributed by jeff budzinski on oct 18, 2006 (message contributor).

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Summary: We all have a specific assignment from God when we became a Christian. We must uncover what are assignment is, how to complete it with God’s help and be a blessing to the Body of Christ.

Introduction

· God has a specific assignment for each Born Again Believer.

· God has laid out a road map for you to be successful in His plans.

· He has given you His Holy Spirit to guide you to your divine destination.

· The only way to be sure of completing your assignment is through constant fellowship with God (Secret Place).

· Seeking the Lord in prayer, meditation on the Word of God and by fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit, you will discover the assignment of God for your life.

· Let us look to the scriptures this morning to find out our assignment.

A. God has a specific assignment for your life.

(NKJV) Jeremiah 29 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

(AMP) Jeremiah 29 11For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

1. God has already placed a specific assignment in your life that only you can accomplish with His help.

a. It is your job to discover that assignment.

2. Your assignment or plans can be found in studying the Word of God.

a. God’s thoughts toward you and His plans for your life are for good and not evil. They are to prosper you!

b. God’s assignment for you will not fail when you do it His way.

c. God has laid out a detailed plan for you to complete your assignment. Seek Him and He will reveal it to you.

d. God is concerned about your welfare and your peace of mind.

B. You are predestined to do good works & complete your assignment.

(AMP) Ephesians 2 10For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

1. It is up to you to make sure you locate the path for your life.

a. Studying and meditation on the Word is key.

2. You are created in the image of Jesus Christ, God’s handiwork. You are created to win in life.

3. Follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit at all times. He will direct your steps.

4. When the Holy Spirit speaks to you, do what He say immediately. Do not delay or you will be steered off course.

a. When the Holy Spirit speaks, you will know that it is God directing you.

(NKJV) Ephesians 3 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

5. When you communicate with the Holy Spirit, He will reveal the secrets or mysteries of God to you. This allows you to complete your assignment.

6. Revelation knowledge is revealed knowledge by the Spirit of God.

7. Revelation knowledge will always line up with the Word of God.

a. The Holy Spirit will reveal secrets when you spend a considerable amount of time with Him.

b. God’s sheep know His voice.

i. Like a parent knows the voice of his or her child, we as children of God, will know His voice when we spend time fellowshipping with Him daily.

c. When your thoughts line up with the Word of God, you will have great results in life.

8. God will guide you on your assignment by giving you insight.

C. Keeping your course as you perform your assignment.

1. God gave you His spirit so that you can know Him better and keep on course to complete your assignment.

2. God requires you to be a good steward over the revelation knowledge He gives you.

3. Ask God to reveal things to you. Be persistent in your asking.

4. Speaking in tongues enable you to communicate directly with God.

Related Media

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 14 , 1 Corinthians 2 , Ephesians 2 , Ephesians 3 , Jeremiah 29 , Jeremiah 29:11

Sermon Topics: Becoming A Christian

Neiko Jones

commented on Aug 13, 2017

This sermon was timely and helpful. Our pastor gave us the assignment of finding a scripture and discovering what our assignment is in life and the church. I will used the information in learned in this sermon to study and discover. Thanks and God bless!

Post Reply Cancel

Your Viewing History

Clear & Biblical Preaching
Try PRO Free

Popular Preaching Resources

New Sermon Series Now Available

Everything you need for your next series

AI Sermon Generator

Generate sermon ideas with a safe, secure tool for solid preaching.

Biblical Sermon Calendar

Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching

Sermon Research Assistant

Free custom sermon in 5-10 minutes!

Topical Sermon Calendar

Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year

Sermon Kits for Preaching

I Desire Mercy Not Sacrifice

Experiencing the mercy of God in our lives

Ready & Faithful

Looking to Jesus for help now and hope in the future

Why Suffering?

Help your church understand God's plan in pain

To start saving items to a SermonFolder, please create an account.

We all have a specific assignment from God when we became a Christian. We must uncover what are assignment is, how to complete it with God’s help and be a blessing to the Body of Christ.

To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account

Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Creating your slides…

Creating your graphics…, creating your word document….

📬 Sign Up for Our Amazing Newsletter!

Get our latest updates, including live webinars, give aways and exclusive content right into your inbox!

What Is My Assignment From God?

hat is my assignment from God? This is a question that many resonate with because God has given each one of us a direct assignment. When many in the body of Christ think of their God-given assignment, they make the mistake to understand it on a broad level that feels unreachable. As we will unpack today, an assignment is something that God uses to start us on the path of our destiny.

After Jesus had risen from the dead, and spent 40 days walking with his disciples, He gave them disciples an amazing assignment.

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20)

The disciples were given a direct assignment from Jesus to go and to “make disciples of all nations.” How were they to go about accomplishing this assignment? By “teaching them to obey everything” Jesus had taught them. This assignment is known today as the great commission. Why did Jesus give them this assignment?

It is in the Father’s heart for His children to partner with Him. In the beginning, Adam co-labored with God in stewarding the garden of Eden (see Genesis 2:15 ). This assignment was given so that Adam could discover God’s heart and love for the earth. Today, in the same way, God gives His children unique assignments to carry out so that they can release the love of God on the earth.

Jesus Modeled The Perfect Assignment

When Jesus walked the earth, he modeled the perfect assignment. As one reads the Gospels, they understand Jesus had a clear mission - to usher the kingdom of heaven into the earth. This mission released various assignments from God to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 makes this assignment clear. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

As Jesus modeled the perfect assignment, he invited others to share in this responsibility. Many times, after healing the sick or performing a sign to inaugurate the kingdom of God, he would release the recipients with a direct assignment.

“Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)

When the woman who was caught in adultery was brought to Jesus, she discovered something she never expected. In the aftermath of being forgiven and unjudged by the Son of God, he gave her a direct command, “Go and sin no more.”

In order to release her into her God-given destiny, Jesus commanded her to walk away from her former life and to follow the direction of Jesus. By her sinning no more and obeying the word of God, she would be released to walk in a manner that she had never once walked in before.

Assignments Fulfill Our Purpose

When we discover our assignments from God, we partner with Him into his divine plans for our lives. The book of Jeremiah speaks to the intentions of God’s plans over us.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God has a plan for our lives. These divine plans are rooted in our welfare and give us a wonderful hope and a future. Although this is an amazing promise in scripture, when many read this verse they forget that it is a conditional promise, according to the preceding verses.

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

After God reveals to us His divine plans, He gives us a direct assignment. Those that embark upon His plans of welfare must take on the assignment to seek Him with all of their heart. By obeying this command, one embarks upon the road of their own destiny.

This passage of scripture makes it clear, the path of our purpose is found by saying yes to our God-given assignments. Saying yes to God’s assignment allows His purpose to begin working in your life. When Jesus called his first disciples, he gave them clear assignments to propel them into their future.

“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

Jesus could of stop after his initial calling of “follow me”, but he didn’t. Why? Because Jesus wasn’t looking for followers alone, he was looking for co-labors in the kingdom of heaven. Just as God gave Adam tasks to steward the garden, so Jesus gave his disciples tasks to steward the kingdom of God.

Jesus didn’t ask the first disciples to just simply follow him, he gave them an assignment, “to become fishers of men.” This assignment set them on the path of their destiny. Years later, the disciples would produce the first fruits of the great commission by spreading the gospel around the modern world. Imagine if Jesus would have never given them an assignment, could they have taken on their destiny?

