Retha Groenewald's Blog: RETHA Groenewald AUTHOR, page 50
June 22, 2013
Pets find The Four Faces interesting!
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Challenge: The Four Faces and Lost Map 2 Challenges Lost Map Challenge Questions Giveaway Kingdom needs a...
June 21, 2013
Biannual Blogathon Bash
Yes it is Blogathon time again.
Host: Kathleen Garber at Biannaul Blogathon Bash
When: 8 am Friday 21 June to 8 am Monday 24 June 2013 (EST)
Who: All bloggers are welcome.
Sign-up: Sign-up here
What: By participating you commit to spending time on your blog. Try and commit to at least 24 hours during the weekend. The time you allocate doesn’t have to be consecutive; life happens and we have to take that into consideration.
If you are a reader, you probably have a TBR (to-be-read) pile of the books you want to read. Reading challenges are a great way to get through those piles. However, if you are a blogger, you probably have a To-Do list that includes writing posts to maintenance to anything about blogging. Biannual Blogathon Bash is the answer to the To-Do lists. During this weekend you will have time to work through that to-do list. That is to say if you are not challenged by all the mini challenges.
Yes challenges! And prizes!
There are bloggers that will be hosting mini challenges this weekend that you can take part in. These mini challenges are normally my To-Do list’s downfall. The challenges are so interesting and appropriate that I spend the time on the challenges and never get to my To-Do list.
Therefore no To-Do list for me this weekend. I am spending my time on the mini challenges and meeting and chatting to bloggers.
Oh yes, there is the social part as well. You can join the Twitter parties (#Blogathon2) during the weekend. There is also the Facebook page and Google+ where you can chat and ask questions.
How: Write a starting post saying you are participating and what your personal goals. You need to link up your post to the starting line to be eligible for the prizes to be won.
My Goals
Take part in as many mini challenges as I am able to
Take part in as many twitter parties as I can (different time zones taken into consideration)
Spending time on my new blog – RETHA Groenewald Author
Publish the post titled: The Four Faces Challenges
Are you ready? Let’s go!
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Challenge: The Four Faces and Lost Map $10 Amazon Gift Card
Lost Map Challenge
Questions Giveaway
Kingdom needs a Map
During their travels, The Four Faces used different maps that were given to them by other characters they met on their journey. One morning while they were chatting about their adventures, it suddenly dawned on them. Human asked what all four were thinking, “Do you think it is possible that the maps we used, were not different maps, but pieces of one map?”
Eagle wondered out loud, “Who will know the answer?” Jumping up, Human exclaimed he would ask his father, the king.
When Human asked the king about the maps, he confirmed their suspicion.
“There was a map of the kingdom. It had been stolen years ago. The thieves had torn the map into pieces and had scattered it all over the kingdom. When the thieves were caught, some of the pieces were recovered, but not enough pieces to put the map together again.”
“Perhaps it is time for a new map of the kingdom,” Human commented.
“I agree, Human, but how will we accomplish it?”
“I have a plan,” Human exclaimed. “We hold a challenge.” When Human explained the challenge, the king immediately set it in motion.
Map Challenge
When: 21 June 2013 to 31 July 2013
Who: International
Prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Voucher for the map (see rules). The four best maps will be published on this blog. If a map is found and permission is granted, the map will become the official kingdom map of The Four Faces.
What: Recreate the map of the kingdom. Submit the drawing no later than 31 July 2013.
Mandatory:
Leave a comment if you are taking part in the challenges.
Write a blog post about the challenge and add the link to the comments below. If you do not have a blog, then comment here or on Goodreads at Ask Retha Groenewald under the heading Lost Map Challenge.
Optional:
Send us a message of your intention to take part by going to Contact page. Send a message with subject heading: Map Challenge. Include in the message your name and email address where we can contact you.
Clues: The Four Faces travelled throughout the kingdom. Their journey and the maps they used, will give you enough clues to draw a new map for the kingdom.
Rules: The map must be your original creation. Black and white is sufficient. The challenge is not to draw the most artful map, but to draw the map that represents the kingdom of The Four Faces. The author of The Four Faces has the final say in choosing the kingdom map. If no map is chosen, then the gift voucher will be divided between the two best maps. The maps should not be too big to upload. If the kingdom map is found, and the creator of the winning map grants permission, the map will be used as the official kingdom map. Underage children: Written permission from their parents must be submitted.
