Category: Purpose

Victory

5/1/2017

"We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions."
~Psalm 20:5

I find it interesting that the Hebrew word yĕshuw`ah in the first line of this verse (translated here as “Salvation”) is also used to indicate victory.

Last week we spoke about success and purpose, which the writer prays for us and all of God’s people. After that last request in verse four comes this declaration, “We will rejoice in your…victory…” Notice the two words underlined in bold. First, there is no question or doubt, it is a statement of fact; second, when God’s will for our lives brings us into success and purpose, victory comes with it. We are not talking about a metaphorical, privately held, or heavenly eventuality. We are talking about a victorious life and reality that can be seen and attested to by others in everyday matters, situations, and encounters!

Are you feeling lost, defeated, dejected, or left out/behind today? Do you feel that there is no way out of your situation? Do you feel that you are dealing with something you can’t bounce back from? Let me tell you from experience, all of that can be a reality and yet God can turn the facts around to bring you into success, purpose, and victory! Even over the greatest obstacle you have ever faced! I can say this in confidence because I am living proof!

Call on His great name, trust His perfect will, and rise to purpose and victory in Christ’s name!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

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Success

4/24/2017

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"May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed."
~Psalm 20:4 (NIV)

This week's blog is longer than previous ones because: 1. Can anyone really talk about success in just a paragraph or two? And, 2. An entire month's worth of insight into Psalm 20:4 has been fit into this one blog. It may take a couple more minutes to read, but I hope you stick with me, because I think it will be worth your time; so let's get to it...

There is no way around it. The fundamental truth, whether we accept or believe it or not, is that success comes from God. Period. Of course, there are practical things we can do to bring ourselves financial success, family success, and even spiritual success (yes the Bible gives us a clear roadmap to that); but the future belongs to God, and only by giving Him our today in every area we need success, can we be confident of future success.

But what does success really look like? It’s fairly simple: whatever God’s will is. If we can tap into His will and walk fairly close to that plan, we will be called successful. I guarantee it. Those with no faith, or those who can only consider the physical reality, may not call you successful to your face, but I guarantee you that something in them that can’t be touched by the physical or material will know… They may not be able to put their finger on it, or call it by name, but they will know that something about you is different, desirable, and admirable.

So how can we most effectively see the reality of Psalm 20:4 manifest in our lives? God showers blessings on His children and the children of the world; the righteous and the sinner alike; however, those who place the whole of their trust in the name of the Most High, have a different outcome than random occasional “blessings.” When the name of The Lord becomes what defines you, the one thing you trust in and depend on, what motivates your every act and decision, what drives your giving and spending, what decides your career and relationship choices, THEN you become uniquely changed and qualified.

You change because, somehow and somewhere in the middle of living a life all about making the name of The Lord preeminent, your desires no longer become your desires. They become His. You lose your personal agendas and ambitions and begin to keenly become aware and capable of accomplishing His! This desire, awareness, and ability qualifies you to receive and handle a level of success in peace, joy, love, increase, responsibility, elevation, and influence that impacts the greatest entity ever created: The Kingdom of God. THAT is success!

You know, another translation for the word “success” in this verse is Purpose. Psalm 20:4 in the New King James Bible reads, “May He…fulfill all your purpose.” Ultimately personal success comes from realizing, accepting, and living a life of purpose. Again, only God knows the purpose for which He created each individual. Therefore, the dynamics of our purpose, and the road to fulfilment can only come from Him. Putting our everything in His control guarantees we stay on the path He has already designed for us…leading directly to purpose and success.

So yes, my prayer for you today is Psalm 20:4. May your desires become His desires, your agenda become His agenda, and may your life unfold with strategic successes in every area of reality as HE more and more becomes the Lord of every area of your life. As you do that, may you walk into the fullness of purpose in each of your activities, days, years, and ultimately your life! Amen!

Victorious In His name,
Dawn~

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R.E.A.L.* Moment Monday

7/6/2015

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"A woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil...she broke the flask and poured it on His head." ~Mark 14:3 (NKJV)

First Giving Honor to God...

"...who is the head of my life."

Remember that old cliché? Man! Those words drove me crazy many hot, late, mid-week, church nights! That was when "Testimony Service" took place. Well here I am, starting this special month off with a deep, heartfelt, truly appreciative.....first giving honor to God who is the head of my life! God has truly been good to me in more ways than I can list, but I specifically want to thank Him for birthing and sustaining the ministry you see before you on this website, for ten years!

