Another promise that you can take to the bank is that God has a plan for your life. Put your hand over your heart right now. If it’s still beating God is not finished with you yet. Your mission on Earth, and you have one, is not complete. Not only does God have a plan for your life, you are also a part of God’s big plans for this world. Let’s dive in!
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Transcription:
You may have seen these words you’re about to hear before, either on a coffee mug or on somebody’s cute sticker on their laptop. Maybe you’ve heard the words before from a pastor or a friend, or you’ve scrolled through your social media in the middle of the night and these words have come up in your newsfeed. The words I’m about to share from the Bible are for you. These words are from God to you. You know how you give somebody a gift and their name is on the tag? Put your name in this beautiful verse. This is Jeremiah chapter 29, beginning in verse 11.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Another promise that you can take to the bank. My prayer is that these words go down deep into your soul. God has a plan for your life. Yours! Welcome to the Bible for Busy People. I’m Erica, your host, and it’s true. If you’ve got a pulse right now, oh my friend, you’ve got a purpose. Put your hand over your heart right now. If it’s still beating God is not finished with you yet. Your mission on Earth, and you have one, is not complete. Okay? You and I are about to read a little bit of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians in a moment, but first I want to give you a little context here because not only does God have a plan for your life, you are also a part of God’s big plans for this world. So, without further ado, here we go. Ephesians chapter two, beginning in verse one.
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
I believe somewhere in God’s office there is a blueprint with your name on it. God is like an architect and He dreams up the best designs. You are one of them. He came up with a plan for your life. He planned it long ago and everything is still going according to that plan. I love the meme that goes around that says, “You are not powerful enough to ruin God’s plan for your life.” It is still in motion, and when you and I make a mistake or when something bad happens to us, God is the great recycler. He takes the bad and he turns it into our good and his glory. It’s what he does. It’s who he is. Okay, I want to invite you to join me now in one Peter chapter two, beginning in verse four. We just got to hang out with the apostle Paul. So how about a little time with Peter? This is so encouraging.
You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. 5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6 As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” 8 And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 10 “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.
Yes! Isn’t that wonderful news? You and I have been called out of the darkness of wondering what on earth we’re here for, and now we live in the light, knowing that God made us. He made you and he made me on purpose for a special purpose. It was planned long ago. You ever throw a party together really fast? It doesn’t work out so well often, but when you have a long time to plan a special occasion like a wedding or for instance, my parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary, and you take your time making those plans so that comes out just like you want it. That’s what God did when he thought you up. He took his time making those plans for your life. There is a plan with your name on it in God’s office. Your name is on a paper, on his desk. It’s on a bright yellow post-it note, I bet. God has a plan for you and you are loved.
Thank you for making time for the Bible for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God… I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find, and thrive, in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.
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