Living on purpose is the only way to really live.
Once you know what God wants you to do, the blessing comes in actually doing it. There are many "good" things you can do with your life, but God's purposes are the five essentials you must do.
What is a Life Purpose Statement?
It's a statement that summarizes god's purpose for your life. A purpose statement is not a list of goals. Goals are temporary; purposes are eternal.
It's a statement that points the direction of your life. Writing down your purposes on paper will force you to think specifically about the path of your life.
It's a statement that defines "success"for you. It states what you believe is important, not what the world says is important.
It's a statement that clarifies your roles. You will have different roles at different stages in life, but your purposes will never change.
It's a statement that expresses your shape. It reflects the unique way God made you to serve him.
Life's Greatest Questions
What will be the center of your life? This is a question of worship. Whatever is the center of your life is your god.
What will be the character of my life. This is a question of discipleship. God is far more interested in what you are than what you do. It takes a lifetime to build Christlike character.
What will be the contribution of my life. This is the question of service. What will be your ministry in the Body of Christ? "This service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God."
What will be the communication of my life? This is the question of your mission to unbelievers. It should include your commitment to share your testimony and the Good News. "Be sure to live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ."
What will be the community of my life? This is the question of fellowship. How will you demonstrate your commitment to other believers and connection to the family of God?
God wants to use you. Will you serve God's purpose in your generation? "I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step." When fulfilling your purposes seems tough, don't give in to discouragement. remember your reward, which will last forever. PDL, Chapter #40
Great questions to ask.
We are charged with following all five purposes
"Love God with all your heart."
"Love your neighbor as yourself."
"You were created to become like Christ."
"You were shaped for serving God."
"You were made for a mission."
We
need to love and trust God. We need to pray. We need to be part of,
and support a spiritual community (physically, financially and
emotionally). We need to put others first. We need to use what God has given us, both good and bad, to witness to others. We are to become servants. Most importantly we are to use everything to bring others to Christ
Monday, February 27, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Sunday, Day #39, Balancing Your Life.
"Blessed are the Balanced.
God's five purposes for your life;
-"Love God with all your heart."
-"Love your neighbor as yourself."
-"Go and make disciples."
-"baptize them into..." identify with his church through fellowship.
-"teach them to do all things..." discipleship
Keeping the five purposes in balance is not easy. We tend to overemphasize the purposes we feel most passionate about and neglect the others.
Talk with your spiritual partner or small group. "put into practice what you have learned." A small.... group...can give and receive feedback,,.can discuss real life examples...can pray for, encourage and support each other.
Give yourself a spiritual check-up. For your spiritual health you need to regularly check the five vital signs of worship, fellowship, growth in character, ministry, and mission.
Write down your progress in a journal. This is not a diary of events, but a record of the life lessons you don't want to forget. Your life is a journey, and a journey deserves a journal.
Whenever problems occur, remember that God uses them to fulfill all five purposes in your life: Problems force you to focus on God, draw you closer to others in fellowship, build Christlike character, provide you with a ministry, and give you a testimony. Every problem is purpose driven.
Pass on what you know to others. If you want to keep growing, the best way to learn more is to pass on what you have already learned.
Now that you know the purpose of life, it is your responsibility to carry the message to others. The more you know, the more God expects you to use that knowledge to help others.
Knowledge increases responsibility
Imagine how different the world would be if everyone knew their purpose.
It's all for God's Glory. The reason we pass on what we learn is for the glory of God and the growth of his kingdom.
Today God calls each of us to the same work. not only does he want us to live out his purposes, he also wants us to help others do the same. God wants us to introduce people to Christ, bring them into fellowship." PDL. Chapter #39
For me, keeping a balance is definitely a challenge. It's easy to see myself learning and attempting to act for God's pleasure and I have had a 180 degree vision shift about my responsibilities in the church. I know that I want to become like Christ and that my life is to serve Him. This Christian life is still all so new to me, that the missionary part is still difficult for me to think about. It's much easier to see myself as a missionary in my present circumstances, than it is to see myself going overseas. Writing a journal of my life's experiences is also difficult, as I'm not a natural writer. I think a lot, but have never journaled. Doing all this and keeping it all balanced, so that I am attending to each area equally feels like a large assignment.
God's five purposes for your life;
-"Love God with all your heart."
-"Love your neighbor as yourself."
-"Go and make disciples."
-"baptize them into..." identify with his church through fellowship.
-"teach them to do all things..." discipleship
Keeping the five purposes in balance is not easy. We tend to overemphasize the purposes we feel most passionate about and neglect the others.
Talk with your spiritual partner or small group. "put into practice what you have learned." A small.... group...can give and receive feedback,,.can discuss real life examples...can pray for, encourage and support each other.
Give yourself a spiritual check-up. For your spiritual health you need to regularly check the five vital signs of worship, fellowship, growth in character, ministry, and mission.
Write down your progress in a journal. This is not a diary of events, but a record of the life lessons you don't want to forget. Your life is a journey, and a journey deserves a journal.
Whenever problems occur, remember that God uses them to fulfill all five purposes in your life: Problems force you to focus on God, draw you closer to others in fellowship, build Christlike character, provide you with a ministry, and give you a testimony. Every problem is purpose driven.
Pass on what you know to others. If you want to keep growing, the best way to learn more is to pass on what you have already learned.
Now that you know the purpose of life, it is your responsibility to carry the message to others. The more you know, the more God expects you to use that knowledge to help others.
Knowledge increases responsibility
Imagine how different the world would be if everyone knew their purpose.
It's all for God's Glory. The reason we pass on what we learn is for the glory of God and the growth of his kingdom.
Today God calls each of us to the same work. not only does he want us to live out his purposes, he also wants us to help others do the same. God wants us to introduce people to Christ, bring them into fellowship." PDL. Chapter #39
For me, keeping a balance is definitely a challenge. It's easy to see myself learning and attempting to act for God's pleasure and I have had a 180 degree vision shift about my responsibilities in the church. I know that I want to become like Christ and that my life is to serve Him. This Christian life is still all so new to me, that the missionary part is still difficult for me to think about. It's much easier to see myself as a missionary in my present circumstances, than it is to see myself going overseas. Writing a journal of my life's experiences is also difficult, as I'm not a natural writer. I think a lot, but have never journaled. Doing all this and keeping it all balanced, so that I am attending to each area equally feels like a large assignment.
Saturday, Day #38Becomming a World-Class Christian
"The Great Commission is your commission. You have a choice to make. you will be either a world-class Christian or a worldly Christian.
Worldly Christians look to God primarily for personal fulfillment. They are saved, but self-centered. Their prayers focus on their own needs, blessings, and happiness. It's a "me first" faith. They want to use God for their purposes instead of being used for his purposes.
In contrast, world-class Christians know they were saved to serve and made for a mission. They are eager to receive a personal assignment and excited about the privilege of being used by God. They wake up each morning expecting God to work through them in fresh ways.
Getting involved as a world class Christian will allow you to experience a little of what heaven will be like in advance.
To be a world class Christian you must make some mental shifts. Your perspective and attitudes must change. Shift from self-centered thinking to other-centered thinking.
Begin asking the Holy Spirit to help you to think of the spiritual need of unbelievers whenever you talk to them. Your goal is to figure out where others are in their spiritual journey and then do whatever will bring them a step closer to knowing Christ.
Shift from local thinking to global thinking. "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours."
The first way to start thinking globally is to begin praying for specific countries. Prayer is the most important tool for your mission in the world. People may refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. The Bible tells us to pray for opportunities to witness, for courage to speak up, for those who will believe, for the rapid spread of the message, and for more workers.
I urge you to save and do whatever it takes to participate in a short-term mission trip overseas as soon as possible.
"Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out."
Shift from thinking of excuses to thinking of creative ways to fulfill your commission. "'Don't say that,' the Lord replied, 'for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you.'"
We are all called to fulfill God's five purposes for our lives: to worship, to fellowship, to grow like Christ, to serve, and to mission with God in the world.
The Great Commission is your commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life of significance."
PDL, Chapter #38
Ever since becoming a Christian, I have felt myself shifting from being self-centered in my thinking to being other-centered in my thinking. This fully involved Christian life is still so new to me that world missions trips seem very far away at this point.
Worldly Christians look to God primarily for personal fulfillment. They are saved, but self-centered. Their prayers focus on their own needs, blessings, and happiness. It's a "me first" faith. They want to use God for their purposes instead of being used for his purposes.
In contrast, world-class Christians know they were saved to serve and made for a mission. They are eager to receive a personal assignment and excited about the privilege of being used by God. They wake up each morning expecting God to work through them in fresh ways.
Getting involved as a world class Christian will allow you to experience a little of what heaven will be like in advance.
To be a world class Christian you must make some mental shifts. Your perspective and attitudes must change. Shift from self-centered thinking to other-centered thinking.
Begin asking the Holy Spirit to help you to think of the spiritual need of unbelievers whenever you talk to them. Your goal is to figure out where others are in their spiritual journey and then do whatever will bring them a step closer to knowing Christ.
Shift from local thinking to global thinking. "This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours."
The first way to start thinking globally is to begin praying for specific countries. Prayer is the most important tool for your mission in the world. People may refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. The Bible tells us to pray for opportunities to witness, for courage to speak up, for those who will believe, for the rapid spread of the message, and for more workers.
I urge you to save and do whatever it takes to participate in a short-term mission trip overseas as soon as possible.
"Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out."
Shift from thinking of excuses to thinking of creative ways to fulfill your commission. "'Don't say that,' the Lord replied, 'for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don't be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and take care of you.'"
We are all called to fulfill God's five purposes for our lives: to worship, to fellowship, to grow like Christ, to serve, and to mission with God in the world.
The Great Commission is your commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life of significance."
PDL, Chapter #38
Ever since becoming a Christian, I have felt myself shifting from being self-centered in my thinking to being other-centered in my thinking. This fully involved Christian life is still so new to me that world missions trips seem very far away at this point.
Friday, Day #37 Sharing Your life Message
"God has given you a Life message to share. "Your lives are echoing the Master's Word...The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything more--you're the message!" 1 Thessalonians 1:8
God wants to speak to the world through you.
Your Life Message includes your testimony. Your testimony is the story of how Christ has made a difference in your life. He wants you to share your story with others. Sharing your testimony is an essential part of your mission on earth because it is unique.
Personal stories are also easier to relate to than principles, and people love to hear them. Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to theirs.
Your testimony:
1, What my life was like before I met Jesus.
2, How I realized I needed Jesus.
3, How I committed my life to Jesus.
4, The difference Jesus has made in my life.
Your life Message includes your life lessons. The second part of your life message is the truths that God has taught you from experiences with him. We must learn from the life lessons of one another. The Bible says, " A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than....jewelry made of the finest gold."
Your Life Message includes sharing your godly passions. God passionately loves some things and passionately hates other things. As you grow closer to him, he will give you a passion for something he cares about deeply so you can be a spokes man for him in the world.
You cannot keep yourself from talking about what you care most.
God gives some people a godly passion to champion a cause. God uses passionate people to further his kingdom. God gives us different passions so that everything he wants done in the world will get done.
We must listen to and value each other's life message because nobody can say it all.
Your Life Message includes the Good News. "the Good News shows how God makes people right with himself--that it begins and ends with faith.
The Good News is that when we trust God's grace to save us through what Jesus did, our sins are forgiven, we get a purpose for living, and we are promised a future home in heaven.
Most important, you must learn to love lost people the way God does. God has never made a person he didn't love. Everybody matters to him.
We must care about unbelievers because God does. Love leaves no choice. As long as you know one person who doesn't know Christ, you must keep praying for them, serving them in love, and sharing the Good News.
What are you willing to do so that the people you know will go to heaven? Invite them to church? Share your story? Give them this book? Take them a meal? Pray for themevery day until they are saved?
Your mission field is all around you. Don't miss the opportunities God is giving you.
Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you? Will anyone in heaven be able to say to you , "I want to thank you. I'm here because you cared enough to share the Good News with me"?
That's why spreading the Good News is so important; you only have a short time to share your life message and fulfill your mission." PDL, Chapter #37
Once again I had not thought of things in this light. I have been testifying as opportunities present themselves (not to the extent listed above). During those times, I have thought that I would be much better at testifying when I learn (and retain) more, when I can quote scripture passages. Now I see "my story" as something much more important to relate to others, than any passage I can quote.
God wants to speak to the world through you.
Your Life Message includes your testimony. Your testimony is the story of how Christ has made a difference in your life. He wants you to share your story with others. Sharing your testimony is an essential part of your mission on earth because it is unique.
Personal stories are also easier to relate to than principles, and people love to hear them. Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to theirs.
Your testimony:
1, What my life was like before I met Jesus.
2, How I realized I needed Jesus.
3, How I committed my life to Jesus.
4, The difference Jesus has made in my life.
Your life Message includes your life lessons. The second part of your life message is the truths that God has taught you from experiences with him. We must learn from the life lessons of one another. The Bible says, " A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than....jewelry made of the finest gold."
Your Life Message includes sharing your godly passions. God passionately loves some things and passionately hates other things. As you grow closer to him, he will give you a passion for something he cares about deeply so you can be a spokes man for him in the world.
You cannot keep yourself from talking about what you care most.
God gives some people a godly passion to champion a cause. God uses passionate people to further his kingdom. God gives us different passions so that everything he wants done in the world will get done.
We must listen to and value each other's life message because nobody can say it all.
Your Life Message includes the Good News. "the Good News shows how God makes people right with himself--that it begins and ends with faith.
