Discovering My Purpose

Many times we get caught up in our work, families, children, circumstances, the economy, our personal achievements or failures; that we become overly concerned about what to do next, what we have or don’t have, our limitations, and failures.

But we seldom stop to consider the question, why I am here? Or most importantly, what is God’s purpose for my life? 

Sadly, many people go through life without knowing their purpose in life. But, can we really know what our purpose in life is? To answer this question let's go to the Bible, God's word, to find out "WHY" He created us. Here we find God's purpose for creating us printed on its pages. 

• Firstly, He created us in His image. Having the “image” or “likeness” of God means that we were made to resemble God who is spirit (John 4:24), and therefore we were created in perfect health and was not subject to death. 
• Secondly, we were created as rational beings to reflect God's intellect, and freedom. As free moral beings we can reason, make choices and commune with Him in worship. The Lord gives Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding (Prov. 2:6). 
• Thirdly, God created us to rule. He made us different from the rest of His creation with the intent that we should have dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:28). 
• Fourthly, we were created in righteousness and perfect innocence, a reflection of God’s holiness. "The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them" (Hosea 14:9). 

Having answered the why question, we can now move on to discover "WHAT" is my purpose in life? But before we can go any further we need to hear what God has to say to us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. 

"They are plans for good and not for disaster, 

to give you a future and a hope" (Jer. 29:11).

Yes, God created us in His image, but He has a specific Plan and Purpose for our lives. Here is what He had to say to Jeremiah, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appoint you as my prophet to the nations (Jer. 1:15). 

God's will is good and perfect; therefore, His desire for us is always good (Rom. 12:2). He Loves us and wants us to have a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4). 

The Christian's way of life is one of commitment and total surrender. We're expected to die daily to the world and sin. Jesus said, “If anyone would come to me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). 

The bible instructs believers to be doers of the word, and not hearers only (James 1:22). God's word helps us make right choices that we might not sin against Him (Ps.119:11). However, our obedience to God's word keeps us safe and gives us direction in life. David in the Psalm said:

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
      and a light for my path” 

(Psalm 119:105).

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus stated, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [rhema] that comes from the mouth of God.” Therefore, it's important for us to read, meditate and obey God's word. 

God's will for us is known from His word. But we'll not know what our purpose is without first consulting God, through His word. To understand what God's word is saying to us we need to rely on the Holy Spirit. God gave us the Holy Spirit to help us. He's the Spirit of truth (John. 16:13); He will not lie to us, because "God is not a man that He should lie" (Num. 23:19).

God answers pray, and all that we need to do is pray to God and ask for wisdom to understand His word. James 1: 5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” 

Therefore, we should heed this scripture “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6). 

Another important requirement in knowing God's will and purpose for our lives is; God's word gives us confidence. In Philippians 1:6 we are admonished, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." 

God's ultimate purpose for all of us is that He would be glorified (1 Cor. 10:31) and that the gospel and God's kingdom would be advanced (Phil. 1:12); and as such He equips us to do His will. 

As I was preparing this article my mind reflected on the Hymn given below, "God make my life a little light." It meant so much to me then as it does now because it was my prayer asking God to direct my life. I do hope it will minister to you also.

Hymn: God Make My Life

1. God make my life a little Light within the world to glow; a little flame that burneth bright, wherever I may go. 
2. God make my life a little Flower that giveth joy to all, content to bloom in native bower, although the place be small. 
3. God make my life a little Song that comforteth the sad that helpeth others to be strong, and makes the singer glad. 
4. God make my life a little Staff whereon the weak may rest, that so what health and strength I have may serve my neighbors best. 
5. God make my life a little Hymn of tenderness and praise, of faith, that never waxeth dim, In all His wondrous ways.

As you set out to discover God's purpose for your life, you'll know if you're on the right path because doors will open. Things will come together without much effort and you'll have good success. In all your ways acknowledge God and He will direct your path.

