Turning Point
I wanted to share this, it had a profound effect on me a few Sundays ago at church when our pastor, Blair Richy, shared it in his sermon. Each week he is incorporating inspirational readings, because who doesn’t need inspiration. Especially when making changes that move us in a positive direction. Regardless of your faith or spiritual beliefs I hope you find encouragement in the passage below written by Bill Burch.
2011… A TURNING POINT…
Today – I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in and my direction is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There is no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purpose with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s Glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His word.
Since my past has been forgiven and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven. I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead, I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of His family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status, and people over possession, position and pleasures. I know what matters most and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running with me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission focused so I cannot be bought. I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is Yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord – Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!”
Bill Burch
The “Plus+Factor” Connection
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Professor Phillips, this is such an encouraging and inspiring post. My favorite quote from this post is “I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation or intimidated by the devil.” So great! This can definately be a go to inspirational quote for rough days in yoga, school, work, and in life in general. thank you for sharing!
Alicia Fox
T/TH Collin class 10-11:15am.
Professor Phillips, I absolutely loved reading this. Thank you for posting this and I’m so happy I came across it today. Because lately I have been stressed and I need some encouragement and inspiration. My favorite quote from this post is ” I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!” Thanks again!
Kristine Boncales
T/TH Collin Class 8:30-9:45am
This is something that I needed to hear today! Its so easy to get caught up in the distractions of this sinful world, and we loose sight of God. But we need to hold fast to the Lord and His will! I have been through so much being a single mother of 2 children, but God has brought me out of the darkness and into the light. He has blessed my children and I with so much and we do not even deserve it at all. The Lord is beyond good. However, whenever, where ever, and whatever…YES! That just sums it all up. The live life to the fullest is to live our life for Christ and for Christ only! Thank you for sharing this! It is definitely something we need to remind ourselves of daily.
“When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission focused so I cannot be bought. I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.”
These are incredibly powerful words. When things are are going down, build them back up! I I can read this post anytime somethings not going well for me or I need a since of reassurance in my life. Mrs Cortney, i appreciate your posts. They are inspiring, heartfelt, and have me eager to continue following your thoughts.
Thank you!
I absolutely loved loved loved this one! My favorite part was the end, “To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is Yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord – Whatever it takes!”
Because people are getting more and more stressed with money, and now its time for Christmas, things are getting tight. The lord will lead you the right way if you pay it forward and LISTEN
This is such a powerful message to boost anyone’s spirit. Imagine reading that out loud! This is definitely something I am going to print out and keep in my journal for those times when you sometimes need to be reminded that there is something greater. Reading the other comments we all talk about stress and I know personally that I stress even more thinking about the following: money, job, school, etc. This sermon is powerful and thank you for sharing it 🙂
I really liked this message. I am not much of a believer in God necessarily, but I have full faith that there is something greater than me out there that is guiding me through this life. The day I turned my life over to my Higher Power, I felt a new sense of freedom and comfort that I have never felt before. This message was actually very inspirational to me.
Courtney,
I am not a religious person at all, but that is ENTIRELY beside the point when it comes to words of strength, inspiration, and (most importantly) of love, no matter what the source may be, whether it’s a bible, a koran, or a yoga class..I found definite words of inspiration in this article, and although it was very religiously oriented article, one can clearly see the important lesson/s we can learn from this selection. <3
I really needed to read this today. I’m very glad you shared this for me to stumble upon. It has definitely inspired and touched my heart. It reminds me the verse I love. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
I find this passage to be beyond inspirational. When it reads “I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race” my feelings of determination and motivation both heighten in a way that make me truly want to be a better person and never give up on what I am fighting for.
This made me smile!! 🙂 What a great way to show love for god and share it with others.
This is exactly what I needed to read today. I have been struggling a lot lately with not receiving the praise I think I deserve. I have allowed a sense of animosity to take root, because I have been watching others around me receive the praise which I felt like I deserve, too. I am not sure why I have always felt like I needed to be motivated by praise, but that stops today. I will see opportunity in opposition and know that God is using it to prepare me for his next step, his plan, his fulfillment, and my invitation to the party. God’s love out trumps any wordly praise I could ever receive. Thank you for sharing this with us!
“Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status, and people over possession, position and pleasures.” I think we all need this reminder sometimes!
I’m not religious and have never been deeply involved in religion, however, this has moved me in a positive direction of thinking despite the lack of attachment to religion. I really enjoy how inspiring and character building this goes with quotes and scripture that leads you to your own interpretations.