The Good News is that when we trust God's grace to save us through what Jesus did, our sins are forgiven, we get a purpose for living, and we are promised a future home in heaven.
Most important, you must learn to love lost people the way God does. God has never made a person he didn't love. Everybody matters to him.
We must care about unbelievers because God does. Love leaves no choice. As long as you know one person who doesn't know Christ, you must keep praying for them, serving them in love, and sharing the Good News.
What are you willing to do so that the people you know will go to heaven? Invite them to church? Share your story? Give them this book? Take them a meal? Pray for themevery day until they are saved?
Your mission field is all around you. Don't miss the opportunities God is giving you.
Is anyone going to be in heaven because of you? Will anyone in heaven be able to say to you , "I want to thank you. I'm here because you cared enough to share the Good News with me"?
That's why spreading the Good News is so important; you only have a short time to share your life message and fulfill your mission." PDL, Chapter #37
Once again I had not thought of things in this light. I have been testifying as opportunities present themselves (not to the extent listed above). During those times, I have thought that I would be much better at testifying when I learn (and retain) more, when I can quote scripture passages. Now I see "my story" as something much more important to relate to others, than any passage I can quote.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, Day #36 Made for a Mission
"You were made for a mission. God wants you to have both a ministry in the body of Christ and a mission in the world. Your ministry is your service to believers, and your mission is your service to unbelievers.
Fulfilling your mission in the world is God's fifth purpose for your life.
Being a Christian includes being sent into the world as a representative of Jesus Christ. What is that mission? Introducing people to God!
Five purposes. God created us: to love him, to be part of his family, to become like him, to serve him, and to tell others about him.
Fulfilling your life mission on earth is an essential part of living for God's gory:
Your mission is a continuation of Jesus' mission on earth. "Go to tell the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you." You are the only Christian some people will ever know, and your mission is to share Jesus with them.
Your mission is a wonderful privilege. Although it is a big responsibility, it is also an incredible honor to be used by God.
Telling others how they can have eternal life is the greatest thing you can do for them. We have the greatest news in the world, and sharing it is the greatest kindness you can show anyone.
Your mission has eternal significance. It will impact the eternal destiny of other people, so it's more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth.
Your mission gives your life meaning. That is why we must live purpose driven lives-lives committed to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry, and fulfilling our mission on earth. The results of these activities will last- forever!
If just one person will be in heaven because of you, your life will have made a difference for eternity.
God's timetable for history's conclusion is connected to the completion of our commission.
To fulfill your mission will require that you abandon your agenda and accept God's agenda for your life.
"Father....I want your will, not mine." The Bible says, "Give yourselves completely to God-every part of you...to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes."
PDL Chapter #36
If we accept Christ and do nothing further, we will have wasted the gift of eternity. For me it's like being given an entire warehouse full of food. When the keys are handed to me, I'm told "This gift is yours, but I'd like you to repay me for this gift by giving away all the food you can, to everyone you can. I ask that you tell them about me and my gift to you, but what you choose to do with this gift is entirely up to you. You can keep it all for yourself and tell no one, the gift was given to you. Or, you can feed an endless number of people with my gift. The choice is yours."
If just one person will be in heaven because of you, your life will have made a difference for eternity.
Fulfilling your mission in the world is God's fifth purpose for your life.
Being a Christian includes being sent into the world as a representative of Jesus Christ. What is that mission? Introducing people to God!
Five purposes. God created us: to love him, to be part of his family, to become like him, to serve him, and to tell others about him.
Fulfilling your life mission on earth is an essential part of living for God's gory:
Your mission is a continuation of Jesus' mission on earth. "Go to tell the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you." You are the only Christian some people will ever know, and your mission is to share Jesus with them.
Your mission is a wonderful privilege. Although it is a big responsibility, it is also an incredible honor to be used by God.
Telling others how they can have eternal life is the greatest thing you can do for them. We have the greatest news in the world, and sharing it is the greatest kindness you can show anyone.
Your mission has eternal significance. It will impact the eternal destiny of other people, so it's more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth.
Your mission gives your life meaning. That is why we must live purpose driven lives-lives committed to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry, and fulfilling our mission on earth. The results of these activities will last- forever!
If just one person will be in heaven because of you, your life will have made a difference for eternity.
God's timetable for history's conclusion is connected to the completion of our commission.
To fulfill your mission will require that you abandon your agenda and accept God's agenda for your life.
"Father....I want your will, not mine." The Bible says, "Give yourselves completely to God-every part of you...to be tools in the hands of God, to be used for his good purposes."
PDL Chapter #36
If we accept Christ and do nothing further, we will have wasted the gift of eternity. For me it's like being given an entire warehouse full of food. When the keys are handed to me, I'm told "This gift is yours, but I'd like you to repay me for this gift by giving away all the food you can, to everyone you can. I ask that you tell them about me and my gift to you, but what you choose to do with this gift is entirely up to you. You can keep it all for yourself and tell no one, the gift was given to you. Or, you can feed an endless number of people with my gift. The choice is yours."
If just one person will be in heaven because of you, your life will have made a difference for eternity.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Wednesday, Day #35, God's Power is Your Weakness.
"God loves to use weak people. Everyone has weakness. In fact, you have a bundle of flaws and imperfections; physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. A weakness is any limitation that you inherited or have no power to change.
Usually we deny our weakness, defend them, excuse them, hide them and resent them. This prevents God from using them the way he desires.
God has a different perspective on your weakness....He wants to use your weakness for his glory.
Your weaknesses are not an accident. God deliberately allowed them in your life for the purpose of demonstrating his power through you.
That God uses imperfect people is encouraging news for all of us. the Bible is filled with examples of how God loves to use imperfect, ordinary people to do extraordinary things in spite of their weakness.
Admit your weakness. If you want God to use you, you must know who God is and know who you are.
Be content with your weaknesses. "I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses."
Weaknesses... cause us to depend on God. " ...the less I have, the more I depend on him." Our limitations show how much we need each other. When we weave the weak strands of our lives together, a rope of great strength is created.
Our weaknesses also prevent arrogance. God often attaches a major weakness to a major strength to keep our egos in check.
Most of all, our weaknesses increase our capacity for sympathy and ministry. We are far more likely to be compassionate and considerate of the weaknesses of others.
Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.
Honestly share your weaknesses. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more God will be able to use you in serving others. Vulnerability is emotionally liberating. Opening up relieves stress, defuses your fears and is the first step to freedom.
Humility is being honest about your weaknesses.
But when they see God using you in spite of your weaknesses, it encourages them to think. "maybe God can use me!"
At some point in your life you must decide whether you want to impress people, or influence people.
Sometimes God turns strength into weakness in order to use us even more. If you want God to bless you and use you greatly, you must be willing to walk with a limp the rest of your life, because God uses weak people." PDL Chapter #35
I can easily relate to this chapter, with regards to hiding my weaknesses. I would much rather put up a strong confident face, than to admit what is really going on. Reading this chapter turns that around; the more honest I am about my weaknesses, the more other people will do the same. Expressing weakness can be a great strength. It's a good thing that God uses imperfect, ordinary people, if not, the standard would be too high for most of us. Very good chapter, it turns my thinking around 180 degrees.
Usually we deny our weakness, defend them, excuse them, hide them and resent them. This prevents God from using them the way he desires.
God has a different perspective on your weakness....He wants to use your weakness for his glory.
Your weaknesses are not an accident. God deliberately allowed them in your life for the purpose of demonstrating his power through you.
That God uses imperfect people is encouraging news for all of us. the Bible is filled with examples of how God loves to use imperfect, ordinary people to do extraordinary things in spite of their weakness.
Admit your weakness. If you want God to use you, you must know who God is and know who you are.
Be content with your weaknesses. "I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses."
Weaknesses... cause us to depend on God. " ...the less I have, the more I depend on him." Our limitations show how much we need each other. When we weave the weak strands of our lives together, a rope of great strength is created.
Our weaknesses also prevent arrogance. God often attaches a major weakness to a major strength to keep our egos in check.
Most of all, our weaknesses increase our capacity for sympathy and ministry. We are far more likely to be compassionate and considerate of the weaknesses of others.
Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.
Honestly share your weaknesses. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more God will be able to use you in serving others. Vulnerability is emotionally liberating. Opening up relieves stress, defuses your fears and is the first step to freedom.
Humility is being honest about your weaknesses.
But when they see God using you in spite of your weaknesses, it encourages them to think. "maybe God can use me!"
At some point in your life you must decide whether you want to impress people, or influence people.
Sometimes God turns strength into weakness in order to use us even more. If you want God to bless you and use you greatly, you must be willing to walk with a limp the rest of your life, because God uses weak people." PDL Chapter #35
I can easily relate to this chapter, with regards to hiding my weaknesses. I would much rather put up a strong confident face, than to admit what is really going on. Reading this chapter turns that around; the more honest I am about my weaknesses, the more other people will do the same. Expressing weakness can be a great strength. It's a good thing that God uses imperfect, ordinary people, if not, the standard would be too high for most of us. Very good chapter, it turns my thinking around 180 degrees.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Tuesday, Day #34, Thinking Like a Servant
"Service starts in your mind. To be a servant requires a mental shift, a change in your attitudes. God is always more interested in why we do something than in what we do.
The five mindsets of real servants;
Servants think more about others than about themselves. It's only when we forget ourselves that we do things that deserve to be remembered.
Real servants don't try to use God for their purposes. They let God use them for his purposes. Self-denial is the core of servanthood.
"If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life."
Servants think like stewards, not owners. Servants remember that God owns it all. "The one thing required of such servants is that they be faithful to their master." How are you handling the resources God has entrusted to you?
To become a real servant you are going to have to settle the issue of money in your life. Jesus said, "No servant can serve two masters....you cannot serve both God and money."
All your time belongs to God. He insists on exclusive allegiance, not part time faithfulness.
Money has the greatest potential to replace God in your life. God uses money to test your faithfulness as a servant. Kingdom Builders try to make as much money as they can, but they do it in order to give it away. They use the wealth to fund God's church and it's mission in the world.
Servants think about their work, not what others are doing. There's no place for petty jealousy between servants. When you're busy serving, you don't have time to be critical.
Real servants don't complain of unfairness, don't have pity-parties, and don't resent those not serving. They just trust God and keep serving.
Servants base their identity in Christ. Servants don't have to prove their worth.
Only secure people can serve. In order to serve...we have to give up measuring our meaning and value with the yardstick of others. "The only approval that counts is the Lord's approval."
Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation. They enjoy helping people, meeting needs, and doing ministry. They "serve the Lord with gladness." PDL Chapter #34
It's really hard to think (consistently) more about others than myself. I need to connect in my mind that serving is a joyful obligation. If I can really make it joyful, it will no longer be an obligation, it will just be fun, something I want to do. "No servant can serve two masters.", God owns it all.
All your time belongs to God. He insists on exclusive allegiance, not part time faithfulness. That is a really difficult line to internalize.
The five mindsets of real servants;
Servants think more about others than about themselves. It's only when we forget ourselves that we do things that deserve to be remembered.
Real servants don't try to use God for their purposes. They let God use them for his purposes. Self-denial is the core of servanthood.
"If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life."
Servants think like stewards, not owners. Servants remember that God owns it all. "The one thing required of such servants is that they be faithful to their master." How are you handling the resources God has entrusted to you?
To become a real servant you are going to have to settle the issue of money in your life. Jesus said, "No servant can serve two masters....you cannot serve both God and money."
All your time belongs to God. He insists on exclusive allegiance, not part time faithfulness.
Money has the greatest potential to replace God in your life. God uses money to test your faithfulness as a servant. Kingdom Builders try to make as much money as they can, but they do it in order to give it away. They use the wealth to fund God's church and it's mission in the world.
Servants think about their work, not what others are doing. There's no place for petty jealousy between servants. When you're busy serving, you don't have time to be critical.
Real servants don't complain of unfairness, don't have pity-parties, and don't resent those not serving. They just trust God and keep serving.
Servants base their identity in Christ. Servants don't have to prove their worth.
Only secure people can serve. In order to serve...we have to give up measuring our meaning and value with the yardstick of others. "The only approval that counts is the Lord's approval."
Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation. They enjoy helping people, meeting needs, and doing ministry. They "serve the Lord with gladness." PDL Chapter #34
It's really hard to think (consistently) more about others than myself. I need to connect in my mind that serving is a joyful obligation. If I can really make it joyful, it will no longer be an obligation, it will just be fun, something I want to do. "No servant can serve two masters.", God owns it all.
All your time belongs to God. He insists on exclusive allegiance, not part time faithfulness. That is a really difficult line to internalize.
Monday, Day #33, How Real Servants Act
"We serve God by serving others.
"Whoever wants to be great must become a servant". Mark 10:43
You can tell what they are by what they do. Matthew 7:16
God determines your greatness by how many people you serve.
We would rather be generals than privates. Even Christians want to be "servant-leaders," not just plain servants....to be like Jesus is to be a servant.
Knowing your shape is important...having the heart of a servant is even more important. God often tests our hearts by asking us to serve in ways we're not shaped....While you may not be gifted for a particular task, you may be called to do it if no one gifted at it is around.
Six characteristics of real servants;
Real servants make themselves available to service. They do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient.
Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don't get to pick and choose when or where you serve. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God's servant, interruptions won't frustrate you as much.
Real servants pay attention to needs.
Great opportunities to serve never last long. They pass quickly, sometimes never to return again. You may only get one chance to serve that person, so take advantage of the moment.
