Made in His Image

“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV)
 

We are made in the image of God. Have you thought about it? You are made in the image of God. I am made in the image of God. The God of the universe. The God that created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26, NIV)

Not only did God make us in His image, but He also gave us power and dominion over everything in the land. In addition, God gave us a general purpose. He also gave us individual specific purposes.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:22, NIV)

God realized that we not only needed Him but we needed each other. We were created for companionship and relationship.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18, NIV)

It's in the relationship and companionship of marriage between a man and a woman that we learn about the true meaning of love, more about ourselves, as well as more about God and our covenant relationship with Him.

God created a good helpmate for the very first man. She was taken from his side. She was created to compliment him and help him in God's purpose and plan.

The same is true for most of God's children today. Most of us have a suitable helpmate who compliments us and was created for us in order to help fulfill God's purpose and plan for us.

"But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, He took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man." (Genesis 2:20b-22, NIV)

Bottom line: We are all made in His image. We have power and dominion in Jesus Christ. We have a general purpose. We have individual purposes in God's plan and sometimes also with a suitable helpmate.

 

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Finding Purpose

What is your purpose?  Do you know? 

God has a purpose for you.  God's general purpose for all of His children is to conform us or change us into the image of His Son, Jesus.  (Romans 8:29)  When God created you though, He had a specific purpose in mind for you.

Many people within the body of Christ either do not know their own purpose or do not pursue their personal purpose.  Thus, they do not fulfill their God-given purpose.  They are just content existing or living with the status quo which is really below God's high standards for them.

However, we can know our individual purposes.  With God's help, we can not only pursue our purposes but also fulfill our purposes.

How can you know your purpose?

For one, read God's word on a daily basis.  The more you read of His word, the more you will know about Him...His true nature/character.  In order to find your purpose, you have to get to know Him.  He will reveal His purpose for you through spending time with Him.

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."  (James 4:8a, NKJV) 

You can also get to know Him more through spending time in prayer.  (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Prayer is simply communicating with Him.  It is usually an exchange between you and God.  It is a time of speaking and listening to God as well as Him speaking and listening to you.

Another way to get to know God is through personal experience with Him.  The more that you go through with Him in life, the more you get to know Him as well as His heart for you and others.
 
Finally, pursuing the things of God will help you to know and find your purpose.  Sometimes, it is through trial and error that we find part of our purpose.  Get involved in a local church.  Take a PLACE assessment.  Do community service.  Join a Bible Study.

As long as you are seeking Him and His kingdom, He will help you along the way to finding your specific purpose.  (Matthew 6:33)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  (Romans 8:28, NIV)


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.