The LORD has made everything for His own purposes.
Proverbs 16:4 (NLT)
Have you ever wondered why “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren was one of the best-selling books of all time? Could it be deep down we all desire to know that we were created for a purpose? We all want to be great. To leave our mark. To do something significant with our life.
In a TED talk a while back Rick Warren said, “Some people have the misguided idea that God only gets excited when you’re doing “spiritual things,” like going to church or helping the poor, or, you know, confessing or doing something like that. The bottom line is, God gets pleasure watching you be you.”
God has created you to be you. Regardless of what you think or feel about yourself, God has created you with value, worth, and a purpose. He has given you talents. He has given you gifts. He has orchestrated your life. He has provided you with various experiences, opportunities, creativity, and a circle of influence that is unique to you.
What are you doing with what you have you been given by God? Are you seeking to make yourself great, or are you seeking to make Jesus great by serving him and others?
And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:17 (AMP)
At Christian Life we are embracing Colossians 3:17 as our verse for 2013. We need to highlight it in our Bible, memorize it, and even more importantly LIVE it out in every area of our lives. We are beginning this new year with a series called Life of Faith. Our Christianity has to work in every part and parcel of our life. We must live ALL of our life for Him. We are called to be Colossians 3:17 people.
I’m sensing an urgent expectation in our congregation as we gather together for worship and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in the weeks and months ahead. Let’s equip ourselves to draw near to God. Let’s take even greater steps in a new year to grow as disciples. Along with worshipping together every weekend we have added a prayer service, along with children’s and youth ministry, on Wednesday nights at 7PM. Sunday school meets every Sunday at 8:30AM in Room 111. There are a wide variety of resources, ministries, and special events for you to grow in and serve God with others in our church family. Read through the bulletin. Visit the church website. See where you can be involved. And after worshiping and being equipped at church we need to take Jesus, His love. and the Good News to every part of our world. It’s time we live ALL of our life for Him!
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
Revelation 21:5
I recently received a poster in the mail from Joel Osteen Ministries. Its message for the New Year is perfect. Let me share the acrostic for FRESH that was colorfully displayed on the banner.
Forgive those who have hurt you. Holding onto the hurts and pains caused by others will limit the new thing God wants to do in your life. Forgive the person who hurt you and move forward. Trust that God will make it up to you.
Refuse to look back. Whether something happened twenty years or twenty minutes ago, learn to let it go and move on. If you’ll let go of the old, God has promised He will bring you a new beginning.
Expect God’s best today. Expectation is a catalyst for miracles. Declare God’s favor over your life and expect to see His goodness today and everyday. By faith declare, “I’m expecting God to do something amazing today.”
Stay in faith and move forward. Don’t let circumstances, naysayers, or the enemy steal your joy. Stay in faith, knowing that God’s promises are “yes and amen” in your life. Today is a new day! Believe that now and enjoy all that God has in store for you.
Hope for tomorrow. When you have hope, obstacles become opportunities and setbacks become comebacks. A fresh start in God begins with hope in His Word.
Finally, Joel wrote, “Today can be a new beginning. Press forward to the great things God has in store.”
