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April 18,
2008
Rick Warren changed our vocabulary when he published his Purpose Driven
Life. I listened to a different spin on this same idea from Chris Oberg,
pastor of the Calimesa Adventist Church.
The point made by both of these pastors is that God intends for us to
live with intention. We are happier, more fulfilled and better fitted
to live to God’s glory when we understand our purpose and put
our energies to that end.
Chris used an illustration that stuck with me. Consider a couple of
young boys on the playground. One pushes the other.
“Stop that!”
“I’m sorry, it was an accident.”
“No, you did it on purpose!”
“No, it was by accident.”
“On purpose”
“By accident”
“On purpose”
“By accident”
And so on, as little boys can do. But do you feel different between
something that happens ‘on purpose’ compared to the same
thing ‘by accident’. Chris went on to draw our attention
to the time between the Gospels and the book of Acts. As we look at
that amazing story of an emerging church, we must recognize that the
powerful exhibitions of God’s Spirit were not ‘by accident.’
From the gospel commission forward, God’s people moved with power
when they moved ‘on purpose.’ Yes, it’s true that
His providence moves in spite of us at times. But the truly great stories
spring from our awareness of God’s work and an acknowledgment
that He works ‘on purpose.’
I challenge you to identify what God is doing in your world –
and to then join Him ‘on purpose.’
“When
the LORD restored his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were
filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing
things the LORD has done for them.” Yes, the LORD has done amazing
things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew
the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return
with the harvest.” Psalm 126
With full commitment,
Pastor Steve
You can listen to Chris Oberg’s full April 5th sermon at
http://calimesa.netadventist.org/index.php?option=com_sermon&Itemid=131
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