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Purposeful

Exercising determination to stay on track until the goal is achieved.

Devotional Thought

Read Proverbs 1:1-7.

God inspired Solomon to write 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). The book of Proverbs contains almost 1,000 of his sayings. The Proverbs are short sentences based upon his long experience. All are morally uplifting and easy to remember. All are scientifically accurate, for there are no fables found in God’s Word. God had a number of purposes when He inspired Solomon to write the Proverbs. They include:

- To become wise

- To acquire understanding

- To receive instructions

- To become righteous

- To exhibit justice and equality

- To give prudence

- To gain knowledge and discretion

- To increase learning

- To listen to wise counsel

Character Counts For Quiet Time and Small Groups is written to help you become purposeful in your pursuit of character, gaining the wonderful benefits as noted in the Scriptures. The journey toward becoming a person of character is worthwhile. It has been said that ability may get you to the top, but character keeps you there. A person of character is marked by notable and conspicuous traits. Character cannot be purchased. It’s a quality of life lived. Horace Greeley said it this way, “Fame is a vapor. Popularity is an accident. Money takes wings. Those who cheer you today will curse you tomorrow. The only thing that endures is character.”

God has a purpose for your life. Simply follow His leading and you can accomplish it. Big or small, if it is God’s plan, it will be great. It’s been said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” In the New Testament, Saul (the persecutor) became Paul (the bondservant) when his character was greatly transformed through an encounter with God on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-31). Later in his writings, we see in Philippians 3:10-11 that his sole purpose is to know Christ and to follow Him obediently.

The first step toward becoming a person of character is to get on the Lord’s team. You can make that step today by simply praying this prayer, "Lord Jesus, I need you. I realize I'm a sinner, and I can't save myself. I need your mercy. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I repent on my sins and put my faith in you as Savior and Lord. Take control of my life, and help me to follow you in obedience. In Jesus' name. Amen.

As character takes root in your life, then you can confidently pursue God’s purpose for your life. We’ll be praying for you as you embark on this great journey.