Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 22, 2015
The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5
What is your unique purpose? Do you live as uniquely you, or are you fulfilling a role you really resent? Perhaps you start by asking, “What does my Savior Jesus expect of me?” Christ has clearly pronounced His purposes: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). The Lord has already laid out your plan of rewarding activities on His behalf.
Start by examining your passions; not just what excites you, but the roles in which you are purposefully willing to suffer and persevere. Vocational ministry may seem noble, but can you forgive in the face of rejection, serving without recognition and affirmation from people? A Christian leader’s purpose is to remain a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. He chooses us for His purposes and glory, not ours.
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry…”(1 Timothy 1:12).
Each season of life is defined by a new set of purposes. When you are single you lay a foundation of financial and moral responsibility. When you are married you prepare for a family and develop friendships with those in a similar season of life. When you have children you serve unselfishly and teach intentionally the ways of God. When you are an “empty nester” you enjoy your spouse, and aggressively mentor and invest in others for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
Above all, get before God and allow Him to define your purposes. Then stay on purpose with the focused disciplines of prayer and execution. If you are a teacher, teach; a student—study; a mom—mother; a wife—love; a leader—lead. If you’re an artist—create; a programmer—program; a blogger—blog; a consultant—consult; a manager—manage. Whatever you do, become the best you can be, before God and man.
“They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen” (Acts 4:28).
Prayer: Am I purposeful or do I need to adjust my actions? Do my passions, gifts and skills align around a common purpose, all for God’s glory?
Related Readings: Proverbs 18:4; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Hebrews 3:1-7; 1 Corinthians 2:11
Post/Tweet this today: What does my Savior’s love require of me? #onpurpose #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 6 minute music video- Kim Walker: All I Need is You
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