Lubbock Church - Covenant Life Fellowship |
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Purpose To Purpose Why are you reading this article? Why are you sitting
at your computer right now? Why did you just think that thought? Why? Why am I
writing this article? Why am I sitting here at the computer? Why do I think
someone will actually want to read this article? Divine providence. Plain and
simple, I am led by the Holy Spirit to write these articles. I am doing so in
hopes of pleasing God, and encouraging the body of Christ. Now that
is purpose! I am not writing for money. I am not writing to receive the
accolades of man. I am writing that Christ might be lifted up, and His body
strengthened. Many books have been written about purpose. The Purpose Driven Life; The Purpose Driven Church; The Purpose Driven Automobile...well maybe not that one! But in any case, the need for purpose in the life of Christ followers has been greatly emphasized in the past few years. Another popular pastor (Craig Groeschel) wrote a book called, "Chazown". It too, is about purpose. The Hebrew word, Chazown (pronounced khaw-ZONE), means a dream, revelation, or vision. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." MANY are the books about dreams, revelations, vision, and purpose! The Holy Bible itself is ultimately about purpose! God inspired it that way...on purpose! God wants us to live with a goal in mind. He wants us to have a reason for being and doing. He wants us to accomplish something with our lives. He wants us to accomplish HIS WILL! There is an old saying, "Where ever you are, is where you will find yourself." Now that may sound laughable...maybe you did laugh. But it is also true. Think about it. Where are you at this very moment, spiritually? If you find yourself in a dry and barren wasteland...that is a starting point. You might think things could only get better from this point...they couldn't get any worse! Maybe you are in a green, lush, spiritual place with an abundance of crystal clear water flowing. That too is a starting place. Starting place for what? A starting place for purpose to become important in your life. As a young man, I used to get up each day and make myself look and smell as good as possible. I took time to brush, floss, and gargle with mouthwash. I probably spent at least fifteen minutes a day on my hair! Why? I had a purpose in mind. I wanted to impress a certain girl! Now, I didn't know who that girl was, but I knew she was out there. I also knew that I would only get one chance to woo her. Sound familiar? Did you ever play that game? Did you ever get up in the morning and follow a similar routine? Eventually, I met the girl of my dreams, and was she ever wooed! Consequently, I was wooed by her as well! She looked good. She smelled good. She was friendly. She loved Jesus like I loved Jesus. She was the one! And honestly, I would have probably never married her if I hadn't set out to find her. If I hadn't purposed in my heart to seek her out. Sure, I believe God lead me to her, and vice versa! It was a God thing that we got together. However, I wasn't a hindrance to the process. She wasn't a hindrance to the process. We did our parts and God did the rest! What about now? My wife and I have been married for twenty one years. That too is by the grace of God! None the less, WE HAD A LOT TO DO WITH IT TOO! We purposed in our hearts to first LOVE GOD, then love one another! That purpose has been the most important GLUE if you will, to our marriage staying together. Commitment to God takes purpose! Paul talked of having to buffet his body. As a little boy, thoughts of the all you can eat buffet came to mind! Although, discipline was a more appropriate interpretation. Do we discipline ourselves to read the Word? Do we discipline ourselves to pray? Do we discipline ourselves to resist sin? IF we are serious about our walk with the Lord...we do! We purpose in our hearts to spend time with God...EVERYDAY! We purpose in our hearts to turn away from sinful things...EVERYDAY! We purpose in our hearts to PLEASE GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE...EVERYDAY! Anger was once my biggest enemy. At times it seemed to control me. If it was roused within me, it seemed almost impossible to silence. I tried everything to get control of it. I prayed about it constantly. I confided in friends to be praying for me. I read scriptures about anger. I memorized scriptures like James 1:20, "The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." But it was only when I admitted to God I couldn't win, and purposed in my heart to go immediately to Him when I felt that old rage rising up within me, that I got healed. I still have to live purposefully. I still must make living in peace with all men a priority, by physically showing love to those who may have a tendency to irritate me. I win through praying and living out God's Word! It's not easy. There are still times I blow it, but I have a purpose to return to! This message may seem pointless...but I ask you to look deep within yourself. Where are you spiritually right now? Is it dry and dusty? If so, you need to allow the Lord to pour some crystal clear water from His Spirit through you. You need to allow His heart of love and compassion to envelope your heart. Allow the same purpose Jesus had to motivate you. Pray as Jesus prayed..."not My will, but Your will be done." Purpose to please GOD...NOT YOURSELF. Purpose to bless others, instead of always seeking a blessing. Find out what purpose will make in your marriage, your job, your life! Purpose to purpose! Until next time, be blessed with God's BEST as you purpose to please HIM! Your Partner In Ministry, |
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