"Please, please, please!" The voices rang out as the kids were begging their parents, "Please let us spend the night!" It was such a common occurrence when the cousins got together. So much so, that I remember my mom giving instructions to my sister and I on one occasion, "Now when we get ready to go, I don't want to hear you all begging to spend the night!" It was that way with us cousins. We loved being together and my cousins were some of my best friends growing up. On my mom's side, my cousin, Ron, was closest to my age and his sister, Karen, was closest to my sister's age. So, we were a perfect match to play and have fun together. Our adventures were filled with fun and mischief alike. Whether it was paper routes, softball games, Barbie dolls and G.I. Joes or bicycle rides and trail bike adventures, tree houses and camp outs...we loved spending time with our cousins...there may have even been a few adventures involving eggs and a roll of toilet paper (I apologize for our few mischievous escapades). Our cousins on both sides were our friends and we grew up cherishing those times, and still cherish the memories we made as kids together. Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash Did you have those kinds of experiences with your cousins? Sometimes cousins can be as close as siblings. They play a special role in our lives and have a special place in our hearts. There is another couple of cousins that I've thought about recently as I've been reading through the Gospel of John. Jesus and John the Baptist were second cousins. Their mothers were cousins: Mary and Elizabeth. They had a unique connection, however. Unlike the closeness I experienced with my cousins, John the Baptist said of Jesus, "I myself did not know him..." (John 1:31). The cousins lived apart from one another growing up, Jesus in Nazareth (northern Israel) and John, in Judea (southern Israel). So, it is not surprising that John didn't grow up knowing Jesus personally. However, John apparently grew up being taught something very important about the relationship between he and his cousin from the north. John had a calling...a purpose for his life. As a matter of fact, an angel appeared to his father, Zechariah the priest, to foretell the miraculous birth of his son and the purpose he would fulfill. The account of this is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1. Among other things that the angel Gabriel said to Zechariah, was that his son would prepare the way for Jesus to come onto the scene. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1:17 Fast-forward 30 years and we find John in the wilderness outside of Jerusalem, preaching and baptizing people who came to hear his message. He was fulfilling the purpose for which he had been created as he proclaimed, "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” When Jesus showed up, John went on to declare, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:19-42) Then the most interesting thing happened. John's followers left him and started following Jesus! John was successful in fulfilling his purpose and it meant losing all of his followers to someone else! But, then, that was the idea, right!? Exactly! Consider what we can learn from John's example of fulfilling his purpose
How has God called you to surrender? In what ways have you been tempted to make the focus on yourself? Who are the people that have helped you see your purpose? How does your purpose serve the greater purpose of God's plan of salvation for the world? I hope you will share your thoughts in the comments below.
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A man and his wife, from Holland, sat down in the workshop of skilled craftsmen to share their story. The place was filled with the tools that fit the skilled hands of women and men who have spent decades studying and refining their craft. The couple opened a small box and carefully unveiled a gold pocket watch. The timepiece showed the age it carried and reflected the story they unfolded for the interested clock maker and his associate. The watch was discolored by years of grime, the second hand and crystal were missing, but there, in the fob on the end of the watch chain, was the picture of the grandmother, holding guard over the treasured keepsake. The Hollander told the story of the grandmother from Indonesia who had been taken from her home and family, during World War II, and imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp. Having been taken quickly from her home, she grabbed the only thing she could that would represent the connection to her family, uncertain what the future would hold. Taking the watch, she sewed it into the hem of her dress, where it remained, undetected, for four years until her release after the war ended. She then passed it down to her son, who had left it to his son, as the only family heirloom that connected them to their family history. The grandson left this precious piece in the capable hands of the craftsman to do his magic. In the following days, the expert clock maker and another craftswoman who restores clock faces, meticulously, and with care, brought the watch back to life. They restored it to working condition with cleaning and repair that was just enough to give it the life it once had, while preserving the integrity of its history and age. When the day came for the reveal, the grandson, his wife, and his mother, were moved to see the watch once again working...as if each tic of the second hand represented the heartbeat of the grandmother who had survived such tragedy and miraculously preserved this artifact that would connect her generation to the many to come. (You can see this story on the BBC program, The Repair Shop.) Photo by photo-nic.co.uk nic on Unsplash This BBC program is a new discovery for me, but I'm intrigued by it. Taking something that is old, broken and no longer useful in the eyes of the average person, and turning it into something of restored beauty or usefulness, is a joy to watch! I wish that I had been a master craftsman. To have studied a craft for decades, honing my skills and developing myself as an expert who has the ability to bring items "back to life;" to be able to restore things to their former beauty, to be able to bring joy to someone when they see the history come to life in that heirloom that connects them to their own history; that would be such a satisfying process. God Restores Broken People Watches and antiques aren't the only things that deserve to be restored. Something is of value when it is desired enough that someone takes care of it, cherishing and utilizing it in their life. Sometimes we may get or send the wrong idea in our realization that without Jesus, we are nothing...we can do nothing. We acknowledge that He is everything that we need...He takes us from the realm of death and hopelessness, to life and eternal hope. However, that does not mean that before we come to Jesus, we are worthless or not of value. The opposite is actually true! Consider what gives us value:
...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. Philippians 1:6 God Uses Broken People Somehow, there can be this image in the church world that a person has to be perfect before God can use them...that we have to have it all together or God has no use for us. While I'm not suggesting that we give ourselves a pass for sin, I am declaring that being sinless, free of hang-ups or struggles, is not the prerequisite of being useful in the hands of God. The fact is, that the Bible is full of examples of how God uses imperfect and broken people. For example...