Questions Giveaway
When: 20 June 2013 to 31 July 2013
Prize: $10 Amazon Gift Voucher
Challenge: Write a starting post telling us about your participation in the challenge and add the link to your post in the comments below. If you do not have a blog, comment below and / or on Goodreads at Ask Retha Groenewald under discussion Questions Giveway. Answer the following questions:
Who is your favourite character and why?
Who do you like the least and why?
Which of the characters would you like to see in the next book in the series?
Do you think Human is ready to become king or should he go on another adventure before he becomes king?
Quote something one of the characters said – Or quote something you would imagine one of the characters could have said.
A follow-up post, will be published after 31 July 2013, where you can link your post with the answers to the questions. Alternatively answer the questions on Goodreads at Ask Retha Groenewald under discussion Questions Challenge and Giveaway.
Spoiler: If your answers contain spoilers, warn the reader.
Find The Four Faces at:
Amazon
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble
Christianbooks
Purchase Paperbacks by sending request to: mailto: retha @ rethagroenewald.com
Enter Giveaway
Entry-Form
This is my first challenge. If I made any mistakes, forgive me and be helpful by pointing it out and help me solve it.
Send to KindleThe post Challenge: The Four Faces and Lost Map $10 Amazon Gift Card appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
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Challenge: The Four Faces and Lost Map
Lost Map Challenge
Questions Giveaway
Kingdom needs a Map
During their travels, The Four Faces used different maps that were given to them by other characters they met on their journey. One morning while they were chatting about their adventures, it suddenly dawned on them. Human asked what all four were thinking, “Do you think it is possible that the maps we used, were not different maps, but pieces of one map?”
Eagle wondered out loud, “Who will know the answer?” Jumping up, Human exclaimed he would ask his father, the king.
When Human asked the king about the maps, he confirmed their suspicion.
“There was a map of the kingdom. It had been stolen years ago. The thieves had torn the map into pieces and had scattered it all over the kingdom. When the thieves were caught, some of the pieces were recovered, but not enough pieces to put the map together again.”
“Perhaps it is time for a new map of the kingdom,” Human commented.
“I agree, Human, but how will we accomplish it?”
“I have a plan,” Human exclaimed. “We hold a challenge.” When Human explained the challenge, the king immediately set it in motion.
Map Challenge
When: 21 June 2013 to 31 July 2013
Who: International
Prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Voucher for the map (see rules). The four best maps will be published on this blog. If a map is found and permission is granted, the map will become the official kingdom map of The Four Faces.
What: Recreate the map of the kingdom. Submit the drawing no later than 31 July 2013.
Mandatory:
Leave a comment if you are taking part in the challenges.
Write a blog post about the challenge and add the link to the comments below. If you do not have a blog, then comment here or on Goodreads at Ask Retha Groenewald under the heading Lost Map Challenge.
Optional:
Send us a message of your intention to take part by going to Contact page. Send a message with subject heading: Map Challenge. Include in the message your name and email address where we can contact you.
Clues: The Four Faces travelled throughout the kingdom. Their journey and the maps they used, will give you enough clues to draw a new map for the kingdom.
Rules: The map must be your original creation. Black and white is sufficient. The challenge is not to draw the most artful map, but to draw the map that represents the kingdom of The Four Faces. The author of The Four Faces has the final say in choosing the kingdom map. If no map is chosen, then the gift voucher will be divided between the two best maps. The maps should not be too big to upload. If the kingdom map is found, and the creator of the winning map grants permission, the map will be used as the official kingdom map. Underage children: Written permission from their parents must be submitted.
Questions Giveaway
When: 20 June 2013 to 31 July 2013
Prize: $10 Amazon Gift Voucher
Challenge: Write a starting post telling us about your participation in the challenge and add the link to your post in the comments below. If you do not have a blog, comment below and / or on Goodreads at Ask Retha Groenewald under discussion Questions Giveway. Answer the following questions:
Who is your favourite character and why?
Who do you like the least and why?
Which of the characters would you like to see in the next book in the series?
Do you think Human is ready to become king or should he go on another adventure before he becomes king?
Quote something one of the characters said – Or quote something you would imagine one of the characters could have said.
