God Has a Purpose for You
Have you ever asked God: What is my purpose in life? If so, I’m right there with you. Sometimes life can throw you a curveball, or storms may crash upon the shores of your heart that make you question God’s will for your life—and if that’s where you’re at today, friend, I want to encourage you.
Today’s Scripture readings for CBN’s “Bible in a Year” plan are Numbers 3 – 4, and Mark 3:20-35 (if you haven’t had a chance to read those yet, take a moment to do so). When you dive into the Old Testament book of Numbers, you see in the first few chapters the grand organization of the nation of Israel and instructions for how the tabernacle is to be run (which was the dwelling place for God’s Spirit at the time).
As you read chapter 3, you see that certain tribes and clans are called to perform sacred duties and tasks in the tabernacle. For example, Aaron (Moses’ brother) and his sons were called to be the priests, and the tribe of Levi was called to assist them. As you move into chapter 4, you see this organizational chart continue to be written out. The Lord then calls the specific clans within the tribe of Levi, such as the Kohathites and Gershonites, to perform duties like handling the most sacred objects for transport (Numbers 4:4-6), general service, and carrying loads (Numbers 4:24-27).
By now, you might be thinking, what’s the point of all of this? And again, I’m right there with you. As we digest this passage let’s:
- remember the spirit and purpose of the law (see Galatians 3:23-25)
- not forget that Jesus’ death and resurrection have fulfilled the purpose for that way of life (see Matthew 5:17). We now live in an era where we each are like a tabernacle, housing the Spirit of God.
Let’s take a step back and see the bigger picture. Though each tribe, clan and individual within the nation of Israel had a specific task or duty to perform, they all served a larger purpose—to serve and obey the Living God.
If you’re questioning God’s purpose for your life, let this be a reminder: Don’t let the details overwhelm the purpose. As sons and daughters of God, we are all called to the amazing, life-giving purpose of serving Jesus. Don’t get stressed out because you’re not exactly sure how that’s going to look, just focus on the bigger picture—serving God in every area of your life.
Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, day by day, and eventually you’ll look at your life and see that God was guiding you into the beautiful and unique destiny He had for you all along. The path might get bumpy, have unexpected turns, but God is faithful. You can trust Him and bank on the fact that as you continue to abide in Him each day, His plans and purposes for your life are bright and full of wonder.
“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 (NIV)
Honor Your Parents
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 6:1-4
“Honor your father and your mother . . . so that you may live long and that it may go well with you. . . .” — Deuteronomy 5:16
This command was not written for little children. They have no choice but to honor their parents. It was written to younger adults who lived with older generations. Living together in a household with three or more generations was common in ancient Israel, as it is in some societies today.
How do you treat your elders, especially your parents? I have seen some young people act worse toward their parents than they do toward anyone else. They complain that they deserve more and nicer things. They berate their parents because they aren’t up on the latest technology or trends. They throw a fit when asked to do a simple household task. When another adult says, “You sure have a wonderful child,” the parent is stunned.
Our best and our worst behavior comes out in our families. That is why this reminder is necessary. Show honor to your parents. It doesn’t matter if they aren’t as smart or capable as they once were. It doesn’t matter that they, like everyone else, have flaws. The criterion for honor is the fact that they are your parents.
Honoring your parents will bring blessing. This command closes with a promise, saying that God gives us life and blessing for honoring the parents he has given us.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for parents, especially godly parents. Thank you for the gift they are in our lives and in others’ lives. Help us to show them proper honor and to respect all people as created and loved by you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Life-Changing Prayer
By: Charles Stanley
Whether or not someone is already a believer, we can pray for that person’s spiritual growth and knowledge of God’s will.
Colossians 1:9-14The prayer in today’s reading is a powerful model for any believer. The passage teaches how to pray on behalf of others—and those who do will find themselves changed in the process. In verses 9-10 of this letter, Paul and Timothy say they’ve been praying that the believers in Colossae would … Be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. One of the major steps toward knowing God’s will is to know His Word, which provides guidance in every imaginable situation. When we pray this, we are asking God to make clear His perfect and precise will for every decision.
Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. This is a phrase that means making one’s life count for eternity. Whatever we have done in the Spirit—which Scripture compares to refined gold, silver, and precious stones—is worth exponentially more than the “wood, hay, or straw” ashes produced by worldly interests (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
Bear fruit in every good work. When Jesus Christ is the center of our life, then our character, conduct, and conversation should bear fruit for His kingdom.
The words of this passage can be prayed for anyone, whether or not the person already knows the Lord. And in making these requests for others, we will want the same kind of growth in our own life.
Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 3-5