At some point in your life self-realization will meet an intentional God who will reveal Himself to you. With each encounter, you and God set a course for your life. Your Will-The Power to Choose reveals the developmental cycles that are found in the first six books of the Bible. Your beginning was wrought in freedom to complement your identity, so you would know how to stand during the battle and exercise your authority as you find your place in life.

Genesis-Your Beginning. You have more than one genesis-a beginning. There are new beginnings, such as when you were saved-when you were born again! Childbearing is a beginning of a new generation. A genesis from a genesis. A beginning can be new, so embrace the new. And don't forget the renewals-they are another beginning. Each beginning starts as a result of a decision you make.

Exodus-Your Freedom. You gain and lose your freedom throughout life. Something is holding you captive. You are unable

to move forward. You feel trapped, and the answer and timing don't meet. Decisions made by you and others will attempt to take and hold you captive yet again. Captivity presents opportunities to choose the path you want. You can exercise your freedom with each decision you make.

Leviticus-Your Identity. As you mature, changes occur that shape your identity. Life experiences add to your identity as you take on different roles, titles, and positions. Greater levels of responsibility and authority are given to you. You separate from unhealthy habits. You enter and exit good and bad relationships. Life is a building process and how you build determines your identity. Your identity develops throughout life with each decision you make.

Numbers-Your Battle. Battles are ongoing in life no matter what your age. You win some and lose some. Your knowledge

increases and you become wiser. Understanding prevents you from repeating the same pattern. Battles can weaken you. But with each battle, you will learn to recognize and identify the enemy. Your battles can be victorious with each decision you make.

Deuteronomy-Your Authority. When young, you think you'll never be able to operate in your own authority. There's always someone telling you what to do! Authority is no doubt the slowest attribute to be developed and is perhaps the most sought-after attribute in life. It's that trait that gives you the ability to stand and enjoy who you have become. Exercise your authority wisely with each decision you make.

Joshua-Your Place. Whether in the midst of finding your place, or moving from place to place, you experience change.

Change can present challenges you don't expect and threaten your future. Remember, each place is part of the journey to develop your character. Keep moving and you will find the place where you thrive. Each place you occupy is the result of a decision you make.

There's one more developmental cycle that is found throughout the entire Bible. This cycle has an intentional impact on you, and it has a beginning and end in mind. Within this cycle is the ultimate power that shapes each of the developmental cycles. It is found in: Revelation-Your Life.

Get ready to enter the valley of decision as you choose how you will live and who you will become. You can know your end from the beginning by asking one simple question: "Who's in control of my life?"