"Do all you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can." John Wesley
Real servants do the best with what they have. They don't make excuses, procrastinate, or wait for better circumstances.
Real servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do, servants "do it with all their heart." The size of the task is irrelevant. The only issue is, does it need to be done?
You will never arrive at a state in life where you're too important to help with menial tasks....It is in these small services that we grow like Christ. Your servant's heart is revealed in little acts that others don't think of doing.
The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants.
Real servants are faithful to ministry. Faithful servants never retire. They serve faithfully as long as they're alive....you will never retire from serving God.
Real servants maintain a low profile. They "put on the apron of humility, to serve one another."
Self-promotion and servanthood don't mix.
Being in the spotlight blinds you. Even the smallest service is noticed by God and will be rewarded."
PDL Chapter #33
There is a lot of material to think about in this chapter. I like to think I'm available to God, but I'm not available 24 hours a day. If God put something obvious in front of me, sure I'm available, any day, any time, but if I'm running late, or tired, or it's dark out and what's to do is small, I'm more likely to keep to my schedule, or just drive on by. In my black & white thinking, there are more than enough needs in my own community to fill a full life, without ever making it to church to help out. A lot to think about.
"Whoever wants to be great must become a servant". Mark 10:43
You can tell what they are by what they do. Matthew 7:16
God determines your greatness by how many people you serve.
We would rather be generals than privates. Even Christians want to be "servant-leaders," not just plain servants....to be like Jesus is to be a servant.
Knowing your shape is important...having the heart of a servant is even more important. God often tests our hearts by asking us to serve in ways we're not shaped....While you may not be gifted for a particular task, you may be called to do it if no one gifted at it is around.
Six characteristics of real servants;
Real servants make themselves available to service. They do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient.
Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don't get to pick and choose when or where you serve. Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God's servant, interruptions won't frustrate you as much.
Real servants pay attention to needs.
Great opportunities to serve never last long. They pass quickly, sometimes never to return again. You may only get one chance to serve that person, so take advantage of the moment.
"Do all you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can." John Wesley
Real servants do the best with what they have. They don't make excuses, procrastinate, or wait for better circumstances.
Real servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do, servants "do it with all their heart." The size of the task is irrelevant. The only issue is, does it need to be done?
You will never arrive at a state in life where you're too important to help with menial tasks....It is in these small services that we grow like Christ. Your servant's heart is revealed in little acts that others don't think of doing.
The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants.
Real servants are faithful to ministry. Faithful servants never retire. They serve faithfully as long as they're alive....you will never retire from serving God.
Real servants maintain a low profile. They "put on the apron of humility, to serve one another."
Self-promotion and servanthood don't mix.
Being in the spotlight blinds you. Even the smallest service is noticed by God and will be rewarded."
PDL Chapter #33
There is a lot of material to think about in this chapter. I like to think I'm available to God, but I'm not available 24 hours a day. If God put something obvious in front of me, sure I'm available, any day, any time, but if I'm running late, or tired, or it's dark out and what's to do is small, I'm more likely to keep to my schedule, or just drive on by. In my black & white thinking, there are more than enough needs in my own community to fill a full life, without ever making it to church to help out. A lot to think about.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday, Day #32, Using What God Gave You
"What you are is God's gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God. Danish proverb
God deserves your best. He shaped you for a purpose, and he expects you to make the most of what you have been given.
The best use of your life is to serve God out of your shape.....learn to accept and enjoy it, and develop it to its fullest potential. Don't let another day go by. Start finding out and clarifying what God intends for you to be and do.
Ask questions like these; Where have I seen fruit in my life that other people confirmed? Where have I already been successful?
The best way to discover your gifts and abilities is to experiment with different areas of service. Until you are actually involved in serving, you're not going to know what you're good at.
What do I really enjoy doing the most? When do I feel the most fully alive? What am I doing when I loose track of time?
We rarely see God's good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. Only in hindsight do we understand how God intended a problem for good. Extracting the lessons from your experiences takes time.
Your shape was sovereignly determined by God for his purpose, so you shouldn't resent it or reject it.
Part of accepting your shape is recognizing your limitations. Nobody is good at everything, and no one is called to be everything. The word boundaries refers to the fact that God assigns each of us a field or sphere of service. Your shape determines your speciality.
"run with patience the particular race that God has set before us." Don't be envious of the runner in the lane next to you; just focus on finishing your race. The Bible warns us never to compare ourselves with others: "Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others."
"in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point."
"if my life is fruitless, it doesn't matter who praises me, and if my life is fruitful. it doesn't matter who criticizes me."
We are to cultivate our gifts and abilities, keep our hearts aflame, grow our characher and personality, and broaden our experiences so we will be increasingly more effective in our service. Use the ability you've got and God will increase it. Don't settle for a half-developed gift. Stretch yourself and learn all you can. Take advantage of every training opportunity to develop your shape and sharpen your serving skills."
PDL Chapter #32
I'm good at listening to people and sorting through what they say. This is why I'm good at sales. I'm a good baker and never found more joy at work, than when I was in a bakery, but I couldn't make a living at it. I recognize that I am a servant leader. In many group settings, people look to me for leadership. I've always assumed that that was because I cared about the group, but had no ego desire to lead it. So, I've got a lot of areas to sort through and see what God wants me to be doing.
God deserves your best. He shaped you for a purpose, and he expects you to make the most of what you have been given.
The best use of your life is to serve God out of your shape.....learn to accept and enjoy it, and develop it to its fullest potential. Don't let another day go by. Start finding out and clarifying what God intends for you to be and do.
Ask questions like these; Where have I seen fruit in my life that other people confirmed? Where have I already been successful?
The best way to discover your gifts and abilities is to experiment with different areas of service. Until you are actually involved in serving, you're not going to know what you're good at.
What do I really enjoy doing the most? When do I feel the most fully alive? What am I doing when I loose track of time?
We rarely see God's good purpose in pain or failure or embarrassment while it is happening. Only in hindsight do we understand how God intended a problem for good. Extracting the lessons from your experiences takes time.
Your shape was sovereignly determined by God for his purpose, so you shouldn't resent it or reject it.
Part of accepting your shape is recognizing your limitations. Nobody is good at everything, and no one is called to be everything. The word boundaries refers to the fact that God assigns each of us a field or sphere of service. Your shape determines your speciality.
"run with patience the particular race that God has set before us." Don't be envious of the runner in the lane next to you; just focus on finishing your race. The Bible warns us never to compare ourselves with others: "Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of. But don't compare yourself with others."
"in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point."
"if my life is fruitless, it doesn't matter who praises me, and if my life is fruitful. it doesn't matter who criticizes me."
We are to cultivate our gifts and abilities, keep our hearts aflame, grow our characher and personality, and broaden our experiences so we will be increasingly more effective in our service. Use the ability you've got and God will increase it. Don't settle for a half-developed gift. Stretch yourself and learn all you can. Take advantage of every training opportunity to develop your shape and sharpen your serving skills."
PDL Chapter #32
I'm good at listening to people and sorting through what they say. This is why I'm good at sales. I'm a good baker and never found more joy at work, than when I was in a bakery, but I couldn't make a living at it. I recognize that I am a servant leader. In many group settings, people look to me for leadership. I've always assumed that that was because I cared about the group, but had no ego desire to lead it. So, I've got a lot of areas to sort through and see what God wants me to be doing.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Saturday Day #31, Understanding Your Shape
"Only you can be you. God designed each of us so there would be no duplication in the world.
If you don't make your unique contribution to the body of Christ; it won't be made.
Abilities
All abilities come from God. Part of the church's responsibility is to identify and release your abilities for serving God.
Every ability can be used for God's glory. "there are different abilities to preform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service." God has a place in his church where your specialties can shine and you can make a difference. It's up to you to find that place.
What I'm able to do, God wants me to do. No one else can play your role, because they don't have the unique shape that God has given you. To discover God's will for your life, you should seriously examine what you are good at doing and what you're not good at.
Your abilities were not given just to make a living; God gave them to you for your ministry.
Whatever you're good at, you should be doing for the church!"
Personality
"God works through different people in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purpose through them all."
Your personality will determine how and where you use your spiritual gifts.
When you minister in a manner consistent with the personality God gave you, you experience fulfillment, satisfaction and fruitfulness.
Experiences
Your greatest ministry will likely come out of your greatest hurt.
The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in your life-the ones you've wanted to hide and forget-are the experiences God wants to use to help others. They are your ministry.!
What will you do with what you have been through? Don't waste your pain; use it to help others."
PDL Chapter #31
If I don't do it, it won't be done. Someone else could take my place, but the result would not be the same. I need to use my talents to serve. "What I'm able to do, God wants me to do." I've done many things in my life and have had many experiences. I need to think about what my talents may be and then combine them with my experiences and see what God wants me to do.
If you don't make your unique contribution to the body of Christ; it won't be made.
Abilities
All abilities come from God. Part of the church's responsibility is to identify and release your abilities for serving God.
Every ability can be used for God's glory. "there are different abilities to preform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service." God has a place in his church where your specialties can shine and you can make a difference. It's up to you to find that place.
What I'm able to do, God wants me to do. No one else can play your role, because they don't have the unique shape that God has given you. To discover God's will for your life, you should seriously examine what you are good at doing and what you're not good at.
Your abilities were not given just to make a living; God gave them to you for your ministry.
Whatever you're good at, you should be doing for the church!"
Personality
"God works through different people in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purpose through them all."
Your personality will determine how and where you use your spiritual gifts.
When you minister in a manner consistent with the personality God gave you, you experience fulfillment, satisfaction and fruitfulness.
Experiences
Your greatest ministry will likely come out of your greatest hurt.
The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in your life-the ones you've wanted to hide and forget-are the experiences God wants to use to help others. They are your ministry.!
What will you do with what you have been through? Don't waste your pain; use it to help others."
PDL Chapter #31
If I don't do it, it won't be done. Someone else could take my place, but the result would not be the same. I need to use my talents to serve. "What I'm able to do, God wants me to do." I've done many things in my life and have had many experiences. I need to think about what my talents may be and then combine them with my experiences and see what God wants me to do.
Friday, Day #30, Shaped for Serving God.
"You were shaped to serve God. Each of us was uniquely designed, or "shaped" to do certain things.
Before God created you, he determined what role he wanted you to play on earth. You are a custom designed masterpiece.
He planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. "Every day of your life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
Whenever God gives us an assignment, he always equips us with what we need to accomplish it. This custom combination of capabilities is called your SHAPE;
Spiritual gifts
Heart
Abilities
Personality
Experience
SHAPE; Unwrapping your spiritual gifts.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS You can't earn your spiritual gifts or deserve them...Neither do you get to choose which gifts you'd like to have.
Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit of others.
God planned it this way so we would need each other.
An unopened gift is worthless.
HEART Your heart represents the source of all your motivation-what you love to do and what you care about most. Your heart reveals the real you.. Your heart determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.
Another word for heart is passion. Your emotional heartbeat is the second key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests.
How do you know when you are serving God from your heart? The first telltale sign is enthusiasm. When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you or challenge you or check up on you.
The second characteristic of serving from your heart is effectiveness. Passion drives perfection. If you don't care about a task, it is unlikely that you will excel at it.
Remember, the greatest things in life are not things. Meaning is far more important than money.
Figure out what you love to do-what God gave you a heart to do-and then do it for his glory." PDL Chapter #30
I have a hard time equating "free will" with "Every day of your life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." It sounds like they are contrary. I think the key is
"he determined what role he wanted you to play", it doesn't say the role you were going to play. Since we have free will, we can do whatever we want. I think that God has lots of things he wants us to do and puts situations and things before us, so we will do his will. If we don't do his will, his plan is ever changing to get us on track. It's very interesting to think that I have unique gifts and that I have a predetermined part to play. My favorite line today is "An unopened gift is worthless."
Before God created you, he determined what role he wanted you to play on earth. You are a custom designed masterpiece.
He planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. "Every day of your life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."
Whenever God gives us an assignment, he always equips us with what we need to accomplish it. This custom combination of capabilities is called your SHAPE;
Spiritual gifts
Heart
Abilities
Personality
Experience
SHAPE; Unwrapping your spiritual gifts.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS You can't earn your spiritual gifts or deserve them...Neither do you get to choose which gifts you'd like to have.
Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit of others.
God planned it this way so we would need each other.
An unopened gift is worthless.
HEART Your heart represents the source of all your motivation-what you love to do and what you care about most. Your heart reveals the real you.. Your heart determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.
We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These are clues to where you should be serving.
Another word for heart is passion. Your emotional heartbeat is the second key to understanding your shape for service. Don't ignore your interests.
How do you know when you are serving God from your heart? The first telltale sign is enthusiasm. When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you or challenge you or check up on you.
The second characteristic of serving from your heart is effectiveness. Passion drives perfection. If you don't care about a task, it is unlikely that you will excel at it.
Remember, the greatest things in life are not things. Meaning is far more important than money.
Figure out what you love to do-what God gave you a heart to do-and then do it for his glory." PDL Chapter #30
I have a hard time equating "free will" with "Every day of your life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." It sounds like they are contrary. I think the key is
"he determined what role he wanted you to play", it doesn't say the role you were going to play. Since we have free will, we can do whatever we want. I think that God has lots of things he wants us to do and puts situations and things before us, so we will do his will. If we don't do his will, his plan is ever changing to get us on track. It's very interesting to think that I have unique gifts and that I have a predetermined part to play. My favorite line today is "An unopened gift is worthless."
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday, Day #29 Accepting Your Assignment
"You were put on earth to make a contribution. You weren't created just to consume resources...and take up space. God designed you to make a difference with your life.
