Hey City Church Greenfield family! I’m so excited to kick off our new series, "42: 42 Days of Purpose…Together." For the next six weeks, we’ll be diving deep into one of life’s biggest questions: What on earth am I here for?
To help us on this journey, we’re giving each family a free copy of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This book will be our guide as we explore the Scriptures together each week. It’s a fantastic resource to keep the conversation going at home and to stay connected as we discover God’s purpose for our lives.
Big Idea: Understanding Our Purpose Starts with God
The big idea for this week is that understanding our purpose starts with God. If we start anywhere else, we'll never find the real answer. Colossians 1:16b (MSG) says, “Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” This is a foundational truth we all need to hold onto.
Key Scriptures
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Ephesians 1:11 - "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”
These scriptures remind us that God has a specific plan and purpose for each of us. We’re not just wandering aimlessly through life; God has a direction for us, rooted in His love and wisdom.
Points to Ponder:
1. It All Starts with God:If you’ve ever felt lost or like you’re just going through the motions, know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there too—just surviving, not thriving. But things shifted when I realized that everything starts with God. He knows the plans He has for us, and those plans are good!
2. You Are Not an Accident:You might feel like just another person in the crowd, but you are uniquely created by God. You’re not an accident. Ephesians 1:11 tells us that we were chosen by God, and He has a purpose for each of us. It’s like a tapestry; our lives may feel messy at times, but from God’s perspective, it’s all part of a beautiful design.
3. Living for God on Purpose:True fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with God’s purposes. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." We might have our own plans, but God’s plans are so much better. It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual—you can try, but it’s frustrating and probably won’t end well. God’s Word is our manual, guiding us to where we need to be.
Action Steps for This Week
Read: Start reading Week 1 of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Reflect: Take some time to think about how your life aligns with God’s purpose. Where do you see His hand at work?
Act: Write down areas in your life where you feel aligned with God’s purpose and areas where you need more guidance. Take one small step this week to align more closely with His plan.
Discussion Questions
What does it mean to you that your purpose starts with God?
Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions in life? How did you find your way out of that?
What steps can you take this week to better align your life with God’s purposes?
Conclusion
As we begin this 42-day journey together, remember: discovering your purpose starts with God. You are not an accident. You are uniquely designed for a reason. And living for God’s purposes is where you’ll find true fulfillment.
Let’s walk this journey together, seeking God’s guidance and aligning our lives with His will. Remember, it’s not about you—it’s about Him. Let’s live like it!
Stay tuned for next week’s message as we continue this journey of discovering our God-given purpose. See you then!
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