Monday, July 21, 2014

Are You Living a Life of Purpose?

"The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains.  The world, and those who dwell in it" (Psalm 24:1).

Hey Gang:  My endorphin file is like Magee's closet, there are all kinds of goodies tucked away waiting to be dug out and sent along to you.  This neat little ditty carried with it a very good and deep message.  It seems that the mayor of a small town was driving through the city square when he noticed two workers doing something rather weird.  Working very steadily, one of the men was digging a hole in the ground and the other was filling it back in.

After watching them dig and fill several holes, the mayor confronted the two workers and asked for an explanation.  "Well, sir," replied the first man, "we work for the city planting trees and usually there are three of us - one to dig the hole, one to plant the tree and the other to fill the hole.  The guy who plants the trees called in sick today but we are here doing our job anyway.”

There's something to be said for hard work - but deep down all of us want our work to have purpose. What if we looked beyond our work, for other ways to accomplish God-honoring purpose in all areas of our lives?  Have you ever asked, "How would you have me invest what you have blessed me with to further Your kingdom?   It can give you a whole new perspective on your spending, savings, and Estate Planning.

Notice the verse for today clarifies to whom all that you have.  "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it."  This Scripture reminds us that God is the rightful Owner of everything, every jot and tittle.   Once we recognize that all we have comes from God and belongs to Him, it should change how we view what we own, and our long range plans for life.

Take a minute and consider how, living by placing God's purpose as our focus, looks in each of the following areas:

Our time:  How does God want me to invest it?  Becoming wise with the use of time often requires an adjustment in priorities.   Learning to say 'no' to some good things in favor of God's best for us can be difficult, but a worthwhile exercise.

Our talents: What abilities can I honor God with?  God created you with unique gifts to do special work for Him.  Recognizing, developing and using them for His glory is your gift back to God.

Our resources:  Where should I be investing my hard-earned dollars?  Providing for the future of your family and leaving a legacy for your children and their children can be wisely-planted seeds that will bear much lasting fruit.  John wrote, "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of Father in My name He may give you" (John 15:16).

Soooooo, friends, several years ago God impressed on my heart that I should pass my spiritual legacy down to my children, grand's and even to my great grand children.  Gramps Morning Thoughts grew out of that impression from the Lord.  I wanted each to know that, when we live for eternal purposes, our lives become a true reflection of God's goodness and cultivate a deep sense of value and worth.  I challenge each of you to live with His eternal purpose in mind.


Blessings,

Gramps

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