Tag: Purpose

The First Day

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HIGHLIGHT

Genesis 1:1–2 (ESV): 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

EXPLAIN

What a grand statement is this… in the beginning, God created. At once, this assertion makes several claims, among which are the following: 1) God is eternal having always existed and, it can easily be presumed, will always exist; 2) God is beyond us, above us, greater than us; 3) God designed our world on purpose, thus giving us purpose, and 4) We are obligated to honor our Creator and seek to fulfill his purpose for us.

APPLY

As we begin a new year, we often make commitments, goals, and promises for change. Even though December 31st to January 1st is just another revolution around the sun, psychologically we view it as a time for new beginnings. And, that can be a good thing.

Yet when we reflect on the first day of the first year of human history… wow!

What were God’s “goals” for humanity? What did God hope to accomplish?

Consider God’s plan from before creation due to his foreknowledge!

While our sin marred God’s perfect plan for his Creation, as recreations of God’s grace, how can we cooperate to see God’s purpose go forward?

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, as I begin a new year, help me to live in the center of your will at all times, furthering your purpose in this world. Thank you for a wonderful year just finished. Thank you for your presence and help in times of difficulty, in times of joy, and in times of change. May I continue to grow this year to be more like Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The right tool for the job

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I’m not much of a handyman. But in the past several months I have become much more of one.

Over the years, I have done a variety of repairs and handyman projects around the house. But these projects often seem to take 2-3x the time they should, and not end up as polished as I want.

One of the problems, quite frankly, has been that I have not always had the proper tools to do the job I was attempting.

When we began doing repairs on our house a few months ago, I began intentionally purchasing the proper tools for the jobs I was doing. If I didn’t have it, I went to the store and bought it.

I still don’t consider myself the best handyman. I am improving. But I have found repeatedly that simply having and using the right tool for the job makes things possible – and so much easier – than simply trying to get by with what I have.

As I have considered this lesson learned, I find application points to other areas of life. First, I wonder if sometimes our frustration in life in regards to jobs and careers comes because our specific toolset is not matched for the job we are determined to complete. Instead of trying to be a Phillips when the job requires a flat-headed screwdriver, maybe we should step back and ask God to use us where we best first.

Second, in the local church environment people sometimes despair that they don’t have the people they need to do effective ministry. Yet I believe that God’s church is made of many members, not one (1 Corinthians 12:14), and that God puts the members in the body the way he wants (1 Corinthians 12:18).

Therefore, I would ask 1) are we expecting different ones to do work for which God has not equipped them, 2) have we failed to discover individuals who are equipped to do the work, and 3) should we consider changing our methods of ministry to better fit our church’s toolset so that we can be effective in sharing the Gospel?

He will fulfill his purpose

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HIGHLIGHT

Psalm 57:1–2 (ESV): 1 Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

EXPLAIN

This psalm was written by David when he fled from King Saul and hid in the cave. Saul went in the cave to use the restroom while David and his men hid further inside.

David’s men wanted him to kill Saul, but instead David cut a piece of the king’s robe. David was then struck with guilt.

After Saul went out, David called to him and told him what he had done, asking why the king was trying to kill him. Saul was ashamed and called off the manhunt for David.

In this psalm, while David had hidden in the cave, he says he would take refuge in the shadow of God’s wings.While David’s men wanted him to assassinate Saul so that he could finally realize God’s anointing to be king, David instead professed his reliance on God who would fulfill his purpose for him.

APPLY

When we think about God’s purpose for our lives, we often see it as something we must pursue and be successful in accomplishing. Surely, there is an element in which we must be faithful to obey God’s call and work in his will.

Yet this scripture reminds us that truly God is sovereign and he wants his will for our lives to be accomplished more than we do. We then must simply surrender ourselves to him, be faithful in serving him, and be patient as God works to accomplish his plan in our lives.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness and faithfulness that you display not only in creation but even in the lives of your people. May I faithfully serve you as you accomplish your plan in this world. May I join you in your work of redemption and restoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.