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The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

John 10:10 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.10.10.NLT

“Did you mean to do that on purpose?” is a phrase a co-worker would often say to me when reviewing and managing my overcrowded schedule of commitments. It was a polite and humorous way of asking me to examine my priorities and purpose.

Jesus asks the same question when it comes to life vs. death, fulfillment vs. emptiness, satisfaction vs. dissatisfaction.

The purpose of Satan is straight forward with one focus: complete destruction. Make no mistake about it that a life unexamined of its purpose in Christ, knowingly or unknowingly, wanders down a path that has only one outcome – complete ruin. This is not an overstatement.

The purpose of Jesus Christ is in complete harmony with His focus: complete abundance through restoration with God. There is an abundance of forgiveness, grace, and new beginnings. Wisdom abounds, cutting through the fog of confusion. Truth guides in a landscape of deception and half-truths. Love is stronger than fear. Stewardship develops a generous heart.

We are all made in the image of God. Everyone is an image bearer of God meaning we see qualities and characteristics of God in every person we meet. We see people from all nations doing good things that reflect the God we long to be in relationship with.

However, we can become disconnected to God because of a serious condition called sin. Sin is the work of Satan. It is incremental and can lead to permanent separation from God. Without a loving intervention, the destructive purposes of sin will overtake anyone and everyone to the point of being completely lost and empty forever.

The purpose of Jesus is so amazing. He put His life between us and evil.  He restores us in relationship to God, our creator and heavenly Father. He gives us a rich and satisfying life forever if we choose to accept it.

Encouragement:  Focus on the purpose of your life. Receive and pursue the amazing fulfillment found in Jesus Christ.  Set down patterns, behaviors, and habits that are destructive. Pick up life. Set down death.  Pick up encouragement. Set down discouragement. Pick up prayer. Set down gossip. Pick up love. Set down fear.

Dear Jesus,

The purpose of life could not be any clearer.  Thank You for offering such a meaningful way to live.  Thank You that Your purpose lasts forever. Help us to set aside evil and to resist the destruction Satan so cleverly offers.  Help us to focus the purpose of our amazing lives in You.

In Jesus name we pray. Amen

–Ed McDowell, Executive Director
Warm Beach Camp and Conference Center