A follow-up post, will be published after 31 July 2013, where you can link your post with the answers to the questions. Alternatively answer the questions on Goodreads at Ask Retha Groenewald under discussion Questions Challenge and Giveaway.
Spoiler: If your answers contain spoilers, warn the reader.
Find The Four Faces at:
Amazon
Goodreads
Barnes & Noble
Christianbooks
Purchase Paperbacks by sending request to: mailto: retha @ rethagroenewald.com
Enter Giveaway
Entry-Form
This is my first challenge. If I made any mistakes, forgive me and be helpful by pointing it out and help me solve it.
Send to KindleThe post Challenge: The Four Faces and Lost Map appeared first on Retha Groenewald.
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June 3, 2013
Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen argued
Genesis 13
During their stay in the desert, The Four Faces heard the story of a wealthy desert nomad. He was very rich with silver, gold and all kinds of animals. During his first trip into the Promised Land, the nomad had built an altar to God between Bethel and Ai. A drought convinced him to go to Egypt.
After the drought this nomad, accompanied by his nephew, left Egypt and retraced his steps back to the altar. They moved in stages through the Negev desert, camping, packing-up, and traveling again, until they reached Bethel, north of Jerusalem.
The nomad’s nephew was also very rich. In fact their possessions were so great that it caused problems and they couldn’t dwell together.
Out of Egypt
Amongst the possession they had brought from Egypt were cattle, herdsmen and an Egyptian slave called Hagar.
Sarah, the nomad’s wife, was without . The Lord had promised them a son. Years went by and no son was born to Abraham, the nomad, and his wife Sarah. When it seemed as if God’s promise wasn’t being fulfilled, Sarah took matters in her own hands. She miss-interpreted the promise and decided that Abraham would have a son but not necessarily from her. So she gave Hagar the Egyptian, to Abraham. Along with Ishmael’s birth, came pride, jealousy and strife.
Sheep can eat almost anything, even weeds and twigs. They crop grass to the ground. Cattle, however, need to graze where the grass is long enough to grasp it with their tongues. Perhaps the water and pasture would have been enough for sheep, but it was not for the vast amount of livestock Abraham and his nephew Lot owned. The herdsmen quarrelled with each other; they quarrelled continuously.
The Canaanites and Perizzites, also dwelt in the land. They were onlookers to Abraham worshipping God and in contrast. the continuous strife between the herdsmen.
Abraham suggests Separation
To keep their relationships intact, Abraham offered a solution. Abraham and Lot had to separation.
Abraham was the patriarch of the family. God had called him, God had given the land to him, and God had made covenant with Abraham. He had more than enough reason, and the right to cling to what was promised to him and to send Lot away to find his own place.
Despite his rights, Abraham graciously offered Lot the first choice.
Why was he so gracious? Abraham had faith in the Lord. In God he had abundance. He didn’t need to cling to what was his, because he believed God’s promises and the fulfilment thereof. His future was in the hands of the Lord.
Was Egypt in Lot’s heart?
Lot lifted his eyes and saw the beautiful Jordan Valley, with ample water and pasture. It was a feast for the eyes. The Jordan Valley reminded him of Egypt, and the Garden of Eden. Eve had also desired with her eyes when she saw the forbidden tree in the garden. She took of the fruit and ate; she also gave to Adam. Her desires changed their lives as well as mankind’s; sin came into the world.
Lot chose to move out of Canaan, the land promised by God. He went to live among the cities in the Jordan Valley.
Abraham walked by faith, but Lot walked by sight. His greediness and worldly views influenced his choice. He chose the cities built by man. Cities God destroyed later because of their wickedness. In contrast, Abraham longed for the city built by God.
Lot chose without considering Abraham. He took what his eyes told him was the best of the best, that which was most appealing to him.
The parting of Abraham and Lot was not the cause of Lot losing his blessing; it was the circumstances. Lot disregarded Canaan, the promise of God.
His downfall came slowly, step by step.
Strife forced a separation – Genesis 13:7
Lot lifted his eyes and beheld the Jordan Valley – Genesis 13:10
Lot chose, for himself, the Jordan Valley stretching to Zoar – Genesis 13:11
He turned toward Sodom, and moved his tent close to Sodom – Genesis 13:12
Then he moved into Sodom and dwelt in the wicked city – Genesis 14:12
He progressed to sitting in the gate of Sodom, in other words he was one of the elders of the city – Genesis 19:1
When Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, Lot escaped, leaving all his possessions behind. He lost his wife during the escape to Zoar, which means small.
