Designed for Purpose

What is your purpose?

Michael Jordan: Hall of Fame basketball player and globally recognized as one of the greatest all time players Michael Phelps: World Class swimmer, multiple gold medal winning Olympic Champion Ludwig van Beethoven: World re-known, famous and influential composer; principal figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras of Western Music. Paul Gauguin: World re-known French artist recognized for his experimental use of colors and synthetist style which led to the Post-Impressionist style of art. Albert Einstein: Nobel Prize winning, German Born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity and is recognized as one of the world’s most intelligent men. Martin Luther King Jr.: American clergyman, theologian, Civil Rights Activist, and Nobel Prize winner, who is recognized as the leading figure in the civil rights struggle of African Americans during the decade of the 60’s. Leonardo da Vinci: Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer. Throughout the history of civilization, men and women have done amazing and incredible things that have advanced civilization and in doing so became historical figures. Each recognized their purpose. I don't know if they heard a voice within crying out for expression. I don't know if they understood that they were designed for purpose; but I do know they were enabled to achieve their purpose. I would like to believe that all individuals recognize their call to a purpose. A purpose some have answered and in doing so, achieved what they were created to do. Many people don’t ever win a Nobel Peace prize, Olympic Gold Medal, compose unforgettably timeless music, champion the cause of human rights, or make discoveries in science, medicine and technology; and yet they still have a purpose. I say this because we are all custom-designed for purpose by God. He has put purpose in you! The bible itself speaks of purpose: “But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth…” (Exodus 9:16, NKJV) God has placed a purposeful gift of talent within each of us so that the revelation of His tremendous love, power and grace is made known through you via your talent. God has a purpose for each of our lives! Knowing God’s purpose makes all the difference between living in fulfillment of His will and living in a way which never recognizes someone greater than myself is at work in me. How do I discover my purpose? I believe that in each of us exists a burning desire, a passion crying to be fulfilled. This desire and passion is good, but it can become perverted, corrupted and ultimately, unfulfilled through my own lack of understanding. "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6, NIV) But God wants to inform you that you do indeed have a purpose; He Himself has placed it within you. Though it lies dormant within you, your purpose is ready to be cultivated by you that it will one day spring forth like a downpour of rain from heaven. “May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.” (Palm 20:4, NKJV) God wants us to fulfill the purpose for which we were created; having placed in your heart that very desire to achieve it. As a young boy, I read about computers and was captivated by this new technology. This desire burned inside me causing me to seek outwardly what was deep inside my heart. I see now that God opened the door of opportunity which allowed me to fulfill the desire within me. Knowing that God is no respecter of anyone, I know what he has done for others, he also did for me; and he will do the same for you. I can remember speaking with others about purpose and being amazed at their confusion in knowing what God’s purpose was for them. Purpose is not some mystery which remains hidden from one’s eyes; purpose cries out from deep within us. It is always there, seeking expression from us. It is the voice of one's hidden talent, a God-given gift that wants to rejoice in the knowledge that I not only have a gift from God, but I use it in the way it was designed in me: as my gift to God. Paul writes: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus...” (Colossians 3:17, NIV) My purpose is an expression of my appreciation for God’s love and grace. I don’t do it for the admiration of others; I do it to reveal the awesome power of God. How do I fulfill my purpose? “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3, NIV) Dedicating myself and the works produced from my life requires my recognition that God supports me. God wants me to fulfill that which answers the age-old question, why am I here? What is it that cries from the depths of your spirit? What is it that you have not fulfilled, yet cannot escape the thought of doing? It’s in you, no matter how much time has elapsed since the thought first occurred. You know it’s there inside you, needing you to express what only you can. Art, music, sports, medicine, science, technology, service to others, janitor, cook, housekeeper, father, mother, caregiver; whatever you do, do as unto the Lord. You were designed for purpose by God, it's up to you to fulfill it, but you're not alone. God wants to help you realize the very reason you are here. God will help you cultivate your gift, your talent, your purpose; so that you will express it as a gift to Him.

A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Christ in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

The Value of a Promise is Only as Good as One’s Word

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth (Isaiah 55:11)

What’s your most valuable possession?