God gives us assignments to steward His divine purpose for our life. Sometimes, His assignments make no sense to us at first (think of Noah), but we must obey them. Obedience releases a grace of faith that unlocks our destiny and fulfills our assignment.

Today, know this - God has called you and has a plan for your life. The Lord has assigned an amazing purpose for you. It can only be unlocked through your response to His assignments and developed over the course of your own spiritual life. One thing is certain, His assignments are meant to fulfill the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer ,

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

Kyle Echols

The christian work ethic: unlocking the power of diligence, finding redemption: will god forgive me for watching bad things, is baptism a one-time event or can you get baptized twice, conditional love: exploring its meaning from a christian perspective, join our newsletter and get the latest posts to your inbox, are demons fallen angels, walking on water with jesus: unveiling the identity of the brave disciple, unveiling the deeper significance of pentecost: a divine encounter, sponsored song.

There is More Posts

The millennium: exploring who will be on earth during the 1,000-year reign, understanding affliction in the christian context: a biblical exploration, unveiling theophilus: exploring the enigmatic figure in the bible, decoding the taboo: why 'hell' is more than a four-letter word, heavenly creatures: do animals go to heaven, exploring muslim beliefs: do muslims believe in jesus christ.

Direction for Finding Your Spiritual Gifts

David Francis

January 15, 2018

All of us have experienced receiving a gift that we didn't know what to do with. We would rather receive gifts that are both a heartfelt gesture and truly beneficial to us. There is a gift that truly fits that. It's not a gift you have to request or put on a wish list. In fact, it's a gift you've already received. It's a spiritual gift.

If you know exactly how God has gifted you and you're actively using those gifts in your ministry — great. For the rest of us though ... If you're not sure how God has gifted you or how you can use your gift in ministry, you're not alone. Read on for a brief overview of the spiritual gifts and consider how God could be using you in His kingdom.

A Spiritual Gift Is ...

A spiritual gift is a "God-given assignment, capacity, and desire to perform a function within the body of Christ with supernatural joy, energy, and effectiveness."

Let's take a closer look at each part of that definition.

A God-given Assignment, Capacity, and Desire

God chooses your gift(s). He alone decides. He doesn't give you a "gift card" so you can pick the ones you want. You don't get to choose your gift. You can only choose to "unwrap" your gift and use it. The good news is that you don't have to earn your gift either!

Charisma (plural charismata, from which we get charismatic) is the main Greek word translated spiritual gift or gift in the New Testament. Its root word is charis, which means "grace." That's why some people prefer to call them "grace gifts." You don't even have to ask God for your gift! Of course, you should pray that He will reveal your gift to you. The day you put your trust in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit took up residence within you along with the gift(s) God had predetermined for you. This spiritual birthday present is indicative of what God wants to accomplish through your new life. It's your assignment.

With your assignment, God gives you the capacity to develop your gift. Some people define spiritual gifts as God-given "ability." I prefer the word capacity because it suggests room for growth and improvement.

Along with your gift(s) will also come a divinely inspired desire to exercise that gift. As you begin to apply your spiritual gift, your motivation will become more and more "want to" rather than "ought to" or "have to!"

To Perform a Function within the Body of Christ

Ephesians 4:12 declares that God gave gifts "for the training of the saints in the work of ministry." They are standard equipment, not accessories. In Ephesians 4:12, training means "to prepare." But the same Greek word can also describe an action done to repair. It is the word used to describe the mending and preparation of a fisherman's nets (Matt. 4:21) and the restoration of a relationship gone bad (Gal. 6:1).

Ephesians 4:12 continues, "to build up the body of Christ." Spiritual gifts should benefit the body of Christ. They should never be used in such a way as to bring discredit on the church. That is why the exercise of spiritual gifts is subject to the supervision and approval of the church and its leaders. Paul reminded Timothy that he and the elders had officially recognized Timothy's gift and commissioned him to use it as their representative. They confirmed the gifts they saw at work in Timothy's life and commissioned him to use them (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6).

At the close of his extensive teaching on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul wrote, "But desire the greater gifts" (1 Cor. 12:31).

The verb Paul used is plural. This is not a command to individuals to seek certain gifts for themselves but to the church collectively to desire all that is best for the body of Christ. God wants us to identify spiritual gifts in others, especially those gifts with great impact in His kingdom.

With Supernatural Joy, Energy, and Effectiveness

At the root of the word charis (grace) is char, which means "joy." When you discover your spiritual gift and put it to work in a ministry, you should experience a deep sense of joy. You could call spiritual gifts "joy gifts" as well as "grace gifts."

The word translated activities could also be translated "effects" or "results." You can see the English word energy in the Greek word energemata. When you exercise your spiritual gift, God provides the energy and takes care of the results. Spiritual gifts are not intended by God for you to do "busy work." They are intended to produce meaningful, purposeful results.

Most Christians long to experience a sense of call, a capacity to contribute, and an inner feeling of joy, power, and purpose. That's what is in store for those who will discover their spiritual gift and use it!

Don't worry too much about figuring out what specific gift God has given you before you start doing something. The idea is to zero in on your gift as closely as you can. Then experiment! Take on a ministry responsibility in your church where that gift can add value. Work hard. Get training to develop your gift. Observe other people who exhibit that gift.

Then evaluate. Are you experiencing joy? Is God providing the energy for the job giving you extra physical, emotional, and spiritual strength while you are involved in ministry? Are you being effective? Do others say things to affirm your own evaluation? If the answers are yes, then you have probably discovered one of your God given spiritual gifts.

Take the gift God has given you and "re-gift it." Pass it along, and use it for the benefit of the church and others.

This article is courtesy of Deacon Magazine .

David Francis previously served as Lifeway's director of Sunday School. He is the author of several books, including, Spiritual Gifts: A Practical Guide to How God Works Through You . David has served as minister of education at First Baptist Church in Garland, Texas.

Discover a new appreciation for the gifts of others in your church in this 6-week Bible study that explores how your spiritual gifts can be matched to ministry. Suitable for both groups and individuals, it's designed to help the pastor and church body become what God intends for them to be.

God's Missionary Church, Inc.

Spreading scriptural holiness, christ’s assignment (luke 24:36-53; acts 1:4-9).

by Timothy Cooley Sr
Posted on June 7, 2019 June 7, 2019

by Timothy L. Cooley Sr.

Our Scripture reading breaks in on the scene just after the Resurrection of Christ. The disciples were still reeling from His crucifixion and death. They heard this day that a few of Jesus’ followers had seen Him alive! You know how hard that would be to believe! The story is old so, of course, we think they should have believed it, but if it happened to you, even now—even though we know God has done something like this—if it happened to you, it would be just too shocking to believe! They hardly knew what to think.

In the midst of their consternation, Jesus appeared in the room where they were, not even having opened the door to enter. No wonder it says they were terrified, they were affrighted! They thought they were seeing a ghost! They were rubbing their eyes, backing off to the wall, thinking, “What’s going on here?”