And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God... 1 Corinthians 3:3-5 Spend Time in the Master's Workshop The watch that spent four years in the hem of a prisoner's dress had to undergo a transformation to be restored to its usefulness and beauty, and to fulfill its purpose to connect the generations of a family. This transformation required extended time in the workshop of very skilled craftsmen. They painstakingly worked to carefully bring the watch to life...giving joy to those who were connected to it. The Father has a workshop where he does His masterwork in each of us. He is working to make us that masterpiece that brings glory to His name. We are freed to fulfill our purpose and to see Him work through us to accomplish the things he has planned for us in this world! How does He accomplish this? Again, Paige gives us some insight...
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 It was April 26, 2008...a cool Saturday morning with an early light drizzle that had turned to gray skies. As I made my way through the streets of Metro Center office park, the muscles in my legs began to weaken, my body started to feel heavy and my brain was telling me to stop and rest. At that moment, a passenger van slowly passed by with the sliding door open. The people inside asked, "Do you need a ride?" The day had started for me well before sunrise, but this journey had begun months earlier. I, and two of my friends, had set out from our homes that morning, just outside Clarksville, TN, heading for Nashville. It was a day to follow through on a challenge and commitment we had made to one another the previous September, to do something none of us had ever before attempted. We embarked upon the process of training to run a marathon...that is a 26.1 mile long-distance run. I remember vividly, the first day I ran a mile on my training plan, I was so winded that I could hardly breathe. But, over the intervening months, I slowly advanced in my stamina, strength and distances. The short runs, the Saturday mornings dedicated to the long runs, learning about hydration and nutrition, meeting up with my buddies to encourage and cheer each other along on those increasingly lengthening Saturday runs, all added up over the months to prepare us for this day. So, our training was being put to the test. As we approached mile 18, my friend, Eric, and I, began to experience what is called "hitting the wall." It is when the body has expended the fuel is stores and the energy dips, impacting the physical as well as the mental functioning of the runner. It is a point at which the runner has to take steps to push through and not give in to the slump and give up. The passing van that was provided to transport injured or fatigued runners to the finish line, offered an added temptation to give in to the thoughts in our minds to stop and not finish the race. However, there was something that took place in that moment that got us through. We began to talk to each other. We coached one another, we encouraged and told one another, "We can't give up." We were completing 18 of 26.1 miles...we had come too far to stop. We had trained and we had worked hard to prepare for this day. As we pumped one another up, and grabbing energy gels and hydration at the next station, we pushed through that wall. We were not going to be stopped. And, you know what? We made it. The next 8 miles were not easy, but they were not defeating. We kept going because we could visualize in our minds what it was going to be like to cross that finish line. It didn't matter what our time would be. It only mattered that we were going to finish...we were going to cross that line. And, I will tell you, I couldn't have imagined what it would be like to make that final turn and see the finish line in view. As we did, Eric and I looked at each other with smiles that engulfed our faces. I was thinking, "We are going to do this!"...thinking it, until I was saying it! And, we did...we crossed the finish line that day, completing the challenge and the commitment we had made 7 months earlier. I can't tell you how good that felt! I would go on to run another marathon and 11 half marathons over the coming years. Never fast, but always finishing. Life is a Race, Purpose Gives Us a Reason to Run I share this story to illustrate an important concept of living a purposed life. However, let me be quick to say, this isn't original with me. A writer, led by the Holy Spirit, wrote about it a few centuries ago. Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 Run the Race in Community A "cloud of witnesses" describes those who have gone before us on this journey of faith. The picture that is painted is that those who have finished are cheering on those who are still in the race. Like a marathon runner coming into the stadium on the last leg of the course, the cheers in the bleachers rise. This picture reminds us that we are not meant to run this purposed race alone. Just as Eric and I were encouragers to one another when we hit the wall, we are to be encouragers, cheering one another on, providing support and reminding ourselves of the reason we run...to fulfill our purpose and to bring glory to the One who created us for this race. Sometimes, our engagement in community lifts us when we are weak. Sometimes, it challenges us to lay aside the things that weigh us down or the sins that will trip us up. Always, it points us toward the finish line. Keep Our Eyes on the Finish Line Part of the words that Eric and I spoke to one another when we hit the wall, were reminders of what we had set out to accomplish. We talked about the finish and how we would feel when we finally crossed that line. We could visualize that moment and it was an encouragement to keep going through that tough phase. In the same way, we are reminded to keep our eyes upon Jesus in the life marathon. He is the One who gives us our purpose...the "source and perfecter of our faith." In his place at the right hand of the Father, he advocates for us, and he has sent his Spirit to encourage and empower us. When we start to lose focus on why we are running this race, He is the One who reminds us of our purpose. He has already paved the way for us. Following Him, keeps us on the right course. Our encouragement of one another to maintain that focus is actually a part of the purpose we are called to fulfill. Celebrate Every Mile and the Ultimate Finish The picture that the writer of the Hebrew letter paints for us is as if the crowd is cheering us across the finish. But, there is also a sense in which their victory is a celebration of our completion of every mile. After Eric and I pushed through that wall at mile 18, I can assure you that we celebrated every tick of those last 7 miles. Each mile marker was a step closer to the goal. God's Spirit encourages us, and so do His people. Every step of the way, we can find support and help from those with whom we are running. When the course gets tough, we find the grace and strength we need from the indwelling Holy Spirit and through the incarnational ministry of Christ through our fellow runners. Then, when we finally reach that last turn and the finish line is in view, we will be able to celebrate that we have lived a life of purpose, not perfection, but one of purpose that has made a difference in this world. I can't think of a better way to finish...finishing strong. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In the future, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 What can we learn from this about living a life of purpose, 365 days a year? Allow me to summarize:
Who do you look to for encouragement when life gets tough? Who is in your community? Who are you encouraging and supporting to find their purpose and run the race well? What are you doing to keep your eyes on Jesus? What do you have to celebrate today on this journey of purpose? SHARE YOUR TOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.
