Why are you searching for purpose and meaning?
A - God's #5 purpose for everyone ~ Significance comes from serving others!
S - "...and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel...." Luke 13:5
A - Significance? Isn't that why you are searching for purpose and meaning in the first place? Don't you want to know that your life is/has made a difference in the world and the lives of others? We all have a yearning; a void that must be filled in order for us to feel significant. I pray that you have found the One and only way to fill that need in your life - by accepting Christ as your Savior and allowing Him to show you what He has planned especially for you!
From his best-selling book, The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren sets it straight in the first chapter by stating.."Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life's purpose. It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead-end! Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope."
Our greatest example of one who served others is Jesus! In our Scripture for today, we see Jesus humbling Himself and washing the disciples feet, a service that many found degrading and disgusting, just hours before He was to be crucified. I don't know about you, but if I was going to be put to death soon, I'm afraid I wouldn't be thinking about washing dirty feet! In Matthew 20:28 - Jesus is explaining His purpose on earth...1) not to be served 2)but to serve others and 3) to give his life as a ransom for many. Are you living out your purpose and finding significance by serving others today?
P - Ask God to show you people or groups who you can serve and in turn, find signficance for your life. Recognize that God has started a good work in you and has not given up on you (Phil. 1:6). Know that you are special, not perfect. Called, not condemned. God's workmanship, not your own. Saved by grace, not by works and planned for a purpose, not just a life!
Encouragement for Purpose-Full Living!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
How are you searching? .... Part 2
A - "If our job were to achieve, we'd be called achievers, not believers." ~ Joyce Meyer
S - "When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy"...Titus 3:5 (NLT)
A - Last time we looked at the lie Satan wants us to believe: Self-Worth = Performance + Others' Opinions. When we spend our life trying to live up to other people's expectations, we will find ourselves forever defeated, depressed and feeling worth-less.
God loves you for who you are, not for what you do! The truth to combat Satan's lie, is that God adores and values you so much that He sent His Son to die for you! He desires a personal relationship with you. He cares more about the time you spend with Him, then the time you spend serving Him! (If the serving is done with the wrong heart attitude, God will not be honored by it anyway!) I Samuel 16:7 tells us that "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance (performance) but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)
Luke 10:38-42 recounts the story of the sister act, Mary and Martha. Jesus and His disciples were at their house for food and fellowship. Martha had spent all her time and energy doing for Jesus, instead of being. How did Martha feel when all her good works were not recognized and praised by Jesus? We can imagine from her words,(v.40) that she was angry, upset,stressed and unappreciated. Martha had fallen for the lie that her self-worth was based on her performance and the opinions of others. Let's not fall into this trap of deceit - it only results in disappointment and frustration!
P - Ask God to replace Satan's lie with His truth. Recognize that He made and loves you just the way you are. Begin believing that it's only God's opinion that really matters! Make an effort to slow down and sit at His feet today. It's by being in God's Word and listening to Him speak to you, that the layers of performance will begin to peel away and you'll discover your true self-worth in Him!!
Next Time.... Why are you searching for purpose and meaning?
A - "If our job were to achieve, we'd be called achievers, not believers." ~ Joyce Meyer
S - "When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy"...Titus 3:5 (NLT)
A - Last time we looked at the lie Satan wants us to believe: Self-Worth = Performance + Others' Opinions. When we spend our life trying to live up to other people's expectations, we will find ourselves forever defeated, depressed and feeling worth-less.
God loves you for who you are, not for what you do! The truth to combat Satan's lie, is that God adores and values you so much that He sent His Son to die for you! He desires a personal relationship with you. He cares more about the time you spend with Him, then the time you spend serving Him! (If the serving is done with the wrong heart attitude, God will not be honored by it anyway!) I Samuel 16:7 tells us that "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance (performance) but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)
Luke 10:38-42 recounts the story of the sister act, Mary and Martha. Jesus and His disciples were at their house for food and fellowship. Martha had spent all her time and energy doing for Jesus, instead of being. How did Martha feel when all her good works were not recognized and praised by Jesus? We can imagine from her words,(v.40) that she was angry, upset,stressed and unappreciated. Martha had fallen for the lie that her self-worth was based on her performance and the opinions of others. Let's not fall into this trap of deceit - it only results in disappointment and frustration!