He spoke comfortingly to them and began to explain the new developments. Things had certainly taken an unexpected turn. Not because Jesus did not tell them about it! In their minds, they had another pattern figured out, so anything that did not fit what they wanted, they just pushed it off to the side. That’s the way we learn. It’s the way we don’t learn sometimes. Whenever something new comes that we don’t know how to fit in to our thinking, we push it out of our minds. That’s what they did with Jesus’ teaching. Everything they had thought was going to happen did not work out. The worst thing imaginable happened! Jesus was killed, crucified! It was an awful, gory, bloody, gutty scene, and they were still shocked from it. And now, all of a sudden there was talk of a Resurrection!

What was Christ trying to accomplish after His Resurrection? He wanted to prepare His disciples for the work He left for them to do. He gave them directions. He showed them that He was physically resurrected from the dead. He invited them to touch Him, to handle Him, to get Him some food so He could eat it in front of them. They could see that Jesus was there bodily. But He was doing more than just telling them about the Resurrection. Because of the Resurrection, there was a whole new job ahead of them. They have got to take this story to the ends of the world, and so Jesus is preparing them for that. He gave them first of all an…

Assurance for their Faith — Believe!

He encouraged them, “Believe! Go ahead! You want some evidence? I’ll give you evidence!” I love the story of Thomas. Jesus, knew that Thomas had declared, “I will not believe unless I put my fingers in the places were the nails were and in the place where the spear pierced His side.” Now Jesus prodded him, “Go ahead. Do what you wanted. Touch Me! If you want evidence, if you want something to base your faith on, go ahead and touch Me.” Thomas just fell on his knees and worshipped, “My Lord and My God!”

They had to know what they were testifying, what they were talking about. Effective testimony can only come from conviction — being convinced about the facts, being convicted about the truth. Conviction is born only out of this kind of certainty.

The disciples had seen:

CHRIST’S WONDERFUL POWER

As with most people, the disciples noticed His miracles first. That was part of God’s strategy. Nicodemus understood. He came to Jesus and said, “I’ve seen Your miracles. I realize God is doing something here. What is Your message from God?” That’s the way these disciples had had their attention caught up because they saw His wonderful power. They realized that God was doing something marvelous in their midst. They heard –

CHRIST’S WISDOM

His profound, yet simple teaching; easy to understand, but deep enough to daze the doctors. He out-witted even the scribes and Pharisees, who were the professional interpreters of the Holy Writings. These disciples had experienced all that.

They had experienced now –

CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

The shocking, the absurd Resurrection! It’s true, and of course, it’s not absurd. Jesus assured them that everything had gone as it was planned between Him and His Father. His death was no mistake. God had not lost control of the world.

He “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (Lk.24:45 NIV). I have to pray that prayer a lot! Open my mind, that I may understand the Bible. Open our minds that we can take it in! There is stuff here that is too deep for our minds. Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scripture, and ever afterwards when they looked back through the Old Testament, they could see Christ all over the place! The early church fathers were very strong on that point. They studied the Old Testament, and it is fascinating how many places the church fathers pointed and said, “That was Jesus; this was Jesus! He was right there. He’s all through the Scriptures.” This is not a new God. He is the same Jehovah-God, who has been relating to Israel for hundreds of years!

Jesus appeared to His disciples quite a number of times. We have at least 11 showings of Christ over a period of 40 days, giving them “many convincing proofs that He was alive” (Acts 1:3) and speaking of the kingdom of God.

Now He was getting ready to leave. He told them in John 14, 15, and 16, “It is expedient for you that I go away. If I do not go away, you’ll never grow up. If I do not go away, you’ll never have the full ministry of the Spirit. If I do not go away, you will always be limited. But if I go away, it will be better for you, because then the Holy Spirit will be with you.” We think, “No, I’d rather have Jesus right here so I can ask Him all these questions that I don’t have answers to and that did not make it into His book!” But He said, “It is better for you to have the ministry of the Holy Spirit.”

CHRIST’S PERSON

As they had witnessed Christ’s Person, His supernatural Person, as they had put all of this together, they were increasingly and deeply convinced that Jesus is the Son of God. And now they had just come through a really difficult time, and Jesus gave them Assurance for their Faith.

He did something more, He gave them –

Adjustment of their Focus — Look on Christ!

He directed them to look at Himself! Not like He is egotistical, but He instructed them where their attention needed to be. He clearly defined their –

“This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk.24:46-47, NIV).

They had read the Scriptures before, but they could never see that the Messiah was to be killed. It’s there, once you go back into the Old Testament, understanding what happened to Jesus. Even today, there are Jews, who when you read Isaiah 53 to them, will declare, “You’re not reading out of my Bible. You are reading out of the Christian’s Bible. That’s not in my Bible!” But it is in their Bible! The prediction of the suffering and crucifixion of Christ in Psalm 22 is a detailed description of crucifixion, written long before the horrible way to execute people was invented. God was working all through those centuries to bring about His salvation, and Christ said, “There is no mistake here. I am the fulfillment of all those prophecies. Everything is right on track. Now, let me Adjust your Focus! Come to realize that God is willing to forgive people all over the world!”

He turned their attention away from the temple sacrifices, away from the nation of Israel, away from the ceremonial covenant with Abraham and his physical descendants. He focused their eyes on the spiritual realities He had brought — repentance from sin, forgiveness of sins, the true inward and spiritual significance of the Old Testament covenant.

He turned the lights on, helped them to understand, and put responsibility on them.

RESPONSIBILITY

He taught them their responsibility to carry on the work He had begun. “You are witnesses of these things — You know it first hand, now go spread this message everywhere!”

What is awesome is that the writing of the New Testament is the recording of their witnessing in such precise documentation that we have solid ground to stand on to this day! The Bible is the Word of God preserving that witness of what His Son did.

Jesus laid on them the responsibility of getting the Word out!

Someone raised the question of a literal kingdom and Jesus’ Second Coming. “Lord, is this the time when You will restore the Kingdom to Israel? Is this the time for the end of the world?” They had their prophecy calendar together. Funny thing about it was, Jesus did not fit their prophecy calendar. That’s why some of the people refused to believe in Jesus. The disciples realized they had been mistaken about what was going to happen, but now they knew what had transpired and they chose to believe! He redirected their attention to what was on His mind, and He gave them an –

Appointment for their Fulness — Seek!

“I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Lk.24:48-49, NIV).

Christ makes no reference in this scene to their failure in forsaking Him during His suffering. He has already taken care of that in other conversations. We have at least one where Jesus dealt with Peter about his failure. But they could not bear a scolding now. The time for that was past. They need to have an Appointment for their Fulness, so He urges them to seek.

“Tarry in the city!” Stay in the city –

“Until ye be endued with power from on high”! He sends them back to the city to seek and to wait, but God does the filling.

Power for service and power for purity!

In this passage, Jesus speaks of being “clothed” with Power, but elsewhere Scripture also speaks of our being “cleansed,” in reference to Purity. We need to emphasize both aspects of what God does for us in that second, further work. People tend to major on one or the other. Those who major on power often grow careless about the purity. They are focused on the more exciting shows of power. The more exciting the events they can achieve, the better it proves they’ve got the power! But others say, “No, we don’t want to go off on this power stuff and the strange things that can happen there.” They focus on purity and some of them tend to sink into a small-souled pessimism that sees little accomplished for God. Jesus intended that we keep both in balance — Power for Service and Power for Purity!

