While you were away . . .

T H E   P U R P O S E   D R I V E N    L I F E

I've finally finished reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.   It's a great book and I really encourage you to buy it.  I've recently been praying about God's will for my future, what he wants me to be doing right now, etc. This book popped out at me while I was at Wally World with Lisa. One great part of the book is the new translations of old verses that he uses. Below are some main quotes, thoughts, and verses that I'm picking out from each chapter as I go.
(Anything in quotes is straight from the book.)

JUMP STRAIGHT TO:
'purpose?'    'worship'     'family'    'becoming like christ'    'serving God'     'a mission'

DAY 40: A MISSION

After you learn something important (like God's purposes for your life), what really matters is actually putting it into practice. This book doesn't answer questions like 'Who should I marry?' or 'What kind of job should I get?' because these are secondary issues. The primary thing is that we fulfill God's eternal purposes in our lives in whatever situation we're in. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:17 (NIV)

DAY 39: A MISSION

It's important to be balances as we try to obey God's will. It's easy for all of us to get skewed in one direction and slack off in others. Do whatever it takes (journals, prayers, small groups, etc) to keep serving God in all of these ways. Don't become a worship, service, or mission fanatic and neglect the other areas. Take honest looks at yourself frequently and examine your strengths and weaknesses. Ask God to help you with all of them. Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under God. Lamentations 3:40 (Msg) Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equaled by your realistic action now. 2 Corinthians 8:11 (LB)

DAY 38: A MISSION

All Christians have to choose whether they're going to be a 'wordly' christian or a 'world-class' christian. The difference is that the first knows he's saved, but remains self-centered. A world-class christian, on the other hand, realizes that we were saved and made for a mission. Money, distance, and other barriers don't keep us from sharing God's message like in the past. The only thing really stopping us now is the way we think. We need to stop putting ourselves at the center of our concerns and be more concerned about others. Pray that God equips us to share his message and gives us chances to do it. Jesus told his disciples to preach to the people right next to them as well as the entire world. This isn't an either/or command. The whole world needs the gospel, but don't be so busy trying to reach the Peruvians that you ignore your neighbor. It works the other way, too. Don't sit around waiting around for some special call from God. God has repeatedly told us what he wants us to be doing in our lives. If you've missed it, read the previous 37 days. I don't think about what would be good for me but what would be good for many people so that they might be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:33 (GWT)

DAY 37: A MISSION

God wants us to be willing to share our stories with people for the purpose of bringing them to him; stories about struggles, becoming a christian, lessons learned, and more. Our job is to be a witness for Jesus. "Witnesses simply report what happened to them or what they saw." It's not our job to be lawyers and argue every conceivable point. It's only our duty to share what's happened to us. Sometimes arguing (with christians and non) actually hurts more than it helps. 1 Peter 3:15,16 says 'Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect'. I've always heard this verse as an admonition to be able to rebut arguments and prove to non-believers the things I believe. The 'witness' explanation makes more sense to me. We don't have to be able to convince a jury, just be ready to share our experiences and tell them why we're so hopeful. You will be my witnesses. Acts 1:8 (NIV)

DAY 36: A MISSION

One way to look at God's will for us is saying our ministry is our service to believers and our mission is our service to non-believers. It's easy to focus on only one of these, but it's easy to see how both are important. Since we are the body of Christ we have to take up the mission he performed while physically here on earth. We have to try to bring people to God. "Jesus calls us not only to come to him, but to go for him." Carrying out this mission is a privelege because we get to work with God and the results of this work will last forever. Fulfilling this purpose (more so than the others) requires throwing out our priorities and putting God's first. It might be possible to sneak some worship, Bible reading, or service into our free time, but our mission has to be a part of everything we do. As God's children we have to care about what God cares about most, and that's souls. We have been sent to speak for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NCV)

DAY 35: SERVING GOD

Even though we like to focus on our strengths, God uses our weaknesses as well. We need to stop pretending everything in our lives is perfect and start being honest with ourselves and others about our shortcomings. The more we let down our guard and share with people the weaknesses we have, the more God can use us to minster. "Humility is being honest about your weaknesses." "Our strengths create competition, but our weaknesses create community". My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)