Ten years ago God birthed in me a vision for a ministry that was unlike anything I had ever encountered. It was unique and out of the box because the term "Life-Coach" was just coming to be. But it was certainly not yet in the realm of Christian ministry. Even today, Christian-life coaching is still seen as taboo, and not fully accepted in many traditional church circles. But the truth is that Jesus was the very first Christian-life coach that there ever was. He was a disciple-maker, and that is what we do, plain and simple. We make and strengthen the walks of Christian Disciples for the Kingdom of God. It is what He commanded His own disciples to do via the great commission, "Go and make disciples..." We have somehow changed the look of The Great Commission to be more reflective of making converts instead of disciples. Converts only require convincing; disciples require a coach. But I digress, I don't need to defend my vision...

Ten years ago this month, Costly Oil was officially established, and has been an amazing journey. Since then, I too have been a work in progress to reflect exactly what Christ has desired to birth from and through this vision. What started out as a great, and extremely humbling vision, has remained so, and expanded to include many avenues of ministry and service whereby Christian women can be encouraged and grounded in their walk with God, and their individual God-breathed visions. I write these words with humble amazement and joy as I think back ten years ago. I recall the days of writing the vision and making it plain just like it was just last year. All the great and wonderful plans God dropped in my heart...all the sweet, sweet assurances of lives being touched...all the much needed confirmations amid extreme lack and inadequacies...all the late nights of fervent prayers and much writing...they are all still so vivid. And I am thankful that His Grace has kept them all alive these ten years later. So back to my introductory statement, first, giving honor to God...it is for Him and through Him that I and this vision exist. THANK YOU LORD!!!

Please stay with me, right here at Make Mondays Matter as I continue to celebrate this joyous occasion. I will be introducing you to a few names and faces who are also deserving of honor for being instrumental in my journey in some way. Finally, I will be sharing some of my writings and stories from along the way. Please celebrate with me!

With Much Gratitude,
Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~

A reminder about Purpose from the Archives
"My purpose and passion in life is to encourage and inspire women to live a life of purpose using my gifts of mercy, teaching, writing, and my words of wisdom and exhortation. I was redeemed from a walk of shame and a life of guilt and regret when I discovered my purpose was more than escaping hell fire. I will never be able to write enough words to express my gratitude to God for the gift of purpose! But purpose without power to impact lives and effect change is a waste; and, power belongs to GOD! So not only must we make sure that He is working WITH us, but we must work with the complete understanding that the results lay in His capable hands and providential timing. We should never allow ourselves to carry the burden of thinking that our doing is what makes our work successful."

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About Purpose

10/27/2014

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"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." ~Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)

The definition of the word purpose is: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists

Fall is my very favorite season of the year. This is the time of year when I first begin looking forward to what's on the horizon for next year, and what the past nine to ten months labor has reaped. But this year, since Fall has begun, I have found myself doing less reflecting and strategizing, and more sowing. My conversations with The Lord about my situation led me to the focus of this blog.

I began to understand how easy it is for us to become disoriented and discouraged by some of the places, positions, and relationships we find ourselves in, simply because we don't understand the purpose of those things. I began to feel discouraged because of much sowing and no visible result. But as I sought God, He helped me identify the one thing I was not considering: The purpose of this season in my life. This season of sowing is exactly for that purpose...to sow. In our microwave, IM, and on-demand society, I had rolled over my expectations for immediate gratification into my spiritual life. But the purpose of the sowing season is not to reap, but to sow. Reaping comes in it's own season! Understanding this truth, makes enduring this season of my life joyful! Not only because I love investing in and praying for others, because it can be exhausting at times, especially as a mother. But also because just like the farmer who carefully plans his seed, and strategically sows it, I can joyfully reflect on my diligent investment and expect a fruitful harvest in due season!

That's my story, but what about you dear reader? At times we all have life circumstances that we have misunderstood or forgotten the purpose of. Sometimes we forget the purpose of a relationship, so we use it in a way that God has not intended. Sometimes it's a task or assignment that has turned into something other than what God originally instructed. What about our possessions? More than anything else, we Believers make the mistake of thinking that the sole purpose of what we have and earn is for us to provide for us. But Christ is our provider! So for what purpose has God given you your possessions?