P - Ask God to replace Satan's lie with His truth. Recognize that He made and loves you just the way you are. Begin believing that it's only God's opinion that really matters! Make an effort to slow down and sit at His feet today. It's by being in God's Word and listening to Him speak to you, that the layers of performance will begin to peel away and you'll discover your true self-worth in Him!!
Next Time.... Why are you searching for purpose and meaning?
Thursday, March 26, 2009
How are you searching for purpose and meaning?
A - God's #4 purpose for everyone - Seek your self-worth in Him!
S - "You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." -Psalm 139:13 (NIV)
A - As we continue to look at pursuing our purpose, we need to examine ourselves and our own behavior = not always fun! It is so much easier and more entertaining to look at other people's insecurities and analyze what they need to do to change!
When thinking about how you are trying to find and fulfill God's purposes for you, do any of these sound familiar? Over-achieving? Competition? Approval from others? Perfectionism? Controlling? Pleasing Others? Performance? Workaholic? Recognition? Self-sacrifice? If yes, now ask yourself, "Who is telling me I need to do or be these things in order to find meaning and significance in my life?" God or the Enemy?
Satan continues to deceive people, including Christians, in believing that the basis of our self-worth is our performance and our ability to please others.
This equation reflects one of his biggest lies: Self-Worth=Performance + Others' Opinion. Does this hit home with anyone? I know it does with me :(
There have been many times I have fallen for this lie; only to find myself disappointed in my performance and devastated by others' opinions. But there is hope! There is a better way ....Next time we will look at replacing the Enemy's debilitating lie with God's delivering truth!!
P - Ask God to show you areas where you may be falling for Satan's lie. Ask Him to show you how important you are to Him - and be watching for His answer. Claim today's verse as truth and begin to BELIEVE that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe and start living like it!
A - God's #4 purpose for everyone - Seek your self-worth in Him!
S - "You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." -Psalm 139:13 (NIV)
A - As we continue to look at pursuing our purpose, we need to examine ourselves and our own behavior = not always fun! It is so much easier and more entertaining to look at other people's insecurities and analyze what they need to do to change!
When thinking about how you are trying to find and fulfill God's purposes for you, do any of these sound familiar? Over-achieving? Competition? Approval from others? Perfectionism? Controlling? Pleasing Others? Performance? Workaholic? Recognition? Self-sacrifice? If yes, now ask yourself, "Who is telling me I need to do or be these things in order to find meaning and significance in my life?" God or the Enemy?
Satan continues to deceive people, including Christians, in believing that the basis of our self-worth is our performance and our ability to please others.
This equation reflects one of his biggest lies: Self-Worth=Performance + Others' Opinion. Does this hit home with anyone? I know it does with me :(
There have been many times I have fallen for this lie; only to find myself disappointed in my performance and devastated by others' opinions. But there is hope! There is a better way ....Next time we will look at replacing the Enemy's debilitating lie with God's delivering truth!!
P - Ask God to show you areas where you may be falling for Satan's lie. Ask Him to show you how important you are to Him - and be watching for His answer. Claim today's verse as truth and begin to BELIEVE that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe and start living like it!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
When are you searching for meaning and purpose?
A - God's #3 purpose for everyone: He wants us to stay strong during the tough times through faith in Him!
S - "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:23-24
A - Aren't you glad God doesn't hold grudges? His mercies are new every morning...just as faithful as a sunrise! Even after days when we feel we have failed God, others and ourselves - we can start a new day with a clean slate!
Are you struggling with knowing God's will and purpose? Are you at a stage in your life where you have some decisions to make about your future? Are you confused about the next step to take? Are you afraid of what the future may hold considering all the craziness going on in the world? God knows and understands your fears. He wants us to search for Him during these times. He wants us to know and experience His love, faithfulness and mercies everyday.
