As we complete Proverbs 19, we are reminded that whatever we do for others, it’s like doing for the Lord. Here’s the verse in full: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19: 17
The Lord regards it as a gift to Him.
As we read on, we find that not disciplining our children can make us a willing party to their destruction. Well, actually the word used is death, I added the word destruction.
If we discipline, we bring hope. Yep, that’s what it says.
“Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.” Proverbs 19: 18
Most parents do recognize that using discipline is loving their child. “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” Proverbs 19: 24
Hear my heart. I am not advocating beating your child. The word rod is a figure of speech for discipline of any kind. Disciplining is applied so that a path of destruction will not be followed.
The rod imparts wisdom and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
If we listen to advice and accept instruction, we will be wise. Being wise will help us to discern the Lord’s purpose, not just our plans. Man has many plans, but we want His purpose.
I believe that His purpose will bring about His plans as well.
So, if you are in a season of seeking purpose or direction from the Lord, ask Him for His purpose and He will help you implement His plans.
If we seek His prevailing purpose, it will release God’s plans.
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19: 21
God will give you the ability to articulate and accomplish those plans.
When we give God control over our lives He determines those steps. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16: 9
A God-driven purposed life will achieve, accomplish, and bring the fulfillment we are looking for.
So many are unfulfilled because their purpose is not being carried out.
I am learning that when we stop listening for His instruction we will stray and be without purpose.
God has a purpose for our lives and has called us.
“…Know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8: 28
This life is not about what we can achieve or accomplish.
It’s about remembering and fulfilling what He said long ago in the Old Testament, “...I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9: 16
The same call and purpose were repeated by the apostle Paul in the book of Romans 9:17 as God’s Sovereign choice for His beloved, His church.
So, what’s God’s choice?
God’s choice was to create us to carry out and complete His plan and purpose on earth.
“…Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as is it is heaven.:
Our purpose and call have already been revealed. It’s up to us to discover where we can complete that call and fulfill that purpose.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7: 7-8
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on My Beloved’s Voice
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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