DAY 34: SERVING GOD

Being a servant requires a mental shift; we move from thinking about ourselves and our needs to thinking about the needs of others. It's not just the fact that we're doing something that matters. It's why we're doing it. A lot of service isn't really for others; it's self-serving. To gain respect for us, our programs, or other selfish reasons. Real servants don't get mad or complain when they're bossed around, taken for granted, or treated as a servant. Because they're living like servants and they've accepted that they really are servants. It takes a secure person to serve. The number one thing that distracts our service from God is money. It's not our job to judge other servants. We also don't have to defend ourselves when others judge us. We can silently know that we're serving the Master and that's enough. True servants enjoy serving because they know God's promises and love. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. Philippians 2:5 (Msg) King Amaziah ... did what was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not with a true heart. 2 Chronicles 25:2 (NRSV)

DAY 33: SERVING GOD

Regardless of whatever we think our 'primary ministry' is, we should always be ready to serve in whatever way is needed at the moment. Don't fill up your schedule so much that you're never able to take some time out to serve. If your days are always so jam-packed that you can't stop to help someone, your day is too busy. "Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice serving." 2 keys to serving are sensitivity and spontaneity. We've gotta be attuned to others, their needs, and spirits. We also have to be able to jump in and serve anytime. Real servants step up and do the small, menial tasks that noone else wants to do. "Do these things as if they were great, because God is watching." Don't get all wrapped up in looking for great, life changing ways to serve. Serve in whatever small ways are in front of you and God will use for HIS WILL (which may mean 'bigger things') if you prove faithful. Real servants stick with their ministry and can be depended on. Before God gives you greater responsibilites, he expects you to always be prepared and give your ministry your best.

DAY 32: SERVING GOD

Get out there and serve God in lots of different ways in order to figure what you're naturally good at. Don't sit and try to figure out what you're good at. Go do it, then honestly assess which areas you're gifted in. Honestly review what you're excited about, how your personality can shape your ministry, and how your life experiences have shaped you. Don't waste time trying to copy or become somebody else. Embrace the shape God has given you and serve him using who you are. When we stretch our ministries and try to do things that aren't our real focus we get stressed. Stick to what you're good at and don't worry about getting everything done. Don't let Satan steal your joy by leading you to compare or conform your ministry to others'. Abilities are like muscles (or talents in Jesus' parable). If we don't use them, they're taken away. Since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be. Romans 12:5 (Msg)

DAY 31: SERVING GOD

God's given us unique abilities and if we don't use them for his service, they'll never be used. One of our responsibilities, as the church, is to help people identify their abilities and use them. Another key to understanding God's will is looking at what we're good at and what we're not good at. God doesn't force us to struggle at doing something we're no good at, but he definitely expects us to take what we're good at and glorify him through it. God doesn't give us abilities just to make a living and survive; he gives us abilities to minister. It's important to have lots of different ways for christians to be involved.

DAY 30: SERVING GOD

God created us all uniquely to serve him in different ways. It's important that we try to find our spiritual gifts and things we're passionate about. These point to us towards service that we may be great for. There's no reason to serve in an area we're not gifted in or not excited about

DAY 29: SERVING GOD

We weren't created to just take and take from the things God has created. He created us to give back to, not just take from, his creation. Service doesn't save us, but we are saved to serve. Ministry doesn't mean some official paid church dude. It means serving God and we're all called to it. Service becomes something that people try to fit into their schedule if they can. God's purpose is that service is what we do with our lives; not just something we squeeze in at the end. Studying all of the time without putting the Word into action (through service) leads to spiritual stagnation. We're just like a body of water that takes in and never flows out if we don't serve. "The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. What they need are serving experiences in which they can exercise their spiritual muscles." Maturity shows through by not worrying about how or when people will meet our needs, but instead thinking about how we can meet the needs of others. Because of God's great mercy ... Offer yourselves as a a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service. Romans 12:1 (TEV)

