Want to Really Live?

April 26, 2005

Author: Rev. Kip B. Banks, Sr.

Greetings Dearly Beloved!

If we want to really live, then we must live with purpose, and today's devotion is a succinct summary of the entire Purpose Driven Life course of study. The summary was compiled by Sister Pat Frelow of the East Washington Heights Baptist Church. Basically, according to the Bible we are planned for five purposes.


PURPOSE #1: YOU WERE PLANNED FOR GOD’S PLEASURE.

· I was planned for God’s pleasure. Anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship.

· What God wants most from you is a relationship. Trust and obey Him completely. Praise and thank Him continuously.

· The heart of worship is surrender. Worship is offering myself to God completely.

· God wants to be your best friend. Friendship with God is built by sharing all your life experiences with Him.

· You're as close to God as you want to be. Be honest with Him. Obey Him in faith.

· Worship must be God-pleasing. Worship must be accurate (based on scripture.); authentic (Your spirit responds to God’s spirit.); thoughtful (Engage your mind.); and practical (Give God what you have.).

· God is real. Seek Him. Trust Him. Worship Him.

PURPOSE #2: YOU WERE FORMED FOR GOD’S FAMILY.

· I was formed for God’s family. This family will last forever.

· Life is all about love. Love your neighbor as yourself.

· I am called to belong, not just to believe. We are created for community. Alone, we cannot fulfill God’s purposes.

· I need others in my life. Life is meant to be shared.

· Community requires commitment. God’s power and our effort produce a loving Christian community.

· Relationships are worth restoring. Make the first move. Focus on the relationship.

· It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church. Nothing is more valuable to God than His church.

PURPOSE #3: YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST.

· You were created to become like Christ. Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth.

· It’s never too late to start growing. Spiritual growth takes intentional commitment.

· The truth transforms us. Serious reflection on God’s truth is the secret to successful living.

· There’s a purpose behind every problem. Everything that happens to us has spiritual significance.

· Every temptation is an opportunity to do good. Temptations keep us dependent on God.

· Temptation can be defeated. Refocus your attention on something else.

· There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. God is concerned about how strong, not how fast, we grow.

PURPOSE #4: YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING GOD.

· Service is not optional. I was created, saved, called, and, yes, commanded to serve God.

· I was shaped for serving God. My shape includes my spiritual gifts; my heart (or passion); my abilities; my personality; and my experience.

· Nobody else can be me. God designed me. I am unique.

· God deserves my best. I will assess, accept, and develop what God has given me.

· I serve god by serving others. Thereby, I serve God.

· I must think like a servant. The only approval that counts is God’s.

· God works best when we lean on Him. He strengthens us to do His will.

PURPOSE #5: YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION.

· Made for a mission! We are all given the Great Commission.

· God wants to speak to the world through me. My testimony builds a bridge that Jesus can cross from my heart to others.

· The Great Commission is my commission. God invites me to participate in the most significant cause in history—His kingdom.

· Blessed are the balanced! Keep the five life purposes in balance, not overemphasizing the purposes we feel most passionate about.

Want to really live? Live with purpose. God is interested in character (discipleship); life contributions (service); the communication of one’s life (mission); the community of my life (fellowship). God wants to use all of us.

Peace and Blessings!
Pastor Kip Banks
East Washington Heights Baptist Church