August 16 - Living with Purpose

AUGUST 16 - Living with Purpose3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 21; Hebrews 11//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. Whoever shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” — Proverbs 21:1,13 (ESV)“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” — Hebrews 11:8,24–25 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever felt like life is out of your control—like no matter what you do, things just don’t go your way? Proverbs 21 reminds us that God is the one guiding even the decisions of those in power and that He notices how we treat others, especially those in need. Hebrews 11 shows us examples of ordinary people like Abraham and Moses who trusted God and made bold choices, even when the path seemed uncertain or uncomfortable.The truth is, living with purpose isn’t about doing what’s easy or following the crowd. It’s about trusting God with your life and choosing what honors Him, even when it’s hard or unpopular. Your decisions—big and small—matter. Choosing kindness, integrity, and faith over shortcuts or temporary pleasures can set a course for a life that impacts not only you but those around you.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Trust God’s Guidance: How can knowing that God directs the hearts of leaders and circumstances (Proverbs 21:1) change the way you respond to situations that feel out of your control?2. Faith in Action: What is one area where you can step out in faith this week, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable (Hebrews 11:8,24–25)?3. Live with Purpose: How do your daily choices—what you say, what you post, or how you treat others—reflect your trust in God and your desire to honor Him?________________________________________BOTTOM LINELiving with purpose means trusting God, making bold choices for Him, and letting your actions reflect your faith every day.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for guiding my life and for showing me examples of people who trusted You and lived boldly. Help me to make choices that honor You, even when they are hard or unpopular. Give me courage to act in faith, kindness, and integrity, and remind me that You are always with me as I live for Your purpose. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.