“We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us…And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~Nelson Mandela

“We have no idea who we really are.” ~John Eldredge, Waking the Dead

Why are we here?

It’s a universal question–a longing of each heart. We desperately desire to find our purpose.

Some have found theirs. Most of us haven’t. We’re still searching, hoping OUR PURPOSE will fill up the aching hole inside.

But what if I told you that you were born for many purposes, not just one big “P” purpose? And what if I told you that your little “p” purposes won’t fall into place until you discover the secret?

You’d probably say, “TELL ME THE SECRET!”

I never was very good at keeping them anyway…

You ready?

The secret to finding our many fulfilling purposes is to practice our greatest Purpose and that my friends is glorifying the One who made us.

Our greatest purpose is to worship God–to reflect His glory, His image.

There is glory in us, but how many of us walk around burdened by the gray?

Delighting in the Lord weakens the power of the gray. But delight cannot be manufactured. It can’t be performed. Delight only manifests from the inside out.

If you are angry with God and find “delighting in Him” next to impossible, repent.

Ask Him to help you delight in Him, to love Him, enjoy Him, and desire His Presence.

Be thankful.

Tell Jesus you love Him with every negative thought.

Instead of wondering what talents and gifts you can give to the world (or even to the lady running next to you on the treadmill at the gym) just give her the light of Jesus in you.

I remember the freedom I experienced the morning I realized that “Jesus in me” was better than an amazing talent or purpose. I didn’t have to become someone famous to bless people; Someone famous lived inside of me. My job was to shine His light.

Now that’s purpose that keeps on giving…for all of eternity.

Your turn: How do you share the light of Jesus in you? How do you delight in God?

With Joy,

andy

Coffee poured, journal open, pen in hand, candle lit…

The Bite of Bread reading plan this week focuses on God’s glory and our worship. Read each scripture aloud. Let each word linger on your lips. Taste His goodness.