Guillaume Néry stands on the sandy floor of the Caribbean Sea, just off Long Island, Bahamas, contemplating the dark hole before him. He is somewhat of an amazing man...perhaps he could be called an adrenaline junky. As a French athlete, his endeavors include base jumping as well as achieving championships in free diving. Free diving is a form of underwater diving that relies on holding one's breath rather than the use of scuba gear. While most of us can hold our breath for 45 seconds before we start to become uncomfortable, if we hold on for over a minute, we may feel that we are about to pass out, our lungs starting to struggle to take in air. As Nery stands there, a few feet below the surface of the water, it isn't just the fact that he is doing so with no apparatus to assist him with breathing, but it is that he is about to free dive into what is known as the deepest sinkhole in the world. It truly appears as though it were a dark abyss with no discernable bottom. If you watch the video of his free dive into this dark hole, you will find yourself on the edge of your seat and perhaps even trying to breath for him. It is as if he steps into an unknown darkness that swallows him up. To say the least, it can be a little scary to watch. Stepping into unknown territory is like that...risky, scary, an adrenaline rush. In this week's podcast, we hear an interview with Contemporary Christian Music artist, Hannah Schaefer, as she talks about her journey into the unknown and taking the risk that was necessary for her to pursue that purpose for which she was created. If you haven't done so yet, jump over to the podcast and take a listen before continuing with today's blog post...I'll see you back here after the interview. Photo by Nariman Mesharrafa on Unsplash Until you step into the unknown, you don't know what you're made of. Roy Bennett In the pursuit of our purpose, the journey takes many twists and turns...much of which is the adventure of discovery and fulfilment that is a part of the experience. Sometimes that journey can be exciting, sometimes it is more of the mundane, sometimes it takes us through a season of the unknown...a wilderness of sorts. Now, spiritually speaking, we may often refer to a wilderness as a period of dryness, in which we may not hear or feel the presence of God...a time when we have to rely upon our faith that He is who He says He is, and He will do what He says He will. While that may be true, in some ways, about this season of stepping into the unknown, this phase of our journey is also a scary and adrenaline rushing time of abandoning the preconceived expectations of others, or even those we have for ourselves. It is about jumping into that uncertain space, where we find that God is certain and real and present in powerful ways we would have never known, unless we had taken the leap. Why Step Out of the Boat? Peter and the other apostles were out on Lake Tiberias late one night, when a storm arose and they were having quite a bout with the wind and the waves. Suddenly, they saw the figure of a person coming toward them, as if walking upon the water itself. They immediately became fearful...the man walking on the water, of course, was Jesus. He called out to them and told them not to fear, that it was he who was coming to them and to have courage. When Peter saw that it was Jesus, in very Peter-like style, he shouted... “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29 Now...I have to say, this is classic Peter, in his boldness and a bit of spontaneous impulse. But you have to give it to him...he was only bold because he was trusting in Jesus to do the miraculous, and to respond to Peter's willingness to step into the unknown. Had Peter never believed Jesus could make him walk on water...had he never dared to believe that there was something that Jesus had to show him through his faith to step out of the boat...Jesus would not have had the opportunity to display his power in this particular way to Peter and the apostles. Yes, we know what came next...Peter got his eyes off of Jesus and onto the waves. That's when he began to sink. But, even that was a learning experience. Don't give Peter too hard a time over that...Jesus was teaching tremendous lessons about trust, rescue, recovery and sustaining power that would come in handy in the years ahead, as Peter led the first century church. Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:31-33 God Never Wastes Anything You'll hear me say that often. I suppose it is because I've seen it over and over in my own life...even when I've messed up royally...when I have made a mess of things...the Father, in His love and grace, uses every bit of it to fashion a masterpiece that is an ongoing work of art. That is why we can trust Him...trust Him when He calls us to step out of the boat. When He says it's time to step into the unknown, that dark hole that is a little scary to consider, only to open up all of the wonderful possibilities and opportunities to experience His purpose for our lives and the glory it will bring to Him. When we do, there are some things that we can count on as a result. His Peace Stepping out into the unknown may mean we make a decision that leaves others scratching their heads. Perhaps it will disappoint those who had their own agendas for our lives. Maybe it will mean giving up a relationship, or an expectation, or a comfortable environment. But there is one thing for sure...It will never mean giving up the peace that only comes from knowing we are following the will of the Father. His peace is beyond all comprehension and will guard our hearts and minds from the attack from within and without. "In the end, it's between you and God. No one will truly understand your heart the way that God does. In that moment, I knew He had me wrapped up in His arms...I knew that it was going to be okay, and that by jumping into the unknown, I was going to find out my true purpose." Hannah Schaefer Growth and Fulfillment When we take that first step off of the ledge, so to speak, there are all kinds of processes that begin to take place in us and around us. God's Spirit is released to do His work in us...to take us to that next level of fulfilling His purpose in and through us. Because it requires faith to take that step, our trust and reliance upon God grows and matures. We learn what we need and what we can live without. We begin to see the real priorities of life in light of eternity. You can bet that Peter saw this growth in himself over the coming years. Even when he met with Jesus on the seashore for breakfast, after Jesus had arisen, that process was being worked out in him as Jesus told him, "Feed my sheep." Just as Hannah Schaefer realized that her journey through the unknown meant she would learn new skills and understand new concepts, our step onto the water opens up opportunities for us to learn and develop our gifting and talents to fulfill that to which we are called. Someone has said, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 So what will it take to get you to that point of willingness to step out of your comfort zone and into the awesome things God has in store? Discovering, fulfilling, expanding and realizing your purpose often takes you through that season of the unknown. It can be a little scary, but it is a wild adventure that ultimately opens the door for a purposed life.
