Announcements:  Reminder: My bible study, “Journey to Purpose”, is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon (print and e-format), Xulon Press. I’ve provided the links at the end of the page.

Blog content:

In this age of technology, we have many tools at our disposal that interface to make our lives easier. We have become quite dependent on these tools. We have mobile calendars to remind us of important dates and appointments; mobile personal and business development plans to help us maintain focus and monitor and accomplish goals; fitness tools that help us keep track of our physical activity, sleep patterns, and water intake; and all types of cameras that interface with our computers to help us save important snapshots in time. As wonderful as these tools are, none of the tools or applications will work properly if they do not occasionally undergo synchronization. There are times we receive notifications that we must synchronize devices in order for the devices and applications to continue to work properly. These systems are so sophisticated they will even tell us how long the synchronization will take.

There are several reasons devices may need to synchronize: 1) The application or device has new upgrades that need to be downloaded, 2) Some interference has caused a disruption in the synchrony between devices or applications, and 3) The device or application has crashed altogether and requires cleaning, reboot, and re-syncing in order to work properly. The purpose of synchronization is to ensure coordination of events so that the system operates in unison. Systems are designed to prompt or give warnings anytime synchronization is needed to ensure optimal functioning between devices. Ignoring these prompts or warnings usually results in bigger problems such as a complete disruption or crash down the road.

As we serve in ministry fulfilling the purposes that God called us to, we must take time to re-sync; to refresh; and to download new information, direction or instructions. Hopefully, this is done before there is a complete breakdown in the synchrony between us and God. How do we even get to a place of dis-synchrony? We get to a place of dis-synchrony when we start to trust and depend on our plans, knowledge, and strength. Proverbs 3:4-5 admonishes us to put our trust in the Lord, acknowledge him in all our ways, and lean not to our own understanding. It is easy to get into a mode of doing “ministry” without re-syncing to make sure we are aligned with God’s thoughts and plans. God can change plans or direction since the last instruction or direction He gave. We should note promptings or warnings from the Holy Spirit that a re-sync is required.

We have to re-sync to check our motives as well. Proverbs 16:1-3 tells us that man’s plans are in his heart and he does what he feels is right, but in reality, God is sovereign and what He says is what will be because our motives may not be in sync with Him. Recently, as the new year loomed and past, I heard various ministers and prophets proclaim God’s word for the year 2020. Although what was said sounded good, I needed to hear from God for myself what His direction and instruction were to me for this new year. It was important that I not allow these varying words to interfere with God’s specific word for me and thereby cause a disruption in our synchrony. So, at the first of the year, I took some time away from social media, vlogging, and blogging in order to re-sync with God around purpose, direction, and spiritual development. It’s not to say that God’s will was far from my mind, I wanted to make sure I was not so focused on the what that I neglected the who and the why. During my time away from social media, I received assurance of my calling and purpose, and I received correction, affirmation, and instruction. God also began to shift my study and reminded me of past spiritual encounters and lessons –for a reason I know will be revealed. Ultimately, taking this time will have a lasting benefit for my kingdom service.

Wherever and however we serve, God’s plan must be at the forefront of what we do. If we lose focus, become weary in well-doing, are fall prey to wrong motivation, we are ineffective. An increase in ideas, creativity, success, and growth are dependent on our reliance on and synchrony with God. We are not in sync because we go to church every time the church doors open, or because we serve in ministry faithfully. We must consecrate time to listen to God, hear what is on His heart, and understand His plans and intentions, and to receive the most up-to-date information. My favorite scripture of late is Jeremiah 33:3 which says, call to me and I will answer you, and tell you (even show you) great and mighty things, (things which have been confined and hidden), which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish. If you have found that you are not as effective, you are not focused, or fruitful, take some time to re-sync and allow God to reveal the unknown.

As always, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. I pray that if you found the content here of value, you will like and share it with your friends and family. Please feel free to leave a comment. If you missed last week’s post click here.

To purchase my bible study, “Journey to Purpose”, click on the links below:

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journey-to-purpose-l-elizabeth-stewart/1130473472

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Purpose-L-Elizabeth-Stewart/dp/1545656908

Highlights from Today’s Episode:

• The purpose of synchronization is to ensure unity
• To remain unified and effective in ministry, it is important to re-sync with God
• God will upgrade us, download updates, and share unknown information if we ask

Resources:

• Proverbs 3:4-6
• Proverbs 16:1-3
• Jeremiah 33:3