How to Live Purposefully This Summer
Summer 2023 is here and you can be sure it will be meaningful if you choose to live it purposefully.
Purposefully: in a determined or resolute way; in a thoughtful and focused way, with a serious desire to accomplish something; with intention.
As we launch into this season we are bringing you opportunities to stay connected to God, your purpose giver and to other like-minded people in community.
For those of us who consider ourselves task-oriented, summer schedules may feel like a threat to the joyful work God has given us. Although thankful for additional time with family and friends, we may feel disconnected from our work, which can lead to confusion and anxiety. The very best way to remain connected to our calling this summer is to stay connected with our Purpose Giver. How do we know that God is our Purpose Giver? All we do at Beacon People stems from the belief that God is our Purpose Giver!
Ephesians 2:10 says – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
So…it’s all about Him anyway.
Why connect with our Purpose Giver?
1. Connecting with God, attunes our heart to Him. Attune means “to make yourself receptive or aware of.” When we connect with Him, we remember that He is with us to help us sort things out. The good works we do for Him, actually flow from Him.
“But as for me, how good it is to be near to God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.” Psalm 73:28
2. When we connect with God, He gives us wisdom generously. We can spin over a problem for hours or months or weeks when God already knows the solution and delights to give it to us!
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5
3. Connecting with God grounds us to help us become more stable. Our time with Him dispels anxiety and worry when we are reminded He is the One ultimately in control.
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.’” Jeremiah 17:5-8
4. Our time with God slows us down, and helps us stay on task away from the many distractions.
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians 3:1,2
5. You desire to leave an eternal legacy to those coming after you.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:12,17
Stop and consider:
· How does spending time with God on a regular basis affect your attitude and outlook?
· How do you feel when you are working for yourself and your own agenda, rather than working for God and His agenda?
· What are some practical ways you can stay connected to God this summer?
Need a boost in your calling?
Desire friendship and community?
Having trouble jumpstarting new projects?
Lost your way and need direction?
THEN COFFEE & CONNECTION IS FOR YOU!
Summer has a way of making us feel isolated and disconnected with a change in life rhythms and sometimes ongoing opportunities take a break. Slower paced days and time off can take the wind out of your purpose-driven sails!
We’ve created COFFEE & CONNECTION with this and you in mind.
Join us for coffee, conversation and intentional connection through activities that will keep your mind on track and your wheels turning towards God’s purposes for your life.
We’d love to save a spot for you. RSVP kristi@beaconpeopele.org.
New Conversations with Purpose Seekers on the Podcast
Kristi Merritt serves Beacon People in many ways, but is most known for being a joyful connector of people and opportunities. Listen as Kristi talks with Beacon People's founder, Anna Nash, about God's faithfulness to connect her to Beacon People and then later answer her prayer for the right job in His perfect timing.
May is Mental Health Awareness month and we are so thrilled to welcome Beverly Ward, MA, EdS, LPC, owner of Still Waters Counseling, to our show today. Beverly felt God was leading her to expand her practice, but asked Him for further confirmation. He faithfully answered her prayer through the words of Isaiah 40:1. Listen to her testimony of God's faithfulness and provision and be encouraged!
