September 15, 2025
You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.—Colossians 3:9–10
You have been called, chosen, and appointed to a life beyond the ordinary. It takes courage to decide that you’re not going to be conformed to the ways of this world—even when they seem appealing or comfortable—if they don’t fit with the life I have called you to. You have been called to be transformed, which means not being blown about by the winds of the teachings and trends of this world (Ephesians 4:14).
Many people aspire to rise above the norm and make their lives count and make a difference in meaningful ways. But for those whom I have called, that may not mean receiving recognition, praise, or the applause of the world around you. For I have called you to a better way.
Many helpless souls are trapped and being swept along by the current of the ways of this world, and I have sent you into the world to reach the lost. Although you are in the world, you are not of it—even as I was not (John 17:14–16). As you go forth in My name, I will keep you from the miry mess around you and place you on higher ground.
Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.—2 Corinthians 8:11
Life is full of decisions, lessons, experiences, challenges, and ups-and-downs, which is why it is often called a journey or an adventure. Setting goals for yourself is an important part of striving for growth. But remember that your spiritual growth and transformation is a process, so don’t get discouraged or set your goals so high that they seem unattainable.
The best way to set long-term goals is to break them down into small, attainable goals. It takes many learning experiences, and trials and tests throughout life to learn and grow. So don’t get discouraged that it takes time, but count it all joy, knowing that in the process you gain endurance, perseverance, and wisdom (James 1:2–4).
When it feels like a struggle, remind yourself that in times of testing and challenges, your learning and growth are often accelerated. So keep persevering and moving forward one step at a time and keep your eyes on the goal. If you feel your determination lagging, come to Me and I will give you rest and strength for the next leg of your journey, until that glorious day when you will be with Me forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
If anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be … set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.—2 Timothy 2:21–22
One of the best ways to resist temptations is to simply avoid them by minimizing ungodly influences in your life. Of course, you can’t put blinders on and shut out the world and everything that is going on in the culture around you. Nor do I call you to do so, because I have sent you into the world to reach the lost, and so many people are in need of Me and the truth.
But if you’re finding it hard to say no to some of the world’s ungodly diversions and distractions, the advice in Proverbs 4 will be just as applicable for you today as it was when it was first given: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:25–27).
Don’t allow yourself to get pulled off course—avoid temptation and flee from it. “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way” (Proverbs 4:14–15).
If you want to stand strong against the Enemy’s temptations, ask Me to help you, and I will—every time. I’ll light your way and help you to keep your eyes on the goal and not get sidetracked. Remember that the path of the righteous is like the morning sun that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.—2 Peter 1:10
You may feel that you’re unworthy or you don’t measure up, or that what you do is not significant in comparison to some of the people of faith of the past, such as the apostles Peter and Paul. Always remember that I have called and chosen you, not to be a sinless saint, but to be My ambassador of love and hope to the people I bring into your life.
When I was on Earth, I poured out My heart everywhere I went, through My deeds and words of love and truth. The ones who benefited from the miracles I performed and those who had the blessing of hearing and understanding My words weren’t perfect by any means. Even Paul wrote that he had not yet attained, nor was he perfect, but he continued to faithfully press onward (Philippians 3:12–13). My love compelled him to walk in love and to care for people.
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do or say, do it all for My glory and to further My kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:31). Let all your things be done from a place of love for Me and love for your neighbor—those around you (1 Corinthians 16:14). Trust that My love never fails and I will work in and through you to fulfill Your purpose and calling.
Have dearest friends passed away,
A friend, a sister, or an older brother,
A father, child, or mother?
You felt the loss and struggled within.
“Will nothing in this life ever be found
That will stay the same, and hold its ground?”
Only I, dear one, will always last,
Even the heavens and earth will someday pass.
But everyone who is Mine, I preserve forever,
In My eternal kingdom of lasting peace and treasure.
Not a sparrow falls that I do not see,
Each hair on your head is known by Me.
I’m more than able to keep you in your calling.
As you continue to seek and save the lost,
And bring others to Me at any cost.
And in due course, when time ceases to be,
Those you have lost will be found safe with Me.
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. …So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.—Ephesians 1:4–6
I loved you and knew you before the world was formed, and I placed you on Earth for a special calling and purpose. I know at times you wonder whether you have fulfilled My calling on your life and whether your life has made a lasting difference, but I ask you to trust in Me. Know that I am the one who works in your life to fulfill My good purposes.
Come to Me when you feel weary and weighted down, and I will give you rest, joy, and peace, and My light will shine through the clouds hanging over your heart. Take time to tell Me everything that is on your heart that is weighing you down. Seek My presence and study My Word, and it will be thirst-quenching water to your soul. Meditate on My Word and it will bring refreshment to your soul whenever you need it and make your ways fruitful (Joshua 1:8).
If you make the decision each day to place your relationship with Me first and to seek My kingdom above everything else, you can trust that the rest will fall into place (Matthew 6:33). Remember that I have not called My disciples, those who love and serve Me, My servants, but I have called you My friends (John 15:15). So rejoice in your calling and in My unfailing love for you.
Originally published in 2000. Adapted and republished September 2025. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Dooley.
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