Tag Archives: discover God's will for your life

S.A.N.S. Episode 249: Live for You

Posted on October 8, 2022 by expressyourself4him

There are certain people who know exactly what they want to do in life at an early age. Most teenagers live life day to day or for the weekend. However, Rachael Lampa rose to fame and critical acclaim at age 15 in 2000 with the release of her debut album, Live for You. Sometimes you hear a song, but you’re distracted at the time so it doesn’t strike a nerve or touch your heart.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship, Romans 12:1.

When I recently listened to Live for You late at night, I was touched by the lyrics and melody. My mind was reminded of the apostle Paul’s words in the passage above. Before you can discover God’s will for your life, you have to offer your body as a living sacrifice. As Christian’s like Rachael live for Jesus, God’s plan for your life comes into focus. May Life for You challenge you to pursue God’s will for your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Get Busy Living or Accept Dying?

Posted on March 1, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The most iconic movie in my lifetime is Shawshank Redemption. While Shawshank Redemption didn’t do exceedingly well at the box office in 1994, this film has developed a cult following today. There are several scenes that you may replay in your mind, but the attached clip is by far the most powerful. As Andy and Red talk about what they will do if they get out of prison, the scene is set for the classic line “Get busy living or get busy dying?”

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh [a]for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and [b]purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having [c]the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God], 1 Peter 4:1.

You don’t have to go to prison to feel hopeless inside. During my final summer as a college student, I had become a full-blown hypocrite, James 1:14-15. Bad choices, poor decisions and sinful habits caused my relationship with God to come to a screeching halt. After breaking my ankle playing sand volleyball, I laid in bed for two weeks contemplating my future. I was experiencing a crisis of faith where I had to decide. Get busy living the abundant life promised in John 10:10 or accept an eternity separated from God?

So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills, 1 Peter 4:2.

Based upon the passage above, one of Jesus’ disciples had his own inner demons to overcome. Following his last recorded conversation with Jesus in John 21:15-19, Peter had his own Andy Dufresne moment. Instead of dreaming about starting over in Mexico, Peter was sick and tired of wasting his spiritual potential on natural appetites, cravings, and desires. For Christians, there is only one way to get busy living. When you discover God’s will for your life and uncover spiritual gifts and talents, hope becomes a reality, Romans 12:1-2.

by Jay Mankus

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