It is God himself who has made us what we are...he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephesians 2:10
You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it. God wants you to give something back.
"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were ever born, I set you apart for special work." You were placed on the planet for a special assignment."
You're not saved by service, but you are saved for service.
Loving service to others shows that we are truly saved. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.
God says every member of his family is a minister. In the Bible, the words servant and minister are synonyms, as are service and ministry.
Once you are saved, God intends to use you for his goals. God has a ministry for you in his church and a mission for you in the world.
Anytime you are using your God given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling. Each of us has a role to play, and every role is important. There is no small service to God; it all matters.
For Christians, service is not optional, something to be tacked onto our schedules if we can spare the time. It is the heart on the Christian life.
It is not enough to learn more and more. We must act on what we know and practice what we claim to believe.
To all excuses God will respond, "Sorry, wrong answer. I created, saved, and called you and commanded you to live a life of service. What part did you not understand?.... It will mean a loss of eternal rewards.
God wants you to love and serve others unselfishly. What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived." PDL Chapter 29
So, if you are keeping a tally, so far, your purpose is;
1, You were planned for God's pleasure,
2, You were formed for God's Family
3, You were created to become like Christ.
4, You were Shaped for Serving God.
This is a really tough one for me, because I see things in black and white. If I'm called to account for the gifts I've been given, I've failed miserably. To all excuses God will respond, "Sorry, wrong answer." Without a huge effort, I can give more time to the church, but what does the effort required matter...we were "commanded...to live a life of service." "Service is not optional". Beyond that, if I truly believed in service, I could quit my job, sell my house and devote my life to helping the poor, but I'm not going to do that. I have been blessed so far beyond what I deserve, that I can't relate to; "There is no small service to God; it all matters.". The way I serve, I feel like a millionaire tossing a quarter to a beggar. If the sum total of how I've used my life determines where I am in heaven ... "It will mean a loss of eternal rewards.", then I guess I'll end up in the ghetto of heaven. I got in because I was saved, but that's about it. I don't deserve a place at the table.
It is God himself who has made us what we are...he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephesians 2:10
You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it. God wants you to give something back.
"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were ever born, I set you apart for special work." You were placed on the planet for a special assignment."
You're not saved by service, but you are saved for service.
Loving service to others shows that we are truly saved. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.
God says every member of his family is a minister. In the Bible, the words servant and minister are synonyms, as are service and ministry.
Once you are saved, God intends to use you for his goals. God has a ministry for you in his church and a mission for you in the world.
Anytime you are using your God given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling. Each of us has a role to play, and every role is important. There is no small service to God; it all matters.
For Christians, service is not optional, something to be tacked onto our schedules if we can spare the time. It is the heart on the Christian life.
It is not enough to learn more and more. We must act on what we know and practice what we claim to believe.
To all excuses God will respond, "Sorry, wrong answer. I created, saved, and called you and commanded you to live a life of service. What part did you not understand?.... It will mean a loss of eternal rewards.
God wants you to love and serve others unselfishly. What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived." PDL Chapter 29
So, if you are keeping a tally, so far, your purpose is;
1, You were planned for God's pleasure,
2, You were formed for God's Family
3, You were created to become like Christ.
4, You were Shaped for Serving God.
This is a really tough one for me, because I see things in black and white. If I'm called to account for the gifts I've been given, I've failed miserably. To all excuses God will respond, "Sorry, wrong answer." Without a huge effort, I can give more time to the church, but what does the effort required matter...we were "commanded...to live a life of service." "Service is not optional". Beyond that, if I truly believed in service, I could quit my job, sell my house and devote my life to helping the poor, but I'm not going to do that. I have been blessed so far beyond what I deserve, that I can't relate to; "There is no small service to God; it all matters.". The way I serve, I feel like a millionaire tossing a quarter to a beggar. If the sum total of how I've used my life determines where I am in heaven ... "It will mean a loss of eternal rewards.", then I guess I'll end up in the ghetto of heaven. I got in because I was saved, but that's about it. I don't deserve a place at the table.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Wednesday, Day #28, It Takes Time.
"Everything on earth has its own time and its own season. Ecclesiastes 3:1
There are no shortcuts to maturity.
Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time.
While we worry about how fast we grow, God is concerned about how strong we grow.
Discipleship is the process of conforming to Christ. Christlikeness is your eventual destination, but the journey will last a lifetime.
So far we have seen that the journey involves believing (through worship), belonging (through fellowship) and becoming (through discipleship). Every day God wants you to become a little more like him.
God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness.
The Bible says; "our lives gradually become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him."
Why does it take so long? Although God could instantly transform us....he prefers to work in incremental steps in our lives.
We are slow learners. We need repeated exposure.
We have a lot to unlearn. Since most of our problems-and all of our bad habits-didn't develop overnight, it's unrealistic to expect them to go away immediately.
We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves. The truth will set you free, but it often makes us miserable first. You cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.
Growth is often painful and scary.
There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. Every change involves a loss of some kind.
Habits take time to develop. Your character is the sum total of your habits. There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character; You must practice them-and that takes time.
Don't get in a hurry.
Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it. "Everything on earth has its own time and its own season."
Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned. Write down the insights and life lessons God teaches you about him, about yourself, about life, relationships, and everything else. "It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off."
Be patient with God and with yourself. God's timetable is rarely the same as ours. There are no Easy Steps to Maturity or Instant Sainthood.
A delay is not a denial from God.
Remember how far you've come, not how far you have to go." PDL Chapter 28
OK, I know that I'm screwed up and I really want to change, TODAY. It seems like 5 minutes ago that I accepted Christ as my savior and now, 5 minutes later, I want to quote Scripture and be able to defend my faith in an argument. This chapter is telling me that it's all in God's time, that I have to be patient. OK, ok, I'm working on it. The most significant lines for me are; A delay is not a denial from God. and Remember how far you've come, not how far you have to go." Both of those are huge for me and what I need to keep reminding myself of. I have come a long way, I'm excited and I have a long way to go. But, God's not done with me yet.
There are no shortcuts to maturity.
Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time.
While we worry about how fast we grow, God is concerned about how strong we grow.
Discipleship is the process of conforming to Christ. Christlikeness is your eventual destination, but the journey will last a lifetime.
So far we have seen that the journey involves believing (through worship), belonging (through fellowship) and becoming (through discipleship). Every day God wants you to become a little more like him.
God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness.
The Bible says; "our lives gradually become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him."
Why does it take so long? Although God could instantly transform us....he prefers to work in incremental steps in our lives.
We are slow learners. We need repeated exposure.
We have a lot to unlearn. Since most of our problems-and all of our bad habits-didn't develop overnight, it's unrealistic to expect them to go away immediately.
We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves. The truth will set you free, but it often makes us miserable first. You cannot grow without a humble, teachable attitude.
Growth is often painful and scary.
There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. Every change involves a loss of some kind.
Habits take time to develop. Your character is the sum total of your habits. There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character; You must practice them-and that takes time.
Don't get in a hurry.
Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it. "Everything on earth has its own time and its own season."
Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned. Write down the insights and life lessons God teaches you about him, about yourself, about life, relationships, and everything else. "It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off."
Be patient with God and with yourself. God's timetable is rarely the same as ours. There are no Easy Steps to Maturity or Instant Sainthood.
A delay is not a denial from God.
Remember how far you've come, not how far you have to go." PDL Chapter 28
OK, I know that I'm screwed up and I really want to change, TODAY. It seems like 5 minutes ago that I accepted Christ as my savior and now, 5 minutes later, I want to quote Scripture and be able to defend my faith in an argument. This chapter is telling me that it's all in God's time, that I have to be patient. OK, ok, I'm working on it. The most significant lines for me are; A delay is not a denial from God. and Remember how far you've come, not how far you have to go." Both of those are huge for me and what I need to keep reminding myself of. I have come a long way, I'm excited and I have a long way to go. But, God's not done with me yet.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Tuesday Day #27, Defeating Temptation
"There is always a way out.
God has promised never to allow more on you than he puts within you to handle it.
The four keys to defeating temptation:
Refocus your attention on something else. Since temptation always begins with a thought, the quickest way to neutralize its allure is to turn your attention to something else.. Don't fight the thought, just change the channel of your mind and get interested in another idea. The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind.
We naturally move toward whatever we focus our attention on. Temptation begins by capturing your attention.
To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied with God's word and other good thoughts.
Reveal your struggle to a godly friend. "You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone...If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble."
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Problems grow in the dark and become bigger and bigger, but when exposed to the light of truth, they shrink. Satan wants you to think that your sin and temptation are unique so you must keep them a secret. The truth is, we're all in the same boat.
Resist the Devil.
1, Accept God's salvation.
2, Use the word of God as your weapon against Satan. If you don't have any Bible verses memorized, you've got no bullets in your gun.
Realize your vulnerability. We are good at fooling ourselves. We must never let down our guard and think we're beyond temptation. Don't carelessly place yourself in tempting situations. Avoid them. Remember that it is easier to stay out of temptation than to get out of it." PDL Chapter #27
We are surrounded by temptation and need to be constantly aware of it. Since all temptation begins with a thought, I need to be vigilant about refocusing my attention as soon as temptation enters.
God has promised never to allow more on you than he puts within you to handle it.
The four keys to defeating temptation:
Refocus your attention on something else. Since temptation always begins with a thought, the quickest way to neutralize its allure is to turn your attention to something else.. Don't fight the thought, just change the channel of your mind and get interested in another idea. The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind.
We naturally move toward whatever we focus our attention on. Temptation begins by capturing your attention.
To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied with God's word and other good thoughts.
Reveal your struggle to a godly friend. "You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone...If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble."
"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Problems grow in the dark and become bigger and bigger, but when exposed to the light of truth, they shrink. Satan wants you to think that your sin and temptation are unique so you must keep them a secret. The truth is, we're all in the same boat.
Resist the Devil.
1, Accept God's salvation.
2, Use the word of God as your weapon against Satan. If you don't have any Bible verses memorized, you've got no bullets in your gun.
Realize your vulnerability. We are good at fooling ourselves. We must never let down our guard and think we're beyond temptation. Don't carelessly place yourself in tempting situations. Avoid them. Remember that it is easier to stay out of temptation than to get out of it." PDL Chapter #27
We are surrounded by temptation and need to be constantly aware of it. Since all temptation begins with a thought, I need to be vigilant about refocusing my attention as soon as temptation enters.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Monday, Day #26 Growing Through Temptation
"Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.
Temptation simply provides a choice. Every time you choose to do good instead of sin, you are growingin the character of Christ.
God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you're temped to express the exact opposite quality! Character development always involves a choice, and temptation provides that opportunity.
Joy is based on your relationship to God.
Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus.
All temptation follows the same four step pattern;
1, Satan identifies a desire inside you. Temptation starts when Satan suggests (with a thought) that you give in to an evil desire. Satan whispers, "You deserve it" Temptation begins within us.
2, Doubt. Satan tries to get you to doubt what god has said about sin; Is it really wrong?
3, Deception. Satan says...You can get away with it, No one will ever know. It will solve your problem. Besides, everyone else is doing it.
4, Disobedience. You finally act on the thought you've been toying with in your mind. "We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our evil desires."
Overcoming Temptation
Refuse to be intimidated. You will never outgrow temtation. It is also a normal part of being human and living in a fallen world. Don't be surprised or shocked or discouraged by it.
"When you are tempted"...not if.
Actually, the closer you grow to God, the more Satan will try to tempt you. Satan fears your prayers and will try anything to stop them.
Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it. "Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping"
Ask yourself;
When am I most tempted?
Where am I most tempted?
Who is with me when I'm most tempted?
How do I usually feel when I'm most tempted?
You should identify your typical pattern of temptayion and then prepare to avoid those situations as much as possible. Wise planning reduces temptation.
Request God's help. "Call on me in times of trouble, I will rescue you, and you will honor me." Temptations keep us dependant on God.
Every time you stand up to temptation you become more like Jesus." PDL Chapter 26
I never thought of temptation as an opportunity to do good. Temptation offers us a choice, a choice to make the right decision. I also thought temptation was something I could avoid, but I learn here that the Devil will continue to put it before me. Not only will he put it before me, but it will be talor made for my exact weaknesses. Very insightful to say this is normal, to be expected and to prepare for it. For a start, I need to stay away from people, places & things that will tempt me. After that, I need to watch out, be alert, because the closer I get to God, the harder the Devil will work to tempt me. Lastly (and to begin with), I need to talk to God and ask his help in fighting off temptation.
Temptation simply provides a choice. Every time you choose to do good instead of sin, you are growingin the character of Christ.
God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you're temped to express the exact opposite quality! Character development always involves a choice, and temptation provides that opportunity.
Joy is based on your relationship to God.
Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus.
All temptation follows the same four step pattern;
1, Satan identifies a desire inside you. Temptation starts when Satan suggests (with a thought) that you give in to an evil desire. Satan whispers, "You deserve it" Temptation begins within us.
2, Doubt. Satan tries to get you to doubt what god has said about sin; Is it really wrong?
3, Deception. Satan says...You can get away with it, No one will ever know. It will solve your problem. Besides, everyone else is doing it.
4, Disobedience. You finally act on the thought you've been toying with in your mind. "We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our evil desires."
Overcoming Temptation
Refuse to be intimidated. You will never outgrow temtation. It is also a normal part of being human and living in a fallen world. Don't be surprised or shocked or discouraged by it.
"When you are tempted"...not if.
