Purpose Driven Life - uplifting thoughts, scriptures, inspirational

When I go shopping it’s like being on a mission with one major
twist. I’m not a window shopper. I know exactly what I'm going
to purchase, or I will have a good basic idea of what I’m looking
for and where to find it. I‘m not going to visit each and every
outlet in the mall or retail center. Before I even begin this
mission I scan the newspaper inserts and all sales. Though I
really enjoy finding bargains, it’s the item that I’m most
interested in obtaining. I do this for a number of reasons:

I don’t like being stuck in a maze of commercial traffic.
I’m on a very strict budget and no time to waste. The
best items go quickly.
I’m not a fan of long lines and wait times, especially in
the shoe departments.
I hate making returns due to a flaw that I didn't see or
because it doesn't go with a certain outfit after all. It’s
both disappointing and aggravating to me to return
something after all that time I spent just to find it.

With all that a mall does to make for a great shopping
experience, I've noticed the crowds yet appear to be more
confused, disengaged, and a sometimes a few shoppers will
even become loud and obnoxious towards everyone. This is
even more apparent during holiday seasons, at which point I
do my very best to avoid all malls if at all possible. So when I
do find what I’m searching for, mission is complete.

Thank God, Jesus did not shop for disciples. Although He
went to where there were, He yet chose them. He chose
twelve and not one was a mistake. They were precisely
selected, hand-picked out of many, including Judas. Each had
full access to Him. All were given ample opportunities to learn
and do likewise. Judas, however, would eventually choose the
opportunity to be the catalyst for wrapping up Jesus’ mission
on earth. Jesus in turn would use the end result of it, to
benefit us all.

When the love of Jesus Christ starts drawing you closer to Him
and to His Word, it’s not by mistake, it’s on purpose. When He
begins working in your life, it’s not a coincidence. When He
calls you forth, from wherever, it’s by His choice and no other.

Responding to His call, on the other hand, is your choice.

Scriptures to Reference:

John 15 verse 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen
you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and
that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the
Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 17 verses 20-21

20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which

shall

believe on me through their word;

21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I

thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may

believe

that thou hast sent me.

Romans 1 verse 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.