Dream In Soul – Creativity for the Kingdom:

A few months back we featured One Church International in Los Angeles as our Ministry to Watch because of the relevant messages they share that encourage anyone to pursue purpose, and especially those called to the arts and entertainment. I’ve been continually blessed by the wisdom of Pastor Touré Roberts and his determination to align with the heart of God and how He is moving in the seasons.

This latest word “Run Your Race & Run It Well” encourages you (with a little illustrative clip from a familiar childhood cartoon) to embrace the race God has called you to and to run it with perseverance and faith, not letting distractions, obstacles, snares and detours get in your way.

Part 2 of the message is from DeVon Franklin, an influential voice in Hollywood and beyond (whom we previously shared inspirational words about purpose from his book Produced by Faith.) DeVon reminds us that sometimes we ask God for what we’re not ready for, getting us off track, and how we have to follow His lead and timing when running the race:

What does God have for my future? That’s a question so many of us ask, whether we’re wondering what career path to pursue or in soul-searching while pondering the reality of God and the meaning of our lives. For the past 10 years Pastor Rick Warren’s bestselling book “The Purpose Driven Life” has given readers direction on connecting with their purpose, and the significance of that message is why the book has been revived this year and reprinted for a 10-year-anniversary expanded edition.

I first read the Purpose Driven Life seven years ago with a small group at church during our “40 Days of Purpose” series where we followed the author’s recommendation to read one chapter a day. I also have the audio book and journal that I’ve enjoyed over the years, and have passed along my previous copy of the book to a family member.
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6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11

Read More in Context

It took more than a decade for Joseph to go from a 17-year-old dreamer in a multicolored coat to an influential leader in Pharaoh’s palace. Before He saw the dream God gave him come to pass he found himself betrayed, enslaved and broken…

Don’t despair if it seems like you are in a dark pit with no way out. Joseph & so many other dreamers endured the desert before reaching destiny. God has a way of turning the painful pieces of your story into beauty and “good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives,” (Genesis 50:20).

Never give up on your divine purpose – trust the Author, it’s not over.

Be encouraged by these resources on divine dreams and destiny based on the Biblical story of Joseph:

Soul Dreamer Resource: “I Am Joseph” – Jimmy Evans on Realizing God’s Dreams In Your Life

“I Am Joseph: The Multi-Colored Impact of Dreams on Your Destiny” that gives encouragement for realizing your God-given dream and persevering when dreams are delayed…

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From Dream To Destiny Video Message Series from Gateway Church

“God has given each of us a dream—an idea that sets our hearts racing at the mere thought of it…”

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There are times in what we might call loneliness where people have drawn away from us, God is drawing us into deep fellowship and intimacy that few have experienced because they wouldn’t be still. Don’t run from seasons of silence and solitude but seek to hear His voice – He’s always there and waiting for you to draw closer to Him. Those are the times when you can get to know Him like never before and to discover your purpose in Him.

There was a span of time where I was experiencing deep alone-ness, after most of my friends had graduated and moved away. In the quietness of that time I first felt frustrated and lost, wondering why there seemed to be no I could relate to. After seeking God I found that it was in these times when we are not being bombarded by the noisiness of the world that God speaks, really speaks to us and draws us into our destiny…

Prolonged total isolation is never a good idea, when you find there is no one in your close circle, find a way to serve others and reach out to someone who may also need a friend – we were made for fellowship and that’s where we grow and thrive. However, don’t be afraid to take time to get away from the bustle and distractions of life to embrace those times of fellowship with your Creator, He’s waiting to get your undivided attention…

– Julene

Click here for more from my personal journal and blog.

More Journal Posts

To Boldly Go Where You’ve Always Imagined…

There are those dreams you are responsible for bringing to fruition in a sense; things you want to create, experience and learn how to do. “I want to (insert activity here)… someday.” Why not now, why not today?

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Dreamfleur Diary – Stretch & Grow

No matter what creative field you’re in I think it is always a good idea to stretch and grow yourself in what you do…

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