This Same Purpose

When the kingdom of God first made its grand entrance into the earth, many almost and actually missed it. They didn’t expect a kingdom whose king would surrender his own life. They didn’t expect a kingdom that would be invisible to the natural eye. They didn’t expect a kingdom that would instead of being a dwelling place, need a dwelling place in human hearts.

Leaders in all walks of life have great responsibility. Christian leaders especially, regardless of what vocation they choose, what stage of life they find themselves in, or what their past may look like, are positioned to be conduits of heavenly blessing here on earth.

What would happen for us if in the midst of our painful circumstances, we allow ourselves to lament and then let go? To process our pain and then move into a posture of praise? To start asking better questions of the character of God?

Developing an awareness of the brevity of life and of our great need for God, finding significance and fulfillment in him alone, and continually pursuing His wisdom are habits that the Holy Spirit teaches us.

During my visit to Iowa this Christmas, I stopped at an antique store, so full of old items both large and small I worried that knocking one thing over would bring the whole place down like dominos. And then I found a small, old book by Washington Irving…