God showed me that I was pursuing my own thoughts - my own ways - something that I could easily do in the flesh. And it might have been good, but it was not God's best use for me and what He created me to do at that moment. 

Note: I loved God at that moment. I would've done whatever God told me to do, but I had begun to commingle what I thought was good (and justified it to pursue it) rather than waiting on God to order my steps.

My fleshly ambitions had taken over and I needed to surrender it. And I did. And what came out was a greater message, ministry and impact.

In my surrender, I didn't know what God wanted to do next, but I just pursued God.

This life is about becoming His vessel -- becoming is a process that God does through our life, through our experiences.

The goodness and graciousness of God stopped me to expose what it really was and put me on the right path.

There's always a preparation in the purpose. Remember Esther. She had to prepare herself for her purpose and n...

Months ago, we began this journey asking: How do we become God's vessel? 

We cemented that it starts with surrender -- giving our heart and our life to God, selling out to God -- and desiring to keep our heart before God to please God.

But the most popular question asked is still: What is my purpose?

Don't look around and start moving. Instead, your next step is to look up. As you surrender, humble yourself before God and look up and seek God's face -- seek a greater intimacy with Him. Then, He will begin to direct you. 

Caution: In the flesh, our sight can be distorted. So, how can we get there?

Step One: Seek the face of God. How? Read Scriptures that talk about God (not what you want from God, but His attributes like majestic, goodness, graciousness)

You will see your next step because you were loving God, spending time with Him, getting to know Him. 

Step Two: Desire to stay there. Now that you want to linger in His presence, there's a reason why -- to let Him breathe on you...

One of the biggest encounters, in searching for a pearl, is waiting. The moment that we are in may be wrapped up in a sequence of time. 

* There is a purpose in the moment. 

In making real pearls, it always requires an irritation. 

     God is perfecting something in your life. 

     God is making and molding us into His image. 

     In the irritation, it can bring a lot of joy. 

I learned (in the let downs of expectations) to trust God. I can truly look up into the face of God and say, "I trust You."  It's good that you have been afflicted. "Now you're going to learn to run to My Word." 

We expect God to move "quickly," in our time frame. But God is not bound by time because He is eternal. From His eternal seat in Heaven, He works out His purpose. We must rise up to that position where He is. 

* It takes "time" out of our promise, but walking in the footsteps of God. Then, we can walk humbly with Him, broken before Him, getting to know Him. 

Finding my pearl in the moment, an...

For good pearls, there's a price to pay. 

It's up to us -- are we willing to pay the price?

The Kingdom of Heaven is so valuable. 

Find the pearl in the moment. What is your moment?

God has a purpose for your moment. 

God never wastes anything. 

1. Look for the pearl.
2. Know the value of the pearl. (You can learn the value. Take it to the light.)
3. There is a cost. It is worth it.
4. Along the way, you will need the Holy Spirit's discernment. * Don't let your pride get in the way.
5. Once you see the pearl, keep your eyes on it. * You don't want to pray the price again.
6. While you're pursuing the pearl, put on the armor of God.
7. Possess it.

Scripture to study: Matthew 13:45, John 9:4, Psalm 119:130, Psalm 18:30, Ephesians 6:11-18   

How many times have I missed [God's] goodness, Your favor, Your blessings on my life all because of my selfishness?

God has so much more for me . . . to reach out and grab hold of His purpose for my life. 

"I knew my heart was missing something. I loved God but I loved the things of this world also."

I had to die to my flesh, crucify the flesh. 

> Allow God to be the Master and follow His instructions. 

When the flesh rose up, I would fight in my own strength, reasoning it to be ok. But, it was not ok -- just gratifying the flesh. 

I needed to trust God in my everyday life, not just one big moment. 

> I needed to humble myself, surrender, and walk step by step with God. 

Four steps to overcome the daily battle when the flesh wants to rule over you

1. You must recognize that your flesh is rebellion against God. 
2. Recognize the flesh. 
3. Immediately, pray for grace. 
4. Put on love. 