We are all searching from time to time...regardless of our age or stage of life. But let's not get caught up in the trap of looking everywhere else, instead of to God and His Word. Don't let Satan tell you God has given up on you because you're not a good or strong enough Christian or maybe your past is not perfect. Don't allow the garbage (lies, insecurities, doubts, fears, worry, etc.) the Enemy wants to put in your path to keep you from finding and fulfilling God's purposes for your life.
P - Sometimes God still has work to do in you before He is ready to show you your path. This is when we need faith to sustain and stay strong. Faith to cling to His promises. Faith to believe God's ways are best, even if they don't make sense! Thank God today for His love, patience, kindness, forgiveness and faithfulness. Acknowledge and confess the "garbage" that has been blocking your path and know that, with His power, you are strong!
Next Time.... How are you searching for purpose in your life?
A - God's #3 purpose for everyone: He wants us to stay strong during the tough times through faith in Him!
S - "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:23-24
A - Aren't you glad God doesn't hold grudges? His mercies are new every morning...just as faithful as a sunrise! Even after days when we feel we have failed God, others and ourselves - we can start a new day with a clean slate!
Are you struggling with knowing God's will and purpose? Are you at a stage in your life where you have some decisions to make about your future? Are you confused about the next step to take? Are you afraid of what the future may hold considering all the craziness going on in the world? God knows and understands your fears. He wants us to search for Him during these times. He wants us to know and experience His love, faithfulness and mercies everyday.
We are all searching from time to time...regardless of our age or stage of life. But let's not get caught up in the trap of looking everywhere else, instead of to God and His Word. Don't let Satan tell you God has given up on you because you're not a good or strong enough Christian or maybe your past is not perfect. Don't allow the garbage (lies, insecurities, doubts, fears, worry, etc.) the Enemy wants to put in your path to keep you from finding and fulfilling God's purposes for your life.
P - Sometimes God still has work to do in you before He is ready to show you your path. This is when we need faith to sustain and stay strong. Faith to cling to His promises. Faith to believe God's ways are best, even if they don't make sense! Thank God today for His love, patience, kindness, forgiveness and faithfulness. Acknowledge and confess the "garbage" that has been blocking your path and know that, with His power, you are strong!
Next Time.... How are you searching for purpose in your life?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Where are you searching for purpose and meaning?
A - God's #2 purpose for everyone - Search for Him
S - "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)
A - Last time we looked at the what of our search for purpose, realizing it all begins with a personal relationship with God, through faith in Christ Jesus.
Today, let's look at where we tend to try to find purpose for our life. Could it be through a career, education, ministry, relationships/friendships, material possessions, status symbols, money, beauty or others' opinions? Sure, most of these things will bring a temporary sense of satisfaction, but what happens when these things/people are no longer a part of our life..then what?
We cannot depend on things and others to bring us purpose - they will always disappoint us! Remember the blueprint God placed within you before you were even born? True purpose and significance comes from building and living the life God planned for you.
Psalm 139:23 - David is asking God to search him and know his heart. Test him and know his anxious thoughts. Please understand that God knows your heart. He knows how much you want to please and serve Him. He knows the dreams you have for your life. Give Him ALL the anxious thoughts about your future today! Look to Him for your significance ~ not in other people, places and things!
P - Thank God for giving you your heart's dream and that He knows exactly what it is. Ask Him to help you understand what His plan is for you and to put that dream into action for His use and glory. Confess to God the people and things you have used in an attempt to give your life meaning and significance.
Next time....When are you searching?
A - God's #2 purpose for everyone - Search for Him
S - "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)
A - Last time we looked at the what of our search for purpose, realizing it all begins with a personal relationship with God, through faith in Christ Jesus.
Today, let's look at where we tend to try to find purpose for our life. Could it be through a career, education, ministry, relationships/friendships, material possessions, status symbols, money, beauty or others' opinions? Sure, most of these things will bring a temporary sense of satisfaction, but what happens when these things/people are no longer a part of our life..then what?
We cannot depend on things and others to bring us purpose - they will always disappoint us! Remember the blueprint God placed within you before you were even born? True purpose and significance comes from building and living the life God planned for you.
Psalm 139:23 - David is asking God to search him and know his heart. Test him and know his anxious thoughts. Please understand that God knows your heart. He knows how much you want to please and serve Him. He knows the dreams you have for your life. Give Him ALL the anxious thoughts about your future today! Look to Him for your significance ~ not in other people, places and things!
