This week’s devotions are based on Week 3 of the Series “Fresh Start” – I Have a New Purpose! (WATCH HERE)
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
Perhaps it’s just me, but this week has crystallized my purpose in life. It’s a focus in life that is bigger than anything I would choose to do, but flavors everything I do. It’s a focus that transcends time, yet gives deep meaning and significance to the time I have on this earth. It’s a focus I wouldn’t have come up with on my own, but one God chose me to embrace and live.
The same is true for you.
You are here to change the lives of people with the power of the Gospel.
This is the fruit that Jesus is talking about. Fruit that flows from a heart of faith which gives glory to God and brings the sweet taste of the Gospel to others. It’s a purpose to which our heart, mind and soul align so that all that we do affects the lives of people, not just for today, but for an eternity.
Remember, purpose is not what you do, it is the focus that flavors all that you do. Perhaps for some, the two are very close, yet speaking as a pastor, my purpose isn’t to be a pastor. My purpose is to change the lives of people with the power of the Gospel. The way I am privileged to live out that purpose is by being a pastor. But I also do it as a parent. I do it as a husband. I do it as a hobby woodworker. I do it as a basketball official.
The same is true for you. As Jesus rules in your heart by faith, he calls you to his purpose as you live out that faith. The purpose is clear. The question is how will I carry it out.
Here’s an example as a basketball official. As you know, officials are not always the favorite part of the game, but a necessary part of the game. So how I show up makes a difference. How I interact with the other official is a witness opportunity. I have had good conversations with a presbyterian pastor, a member of our fellowship who has drifted (and was officiating with me), a person whose brother was going through some health challenges. My words, my demeanor, my presence are all opportunities to affect another life with the power of the Gospel. I may have to lay down the law of the basketball court, but also pray it continues to be a platform for Gospel witness.
God has you right where he wants you with a renewed focus on the purpose for which he has saved you. I don’t know where the opportunity will come, but keep your eyes and ears open. The commission Jesus gave is still ours today:
Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. …19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. …
So today is a fresh start. You are a new person in Christ. You have a new perspective by faith. And you have a new purpose to change the lives of people with the power of the Gospel. Enjoy living it each day and in every way!
Apply: What opportunities might you have to live out God’s purpose for you today?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your call to faith in you. Help me live each day with the purpose you have called me to. AMEN.