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"Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement.
Issue No.165 January 2020
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In this issue:-
Perspective:-

A Purpose Driven Life

Introduction:
One of the factors that make life enthusiastic and passionate is the definite goal that drives a person. Without an aim life is boring and barren; it will take us nowhere. In any sphere of life, successful people are they who got a well-defined purpose in life. To reach that goal they do everything. It is that definite purpose that makes one to work with diligence. Absence of such an aim leads to waste of time, energy and resources.
          As far as our secular life is concerned we are well aware of this reality. So we channelize all our assets towards that end and find fruitful in the area of our choice. What about our aim in spiritual life. Are we really aware of the objective of our spiritual life and how much do we attain it in experience?
Example of Christ.
Consider the Lord Jesus Christ in this regard. He was always very much clear and focused on His mission. Even at the age of twelve, He says, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49b. During the public ministry the Lord repeatedly referred to the foremost objective of His earthly sojourn. Cf. Matt 9:13; 20:28; Luke 5:32; 19:10 etc. Personal comfort and daily needs were not at all His concern. Once the disciples brought food and called Him to eat, He said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:31, 32.
          Even though the Lord knew about the terrible pain and agony involved in that prime purpose of His incarnation, He submitted wholeheartedly to the Father’s will. Matt 26:42. Luke writes, “Now as the time was coming to a head when He should be taken up to heaven, He firmly set His face to continue His journey to Jerusalem.” Luk 9:51.
Example of Paul.
Apostle Paul also often refers to His uttermost purpose in life. While talking to the elders of the assembly at Ephesus, Paul said, “none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Act 20:24 (Williams). His only concern was to finish the race, the ministry the Lord entrusted to him. Such determination encouraged him to face trials joyfully, and sacrifice his legitimate privileges. His words to Corinthians are challenging, “to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” Cf.1Cor 9:22 - 27
          Just as the Lord Jesus completed His task successfully, Apostle Paul too declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. John 17:4; 19: 30 cf. 2Tim 4:7. What an example and challenge.
          Are we really aware of our ultimate aim in life as a follower of Christ? What are we expecting to achieve for Christ in this short life time? Sad to notice, often we are so smart and energetic in connection with our earthly life but seldom consider our objectives in view of eternity. Apostle Paul put it poignantly, “we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2Cor 4:18
          The Lord made it very clear that it’s utter foolishness to be zealous for worldly affairs but least bothered about heavenly matters. Luke 12: 16 – 21. As the latest developments from around the world vividly illustrate the temporary state of this world, let us be wise to refocus our agenda. Cf. 1Cor 7: 31; 1John 2:17.
          Without wasting any more moment, find God’s perfect will and vigorously pursue the same. The Lord has promised His strength and guidance through the indwelling Holy Spirit as we seek to accomplish such spiritual goals. Phil 4:13


Out line:-

Six Heavenly Things

  1. Heavenly Relationship    John 1:12, 13; 3:3
  2. Heavenly Position.    Eph 1:3; 2: 6 – 8; Phil 3:20
  3. Heavenly Calling    Heb 3:1; Phil 3: 14
  4. Heavenly Country    Heb 11:16
  5. Heavenly Image    1Cor 15:49; Rom 8:29; 1John 3:3
  6. Heavenly Kingdom    2Tim 4:16 – 18; 2Pet 1:11; John 18:36
H.H 

Anecdote: -

Swimming the English Channel

       It was a fog-shrouded morning, July 4, 1952, when a young woman named Florence Chadwick waded into the water off Catalina Island. She intended to swim the channel from the island to the California coast. Long-distance swimming was not new to her; she had been the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions.
          The water was numbing cold that day. The fog was so thick she could hardly see the boats in her party. Several times sharks had to be driven away with rifle fire. She swam more than 15 hours before she asked to be taken out of the water. Her trainer tried to encourage her to swim on since they were so close to land, but when Florence looked, all she saw was fog. So she quit. . . only one-mile from her goal.
          Later she said, “I’m not excusing myself, but if I could have seen the land I might have made it.” It wasn’t the cold or fear or exhaustion that caused Florence Chadwick to fail. It was the fog.
          Two months after her failure, Florence Chadwick walked off the same beach into the same channel and swam the distance, setting a new speed record, because she could see the land.

Source unknown


Worthy Quotes:-

Aim

“Failure to plan is a plan to fail”

 

“If you aim at nothing, you hit it”

  _________ Author unknown  


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