Check out Hannah Schaefer's music here. Listen to her song, Wild, that is all about answering that call to live our purpose. What is the dream, purpose or calling that is tugging at your heart? Is God calling you to step into the unknown in some way? Share your thoughts and hopes in the comments and let's get a conversation going.
Have you ever found yourself in a moment where God had so orchestrated every aspect of your experience that it became a profound milestone in your life? I'm not talking about an experience like the Apostle Paul had on the road to Damascus...hearing the audible voice of God. However, not unlike that experience of the apostle, it was a moment that created a new awareness for you, or opened a door, or changed the course of your life. One of those moments for me occurred in January 2010.
That cold January day, I found my self sitting in the midst of 21,000 college students and workers, at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. I had taken a group of college students from our campus ministry at Arkansas Tech University to Passion Conference...a gathering of students from 37 countries and all across the United States, along with ministry leaders, speakers, and musicians. This gathering was for the purpose of challenging the next generation of world changers...to make an impact upon our world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The conference was an amazing experience as we were challenged by speakers to embrace the gospel, live out our faith in real ways and to give ourselves to make a difference in a dark world that desperately needs the light of Jesus Christ. The messages were inspired by the Holy Spirit and there were many, on the last day of the conference, who stood as a testimony to how the Spirit had worked in their lives...some, to accept Christ as Savior, others who had wounds healed, and still others who's eyes were opened to the need for a generation to bring the love and good news of Jesus Christ to the world. In amazement, I saw this group respond to a challenge to give financially with $668,000 to fund 12 global causes (a couple in attendance matched this giving to total $1.3M)! That's college students giving over half a million dollars! Wow! What a move of the Spirit upon their hearts. A Time of Awakening These causes included things such as digging wells and sponsoring children in developing countries, building an education center for the Dalit people in India, sending men to seminary in Muslim countries and rescuing women from human trafficking. And that...that last thing...human trafficking...that grabbed my attention.
Woven throughout the three days of the conference was a series of video clips that followed a particular young woman's story. The videos chronicled her situation of living in poverty. Her family told of their desperate need and the promise that came from people from the city, that their daughter could go and work for a family there, doing domestic work, so that she could send money back to support them with food and other necessities. However, as the story unfolded, they lost contact with her and, to their horror, heard stories that she may have been taken into a sex slave trade industry. As these vignettes continued throughout the conference, information about the proliferation and immensity of human trafficking was shared...helping us to understand just how enormous this tragic situation is and what has to be done to combat it around the world...even right here at home. As these series of video presentations came to a climax on the third day of the conference, it was revealed that this particular young woman had been rescued from her captors and, in that moment, she was introduced to the gathering, standing in person on the stage. You can imagine the response of the conference attendees as they erupted in applause and celebration...even now, as I write this, my eyes fill with tears at the memory of that moment. And at that moment, something else happened...I began to ask myself (maybe it was the voice of the Spirit asking)..."What if that were my daughter? Or my wife? Or any other of the women I know personally in my life? What would I do to go and find them and rescue them?" I immediately realized that I would stop at nothing to do whatever was in my power to find them and bring them to safety. That was my awakening!
Awakening Leads to Seeking It was at that moment that I began to ask, "What can I do?" I wanted to know how I could make a difference. I prayed for God to show me His plan...open doors...give me opportunities. Fast-forward two years. In the two intervening years, I never lost sight of this thing God had placed in my heart...I educated myself, I had conversations, I contacted people and organizations who were doing the work of fighting against human trafficking. Then, my opportunity to go to the Philippines in 2012, as part of a humanitarian aid team, opened the process of making connections and giving me experiences in developing countries. I was being exposed to life in the culture of Southeast Asia, where much of the world's trafficking takes place. This would eventually lead to the opportunity to go to Thailand and be involved in researching the need, searching for actual evidence of human trafficking and consulting with one of the leaders of an organization that is rescuing, educating, and bringing to justice, the perpetrators. I had the opportunity to assist a daycare that provides childcare for mothers who are in aftercare and to consult with two foster care missionaries who care for children who are rescued from trafficking situations. It was only a scratch of the surface, but it was a way for me to be involved and to use my experience to highlight and promote the need. Putting a spotlight on support and action to reach those who are enslaved and feel hopeless. Below, you can see a video that I did to share some of what I had learned and what we can do to make a difference (the email address at the end is no longer valid). Social Justice is at the Heart of the Father As followers of Christ, who are seeking to pursue our purpose daily, we find that what is at the core of the Father's heart becomes the core of our heart...it is a process, and we must be willing to let Him do the work of transforming our hearts and shaping them to look like the heart of Christ. This past year (2020) has been a challenging year...a worldwide pandemic, social isolation, fear of health crises, racial tension, political unrest, public vitriol and division. There is no shortage of needs when it comes to caring for the hurting, advocating for the oppressed and disenfranchised, and speaking against injustice. These needs are as old as humanity and they have always been at the heart of God's plan for all people. His heart and mission is the redemption of all, through the message of his gospel. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 A part of this mission to redeem all who will come to Him, is His concern for justice and care for the hurting. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 As people who are seeking to live out our purpose in this life and for our world, that purpose will have at the heart of it, the passion for people to know the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and for them to experience the love of a God who knows where they are and desires to administer healing and hope to their situation. Let's ask ourselves, how does my purpose incorporate and live out that core mission of the Father? A Process of Being a Purposeful Change Agent When it comes to the idea of social justice and caring for, and doing something about, injustices and oppression in our world, I have been thinking through the process that is involved...at least how I am experiencing it. When things came to a head with the death of George Floyd and the focus on many other similar situations...there are many other names I could list, like Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery...I began a process to understand, respond and be intentional as a person who wants to live my life with purpose. I will share with you, my process and, perhaps, it will be a catalyst for others to consider the same path of growth and purpose as well. I have developed a graphic that helps to describe this process that I am pursuing. The pyramid suggests two things about the process.