Anything we use or perceive in a way that is contrary to its purpose, will ultimately end in misuse, abuse, and loss. If I use my lawnmower in a way Honda did not intend it, someone could get seriously hurt. If I spend my time at work in a way my employer did not agree to, I could lose my job. But if I clearly understand and operate according to the purpose of each, I will enjoy the benefits and pleasure of these things in my life.

So how do we find the purpose of who and what is going on in our lives? Ask the Creator of all things! Develop a closeness with God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray. Listen. Obey. There is really no secret formula. If you do these things, in this order, I give you my word you will begin to walk in purpose in every area of your life!

May this season be filled with joy and expectation!

Dawn~
~Pouring my life out in worship, like Costly Oil~

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Greatness in you, God's gift to the world! Part IV

7/8/2013

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“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you...”
~1Tim. 4:14a (NASB)

Today Heavenly Father I pray that you would bless us, bless us indeed; and, increase our work in influence and impact. Let us live a life of Purpose and Grace. Let our hearts, minds, and spirits be fulfilled in Kingdom and personal business. Let us find Peace on the path that you have prepared. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Greatness Displayed
The most basic display of greatness is confidence. In any person who has been hailed in a display of greatness, there lies at the heart of that person confidence: a boldness to grasp and assume the calling of their heart; the courage to step out on the wind and take flight; the surety to rise above mediocrity.

True confidence comes from an internal compass that directs the path of those who possess it.
True confidence is birthed out of a firm grasp of self and one’s purpose.
True self confidence is internal – has no need to be displayed – and therefore has nothing to prove and no one to impress.
True confidence is only concerned with living up to the internal values, standards, and abilities dictated by its owner.

But true confidence only comes when we take the time and effort to define ourselves; when we know who and whose we are, confidence becomes a natural byproduct of who we are. To do this takes, first of all, making a clear stand within ourselves about what we believe about life, and how it should be lived. Next week we will go into further detail about gaining the confidence to live out the Greatness God has planned for us. Please join us, and make it a GREAT week Friends! D~

"Run Your Race"
I have put the blinders on
I am coming around the home stretch
Finally the race has come down to
the battle between what I have accomplished
and what I am capable of
I have never bet more on the latter
Risking it all has never felt more right
The goal never more in sight
Throwing off weariness, discouragement,
distractions has never been more vital
I'm running my own race now.
~dlb

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Greatness in you, God's gift to the world! Part III

7/1/2013

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“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you...”
~1Tim. 4:14a (NASB)

Good Monday Morning! Today we are picking up from last week and finishing out the first leg of our series on Greatness. Last week we spoke about understanding and embracing whatever degree of complexity God has designed our "Greatness." This week we find that the first key to our Greatness is identifying the gifts and talents God gave us.

Whether we find ourselves among those who are "labelled" or not, one thing is true, God has given each of us specific “talents.” He has entrusted us with these valuables to benefit us and mankind; and, they have been given to us freely. It is our responsibility however to recognize, cultivate, and utilize these gifts. What a waste if we are not aware, or worse, too afraid to acknowledge the gift within. And what a blessing for mankind, yes even a miracle (as we have pointed out above), when we confidently embrace and lovingly share our treasure with those in need. Acknowledging and embracing our greatness is not arrogance, it is humility. Leaning on that greatness keeps us both humble and submitted. It helps us realize that greatness is nothing we have done, it is simply what was given to us as the likeness and image of God. And then it compels us to use that greatness in honor of the One who gave it. That is true humility!

So to wrap of defining Greatness I will say this: The true definition of greatness is as unique to each individual as the individuals themselves are unique. It is to be defined for the individual, by the individual, based on their internal gifts and talents that become worth pursuing and sharing with passion and the intent of making a difference. Although our greatness can not be defined or restricted by life, it can be stagnated by we ourselves. We are our only hindrance to greatness as we can often be our own biggest skeptic. Therefore, once we realize that we have the ability to achieve greatness (by using what God gave us), and that only our personal definition of greatness is what really matters, then we can begin to actively engage in the practice of being that great individual we were designed to be.

So, Friends, as we continue this journey by moving on to "Displaying Greatness," please remember that Greatness is not defined by those you compare yourself to. Greatness is just part of who we are and how we are designed; we all have one Gift that is universally the same: We are all created "In God's Image!" What a GREAT blessing to have that understanding!!!

