“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” - Psalm 16:11 (ESV).
One of the best selling book of all time is “The purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren of the 30,000 member US based Saddleback Church. The book which has sold over 50 million copies and translated into all major languages starts with the question, “Why am I here on earth for?”
The author goes on to clarify that we were created for God’s pleasure; formed for God’s family; created to become like Christ; shaped to serve God and, made for a mission. It is an interesting book that has changed many lives, helping to focus them for something greater and fulfilling, beyond the mere ordinary.
If there is a life we can appreciate that had purpose was that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Compared to the average life span of 70 years the 33 years of Christ pale, yet in terms of impact, they outscore almost any. Because He knew His purpose was for God’s pleasure Christ started his days by talking to God (Mark 1:35). Empowered, he would spread out in his vocation of preaching and teaching God’s word.
One of the defining aspect of someone who has found their purpose is priority. Because he was aware of his priority in life, Christ knew where to focus his time. Like any place there were distractions that He could have easily drifted into, of whatever nature, but that was not the case, as He prioritized what he was up to.
Today, you may start by asking yourself, “Why am I here on earth for?” Psalm 139:13-14, says: “ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. And Jeremiah 1:5, says “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Once the truth dawns on you that you are not an ordinary creation merely passing by, then find your purpose and prioritize your choices as Christ did.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, creator of heaven and earth, today I pray that I find the purpose of my life and help me prioritize my way of life, so as to be most effective in serving you, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