Actually, the closer you grow to God, the more Satan will try to tempt you. Satan fears your prayers and will try anything to stop them.
Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it. "Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping"
Ask yourself;
When am I most tempted?
Where am I most tempted?
Who is with me when I'm most tempted?
How do I usually feel when I'm most tempted?
You should identify your typical pattern of temptayion and then prepare to avoid those situations as much as possible. Wise planning reduces temptation.
Request God's help. "Call on me in times of trouble, I will rescue you, and you will honor me." Temptations keep us dependant on God.
Every time you stand up to temptation you become more like Jesus." PDL Chapter 26
I never thought of temptation as an opportunity to do good. Temptation offers us a choice, a choice to make the right decision. I also thought temptation was something I could avoid, but I learn here that the Devil will continue to put it before me. Not only will he put it before me, but it will be talor made for my exact weaknesses. Very insightful to say this is normal, to be expected and to prepare for it. For a start, I need to stay away from people, places & things that will tempt me. After that, I need to watch out, be alert, because the closer I get to God, the harder the Devil will work to tempt me. Lastly (and to begin with), I need to talk to God and ask his help in fighting off temptation.
Sunday, Day #25 Transformed by Trouble
"God has a purpose behind every problem.
Life is a series of problems. Not all of them are big, but all are significant in God's growth process for you.
God uses problems to draw you closer to himself. "The lord is close to the heartbroken; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit".
It is during suffering that we learn to pray our most authentic, heartfelt, honest-to-God prayers. When we're in pain, we don't have the energy for superficial prayers. We learn things about God in suffering that we can't learn any other way.
You'll never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got.
Because God is sovereignty in control, accidents are just incidents in God's good plan for you. Because every day of your life was written on God's calendar before you were born, everything that happens to you has spiritual significance.
Romans 8:28-29
"We know" God is in complete control of our universe and the he loves us.
"that God causes" There's a grand designer
"everything" God's plan for your life involves all that happens to you.
"to work together" Not separately or independently
"for the good" God specializes in bringing good out of it.
"of those who love God and are called" This promise is only for God's children. It is not for everyone.
"according to his purpose" God's purpose is that we become like his Son.
Every problem is a character building opportunity. "We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character.
The Bible says Jesus "learned obedience through suffering" and "was made perfect through suffering."
Remember that God's plan is good. It is vital that you stay focused on God's plan, not your pain or problem. "If we are to share his glory, we must share his suffering. What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later."
God tells us to give thanks "in all circumstances" not "for all circumstances." Rejoice "in the Lord." No matter what's happening. We can also rejoice in knowing that God is going through the pain with us....he enters into our suffering. God will never leave us on our own.
Character building is a slow process. If you are having trouble right now, don't ask, "Why me?" Instead ask, "what do you want me to learn." PDL Chapter 25
For me as a new Christian, this chapter is very scary. My life is wonderful! I have day to day issues and problems, but nothing of significance. My reading this chapter suggests that life will become difficult for me in order for God to test my faith and build my character. I'm afraid about that. I hope and pray that when it happens, that I can stay focused on God's plan, rather than my trial ans ask what it is that I am supposed to learn from the trial. Giving thanks in all circumstances is an amazing thing for me and something I will continue to work on. Here is a great video clip regarding this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Life is a series of problems. Not all of them are big, but all are significant in God's growth process for you.
God uses problems to draw you closer to himself. "The lord is close to the heartbroken; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit".
It is during suffering that we learn to pray our most authentic, heartfelt, honest-to-God prayers. When we're in pain, we don't have the energy for superficial prayers. We learn things about God in suffering that we can't learn any other way.
You'll never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got.
Because God is sovereignty in control, accidents are just incidents in God's good plan for you. Because every day of your life was written on God's calendar before you were born, everything that happens to you has spiritual significance.
Romans 8:28-29
"We know" God is in complete control of our universe and the he loves us.
"that God causes" There's a grand designer
"everything" God's plan for your life involves all that happens to you.
"to work together" Not separately or independently
"for the good" God specializes in bringing good out of it.
"of those who love God and are called" This promise is only for God's children. It is not for everyone.
"according to his purpose" God's purpose is that we become like his Son.
Every problem is a character building opportunity. "We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character.
The Bible says Jesus "learned obedience through suffering" and "was made perfect through suffering."
Remember that God's plan is good. It is vital that you stay focused on God's plan, not your pain or problem. "If we are to share his glory, we must share his suffering. What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later."
God tells us to give thanks "in all circumstances" not "for all circumstances." Rejoice "in the Lord." No matter what's happening. We can also rejoice in knowing that God is going through the pain with us....he enters into our suffering. God will never leave us on our own.
Character building is a slow process. If you are having trouble right now, don't ask, "Why me?" Instead ask, "what do you want me to learn." PDL Chapter 25
For me as a new Christian, this chapter is very scary. My life is wonderful! I have day to day issues and problems, but nothing of significance. My reading this chapter suggests that life will become difficult for me in order for God to test my faith and build my character. I'm afraid about that. I hope and pray that when it happens, that I can stay focused on God's plan, rather than my trial ans ask what it is that I am supposed to learn from the trial. Giving thanks in all circumstances is an amazing thing for me and something I will continue to work on. Here is a great video clip regarding this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Friday, February 10, 2012
Saturday, Day #24 Transformed by Truth
The truth transforms us.
To become like Jesus, we must fill our lives with his word.
God's word is the spiritual nourishment you must have to fulfill your purpose.
In day to day living, abiding in God's word includes three activities;
-I must accept authority. The Bible must become the authoritative standard for my life; the compass I rely on for direction, the counsel I listen to for making wise decisions, and the benchmark I use for evaluating everything. The most important decision you can make today is to settle this issue of what will be the ultimate authority for your life.
-i must assimilate its truth. It is not enough just to believe the Bible; I must fill my mind with it so that the Holy Spirit can transform me with the truth. There are five ways to do this;
-First, you receive God's Word when you listen and accept it with an open, receptive attitude.
-Second, read the Bible. Daily Bible reading will keep you in range of God's voice.
-Third, researching, or studying the Bible. Studying the Bible involves asking questions and writing down your insights.
-The fourth way to abide in God's Word is by remembering it. If God's word is important, you will take the time to remember it. "Remember what Christ taught and let his word enrich your lives and make you wise."
-The fifth way to abide in God's Word is to reflect on it. No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture. Serious reflection on God's truth is key to answered prayer and the secret to successful living.
-I must apply its principles. "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house of rock." "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable!
Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do (action steps).
What has God already told you to do in his Word that you have not started doing yet?" PDL Chapter 24
It's a big lifelong plan.
To become like Jesus, we must fill our lives with his word.
God's word is the spiritual nourishment you must have to fulfill your purpose.
In day to day living, abiding in God's word includes three activities;
-I must accept authority. The Bible must become the authoritative standard for my life; the compass I rely on for direction, the counsel I listen to for making wise decisions, and the benchmark I use for evaluating everything. The most important decision you can make today is to settle this issue of what will be the ultimate authority for your life.
-i must assimilate its truth. It is not enough just to believe the Bible; I must fill my mind with it so that the Holy Spirit can transform me with the truth. There are five ways to do this;
-First, you receive God's Word when you listen and accept it with an open, receptive attitude.
-Second, read the Bible. Daily Bible reading will keep you in range of God's voice.
-Third, researching, or studying the Bible. Studying the Bible involves asking questions and writing down your insights.
-The fourth way to abide in God's Word is by remembering it. If God's word is important, you will take the time to remember it. "Remember what Christ taught and let his word enrich your lives and make you wise."
-The fifth way to abide in God's Word is to reflect on it. No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture. Serious reflection on God's truth is key to answered prayer and the secret to successful living.
-I must apply its principles. "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house of rock." "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable!
Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do (action steps).
What has God already told you to do in his Word that you have not started doing yet?" PDL Chapter 24
It's a big lifelong plan.
Friday Day #23 How We Grow
"God wants you to grow up.
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.
Discipleship-the process of becoming like Christ-always begins with a decision.
We become what we are committed to.
Every choice has eternal consequences, so you better choose wisely.
"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose."
Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort between you and the Holy Spirit.
To change your life, you must change the way you think. "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
Repentance..."To change your mind."
The first half of this mental shift is to stop thinking immature thoughts....The second half of thinking like Jesus is to start thinking maturely, which focuses on others, not yourself.
Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds, and our beliefs must be backed up with Christlike behavior.
Christianity is...a relationship and a lifestyle.
It's never too late to start growing" PDL Chapter 23
I've heard many times; "We become what we think about.", but this chapter takes that to the next level. It's not enough to think about Christ all day long, we have to start with a decision to change our lives to follow him. "We become what we are committed to." But it takes more than us, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work within us for change. The chapter says that first we have to stop thinking immature thoughts and then start thinking maturely, focusing on others. I don't believe that you can stop thinking about anything. If I said don't think about the ocean, what comes to mind? I think it's all about the second part, when we focus on others and the life Christ wants to lead, the immature thoughts recede. Much like putting a drop of ink in a teaspoon of water, the water turns black (immature thoughts), but if you transfer that to a full glass water, it's only slightly grew (growing in spiritual maturity). If you then transfer that water to a full bathtub of water and then that water to a swimming pool, the ink is gone. So it is with our thoughts directing our choices, our choices directing or actions, our actions directing our lives.
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.
Discipleship-the process of becoming like Christ-always begins with a decision.
We become what we are committed to.
Every choice has eternal consequences, so you better choose wisely.
"Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose."
Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort between you and the Holy Spirit.
To change your life, you must change the way you think. "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
Repentance..."To change your mind."
The first half of this mental shift is to stop thinking immature thoughts....The second half of thinking like Jesus is to start thinking maturely, which focuses on others, not yourself.
Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds, and our beliefs must be backed up with Christlike behavior.
Christianity is...a relationship and a lifestyle.
It's never too late to start growing" PDL Chapter 23
I've heard many times; "We become what we think about.", but this chapter takes that to the next level. It's not enough to think about Christ all day long, we have to start with a decision to change our lives to follow him. "We become what we are committed to." But it takes more than us, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work within us for change. The chapter says that first we have to stop thinking immature thoughts and then start thinking maturely, focusing on others. I don't believe that you can stop thinking about anything. If I said don't think about the ocean, what comes to mind? I think it's all about the second part, when we focus on others and the life Christ wants to lead, the immature thoughts recede. Much like putting a drop of ink in a teaspoon of water, the water turns black (immature thoughts), but if you transfer that to a full glass water, it's only slightly grew (growing in spiritual maturity). If you then transfer that water to a full bathtub of water and then that water to a swimming pool, the ink is gone. So it is with our thoughts directing our choices, our choices directing or actions, our actions directing our lives.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Thursday Day #22 Created to Become Like Christ
"You were created to become like Christ.
This is your destiny and the third purpose of your life. God announced this intention at creation; "Then God said 'Let us make human beings in our image and likeness,'"
Like God, we are spiritual beings-our spirits are immortal and will outlast our earthly bodies.
We are intellectual-we can think, reason and solve problems.
We are relational-we can give and receive love.
We have a moral consciousness-we can discern right from wrong.
Like father, like son. "You were...created to be like god, truly righteous and holy"
"Take on an entirely new way of life-a God fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
God's ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up spiritually and become like Christ. Every time you forget that character is one of God's purposes for your life, you will become frustrated by your circumstances. Life is supposed to be difficult. It's what enables us to grow.
Never forget that life is not about you.
God gives us our time on earth to build and strengthen our character for heaven.
"As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." this process of changing us to be more like Jesus is called sanctification and is the third purpose of your life on earth.
Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in our lives.
Most of the time the Holy Spirit's power is released in your life in quiet, unassuming ways that you aren't even aware of or can't feel. He often nudges us with a gentle whisper. How does this happen in real life? Through the choices we make.
The Holy Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith. Move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of of your fears and feelings.
While effort has nothing o do with your salvation, it has much to do with your spiritual growth.
First, we must choose to let go of old ways of acting. Second, we must change the way we think. third, we must "put on" the character of Christ.
Your character is essentially the sum of your habits.
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need to grow. God's people provide the support we need to grow and circumstances provide the environment we need to practice Christlikeness.
Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth.
God is far more interested in building your character than he is in anything else.
God is far more interested in what you are than what you do.
"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out...Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you"
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortably." PDL Chapter 22
We were created to become like Christ and God leads us on that path with his Word, people and circumstances. The first two are easy for me to see. The third, I see in a whole new light. When God seems absent, he is watching to see what I will do. Everything in my daily life is either bringing me closer to God, because I did what pleases God, or is a challenge, designed to help build my character and help me gain insight and make better choices the next time. This makes getting stuck in traffic, getting poor service, or loosing a job, etc, etc, take on a whole new perspective. It's not about me, it's about how Christ-like I can be.
This is your destiny and the third purpose of your life. God announced this intention at creation; "Then God said 'Let us make human beings in our image and likeness,'"
Like God, we are spiritual beings-our spirits are immortal and will outlast our earthly bodies.
We are intellectual-we can think, reason and solve problems.
We are relational-we can give and receive love.
We have a moral consciousness-we can discern right from wrong.
Like father, like son. "You were...created to be like god, truly righteous and holy"
"Take on an entirely new way of life-a God fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.
God's ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development. He wants you to grow up spiritually and become like Christ. Every time you forget that character is one of God's purposes for your life, you will become frustrated by your circumstances. Life is supposed to be difficult. It's what enables us to grow.
Never forget that life is not about you.
God gives us our time on earth to build and strengthen our character for heaven.