An Awakening is Coming

The buzzword that I've been hearing in Christian circles in recent time is “Awakening.” It seems to me that something is about to shift in the atmosphere, thus ushering in a new move of God. In his article “Seven Components of a Great Life this Year and Some Celebrities will Prophesy” posted on the Elijah List, Brian Simmons stated that an awakening is coming.

He disclosed that recently he had a dream-encounter where he saw stadiums filled with prophets speaking with such power and confirmation that fireworks actually exploded in the meetings!” “It was like Fourth of July and New Year's Eve times 10!” he remarked.

He believes that “God is prophetically speaking to His people telling them to arise, awake, and accept the light of a new day!” This move of God he said “will make the wicked tremble and the truth-seekers humble. God will begin something powerful this year that will open doors of evangelism with signs and wonders.”

So what is it saying to us mainstream Christians who have become so accustomed to the mundane way of life? It may be that God is about ready to do a new thing in our day. Such as a great Worldwide Youth Awakening where youth evangelists, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, will preach to thousands in packed-out churches and arenas, resulting in thousands being saved, healed and delivered.

But we shouldn't be surprise because that’s like God; He has done it before, and He will do it again. His ways are not our ways, and He'll do whatever it takes to establish His purpose in the world.

People allover the world is searching for God, and the time is right for an outpouring of His manifold presence in the earth. This video "Awakening" shows how hungry people are for the true meaning and purpose of life.

This is a powerful video that demonstrates people’s hunger for God. There isn’t one single person that I know who doesn’t believe that something monumental is happening. Everywhere you go people are searching for that spiritual high! Some are search for it in drugs, while others seek for it in reveling or meditation. But regardless of what they have tried, deep down in their innermost being they know that there's more to life than what they have.

Obviously, as you have seen, God is the answer to what they're seeking. He's the answer to all our problems. The question is will we invite Him to be Lord of our lives? You see, when God formed man from the dust of the ground, He created us as worshipping beings to bring glory to Him. Outside of that life is meaningless, empty and hopeless.

God is going through the earth searching for hearts that are broken and desperate for Him. He's looking for someone who will give Him their all; yes, He wants it all. I believe that He's looking for men like Gideon, Mighty man of Valor (Jud. 6:12), that He can use to bring about a new wave of revival which is long overdue; not men who are overtaken with pride believing that they are all that, and a bag of chips.

Here's the amazing part of what Brian Simmons saw. He observed that the prophets were:

• Not the prophets that are already accepted and known for startling accuracy with their declarations.
• Television stars and movie stars that had come to Christ.
• Actually prophesying with such power that the stadium was shaking!

However, there’s a great joy coming even as there’s great distress in the nations. Shouldn’t the Church above all others, demonstrate a calm, a peace, even a JOY that the world has never tasted? Jesus said, "My Peace I leave with you" (John 14:27); In Nehemiah 8:10 we're told "the Joy of the Lord is your strength," and the Apostle Paul writing to the church at Philippi encourages the believers "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). There is no need that God cannot meet.

In conclusion, according to Brian Simmons God wants this year to be the best year we’ll ever have! We may ask how could it be with economic distress, waywardness among many, discouragement rampant and depression? Well here is his message, an “Apostolic word for what’s coming!” which he is encouraging us not to spend a day in disappointment.

Seven Components of a Great Life this Year
A Sense of Family
God is going to release this year a new focus on the   family

A Passion for God

Make a crazy sacrifice for Jesus this year! Get ready to lay it all down for Jesus! He's worth it!

An Obvious Grace for Outreach
Be ready to be a witness of Jesus' joy to the unhappy and disappointed people around you!

Empowerment of Others to Fulfill Their Ministry
People who really know the power of God are now called to empower the people to know it, too to fulfill their ministry.

A Servant's Heart Modeled by Leaders on All Levels
God will challenge us to be a leader of others that loves and leads with mercy. Sacrifice, love, forgiveness, and tons of inspiration for others!

