Fulfilling God’s Purpose Through Devotion
Brother Victor
The Purpose of God in One’s Generation
Serving the purpose of God in one’s generation is a profound calling, as exemplified by David in Acts 13:36. Despite committing grave sins such as adultery and murder, David fulfilled God’s purpose for his life. This verse offers hope, demonstrating that even those who have fallen into serious sin can rise, repent, and serve God’s purpose. The encouragement lies in the truth that past failures do not disqualify one from fulfilling God’s plan.
Overcoming Discouragement and Failure
Individuals who have experienced failure, such as unfaithfulness in marriage or financial misconduct, often feel discouraged and retreat into isolation, believing they are unfit for God’s work. For example, some who have married unbelievers and backslidden may return to the church but sit in a corner, feeling unworthy. The message is clear: such a discouraged state is not where God intends for His people to remain. Acts 13:36 provides an answer, showing that even after significant failures, one can serve God’s purpose. The key is to resist Satan’s accusations and trust in the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood, as David did in Psalm 51, where he openly acknowledged his sin without hiding it.
God’s Perspective on David’s Life
In 1 Kings 15:5, David is described as having done what was right in the sight of the Lord, except in the case of Uriah the Hittite. Despite numerous mistakes, God’s record focuses on David’s overall faithfulness, overlooking all but one transgression. In the New Covenant, Acts 13:22 further elevates David’s legacy, stating that God found him “a man after my own heart, who will do all my will.” This testimony reveals God’s grace in not recording David’s failures in the New Covenant, emphasizing his devotion to God’s glory from a young age. David’s heart was consumed with God’s ark, temple, and kingdom, which allowed him to fulfill his purpose despite setbacks.
Contrasting Heartbeats: God vs. Worldly Desires
The heart of a believer should beat for God, as David’s did, rather than for worldly pursuits like money, academic success, or material possessions. For example, some hearts beat for “money, money, money” or “NEET, NEET, NEET” (referring to academic exams), while others focus on acquiring houses or achieving U.S. citizenship. In contrast, a devoted Christian family in Salem provided their home for church gatherings, and a pious businessman expanded his ventures with a heart for God’s glory. Believers are encouraged to dream of glorifying God’s name in new places, forming fellowships, and building the body of Christ, rather than chasing worldly ambitions.
The Secret of a Successful Race
David, Paul, and Jesus all completed their God-given races successfully, despite challenges, because of a shared secret: devotion to God. David’s devotion is captured in Psalm 27:4, where he declares, “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.” Paul’s devotion is evident in Philippians 3:12-14, where he presses on toward the goal for which Christ laid hold of him, focusing on “one thing” and forgetting what lies behind. Jesus, in John 17:4, glorified the Father by accomplishing the work given to Him, and He affirmed in Luke 10:42 that Mary’s choice to sit at His feet was the “one thing” needed. This singular devotion to God enables believers to overcome failures and finish their course, regardless of their role or status.
Waiting for God’s Will, Time, and Way
David’s refusal to kill Saul, despite the opportunity (1 Samuel 26:8-10), illustrates the importance of waiting for God’s will, time, and way. David trusted that God would deal with Saul through natural death, battle, or divine intervention, showing no desire for the throne apart from God’s timing. This principle applies to practical life decisions, such as marriage, business, or building a home. Acting outside God’s time or way leads to complications, as Jesus Himself modeled by repeatedly saying, “My hour has not yet come” until the appointed time arrived. Believers are urged to align their actions with God’s will, time, and way to avoid unnecessary struggles.
Cultivating Inner Beauty in Marriage
Proverbs 17:17, rephrased as “A husband loves his wife at all times,” emphasizes the need for unwavering love in marriage, regardless of external changes like aging or physical appearance. A husband’s devotion to his wife as his best companion, as described in Malachi, should remain constant even if “hair is lost” or “teeth start falling.” Similarly, wives are called to love their husbands at all times, as Job’s wife failed to do during his trials. Inner beauty—meekness, a quiet spirit, and submissiveness—must be cultivated to strengthen marital bonds. For example, a husband can say, “What a submissive spirit she has,” appreciating his wife’s inner qualities. This is possible only when one’s eyes are fixed on God’s glory, preventing unfaithfulness or betrayal.
