THE GIFT OF PURPOSE

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

IF YOU LIKE THIS POST PLEASE FOLLOW US, SHARE WITH OTHERS AND PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS AND GIVE US A LIKE.

Translate this site into your preferred language, look for our Google translator in our home page: diningwithjesus.net

Traduce este sitio en tu idioma preferido, busca nuestro traductor de Google en nuestra página de inicio ve a: diningwithjesus.net

One of the most important truths I have learned lately is my need to be connected to God’s eternal purpose. In this devotional, we are challenged to reconnect with God’s mission for us in our day to day lives.

A Real Life Truth

I have discovered a truth about myself during this last season of my life that relates to my relationship with God’s mission and purpose. I have learned that I need to be connected to real, God-honoring purpose. 

When I lose sight of my reason for being, my mission and connection to God’s eternal purpose, I am not at my best. There have been times in life when I have stepped out of this purpose due to rebellion and sin and times when I feel like I have been pushed away from God’s mission due to the rebellion and sin of others. For me, these are dry and dangerous times. 

If I am not clear about how my work, my parenting, or my marriage are connected to God’s plans and will for my life and for the lives of those he has called me to serve, then these actions and responsibilities become a challenge and hindrance rather than being a source of joy and strength. 

When I have been in these times of disconnection I have struggled to find real meaning in the work of my hands or in the building of relationships.

Satisfaction

I am thankful that the Lord has taught me that no matter what I am doing with my life, I can and will experience more satisfaction and contentment if I am connected to God’s greater mission to share the person and work of Jesus Christ with those people that the Lord has placed into my life. 

This connection to mission and purpose is the last big idea that I want to share with you out of the passage that follows. Listen for these markers of purpose as you read.  

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

(Ephesians 6:10-20 NIV11)

Verses 19-20

After hear this call to recognize the spiritual battle, to pick up and put on the gifts of God that will help us stand firm in our faith as we encounter hardship and trial, there is one last statement made by the Apostle Paul that we need to hear. 

We hear about the gift of purpose given by God that connects all the other elements of this teaching to the mission and work that God has given to us in this life. We can hear this statement of purpose in verses nineteen and twenty, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”

Declare the Gospel

The conclusion of this section of this Holy Spirit inspired teaching reminds Paul and reminds us, the people of Christ, how we can be connected to God’s great and eternal purpose. 

We are called to be a people that prayerfully, purposefully, regularly makes the effort to make the good news of Jesus Christ known to those people that God places in our path. This is our eternal mission and purpose. 

As we go to work, go to school, care for our loved ones, and face down the hard realities of each day we have the opportunity to make this day significant in the eyes of God. We have the opportunity to declare the message and love of Jesus Christ with someone else.

True Purpose

If you want to reconnect with your true purpose today, make the commitment to share your love for Jesus Christ with someone that needs to meet a real Christ follower. 

·  Are you willing to prayerfully ask the Lord to bring someone into your day today that needs to know about your personal faith in Jesus Christ?

·  Are you willing to declare the mystery of the Gospel today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, open doors, create conversations, and provide me opportunities to speak your name in love today. Remind me about the joy of being connected to your eternal purpose and mission. Use me Lord!

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

Copyright © 2024 Ryan Laden – All Rights Reserved.