"Run Your Race"
I have put the blinders on
I am coming around the home stretch
Finally the race has come down to
the battle between what I have accomplished
and what I am capable of
I have never bet more on the latter
Risking it all has never felt more right
The goal never more in sight
Throwing off weariness, discouragement,
distractions has never been more vital
I'm running my own race now.
~dlb

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Greatness in you, God's gift to the world! Part II

6/24/2013

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“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you...”
~1Tim. 4:14a (NASB)

To reiterate from last time: Greatness can mean different things to different people, but regardless of the definition, one thing is universal: when you see it, you know it.

Sometimes Greatness can be less obvious in the individual when God's design for us is bigger than a single life, our own. This level of responsibility requires heightened awareness and diligent perseverance of our God given purpose; and an exceptional level of humility in submitting to the purposes of God. Let's take a look and an example!

We hear stories all the time about physically or mentally handicapped persons doing great things and making a difference in their communities. We hear of children saving lives. We hear of minorities and the disadvantaged making great impacts on the world at large. We hear of the “under-educated” redefining the way we live. Many of these events were not meant to create a "name" for themselves. They came about by many simply following their passions or instincts. Many more came about through the world’s most desperate hours of need and tragedy, simply by being or doing what comes naturally. These "labelled" individuals somehow find ways to consistently see beyond their individual life in order to display something greater than personal ego: humility enough to live a life or conduct an act of Greatness!

Here is one of my favorite examples:
A former pastor of mine would often tell the story of how his mother was focused and intent on being the great mother she was, and how she left her mark on the world. No matter what she endured, she was determined to raise her four boys with all of the God she had. He shares in one of his sermons how her entire purpose for living was to be the mother God designed her to be. Some may see this as a thankless job, especially since today she is not even able to enjoy the fruit of her labor because of her severely diminished health. Yet she accomplished her purpose with Greatness and the world has been changed through the life of at least one of her sons as a result. And the testimony of her life has encouraged thousands of mothers all over the country, and the world. The humility she showed in giving herself over to the gift of motherhood, with God as her Guide, became her Greatness...and her legacy!

Friends and readers, no matter how basic or how complicated the call, we can make a wonderful impact on our world! So if your blinders have fallen off or gotten weak over the past two weeks since we met, tighten them up!!! We are on our way...still defining what the Greatness of God is in YOU!

To my sisters in Christ
Elect Ladies indeed!
You represent the church of God
And those He send to follow and feed
Your words, your walk
Your work, your worship
Your gifts, your creations
The ministries you birth
You are the full representation of God
And His Christ here on Earth
I love you, I'm praying for you
And I'm always in your corner
Your sister,
Dawn~

"Run Your Race"
I have put the blinders on
I am coming around the home stretch
Finally the race has come down to
the battle between what I have accomplished
and what I am capable of
I have never bet more on the latter
Risking it all has never felt more right
The goal never more in sight
Throwing off weariness, discouragement,
distractions has never been more vital
I'm running my own race now.
~dlb

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Greatness in you, God's gift to the world!

6/9/2013

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“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you...”
~1Tim. 4:14a (NASB)

Today I begin a blog series that will be intermingled with the blogs by our other writers. I don't know how many weeks the series will last but, unknown to her, Angela Hayden's blog from last week became the perfect launching point for this series to piggy back off of! The past two weeks she and I have been using the terms “purpose” and “destiny” which are two ways of saying the same thing: God had GREATNESS in mind when each of us was conceived!

My new series will be called, “Greatness in you, God's gift to the world!” And our theme verse for this series will be 1 Timothy 4:14a.

To start I will share a short poetry writing that I will use to wrap up each blog. Let's use this as a focus tool to remind us of what we read last week, and to help us press toward the Greatness gifted within:

“I have put the blinders on
I am coming around the home stretch
Finally the race has come down to
the battle between what I have accomplished
and what I am capable of
I have never bet more on the latter
Risking it all has never felt more right
The goal never more in sight
Throwing off weariness, discouragement,
distractions has never been more vital
I'm running my own race now.” ~Run Your Race by Dawn L. Bedingfield

Let's start with the term GREATNESS. Greatness can mean different things to different people, but regardless of the definition, one thing is universal: when you see it, you know it.

In our society, the eagle is our highest symbol of greatness, and few birds have the ability and character to compare with an eagle. The only bird qualified to soar with an eagle is an eagle. We all want to be “birds of a feather” where eagles are concerned; however, we seem to frequently have a problem with our soaring ability. The problem is that we have a wrong definition of what Greatness really is.