Personal Growth This is foundational to the process. We can't hope to make any real difference, if we don't start here. I realized very quickly as I was pondering the issues of social justice, that I have to look at my own heart and thinking first. I had to face the perspectives, prejudices, blind spots and ways that I had abdicated my responsibility to advocate for change. I needed to listen to those who were suffering. I needed to re-examine what I viewed as normal and consider whether I was seeing through eyes of reality, or through a perspective that was skewed or tainted by years of injustice and was accepted as the way it should be. I needed to be educated and I needed to be honest with myself. This isn't a pleasant process, but it is a necessary one. Frankly, it is one that continues. Relational Influence This is where interactional change begins to take place. While I was experiencing internal change in the first step, this is where I would begin to make a difference through the relationships of influence that I have. Through conversations with my family members, friends, and people of color, I began to speak words that confronted ingrained racism, made myself vulnerable to listen and learn, and speak some small measure of healing to those who have experienced oppression and prejudice themselves...whether in overt ways, or in their identification with those who were very public victims. Because of the love of God in my life, I want to express that love to others in real and concrete ways. That will continue to be a process. Social Advocacy This is the step where we move into the realm of advocating for change in our culture. Whether it is through social media, public protest, or influencing political leaders, at this step we begin to take measures to speak for those who experience injustice. For instance, in the issue of human trafficking; communicating the need, supporting the organizations that address the need, and partnering with those who are on the forefront of the effort to make change, are all ways that we engage in social advocacy. A life of purpose looks for ways to make a difference through the avenues that we are afforded in our culture. Public Leadership Frankly, this is the level at which many people may not have the opportunity to effect change in the world. We are not all pastors, politicians or social media influencers. However, if God gives us a platform with a public voice, our purpose calls us to speak the heart of the mission to the world: God wants to redeem every person and He wants that redemption to include the demolition of that which oppresses, kills, marginalizes or discounts the value of even one life...from the womb to the tomb. If God chooses to give you that platform, be a voice of love, truth and healing to a world that uses people as stepping stones for success, wealth and power. What did the prophet Micah tells us in his message from God? Act Justly Love Mercy Walk Humbly That is a great description of a person who is pursuing their God-given purpose 365 days a year. What was an awakening moment for you? What organizations have you partnered with to make a difference in supporting justice and healing? Have you had conversations with people about your response to the needs of those who are voiceless? Share in the comments below...we are excited to hear your thoughts! This week, the inaugural episode of the Purposed 365 Podcast airs, setting the stage for the exciting and inspirational series that we hope will make a difference in many lives over the course of this year. There is no better way to get things started, than to cast the vision for why P365 exists...and that is exactly what we have done in this episode. If you haven't done so yet, take a moment to jump over to the podcast and take a listen, then come back and read the rest of this week's blog post that expands on the vision that our founder, Jasman Rolle, shares with us. When you come back, you're invited to engage with our community here in the comments section and continue the conversations. Stuck for Three Days In January 2012, I found myself on a flight, along with a group of other individuals from the U.S., on our way to the Philippines. We were en route to the southern island of Mindanao on a mission to bring humanitarian aid, care and hope to the victims of Typhoon Pablo, which had devastated many areas of the eastern part of the island. After our rendezvous in San Francisco, we had flown to Guam, our last stop on American soil. Having passed through customs, we were re-boarding our plane for the last leg of our international flight into Manila. As our team was boarding the plane, I was the last one in line to show my boarding pass and passport to the gate agent. As he looked at my documents, he called me aside and consulted with a colleague, then told me I would not be permitted to board the plane. It seems that the fact that my passport would expire in 5 months from then, put me within a 6-month window that prohibits entrance into the country of the Philippines. Even though I was only going to be there for 14 days, it didn't matter. Rules were rules and I would not be able to join my team as they continued their journey. They assured me that they would be in touch as soon as they landed in Manila. There I was...stranded in Guam...no idea where to go, who to seek for assistance, or what my next step needed to be. To make a long story short, the next two nights and three days I spent on Guam brought feelings of uncertainty, disappointment and frustration. I won't go into all the details, but little tidbits like depending on a taxi driver at midnight to recommend a place to stay, a hotel room with a bullet hole in the window, long hours in the airport terminal awaiting phone calls and messages, and efforts to assure my wife and friends back home that I am okay, may give you a glimpse into what I was experiencing. There were moments in those three days that it looked as though I may have to board a plane back to the U.S. and abort my intended mission to provide crisis counseling, prayer and support to hurting people, as a part of our medical aid team. I prayed...people back home prayed...my team prayed. However, I never lost sight of why I was on this journey. I knew my mission...the vision I had of what God was going to do through me and my team to touch people's lives. That is what kept me focused and determined not to give up. At one point, God brought a man into my life...on the second day...who spoke into my situation, giving confirmation. This man worked in the car rental agency at the second hotel where I stayed. I told him about my situation, my mission, and my concerns. It turns out, he was a Filipino pastor there on Guam. I will never forget his words to me that confirmed my vision and assure me that God would open the door to complete the mission for which I had traveled so far. He looked me in the eyes and said, "You are a white man, but you have a Filipino heart." Somehow his words reminded me of the vision I had for this mission and reassured me that God would be faithful to get me to the Philippines. A