Some people value their home above all else. For others, it may be their pet. Some value their job, position, status in life, or wealth. I’ve heard it said, “Clothes make the man”, but the truth is an expensive suit looks equally good on a liar as it does an honest man.

All of these mean very little if your word is of no value.

Why?

Your word is the only true representation of you.

In examining the character and nature of God, it’s easy to learn how He values what He says:

“The Lord has done what He purposed; He has fulfilled His word...” (Lamentations 2:17, NKJV)

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, NKJV)

God values what He says, He doesn’t make empty promises!

I regret that in my life, I have made promises I have never kept. Regardless of the circumstances by which I didn’t keep my word, what I said and what I did were not consistent.

That’s the difference between God and man; God is consistent!

That’s why when He makes a promise, we can be confident, He will honor His word.

People don’t forget a liar. We remember the person who exaggerates. We steer clear of those we consider untrustworthy.

Why?

Because their words are empty, lifeless, and not valued.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV)

God’s word is alive!

Have you ever seen anything lifeless accomplish anything?

A beautiful painting can be quite inspiring, but there is no life in a painting. A architect can design a beautiful skyscraper, but no matter how tall and majestic it is, it will never exhale the breath of life. Houses, clothes, cars, position, career, none of these contain the breath of life.

Life comes from the Giver of Life.

When I learned how God values His word, I began to understand how important my word is. I realize God values what I say.

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment.” (Matthew 12:36, NKJV)

God encourages me to allow the same mind that is in Christ to be in me. I think that means my words should bear fruit.

But how can they if they are lifeless?

Perhaps I should measure my words more carefully so that when I make a promise, I will honor what I said and endeavor to complete what I said I would do.

As a boy, my childhood friend was the only person I knew who had a mother and father, and they lived in an actual home! His father was a New York Yankee baseball fan. I was just learning about sports but being from Chicago, I was a fan of the Chicago White Sox. One day, I was over my friend’s home and I was talking about how the White Sox could beat the Yankees. His father heard me and challenged me. Out of my mouth came the words, “I bet you the Sox will beat the Yankees!” So, I bet my friend’s father, even though I had no concept of the historical tradition of the Yankees or Sox.

I lost that bet and for days, I was ashamed to go over my friend’s home because I didn’t have the money to cover the bet. I finally decided I couldn’t keep avoiding him so I walked through alleys collecting bottles for the deposit until I had enough to cover the bet I made. I was thinking, he won’t take the money but when I walked up to him and said, “here’s the money I owe you for the bet Mr. Morris”, he just smiled, a short, stubby cigar protruding from his mouth, reached and took the money from my hand and said, “I told you the Yankees were the better team!”

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;” (James 1:19, NKJV)

I no longer go around bragging about sport teams I like. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my Chicago teams, but I don’t go around saying what the outcome of a game will be; I certainly don’t entertain bets!

It’s better if what I say contains more than just idle words, chatter, vanity. I should desire to say what can be of benefit, of use, words which have a purpose.

The value of a promise is only as good as one’s word.

God’s word is true. That means His word is alive, filled with life-giving properties. I can rely on God’s word because He values what He says. He not only wants me to value and believe in His word, He also wants me to experience the benefits of trusting His word.

If, you’ve never experienced the power of God’s word, or you haven’t for a long period of time, why not start today and see what God can do for you?

Andrae’ Crouch sings the song, “Through it All” where he talks about learning to depend upon the word of God:

I’ve Had Many Tears and Sorrows, I’ve Had Questions for Tomorrow, There’s Been Times I Didn't Know Right From Wrong. But In Every Situation, God Gave Me Blessed Consolation, That My Trials Come To Only Make Me Strong. Through It All, Through It All, I’ve Learned To Trust In Jesus, I’ve Learned To Trust In God. Through It All, Through It All, I’ve Learned To Depend Upon His Word.

A Note of Thanks: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. Taking time out of your schedule to read a post on this blog is encouraging to me. Many of those who visit, will from time to time leave a comment. Whether a comment is left is not important. What is important, is that you came. I do hope you find encouragement and inspiration in these words. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Christ in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).