My determined purpose

[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power out-flowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] that if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]. Philippians 3:10,11 AMP

How often do we take time in our 'busy' lives to stop and think, what is my purpose here on earth? Why I am here? Why am I doing this activity? Does it fit with my overall purpose? Are you just doing something because that is what you always do? Or because that is what your parents did? Or because that is what your friends are doing? What is your purpose?

In this passage from Philippians Paul is sharing about the change of purpose in his life after his personal meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Earlier in the passage of scripture he says, 

" Yes, all things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once through I had going for me is insignificant - dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. " Philippians 3:8 MSG

When we have a revelation of who Christ Jesus is and all He has done for us, our hearts are filled with a hunger for more of Him. The challenge in today's world is to keep that 'hunger' alive. So easily other 'things' can come into our hearts, trying to drown our 'hunger' for Christ. We need to be determined about our purpose, so that we can "progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with him."

Notice how the scripture says 'progressively'. Getting to know Christ more intimately is not an overnight process. It is a process driven by determined purpose. A process of making a decision to read God's word each day, asking Him to teach you more about himself. A process of spending time in God's presence, learning how to hear His voice. It is about prioritising time with God at the top of your To Do list. It is about making 'knowing Him' your determined purpose so that you can fulfill God's plan for you here on earth. 

Question for today, what is your determined purpose in life? If you are unsure what your determined purpose is, why not take some time today to sit quietly with Jesus and ask Him what it is? He has the answer..... I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.  He wrote this before you were born, in Jeremiah 29:11 MSG.