Preparing a Personal Purpose Statement

Posted by rfathers on April 13, 2010

Defining Your Purpose In Life: “Who are You?” and “Why Do You Exist?”

Have you ever asked yourself those two questions, “Who am I?” and “Why do I exist?”

These two questions are focal points in the book, The Man In the Mirror: Solving 24 Problems That Men Face, By Patrick Morley.  In chapter five, “Purpose: Why Do I Exist?” Mr. Morley goes on to say that:

“The plain truth is that most men don’t know their purpose in life or their purpose is too small.  A man can do nothing more important than to wrestle with the purpose of his life.”

Here are a few important points that the author makes on this topic:

• The problem shows itself when we as men set goals, achieve them (or not achieve them), then set new goals – without achieving any lasting satisfaction.
• We should derive meaning and identity from understanding who we are in Christ. (Discussed in chapter four of the book, “Significance: The Search for Meaning and Purpose”).
• Once we know who are in Christ – then we can answer why we exist.
• God has a purpose for each of our lives – which is why we exist.
  • Knowing our purpose helps us to focus our lives.
• We also need to know the difference between purpose and goals.  Purpose gives direction to our goals. 
• A goal is an objective to achieve in the near term.  Generally, goals are measurable, to be achieved by a certain date (i.e. donate $100 to a children’s charity every month).  But goals are not always fixed.  They can also be qualitative (i.e. to be a good man).
• Purpose is why I exist – what my function is life is.  It is what God wants me to do for the long-term. 
• Purpose is where we should begin.  Then set goals to realize the purpose God established for your life.
  • Goals are what we do.  Purpose is why we do it.
• There are three levels of purpose:
  • Universal Purpose (for everyone) – to be saved by God and to glorify him through a holy life of faith, love, obedience and service.
  • Personal Purpose (the specific call for me) – a personal, unique and specific purpose for my life.  God reveals this to each of us and it will be consistent with God’s written Word.
  • Other Life Purposes (specific areas of each of our lives):
    • Relationship with God
    • Relationship with wife
    • Relationship with children
    • Relationship with parents, siblings, other family members
    • Other relationships
    • Use of gifts (ministry, serving, witnessing, encouraging, etc.)
    • Career and Education

How to Construct a Written Purpose Statement

1. Write down the Universal Purpose that everyone has from God – as you understand it.
2. Write down your Personal Purpose – as you understand what God has revealed to you.
3. Write down your Other Life Purposes – for the specific areas of your life.

For anything that you are uncertain about what God wants for you – Ask Him – and then listen.

Use the following example as a guideline to write each of the areas above.

My relationship with my children:

Purpose:  Be a Godly parent.

• Goal #1: Give my children a heart for God.  (The results are not always quantitatively measurable.  However, you will see (or not see) the results in the choices and the behavior of your children as they grow and mature.)
  • Steps: enroll my children in Christian schools.
  • Activities (this is measurable): have daily family devotions with prayer and Bible reading and study, attend church weekly.
• Goal #2: Set a Christian home environment.
  • Steps: display Christian attitudes and values towards others in what we say and in what we do towards others, emphasize Christian movies and other activities, monitor and limit use of the computer, television and other media.
  • Activities: socialize with other Christian families.
• Goal #3: Be a good example of Godliness.
  • Steps: maintain a personal walk with God myself, be sensitive to the impact I have on my children, listen when they talk.
• Goal #4: Have a close and mentoring relationship with my children.
  • Activities: spent time with them, talk with them. teach them, give them room to grow, give Godly direction without being be overly critical.

Print a copy of thie outline for Developing a Personal Purpose Statement.
 
Also see our blueprint for developing a Marriage Plan.

7 Immediate Benefits for Women Who Read Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter

Posted by rfathers on June 16, 2009

Joseph the Carpenter is a Great Role-Model for 21st Century Fatherhood. But, he is also a role model for women as his Godly life can be emulated by anyone who wants to get closer to God. Below are Seven Immediate Benefits for women who read the book, Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter.

1. Biblical Historical Purposes: Everyone can learn from the life of Joseph the Carpenter as he was one of the most important people in Jesus’ life and in God’s Plan for Salvation.
2. Apply the Principles: Women can apply the principles illuminated in the book in their personal lives and in their spiritual walk.
3. Lift Your Own Personal and Spiritual Standards: By using the example of Joseph the Carpenter, women will be encouraged to raise their own levels and be better in Christ.
4. Gain Self-Respect in Relationships: Women can learn what Godly men should be like so that they will not settle for less. They will know how they should be treated by men. As the men improve women will also be propelled to improve.
5. Wives Can Encourage Their Husbands: Wives can help their husbands follow Joseph example and become Godly men, husbands and fathers. Wives can encourage their husbands to be effective Godly leaders in the family.
6. Mothers Can Help Prepare Their Sons: By knowing what God expects of Godly men, husbands and fathers – mothers can help prepare their sons to live up to that Godly standard.
7. Study Guide for Women’s Groups: This book is good for discussion groups as it helps everyone dig deeper into the Bible and is an effective Bible Study tool.

