Purpose

I believe having a life purpose is vital to living a worthwhile, happy life. They give direction and focus to our lives. It is the only way to do great things.

Ever since I was little I knew what my life's purpose was: to help people.  I didn't know how I was going to accomplish that, or which people group I was called to help. But as the days and years have passed God has been showing that to me. This passed year especially has been a time of learning and growing, but also a time of discovery. My life calling: to teach. My life purpose: Isa. 58:6-7. To loose sin's chains, to undo heavy burdens, to break yokes, and most importantly, to "let the oppressed go free." To do this involves more than just reaching their heads. It involves reaching their hearts. It's hard, dirty work. It requires tact and skill, and that I myself be a perfect reflection of God to them. But it is the best work. It is the only work that will truly last. Reaching their heads is not enough, we must reach their hearts. I am in no way qualified for this work, but I know One who is. And with His help, I am learning.

What about you? What is your life's purpose? If you don't already have one, ask God to help you see it. He has a purpose for you.

The Gift of Grace

"...But I'm not worthy..."

"The only prerequisite to receive my grace is unworthiness."

"Hmm. I think I could meet that condition."

Snow

We finally got a little bit of snow today (usually we start getting it much earlier than this). It wasn't very much and it didn't last real long, still it was special. And it made me think...

Photo: Kezzia Keener

...of purity. Snow is white, the color of purity. And God offers to wash us "as white as snow"*. Wash us pure. Wash us till we're totally untainted by the world, by sin. But snow doesn't fall in the sunshine (usually). This washing, this purifying, can only be done through the cloudy, stormy, cold, winter days...through the trials and the darkness when we can't see through tomorrow. The days when we feel like complete failures. The days when we wonder if God is really leading us. The days when the coldness and pain make us wonder if summer will ever come again. The days when it seems like darkness will win.

Yes, these are our greatest blessings.

Photo: Judi Keener

"...God 'doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men" (Lam. 3:33). When He permits trial and afflictions, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness" (Heb. 12:10). If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The crual blow that blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven.... 

Photo: Kezzia Keener

"The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process, it is hard to be pressed dowm to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace." (MB p. 10).