Culture is how we do things. Every household does its’ things in its’ own way.
The members of God’s household must guard against becoming closed to others fulfilling their God given potential. God looks for a household that is open, welcoming and receptive to the new way, gift or idea he wants to introduce to His House.
Also because Church culture can so easily become traditional, household members must guard against doing what they do for no reason, in other words doing Church without a purpose or because this is the way we have always done it.
People of Purpose are people of purpose because of God’s Purpose
God’s Purpose has been and always will be a perfect relationship between us and Him. That perfect relationship got messed up in Eden because of Sin, but God in grace quickly promised a Saviour, Gen 3:15. God in grace provided a Saviour in His Son Jesus. Jesus’ death and resurrection has defeated all the works of the Evil One so that we might be with Him. God in grace has not only made a way for us to be with Him, he has sent His Holy Spirit to work out his will in us according to His good purpose for us. (Phil 2:12-14, Eph 2:14-16, Rom 8:27-29)
I want to highlight just two things about God’s Purpose if we are to live as People of Purpose
1. It is God’s purpose for us to be with Him, before service we must learn what it is to be with him, read the following; He appointed twelve—designating them apostles —that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach Mark 3:14
I was so challenged this week by the following statement; “let us just seek God and not just seek stuff from God” it is so easy to come to God with a shopping list, it may be all good, essential, necessary stuff for life and even stuff to do His will. However, what about getting back to God’s original purpose, that of relationship with God.
Getting to Know the Wonder of God, Majesty of God, just learning how Amazing God is, reminding yourself how Fantastic God is.
I read the following this week about God;
He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be… Unmoved,
Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can’t understand Him,
The armies can’t defeat Him,
The schools can’t explain Him,
and The leaders can’t ignore Him.
Herod couldn’t kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him,
and The people couldn’t hold Him!
Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him,
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace! He is my Joy,
He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, The leader of leaders, the overseer of the over comers,
and The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me, Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me,
and Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak,
He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere, Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
So, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this…
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side, and That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!
I love the Lord and thank Him for all that He does in my life,
He is my source of existence and my Saviour.
He keeps me functioning each and everyday.
Without Him, I am nothing.
But with Him I can do all things. - Philippians 4:13 –
I think it is worth just being with God and getting to know Him.
2. Sin and Satan has messed up God’s perfect plan for us and so we need God’s molding and shaping of our lives to be and do what God wants. Read the following; "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17 Jesus’ intention for those he called aside was not to have a nice holy holiday for 3 years it was to shape them for service. God’s purpose is to take ignoble vessels and make them fit for noble purposes in the Master’s hand; read 2 Timothy 2:19-21.
People of Purpose are people of purpose on purpose.
I am sure you have heard the question, “What is the Meaning of Life?” The answer to that question is “Choices.” We chose our Reason for Living and that becomes the meaning of our life. Many people therefore choose the course of their life and some times live full and significant lives. King Solomon lived a full and significant life amassing wealth beyond our imagination but one day he felt and said; “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). King Solomon realized there was a greater purpose to man’s existence, what will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world and yet loss his soul, God created us for something beyond what we can experience in the here-and-now. Solomon said of God, “He has also set eternity in the hearts of men...” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). In our hearts we are aware that the “here-and-now” is not all that there is. If we choose that the meaning of our life is about living for the here and now it can be full and significant but for eternity it is meaningless.
As People of Purpose we must live for God on purpose. Chose that your reason for living and the meaning of your life is to live for the Purposes of God.
1. Make serving God your reason/purpose for Living Joshua 24:15 But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Churches that grow are populated with people serving God. Can we create and carry a household culture of service.
2. Make worshipping God your reason/purpose for living Psalm 21:13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might.
Psalm 44:8 In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.
Worship is not a sing along, it’s a life connected to God in everyway, it about how you live and think and how you relate to others in and outside the household.
3. Make trusting in God to be your strength the key to your life, Psalm 46:2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Psalm 60:12With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
When you face pain, in Christ it can be to your gain, he heals every sickness.
When you face fear, in Christ you can have faith and sail through the storm.
When you face trouble, trail and temptation, in Christ you can have victory.
When you face Worry, in Christ you can have His peace.
When you face Sadness, in Christ you can you can rejoice.
Let us seek to be a household of God that lives for the purposes God. Not just having the correct statement that says “We are people of purpose” but knowing and choosing to live out the Purposes of God.