Later, Peter, looking back, explained what happened on the day of Pentecost, he testified, “Here is what happened. The Holy Spirit purified our hearts by faith” (Acts 15:8-9). It was the same experience with a slightly different emphasis — endued with power and purified by faith!

This power is Can-Do power, ( dunamis — ability, strength, capacity) to live in such a way that both word and deed glorify God before our fellowman. Power to deliver the message. But the power is not for a show. The world is always out to see a show, and sometimes God does spectacular things, but at other times He works in quieter ways. Either way, He is still at work. Throughout His own ministry, Jesus steadfastly resisted the temptation to make His miracles just a show, just to attract people to see something exciting. The power is for the glory of God on our lives so that others will come to know and love the same Savior we worship.

A mouth that proclaims holy truth, but that is not backed by a holy life is the mouth of a hypocrite! God requires no less a standard than “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (I Pet.1:16). Out of a pure heart comes a powerful witness.

The power could only come as they were filled with the Holy Spirit. That fulness can also be described as a fulness or perfection in love.

Christ’s will is that we preach this message with a heart all aflame with Divine Love. He gave them an Appointment for their Fulness. He also gave them an –

Assignment for their Future — Go!

“You shall be witnesses unto Me … Jerusalem Judea Samaria Uttermost parts of the earth”

“Go ye into all the world….” There is an imploring Go in Gospel! Jesus thrust them into the work for Him. It was far bigger than anything they had ever imagined. Yes, the psalmist had sung about letting the heathen know, but Israel had never gotten into really big, powerful moves, with people getting converted or coming to God. Now something new was going to happen! It was so new it shocked the church. Throughout the book of Acts, you usually do not see them planning and strategizing missions. They were trying to keep up with what God was already doing. They were shocked! “You know what? God is saving people without making Jews out of them!” It was a shocking development to them! “We know they are saved! How do we explain that? What shall we do?” They ran to the Scriptures. They recalled the teachings of Jesus. They argued and debated. They tried to figure out, “What is God doing?”

There is this Go in the Gospel!

As Jesus approached the time of leaving His earthly ministry, Jesus repeatedly stressed that He wanted His disciples to carry the message to the entire world. On four different occasions He inculcated His passion. In Luke 24:36-53, Luke recorded two separate occasions — one on the day of his Resurrection, the other on the day of His Ascension. As Jesus prepared to leave, some of the last words that He spoke to them were about their being a witness. He urged the Great Commission time after time! I wonder if He actually talked with them about it more than four times, but we have at least four occasions recorded where Jesus presses them, “Go Tell Everyone!” Jesus’ last Commission should be our first concern.

Jesus concentrated on preparing His disciples for the job ahead. He had to give…

Assurance for their Faith – He knew they needed help for their faith. If you are struggling in your faith, come back to Jesus because He will give you strength and reason to believe.

Adjustment for their Focus – They wanted to construct a prophecy chart. Who would know more about the future and what God was going to do than Jesus Himself? We’d better ask Him before He leaves. But He shut down the conversation. “It is not for you to know.” Every time big world events take place, especially when they concern Israel, people adjust their prophecy chart so they can explain it and let people know what will be next. The big deal is to get people saved, to let them know about Jesus, to tell them He already knows what will happen, and to assure them that Jesus has all the power necessary to give them victory over sin and take them all the way to heaven!

Appointment for their Fulness – I want you to tarry until ye be endued with power from on high!

Assignment for their Future – What He spoke to the disciples is just as appropriate for us today. He wants us to find every person who doesn’t know and tell him or her about Jesus! His will has never changed! We are to be ever at the job of getting people reached because that Go is still on the heart of God!

One Thing You Need to Be Effective in Your Divine Assignment

February 16, 2017

Doug Addison

Change , Destiny & Purpose , Transition

Years after my first angelic visitation in 1991 (which was shocking to me at the time), I received the following revelation about developing a positive Kingdom mindset—because it has everything to do with discovering and walking in our destiny. And it radically changed my own life too.

I released my Prophetic Word for February: Radical Adjustments & Reassignments Coming because many of you are being realigned and repositioned right now for the “divine assignments” God has for you in marriage, business and ministry partnerships.

But I also want to mention this here because it can help you move towards your destiny much more quickly.

Preparing for your divine assignment

Understanding God’s Kingdom requires us to have spiritual eyes and ears. Jesus said over 15 times that we must have “eyes to see and ears to hear.”

In John 5:19 (NLT) Jesus said He did “…only what he sees the Father doing.” Notice the words see and do . Not only do we need to see what God is doing, but we also must be “doers of the word” (James 1:22 NAS) as well.

When we know God’s intention for a situation, it allows us to be in agreement with Him.

But sometimes it may be opposite from what we expect.

Notice that Noah built an ark in a dry season.

Joseph advised Pharaoh to store up grain in a time of prosperity so that he would be a blessing in a time of famine.

Not to mention all the spiritual principles that seem to be backwards from our natural thinking, things like: you must give to receive, the last will be first, if you humble yourself God will lift you up, etc.

Discovering your destiny in the mess

The new divine alliances and assignments that are coming will not all look nice, neat and orderly!

They will not violate any principles of the Bible, but God is about to do some radical things to bring about a radical change in His Kingdom on Earth.

This will help us to fulfill our destinies at a level we have not seen before.

Right now many people don’t know what their destiny is. Many don’t know their spiritual gifts or what God has called them to do.

If that’s you, I want to encourage you today with this.

First John 4:4 tells us that the Spirit within us is greater than the one in the world around us.

Science has discovered that there is a major difference between light and dark. Light can be measured and it has substance and mass. Darkness however, is simply the absence of light.

Jesus is Light and Paul encourages us to live as children of Light (Ephesians 5:8). Living our lives with a greater measure of God’s love and light is extremely powerful. We then dispel darkness wherever we go.

As Christians, we need to understand and regularly practice positive spiritual principles, for example:

Praying for those who curse us
Loving and not judging
Giving to those in need
Helping the oppressed
Being humble as opposed to proud and arrogant
Forgiving those who offend us

The list is actually much longer … but you get the picture. Notice that most of these principles are relationally oriented and they direct us on how to relate with other people as opposed to only relating to God.

Your divine assignment will involve partnering with other people. But we need to do it in the spirit of Love.

Many Christians love God, but when no one is looking, they are guilty of mistreating people.

But we can change the spiritual atmosphere around us by loving, blessing and being an encouragement.

Here’s the fun part: If you do these things regularly, the principle of sowing and reaping will eventually kick in.

Your life will be overflowing with good things to the point that you cannot help but change the world around you. What you sow is what you will reap.

If you sow grumbling, doubt, fear, depression, anxiety and complaining, then that is what you will get in return.

If you sow love, hope, encouragement, generosity, humility, forgiveness, etc., then that is what you will experience more of.

Developing a positive Kingdom perspective and lifestyle is what will truly change our lives and the lives of many around us.

It’s also where we will find our divine assignment.

It took me years in the school of hard knocks to learn this and I want to help save you time and pain—so that you can accelerate the process to your destiny and discover your divine assignment!

Because as God is doing something new, now more than ever we need new strategies to bring God’s love to a hurting world. We need some fresh and original ideas in churches, businesses, education, government, media, entertainment and all aspects of life.

This is an exciting time to be a part of what God is doing!