Please see our website for addition information on the Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter. www.JosephTheCarpenterBook.com

Print this post as a 1-page pdf 7 Immediate Benefits for Women Who Read Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter

21st Century Fatherhood Role-Model

Posted by rfathers on May 15, 2009

Well, the books are finally available and we are giving them away at huge discounts.  This was a one-and-a-half year project to research, write and critique this book with a focus group – then – over the last three months I have worked on nothing but finishing re-writing this book, getting it formatted and printed.  But now, the 178 page paperback book, Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter: Examples of Godly Fatherhood is available at: www.JosephTheCarpenterBook.com.

Joseph the Carpenter was a great man of faith and is a perfect role-model for 21^st century fathers, one that is sorely needed at this time when fatherhood has been under attack and divorce amongst Christians is as prevalent as non-Christians.

What Role Did Joseph Have in Jesus’ Life?

As the earthly father to Jesus Christ, Joseph was a Godly man, a man of character, a loving husband, a family man, a teacher, a provider and a protector. In short, Joseph was a purpose-driven servant of God.

What Is the Book All About?

Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter is a challenging and exciting new motivational book for Fathers with ground-breaking analysis of the scant scriptures on this Great Man of Faith. It helps men gain a heightened understanding of Joseph’s history and education. It brings to life how he taught and coached the boy Jesus (like Eli did for Samuel). It presents eye-opening accounts of the Jewish background for many Biblical scenes. It provides seven uplifting principles that fathers and husbands can implement right now.

Who Wrote the Book?

The author, Akili Kumasi, attends church in Queens, New York. He is a devoted father of two young men and two daughters, a former college instructor and the author/editor of twelve books including four fatherhood books. Akili is the founder of the Reconciled Fathers Network, a ministry that helps separated-fathers become good and Godly parents (www.rFathers.Net).

Print a free copy of Chapter One

How Can You Get More Information?

Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter is available now at www.JosephTheCarpenterBook.com. Wholesale distribution is available at: Get Wholesale Prices.

Book List for the Joseph the Carpenter Focus Groups

Posted by rfathers on February 13, 2009

Below is a draft list for the Joseph the Carpenter Focus Groups. Please make suggestions for other books that can be included.

Initially, a Focus Group would read the first book, Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter.

Second, one book (choosen by the group) from each of the remaining categories (2 through 9) would be read – in order.

Third, after completion of the one book from each category, the group would start again with another book from each of the categories. This would continue for three rounds, until all the books have been read and discussed in the focus group.

Fourth, we will be adding more material as we continue to develop the Joseph the Carpenter Focus Groups.

See how the groups are organized and how to start a Focus Group in your area Joseph the Carpenter Focus Groups.

Please make your suggestions for the book list and give us any comments or questions below.

Thank you.

Akili Kumasi

Joseph the Carpenter Focus Group Book List

1. Joseph the Carpenter
   1. Fatherhood Principles of Joseph the Carpenter, Akili Kumasi
2. Be A Godly Man
   1. Maximized Manhood, Edwin Louis Cole
   2. Disciplines of a Godly Man, R. Kent Hughes
   3. The Man in the Mirror: Solving the 24 Problems Men Face, Patrick Morley
3. Be A Man of Character
   1. No More Excuses: Be the Man God Made You to Be, Tony Evans
   2. Every Man’s Battle, Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker
   3. The Character of a Man: Reflecting the Image of Jesus, Bruce Marchiano
4. Be a Loving Husband
   1. An Outrageous Commitment, Ron Elmore
   2. Communication, Sex and Money, Edwin Louis Cole
   3. Five Languages of Love, Gary Chapman
5. Be a Family Man
   1. Straight Talk to Men: Timeless Principles for Leading Your Family, James Dobson
   2. Developing a Servant’s Heart, Charles F. Stanley
   3. Accountable to God: Biblical Stewardship, Mike Whitmore
6. Be a Teacher
   1. The Strong-Willed Child, James Dobson
   2. Your Boy: Raising a Godly Son in an Ungodly World, Vicki Courtney
   3. Fathers & Daughters: Raising Polished Cornerstones, David Barrett & Elysse Barrett
7. Be a Provider
   1. Knowing the Economy of God, Thomas Meaglia
   2. Personal Finances, Larry Burkett
   3. Money Life Basics-Marriage & Children, Crown Financial Ministries
8. Be a Protector
   1. Blessing of A Father, Randy Brown
   2. The Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian
   3. Parenting Teens in a Confusing Culture, Mark Gregston
9. The Purpose Driven Father
   1. The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren
   2. Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men, Myles Munroe
   3. Husbands & Fathers: Rediscover the Creator’s Purpose for Men, Derek Prince

Print a copy of the book list: Joseph the Carpenter Focus Group book List.

See how the groups are organized and how to start a Focus Group in your area. Joseph the Carpenter Focus Groups.

Please make your suggestions for the book list and give us any comments or questions below.

Akili Kumasi
rFathers.Net