In “The Wizard of Oz” Dorothy clicked her ruby slippers and went somewhere.
August is a new chapter for you in more ways than one. Something new is beginning. New chapters have bookmarks. Bookmarks are like mile markers in your life journey. The most common markers include leaving home, finishing college or your first serious job, getting married, having a child, buying a home.
For many, a marker involves a radical mission update from the Father of Lights, who enlightens our path to see the way He is calling us to go.
“Your life is an autobiography unfolding, a never-finished sculpture, a work in progress – with chapters of external achievement and accomplishment followed by periods of internal management and renewal. The temporary destinations you reach are much less important than your ability to manage and enjoy the journey itself.” (from book: Lifelaunch)
The seasons of “external achievement” are balanced by God with seasons of INTERNAL work. If you only go external you forfeit the internal ability to handle the changes.
It is a beautiful fact of spiritual life that the “outward man” ages but the inward man is constantly growing. Likewise, outward circumstances wax old, close out and are set aside but new seasons and divine doors open to those who are going somewhere on the inside.
The secret is to understand the rhythms of life. Know how to appreciate the times when God is calling you to an ever-deepening interior walk and talk with Him.
Discerning your seasons enables you to dial up or dial down with contentment. This is the secret to experiencing fulfillment all the time.
There is an anointing for every season of life ..”the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month…”
(Rev 22:2) Twelve months… and a different fruit for each one.
Change is accelerating and uncertainty increasing in the Earth…BUT GOD does not change and His story is unfolding in your life in the divine rhythm of endings and beginnings.
This month is a new and much-needed shift for you. Enjoy the low-hanging fruit that is extended to you from the tree of Life!
-Lance
Wow, your reading my mail. This message is exactly what I am going through this month as a culmination of a 5 year journey. We are moving offshore to start our new life in a new and wonderful Caribbean country. As a businessman The Lord is directing us to a new land of opportunity. In this last chapter of my life, the best chapter is now beginning. Life is a gift.
This last year has seemy wife leave me and Christian s persecute me and I am hemmed in on every side and barely keeping my head above water. To go with the flow would have been easy but Gods way has cost me everything.
Dean,
From your brief statement God’s way certainly has cost you a lot, but it hasn’t cost you everything. You still have God, and that’s everything. I applaud your ability to let out your frustrations, hurts and anger. Don’t stop, God can handle it. Just don’t let it turn int bitterness. In Psalm 22 David told God exactly how he felt and held nothing back, but he also recognized who God is and who God is to him. Vent, it’s healthy, but don’t complain. Be angry but don’t become bitter. Remember, your wife may be gone but God will never leave you.
That’s a Great word!!
Still going thru the fallout of similar circumstances some deep truths rise to the surface. Things like, when I am weak, Jesus in me proves Himself strong, I can continue thru Christ who strengthens me, THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, God causes all things to work together for good, in (not for) everything give thanks, the meaning of perseverance and long-suffering, the treasures of darkness, having done all – stand, and many more. Basically all those passages that the comfortable have no knowledge, unless they too have gone thru the valley. Jesus brings us out the other side.
Letting go of the loss and ‘what should have been’ has been the most difficult part.
That’s what I’m doing right now, trying to wrap my head and heart around my new Normal. I needed this word for my current Right Now moment. Thanks Dr. Lance!
Today’s word struck me. The Holy Spirit has been inviting me to press in and lean more on Him. I am entering a new season in many ways and this affirms. Thank you
Our new normal is in need of being embraced. We’ve (my sons & I) are facing the future without my former husband, who’s also dropped out of our boys lives. But we know God is in our corner & has our backs. Thanks for some much needed encouragement.
This post answers some pretty heavy questions for me. Thank you.
On target! Selling my house and moving from Chicago, where I have lived all my life, to Texas! Looking forward to change and new challenges, even though I am a senior. Thanks for the encouraging words!
Dolores, Praise God!!
Me too! I’m moving to Texas from living all my life in Chicago. God bless you as you are transplanted.
To Dean,
Count it all joy when trials come. Read and hear Philippians. God closes doors no one can open and
opens doors no one can close. Trust the one who hung the rainbow. He loves and longs for your voice of praise. Blessings, PJ
I have been going through challenging health issues, having to set down ministry, resigned and not working, loss of a precious parent, ungodly judgments, shingled troubles BUT GOD!!! I am seeking God to hear what He is wanting to accomplish “in” me during this time~~it has been almost overwhelming!! The Lord is full of Grace of which I am drinking in, bringing confirming words such as yours Lance!! Thank you for hearing and sharing what the Lord is speaking!!! Abundant blessings to you and yours!!!
Saunders,
Rest in Him and heal. It’s OK to be still for awhile.
Elaine
I meant Shaundra! Darn that spell check.
Awesome how God our everlasting Father communicates to His own through His own. Thank you Father, you amaze me and fill me with awe !
Thank you Lance, I love your creative and brave ways of communicating truth about our King and His Kingdom.
You are a true minister of truth being directed by the Spirit of truth.
May this day be blessed for you. And through you .
Blessings from the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga New Zealand.
Bryan.