God has revealed that now is the time to prepare for the “Divine Alliances” He is bringing—to connect many people in unlikely ways for strategic marriage, business and ministry partnerships.

If you’ve been wondering what’s next for you in this season, and how you can align yourself with your divine assignment, check out my online training, Discovering Your Divine Assignment .

Get ready for the new things!

Doug Addison is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words , Spirit Connection webcast, podcast, and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and having fun reaches people around the world! His powerful, positively funny teaching style and coaching helps open people to discover their destiny and experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where he is impacting the arts, entertainment and media industries.

[acf field=”donate”]

Daily Prophetic Words
Destiny & Purpose
Healing and Health
Hearing God and Prophetic
Monthly Prophetic Word
Personal Note from Doug
Prophetic Insight
Sharing God's Love

Spirit Connection

Spirit Connection Webcast
Supernatural
Times and Seasons

Enjoy this content? Share on your favorite platform:

February 27, 2017

Great article Doug!! My question is how many believers really know what they are called to do and how many are truly seeking what their divine purpose is? Most Christians I meet don’t have a clue as to what their purpose in life is. Most churches don’t even help people discover their ultimate purpose. People go to church week after week and are not supernaturally changed. Radical change is desperately needed and I want to be apart with those who will bring radical change. Your ministry is doing that very thing! Thanks for all that you are doing to build us up and to help us discover our purpose in the Kingdom!

July 14, 2017

Thank you Pst Doug,your article is timely at this time that discovering God’s purpose is crucial.I beleive as a beleiver,we are intricately wire with divine ability,so we need to identify our purpose,feel the pain of others as a deliverer,& focus on God as fulfil our destiny.THANK YOU.

Nikki, InLight Connection
July 17, 2017

Yes, we are wired with divine ability since the Holy Spirit is in us and He can do the miraculous! Bless you, Wale!

Firstly, my encounter with “Doug Addison” name was by a brother in Canada who also mentioned many others. This was just before Doug was il and went to see Todd and was delivered. I saw this in the Spirit which connected me suffering similar afflictions later on. Great things happen when we pray for one another! I’ve reached out thousands of times for prayer with the notice of when I’m prayed for in my spirit. This must be how Paul felt in his endever to further the Kingdom. Well I’d love to be a part of what I have to believe all are sensing in their spirits of what’s to come. There’s so much what I will call “SCRAMBLING” to the the money trough $$$ Can’t tell you many times I’ve giving to get debt free! My passion is healing and am still amazed when God moves me to pray for others! Yes – Ministries need $$$ / but God put the wealth in the earth! 🔥SHALOM🔥

Thank you for your minister!!!!! We have treate everyone we meet with the same love Jesus Christ demonstrated. God bless you guys

Thank you, Doug! It’s so true! It’s Time to go out of fear and Walk with Love ! Bless you! Eva

Doug Addison | InLight Connection

Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is best known for his Daily Prophetic Words and Spirit Connection podcast and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and acceptance reaches people around the world! His powerful, lighthearted style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their spiritual identity and personal destiny as they experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts and entertainment and media industries.

May 15 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

May 22 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

May 29 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Jun 05 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Stay Connected

Sign up for our enewsletter & you’ll be the first to get Doug’s monthly prophetic words, upcoming events and special offers and sales.

We respect your privacy so your contact info stays only with us. Privacy Policy

Partner with Us
Privacy Policy

How Can We Get into Alignment with God?

It’s amazing what desperation will cause us to do...

Circumstances that are too big for us to handle will encourage us to stop the rat race and instead, run to God in prayer. Or when the pressure of life becomes too great to endure, we remember to seek comfort from the One who has conquered death - our God who can turn all things around for our good, and make things right again.

In that respect, we can thank God for the pressures and problems we encounter in life. Indeed, it’s far better to have a problem and seek closeness with God, than to have a problem-free life and be distant from God. As King David wrote in Psalm 119:67 and 71:

“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word...It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”

Remember, it's not God's will for you to suffer affliction (John 10:10). Ultimately, however, it's better for you to be afflicted and become more attached to God, than to have it easy and be out of alignment with God.

The instructions of Deuteronomy 28 are clear: all God’s blessings will come on us and overtake us if we listen to and obey the voice of the Lord our God. That means we must align ourselves with the will of God to be blessed by God.

Instructions for Alignment

One of the clearest and quickest ways to realign yourself with God is found in the example of 2 Kings 13:14-20 , the instructions that the prophet Elisha gave to Jehoash, Israel’s king during a time of national and personal crisis.

Israel was being threatened on every side by enemy armies which wanted to take Israel out, most notably, the army of King Aram. Jehoash was young and new to the throne; he didn't know what to do. Then he gets the worst possible news: the prophet Elisha—Israel’s link to the Lord—was sick on his deathbed. Elisha was also the prophet able to hear the plans of the enemy and give Israel "inside information" to enable their victory in battle. So King Jehoash went to get some final advice from Elisha on how to get Israel into alignment with God to receive His blessing for victory.

“Now Elisha had been suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him. ‘My father! My father!’ he cried. ‘The chariots and horsemen of Israel!’ Elisha said, ‘Get a bow and some arrows,’ and he did so. ‘Take the bow in your hands,’ he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. ‘Open the east window,’ he said, and he opened it. ‘Shoot!’ Elisha said, and he shot. ‘The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!’ Elisha declared. ‘You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.’ Then he said, ‘Take the arrows,’ and the king took them. Elisha told him, ‘Strike the ground.’ He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, ‘You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.’ Elisha died and was buried” ( 2 Kings 13:14-20 ).

In his affliction, King Jehoash ran to the man of God to get direction from God. In essence, he asked Elisha how to turn those problems pressing Israel on every side into blessings overflowing from every side. And Elisha gave him three instructions, or points of alignment.

1. Get Ready – Get a Word from God

“Get a bow and some arrows” ... “Take the bow in your hands”

Notice that the first thing King Jehoash did was get ready. He went to the man of God to get a word from God. The same principle applies to us today: first, find a promise from God that counteracts the problem or circumstance that is standing in the way of God’s blessing.

Because there will always be problems.

There will always be tests and trials, adversity and struggle, setbacks, unwanted circumstances and just plain, scary situations in life.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace . In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” ( John 16:33 ).

How do you have the blessing of peace in a world of trouble? You get ready by finding a promise in God's Word, sealed by the blood of Jesus, that countermands the problem sent by the enemy. That’s your bow and arrow. And in the middle of the problem, whether it is lack, fear, grief, or sickness, you take your stand in faith on those promises from God that He is your healer, He is your provider, He is your protector, He is your peace!

Then shoot your arrows by speaking the promises of God aloud! Pray and declare God's truth over every challenging circumstance. When the thought of the problem begins to overwhelm you, shoot a promise out of your mouth toward the enemy!

2. Aim – Stay Focused on What's Important

“Open the east window.”

Not every window. Just open the east window.

Elisha was saying that Israel’s greatest problem was the enemy approaching from the east. Even though they had enemies converging on them from every direction, Elisha’s instructions were to focus on defeating the greatest enemy.

That tells me it's important to stay focused on the things that matter the most – say, one or two of the most critical issues. Don't try to win every big and little battle, all at the same time. If you don’t focus on specific, God-directed, God-inspired goals, you will not hit any target at all! You’ve got to take aim.

