What Youre Made For with Dr. Bryan McIntosh

Do you know what you're made for? Today's guest, Dr. Bryan McIntosh, helps us address the question of why we're here.   A native of Dalton, GA, Bryan McIntosh is a graduate of Duke University, later receiving his M.Div. from CIU and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Southern Seminary.    Understanding who God is, who we are in Him, and what His plan is for us sets us apart as believers. We discuss the shift from centering our purpose solely upon ourselves and what we can achieve to including the Lord's role as central in fulfilling why we are here.  Bryan shares his personal journey of seeking purpose post-graduation and cites Old and New Testament examples. He emphasizes God's consistent nature as faithful in fulfilling His promises. Dr. McIntosh recommends a message by Louie Giglio called "Finding Me in the Story of Thee." He notes the struggle many face when centering who we are in what we do instead of basing our identity on who we are in relationship with Christ. McIntosh states that our Creator is the only one who can accurately define who we are meant to be and the purpose for which we were made. Dr. McIntosh explains that unless we center our story in the Lord,  nothing will make any sense. We discuss the relational nature of faith in a loving Redeemer.  Bryan explores the correlation between purpose and relationship with God. Empowerment and direction flow from connection with the Lord.  McIntosh explains we all have a specific reason for which we were created.  He defines calling as much deeper than vocation. Bryan shares how he was ordained for ministry, but found his mission redirected from the pulpit to the business world. His overarching call did not depend upon a specific career placement. We discuss the greater importance of who we are and how we represent Christ. Our role as ambassadors transcends the titles and jobs under which we serve. Dr. Bryan McIntosh offers the following tips to discover and live out our purpose: Know your identity as defined in Scripture.  Accept your identity as a "new creation." Walk in the "good works" God prepared for us, as promised in Ephesians 2:10 Recognize the Lord provides what we need to live out our purpose Let go of shame, regret, unforgiveness of ourselves and others, and all the negatives which might hold us back

We discuss how we each have a unique purpose which works in concert with the gifts of others around us.

We also acknowledge the role of faith in stepping forward to fulfill our destiny when we cannot see the entire path ahead.

Bryan recommends staying in the Word and seeking counsel from wise believers. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God is for us and His character is good. Daily reminding ourselves of those truths will help us overcome fear and discouragement. 

McIntosh recommends seeking the Lord daily to avoid the traps of distraction. 

Connect with Bryan McIntosh at madeforeden.org and get a copy of his book, Made for Eden, wherever books are sold.

Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.   I would like to invite you to join The True Crime Mission Fields Program, a life-changing opportunity exclusively joining Christians who have married faith and true crime.   Featuring Chaplain Lori Prather, the products within the True Crime Mission Fields Program allow you to connect your passions and skills as Christians with practical service opportunities within the world of true crime.   You will begin to serve people in difficult circumstances, and have a greater impact in this world than you ever imagined possible.   Access your Free Report: Meet the Christian Who Married Faith with True Crime and receive up to 70% of any collection when you use this link https://www.theunlovelytruthtribe.com/uttylk22r3e?affiliate_id=3727901