day later, I was landing in Manila, greeted by special security escort to an office where I was given a letter from the Philippines Department of State, declaring that I was permitted to travel freely throughout the country with my passport that would expire prior to the required date. VICTORY! Vision, when related to our purpose, keeps us going when everything around us says something different. In this week's podcast, Jasman "Jazz" Rolle establishes for us the vision that is behind Purposed 365. Why Another Podcast? There is no lack of podcasts available in the digital world and, frankly, no lack of blogs either. You can even find podcasts and blogs that are encouraging and inspiring...seeking to touch people's lives with truth. But, there was not a Purposed 365. You may argue as to whether the world needs another podcast, but you can't argue with the work of the Spirit when He moves upon a person's heart, producing a passion that comes out of one's purpose and leads to a vision for a specific pursuit. The bottom line? There is always need for encouragement and hope...there is always a need for people to be pointed to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and there is always a call for each of us to use our unique gifting to share these things with our world. That explains why this online community has been created. Jasman Rolle, and all those who are becoming a part of this movement, are using their gifting, unique personalities and experiences to proclaim the powerful work of God in lives when they surrender to His purpose and calling. That is the vision that is P365. The Power of Transparency In his own words, Jazz demonstrates transparency that will be a characteristic of this community, as he admits he had to overcome some barriers in establishing P365. As a "behind the scenes" kind of guy, Jazz had to step out of his comfort zone to follow the passion to which God was calling him. He had to face his fear and move into the next steps. I think he would tell us that this was a process that continued to challenge him at various points along the way. It was the vision that God had given him that continued to enable him to step into those places that were not comfortable and familiar. His second barrier was his tendency toward perfectionism. Like we have discussed in a previous post, over-analysis, or waiting for perfection, can be paralyzing. However, Jazz had people who spoke wisdom into his life and he realized he needed to move forward and do his best, leaving the rest to God. Sometimes we have to take that first step in obedience...even if we don't have all of the details figured out. Knowing your purpose and having a vision of what that looks like for you, will empower you to fulfill that purpose and allow God to get the glory in the process. Visioneering "Visioneering" is a word Andy Stanly created to describe the process of making one's God-given dreams a reality. In his book by that title, he writes, "Visioneering is the course one follows to make dreams a reality. It is the process whereby ideas and convictions take on substance." For the dream of Purposed 365, visioneering has led to this statement: Purposed 365 exists to point people to hope in Jesus Christ, encouraging them to dream and be intentional about pursuing those God-given dreams. This is about more than a man's dream. It is bigger than one or two people. It is about how God wants to work through each of us to accomplish His ultimate plan of bringing people to Himself...offering them hope, redemption, purpose and fulfillment. There will be many stories shared on this platform over the coming months. Each one will be unique and beautiful, but all will be examples of how we can discover our purpose, develop our vision, overcome barriers and, through the grace of God, see Him work in and through us for his glory. That is why even being stranded on an island in the south pacific can't stop the plan of God in and through a life lived on purpose. What have you discovered so far about your purpose? Can you recognize particular talents, interests, or spiritual gifts that may give you clues to what unique way you can live out your purpose? Share in the comments and get the conversation going. It was a near miss! A sunny summer afternoon on I-40, my family and I were heading east on vacation. My wife and daughter were whiling away the time, napping, as the radio played softly and I was clicking off the miles toward our destination. Not realizing it, I had succumbed to what has been called highway hypnosis. Also called "white line fever," it is the mental state in which a driver can operate a vehicle for extended distances, responding to external events in the normal, safe and expected manner, without having recollection of doing so. Perhaps you have experienced this...you're driving along on the interstate and suddenly you realize, "I can't remember anything about the last 30 miles I've driven." It's a little unnerving when you recognize it. Most of the time, things are okay, and we don't experience this state for long. On this particular day, however, it didn't take long for the situation to turn critical in a matter or seconds. As I crested a rise in the highway, I suddenly saw the rear of a travel trailer at what appeared to be a dead stop, directly in my lane. Without thought, as a spontaneous response, I swerved the vehicle into an adjacent lane to avoid a collision. Thankfully, there were no other vehicles in the lane beside us, and we avoided a very critical situation. God's angels of protection were on their toes that day! This is an example of how operating on "auto-pilot" can be a dangerous thing to do. While airliners rely on computer assisted navigation every day with high levels of safety, and we now have self-driving and self-parking cars that amaze us, living our lives on auto-pilot is not the best way to go! At best, it can lead us to undesired circumstances. At worst, it can lead to a crisis. Think about it, regardless of the good that auto-pilot, self-driving cars and artificial intelligence serve, they are limited in their usefulness. At some point, a human must intervene. Otherwise, there is going to be a crash! In life, it is easy to live on auto-pilot. We've probably all been there. At some point, we look back and ask ourselves, "Where did that time go?" We wonder what happened to all that time...with our education, career, leisure time, family? We can sometimes live life with "highway hypnosis." Turning off the Auto-Pilot In contrast, the person who is living a life of purpose, recognizes that we do so by choosing to live life with intentionality. Simply put, the "why" that we are discovering, is informing the "what" of our daily lives so that there is meaning for all that we do. It's almost like a roadmap that helps us navigate our journey...remember the days when we used those? Roadmaps? That was before GPS and smart phone navigation apps. We had to plan out a trip by reading a roadmap and determining the best route to take to our destination. Sometimes, there would be an obstacle or situation that required us to