Image by Ghinzo from Pixabay Are you aware of your divine purpose for your life? Everyone has a purpose and assignments, but is it our Lord and King’s purpose for your life? Is it the reason you were brought to this earth?
Allow me to share with you the purpose that Saul the persecutor chose for his life. His purpose was to persecute the saints of the Lord God. It is what drove him. He believed in what he did and pursued it. In fact, Stephen was his first victim that we hear of in God’s Word. Stephen preached the Kingdom of the Lord God, not religion. People’s lives were changed and converted. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:3-8
It was because of the Kingdom message that Saul made it his purpose to persecute those who believed and embraced King Jesus. So he assisted in stoning Stephen. Saul made it his assignment to rid the world of Stephen and his message. Saul believed his purpose was good and he was good! The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. Acts 7:54-60 NLT Keep in mind, this wasn’t the Lord God’s purpose for Saul’s life, but one of his choosing. Saul made it his business to become an ambassador for evil. Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8 1-3
But when the King has a purpose and assignment for you in the future, nothing nor anyone can stop you from it… except you! So I will ask, is what you call your purpose your divine purpose for your life? Is it what you want to do, or what the Lord God has chosen for you to do? The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:4-8 Powerful! Divine purpose!
There are too many religious people who claim that the Lord God called them to preach, teach and pastor a church. They claim to have an assignment from the King. But where the Lord God leads, He provides! When the King has a purpose and assignment for you He will prepare you for it. You will never have to ask or beg for anything. It will already be prepared for you even before you ask. The Holy Spirit will put the spirit of giving in the hearts and minds of those He sends to give. He will draw them to you. In many cases it will be people you never even considered or from places you don’t even currently know. The Holy Spirit will bless others to bless you, just like He did with His early ambassadors. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. Acts 4:32-35
Have you noticed that throughout all the time of teaching His disciples, he never spent time teaching them how they should raise money to build their ministry and build a church or advertise to grow their church? If you have to “work it” to get money and people, it isn’t a divine purpose. That is a religious worldly mentality. Ministry has taken the supernatural power of the Lord God out of the plan. Don't make a plan and work it in your own strength! A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Ministry has become too materialist. People with a Kingdom mindset will never claim to own anything. They understand that He gives us access to whatever we need. They also know that if they don’t have access, they don’t actually need it to fulfill God’s divine purpose. These verses are the key answer, whether it is personally or ministry. His Kingdom/His righteousness, first and foremost in every decision:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:25-33
If you have been struggling for your needs in fulfilling what you believe to be your purpose, stop struggling and seek the Lord to reveal what your divine purpose is. It is religious training that thinks we are doing God’s work in endless struggle and without any progress. If you wonder why the Lord God isn't funding your dream, it isn't His divine purpose for you.
He has something far better for you. His divine assignment may look NOTHING like what is in your imagination. For a long time, I couldn’t think ministry beyond a pulpit, teaching and preaching. But we allowed the Father to guide us step by step into our divine purpose! And He has definitely done beyond anything we could imagine!
The Lord Jesus used the very people Saul was persecuting to start on his divine purpose and assignment. They were Believers in the Lord Jesus. Saul was so mentally blinded by his purpose of persecution and murder that King Jesus struck him down with physical blindness to get his attention! Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”
And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:10-16 Then Saul became known as Paul.
Keep in mind, before Paul could operate in His divine purpose and assignment, he had to be reborn again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The Lord used one of those whom Saul persecuted to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18
You may be surprised who the Lord will use to fulfill your divine purpose!
We are created with a desire to find our purpose for living in this world. But too many become consumed with a purpose that wasn’t their divine purpose. That purpose becomes a distraction from their divine purpose. It may be good, it may be great, but not the best because it is not God’s divine purpose. Don’t settle for less than God's best. Seek Him for wisdom and direction. Then be led by the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor.
Remember, it is your faith in the King’s Word that is your most valuable asset in God’s Kingdom.
All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
Allow me to share with you the purpose that Saul the persecutor chose for his life. His purpose was to persecute the saints of the Lord God. It is what drove him. He believed in what he did and pursued it. In fact, Stephen was his first victim that we hear of in God’s Word. Stephen preached the Kingdom of the Lord God, not religion. People’s lives were changed and converted. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:3-8
It was because of the Kingdom message that Saul made it his purpose to persecute those who believed and embraced King Jesus. So he assisted in stoning Stephen. Saul made it his assignment to rid the world of Stephen and his message. Saul believed his purpose was good and he was good! The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. Acts 7:54-60 NLT Keep in mind, this wasn’t the Lord God’s purpose for Saul’s life, but one of his choosing. Saul made it his business to become an ambassador for evil. Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8 1-3
But when the King has a purpose and assignment for you in the future, nothing nor anyone can stop you from it… except you! So I will ask, is what you call your purpose your divine purpose for your life? Is it what you want to do, or what the Lord God has chosen for you to do? The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 1:4-8 Powerful! Divine purpose!
There are too many religious people who claim that the Lord God called them to preach, teach and pastor a church. They claim to have an assignment from the King. But where the Lord God leads, He provides! When the King has a purpose and assignment for you He will prepare you for it. You will never have to ask or beg for anything. It will already be prepared for you even before you ask. The Holy Spirit will put the spirit of giving in the hearts and minds of those He sends to give. He will draw them to you. In many cases it will be people you never even considered or from places you don’t even currently know. The Holy Spirit will bless others to bless you, just like He did with His early ambassadors. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. Acts 4:32-35
Have you noticed that throughout all the time of teaching His disciples, he never spent time teaching them how they should raise money to build their ministry and build a church or advertise to grow their church? If you have to “work it” to get money and people, it isn’t a divine purpose. That is a religious worldly mentality. Ministry has taken the supernatural power of the Lord God out of the plan. Don't make a plan and work it in your own strength! A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Ministry has become too materialist. People with a Kingdom mindset will never claim to own anything. They understand that He gives us access to whatever we need. They also know that if they don’t have access, they don’t actually need it to fulfill God’s divine purpose. These verses are the key answer, whether it is personally or ministry. His Kingdom/His righteousness, first and foremost in every decision:
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:25-33
If you have been struggling for your needs in fulfilling what you believe to be your purpose, stop struggling and seek the Lord to reveal what your divine purpose is. It is religious training that thinks we are doing God’s work in endless struggle and without any progress. If you wonder why the Lord God isn't funding your dream, it isn't His divine purpose for you.
He has something far better for you. His divine assignment may look NOTHING like what is in your imagination. For a long time, I couldn’t think ministry beyond a pulpit, teaching and preaching. But we allowed the Father to guide us step by step into our divine purpose! And He has definitely done beyond anything we could imagine!
The Lord Jesus used the very people Saul was persecuting to start on his divine purpose and assignment. They were Believers in the Lord Jesus. Saul was so mentally blinded by his purpose of persecution and murder that King Jesus struck him down with physical blindness to get his attention! Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”
And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Acts 9:10-16 Then Saul became known as Paul.
Keep in mind, before Paul could operate in His divine purpose and assignment, he had to be reborn again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The Lord used one of those whom Saul persecuted to receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18
You may be surprised who the Lord will use to fulfill your divine purpose!
We are created with a desire to find our purpose for living in this world. But too many become consumed with a purpose that wasn’t their divine purpose. That purpose becomes a distraction from their divine purpose. It may be good, it may be great, but not the best because it is not God’s divine purpose. Don’t settle for less than God's best. Seek Him for wisdom and direction. Then be led by the Holy Spirit, our Kingdom Governor.
Remember, it is your faith in the King’s Word that is your most valuable asset in God’s Kingdom.
All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