Unity
Expect to see more unity among leaders and churches than you've ever seen in your lifetime!

A Positive Expression of Inspiration (Praise and Thanksgiving)  
Your praise will go to new levels as a greater gratitude grips your soul with God's goodness!

Are you ready my friend? An Awakening is Coming!


Source: Brian Simmons
 Apostolic Resource Center (ARC) & Stairway Ministries
Brian Simmons is a prophet, the author of numerous books, which   reveal depths of insight that the Holy Spirit has released for the last days.
Email: bwsimmons@msn.com

My Child Never Forget

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my instructions in your heart. If you do this, you’ll live for many years, and your life will be prosperous. Accept discipline from the Lord, and don't be upset when He corrects you. For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as I correct you because I delight in you.

Trust

Love the Lord and trust Him with all your heart; and don’t depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and stay away from wrong doing. Then you’ll have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

Prosperity

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you possess. Then He’ll fill your house with material goods, and your affluence will overflow to others.

Wisdom

Wisdom and Understanding will bring you joy; because wisdom is more beneficial than silver, and its rewards are better than gold.

• It is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with it.
• It offers you long life in your right hand, and riches and honor in your left.
• It will guide you down pleasant paths; and all its ways are satisfying.

Wisdom is a tree of life if you embrace it; and you’ll experience happiness if you hold it securely.

  

The Lord created the earth by wisdom; and by understanding He created the heavens. Also, by His knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

Be Considerate

When it's in your power to help others, don’t withhold good from those who deserve it. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you."

• Don't plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you.
• Don't pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.

Security

Common Sense and Discernment are important, don’t lose sight of them. Hold on to them, for they will refresh your spirit. They are like jewels on a necklace. They’ll keep you safe on your way in life, and your feet will not stumble.

You’ll go to bed without fear; you’ll lie down and your sleep will be sweet. You will not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon others, for the Lord is your security. He’ll keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Loyalty

Never let Loyalty and Kindness leave you! Embrace them; hide them deep within your heart as a reminder. Then you’ll find favor with both God and people, and you’ll earn a good reputation.

Friendship

Model the life of Godly people, observe their ways, for the Lord is a friend to the godly and He blesses the home of the upright.

Therefore, As you progress in life, remember to Honor your Parents, for the Lord is gracious to the humble and He exalts the wise with honor.

Taken from Proverbs 3. (Paraphrased by Errol Webber)

Expect the Great Blessing

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." (Ephesians 3:20)

Too often we try to find a quick-fix to our problems by asking everyone else to pray for us. There's nothing wrong, of course, with having others pray for us, but we'll never get our life to a place of permanent victory until we begin to pray for ourselves.

As believers, we have the power of the Holy Ghost inside us. But that power will not work for us until we allow Him to work in us. The Holy Ghost will not just commandeer His way into our lives and do things for us, like turning off the television and commanding us to listen to Him.  

No, the Holy Ghost will not do any of those things because His mission in our lives is to help us to do the Will of God, to encourage and strengthen us. But He won't do anything until we ask and allow Him to do it. That is why the word of God says that if we're afflicted, we should Pray (James 5:13). Prayer is our direct line of contact with God. James 5:16 tell us, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

Now, if Jesus came to our home, we would make Him comfortable by offering Him the best seat in the house to sit. We would put aside every chore that keeps us busy, so that we could spend quality time in undisturbed fellowship with Him. We wouldn't be found rushing around doing things then say, "Jesus I'm so glad to see you, but I wish I'd the time to stop and talk with you. You wouldn't believe how stressful my day was today. I mean, everything that could go wrong today went wrong and my little relaxation is to sit here and watch a little TV. Maybe we could spend some time together another day."

Would that be our attitude? Of course not! If Jesus were sitting in our living room where we could see and touch Him, we would fall on our face and worship Him. We would not care how tired we were or what kind of day we've had. We would jump at the opportunity to be in His presence, because in the presence of the Lord there's fullness of joy and at His right hand pleasures forevermore.

