PURPOSE

Published on Memorial Day 5/27/2019
Why do we look for external purposes for our life when there are plenty of things, if we just do what Jesus tells us in the Bible? Jesus has instructed us to spread the good news of the gospel, love and serve others and give ourselves to God. Our life is not our own. If we do those things, we wouldn’t have time for anything else because there’s always someone in need.
My Life Group Leader simply texted this verse to our group yesterday and nothing else with it:
In Psalm 90:12, Moses wrote, “So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
 
So, I set out on a quest to understand his message. First of all, I didn’t realize some of the Psalms were prayers of Moses; secondly, I had no idea my Life Group Leader's text would be my next blog.
 
Here is my LIVING BIBLE VERSION of that verse:
Psalm 90:12(TLB) Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.
 Note from Living Bible:
It is easy to forget how short life really is. Realizing that life is short helps us use the time wisely. It helps us concentrate on using our lives for eternal good, not just for the pleasure of the moment. Take time to number your days by asking “What do I want to see happen in my life before I die? What small step could you take toward that purpose today?”
 
As I was studying this verse early this morning, I began to listen to a message online from Rick Warren and he stated: “Manage your time wisely to maximize your time for God’s purpose.”
 
The referenced verses in Rick Warren’s message were: Ephesians (KJV) 5:15-17 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
 
The Living Bible Version....Ephesians 5:15-17 (TLB) So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don’t be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to.
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There could not be a clearer message than to redeem our time on earth by finding God’s purpose for our lives and DOING IT.
I began writing this blog over two weeks ago following a conversation with a friend who was wondering what her purpose in life is and she's in her 60s. I typed this question: why don’t we start with doing what Jesus told us to do, if we’re not clear about our purpose? As believers, we’ve ALL been called to spread the good news of the gospel. I believe everything else will fall in to place, as with this article. The above verses fell in to my lap in order for me to finish this blog to say what God wanted me to say. I think He has given us clear direction (I’m writing to myself also). Start by spending time with God, read His word and then go love and tell others. It’s that simple.
  
If you’re waiting on a neon sign from God for your purpose or you’re single and want a spouse or someone to come along side you to begin serving, or waiting on a financial windfall, then you’re wasting precious time. God might have your spouse already serving and you’re supposed to meet them there. Please do not spend your life saying ‘when this happens’ or ‘when that happens’. I’ll do that when I meet someone or when my finances turn around or when I win the lottery (I hope you’re not wasting money on lottery tickets).  SOMEDAY MAY NEVER COME...DO IT NOW!
 
I’ve seen it happen to my friend. He used the excuse that everything would be different when.... or he could really start living when he received his inheritance. That old friend is now a millionaire.... but sadly, finds himself alone and physically, mentally and spiritually bankrupt and unable to enjoy it.
 
Apply yourself NOW. This is how you will find true JOY, not how the world seeks ‘fun for the moment’ but true JOY. That kind of joy ONLY comes from ‘being about the father’s business'.
 
My morning ‘cold brew’ photo (above) is a cup from a church in Powder Springs, GA that my husband and I played a small part in helping start up in 2010. That church is thriving today! My friends, that’s what we have to be about.
 
Carpe diem for God!

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