Lot feared for his life and left Zoar.
He ended up living in a cave with his two daughters. His daughters committed incest and Moab and Ammon were born, future enemies of Israel.
Abraham, Father of Nations
Lot lifted up his eyes on his own accord. God commanded Abraham to lift up his eyes and to look in all four directions. Then God rewarded Abraham’s graciousness and faith, by affirming that all the land Abraham saw, God would give to his descendants.
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May 28, 2013
Armchair BEA – Introductions and Classics
Armchair BEA visitors
Out of breath Sam joined Charlotte and Cedric for breakfast in the cosy breakfast room of the inn opposite the conference venue. “Where have you been,” Charlotte asked munching on a daffodil bulb.
Smiling Sam presented a piece of paper to Charlotte. When she stretched out to take it from Sam, he laughingly pulled back and gave Cedric the week’s program.
Between bites of food, chewing and swallowing, they discussed the questionnaire. Staring at the questions Cedric suggested, “Perhaps we should divide the questions in three groups to think about and then we can reconvene later to discuss them.“ Nodding their heads, the other two agreed. With their specific questions in hand, each found a cosy spot to study and work through their list of questions.
Introduction
The morning went by quickly. The moles settled in their armchairs, with snacks close by. Cedric had his scribing tools ready and preparation of the introductions began.
Where are you from?
“I’ll begin,” Charlotte volunteered, “One of the questions is where we come from. Do you remember when The Four Faces visited us?”
“Wow,” The Four Faces reacted in astonishment. The double doors opened into a large hall covered in red velvet, with pillows lying on the carpets, and more pillows stacked against the walls. Beautiful violin music was playing softly in the background. Everywhere, moles were sitting on their own, reading, or in groups, chatting. Some even looked as if they were discussing very serious subjects.
“This is our Reading Room, where we relax” Madison the Mole explained, “Come, let us have some lunch, and then I will show you around.” (Excerpt from The Four Faces)
“I miss the Reading Room,” Cedric mused, “Where is the piece of red carpet we brought with?” Sam hastily fetched his backpack and began searching.
“Ah, here it is.” Sam spread the red velvet carpet in front of the armchair. “Now it feels more like home.”
Who would you like to have dinner with?
Sam popped a nut into his mouth. “I have an interesting question. Which author or character would you like to have dinner with?”
“Sam, you are always thinking about food,” Charlotte giggled, “So, who would it be?”
“Definitely not with The Wolf. I shudder to think of him.”
Cedric whispered, “Yes, he would probably eat us for dinner.”
“I know. I would love to have dinner with the people in the forest. Remember when Eagle told us about the bright, colourful meals they ate? Yes, my answer is the Forest People.”
Participating in Armchair BEA
“What about you Cedric? What question would you like to answer,” Charlotte asked.
Cedric, peered at Charlotte over his reading glasses, “I would like to answer the question about whether we have previously participated in the Armchair BEA and what drew us to the event?”
Sam mumbled, “Always the serious questions.”
“What did you say, Sam?”
“Nothing important Cedric, please continue.
“My answer would be that in the history of the mole community nobody has ever attended an Armchair BEA.”
“And we were drawn to it because of the adventure,” Sam interrupted.
Frowning with disapproval at Sam, Cedric continued. “The time has passed where we have to protect the library in secret. Now we are the stewards of the different library rooms. Madison the Mole and Hadison the Mole want to extend our library. There is a new wing being built…”
“I didn’t know that. Did you know about it, Sam?”
“I saw the construction workers but I thought they were repairing and doing maintenance.
“Please tell us more Cedric,” Charlotte asked eagerly.
“The new wing will house great Christian fiction. That is the main reason we are here. Actually there are two reasons. The first is to find those jewels in Christian fiction.”
“And the second?”
“Sam, stop interrupting me, so that I can tell you. The second reason is more diplomatic of nature. It has come to our attention that in other places there are also people who have the love for books like we do. We are here to meet and set up new relationships with book-lovers and bloggers from places outside the kingdom.”
“And how are we going to carry out that in such a short time?” Sam inquired sitting on the edge of the armchair.
