Purpose

Purpose Requires the Active Involvement of God in Human Affairs

Purpose has its roots in the Person of God. As creator of the universe and humankind, He has built into our psyches an inherent sense of meaning and ultimate value. While we do not always know what our ultimate purpose is, in the end it is quite simple: to glorify (or highlight the magnificence of) God. Our secondary purpose is to use what we were given (i.e., personalities, talents, skills) to serve our fellow man. Sadly, it is possible to live in such a way that we miss out on both aspects of purpose by rejecting a personal relationship with God or refusing to serve others as we are able. Whatever the details are, fulfilling our human purpose means worship and service. Have you found your purpose today?

Self-Help is No Substitute for Saving Grace

Biblical principles concerning purpose and destiny have become widely popular among secular audiences. Yet even if it were possible to reach our goals and dreams and die a success by the world’s standards, if our souls are lost, what would be the point? Some promises in God’s word do not apply to everyone, but are made specifically to those who trust in Him. Applying His principles to life without allowing His presence within leads only to disillusion, and in the end, emptiness. The only way to fulfill to the utmost our general and specific life purpose is to get connected to the one who created and redeemed us in the first place. Why? Because our purpose is to serve His purpose. The sooner we realize this, the happier we will be.

Counting Your Blessings

It’s a beautiful thing to have a day or two off to sit and relax with family and friends, reminisce over old times and create new traditions. The center attraction is usually Mom’s turkey, golden brown, with all the trimmings, though various cultures undoubtedly put their unique spins on the typical American holiday meal. At these times we ask each other, “What are you thankful for today?” But I would like to ask, “To what or to whom are we thankful?” Honest answers may indeed vary.

• Thank Heaven.
• Thank goodness.
• Thank my lucky stars.
• Thank myself.
• Thank the good people of our community.

On this day after Thanksgiving, still beaming from last night’s good food, family and fun, I’d like to say, “Thank God.”

• Thank God who reigns in Heaven.
• Thank God for His goodness to the people He’s made.
• Thank God for the ability to see the stars.
• Thank God for my self.
• Thank God for you -  and for all the good people of our communities.
• Thank God the recession is showing the bit of improvement that it is.
• Thank God for our troops.
• Thank God for new lives that were born, and those yet on the way.
• Thank God for health, and if not health, a fighting spririt.
• Thank God for our pets, whom we love.
• Thank God for a computer and the skills to use one.
• Thank God for any kind of roof over our heads, and any kind of clothing on our backs.
• Thank God for hopes, dreams, goals, healing, and second chances.

…If we allow the thrill of thankfulness to overcome us for one moment, we’ll find that the list will get longer and longer. Why? Because in spite of our hurts, losses and challenges, God is a good God.

When I was a child in Sunday School, we used to sing a song that fits in perfectly here:

Count your blessings, name them one by one.
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

Living at The Verge

“The Verge.” What is it about those words that create a sense of suspense, of holding one’s breath while waiting impatiently for the future to unfold? If you’ve ever hit a season in your life where every door is about to open, but at the moment they’re still closed; or every deal is on the table, but nothing has gone through, you’ve been to The Verge. It’s the street that runs between where you are and where you could be, and it’s not always easy to manage one’s emotions at such critical junctures. The stakes are incredibly high if anything goes awry - but if everything goes according to plan – the results would be incredible. So here are three things to remember at The Verge in your life:

Close Your Eyes

When you’re on the verge of something new, it’s important to shut your eyes (and ears) to external voices. You need to know that what you’re about to do is the right thing – that it’s in keeping with God’s plan for your life.  It’s nice to have the support of others, but sometimes, God may call you away from everything familiar into a whole new territory. When you close your eyes, you will also become keenly aware of what will happen if this [insert missing miraculous occurance] doesn’t work out as you planned. But in this moment of silence, choose faith, dare to believe that God not only can answer your prayer, but is willing to answer with His power and out of His perfect wisdom. Remind yourself of God’s promises, and open your eyes with a new sense of  hope and adventure!

Take a Deep Breath

At The Verge, you can see the vision just ahead of you, just beyond your reach. If only you could ensure that this, that, or the other would take place, you’d know it would all be OK. Here is the place to be filled with the Spirit – because only when we’re caught up in the beauty of Christ’s person do the problems and threats of life shrink in our eyes. The Lord God is a VERY BIG GOD!! Taking a deep breath also means preparing yourself for what may nor not be ahead. It is taking realistic stock of things, planning wisely with contingencies, and not giving in to either wishful thinking or pessimism. When it’s all said and done, you can exhale – either the sigh of a lesson learned, or the praise of a victor.

Take the Dive

Or cross the river, or take the plunge. Launching out in a new direction, standing there on The Verge, the precipice of change, you know what you want and can finally grasp it. The key here is to receive what is granted to you without guilt. Stepping past The Verge means taking the job, signing the contract, starting the business. It means saying “I do,” or maybe saying, “I don’t.” It is looking at a dream as it comes into fruition, and finally arriving at a place where  you can say it was worth it for the struggle.