"As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." this process of changing us to be more like Jesus is called sanctification and is the third purpose of your life on earth.
Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in our lives.
Most of the time the Holy Spirit's power is released in your life in quiet, unassuming ways that you aren't even aware of or can't feel. He often nudges us with a gentle whisper. How does this happen in real life? Through the choices we make.
The Holy Spirit releases his power the moment you take a step of faith. Move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of of your fears and feelings.
While effort has nothing o do with your salvation, it has much to do with your spiritual growth.
First, we must choose to let go of old ways of acting. Second, we must change the way we think. third, we must "put on" the character of Christ.
Your character is essentially the sum of your habits.
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need to grow. God's people provide the support we need to grow and circumstances provide the environment we need to practice Christlikeness.
Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth.
God is far more interested in building your character than he is in anything else.
God is far more interested in what you are than what you do.
"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out...Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you"
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortably." PDL Chapter 22
We were created to become like Christ and God leads us on that path with his Word, people and circumstances. The first two are easy for me to see. The third, I see in a whole new light. When God seems absent, he is watching to see what I will do. Everything in my daily life is either bringing me closer to God, because I did what pleases God, or is a challenge, designed to help build my character and help me gain insight and make better choices the next time. This makes getting stuck in traffic, getting poor service, or loosing a job, etc, etc, take on a whole new perspective. It's not about me, it's about how Christ-like I can be.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Wednesday Day #21 Protecting Your Church.
"It is your job to protect the unity of the church. Unity in the church is so important that the New Testament gives more attention to it than to either heaven or hell.
Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than his church.
You are commissioned by Jesus Christ to do everything possible to preserve the unity, protect the fellowship and promote harmony in your church family and among all believers.
Focus on what we have in common.
We must remember that it was God who chose to give us different personalities, backgrounds, races, and preferences, so we should value and enjoy those differences, not merely tolerate them. God wants unity, not uniformity.
Concentrate on loving each other and fulfilling God's purposes.
Be realistic in your expectations.
Longing for the ideal while criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity. On the other hand, settling for the real without striving for the ideal is complacency.
The sooner we give up the illusion that church must be perfect in order to love it, the sooner we quit pretending and start admitting that we're all imperfect and need grace.
Choose to encourage rather than criticize.
When you criticize what another believer is doing in faith and sincere conviction, you are interfering with God's business.
It's the Devil's job to blame, complain and criticize...anytime we do the same, we're duped into doing Satin's work for him.
Let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault.
Listening to gossip is like accepting stolen property, and it makes you just as guilty of the crime.
Practice God's method for conflict resolution.
Go directly to the person.
If unsuccessful, take two witnesses to help confirm the problem and reconcile the relationship.
if unsuccessful, take it to the church.
Support your pastor and leaders.
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel.
Honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!" PDL Chapter 21
I've never taken personal responsibility for my church. This brings new insight into my responsibilities. As we say in Men's Fraternity Reject Passivity. I also never considered supporting my pastor. It makes complete sense, I just never considered it.
Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than his church.
You are commissioned by Jesus Christ to do everything possible to preserve the unity, protect the fellowship and promote harmony in your church family and among all believers.
Focus on what we have in common.
We must remember that it was God who chose to give us different personalities, backgrounds, races, and preferences, so we should value and enjoy those differences, not merely tolerate them. God wants unity, not uniformity.
Concentrate on loving each other and fulfilling God's purposes.
Be realistic in your expectations.
Longing for the ideal while criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity. On the other hand, settling for the real without striving for the ideal is complacency.
The sooner we give up the illusion that church must be perfect in order to love it, the sooner we quit pretending and start admitting that we're all imperfect and need grace.
Choose to encourage rather than criticize.
When you criticize what another believer is doing in faith and sincere conviction, you are interfering with God's business.
It's the Devil's job to blame, complain and criticize...anytime we do the same, we're duped into doing Satin's work for him.
Let's agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault.
Listening to gossip is like accepting stolen property, and it makes you just as guilty of the crime.
Practice God's method for conflict resolution.
Go directly to the person.
If unsuccessful, take two witnesses to help confirm the problem and reconcile the relationship.
if unsuccessful, take it to the church.
Support your pastor and leaders.
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel.
Honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love!" PDL Chapter 21
I've never taken personal responsibility for my church. This brings new insight into my responsibilities. As we say in Men's Fraternity Reject Passivity. I also never considered supporting my pastor. It makes complete sense, I just never considered it.
Tuesday Day #20 Restoring Brioken Fellowship
"Relationships are always worth restoring.
Because life is all about learning how to love, God wants us to value relationships and make the effort to maintain them instead of discarding them whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or conflict.
If you want God's blessing...you must learn to be a peacemaker.
Peacemaking is not avoiding conflict, it is also not appeasement.
Seven Biblical steps to restoring fellowship;
-Talk to God before talking to the person. If you pray to God about the conflict first instead of gossiping to a friend, you will often discover that either God has changed your heart or he changes the other person without your help. No one can meet all your needs except God.
-Always take the initiative. It doesn't matter whether you are the offender or the offended. Go to them first.
Delay only deepens resentment and makes matters worse. In conflict, time heals nothing; it causes hurts to fester.
-Sympathize with their feelings. Focus on their feelings, not the facts.
-Confess your part in the conflict. Begin with admitting your own mistakes or sin.
-Attack the problem, not the person.
-Cooperate as much as possible.
-Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution. We can walk arm in arm without seeing eye to eye on every issue." PDL Chapter 20
Lots of good advise here and lots that I need to get better at. This just keeps building. If I can follow half of this, I will be a much better person.
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Because life is all about learning how to love, God wants us to value relationships and make the effort to maintain them instead of discarding them whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or conflict.
If you want God's blessing...you must learn to be a peacemaker.
Peacemaking is not avoiding conflict, it is also not appeasement.
Seven Biblical steps to restoring fellowship;
-Talk to God before talking to the person. If you pray to God about the conflict first instead of gossiping to a friend, you will often discover that either God has changed your heart or he changes the other person without your help. No one can meet all your needs except God.
-Always take the initiative. It doesn't matter whether you are the offender or the offended. Go to them first.
Delay only deepens resentment and makes matters worse. In conflict, time heals nothing; it causes hurts to fester.
-Sympathize with their feelings. Focus on their feelings, not the facts.
-Confess your part in the conflict. Begin with admitting your own mistakes or sin.
-Attack the problem, not the person.
-Cooperate as much as possible.
-Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution. We can walk arm in arm without seeing eye to eye on every issue." PDL Chapter 20
Lots of good advise here and lots that I need to get better at. This just keeps building. If I can follow half of this, I will be a much better person.
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Monday, February 6, 2012
Mon Day #19 Cultivating Community
"Community requires commitment, hakes honesty, humility, courtesy, confidentiality and frequency.
Nine characteristics of Biblical fellowship:
-We will share our feelings (authenticity).
-Encourage each other (mutuality).
-Support each other (sympathy).
-Forgive each other (mercy).
-Speak the truth in love (honesty).
-Admit our weaknesses (humility).
-Respect our differences (courtesy).
-Not gossip (confidentiality).
-Make group a priority (frequency)." PDL Chapter 19
I think it would be nice to have this as a group covenant, but even with that, it starts with me. If I follow these nine characteristics, I will be doing my part and by example be encouraging others to follow.
Nine characteristics of Biblical fellowship:
-We will share our feelings (authenticity).
-Encourage each other (mutuality).
-Support each other (sympathy).
-Forgive each other (mercy).
-Speak the truth in love (honesty).
-Admit our weaknesses (humility).
-Respect our differences (courtesy).
-Not gossip (confidentiality).
-Make group a priority (frequency)." PDL Chapter 19
I think it would be nice to have this as a group covenant, but even with that, it starts with me. If I follow these nine characteristics, I will be doing my part and by example be encouraging others to follow.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Sun Day #18 Experiencing Life Together
"Life is meant to be shared. Fellowship is experiencing life together.
Every Christian needs to be involved in a small group within their church.
In real fellowship people experience authenticity. People get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disolve their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses and ask for help and prayer.
Of course, being authentic requires both courage and humility. It means facing our fear of exposure, rejection and being hurt.
Being authentic is the only way to grow spiritually.
Every time you understand and affirm someone's feelings, you build fellowship.
It is in times of deepest crisis, grief and doubt that we need each other most. When circumstances crush us to the point that our faith falters, that's when we need believing friends most.
Fellowship is a place of grace, where mistakes aren't rubbed in, but rubbed out.
You can't have fellowship without forgiveness. You will never be asked to forgive someone more than God has already forgiven you." PDL Chapter 18
Are there any groups really like this - authentic? How does a group like this get built? In my experience, true fellowship, as defined in this chapter, is extremely rare. I think that a place for fellowship and forgiveness (again as defined by this chapter) would be wonderful, but it involves people being willing to be vulnerable. It's most people's inclination to put their best face forward instead of baring their souls. In many groups people easily talk about the needs of others, but don't easily talk about their personal crises.
Every Christian needs to be involved in a small group within their church.
In real fellowship people experience authenticity. People get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disolve their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses and ask for help and prayer.
Of course, being authentic requires both courage and humility. It means facing our fear of exposure, rejection and being hurt.
Being authentic is the only way to grow spiritually.
Every time you understand and affirm someone's feelings, you build fellowship.
It is in times of deepest crisis, grief and doubt that we need each other most. When circumstances crush us to the point that our faith falters, that's when we need believing friends most.
Fellowship is a place of grace, where mistakes aren't rubbed in, but rubbed out.
You can't have fellowship without forgiveness. You will never be asked to forgive someone more than God has already forgiven you." PDL Chapter 18
Are there any groups really like this - authentic? How does a group like this get built? In my experience, true fellowship, as defined in this chapter, is extremely rare. I think that a place for fellowship and forgiveness (again as defined by this chapter) would be wonderful, but it involves people being willing to be vulnerable. It's most people's inclination to put their best face forward instead of baring their souls. In many groups people easily talk about the needs of others, but don't easily talk about their personal crises.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Sat Day #17 A Place to Belong
"You are called to belong, not just believe.
The church is a body, not a building: an organism, not an organization.
Almost every time the word church is used in the Bible it refers to a local, visible congregation.
We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God's purposes by ourselves.
In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Biblical fellowship is being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ. God expects us to give our lives for each other.
we need more than the Bible to grow; we need other believers. We grow faster and stronger by learning from each other and being accountable to each other.
The church is God's instrument on earth. He works through us in the world.
Encourage each other daily. If you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back.
The church will meet your five deepest needs;
-A purpose to live for.
-People to live with
-Principles to live by.
-A profession to live out.
-A power to live on.
The Christian life is more than just a commitment to Christ; it includes a commitment to other Christians." PDL Chapter 17
Very interesting.....this chapter spells out really clearly that church is a group of Christians, not a building and that we are called to belong. I always thought that I belonged to a church, but prior to Grace, I had only attended church. I didn't belong to the church and the church didn't belong to me. I like the idea of having a responsibility. To belong, to be an active part and to be responsible for the other members is a huge and wonderful life's purpose. The statement above, about the five things that church provides, is the most concise description that I have ever read. Wow, great chapter!
The church is a body, not a building: an organism, not an organization.
Almost every time the word church is used in the Bible it refers to a local, visible congregation.
We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God's purposes by ourselves.
In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Biblical fellowship is being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ. God expects us to give our lives for each other.
we need more than the Bible to grow; we need other believers. We grow faster and stronger by learning from each other and being accountable to each other.
The church is God's instrument on earth. He works through us in the world.
Encourage each other daily. If you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back.
The church will meet your five deepest needs;
-A purpose to live for.
-People to live with
-Principles to live by.
-A profession to live out.
-A power to live on.
The Christian life is more than just a commitment to Christ; it includes a commitment to other Christians." PDL Chapter 17
Very interesting.....this chapter spells out really clearly that church is a group of Christians, not a building and that we are called to belong. I always thought that I belonged to a church, but prior to Grace, I had only attended church. I didn't belong to the church and the church didn't belong to me. I like the idea of having a responsibility. To belong, to be an active part and to be responsible for the other members is a huge and wonderful life's purpose. The statement above, about the five things that church provides, is the most concise description that I have ever read. Wow, great chapter!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Fri Day #16 What Matters Most
I'll begin with the end; The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.
Life is all about love.
The most important lesson God wants you to learn is how to love.
When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it, but we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.
God wants his family of believers to be known for it's love, more than anything else.
Love is the most important part of your life.
No matter what I say, what I believe and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
We often act as if relationships are something to be squeezed into our schedule. God says that relationships are what life is all about.
The point of life is love. Life minus love equals zero.
These three things continue forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.
Love is what your life will be evaluated on.
God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people.
The best way to spell love is time.
Why is now the best time to express love? Because you don't know how long you will have the opportunity.
This chapter is complete, I have nothing add. If I can focus the rest of my life on this one chapter, God will smile.
Life is all about love.
The most important lesson God wants you to learn is how to love.
When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it, but we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.
God wants his family of believers to be known for it's love, more than anything else.
Love is the most important part of your life.
No matter what I say, what I believe and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
We often act as if relationships are something to be squeezed into our schedule. God says that relationships are what life is all about.
The point of life is love. Life minus love equals zero.
These three things continue forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.
Love is what your life will be evaluated on.
God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people.
The best way to spell love is time.
Why is now the best time to express love? Because you don't know how long you will have the opportunity.