Because of our limited experience with those we consider great (including the eagles we so highly esteem), we usually assume that greatness is rare. Greatness is neither rare nor hard to achieve. We all have the ability to spread our wings and take to the wind. We can bring joy and laughter to the loneliest of homes. We can become a channel for miracles in the most desperate hours of need. We can rise above the worst of storms. And most amazing of all, we have the ability to save, change, and impact lives! If that is not the ultimate definition and display of Greatness, then I don’t know what is!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” This promise is relevant to ALL of God's creation, IF we would received it by Faith, through obedience to His instructions. So keep your blinders on friends, and join me next time as we continue to define Greatness as it relates to the single solitary life He created in you when He called you by name, and gave you great purpose and destiny!

Until Next Time,
Dawn~

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Purpose with Perspective

5/20/2013

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“So then neither is he that plants anything, neither he that waters; but God that gives the increase.” 1Cor. 3:7 (King James 2000 Bible)

I think everyone who knows me knows that I am committed to living and encouraging all those around me to live a life of passion and purpose. I’ve lived most of my life walking without direction and no sense of innate greatness until God showed me who I am and gifted me with a sense of purpose almost 10 years ago when I completely surrendered my life to Him. That purpose gave me a reason for living, and in 10 years, my zeal has diminished little if not increased with greater transformation, closer intimacy with Him, and His boundless faithful love flowing in and through me. Yeah, I'm passionate about passion and purposed to fulfill my purpose!

Periodically I have to remind myself of something: What I do is not nearly as important as who is working in and with me. Knowledge can be purchased (nothing against education, it is often a necessity, and the Bible instructs us to gain knowledge); wisdom can be gained eventually by living long enough; gifts and callings are given at conception. So it is always important to remember that planting and watering and living a life filled with passion and purpose is not enough...and not even the most important thing. The most important aspect of both is this: Is GOD working FOR me? My gift is nothing and my zeal is nothing if God's anointing is not endorsing my works by producing fruit that is beyond my own capabilities.

My purpose and passion in life is to encourage and inspire women to live a life of purpose using my gifts of mercy, teaching, writing, and my words of wisdom and exhortation. I was redeemed from a walk of shame and a life of guilt and regret when I discovered my purpose was more than escaping hell fire. I will never be able to write enough words to express my gratitude to God for the gift of purpose! But purpose without power to impact lives and effect change is a waste; and, power belongs to GOD! So not only must we make sure that He is working WITH us, but we must work with the complete understanding that the results lay in His capable hands and providential timing. We should never allow ourselves to carry the burden of thinking that our doing is what makes our work successful.

Doing is commanded, but looking to God and trusting Him IN our doing is what makes everything we do fruitful. Marrying our gifts and passions with the power of God guarantees that we will see unusually abundant fruit come harvest season.

Make Monday Matter by inviting Christ and God's Holy Spirit to work with your gifts and passion! Let's see uncommon increase in all of our labor from this day forward!

Dawn~

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Pain With a Purpose

1/28/2013

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"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." ~2Corinthians 4:7-10

Too often we as women, especially, are ashamed of our pain, although we intellectually know that everyone experiences pain in their lives. Some experience pain to a greater degree than others; some just in a different way. But I was reminded, in a surprising way, this weekend that pain paves two paths for those who travel its course (i.e. all of us). We can wear our pain as:

a sweet aroma like crushed fruit or flowers, and a glowing brilliance like refined gold or cut jewels, or
the stench of death and decay

The Christ-Walk is not all roses and mountaintops, but the fruit of pain can be the Glory that tells the world, and new Believers, "There is Treasure in this earthen vessel, and the LIFE of Christ-in-me, is greater than the effects of pain-to-me."

We are not what was done to us, but what was done for us and in us!

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Victory

Success

R.E.A.L.* Moment Monday

First Giving Honor to God...

About Purpose

Greatness in you, God's gift to the world! Part IV

Greatness in you, God's gift to the world! Part III

Greatness in you, God's gift to the world! Part II

Greatness in you, God's gift to the world!

Purpose with Perspective

Pain With a Purpose

Make Mondays Matter

~dlb~
dawnlbedingfield

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~dlb~dawnlbedingfield

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~dlb~
dawnlbedingfield