In order to win the most important battles, you must be okay with losing less important ones:

You may have to lose the battle of career promotion, to win the battle of great parenting
You may need to lose the battle of winning arguments, to win the battle of a loving spouse
You may need to lose the battle of pleasing people, to win the battle of pleasing God

You can’t fight a million battles at the same time – open the east window! That’s where you need to put your energy. That’s where you must give your time, your attention, and your focus. Don’t get distracted by petty things; after you get ready, focus your aim where God directs. You don't have time to worry about the small stuff. Press for the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!

Photo credit: Unsplash/Paul Skorupska

3. Fire – Take God-directed, Persistent Action

“’Shoot!’ Elisha said, and he shot. ‘The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!’”

There are two significant spiritual truths in this third point for getting into alignment with God's will, promises and blessings.

1. Shoot Through the Right Sight

On every bow, and weapon which fires some kind of projectile, there is an instrument known as the "sight," which is used to help define and hit a desired target.

King Jehoash had not even fought the army of Aram, yet Elisha pronounced victory from the beginning. This highlights God's pattern of declaring the end from the beginning, and His expectation that we do the same for our battles.

Remember to look through the right "sight," the sight of victory in order to define and hit your desired target. It's God's way! In fact, David did it to Goliath ( 1 Samuel 17:46 ); Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego did it to King Nebuchadnezzar ( Daniel 3:17 ); Joshua and Caleb did it to the Children of Israel ( Numbers 13:30 ) and Jesus did it to Jairus ( Matthew 9:24 ). When you look through the right "sight," you look at what God can do and what God has promised!

Then remember to fire!

It’s not intention that brings God's blessing, it’s intention coupled with God-directed action that brings blessing.
It’s not prayer that brings God's blessing, it's prayer coupled with God-directed action that brings blessing.
It’s not faith that brings God's blessing, it’s faith coupled with a corresponding God-directed action that brings blessing.

Faith without works is dead. So get ready...yes! Aim...yes! And for goodness’s sake...fire! Put some action to your aim!

2. Shoot with Steadfastness

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” ( 1 Corinthians 15:58 ).

Do you know what steadfastness is? It’s persistence. Keep firing, don’t stop taking action, don’t stop doing what God said until you see that what God said has come to pass. Look again at what the prophet Elisha said to King Jehoash:

“Then he said, ‘Take the arrows,’ and the king took them. Elisha told him, ‘Strike the ground.’ He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, ‘You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.’”

At first glance it appears King Jehoash did what the man of God had instructed. Elisha said, Strike the ground, and Jehoash did! So why did Elisha get angry with the king, and why did the king's action result in a short-circuit of his blessing? Why did his action reduce the initial blessing from "you will completely wipe out Aram" to "you will only defeat him three times"?

I Didn’t Say Stop!

Notice the man of God said get , he said take , he said open , he said shoot , and he said strike... but he never said stop !

He did not say take action for a season, and then stop.
He did not say try for a season, and then stop.
He did not say shoot for a season, and then stop.

He said, strike the ground. Strike, strike, strike, strike, strike...keep striking!

Shoot and keep shooting. Pray and keep praying. Stand and keep standing. Believe and keep believing. Forgive and keep forgiving. Be steadfast in doing what God has asked you to do!

Shoot when it’s easy, and keep shooting when it’s difficult. Shoot in the up seasons and shoot in the down seasons. Don’t start and then fizzle out, or stop when it gets hard or seems pointless. Don’t stop when the enemy appears defeated. Don’t let your guard down. Keep your guard up and keep shooting. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but victory and blessing is to the steadfast. Keep shooting.

Ready...Aim...Fire!

Give It Everything You've Got

But why did Elisha get angry and say “you should have struck the ground five or six times?” Many scholars believe it’s likely that's the number of arrows King Jehoash had been holding in his hand and Elijah predicted the outcome of his future battles based on the man’s current effort. If the king wouldn’t put effort into the battle when it was easy, he certainly wouldn’t put effort into it when it was challenging!

So, what do you have in your hand to help get you into alignment with God?

What's in your power to do for God? Fire!

What gifts and talents has He given to you? Fire!

What financial and social resources? Fire!

What wisdom...what influence...what promises? Fire, fire, fire!

Throw everything you've got at what God has assigned for you to do in life. You will automatically align yourself under an open heaven and begin to receive the blessings of God! Ready...aim...fire! And don't leave any arrows in the quiver!

Bipolar Disorder
Therapy Center
When To See a Therapist
Types of Therapy
Best Online Therapy
Best Couples Therapy
Best Family Therapy
Managing Stress
Sleep and Dreaming
Understanding Emotions
Self-Improvement
Healthy Relationships
Student Resources
Personality Types
Guided Meditations
Verywell Mind Insights
2024 Verywell Mind 25
Mental Health in the Classroom
Editorial Process
Meet Our Review Board
Crisis Support

How Spirituality Can Benefit Your Health and Well-Being

Finding balance in and connection with something bigger

Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Megan Monahan is a certified meditation instructor and has studied under Dr. Deepak Chopra. She is also the author of the book, Don't Hate, Meditate.

Spirituality vs. Religion

How to Practice

Potential Pitfalls

What is spirituality.

Spirituality is a worldview that suggests a dimension to life beyond what we experience on the sensory and physical levels. In practice, this might entail religious or cultural practices and beliefs surrounding a higher being, connection with others and the world as a whole, and/or the pursuit of self-improvement.

Spirituality has been a source of comfort and relief for multitudes of people. Its meaning is highly individual but is often shared and expressed in group activities such as church services and holiday rituals.

Research has linked spirituality with well-being and health in the face of life challenges.

Signs of Spirituality

Spirituality is not a single path or belief system. There are many ways to experience spirituality and the benefits of a spiritual experience. How you define spirituality will vary. For some people, it's the belief in a higher power or a specific religious practice.

For others, it may involve experiencing a sense of connection to a higher state or a sense of inter-connectedness with the rest of humanity and nature. Some signs of spirituality can include:

Asking deep questions about topics such as suffering or what happens after death
Deepening connections with other people
Experiencing compassion and empathy for others
Experiencing feelings of interconnectedness
Feelings of awe and wonder
Seeking happiness beyond material possessions or other external rewards
Seeking meaning and purpose
Wanting to make the world a better place

Not everyone experiences or expresses spirituality in the same way. Some people may seek spiritual experiences in every aspect of their lives, while others may be more likely to have these feelings under specific conditions or in certain locations.

For example, some people may be more likely to have spiritual experiences in churches or other religious temples, while others might have these feelings when they're out enjoying nature.

Types of Spirituality

There are many different types of spirituality. Some examples of how people get in touch with their own spirituality include:

Meditation or quiet time
New age spirituality
Service to their community
Spending time in nature
Spiritual retreats

Other people express their spirituality through religious traditions such as:

Christianity

It is important to remember that there are many other spiritual traditions that exist throughout the world, including traditional African and Indigenous spiritual practices. Such spiritual practices can be particularly important to groups of people who have been subjected to the effects of colonialism.

Although spirituality and religion can overlap, here are some key points that differentiate the two.

