You are Shaped for a Purpose

Contending for Your Destiny

Joshua 24:15 "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." For Joshua, his choice is already made. It is his firm purpose that no matter what, he and his household would serve the Lord. And with that determined decision, he does not intend to swerve. The battle in this life still goes on. Temptations exist all around you as the enemy lurks as a thief. Sickness and suffering enter your door. Hopes, dreams, and plans fail. There are times when you are tempted to wonder if this fight is all worth it. But in all this, know that God is still at work, molding you into the likeness of His Son.

Jesus the Light of Mankind

"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (overcome) it." - John 1:4-5

You are Shaped for a Purpose

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 "Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."

A Life Set Apart

Ephesians 5:15:20 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

A Call to Holy Living

Matthew 5:47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? We often equate holiness to being legalistic or boring. On the contrary, it is a beautiful thing. God, who is holy, also calls us to be holy - to do more than others, to behave differently, to live a life that is cut above the rest. Three reasons why we need to live a holy life: 1. Because of our profession - When we profess that we are a Christian, we commit to a higher standard of living. "...live [http://...live] a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1 NIV 2. Because of who we are - When we become a Christian, we take on a new nature. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." - Galatians 2:20 NIV 3. Because of our purpose - We are called to be the salt and light of the world. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 NIV Living a holy life is not easy, but with God's grace, we can do it. Let your light shine for others to see!