“That is why we are attending the Armchair BEA. We are going to do it here, from our armchairs.”
“Fantastic, I like that idea.” Sam settled back in the armchair and popped another nut into his mouth.
Your reading taste
“Here is another interesting question. Have your reading taste changed?”
Sam quickly swallowed the nut. “Charlotte, can I answer that question?”
“Sure.”
“My reading taste has not changed, but my taste is expanding. I am participating in this conference with an open mind. I am sure I will find interesting books displayed that aren’t the genres I normally read.”
“I would also like to expand my reading horizons,” Cedric replied.
Favorite book for 2013
“Our last question is: What is your favourite book you have read so far in 2013?”
Sam: “The Four Faces”
Charlotte: “Does that count Cedric? I think, you should be more objective, and name a book that doesn’t contain chapters written about us. My favourite book so far is White written by Ted Dekker. What about you Cedric?”
Cedric: “I think it would be one of the fantasy novels; perhaps A Cast of stones or King.”
Sam: “Great we have answered 5 questions, and I’m hungry. Let’s have lunch.”
Genre: Classics
After lunch Cedric called a meeting.
“I would like us to make a list of classic literature that we would recommend to someone to read.”
With pen and notebook ready, Cedric made a list of classics they have read and would read again.
List of classic books we like and recommend:
Anna Karenina by Loy Tolstoy
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodr Dostoyevsky
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolken
Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia) by C.S. Lewis
Satisfied, Cedric put his pen down. “The list is not complete, but will do for now.”
Armchair BEA Posts
Journey to Armchair BEA
Introductions and Classics
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May 27, 2013
Journey to Armchair BEA
Meeting of the Moles
Sitting quiet, pretending to read, the moles peeped over their books. Without success they attempted to eavesdrop on the discussion of Hadison the Mole and Madison the Mole. Some gave up, but others tried lip-reading.
According to the history records, no mole has ever attended one of these conferences. Who would be the chosen ones, they wondered.
The moles had to wait until after dinner before the announcement . Standing up, Madison the Mole cleared his throat. “We have decided that we will send three representatives to the conference. Hadison and I, have our fair share of excitement. Therefore we will be sending some of the younger generation to represent us.”
Excitement rippled through the dining room. The younger moles could barely contain themselves. Who would be chosen?
“Will Sam, Charlotte and Cedric please stand up? The three of you will leave early tomorrow morning. When you return, we will require a comprehensive and accurate report. This report will guide us in our budget and strategy decisions for the next season. To assist you, we decided to send Cedric, the scribe along. Sam and Charlotte, you represent the males and the females.”
The dining room and hallway buzzed as the moles discussed the wisdom of the choices that were made. The three were congratulated and assistance with the packing and preparation were offered.
Journey to the conference
Early the next morning the three moles were sent off with loud and joyous farewells. Sam, the sturdiest of the three, carried the food in his backpack. Cedric had covered the pens and notebooks, the essentials for his trade as a scribe, in waterproof containers. There was barely place left for personal items in his backpack. Charlotte, although female, carried her share on her back in a bright pink backpack. The latter was a gift from her parents when they heard she was chosen to represent the females of the community.
Their journey was uneventful, and they reached their first stopover shortly after dark. The inn, located on the border of the kingdom, was always busy. To their surprise the innkeeper welcomed the three moles, informing them their room was ready. Madison the Mole had booked a room for the three in advance.
Destination
The rest of the journey was as uneventful as the first part. The three moles arrived tired, but happy at their destination. They went directly to bed. After a hearty breakfast the next morning, the three discussed the conference events. They also divided the different tasks between the three of them. It was very important that they returned home with the correct information.
Their first stop after breakfast was the furniture shop, around the corner. It took them almost a whole day to decide which armchair would be the best choice. The armchair was probably the most important item for the conference. It was after all, the Armchair BEA they were attending.
Tired but satisfied they went through the checklist one last time before they went to bed.
Important pre-conference checklist
Comfortable armchair
Variety of snacks – sweet and salty
Spring water to wash down the salty snacks
Reading glasses
Small red carpet to remind them of home and more specific the Reading Room
Cedric’s scribing tools
Flashlight, for in case the lights went out
Camera / Instagram
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April 20, 2013
First Review – Five Stars
×Heads up! This alert needs your attention. Wow!!!
