Sunday, May 5, 2019

The Gift

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” (Pablo Picasso)

But then I looked at what I had done. I thought about all the hard work.
Suddenly I realized it was just a waste of time, like chasing the wind!
There is nothing to gain from anything we do here on earth.
(Ecclesiastes 2:11, ICB)

If you want to discover your purpose in life, you’ve got to go to God for the answer.

Since you were created by God, you’re life has purpose.

Through his power all things were made—things in heaven and on earth, things seen and unseen, all powers, authorities, lords, and rulers. All things were made through Christ and for Christ.  (Colossians 1:16, ICB)


God created you in love to be loved by Him forever.


For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son. God gave his Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.  (John 3:16, ICB)


Worship is the primary purpose of your life.  Worship is your way of loving God back.


So if you eat, or if you drink, or if you do anything, do everything for the glory of God.  (1 Corinthians 10:31, ICB)


You worship God by…


Expressing your affection to Him


I want faithful love more than I want animal sacrifices. I want people to know me   more than I want burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6, ICB)

 Using you abilities for Him

 So brothers, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him. This is the spiritual way for you to worship.  (Romans 12:1, ICB)


Focusing your attention on Him

So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision. You’ll see it yet. (Philippians 3:15, MSG)


How can you do this?


·        Establish a daily time with God


Your word is a lamp for my steps; it lights the path before me. (Psalm 119:105, VOICE)

·        Develop a constant conversation with God


When you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father who cannot be seen. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you. (Matthew 6:6, ICB)


“To begin to think with purpose is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment.” (James Allen)[i]




[i] Inspired by the sermon “Living by Design: What’s My Purpose?” (Installment one), Sunday April 28, 2019, Pastor Dave Jansen, CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH.

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