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For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.~ Jeremiah 29:11
Have you ever seen the movie called, City of Angels?
It is a 1998 romantic fantasy film starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. City of Angels tells the story of an angel named Seth (Cage) who watches over humans and protects them in undetected ways. Seth's main duty is to appear to those who are near death and lead them to the next life. During the story, Seth falls in love with a woman (Ryan) and gives up his angelic status to become human in order to be with her.
Now, I will not lie to you, I thought it was a good movie. However, I started wondering, why would an angel consider giving up the best relationship, with God, to settle for a human relationship? Then, I realized we all have settled for less at some point in our lives.
Adam and Eve had the perfect relationship with God in the Garden of Eden, but they settled for less by eating from the forbidden tree. Judas was in the perfect position for greatness, but he settled for less by betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. As for me, there have been times I have settled for less by focusing on worldly things rather than the Word of God.
Over the last 10 years, I noticed that very few are committed to God’s best. All too often, individuals respond to their future by simply settling into boring, mediocre lives. However, that is not the type of life God wants for anyone!
We have been conditioned by the world to “dumb down” and accept far less than what God has provided. As a matter of fact, the only reason we are not receiving God’s best is because we are willing, consciously or unconsciously, to settle for less.
Here are five warning signs that you are settling for less:
Listen, you are the child of the Most High God. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, which means you have far-reaching influence, access to unlimited resources, and endless opportunities. Seize the opportunities!
The minute you settle for less than you deserve, is the same minute you settle for less than what God created you for.
It is time for you to put your faith in God's power and take advantage of the opportunities He gives you. If you refuse to settle for a life of mediocrity, you will be able to pursue the excellence God has in store for you. You will be able to fulfill your greatest potential. You will live fearlessly in the face of difficulty.
So, get out of your comfort zone and take the risks God calls you to take. Be on the lookout for divine appointments because He is getting ready to promote you. Ask God to give you the wisdom to do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way, at the right time. Remember, God is faithful to keep all of His promises and He has far more for you than what you are experiencing.
Set your mind on the things of God and not on the things of this world. Jesus has paid a way for you to be free from the strongholds of mediocrity. He stands ready to lead you to His perfect plan for your life. For that reason, stop putting limitations on your thinking. God did not create you to be average. You were created to shine. Keep pursuing God’s very best for you!
Cream and Sugar...
Say this prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today, I am reminded that I am Your child and a citizen of Your Kingdom. Help me be faithful to live a life beyond my limitations according to Your plan and purpose for me. I will center my life on You rather than myself. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Day 27
