Updated on Nov 27, 2010

“Destiny” is a very misunderstood word. To many people today, it means “fate.” They believe that they are destined to do or be something and it is entirely beyond their control to change it. That concept seems to be confirmed by the definition of the word, “an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future.” But I believe that Biblically, the concept of our destiny is that God has a plan for us. It is NOT inevitable but, based upon our choices in life, we either achieve that destiny or not.

It is amazing how many things that are generally not considered “Christian” can have such powerful influence upon our Christianity! Bill Isaacs has recommended a post by Seth Godin about “Who Answers The Phone?” and the need to focus on what is important. Michael Campbell is an Internet Marketing consultant. He posted an article, “What is My Destiny” on his blog, Internet Marketing Secrets. In that article, he provides some very striking thoughts about where we are and how we got here – and how we can define where we go from here. Read the rest of this entry »

The title describes me on some of my better days! The rest of the time, I just can’t seem to “get it together.”

But this was the title of Bishop Warren Heck’s message at Agape’ Fellowship on the 28th of September. He used the words of Paul when he was speaking to King Agrippa in Acts 26:28,29 (KJV).

28  Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29  And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

The two words present a distinct separation of persons. On the one hand was King Agrippa who was “almost” persuaded to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ & become a Christian. On the other hand was the “altogether” committed stand that Paul had taken in defense of the Savior.

Bishop Heck listed several differences that define an “altogether” Christian:

• He or she is committed fully
• She is not a “fair-weather Christian
• He understands that this is a life or death decision
• She is willing to pay the cost
• He will not submit to worldly pressures
• She will choose death before compromising with sin

So which are you: Almost – or Altogether?

Listen to the entire audio recording here….[podcast]08/080928_almost_altogether-w_heck.mp3[/podcast]

“We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert to whatever God will do next.” Romans, Chapter 5, Verses 3 & 4 (Message Translation).

It seems like everyone we know has spent their share of time over the past year “hemmed in with troubles.” Many of them spend a lot of time worrying about what they should do next and how things will turn out. Perhaps you’ve done the same. I know we have. But, thank God, there is a better way. Take a look a Paul’s approach in the midst of his own troubled times. Instead of worrying “what can go wrong next” Paul confidently anticipates “whatever God will do next.” He takes his eyes off his troubles and puts them on God. He anticipates God’s response to his situation and when it comes – gets in line with it.

I’m reminded of an example Zig Ziglar uses in his motivational lecture “My Spiritual Journey.” Mr. Ziglar shares, “The Israelites looked at Goliath and thought he was too big to hit. David looked at Goliath and thought he was too big to miss. It’s all a matter of perspective. The Israelites compared themselves to Goliath and believed they had no chance against him. David compared Goliath to God and believed he was way too small to have any chance against God. It’s not problems that are in the way of our progress, it’s our perspective of those problems.”

The Chinese word for crisis is two symbols. One is the symbol for danger. The other is the symbol for opportunity. If you have your eyes on the problems, all you’ll see is the danger. But, if you can focus yourself on the Lord, He’ll open your eyes to the opportunities.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.