re-route our journey in order to make the best possible time, or avoid unnecessary delays or, even worse, getting lost! Of course that never happened to me. *wink. When we speak of living with intentionality, we aren't referring to time management. Though that is a worthwhile topic to consider, that is a discussion for another day. Intentionality actually comes out of the uniqueness of our Creator and our design as His creation. Our Creator is the most intentional being in existence. Think about it, the Scripture tells us that, even before time began, He had a plan that would transcend time (1 Peter 1:10-21), and that plan was blowing the minds of His angelic host (1 Peter 1:12). Consider, for a moment, just a few examples of the intentionality of God: Intentional in his Creation So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female. God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth. Genesis 1:27-28 Intentional in His Plans For I know the plans I have for you" --this is the Lord's declaration-- "plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Intentional in His Timing But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law. Galatians 4:4 Intentional in His Sacrificial Gift This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 Like Father; Like Child We are unique, in that, we are created in the image of God. No other member of God's creation can claim that distinction. He invites us into relationship with himself, through his Son, Jesus Christ. In so doing, out of that relationship, comes our opportunity to live with intentionality like our Creator. Intentionality is essential to the understanding and pursuit of our purpose. The greatest expression of ourselves and, in turn, expression of God's glory, is to reflect the Father's intentionality. It brings us fulfillment, peace, joy and, most of all, brings the presence of God to a world that desperately needs Him. I love what the Apostle Peter wrote: Since we are approaching the end of all things, be intentional, purposeful, and self-controlled so that you can be given to prayer. 1 Peter 4:7 He places an urgency on our calling to be intentional and purposeful. It seems to say that we don't have time to waste. We can't afford to live on auto-pilot...risking white line fever. The time is now...to care about how we live, to prayerfully pursue our purpose and to make a difference in the lives of others. The Apostle Paul put it this way: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 4:15-17 In other words... It matters that you choose to live your life intentionally. Make the most of your time. Make an impact on others as a result. So What? We always ask, what does it mean for me? What does it mean to live my life with intentionality? The answer to that question is as unique as you are. But there are three things that will help you figure it out. Think Intentionally - develop the mindset that daily values and seeks to know why you are here on this earth. Plan Intentionally - make your plans in the context of understanding your purpose and filtering them through the truth of God's Word and the leadership of His Spirit (Proverbs 3:5-6). Act Intentionally - Ask yourself, "Is what I am doing, fulfilling God's purpose in me?" (Micah 6:8) Respond What is one thing you will do intentionally this week to pursue your purpose and make a difference in our world? With a visit to your local bookstore (if you can find one), you will quickly find that there are shelves loaded with what will likely be labeled as "Self-Help" books. From the latest in weight-loss solutions, mindfulness, and positive thinking, to strategies for organizing your home, being more productive and making a fortune. We often peruse these titles, looking for a way to improve our lives...lose weight, gain skills, or sharpen our business acumen...desiring to become the best version of ourselves. Sometimes they help, sometimes they don't. Some of the advice we find in these books is beneficial and may lead us to greater understanding and strategies to make definite improvements. However, some of them will lead us to a self-absorbed focus on the things that only end in emptiness and disappointment. Purposed 365 is more than a self-help strategy. It goes beyond the idea of becoming the best version of ourselves. P365 is about each of us understanding our reason for being...answering the question of why I exist. While it is true that understanding our purpose will make it possible for us to be the best version of ourselves, it goes so much further than that. Living a purposed life makes it possible for us to be keenly aware of how we can be a part of something bigger than ourselves...something that makes an eternal difference in the world in which we live and the people with whom we interact. No matter what journey we are on, what career path we traverse, or what stage of life we are in, when we understand our purpose lived out in those unique and personal avenues of our lives, we become partners with the God who created all things and wants to bring life, peace and fulfillment to each of us. That is why we believe the things we write about and talk about here in the P365 community are of the greatest importance...that's why we are excited to invite you to join us in this pursuit. Where Does it Begin...This Pursuit of Purpose? Understanding and pursuing our purpose is not just a decision to turn over a new leaf or set a few new year's resolutions. It begins with transformation and renewal. When we come to understand our need to be connected to our Creator and receive his life and peace through His Son, Jesus Christ, we undergo a transformation as a follower of Christ. That means that our thinking begins to change and our perspective on the world morphs. As we are reminded in the letter to the disciples at Corinth... Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 This new perspective begins the process of discovering our purpose and the call to live it out in the daily functions of life. Our relationships, our careers, our ambitions, and our choices become intertwined in this greater purpose of making a difference in the world in which we live. We become representatives of the very One who has designed us uniquely and planned ways for us to uniquely impact our world and the people who inhabit this planet. The Apostle Paul continued in the passage from which I quoted above... Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ... (2 Corinthians 5:18-20a) Now, before you run the other way, thinking, "I'm not a preacher!"...or, "That's too much responsibility for me!"