On this journey, day by day, He wants us to purpose to love Him and display His love to the world...

Humility in the sight of God is a spiritual position -- it's submission. 

By this we bless God. 

I needed to renew my spiritual position (and physical position) before the Lord. 

Jesus gave His life so that you might have life, not just to be saved/salvaged. 

What does it mean to bless God? And how do we bless Him?

To Bless God = Kneel before God

1. I submit to God.
2. I envoke God -- praise Him, celebrate Him. 
3. I am grateful for the grace and favor of God. 
4. I remain in this spiritual position and go throughout the day humbled. Bless God all day long. Focus on the praises. 

In humility, there's no flesh. 

Scripture references: Titus 2:11-12, Leviticus 17:11, Psalm 135:20, 1 John 5:11-13

Let this statement refresh you: We want to live out God's truth to live a fully satisfied life. 

Reminder: Write Scriptures that you want to use in the future so that you can (1) meditate on them and (2) learn and memorize them. It is and will be a strength for you. Let them be your instruction and guide. 

As we connect surrender, humility, and this fight with our flesh, consider these statements from Andrew Murray:

• A humble person feels no jealousy; they feel no envy. 
• Humility removes the flesh. 

Look back to the example of Esther. What was her motive? Whatever pleases the king.

Humility doesn't grow out of a soil of pride.

My body is only a vessel. It holds something. I am to house the life of Christ.

Your flesh will tempt you to fall into sin. Most of these temptations or sins are accepted in our culture. The flesh can in no way please God.

Christ in you has already won the battle.

For further reading: Humility by Andrew Murrray

For meditation and memorization: Galat...

True humility in the sight of God is a spiritual position. 

It's an act of submission, not to your flesh, but to Father God. 

In surrender, your life is "not about me but the Master." 

Meek means "no more me" and "all of God." In surrender, you are meek. 

It's a deeper dependence on God. Our society teaches us the opposite -- to be independent. 

We choose humility by submitting to God's authority. 

False humility robs the blessings of God from your life and opens the door to defeat. (Pride can bring unnecessary stress and even health issues.)

Humility opens the door for peace and allows others to speak truth to you. 

* Listen for examples of everyday prayer prompts. 

* Listen for practical (heart examination) questions. 

Scriptures for meditation: Colossians 2:18, Micah 6:8, Colossians 3:12, Psalm 27:11, Psalm 119:130 

 In our last conversation, we discussed that our faith journey is step by step, not overnight. 

We recognize pride; we can smell it. But, we need to surrender. Surrender comes through humility.

We turn our focus "from me to the Master." Surrender is following the Master.

In Luke 9:23, there are three steps: (1) deny self; (2) take up your cross; (3) follow Me. 

No exceptions. No flattery. No pride. It's sin.

We're after righteousness, not our rights.

Since we try to hide our flaws and failures, ask God how you can surrender. Remember, He's making you into the image of Christ. 

The only stronghold you want in your life is God. 

Let God minister to you, exalt you. 

 Scriptures for further study: 1 Corinthians 15:31, 1 Peter 5:6, Philippians 2:5-8, Proverbs 27:2, Isaiah 6, Proverbs 11:2  

In the conversation with Jo and Carolyn, there are some statements that might help you as you walk your journey of faith with the Lord. Perhaps there is one statement that might be your personal application.   

As you begin listening, use this Scripture as a banner over you and let it encourage and motivate you: Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work." - John 4:34  

* This discipleship is a continual journey. We lay a foundation. We learn, apply, and serve. 

* God may allow circumstances (hard or easy) so that we can reach back and grab concepts or even character traits of Jesus that we have been taught. 

* It is important to know what we really want. 

* It is important to have someone to walk with you (for accountability).  

* Discipleship can look different depending on how hungry you are and what time you have. But, dive in. God will increase your hunger. 

* Keep going, even if it's only step by step. 

Words for meditation: ...