WHAT IS GOD'S PURPOSE FOR OUR LIVES IN 2013

To love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourself. The Ten Commandments boiled down to two? Yet when we consider the two, we find ourselves overwhelmed by such a life-purpose. With constant focus on God this new year, we can overcome any and all obstacles—whether outside our realm or inside our hearts and minds—and find victory in fulfilling His purpose. God bless you as you seek His will for the glory of His kingdom.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES by Sally Bair

National Be On Purpose Month

I watch a red fox bound across the snow and wonder what its purpose is. In seconds I find out, when he leaps into the air and pounces on a small critter. The fox is determined to fill his stomach. All critters seek to fulfill other purposes in life, too, which include resting, making baby critters, and staying out of harm’s way.

We, too, have basic purposes every time we get out of bed in the morning—fill our empty stomach, quench our thirst, remain healthy and happy, and proceed with the work we must do. Unlike the red fox, however, we are also motivated by higher purposes. We seek happiness, peace of mind, and personal fulfillment. Hopefully, we also strive to help our families and others reach those same goals.

Many look for answers through self-help books and seminars, or psychics and astrologists. Others seek the wisdom of philosophers and theorists. With the proliferation of information and so-called expert advice, everyone in the whole world should be at peace and fulfilled. But they're not. Suicides, depression, emotional illness, and unhappiness surround us. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21)

By seeking God through His Word and prayer, we can discover His real purpose for our life—to have a close-up and personal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Once that is established, we will find our identity in Him and He can help us achieve our daily, God-driven goals. His purposes are higher than anyone or anything that's out on the market today.

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me…" (Psalm 138:8) When we’re determined to learn more about him through study and meditation on his Word, we’ll surely find true joy, peace, and fulfillment in Him.

January is considered National Be On Purpose Month, perhaps a time for all of us to learn exactly what God's purpose is for our lives. By spending time with and learning more about Him, we can reach that goal. The word purposeful means to show determination. What better time than now to start learning—with a determined heart—God’s purpose for our lives?

Lord, we thank You for loving us so much that You have created a perfect, divine purpose for us. Give us wisdom through Your Word, and determination through Your Holy Spirit, in finding Your exact purpose. Help us to focus every day on You and Your higher plans for our lives. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, amen.

Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com.