Therefore let us be sensitive to the Holy Ghost's bidding within us. He's ready and waiting at anytime, day or night to comfort and teach us the things of God. He's actually saying, "I'm here to help you. The problems that you're struggling with, I can help you get that out of your life."

The truth is, only the Holy Ghost has the power to resolve problems that we have been trying to figure out and the issues that we've been trying to solve in our lives. He is waiting with the power to overcome every obstacle in our lives if we would only stop, take some time to pray a Prayer of Faith, in the Spirit and with understanding. 

Let us not depend on others to pray for us. But rather, let us go personally into the presence of Almighty God and petition help from the throne today. "Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight" (1John 3:22). Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask and think, according to the power that worketh in us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever, Amen.

Now, let us celebrate victory as we enjoy this selection from Jonathan Nelson feat Purpose - "Expect the Great."

Feasts of Israel God's Time-Clock

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; ...we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1Thess. 4: 16-17).

Often we talk about the end-time and last days events in isolation of the Seven Feast of God that was given to Israel as recorded in the book of Leviticus, chapter 23. But I would like for us to study together their significance and how they're directly associated with God’s time-clock in reference to Christ’s Return or as some choose to say His second Advent.

Let me hasten, before we watch this video from Prophecy Watch "Feasts of God," to say that I believe that the Church will be taken out of the way before the Great Tribulation (Jacob's Trouble) begins. Just as God took the families of Noah and Lot out of the way before the destruction, I believe He will take us out, because, "God hath not appointed us to wrath but to obtain Salvation through Jesus Christ" (1Thess. 5: 9), and I also believe that this event will take place very soon.

However, according to 2 Thessalonians 2: 3, the bible says that day will not come until the Man of sin (Antichrist) is revealed. Maybe he's already here and ready to take the stage that's prepared for him. I don’t know, but one thing is certain, he'll be revealed and we'll depart to be with The Lord.

The Seven (7) Feasts of Israel are more than Jewish traditions laid out on a Hebrew calendar. We've been given a road map with the first four feasts having been fulfilled in accordance to the assigned lunar calendar; which dates back approximately 2,000 years ago during the spring and summer seasons of the year that Jesus was crucified.

Three (3) fall feasts remain yet to be fulfillment. The next feast to be fulfillment is the Feast of Trumpets. This will usher us into the 70th Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:27) the final seven years of this age, followed by the Day of Atonement and the Messiah establishing His Millennial Kingdom (Succoth or Tabernacle).

This next video by Gavin Finley "The Seven Feasts of Israel and the Hebrew Calendar" gives us more insight into God’s purpose for giving the Seven Feasts to Israel.

Now is the time of awakening, the signs are fulfilling in our day. Christians everywhere should heed the admonition of the Lord and look up for our redemption draws near.

Jesus could come at anytime – therefore it behooves us to be watchful and ready to go with the Lord when He comes to call us home.

If you want to learn Hebrew for FREE, you can get it here Hebrew 4 Christians. It is geared to adults who have never studied a language before, you can learn at your own pace for FREE and it has sound a glossary and more. God bless you.

It's Time to Dust Off Your Bible

"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear." (2Tim. 4:3 NLT)

I have been concerned, and I believe that many others share this concern, about the direction in which the Church has been going in recent years regarding biblical doctrine.

As I read this article by Dennis Cramer, I was convinced that I should post it here to provide greater exposure. I trust that as you read it you will be blessed and motivated to shun heresies and embrace the unadulterated word of God.

Dennis Cramer: 

Eleven "Words" for 2011!

It is Time to Dust Off Your Bible!

Picture in your mind, if you will, the image of an unused, dust-covered Bible. Now picture in your mind that this same dust-covered Bible is your Bible! This is not a good image to be sure, especially for a Bible-believing Christian in 2011. Sadly, many Christians now read more books about the Bible than they do the Bible itself.

