How Can You Respond to God's Defining Moment?

Samuel was three old when his mother Hannah left him with Eli, the high priest, to foster the child as a servant of God. Hannah had promised God she would do this. While Samuel was still a child, one night he awoke to a voice calling his name. This happened three times.

Eli served as father, teacher, and counselor to Samuel and was wise enough to realize a defining moment was occurring. Listen to Eli’s counsel to Samuel: “Go and lie down, and when you hear your name called by the Lord, say, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’” For the rest of his life Samuel knew God had called him to be his servant.

If you are ready to experience God’s defining moment or have already experienced it, then how you are to respond to his purpose and directions will become clear. Your reward will be peace because you are not resisting, as well as assurance because all is well and right in your heart and soul – for God has spoken and you have listened.                     

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Therefore, if any one is in Christ Jesus, he or she is a new creation; the old has passed away, for the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

~2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Revised Standard Version

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Can Impulsive Behavior Be Controlled?

One characteristic of adolescent children is the tendency to act impulsively without first evaluating the implications of their choices. Young people’s immaturity and lack of experience make it difficult to visualize themselves meeting a tragic end.

Impulsive behavior is often associated with lasting regret. In high school, two friends impulsively decided to join the Navy. Having failed to acquire high school diplomas, their assigned job duties failed to meet their expectations. Another defining moment came when they left their Naval base without permission and returned home.

Impulsive decisions often result in pain and suffering. Yet a decisive moment can be a positive experience when anchored in prayer and the certainty of God’s blessings. Failures also can result in positive good if a person seeks God’s forgiveness and turns to him in sincere repentance.

God’s love for us is greater than our sin.                    

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When the righteous cry out for help, the Lord hears and delivers them... The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

~Psalm 34:17-18 Revised Standard Version

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What Secret Plan Is God Waiting to Share with You?

A decisive moment can be prompted by what was not previously understood. The mother of a third-grade girl did everything conceivable to ensure her daughter’s popularity at school. Realizing her daughter’s frustration and unhappiness, the mother wisely decided to stop pressuring her little girl.

It was a decisive moment when the mother realized that loving her child as the person God created was the most significant blessing she could bestow upon her. 

The child no longer felt that pleasing her mother was her main purpose in life. She now could be friends with whomever she chose.

God’s desire is to give you his love. Colossians 1:27 tells us God’s secret plan is literally Christ Jesus in you so you can share in God's glory. Coming to realize and accept this wonderful truth can be a pivotal moment that changes your life. Why not do it? Just tell Jesus you’re ready.   

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But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord [Jesus Christ] and to spread the Gospel like sweet perfume. 

~2 Corinthians 2:14 The Living Bible

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What's Holding You Back from Seeking God?

When was the last time you met someone who became a permanent fixture in your memory? Pivotal events can have such an enduring influence that your life is forever changed. A young couple met each other at a social function related to their employment, and over the following months their paths continued to cross.

A pivotal moment signals the flowing together of thoughts and feelings that may have taken months to formulate. Spiritually, it can be indicative of God at work to bring about a consciousness of his presence in you. Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Spirit of truth to guide and teach them all things.

Making a decision to seek God with all your heart is a pivotal moment that will change your life. A decision of this magnitude brings a new level of satisfaction and peace within because Jesus resides at its center. 

When you draw near to God, he will draw near to you, so fill your mind with things that are good and praiseworthy.  

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Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.

~Proverbs 4:23 Contemporary English Version

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How Can I Possess and Keep a Clean, Pure Heart?

A pivotal event in life can set a new course for a person to follow indefinitely. Decisive moments include choices that may never be equaled but will need continuous, positive action that supports and strengthens those choices.

Sincerely inviting Jesus to become Lord and Savior of your life is a decisive undertaking that cannot be overshadowed. The same is true for marriage, when two people bond their lives together. Another pivotal moment occurs when one or the other faces temptation but decides to keep his or her heart pure and true.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” A pivotal moment is not only longing for a pure heart but actually determining to seek and keep it pure.

God stands ready to extend his amazing grace to those who long for a pure heart. Faith in God is the source for keeping and maintaining a pure heart. May God bless you.  

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Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires…Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.  

~Psalm 51:10,12 The Living Bible

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How Does Unexpected Change Affect Self-esteem?

An unexpected change can be disconcerting when what it demands appears incomprehensible. A young man became unemployed due to company cutbacks. Unable to find suitable employment, he moved in with his parents. In our society these circumstances are not unusual.

This temporary move back home was feared to be permanent by his parents, who initially questioned and discounted the sincerity of his efforts to find a new job. Losing employment and returning home proved to be a pivotal event for him and his parents.

However, pivotal events can boost self-esteem and self-worth by pushing individuals toward stability and independence, even when it means working outside of your career choice. God’s long-range purpose may hinge on your separating from old dependencies that appear comfortable but can be a barrier to becoming the person God intended. 

So why not commit your life completely to discovering God’s purpose for you now?  

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Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word…Don’t let me walk away from your commands. I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. I praise you, Lord!

~Psalm 119: 9-12 Contemporary English Version

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How Do Relationships Test Your Character Strengths?

Pivotal events are not reserved for just an unexpected moment. Certainly Jesus would be a pivotal event for Mary and Joseph. When Joseph learned Mary was pregnant, he was ready to walk away, but an angel assured him Jesus would be a pivotal event for the entire world.

Pivotal events may appear overwhelming. Initially, Joseph expected to be married, have children and lead a normal life, but then his dreams appeared to be in jeopardy because what he faced could not be denied. Joseph was presented with a choice that would test his strength of character and his faith in God. 

Joseph’s dream presented a pivotal turning point because he realized God would use him in a way that could never be surpassed. Reassurance from God at a pivotal moment is available to those who seek it with humility and thanksgiving. So praise God and thank him for his provisions of faith and trust to see you through what seems impossible. 

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Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude,; it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  

~1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 New International Version

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