DAY 28: BECOMING LIKE CHRIST

Spiritual maturity and growth is a slow process. We're obsessed with instant results today, but there are no books, sermons, or prayers that will instantly make us better Christians. God isn't obsessed with speed, but with stability. Just like Israel, we often have to learn the same thing over and over. Although we threw away the 'old nature' when we became Christians, we still have old, worldly habits that we have to struggle with. Our character is made up of the habits that we cling to. Growing means changing. It's a conscious effort we make to not do things the same way as in the past. We often pray for God to miraculously, instantly heal us, change us, or more. God works slowly through time and circumstances. Write down the things that God teaches you and look back on those things. Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. 2 Corinthians 3:18b (Msg) These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair; for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)

DAY 27: BECOMING LIKE CHRIST

Resisting temptation isn't the right strategy. Trying hard to resist a temptation ends up putting more focus on the temptation itself. Instead, change your focus; turn your mind to something else. Temptation is a battle fought in our minds and can only be won sometimes by filling our minds with godly thoughts. If you're serious about beating temptation, you'll be careful about what you allow into your mind. We underestimate the importance of actually discussing our struggles with someone else. Nothing beats sin like getting it out in the open. Satan wants to encourage our pride and keep our sin hidden, so it can grow in the darkness. Some advise: Accept that you are safe because of God's salvation, use God's word as your weapon, and don't get prideful and think you're above sin. Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts ... but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. 2 Timothy 2:22 (LB)

DAY 26: BECOMING LIKE CHRIST

We always look at temptation as a bad thing that can only lead to more bad. God, however, wants us to use temptation as an opportunity to do good. God helps us mature by allowing temptation in our lives. Maturing happens slowly, as we decide to do the opposite of what Satan and temptation want us to do. "God teaches us love by putting some unlovely people around us ... God teaches us real joy in the midst of sorrow." By choosing to say NO to temptation we grow and become more like Jesus. It's not a sin to be tempted; in fact, it's Satan's way of getting mad because we're trying to do the right thing. When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever. James 1:12

DAY 25: BECOMING LIKE CHRIST

Everything that happens in our lives has spiritual meaning. When you're focused on becoming more like Christ even problems can be for good. Everything that happens to us is something that God allows to happen. "Problems force us to look to God and depend on him instead of ourselves." Troubles is only temporary, but it allows us to shape our character (the eternal) for better. "When you grasp the eternal consequence of your character  development, you'll pray fewer 'Comfort me' (make me feel good) prayers and more 'Conform me' (use this to make me more like you) prayers." We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!" Romans 8:17 (Msg) If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. Romans 8:17-18 (NLT)

DAY 24: BECOMING LIKE CHRIST

God's word isn't just a source for knowledge or doctrine; it's the powerful of God to work in your life. You have to have God's word as a major part of your daily life in order to grow and mature. Don't get fooled into making decisions based on sources besides God's word. It's easy to turn to culture, tradition, reasoning, or emotion as our spiritual guides, but only God's word can fulfill that role. We have to commit ourselves not just to reading the Bible and liking it, but obeying it and acting regardless of how we feel about it. When we feel like we're not gaining something from a Bible lesson or sermon, there's an attitude problem there. With the right attitude God's word can always reveal new truths and encourage us. Ouch, I'm supa-guilty of that one. It's important not just to read or hear the Word, but to study and research it as well. Ask questions and write down answers you find. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:17 (Msg) How I love your teachings! I think about them all day long. Psalms 119:97 (NCV)

DAY 23: BECOMING LIKE CHRIST

God wants us to spiritually grow and mature. That can only happen after we make a commitment to growing and intentional decisions in our daily lives. Spiritual growth doesn't just happen by being a christian for a while. "We become what we're committed to"; whether it's money, admiration, or anything else. Spiritual growth happens when we make conscious decisions in our lives to do what pleases God and the Holy Spirit helps us to follow through. One way to try changing your life is by sheer willpower. That might work for a while, but as soon as your willpower gives out, you'll turn right back to whatever your natural self desires. A better way is to allow the HS to change your very nature. Instead of a sinful, selfish nature, the HS can transform us into loving, spiritual beings. But it can only happen if that's what we choose and work for. This means giving up immature thoughts, i.e. selfish thinking. Then it means taking up mature thoughts, i.e. thinking of others. Becoming like Christ at its most basic level means thinking of others first and putting them first. Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2b (NLT) think the same way that Christ Jesus thought. Philippians 2:5 (CEV)