Can be practiced individually

Doesn't have to adhere to a specific set of rules

Often focuses on a personal journey of discovering what is meaningful in life

Often practiced in a community

Usually based on a specific set of rules and customs

Often focuses on the belief in deities or gods, religious texts, and tradition

Uses of Spirituality

People often turn to spirituality to:

Find purpose and meaning : Exploring spirituality can help people find answers to philosophical questions such as "What is the meaning of life?" and "What purpose does my life serve?"
Cope with feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety : Spiritual experiences can be helpful when coping with the stresses of life.
Restore hope and optimism : Spirituality can help people develop a more hopeful outlook on life.
Find a sense of community and support : Because spiritual traditions often involve organized religions or groups , becoming a part of such a group can serve as an important source of social support .

The Impact of Spirituality

While specific spiritual views are a matter of faith, research has demonstrated some of the benefits of spirituality and spiritual activity. The results may surprise no one who has found comfort in their religious or spiritual views, but they are definitely noteworthy in that they demonstrate in a scientific way that these activities do have benefits for many people.

The following are a few more of the many positive findings related to spirituality and health:

Research has shown that religion and spirituality can help people cope with the effects of everyday stress. One study found that everyday spiritual experiences helped older adults better cope with negative feelings, and enhanced positive feelings.
Research shows that older women are more grateful to God than older men, and they receive greater stress-buffering health effects due to this gratitude.
According to research, those with an intrinsic religious orientation, regardless of gender, exhibited less physiological reactivity toward stress than those with an extrinsic religious orientation. Those who were intrinsically oriented dedicated their lives to God or a "higher power," while the extrinsically oriented ones used religion for external ends like making friends or increasing community social standing.

This, along with other research, demonstrates that there may be tangible and lasting benefits to maintaining involvement with a spiritual community. This involvement, along with the gratitude that can accompany spirituality, can be a buffer against stress and is linked to greater levels of physical health.

Dedication to God or a higher power translated into less stress reactivity, greater feelings of well-being, and ultimately even a decreased fear of death.

People who feel comfortable and comforted using spirituality as a coping mechanism for stress can rest assured that there's even more evidence that this is a good idea for them. Prayer works for young and old alike. Prayer and spirituality have been linked to:

Better health
Greater psychological well-being
Less depression
Less hypertension
Less stress, even during difficult times
More positive feelings
Superior ability to handle stress

How to Practice Spirituality

Whether you are rediscovering a forgotten spiritual path, reinforcing your commitment to an already well-established one, or wanting to learn more about spirituality for beginners, there are countless ways to start exploring your spiritual side and help improve your well-being.

Spirituality is a very personal experience, and everyone’s spiritual path may be unique. Research shows, however, that some spiritual stress relief strategies have been helpful to many, regardless of faith. Some things you can do to start exploring spirituality include:

Pay attention to how you are feeling : Part of embracing spirituality means also embracing what it means to be human, both the good and the bad.
Focus on others : Opening your heart, feeling empathy, and helping others are important aspects of spirituality.
Meditate : Try spending 10 to 15 minutes each morning engaged in some form of meditation .
Practice gratitude : Start a gratitude journal and record what you are grateful for each day. This can be a great reminder of what is most important to you and what brings you the greatest happiness.
Try mindfulness : By becoming more mindful, you can become more aware and appreciative of the present. Mindfulness encourages you to be less judgmental (both of yourself and others) and focus more on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or future.

Press Play for Advice on Being Human

Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares what it means to be 'wholly human,' featuring GRAMMY award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes. Click below to listen now.

Follow Now : Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

One potential pitfall of spirituality is a phenomenon known as spiritual bypassing . This involves a tendency to use spirituality as a way to avoid or sidestep problems, emotions, or conflicts.

For example, rather than apologizing for some type of emotional wound you have caused someone else, you might bypass the problem by simply excusing it and saying that "everything happens for a reason" or suggesting that the other person just needs to "focus on the positive."

The Takeaway

Research has noted a link between spirituality and resilience in the face of challenges. Whether this owes to a higher power, a sense of peace, community connection, or some other factor, spirituality may help foster your sense of well-being.

Akbari M, Hossaini SM. The relationship of spiritual health with quality of life, mental health, and burnout: The mediating role of emotional regulation . Iran J Psychiatry . 2018;13(1):22-31. PMID:29892314

Whitehead BR, Bergeman CS. Coping with daily stress: Differential role of spiritual experience on daily positive and negative affect . J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci . 2012;67(4):456-459. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbr136

Manning LK. Spirituality as a lived experience: Exploring the essence of spirituality for women in late life . Int J Aging Hum Dev . 2012;75(2):95-113. doi:10.2190/AG.75.2.a

McMahon, BT, Biggs HC. Examining spirituality and intrinsic religious orientation as a means of coping with exam anxiety . Society, Health & Vulnerability . 2012;3(1). doi:10.3402/vgi.v3i0.14918

Johnson KA. Prayer: A helpful aid in recovery from depression . J Relig Health . 2018;57(6):2290-2300. doi:10.1007/s10943-018-0564-8

Wachholtz AB, Sambamthoori U. National trends in prayer use as a coping mechanism for depression: Changes from 2002 to 2007 . J Relig Health . 2013;52(4):1356-68. doi:10.1007/s10943-012-9649-y

Gonçalves JP, Lucchetti G, Menezes PR, Vallada H. Religious and spiritual interventions in mental health care: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials . Psychol Med . 2015;45(14):2937-49. doi:10.1017/S0033291715001166

Arrey AE, Bilsen J, Lacor P, Deschepper R. Spirituality/religiosity: A cultural and psychological resource among sub-Saharan African migrant women with HIV/AIDS in Belgium . PLoS One . 2016;11(7):e0159488. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0159488

Paul Victor CG, Treschuk JV. Critical literature review on the definition clarity of the concept of faith, religion, and spirituality . J Holist Nurs. 2019;38(1):107-113. doi:10.1177/0898010119895368

By Elizabeth Scott, PhD Elizabeth Scott, PhD is an author, workshop leader, educator, and award-winning blogger on stress management, positive psychology, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

OpenBible.info Geocoding Topical Bible Labs Blog

What does the Bible say about ?

A ‣ B ‣ C ‣ D ‣ E ‣ F ‣ G ‣ H ‣ I ‣ J ‣ K ‣ L ‣ M ‣ N ‣ O ‣ P ‣ Q ‣ R ‣ S ‣ T ‣ U ‣ V ‣ W ‣ Y ‣ Z

37 Bible Verses about Assignment

Colossians 3:23 esv / 26 helpful votes helpful not helpful.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV / 21 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Philippians 2:9-11 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2 Peter 1:20-21 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 25:23 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Revelation 21:7 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

Hebrews 1:14 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

John 3:1-36 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ...

Isaiah 40:8 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

2 Corinthians 5:1-21 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. ...

Genesis 3:1-24 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” ...

2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

Psalm 17:1-15 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O Lord ; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right! You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. ...

Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

John 14:6 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 John 1:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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

John 3:16 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Job 38:4-7 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Numbers 13:1-3 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the Lord , all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel.

1 Peter 3:1-12 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, ...

Hebrews 5:13-14 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

1 Corinthians 14:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

2 Timothy 1:6-10 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

Ephesians 6:1-24 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, ...

Galatians 4:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

1 Corinthians 12:28 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

Matthew 24:42 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Song of Solomon 2:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.”

