Today, we gathered to celebrate Father's Day and reflect on God's profound purpose for each of our lives. The core of today's message centered on the importance of understanding and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. We emphasized that when men lose sight of their God-given purpose, it leads to frustration and ruin.
We delved into Proverbs 19:21, which teaches that while many are the plans in a man's heart, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. This scripture underscores the necessity of aligning our lives with God's purpose to achieve true fulfillment. We discussed how living outside of God's will leads to emptiness, regardless of worldly success.
We also explored seven principles of purpose that every man needs to know. These principles highlight that God is a God of purpose; everything He created has a purpose, and not every purpose is known to us. We must seek God to understand our purpose, and misuse of our lives leads to self-inflicted judgment. We emphasized that we must consult our Creator, not the creation, to discover our purpose.
Finally, we concluded with a call to action for men to value their lives and time, to seek God's purpose, and to live effectively by doing what they were created to do. We prayed for those who felt disconnected from their purpose and invited them to find fulfillment in God's plan.

### Key Takeaways

1. **Understanding God's Purpose**: Proverbs 19:21 teaches that while we may have many plans, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. This means that true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with God's purpose, not our own ambitions. When we live according to God's will, we find deep satisfaction and meaning in life. [53:51]

2. **The Importance of Seeking God**: To discover our purpose, we must seek God and not rely on our own understanding or the opinions of others. Proverbs 25:2 tells us that it is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out. This means that God delights in revealing His purpose to those who earnestly seek Him. [18:50]

3. **The Consequences of Misuse**: When we use our lives for purposes other than what God intended, it leads to self-inflicted judgment. Romans 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 6:13 illustrate that living outside of God's design results in inevitable consequences. Understanding and living out our God-given purpose prevents this misuse and the resulting pain. [23:55]

4. **God's Purpose Brings Fulfillment**: True fulfillment and satisfaction in life come from living out the purpose for which God created us. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created to do good works. When we align our lives with God's purpose, we experience a sense of fulfillment that cannot be achieved through worldly success alone. [34:47]

5. **Time is a Precious Commodity**: Time is the great equalizer, and how we use it determines our effectiveness in fulfilling God's purpose. Psalm 139:16 emphasizes that all our days are ordained by God. We must use our time wisely, doing what we are supposed to do when we are supposed to do it, living a life of purpose, and avoiding the regret of wasted time. [58:11]

### YouTube Chapters

BIBLE READING
1. **Proverbs 19:21** - "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
2. **Ephesians 2:10** - "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
3. **Psalm 139:16** - "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 19:21, what ultimately prevails over our own plans?
2. In Ephesians 2:10, what are we described as, and what were we created to do?
3. Psalm 139:16 speaks about God's knowledge of our days. What does this verse say about God's involvement in our lives even before we were born?

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that "the Lord's purpose prevails" (Proverbs 19:21) change the way we approach our personal goals and ambitions?
2. Ephesians 2:10 mentions that we are created for good works prepared in advance by God. How does this shape our understanding of our daily activities and responsibilities?
3. Reflecting on Psalm 139:16, how does knowing that all our days are ordained by God affect our view of time and how we use it?

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
1. Think about a time when your plans did not work out as you expected. How did you see God's purpose prevail in that situation?
2. What steps can you take this week to seek God's purpose for your life more earnestly, rather than relying on your own understanding or the opinions of others?
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel you might be misusing your time or talents. How can you realign this area with God's purpose for you?
4. How can you ensure that your daily activities and responsibilities are aligned with the good works God has prepared for you, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:10?
5. Reflect on how you spend your time each day. Are there specific changes you can make to use your time more effectively in fulfilling God's purpose for your life?
6. Consider a person in your life who seems to be struggling with understanding their purpose. How can you support and encourage them to seek God's purpose?
7. What practical steps can you take to avoid distractions that keep you from fulfilling God's purpose, as discussed in the sermon? How can you stay focused on doing the right things rather than just good things?

DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Day 1: Aligning with God's Purpose
Understanding God's purpose for our lives is essential for true fulfillment. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. This means that our ambitions and desires must be aligned with God's will to achieve deep satisfaction and meaning in life. When we live according to God's purpose, we find a sense of direction and fulfillment that transcends worldly success. It is crucial to seek God's guidance and align our lives with His divine plan to experience the fullness of life He intends for us. [53:51]

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to align your personal ambitions with God's purpose for your life?


Day 2: Seeking God for Purpose
To discover our God-given purpose, we must earnestly seek Him and not rely on our own understanding or the opinions of others. Proverbs 25:2 tells us that it is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out. This means that God delights in revealing His purpose to those who diligently seek Him. By spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking godly counsel, we can uncover the unique purpose God has for each of us. It is through this intentional pursuit of God that we find clarity and direction for our lives. [18:50]

Proverbs 25:2 (ESV): "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out."

Reflection: How can you make seeking God a daily priority in your life to better understand His purpose for you?


Day 3: Avoiding the Consequences of Misuse
When we use our lives for purposes other than what God intended, it leads to self-inflicted judgment and inevitable consequences. Romans 1:27 and 1 Corinthians 6:13 illustrate that living outside of God's design results in pain and emptiness. Understanding and living out our God-given purpose prevents this misuse and the resulting suffering. It is important to recognize that God's design for our lives is not restrictive but rather a path to true freedom and fulfillment. By aligning our actions with His will, we avoid the pitfalls of misuse and experience the abundant life He promises. [23:55]

Romans 1:27 (ESV): "And the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are living outside of God's design? How can you realign these areas with His purpose?


Day 4: Fulfillment in God's Purpose
True fulfillment and satisfaction in life come from living out the purpose for which God created us. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created to do good works. When we align our lives with God's purpose, we experience a sense of fulfillment that cannot be achieved through worldly success alone. This fulfillment is rooted in knowing that we are living according to God's plan and making a meaningful impact in the world. It is through this alignment with God's purpose that we find true joy and contentment. [34:47]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What are some ways you can use your unique gifts and talents to fulfill God's purpose in your life?


Day 5: Valuing Time as a Precious Commodity
Time is the great equalizer, and how we use it determines our effectiveness in fulfilling God's purpose. Psalm 139:16 emphasizes that all our days are ordained by God. We must use our time wisely, doing what we are supposed to do when we are supposed to do it, to live a life of purpose and avoid the regret of wasted time. Recognizing the value of time encourages us to prioritize our activities and focus on what truly matters. By being intentional with our time, we can ensure that we are living in alignment with God's purpose and making the most of every moment. [58:11]

Psalm 139:16 (ESV): "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

Reflection: How can you better manage your time to ensure you are living in alignment with God's purpose for your life?