Understanding His Higher Purpose

“God be gracious to us and bless us,
and cause His face to shine upon us— Selah.
That Your way may be known on the earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
for You will judge the peoples with uprightness
and guide the nations on the earth. Selah.
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You.
The earth has yielded its produce;
God, our God, blesses us.
God blesses us,
that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Psalm 67:1-7

George Bennard accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of sixteen. He served for a time in the Salvation Army and was later ordained as a minister, leading many revivals throughout Michigan and New York. Then, in 1913, he experienced a time of extreme crises.

Bennard did what he had done for years - he turned to the Lord. He spent much time in prayer and Bible study, thinking deeply about the Cross. Wanting to share the truth he discovered, Bennard wrote his thoughts in verse form with music to accompany. His work is a spiritual legacy to believers everywhere, the beloved hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.”

The Lord used His dealings with one man to bless countless others. When God deals with us individually, He has a great purpose in mind. God blesses His children and works in their lives because He loves them dearly, and He wants His goodness to go even farther. His plan for you fits perfectly with His plan for the world.

Recognizing God’s overall plan is a key to a growing relationship with Him. You see yourself as He sees you, a much loved child with talents and gifts to use for His service. When you understand His higher purposes for your life, you are a useful tool in His hands.

Praise is not lip service. It’s an expression of your life.