What's your purpose?

Well, tomorrow is Valentine's Day, so Happy Valentine's Day!

We have been studying Philippians 3, and today will be no different. We are going to dive into verse 10. However today we will be reading from the Classic Amplified Bible. So grab a cup of cocoa and a cookie, let's dive in.

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more [clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers]. and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope.] Philippians 3:10 (AMPC)

Yes, I know it's kind of long and can get confusing with the brackets, but just hang tight with me. I also encourage you to look at this verse using other translations.

We are going to break it down into five sections today. I am using commentaries and a book by Beth Moore to explain it.

Every single one of us has a God given purpose. It may be singing, teaching or preaching, or any other variety of purpose. However, two purposes that ALL Christians have is: 1) to serve and 2) fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

If God is the giver of the gifts to fulfill the Gospel, would you, as a follower of Christ, want to perceive, recognize and understand more clearly what He has called you to do. We often get so focused on what God has called someone else to do, or not do, that we forget God has a purpose for our lives, individually. We need to be very careful in judging someone for what they are doing or not doing in the body of Christ, or you will be judged as well.

God wants to do something big in your life, more than you could think or imagine, but you have to make up your mind to do it, surrender your will and become dependent and obedient to Him alone. No one has the right to speak negative over you for what you are doing. Just be obedient to Him and to Him alone.

Are you going to be determined, now more than ever to fulfill your call? We are so close to the end of this thing, that nothing else should matter but fulfilling your purpose through Him.

That's where making the priority of your life getting to know Jesus. This is going to take effort, but remember it may cost you some things. It's the time to repent and renounce any sin that we may be holding on too.

So, get your mind made up today, focus on Him and never look back. Because the greatest pleasure and joy comes from the Lord's plan on your life. "There is nothing quite as potent as a focused life. One lived on purpose." Rick Warren

When a person is focused, they are going to be effective in fulfilling the purpose. Whenever one is not fulfilling the call/purpose, they will become dissatisfied, always wanting more, and a happy and joyful life will never be fulfilled.

The determine purpose is getting to know Jesus, by spending time with Him in the secret place. This is very critical-getting to know Him. In every season-happy, sad, mountain tops or the valleys, we have the chance to get to know Jesus on a deeper level. This comes from His Word and learning the truth of what He says about, not only Himself, but also us as well. It is where we fall in love with Him. Without the love for Jesus, you cannot and will not fulfill servanthood, nor will you fulfill the Great Commission. Ask Him to show you the wonders of His Word, to thrill you and delight you. Make that your prayer today. Sometimes people get promotions at work or a job, because of who they know. Beth Moore states, "In this life who we are is all about Who we know.

Our faith in Christ is a progression. But often, we get bogged down by circumstances, that we don't even know when a fresh word or knowledge from Christ has come. Or we get so involved with the same old thing-same author, same preacher, that we can't and won't allow God to do something new. So, ask Him. Ask Him to show you more of Him, to reveal Himself and more knowledge of Him. This also develops more intimacy with Him. It is in the intimate moments with Him, in which we learn about Him, and healing can come to us. We will be able to see His glory through these moments.

When the body of Christ (in your church) has spent time in the secret place and is fulfilling the call and purpose God has placed on their lives, it will bring unity to the body, thus able to fulfill the Great Commission. Think of the wheels on a car, all of them have to roll together to get the car down the road, if one tire goes flat or starts to "wiggle", it will throw off the "unity" of the vehicle, and it will not be able to keep going down the road. So, you see it's important to know what God has purposed you for, so in unity with the body of Christ, the gospel can be shared and the laborers are ready for the harvest.

I pray today for a fresh Word to come over your life. I pray that you allow time in the secret place, not only to get to know Christ, but so He can transform you and your mind.

The harvest is coming! Are you ready to labor?

Love,

V