Promises for the Devoted
Psalm 27:4-6 offers two promises for those who desire “one thing” (to dwell in God’s presence and behold His beauty): protection in times of trouble (verse 5) and victory over enemies (verse 6). God will conceal the devoted in His tabernacle, protecting them from evil, temptation, and worldly traps like drugs, pornography, or unhealthy relationships. For example, young people can pray, “Lord, protect my family from evil” or “Conceal my children from covetousness.” These promises, fulfilled partially in David’s life and completely in Jesus’, assure believers that God will lift them above Satan and establish them on a rock. However, these promises are conditional on maintaining singular devotion to God, as outlined in verse 4.
Examples of Devotion in History
Historical figures like William Carey, who arrived in Kolkata in 1793 at age 32 and stayed for 41 years, exemplify devotion. Despite losing a child and his wife’s mental health, Carey translated the Bible into Bengali, persevering through challenges like a fire in his printing press. Similarly, Amy Carmichael, who served in South India for 55 years, rescued temple girls and orphans, driven by the love of Christ despite becoming bedridden. A modern example involves a young man who resigned from a promising navy career to pursue God’s call, inspired by Psalm 27:4. These lives demonstrate that devotion to Christ enables believers to overcome trials and fulfill their purpose.
Bible References:
- Acts 13:36
- Psalm 51
- 1 Kings 15:5
- Acts 13:22
- 2 Timothy 4:7
- John 17:4
- Psalm 27:4-6
- Philippians 3:12-14
- Luke 10:42
- 1 Samuel 26:8-10
- Proverbs 17:17
- Malachi 2:15
- 2 Corinthians 5:14
Simple, Pure Devotion: Running the Race with Jesus
Brother Vincent
Living a Simple Life
A simple life is essential for spiritual growth and effective service to God. Complicating life with burdens, hidden agendas, or unresolved issues hinders one’s spiritual journey. For example, when people consider accepting Christ, they often hesitate due to perceived complications, such as settling past wrongs or navigating corruption. However, God’s grace enables believers to simplify their lives by focusing on “one thing” needed, as Mary did by sitting at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:42). Hebrews 12:1-2 urges believers to lay aside every encumbrance and sin, fixing their eyes on Jesus to run the race with endurance. A simple life avoids unnecessary weights, such as lawful but burdensome pursuits, and embraces childlike faith, free from complexity.
Embracing Poverty of Spirit
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). This poverty of spirit involves recognizing one’s constant need for God’s guidance, strength, and presence. A believer should pray, “Lord, I need your guidance. Show me the way one step at a time,” maintaining a humble, dependent posture. This simplicity avoids hidden agendas and unsettled matters, much like keeping a home uncluttered for easy relocation. By living simply, believers can focus on God’s will without distractions, ensuring a clear path for spiritual growth.
Pursuing Purity of Heart
Purity of heart is vital for seeing God in every situation (Matthew 5:8). Unlike the ten spies who saw giants, Joshua and Caleb saw God’s power (Numbers 13:26-33), demonstrating pure eyes that focus on God rather than problems. Discouragement, a contagious force, often stems from impure perspectives that magnify obstacles. Believers must pray for pure eyes, thoughts, and hearts, especially in tempting environments. For example, in a textile shop, one might pray, “Lord, give me pure eyes and thoughts.” Practical steps, such as avoiding one-on-one meetings with the opposite sex unless accompanied, protect purity. When tempted, praying for the salvation of others redirects focus to God, as in, “Lord, save her soul.”
Guarding Eyes, Ears, and Speech
Purity extends to what one sees, hears, and speaks. Wandering eyes can lead to fixation, as illustrated by a brother whose eyeballs temporarily “locked,” symbolizing the danger of impure focus. Believers should pray, “Lord, protect my eyes so I can see your glory.” Ears must hear God’s voice, like Mary listening to Jesus, while speech should edify and be seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). By guarding these senses, believers maintain a pure heart, enabling heavenly wisdom to dwell within, as described in James 3:17.
Receiving Heavenly Wisdom
The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable (James 3:17). For this wisdom to reside, the mind must be renewed by God’s Word, as urged in Romans 12:2. A pure mind, untainted by worldly conformity, provides a landing place for divine wisdom, enabling believers to discern God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will without struggle. By bringing every thought into captivity (2 Corinthians 10:5), believers prevent idle or rebellious thoughts, ensuring their minds remain a workshop for God’s purposes rather than the devil’s.