This chapter is complete, I have nothing add. If I can focus the rest of my life on this one chapter, God will smile.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Thurs. Day #15 Formed for God's Family
See how much the heavenly father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are. 1 John 3:1
God's second purpose was for us to be part of his family.
Because God is love, he treasures relationships.
Every human was created by God, but not everyone is a child of God.
You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Baptism: Identifying with God's Family
Baptism announces that "I am not ashamed to be part of God's family."
Baptism announces the death of your old life, and announces your new life in Christ.
Whenever you feel unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to whom you belong.
I am already part of God's family, that's amazing! This book is giving me a new perspective about my relationship with God. My relationship with God was pre-determined. It's an everyday relationship, not a Sunday obligation. He wants to be involved in every part of my day. Very different way to think about God. I have not been Baptized since turning my life over to Christ, but I have discussed a plan with Tim Siemens. I'll keep you posted.
God's second purpose was for us to be part of his family.
Because God is love, he treasures relationships.
Every human was created by God, but not everyone is a child of God.
You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Baptism: Identifying with God's Family
Baptism announces that "I am not ashamed to be part of God's family."
Baptism announces the death of your old life, and announces your new life in Christ.
Whenever you feel unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to whom you belong.
I am already part of God's family, that's amazing! This book is giving me a new perspective about my relationship with God. My relationship with God was pre-determined. It's an everyday relationship, not a Sunday obligation. He wants to be involved in every part of my day. Very different way to think about God. I have not been Baptized since turning my life over to Christ, but I have discussed a plan with Tim Siemens. I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Wed. Day # 14 When God Seems Distant
It's easy to worship when things are going great. How do you worship when your life falls apart and God seems a million miles away?
The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant.
To mature your friendship, God will test it with periods of seeming separation. God admits that sometimes he hides his face from us.
Sin disconnects us from intimate fellowship with God. But, often this feeling of abandonment or estrangement from God has nothing to do with sin. It is a test of faith.
Seeking a feeling, even a feeling of closeness to Christ, is not worship. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.
"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job
God is good, he loves me, he is with me, he knows what I'm going through, he cares, and he has a plan for my life
If God never did anything else for you, he would deserve your continual praise for the rest of your life because of what Jesus did for you on the cross.
"For God said, 'I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.'"
How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when he feels distant?
This is a tough chapter for me. As a "baby" Christian, I feel Gods blessings all around me, but this chapter tells me that he will withdraw from me, that I won't feel his presence. In previous chapters we learned that God is our friend, but withdrawing does not seem to be the action of a friend. Sin disconnects us from God, yet sin may have nothing to do with God's absence from our lives. It's a test of faith. It's difficult for me to understand. If God withdraws from me because of my actions, I understand that and have something to work on, but if it's a test and not about sin, I'm left second guessing myself. My ideal would be to have a heart like Job; "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." I know that if the rest of my life is suffering, that God has already blessed me far more than I deserve. I only hope that when the rough spots in my life appear that I can say "Blessed be His name".
The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant.
To mature your friendship, God will test it with periods of seeming separation. God admits that sometimes he hides his face from us.
Sin disconnects us from intimate fellowship with God. But, often this feeling of abandonment or estrangement from God has nothing to do with sin. It is a test of faith.
Seeking a feeling, even a feeling of closeness to Christ, is not worship. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.
"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job
God is good, he loves me, he is with me, he knows what I'm going through, he cares, and he has a plan for my life
If God never did anything else for you, he would deserve your continual praise for the rest of your life because of what Jesus did for you on the cross.
"For God said, 'I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.'"
How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when he feels distant?
This is a tough chapter for me. As a "baby" Christian, I feel Gods blessings all around me, but this chapter tells me that he will withdraw from me, that I won't feel his presence. In previous chapters we learned that God is our friend, but withdrawing does not seem to be the action of a friend. Sin disconnects us from God, yet sin may have nothing to do with God's absence from our lives. It's a test of faith. It's difficult for me to understand. If God withdraws from me because of my actions, I understand that and have something to work on, but if it's a test and not about sin, I'm left second guessing myself. My ideal would be to have a heart like Job; "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." I know that if the rest of my life is suffering, that God has already blessed me far more than I deserve. I only hope that when the rough spots in my life appear that I can say "Blessed be His name".
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tuesday Day #13 Worship That Pleases God
God wants all of you.
God is not interested in halfhearted commitment, partial obedience, and the leftovers of your time and money.
Where you worship is not as important as why you worship and how much of yourself you offer to God when you worship.
The best style of worship the one that most authentically represents you and your love for God.
God is pleased when your worship is thoughtful and specific.
God pleasing worship is based on Scripture. Real worship is rooted in the Word: it's based on truth, not our imagination. God pleasing worship is also from the heart. God designed your spirit to communicate with him. Worship is our spirit responding to God's spirit.
Each day/chapter weaves into the next forming a tapestry that I (hope) I will be able to clearly see. Today I see that where I worship is unimportant, but how I worship is very important. My worship must be my own and suit my personality. It must be honest, unpretentious and specific. When worshiping, I need to give God my full attention and my heart. Worship is a full body experience.
God is not interested in halfhearted commitment, partial obedience, and the leftovers of your time and money.
Where you worship is not as important as why you worship and how much of yourself you offer to God when you worship.
The best style of worship the one that most authentically represents you and your love for God.
God is pleased when your worship is thoughtful and specific.
God pleasing worship is based on Scripture. Real worship is rooted in the Word: it's based on truth, not our imagination. God pleasing worship is also from the heart. God designed your spirit to communicate with him. Worship is our spirit responding to God's spirit.
Each day/chapter weaves into the next forming a tapestry that I (hope) I will be able to clearly see. Today I see that where I worship is unimportant, but how I worship is very important. My worship must be my own and suit my personality. It must be honest, unpretentious and specific. When worshiping, I need to give God my full attention and my heart. Worship is a full body experience.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday Day #12 Developing Your Friendship with God
To develop a friendship with God;
I must choose to be honest with God
-Complete honesty about your feelings.
-God isn't bothered by frankness, he encourages it.
-God allowed Abraham to question and challenge him.
-God listened patiently to David's many accusations of unfairness, betrayal and abandonment.
Moses and Job both challenged God.
-What may appear as audacity God views as authenticity.
-God always acts in our best interest, even when it's painful and we don't understand it.
I must choose to obey God in faith.
-Every time you trust God's wisdom and do what he asks, even if you don't understand, you
deepen your friendship with him.
-You are my friends if you do what I command.
-We are friends with God, but not his equal. He is our loving leader, and we follow him.
-God is more pleased with us when we do small things, out of loving obedience.
I must choose to value what God values.
-The more you become God's friend, the more you will care about the things he cares about,
grieve over the things he grieves over, and rejoice over the things that bring pleasure to
him.
-God cares the most about the redemption of his people.
-To be a friend of God, you must care about all the people around you that God cares about
-Friends of God tell their friends about God.
I must desire friendship with God more than anything else.
-The truth is-you are as close to God as you choose to be.
-You must intentionally seek his friendship.
-Dear Jesus, more than anything else, I want to get to know you intimately.
What I'm reading in this chapter is that in addition to reverence and prayer, I need to be honest with God about my feelings about him. It's easy when it's a beautiful day and I can see his glory surrounding me. But, if I'm irritated with him, angry with him, or troubled by what I perceive he has done, I need to talk to him about that also. I have not been doing that. I think that choosing to obey God is choosing daily to follow his word. It means with each failing, each missed opportunity, that I pick myself up, dust myself off, apologize to God and try harder the next time. I do want to be more of a friend to Jesus.
I must choose to be honest with God
-Complete honesty about your feelings.
-God isn't bothered by frankness, he encourages it.
-God allowed Abraham to question and challenge him.
-God listened patiently to David's many accusations of unfairness, betrayal and abandonment.
Moses and Job both challenged God.
-What may appear as audacity God views as authenticity.
-God always acts in our best interest, even when it's painful and we don't understand it.
I must choose to obey God in faith.
-Every time you trust God's wisdom and do what he asks, even if you don't understand, you
deepen your friendship with him.
-You are my friends if you do what I command.
-We are friends with God, but not his equal. He is our loving leader, and we follow him.
-God is more pleased with us when we do small things, out of loving obedience.
I must choose to value what God values.
-The more you become God's friend, the more you will care about the things he cares about,
grieve over the things he grieves over, and rejoice over the things that bring pleasure to
him.
-God cares the most about the redemption of his people.
-To be a friend of God, you must care about all the people around you that God cares about
-Friends of God tell their friends about God.
I must desire friendship with God more than anything else.
-The truth is-you are as close to God as you choose to be.
-You must intentionally seek his friendship.
-Dear Jesus, more than anything else, I want to get to know you intimately.
What I'm reading in this chapter is that in addition to reverence and prayer, I need to be honest with God about my feelings about him. It's easy when it's a beautiful day and I can see his glory surrounding me. But, if I'm irritated with him, angry with him, or troubled by what I perceive he has done, I need to talk to him about that also. I have not been doing that. I think that choosing to obey God is choosing daily to follow his word. It means with each failing, each missed opportunity, that I pick myself up, dust myself off, apologize to God and try harder the next time. I do want to be more of a friend to Jesus.
Sunday, Day #11 Becoming Best Friends with God
God wants to be your friend.
Now we can rejoice in our new relationship with God-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.
Christ changes us from enemies into friends.
God invites us to enjoy friendship and fellowship with all three persons of the Trinity; our Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
The word for friend does not mean a casual acquaintance but a close, trusted relationship.
Becoming a best friend starts with constant conversation. He wants to be included in every activity, every conversation, every problem and even every thought.
The key is not changing what you do, but changing your attitude toward what you do. What you do normally for yourself you begin doing for God, whether it is eating, bathing, working, relaxing or taking out the trash.
Pray all the time.
The second way to establish a friendship with god is by thinking about his Word throughout the day.
You can't love God, unless you know him and you can't know him without knowing his word.
It's difficult for me to think about Jesus as my friend. I have begun to speak to Him more frequently and ask His advise while going through my daily routine. I view friendship as a causal. It feels like Jesus is more of a mentor. guess I need to think about this more.
Now we can rejoice in our new relationship with God-all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.
Christ changes us from enemies into friends.
God invites us to enjoy friendship and fellowship with all three persons of the Trinity; our Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
The word for friend does not mean a casual acquaintance but a close, trusted relationship.
Becoming a best friend starts with constant conversation. He wants to be included in every activity, every conversation, every problem and even every thought.
The key is not changing what you do, but changing your attitude toward what you do. What you do normally for yourself you begin doing for God, whether it is eating, bathing, working, relaxing or taking out the trash.
Pray all the time.
The second way to establish a friendship with god is by thinking about his Word throughout the day.
You can't love God, unless you know him and you can't know him without knowing his word.
It's difficult for me to think about Jesus as my friend. I have begun to speak to Him more frequently and ask His advise while going through my daily routine. I view friendship as a causal. It feels like Jesus is more of a mentor. guess I need to think about this more.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Saturday, Day #10 The Heart of Worship
Hard to believe that this is day #10, we are 1/4 of the way. Even as I read, I feel that I am beginning a new journey (guess that's the point).
The heart of worship is surrender.
Surrendering is unthinkable!
We give ourselves to him, not out of fear or duty, but in love.
Offering yourself to God is what worship is all about.
Three barriers that block our total surrender to god; fear, pride and confusion.
Fear; Can I trust God? You can't trust God, until you know him. He gave us his son.
Pride; Admitting our limitations. We have to admit that we are not in charge.
Confusion; What it means to surrender. The more we let God take over, the more truly ourselves we become.
Another aspect of a fully surrendered life is trust. Follow without knowing where, when, how or why.
The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender.
If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos.
Surrender is not the best way to live, it's the only way to live.
If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their lives and follow me.
In what areas am I holding back? I feel like a work in progress. I know what I should do, what I want to do, but I don't necessarily do it. With ever increasing awareness, I see that I am not bringing joy to God, but also with ever increasing awareness, I see what I need to do and want to do. Lord, please have patience with me.
Dear loving Father, when I think of all you've done for me, I want to surrender all my life to your will. I want to give up my need to control things and to trust in you instead. Help me to hold back nothing from you today.
The heart of worship is surrender.
Surrendering is unthinkable!
We give ourselves to him, not out of fear or duty, but in love.
Offering yourself to God is what worship is all about.
Three barriers that block our total surrender to god; fear, pride and confusion.
Fear; Can I trust God? You can't trust God, until you know him. He gave us his son.
Pride; Admitting our limitations. We have to admit that we are not in charge.
Confusion; What it means to surrender. The more we let God take over, the more truly ourselves we become.
Another aspect of a fully surrendered life is trust. Follow without knowing where, when, how or why.
The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender.
If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos.
Surrender is not the best way to live, it's the only way to live.
If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their lives and follow me.
In what areas am I holding back? I feel like a work in progress. I know what I should do, what I want to do, but I don't necessarily do it. With ever increasing awareness, I see that I am not bringing joy to God, but also with ever increasing awareness, I see what I need to do and want to do. Lord, please have patience with me.
Dear loving Father, when I think of all you've done for me, I want to surrender all my life to your will. I want to give up my need to control things and to trust in you instead. Help me to hold back nothing from you today.
Friday Day # 9 What Makes God Smile?
Figure out what will please God and then do it.
Our creator wants fellowship with us. God made you to love you, and he longs for you to love him back. "I don't want your sacrifices, I want your love; I don't want your offerings, I want you to know me."
God smiles when we trust him completely.
God smiles when we obey him wholeheartedly.
God doesn't owe you an explanation or a reason for everything he asks you to do.
