Sunday, May 07, 2017

"Purpose"

Reflections4Life May 7, 2017
“Purpose”
“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt-offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats.” Isaiah 1:11
Scripture Contemplation: Proverbs 15:22; 20:18; Ecclesiastes 3; Isaiah 14; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 9; Ephesians 3…
©Ruthe McDonald.
I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. In all that you do, let there be a purpose behind. Give it a purpose so that it may meet what is intended. Seek the counsel of God; seek out wisdom to guide you and each purpose will manifest according to the will of God for your life.
I do not think many of us really stop to think about the purpose behind the things we are doing. Others may ask us what our objective is because humans have a tendency to be skeptical of a person’s intent. Which is quite understandable considering the corruption we see all around us. Yet, rarely do we ask ourselves or search for the purpose and intent of hearts when we seek to or are doing something.
Oh! There are reasons. We understand the concept of reciprocity or giving to receive. Nevertheless, have we put a definite purpose behind our actions? There must be an objective, the desired result for what we do. Think of it as a resume. The first thing we often list is our objective, our purpose for our work experience and skills what we hope to gain. Maybe if we asked ourselves [what our purpose is] more often, we would not become so overwhelmed when we face difficult and hard times in what we are doing, because we have a clear picture of the end game in mind.
If we understand our purpose/objective the reason behind our everyday actions, then perhaps we can concentrate on, and remember our purpose, our intent when all hell breaks loose, and we find ourselves under fire and questioning whether what we are doing is worth it.
Knowing our purpose gives accountability and stability. It helps focus and anchor us in the midst of things falling apart or going not quite as planned or envisioned. It also gives a determination and sense of what it will cost those God has called us to and ourselves if we gave up or stopped what we were doing.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (AKJV) But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work…
This scripture passage is not solely speaking of giving monetary. It is about giving of your service, your time, your counsel, knowledge, and wisdom. It is about being of service in the Kingdom of God and the reason behind why you are doing what you are doing. It is about your heart service and the reasons behind your actions.
What is the pay-off? What are we seeking to receive as a result of what we are doing? We have our purpose now. We know the intent and what we are expecting to happen to result from having given our actions a purpose. Now, what is the payoff? What are we seeking in return for our discipline, time, and effort? What accomplishments and benefits do we hope to see? Using the example of our resume once again, when you apply for a position, you have stated what you can bring and add to the company. What do you expect the company to give to you? Other than a paycheck or a salary, what are you going to receive resulting from your dedication and hard work?
Why do you do what you do? If we do not know the why or are doing it because that is what someone else wanted us to do; then we need to take a step back and evaluate our motives and go back to our purpose/objective. Especially if everything seems a bit, overwhelming and we want to give up instead of fight, forgetting about the cost.
Beloveds, there is a reason why we all do what we do whether we understand it, accept it, or acknowledge it. There is a definite purpose behind our actions. Whatever our objectives are, it will determine the willingness and the depths to which we are willing to go to see our actions through to the end. We must ask ourselves, what will the cost be for us not to accomplish our objective? Who, other than ourselves, will suffer by us not completing our purpose?
If there is one thing I have learned in my journey of life with God, is that I am not on this earth for myself. I am here to serve. That, my life story is not my own to hoard and keep hidden. It a story meant to be shared to bring encouragement, enlightenment, strength, hope, and healing to others. I am a walking Epistle, an Ambassador for Christ. My purpose is to live my life unapologetically without fear and with selflessness, understanding that there will be difficulties along the way. Mountains and valleys along the journey, and hearts and minds that God has called me to reach. My purpose is to reach as many souls as I can while living the life that God has ordained for me. And to give not because I feel pressured or fear ramifications from God but because I know the love and care of my heavenly Father and desire to share it with the world.
My motivation is to see the Kingdom of God expand and lives changed for the better. My payoff is eternal life with my Heavenly Father, the satisfaction of accomplishing my life goals, walking and living in happiness and joy, and pleasing my heavenly Father. To live the life of my idea and vision of happiness for me. Yours may be different than mine but this is the pay-off that I expect to receive.
My Beloveds, may the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Whatever you do, know the reasons why you are doing it. Let your purpose be made known. Seek the counsel of Holy Spirit and those that God has placed in your life. Wherever your journey takes you, purpose in your heart that, God is leading you to the exact place that He has ordained you to be for that specific time and place. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2017. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.