Active Involvement in God’s Work
Active involvement in God’s work is the best antidote to backsliding. Idle time breeds temptation, but engaging in ministry—such as testifying in schools, colleges, or communities—keeps the heart focused on God. For example, after completing engineering studies, I spent two months traveling to Tamil Nadu’s southern tip, sharing the gospel in schools and colleges, which brought immense joy. Believers are urged to respond to God’s call, “Whom shall I send?” (Isaiah 6:8), with readiness, saying, “Here am I, Lord.” The harvest is plentiful, and laborers are needed.
Deep Commitment to God
Devotion is a deep, unwavering commitment to God, unshaken by trials, temptations, or difficulties. Nehemiah’s resolve, “Will a man like me run away?” (Nehemiah 6:11), reflects this loyalty to God’s purpose. Dedication aligns one’s will, desires, and affections with God, prioritizing His kingdom above all else. Starting and ending each day with God, meditating on His Word, and seeking His will foster this devotion. For example, a believer might pray, “Lord, what is the burden of your heart? What do you want me to do?”
Honoring God and His Word
The Bible begins with “In the beginning, God” (Genesis 1:1), and John 1:1 affirms that the Word was with God and was God. Immersing oneself in Scripture—reading, meditating, and memorizing it—provides guidance, protection, and fellowship. Honoring God’s Word is honoring God Himself, as the Holy Spirit inspires all Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). Believers should boldly carry their Bibles, pray publicly, and share their faith, even in secular settings. For instance, praying before meals and thanking God for provision can spark conversations about faith, as in, “Lord, feed the poor who lack food.”
Wholehearted Devotion
Loving God with all one’s heart, soul, strength, and mind (Mark 12:30) requires wholehearted devotion. Believers belong to God, not the devil, the world, or themselves. By making God the priority, they experience His honor in return. The commitment to simple, pure devotion ensures a life aligned with God’s purposes, free from the entanglements of worldly pursuits.
Bible References:
- Luke 10:42
- Hebrews 12:1-2
- Matthew 5:3
- Matthew 5:8
- Numbers 13:26-33
- Colossians 4:6
- James 3:17
- Romans 12:2
- 2 Corinthians 10:5
- Isaiah 6:8
- Nehemiah 6:11
- Genesis 1:1
- John 1:1
- 2 Timothy 3:16
- Mark 12:30
Conclude: Brother John Periera
The Essence of Devotion to Christ
The core of the conference’s teachings is devotion to Christ, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3. This devotion is likened to a betrothal to one husband—Christ, the heavenly Bridegroom and Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His people. The concern is that believers might be led astray by the serpent’s craftiness, losing the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. The focus must remain on loving Christ because He first loved us, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:14, where His love constrains and compels believers to live for Him.
Avoiding Distraction and False Gospels
The danger lies in being drawn to “another Jesus, another gospel, another spirit,” which dilutes true devotion. Believers must guard against distractions that shift focus from Christ, ensuring their hearts burn for Him alone. This devotion is not about fulfilling a list of tasks but about being gripped by love for the Savior, as in, “I found a Shepherd, a lover of my soul, and I want to love Him.”
Jesus’ Invitation to Rest
In Matthew 11:28-30 (Message version), Jesus invites those who are tired, worn out, or burned out on religion to come to Him. He promises to show them how to take real rest, walk with Him, and learn the “unforced rhythms of grace.” This invitation emphasizes Christ’s gentle, loving nature as a Shepherd who does not lay heavy or ill-fitting burdens on His people. By keeping company with Him, believers learn to live freely and lightly, anchored in His love.
Responding with Gratitude and Commitment
The conference concluded with a call to give thanks for God’s presence, anointing, and Word over the two days. Believers are encouraged to praise God for His love, care, and compassion, as well as for the truths that set them free from worldly lusts. The commitment is to trust God fully, relying on His promises and commands to live a life of devotion. For example, prayers like “Thank you, Father, for your love” and “We commit ourselves, Lord” reflect this response.
Bible References:
- 2 Corinthians 11:2-3
- 2 Corinthians 5:14
- Matthew 11:28-30
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