God smiles when we praise and thank him continually.
An amazing thing happens when we offer praise and thanksgiving to God. When we give God enjoyment, our own hearts are filled.
God smiles when we use our abilities.
Every human activity, except sin can be done for God's pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise.
He knows you are incapable of being perfect or sinless. What God looks for is the attitude of your heart
In what areas of my life do I need to trust God more?.....All areas. I'm getting the praise and worship part of this clearly; I can see a game plan where I can continually grow to please God more, but the partial obedience part really hit me hard today. "Often we try to offer God partial obedience. We want to pick and choose the commandments we obey. We make a list of the commandments we like and obey those while ignoring the ones we think are unreasonable, difficult, expensive, or unpopular." Just reading through the 10 commandments, I'm amazed how many that I partially obey. How many times have I listened to and spread gossip? How many times have I not forgiven? Love my neighbor, really? The list goes on. "Partial obedience is disobedience." So... I am disobedient. All I can say is that by placing my trust in the Lord, each day I will be a little better at seeing and correcting my failings. I know I can't earn my place in heaven, that part is guaranteed, but I want God to smile when he thinks about me.
We please God by what we do. And in my case what I'm working on.
Our creator wants fellowship with us. God made you to love you, and he longs for you to love him back. "I don't want your sacrifices, I want your love; I don't want your offerings, I want you to know me."
God smiles when we trust him completely.
God smiles when we obey him wholeheartedly.
God doesn't owe you an explanation or a reason for everything he asks you to do.
God smiles when we praise and thank him continually.
An amazing thing happens when we offer praise and thanksgiving to God. When we give God enjoyment, our own hearts are filled.
God smiles when we use our abilities.
Every human activity, except sin can be done for God's pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise.
He knows you are incapable of being perfect or sinless. What God looks for is the attitude of your heart
In what areas of my life do I need to trust God more?.....All areas. I'm getting the praise and worship part of this clearly; I can see a game plan where I can continually grow to please God more, but the partial obedience part really hit me hard today. "Often we try to offer God partial obedience. We want to pick and choose the commandments we obey. We make a list of the commandments we like and obey those while ignoring the ones we think are unreasonable, difficult, expensive, or unpopular." Just reading through the 10 commandments, I'm amazed how many that I partially obey. How many times have I listened to and spread gossip? How many times have I not forgiven? Love my neighbor, really? The list goes on. "Partial obedience is disobedience." So... I am disobedient. All I can say is that by placing my trust in the Lord, each day I will be a little better at seeing and correcting my failings. I know I can't earn my place in heaven, that part is guaranteed, but I want God to smile when he thinks about me.
We please God by what we do. And in my case what I'm working on.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thursday Day # 8 Planned for God's Pleasure
You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11
The Lord takes pleasure in his people. Psalm 149:4a
You were planned for God's pleasure. It is the first and primary purpose of your life.
God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment.
Bringing pleasure to God is called worship. When we worship, our goal is to bring pleasure to God, not ourselves. Worship isn't for us. It's for God.
Praise God from sunrise to sunset. Psalm 113:3
Worship is not part of your life, it is your life.
The gist of today's message is that although singing and scripture reading can be part of worship, they don't constitute worship. It is, or is not worship depending on where your heart is as you are doing these things. I remember many times leaving church, saying that I didn't get anything out of the service. I now see that that isn't the point. I was supposed to be there to worship and give glory to God. It's all about him. "Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory and pleasure of God." Conversely, singing, or praying, while your mind is miles away, is not worship. I think that I can give glory to God by having more patience with life's annoyances and to have a lighter heart.
The Lord takes pleasure in his people. Psalm 149:4a
You were planned for God's pleasure. It is the first and primary purpose of your life.
God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment.
Bringing pleasure to God is called worship. When we worship, our goal is to bring pleasure to God, not ourselves. Worship isn't for us. It's for God.
Praise God from sunrise to sunset. Psalm 113:3
Worship is not part of your life, it is your life.
The gist of today's message is that although singing and scripture reading can be part of worship, they don't constitute worship. It is, or is not worship depending on where your heart is as you are doing these things. I remember many times leaving church, saying that I didn't get anything out of the service. I now see that that isn't the point. I was supposed to be there to worship and give glory to God. It's all about him. "Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory and pleasure of God." Conversely, singing, or praying, while your mind is miles away, is not worship. I think that I can give glory to God by having more patience with life's annoyances and to have a lighter heart.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Wed Day #7 The Reason for Everything
Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory Romans 11:36
Everything created by God reflects his glory in some way.
You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything.
_____________________________________________________________
All sin, at it's root, is failing to give God glory. It is loving anything else more than God.
Refusing to bring glory to God is prideful rebellion.
Living for God's glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives.
Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving him. and giving ourselves to be used for his purposes.
Living the rest of your life for the glory of God will require a change in your priorities, your schedule, your relationships and everything else.
We started our journey last Thursday with "It's not about you" and today we begin with "It's all about him". It feels to me that this chapter is divided in two. The first half tells us that God is to be glorified. the second part (below my line), tells what glorifies God and what doesn't. So, we are standing at a fork in the road; live life for ourselves, which doesn't glorify God, or live the rest of our lives for the glory of God. I think that if we want to glorify god, we need to study the word, try to be mindful of his glory in our daily lives, give him thanks, make the best use of our gifts, be in fellowship with other Christians, be patient, serve others and tell others about Him. In that manner, we are living our beliefs and bringing glory to the Father.
Everything created by God reflects his glory in some way.
You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything.
_____________________________________________________________
All sin, at it's root, is failing to give God glory. It is loving anything else more than God.
Refusing to bring glory to God is prideful rebellion.
Living for God's glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives.
Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving him. and giving ourselves to be used for his purposes.
Living the rest of your life for the glory of God will require a change in your priorities, your schedule, your relationships and everything else.
We started our journey last Thursday with "It's not about you" and today we begin with "It's all about him". It feels to me that this chapter is divided in two. The first half tells us that God is to be glorified. the second part (below my line), tells what glorifies God and what doesn't. So, we are standing at a fork in the road; live life for ourselves, which doesn't glorify God, or live the rest of our lives for the glory of God. I think that if we want to glorify god, we need to study the word, try to be mindful of his glory in our daily lives, give him thanks, make the best use of our gifts, be in fellowship with other Christians, be patient, serve others and tell others about Him. In that manner, we are living our beliefs and bringing glory to the Father.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tuesday Day # 6 Life is a Temporary Assignment
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered and that my life is fleeting away. Psalm 39:4
I am here on earth for just a little while. Psalm 119:19
Compared to eternity, life is brief. Earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long, so don't get too attached.
Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.
Those infrequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away.
I like the idea that I am a visitor, or Ambassador in a foreign country. The media is continually putting out the message challenging us to consume, consume. "Live for today, you can have it all". You "should" have the newest car, the best house and eat in the finest restaurants, you deserve it. But, as an Ambassador, I can live in that country and enjoy it's many benefits all the while knowing that I'm going back home and that before I go, I have a job to do. My job is to be an Ambassador of He that sent me. I'm on the clock 24 hours a day and through my actions, everyone I meet has the opportunity to wonder what life must be like, where I come from. I need to be more focused on where I'm going, than where I am.
Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered and that my life is fleeting away. Psalm 39:4
I am here on earth for just a little while. Psalm 119:19
Compared to eternity, life is brief. Earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long, so don't get too attached.
Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.
Those infrequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away.
I like the idea that I am a visitor, or Ambassador in a foreign country. The media is continually putting out the message challenging us to consume, consume. "Live for today, you can have it all". You "should" have the newest car, the best house and eat in the finest restaurants, you deserve it. But, as an Ambassador, I can live in that country and enjoy it's many benefits all the while knowing that I'm going back home and that before I go, I have a job to do. My job is to be an Ambassador of He that sent me. I'm on the clock 24 hours a day and through my actions, everyone I meet has the opportunity to wonder what life must be like, where I come from. I need to be more focused on where I'm going, than where I am.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Monday Day # 5 Seeing life from God's View
Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones.
We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. Anais Nin
The way you see your life shapes your life.
Who would you be, without your story. Byron Katie
How do you see your life?
Life is a test and a trust.
I have always viewed my life as a challenge. Having dyslexia and only a high school education, I have always thought that everything I've accomplished, was by my own hard work and perseverance. Now I see that it as God putting challenges in front of me, to see how I would handle them. When it comes to moral and spiritual issues, I've failed more often than I've succeeded, but now I feel that I have a firm foundation for what lies ahead. Back then, I didn't know God as I do now, but I thank him for those challenges, for without them, I wouldn't be the man that I am now. I think that God has been preparing me for a long while to be on the path that I am currently on.
We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. Anais Nin
The way you see your life shapes your life.
Who would you be, without your story. Byron Katie
How do you see your life?
Life is a test and a trust.
I have always viewed my life as a challenge. Having dyslexia and only a high school education, I have always thought that everything I've accomplished, was by my own hard work and perseverance. Now I see that it as God putting challenges in front of me, to see how I would handle them. When it comes to moral and spiritual issues, I've failed more often than I've succeeded, but now I feel that I have a firm foundation for what lies ahead. Back then, I didn't know God as I do now, but I thank him for those challenges, for without them, I wouldn't be the man that I am now. I think that God has been preparing me for a long while to be on the path that I am currently on.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Sunday Day # 4 Made to Last Forever
There is more to life than just here and now.
Surely God would not have created such a being as man to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for Immortality. Abraham Lincoln
Only a fool would go through life unprepared for what we all know will eventually happen.
Death is not your termination, but your transition into eternity.
Simple clear thoughts, but very profound. Most people (including me) spend their lives trying to avoid death, rather than preparing for it. We can't cheat death, we can only prepare for it.
Face it, you are going to be dead a long time!
Question: What one thing should I stop doing and one thing I should start doing?
I should stop worrying and I should work to instill peace in my heart.
Surely God would not have created such a being as man to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for Immortality. Abraham Lincoln
Only a fool would go through life unprepared for what we all know will eventually happen.
Death is not your termination, but your transition into eternity.
Simple clear thoughts, but very profound. Most people (including me) spend their lives trying to avoid death, rather than preparing for it. We can't cheat death, we can only prepare for it.
Face it, you are going to be dead a long time!
Question: What one thing should I stop doing and one thing I should start doing?
I should stop worrying and I should work to instill peace in my heart.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Saturday, Day # 3 What Drives Your life?
Living on Purpose is the path to peace.
"You, LORD. give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
What am I driven by: guilt, resentment & anger, fear, materialism, the need for approval? This is a really good chapter, it gave me lots to think about. I'm driven by guilt. there are many things in my past that I wish i could erase. "We are the products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it. God's purpose is not limited to your (my) past". I'm driven by anger. If someone wrongs me, i can stew and stew over it. in some cases, I've carried it for years. "Those who have hurt you in the past cannot continue to hurt you now, unless you hold on to the pain through resentment." I know it, but it's hard to let go. I'm driven by fear. I grew up in a poor family and although I make a very good living, I always worry where the next deal is going to come from. lastly I'm driven by the need for approval. As a child, I was always good, because I didn't want my Father to be disappointed in me. Even as an adult, the worst thing for me is to have someone disappointed in me. Well....it looks like I'm a mess. i think if I am focused on God's purpose for me, than these other things won't matter and I will be more at peace.
"Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life." I like the idea of working for God's purpose, rather than mine.
"Knowing your purpose simplifies your life."
"Knowing your purpose focuses your life." I know what I need to do and what I don't need to do
"Knowing your purpose motivates your life."
"Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity."
Question: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life. I think most of my friends (because they were once Clients) would say that it's my job. I think my close friends would add that I serve others. I think Carol would add learning about God. I would like it to be that I serve others.
"You, LORD. give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
What am I driven by: guilt, resentment & anger, fear, materialism, the need for approval? This is a really good chapter, it gave me lots to think about. I'm driven by guilt. there are many things in my past that I wish i could erase. "We are the products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it. God's purpose is not limited to your (my) past". I'm driven by anger. If someone wrongs me, i can stew and stew over it. in some cases, I've carried it for years. "Those who have hurt you in the past cannot continue to hurt you now, unless you hold on to the pain through resentment." I know it, but it's hard to let go. I'm driven by fear. I grew up in a poor family and although I make a very good living, I always worry where the next deal is going to come from. lastly I'm driven by the need for approval. As a child, I was always good, because I didn't want my Father to be disappointed in me. Even as an adult, the worst thing for me is to have someone disappointed in me. Well....it looks like I'm a mess. i think if I am focused on God's purpose for me, than these other things won't matter and I will be more at peace.
"Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life." I like the idea of working for God's purpose, rather than mine.
"Knowing your purpose simplifies your life."
"Knowing your purpose focuses your life." I know what I need to do and what I don't need to do
"Knowing your purpose motivates your life."
"Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity."
Question: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life. I think most of my friends (because they were once Clients) would say that it's my job. I think my close friends would add that I serve others. I think Carol would add learning about God. I would like it to be that I serve others.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Day #2 You Are Not an Accident
I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born- Isaiah 44:2
I am part of an intricate plan.
Life is a Blessing.
God made me for a reason
I am not an accident.
We are perfectly made. This is different than what society tells us. Society tells us we can look better. Society tells us we don’t have to accept anything we don’t like about ourselves.
Because God created us, he knows us intimately.
If God created us as we are, do we have the right to change that?
Do the things we don’t accept about our personality, background and appearance have the potential to hinder our relationship with God?
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