...let me assure you that these words are not just for career ministers and pastors. Just remember, anything God has called us to do, He will equip us to complete. The exciting thing is, when we begin our journey of faith and the life of a follower of Christ, we get to be representatives of Him to our world. Being His ambassador is at the center of living out our purpose, three-hundred and sixty-five days a year. What Does that Mean for You? Whether you are a long-time follower of Christ, or you are just stepping into this journey of faith, your renewal makes it possible to see your life through the lens of purpose. I like what a pastor said about the Scripture passage I referenced above...one way to live our purpose as an ambassador for Christ is to "be a loving friend, who is available to others." No matter what your current situation, career, or life stage, you get to live your purpose as an ambassador of Christ, being the unique individual God has created you to be, living the best version of yourself. There is nothing more fulfilling and more impactful than that! Where are you on this journey of faith...seeking, learning, serving? What is one thing you've come to view differently as a result of becoming a new creation? How are you, or how could you, be a loving and available friend to someone today? Share with us in the comments and let's get the conversation going! Ahhh...the smell of freshly laundered linens coming from the dryer!. There is something about that feeling of fresh, clean linens on the bed when you crawl in at night for that long winter's nap...it feels so good! Speaking of winter, It makes me think of a fresh covering of new-fallen snow that settles over the ground, especially beautiful at night, when the moonlight reflects a blue glow on the smooth winter blanket. It's still fun, even as an adult, to be the first to make the footprints through the smooth covering and, if I've a mind to, fall back into the soft cushion of marshmallow-like powder and make a snow angel. It's almost like, for a moment, there is a blank canvas in that snowfall that awaits my input to create whatever I want. Fresh...new...blank canvas...create--these are the words that give us such hope at the beginning of a new year. I'm not much on resolutions, but I do believe that when we stand at the threshold of a new year, we have an opportunity that is unique and intentional. When God created time, he designed into the concept, rhythms and cycles that are healthy for us as humans. The 24-hour day, 7-day week, months and the year are all markers of time that help us have a sense of cycle and continuity, with increments that give us context as well as grounding. He knew this would be needed for us to have a sense of the journey we are on, and our unique place in His grander scheme of things. As the wise man, Solomon, wrote,
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven...Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart... (Ecclesiastes 3) The cycle of the seasons provides us with the opportunity to take assessment and consider where we are and where we want to go. This is a gift from our Creator. Consider what it means for you!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Next Steps... In order to live out our purpose, it's not enough to read a blog or day dream about the future, we have to take the next steps and put our dreams into action...to step out into that new fallen snow and make tracks. So, what does all of this mean for you? What are the next steps you can take to realize your purpose more fully?
Secondly, find those people who are on that Purposed trajectory and learning what it means to live it 24/7/365. Listen to their stories, note their successes and failures, hear what they've learned. These may be friends, colleagues or acquaintances. They will also be the people who are sharing their stories here in our community, particularly on the PURPOSED 365 Podcast. Each episode will reveal insights, inspiration, principles and perspectives that will be invaluable to you, on your own journey of fulfillment and purpose.
New Beginnings Start with First Steps A new year is the ideal time to start new habits that lead to those first steps of realizing whatever is next for you in fulfilling your purposed life! Start listening, writing and stepping out on this adventure and see what God does! What will be your next step? Identify one thing you're going to do to take the next step in realizing your purpose this year...share with us in the comments! We are excited to see your thoughts! As a 10-year-old, I remember sitting on my bed in the darkness and peering out the window of my bedroom at the headlights of the cars on the distant highway. Even at that age, I had a sense that there was a big world out there, as I imagined where those cars were going. I would even picture in my mind, traveling on that highway for as far as I could remember the lay of the road, and then letting my imagination take over to create a journey into new places that were just waiting for me to explore. It was both an escape, and an excitement, to consider the possibilities that I may one day be able to experience. The curiosity and imagination, I think, was somehow linked to wanting to figure out how I fit into that big world that lay beyond my bedroom window. It is an intrinsic characteristic of the human heart to want to understand one's purpose and place in the world. Someone has said that every person is created with a God-sized hole inside, that only He can fill. However that meshes with theology, the reality rings true. We want to know why we are here. This has sent explorers on adventures for centuries, led thinkers to fill books with volumes of philosophical writings and driven heroes to pay the ultimate sacrifice for what they believe in. You, my friend, are no different...and, the fact that you are reading this may mean that either you are searching too, or you are on this exciting journey and want to expand your horizons even further as you travel that highway into all that God has in store for you. So...What can you expect from the PURPOSE 365 Blog?
Come Along... As my 10-year-old self lay back on my bed and I looked up at the stars at night, I thought about how those same stars (or others like them), would be seen by millions of other people around the world...somehow tying us all together on this terrestrial ball on which we live. Somehow it made me feel a connection to something bigger than myself. Now, as a grown man, when I walk out onto my patio at night and look up into that starry sky, I'm reminded of the journey I've traveled since those days of innocent childhood and the amazing things God has done for, in, and through me over these years...all because I set out on a highway to discover meaning in life...His PURPOSE for 365 days a year. Won't you join us? The conversation in each podcast, the interaction in this community around the blog posts...these are opportunities to connect, share and grow in our pursuit of purpose. It's an exciting adventure and there's never a dull moment. Our amazing Creator makes sure of that! Continue the Journey...Go the the latest blog post here |
AuthorWith over forty years of ministry experience, Randy Kinnick continues to live a life of pursuing the purpose for which he was created. Whether teaching God's Word to adults, coaching youth and young adults in finding their purpose, or caring for the hurting and abused in Southeast Asia, the adventure has taken him around the world in ways he could have never dreamed. The adventure continues! Archives
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