Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 10, 2020
The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. Proverbs 20:5
Our friends Josh and Aria found their purpose over a period of years. They started out training to be overseas cross cultural missionaries. However, as they made their way through the process of becoming international missionaries, they felt it best for their marriage and children to love and serve people stateside. Josh sensed God had called him to teach at risk children in Atlanta by educating and coaching them in technology skills, and Aria believed her calling was homeschooling. His technical skills gained him creditability and influence with his students and their parents, and her educational gifts created a safe and helpful home learning experience. Their purpose to love people began to take shape in ways they had not dreamed of beforehand. The Spirit led them through their passion, expertise and need to keep healthy relationships with family and friends. Living purposefully motivates us to be well, do well and finish well!
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, and serve 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.
“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed” (Acts 13:36).
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. Stay on purpose to increase your probability to finish well.
“They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen” (Acts 4:28).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me rest in your unique purpose for my life, family and work, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
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 Reading
Job 42:2; Psalm 57:2; 1 Timothy 1:12; 1 Peter 2:9
Enjoy Boyd’s newest and well loved 40 day devotional book: Wisdom For Living. Wise living is all about the Lord Jesus Christ. What is His best? What is His will?
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It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something. Winston Churchill #WisdomHunters #purpose #truth #Jesus
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7 minutes – Tasha Cobb Leonard:
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