Hebrews 7:25 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Matthew 24:23-27 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Psalm 19:1-14 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. ...

Exodus 19:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

Genesis 1:1-31 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...

Psalm 105:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Oh give thanks to the Lord ; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Psalm 14:1-7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

To the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord ? There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous. ...

Suggest a Verse

Enter a verse reference (e.g., john 3:16-17 ).

Visit the Bible online to search for words if you don’t know the specific passage your’re looking for.

Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles , a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.

IMAGES

What Is Your God-Given Assignment?
How To Boldly Go Into Your Next Spiritual Assignment
20 Spiritual Principles That Can Change Your Life for Real
Your Weekly Spiritual Assignment: Why Are You Here?
What is SPIRITUALITY? What does SPIRITUAL mean? Define SPIRITUALITY Meaning & Definition Explained
PPT

COMMENTS

7 Spiritual Keys to Fulfill Your God-Given Assignment
It will require faith and is bigger than you are, but your call is what draws your heart and inspires your journey. 6. Know your present assignment. If your life story was written as a book, your calling would be the title. Your spiritual gifts would shine in the unique writing style and illustrations.
Recognizing God's Assignment for Your Life| Infinity Concepts
Thirdly, to fulfill God's assignment, you need to be willing to self-assess. You need to take stock of how well you serve in the position God has placed you. Assess what is right and what is wrong — what works and what does not work. Fourthly, you must be willing to change. If you discover something that does not work in your life, you have ...
Keys to Living in Divine Alignment
When we step out of His love, His rest, His peace, or even His presence, our lives can quickly fall into misalignment on all sorts of levels. If you're not growing, your life is out of alignment. Many of us are ignorant that our lives are misaligned. We are quick to blame forces outside of ourselves—the circumstances, people, government ...
10 Essential Facts About Your Assignment from God
10 Facts About Your Assignment. God gave you an assignment before you were born. God told Jeremiah, "Before you were formed in the womb, I knew you…I ordained you a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV). God has an assignment for each of us. I am called to be an evangelist.
What Is Spiritual Authority According To The Bible
Spiritual authority in the context of the Bible is defined as the power or influence granted by God to individuals or entities to carry out His will and lead others in matters related to faith and spirituality. It is based on a person's understanding and adherence to biblical teachings, their submission to God's guidance, and their ability ...
Finding Your Divine Assignment: A Biblical Guide to Purposeful Living
Seek and Discern Spiritual Gifts; God has put in place unique spiritual gifts for the discovery and fulfillment of your purpose. These gifts are not only meant to build up the body of Christ but also to guide you toward your divine assignment. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other."
What Is a God-given Assignment?
Culture and environment. Part of the complication in defining how God guides our lives or in determining what constitutes a "God-given assignment" is our own cultural conditioning. Western or Postmodern cultures that put more emphasis on individual choice and freedom tend to emphasize the subjective side of guidance.
Preparing for God-Given Assignments
So, when God gives you an assignment, it's very important to stay close to Him through prayer and His word for direction. He may even send Spirit-led messengers, volunteers, or instruct you to create a team to assist you. The key is following His divine provision step by step. Trust me. He knows how to get the job done, successfully.
Your Job Is God's Assignment
Fourth, and finally, this text implies that the job you now have, as long as you are there, is God's assignment to you. Verse 17 says, "Let everyone lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him.". God is sovereign. It is no accident that you are where you are. "A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps ...
Ché Ahn: How to Discern Your Divine Assignment
However, God had a divine assignment for me for a season: to bring Him glory among college students. Regardless of what season you are in, know that your purpose will always line up with the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ...
Anointed Assignments: What God Wants
They are anointed to be in those positions. God has put special ingredients in each person to perform the sacred assignments He has been assigned to do. Those people do what they do with confidence and ease, while someone else may struggle with that same assignment. You have probably noticed that some people do their job without complaining.
Your God-given Assignment Matters
Ephesians 2:10. I once heard Pastor Rick Warren say, "You have an assignment from God himself. Once you're in the family, your life changes. You have a new reason for living. Your life isn't about you anymore; it's about God's mission.". If I'm honest, there are times in life when I haven't liked the assignment God has given me ...
The Importance of Discovering Your Assignment
Your assignment is simply what God wants you to do. Age is not a limiting factor, for everyone has a job to do for the Kingdom! For example, there are multitudes of stories where biblical identities receive instructions from God relating to their assignment. For Noah, there was a flood coming, so he was instructed to build an ark.
Knowing Your Specific Assignment In Life (Part 1)
2. Your assignment or plans can be found in studying the Word of God. a. God's thoughts toward you and His plans for your life are for good and not evil. They are to prosper you! b. God's assignment for you will not fail when you do it His way. c. God has laid out a detailed plan for you to complete your assignment.
What Is My Assignment From God?
God gives us assignments to steward His divine purpose for our life. Sometimes, His assignments make no sense to us at first (think of Noah), but we must obey them. Obedience releases a grace of faith that unlocks our destiny and fulfills our assignment. Today, know this - God has called you and has a plan for your life.
Direction for Finding Your Spiritual Gifts
A spiritual gift is a "God-given assignment, capacity, and desire to perform a function within the body of Christ with supernatural joy, energy, and effectiveness." Let's take a closer look at each part of that definition. A God-given Assignment, Capacity, and Desire. God chooses your gift(s). He alone decides. He doesn't give you a "gift card ...
Christ's Assignment (Luke 24:36-53; Acts 1:4-9)
As Jesus approached the time of leaving His earthly ministry, Jesus repeatedly stressed that He wanted His disciples to carry the message to the entire world. On four different occasions He inculcated His passion. In Luke 24:36-53, Luke recorded two separate occasions — one on the day of his Resurrection, the other on the day of His Ascension.
One Thing You Need to Be Effective in Your Divine Assignment
Preparing for your divine assignment. Understanding God's Kingdom requires us to have spiritual eyes and ears. Jesus said over 15 times that we must have "eyes to see and ears to hear.". In John 5:19 (NLT) Jesus said He did "…only what he sees the Father doing.". Notice the words see and do.
How Can We Get into Alignment with God?
3. Fire - Take God-directed, Persistent Action. "'Shoot!'. Elisha said, and he shot. 'The Lord's arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!'". There are two significant spiritual truths in this third point for getting into alignment with God's will, promises and blessings. 1.
Spirituality: Definition, Types, Benefits, and How to Practice
Spirituality is a worldview that suggests a dimension to life beyond what we experience on the sensory and physical levels. In practice, this might entail religious or cultural practices and beliefs surrounding a higher being, connection with others and the world as a whole, and/or the pursuit of self-improvement.
What Does the Bible Say About Assignment?
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.". Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the ...
Do You Know What Your God-Given Assignment Is?
Dec 4, 2020. Assignment: Definition. An assignment is a task someone is given to do. The assignment can be a project to complete. It can be part of your main job or the assignment could be your main job. Just as a person has earthly assignments, he also has a spiritual or heavenly assignment to complete.
Assignment 2
Name: _____ CRITICAL THINKING/CLINICAL ASSIGNMENT # Spiritual Assessment Directions: First complete the readings about spirituality and conducting an assessment of spirituality. ... Definition of spirituality is taken from the text book, or not included. Student has only addressed < 4 of the items on the S-P-I-R-I-T assessment. Nursing ...