This is why my blog has it’s name…

Every day is a gift.  It is precious and irreplaceable.  Time is the most valuable asset of all and so is your body.  You have one life, you have one body.  Take care of it and be grateful for each day and everything that you have.

Purpose, Principles and Passion is based on my thoughts, belief system and favorite verse, Hebrews 12:1-3

“Wherefore seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”                                                   Hebrews 12:1-3 KJV 1611

The first verse recalls the “Hall of Faith” in chapter 11 of many people of faith who are examples of people who had great faith against much odds, with human challenges and even flaws.  They are examples. “cloud of witnesses”.

Furthermore in this first verse it says “let us lay aside every weight, and sin which doth so easily best us” I believe it is saying lay aside our weaknesses, flaws, burdens, guilt, anxiety, sadness, and shame.  The weights of this world that occupy our minds, and drain our strength.  We have many examples of human beings in the bible that had many flaws, and challenges but lay aside those things and accomplished wonderous things.

Furthermore is the last part of the first verse; we are to experience life as though it is a race of endurance, however not to be taken as a race literally.  It is that we push forward with endurance and strength given by love, and the love for and by God.  To live in the present and not in the past.  To run forward taking advantage of the life God has given us. As an example, I use to run track and train in Karate.  It would get very tough during the race, training, or tournament.  There is a point that I’ve been completely exhausted and didn’t think I had anymore energy.  I wanted to quit, but then then I would be blessed with a second wind to go futher.  To go the extra mile.  It took training, it took perseverance, it also took patience but I would finish the race, finish the tournament.  Life is like a race, it takes patience, perseverance, and endurance.  There is no giving up in life.  God gave us His word, and He has given us talents and abilities.  Everyone has them and everyone can strengthen them to “run the race” and use them and bless others by them.

In the second verse it is said we should look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith for it was His joy to lay down His life for us and endure the cross for forgiveness of our sins.  We are not to forget what He has done for us, and that He loved us that much.  God cannot look upon sin, and Jesus endured the cross, death and resurrection and sits at the “right hand at the throne of God making intercession for us. Jesus was the payment for our sinful nature and sits at the right hand of the throne of God.  What Jesus did is a gift of eternal life, and a payment for our sins.  We are to look to Him in His teachings and wisdom to repent of our sins, and live as “new creatures.”  To be “born again” as Jesus said.  We live in a broken world, and we are imperfect beings.  Jesus is that hope and if we accept Him as that payment for sins, we live a more fulfilling and less burdomesome life.  That is why Christians call Him the “Blessed Assurance”.

The third verse further amplifies what Jesus went through, eventhough He may be contradicted, we should not grow weary and give up.  Jesus went through horrible torture, and the pain of death by crucifiction for everyone.  Don’t get weary, don’t lose hope.  He knows each of us, even before we were born.  He loved us so much and died so we could live, and have life more abduntantly.  He gave us the path to eternal life with Him and God.

We all have a purpose.  We were all made for God and He wants a relationship with us.  Our main purpose is to please Him.  He knows it is not going to be easy.  Hardship, challenges and obstacles will come.  In pleasing Him, we are to serve others, provide for our families, learn, teach, earn, and grow closer to Him.  Our purpose is to be more like Jesus.  To be merciful, thankful, kind, generous, and ambitious.

Each day I get up, I know I have a purpose.  I also have a lot of things to do and complete each day.  I try to arise in optimism for the gift that God has given to me for this day.  I try to remember to start in prayer, head for the fridge for an energy drink, or coffee and some fruit and yogart.  To eat a good lunch, dinner and make time to exercise.  I have a purpose to grow, to improve and to provide and teach my children and make a positive difference to my loved ones and others.  This is my purpose.

Purpose is not by itselft.  You need a road map I call principles.  Those written by God.  Those guidelines and compass lead my faith and learning. My principles come from the word of God.  It is the compass to life.  So are the help of many great scholars, teachers, and “solid” preachers.  It is not always easy to follow this compass.  That is why it is called “to run with patience that is set before us.”  It takes perseverance and endurance.

Passion comes from my belief that God wants to bless us and to live each day with passion.  To do what is good and what we love with passion.  Your work is to be done with passion.  To have a positive attitude that you will “run a good race”, and finish well.  You should be passionate in what you do.  Whether your a janitor or a doctor, a clerk, or a lawyer…   There is so much to be passionate about in the world.  New experiences, new joys, fulfillments yet to recieve and blessings to be granted.  I have a passion for life, helping others that have had similar challenges in life, and investing quality time with my kids, family, and friends.

I want to expand a little more on my own thoughts on passion.  I don’t adhere to a strict “churchy” interpetation of doctrine, rules and regulations that tend to be man made.  Jesus set us free to live life with passion. I rarely would rare a suit and tie to church.  I prefer a church that welcomes everyone and anyone no matter what they wear, what they make, or what they do.  Jesus came to us being born in a manager which was said to be more like a cave.  He ministered to all.  He demonstrated passion, compassion, empathy and grace growing up in a family of no wealth and social stature.

I like music, movies, the arts, theatre, and dancing.  Some denominations may be strict on those things.  However I believe that God wants us to enjoy the creative.  We were built to be creative.  There is some great music out there, thought provoking theatre performances, and good movies to watch, and if you feel like dancing, do it I say.  King David danced with gladness.  Just make sure it’s within the boundaries of good repore.

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I feel that Hebrews 12:1-3 is telling us how to sit aside things that can ways us down, and enjoy life, live it to it’s fulliest.  Launching each day with PURPOSE, navigating with PRINCIPLES, and exploring with PASSION.

I strongly believe if you think this way and apply the truths written in Gods word, you will be happier, and more successful in most everything you do.

Blessings,

DW

“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.”
-Earl Nightingale