P - Thank God for giving you your heart's dream and that He knows exactly what it is. Ask Him to help you understand what His plan is for you and to put that dream into action for His use and glory. Confess to God the people and things you have used in an attempt to give your life meaning and significance.
Next time....When are you searching?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
These ASAP devotions are from my study, Designed with Your Purpose in Mind. I pray they will be time well spent….. Tonia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A – “Salvation is just the beginning of what God wants to do for you!”
S - For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
A – What are you searching for?
Have you ever wondered what you are here on this earth to be and do? Do you really believe God has a unique purpose for your life? Maybe you’re searching to find meaning and significance in your life, but keep coming up empty? Or perhaps this is the first time you’ve heard that God has a specific plan for you and you’re not quite sure what it’s all about?
Psalm 139:13-16 tells us that God designed in you a blueprint for “all your days… even before one of them came to be.” (NIV) This means everything you are to do and be was planned before you were even born. A blueprint or purpose, plan, dream, destiny, direction, mission and/or calling has been drawn up especially for you! But, before you can start building your life according to the Master Architect’s unique plan, you need to look at what God’s #1 purpose is for EVERYONE.
Before being called to something, we are called to Someone. Before we are called to do, we are called to be. The Bible tells us that God has called us into fellowship with His Son (I Corinthians 1:9). God created us and knows our strengths, weaknesses, dreams and fears. In spite of our imperfections, God loves us perfectly and completely. His greatest desire is that we accept His free gift of SALVATION.
Salvation cannot be earned by Confirmation, baptism, church membership, church attendance, Holy Communion, keeping the Ten Commandments, giving to charity, being a good neighbor or living a moral, respectable life – although these are good works – they don’t get us into heaven. We are saved by God’s grace and through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).
God has great and awesome plans for all His children. Are you part of the family? Don’t spend your life searching for meaning and purpose in all the wrong places. If you’ve never put your faith in Christ and/or have questions about what it means to be saved, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time ~ Tonia@PathFinderMinistries.org.
P - Thank God that you are His special and unique handiwork. Thank Him for His Son and the gift of salvation so you may know His plans and fulfill His purpose here on earth and spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
Next time…..Where are you searching for meaning and purpose?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A – “Salvation is just the beginning of what God wants to do for you!”
S - For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
A – What are you searching for?
Have you ever wondered what you are here on this earth to be and do? Do you really believe God has a unique purpose for your life? Maybe you’re searching to find meaning and significance in your life, but keep coming up empty? Or perhaps this is the first time you’ve heard that God has a specific plan for you and you’re not quite sure what it’s all about?
Psalm 139:13-16 tells us that God designed in you a blueprint for “all your days… even before one of them came to be.” (NIV) This means everything you are to do and be was planned before you were even born. A blueprint or purpose, plan, dream, destiny, direction, mission and/or calling has been drawn up especially for you! But, before you can start building your life according to the Master Architect’s unique plan, you need to look at what God’s #1 purpose is for EVERYONE.
Before being called to something, we are called to Someone. Before we are called to do, we are called to be. The Bible tells us that God has called us into fellowship with His Son (I Corinthians 1:9). God created us and knows our strengths, weaknesses, dreams and fears. In spite of our imperfections, God loves us perfectly and completely. His greatest desire is that we accept His free gift of SALVATION.
Salvation cannot be earned by Confirmation, baptism, church membership, church attendance, Holy Communion, keeping the Ten Commandments, giving to charity, being a good neighbor or living a moral, respectable life – although these are good works – they don’t get us into heaven. We are saved by God’s grace and through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).
God has great and awesome plans for all His children. Are you part of the family? Don’t spend your life searching for meaning and purpose in all the wrong places. If you’ve never put your faith in Christ and/or have questions about what it means to be saved, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time ~ Tonia@PathFinderMinistries.org.
P - Thank God that you are His special and unique handiwork. Thank Him for His Son and the gift of salvation so you may know His plans and fulfill His purpose here on earth and spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
Next time…..Where are you searching for meaning and purpose?
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