Consequently, many in the Church have gradually and somewhat unknowingly; become Biblically ignorant, unaware or stunted. And doctrinally speaking, anything goes. There is now wide-spread acceptance of "marginal to heretical" doctrines. Just 25 years ago individuals would have been thrown out of the Church if caught teaching these heresies. How did this happen?

Simply, we have become Biblically ignorant. We have not been diligent to feed on the unadulterated Word of God. We are at best malnourished, and in some cases, starving to death. Biblical ignorance is on the increase in the Church, even to epidemic levels! Like any form of "lack" created by ignorance, which can lead to sickness, only the proper "intake," or in these cases, only proper Biblical education can remedy it.

Warning: We Live in an Age of "Anything Goes" Theology! The Charismatic Church is in Big Trouble!

So, here is my 2011 prophetic "prescription" for this beautiful but Biblically challenged, even unhealthy, Bride.

1. Orthodoxy! I would like to prescribe a good healthy dose of the written Word of God, the Bible. The Church needs an immediate injection of the truth! We must all pray for the Church to return to the orthodoxy (traditional belief) of Scripture. This means a return to the proper reading, INTERPRETATION, and application of the Bible in our lives. There is a growing trend toward some really bad doctrine out there. And we, the Church, must put a stop to it! If we don't, no one else will! The Church must begin to police herself against unorthodox (false) teaching and bizarre practices. You must reacquaint yourself with the Scriptures and know your Bible.

In 40 years of serving God, I have not heard so much bad doctrine preached from so-called "Bible-believing" Christians – specifically charismatic Christians.

2. Berea! We must pray for a "Berean Revival" in the Church – a revival which returns us all to our roots – our roots in the Word of God. In the Bible, the original Bereans were Believers who "searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things be so." There is a lot of doctrine currently in circulation in the charismatic Church that is highly questionable – even heretical.

Each Believer must begin to "search the Scriptures" for himself to discover whether what he is believing is Biblical or not (Acts 17:11). Stop unequivocally trusting ministers and their pulpits to always and completely preach the truth – some do, some do not. You need to search and know the Scriptures for yourself. If their teachings sound too good to be true – they very well may be! Know your Bible.

3. Preach the Word! (2 Timothy 4:2). It is time for the Church to return to her basic Bible beliefs (fundamental doctrines) and the core values these fundamental doctrines produce. Peripheral doctrines or beliefs are peripheral for a reason, and can lead to dangerous theologically positions and questionable practices. We must stop extracting obscure, vague, single, solitary verses out of context, and stop trying to make major "sound" doctrines out of them.

This "stretching of the truth" must stop. Some of our so-called "proof texts" do not prove what's being preached at all. We are "twisting the Scriptures to our own destruction." We must again major in major doctrine and minor in the minor ones. My prophetic word to all Pastors/Teachers for 2011 is simple: "Preach the Word!" Know your Bible.

Some examples of current doctrine circulating in the Church: You must believe me that I am NOT making this stuff up!

• Open Theism: Teaches God is not sovereign = BAD DOCTRINE
• Ultimate Reconciliation/Restitution of all things = BAD DOCTRINE
• The "nefilin" children alive on earth = BAD DOCTRINE
• Open Heaven/Spiritual portals = BAD DOCTRINE
• Third Heaven experiences at will = BAD DOCTRINE
• Going to Heaven at will to get your gifts = BAD DOCTRINE
• Cloud of witnesses/dead saints = BAD DOCTRINE
• Traveling in time at will = BAD DOCTRINE
• Transporting physically at will = BAD DOCTRINE
• Over-emphasis on angels and specifically arc-angels = BAD DOCTRINE
• Going into trances at will = BAD DOCTRINE
• Trance dancing = BAD DOCTRINE
• Going to Hell to discern evil spirits = BAD DOCTRINE
• Hyper-Grace: Christians do not need to repent of sin = BAD DOCTRINE
• Quick restoration of fallen church leaders... (click here to read the rest of   this word).

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250