The Four Faces has received its first review on Amazon.
The Four Faces speaks to the heart of the reader. Based on Biblical principles, it may be read and reread at different stages of life, conveying a different message every time. At no point does the outcome of the tale become predictable, thus causing the attention of the reader to be bound through to the final page.
The multifaceted nature of this novel grips and delights the reader as the interweaving of the plot becomes clear.
The Four Faces is a most original and inspired debut novel from Retha Groenewald. She has proved herself to be a skillful storyteller.
Ronel Steyn
Book Reviewer
I love reading and I review books on my blogs at Bible Fascination and Discover Bible Treasures.
I have had very positive feedback from authors, but I never realized how much it meant…until I became an author.
Author
As an author: THANK YOU REVIEWERS
Thank you Ronel Steyn for writing an honest and beautiful review. I couldn’t have summarized The Four Faces any better.
For all the book reviewers – thank you for reading books and giving your honest reviews.
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Thank You Reviewers
As a book reviewer I have had positive feedback from authors. But for the first time I understand how special is an honest review.
As an author: THANK YOUR REVIEWERS!
Thank you Ronel Steyn for writing an honest and beautiful review. I couldn't have summarized my book any better.
For all the book reviewers - thank you for reading books and giving your honest reviews.
April 15, 2013
Purpose, Identity, Calling, Function
He was the ruler of the kingdom and the most powerful man in the whole empire, yet he was powerless when it came to his son. As he looked down at his son and his son’s three friends, the loving father concealed his emotion and asked, “Son, what is your purpose in life? What is your three friends’ purpose in life? Think carefully before you speak, because your answer will determine what type of king you will be, and whether you are ready to assume a king’s duties.”
The son smiled broadly and answered with confidence, “Oh, that’s very easy, Father; Lion is here to protect us, Eagle is here to provide food, Ox is here to carry our possessions, and I am here to rule them, and to tell them what to do.” A shocked silence descended on the throne room.
These are not Human’s famous last words, but it was his first words in The Four Faces. As we journey with Human, Lion, Ox, and Eagle, we realize the beginning is not as important as the end. How does it end? Will they find the answer?
Human gave the wrong answer. When we read further, we realize his three friends…Eagle, Ox, and Lion…also had no idea what their purpose was.
We laugh but at the same time we cry, because the question comes back to us, to you and me.
Do you know what your purpose is? Do you know what is meant by purpose? Where does identity and calling come in?
What Does It Mean?
· Purpose
Purpose is why something is done, or created or for which something exists. Synonyms for purpose are intention, aim, goal, end, and plan.
· Calling
A calling is when you have a strong urge towards leading a particular life or towards a specific career or a vocation. General synonyms for calling are profession, occupation, trade. A calling is an inner impulse or urge that is usually divinely inspired.
· Function
Function is an activity or purpose that is natural or intended for a person or thing. It can be an assigned duty or activity. Synonyms for function are office, duty, role, and behave.
· Identity
Identity is who or what the person or thing is. It is about the characteristics of the person or object, the collective aspects. Synonyms for identity are sameness, oneness.
Who am I?That is my identity.
We are created with a free will. Many times man puts labels on us that are untrue. When we believe it, and think it is part of our identity, we accept the false identity. We have a choice whether we want to assume the identity determined by man or by God.
Identity has two facets. I have the unique identity that defines who I am, and then I have an identity that belongs to a group. For example, my identity book contains a unique number that identifies me. At the same time the identity book classifies me belonging to the group South Africa.
Exodus 3:13–15 (NLT) – But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” God replied to Moses, “I Am Who I Am. Say this to the people of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.
Why am I?This is my purpose. Purpose is established by God.
Purpose is not something you necessarily know immediately but is revealed with time. The Four Faces had to go on a journey that took them a year before they understood their purpose. Prayer and obedience helps to reveal your purpose.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
What am I?That is my calling.
The greatest difference between calling and purpose is to give and to get. Calling is what I can give to the world, that which I am called to become. Even if we don’t know God, or am disobedient to God, our calling drives us, urges us. Purpose is what you get. It is why you came here; it is what you get from life which you take with you when you leave.
Jeremiah 1:4–8 (ESV) – The Call of Jeremiah – Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”
How?
That is the function.
Ephesians 4:11–13 (NIV) - So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
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