Category: purpose in life

Inspirational Words

“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.” – John Piper

Today’s Word

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. — 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT

Thoughts on the Word

As Jesus’ followers, we want to live exemplary lives that bless others and glorify God. We must do our best to be good examples trying to live in peace with all people and want to win the respect of others as we use the golden rule in our relationships. God wants us to be busy doing good deeds, not being busybodies who unsettle others and stir up conflicts.

We must never forget that God wants us to influence unbelievers lovingly “with gentleness and respect.”  We should bless and intercede for our lost friends as we demonstrate and proclaim God’s goodness and grace and use our good influence to make disciples and help others learn to live obediently in God’s grace.

Prayer for Today

Precious and Holy God, there is none like you. There is nothing comparable to you. Thank you for letting me seek you and draw near to you. Thank you for redeeming me and choosing to live inside me through your Spirit. Please lead me and guide me by your Spirit to be transformed to be like your Son, conformed to your will, and fully living out your mission for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the crown of glory
that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)

Everyone needs direction in life and God provides the very wisest and most trustworthy people to guide our path. What a wonderful blessing it is to be led by godly, loving shepherds. But as much as we love them and show them respect, they will receive even greater appreciation in heaven!

Glorious God, please bless every faithful and concerned leader in your Church with a clear sense of your blessing and appreciation. Please use me to show this love to your faithful servants as well. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

But Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
Luke 4:43 NIV

The need for the gospel is greater than ever in our broken world. When you think about the large cities of our modern world, what do you think about? Jesus sees them, and passionately yearns for the lost people in those great cities to be saved!

Most holy and loving God, revive in us, your Church, a passion to reach the lost people of the world’s great cities with the gospel and grace of your Son. In the name of the world’s only true Lord and Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
— 2 Thessalonians 1:12

I can’t think of a more lofty goal for today than that the name of Jesus be glorified in what we do and say. But then Paul takes it a step further — that we find our glory by being identified with him! As the famed old hymn “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” says it, “my glory all the cross.”

Father of majesty and might, please help me as I strive to plan what my daily activities will be and then prioritize those activities so that my focus and passion are on bringing you glory in all that I do, think, and say. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
— John 3:5

Water and Spirit — they track together as key components in conversion and the new birth throughout the New Testament. One is an act of submission and surrender. The other a gift and reminder that only God can make us new by his power. No wonder Jesus made them so important to being a part of his Kingdom.

Holy and righteous Father. I acknowledge that my best efforts often fail and my consistency isn’t always consistent. That’s why I’m so thankful you have given me your grace in Jesus and made me new by my spiritual birth into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
— Proverbs 9:10

We look for wisdom in so many worthless and futile places. But ultimate wisdom is found only when we intentionally humble ourselves before our incredible God, giving him the reverence and worship he deserves. Seek the answers to your life in the Word of God.

Magnificent and awesome God, the great expanse of space and the incredible intricacies of the things in your creation that are so small humble me to silence. Please forgive my lapses into ignorant arrogance and lead me in the way of your wisdom. In Jesus name. Amen.

I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.
— Jeremiah 10:23

Are you headed in the right direction? While we may have goals and a sense of mission about our lives, our lives are not really ours to plan. Every day must be greeted as a gift from God. Every goal must ultimately be pursued to his glory. Every true sense of direction is a gift to us from our Father’s Word or his Spirit.

Wise and loving Father, lead me by your Holy Spirit. Fill me with your holy wisdom. Guide me into a more complete understanding of your will for my life. Please give me the wisdom to live each day with character and holy grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.