Destiny Equals Purpose

As a prospective patient, I was being interviewed by a hospital technician taking me through the initial steps prior to being diagnosed. Our conversation moved to an interesting story as we waited for the doctor to arrive. His story revealed the transitions his life had taken on the way to becoming a medical technician.

An interesting part of the conversation included what he understood to be his purpose for being here on earth. Seldom are we privileged to share another’s thoughts of their  personal reason for living. Yet it was an honor to observe that coming to terms with his destiny had given him a sense of eagerness for greeting each new day.

Destiny is often associated with a choice for a career. Jesus was a carpenter, but his destiny and purpose was to be the Messiah for all mankind. Have you seriously thought about your purpose for living? Jesus said, “I have come to seek and save the lost.” A godly purpose for living is permitting yourself to be found and saved by Jesus.  

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Jesus said, “Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”  

~Matthew 28:19-20 Good News Bible

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Rediscover His Light

Distractions do not have to be bad, wrong or evil. A distraction can be anything that pulls attention away from primary objectives. Distractions do, however, tend to interfere with our commitments to significant others, Christ Jesus and ourselves. Distractions can appear by invitation and serve as an excuse to discard what God intended for us to pursue.

 

There was something about the little town of Shechem that caught Jacob’s attention. He evidently saw opportunity in Shechem, but in God’s plan, there was a better place for him to settle. God's heart is saddened when we choose less than his purpose for us. Worse still is choosing what is disastrous.

Jacob's decision to stop at Shechem would bring heartbreak. He observed his children experience issues that would affect their lives indefinitely. Yet Jesus is our Redeemer and is faithful to seek and to save all who have gone astray and are lost. Jesus is the Light that never goes out. His light can be rediscovered when we seek it with all our heart. 

Rising Above Character Weaknesses - Part 3

I was surprised when Saul, the first king of Israel, was featured in my college abnormal psychology text book. The way Saul is portrayed in the Bible, it’s understandable why he could be the subject for discussion in a psychology class at a state university.

Saul became so jealous of David that he tried to kill him. Initially Saul employed David to play the harp, which seemed to calm him when what were identified as evil spirits would take hold of him." This condition besieged Saul after the Spirit of the Lord departed him following his arrogant rejection of God's guidelines for his life.

Saul’s life doesn’t reflect complete failure. He forged together a nation out of twelve scattered tribes. He set up a state government and commanded an army that won major battles. He did, however, lose the battle for control over his weaknesses. Jesus said, "I have come to seek and save the lost," so our values should be anchored in Christ Jesus, who frees us from sin that besieges us. Great is God’s mercy!