DAY 22: BECOMING LIKE CHRIST

God's plan is to make us just like his son, Jesus. This doesn't mean losing who we are to become exactly like Jesus. It means shaping our character to become like him while keeping the unique personality God has given us. We're transformed by the working of the Holy Spirit. No amount of effort, willpower, or study will do it alone. It takes the heart and effort of ours with the power of the HS working within us to make it happen. "Christlikeness is not produced by imitation, but by inhabitation." Christ living in us is what shapes and drives us. To become like Jesus we have to: let go of our old habits and ways, change the way we think, and learn to put on Christ's character through our daily decisions. Being like Jesus isn't going to happen overnight. I remember David Helton telling me not to expect some instant Jesus/Dale to appear. It's a life long process. Many people lose their excitement after a few years and as a result their maturing stops prematurely. God wants us to be repenting, turning to Him, and changing our lives for as long as we live. "God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do." This is good advice for me. Several jobs and future scenarios can fit into God's will, but it is who I am and how I live that matters to God. We have to go against society and make the explicit decision everyday to chose Jesus. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything he created. Colossians 1:15 (Msg) Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image and likeness." Genesis 1:26 (NCV)

DAY 21: FAMILY

As christians, it's all of our jobs to maintain the unity of the body; unity in our relationships and unity within Christ's church. There are differences between people in our congregation, but the answer isn't to demand agreement on every issue or insist on uniform worship or lifestyles. The answer is to embrace our uniqueness and let our differences become a part of what we do. Don't demand one certain kind of worship. Worship in different ways that appeal to different people. And be ONE about it. Conflict is usually about smaller matters, not important matters. Getting caught up in these small matters and breaking the unity of God's family because of it is pathetic. Moaning about some great ideal in worship, the church, or anything else is a waste of time. Every congregation is imperfect and wanting to leave just because of some problem is a sign of immaturity. The church is made up of sinners, so why do we expect everything to be perfect? It's important to not moan about where the church comes up short, but to work for improvement. It's important not to just accept where the church is and be satisfied, but to work for improvement. Don't be caught up in loving your ideal, perfect church so much that you love your idea more than the real church that you're a part of. Encourage rather than complain. Gossiping is harmful and never accomplishes anything. Let's concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of one another's character. Romans 14:19 (Ph) Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions n the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united thought and purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) 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. Romans 14:19 (Msg)

DAY 20: FAMILY

When Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers" he didn't mean blessed are those who avoid trouble or blessed are those who get along well with others. "Sometimes we need to avoid conflict, sometimes we need to create it, and sometimes we need to resolve it." Peacemaking isn't just settling upset feelings. Sometimes we need conflict and instead of just settling people down, we need to actually get at the problem. Sometimes people need to change and conflict is the only to cause that. "God expects unity, not uniformity, and we can walk arm-in-arm without seeing eye-to-eye on every issue." Lots of good advice about mending relationships with people. [God] has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (GWT) What causes fights and quarrels among you? ... You want something but don't get it ... You do not have because you do not ask God. James 4:1-2 (NIV)

DAY 19: FAMILY

Creating community among christians means being committed. Sometimes that means we have to lovingly speak the truth, even though it would be easier to look the other way and pretend there isn't a problem. How many teenagers and adults go unhelped by the church because we would rather talk about superficial things and not get personal with each other? It's normal to be afraid of conflict, but true fellowship demands honesty, even when it's hard. When everyone agrees that there is a problem, but there's not an environment of openness and action, gossip results. Humility is important. "Pride builds walls; humility builds bridges." "Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." Some people are just going to be hard for us to get along with. Fortunately, "community has nothing to do with compatibility. The basis for our fellowship is our relationship to God." Building community takes time. Church members lack deep relationships sometimes because we're only together a few times a week. And when we are together we're not sharing; we're all listening to someone else. In the end, people appreciate frankness more than flattery. Proverbs 28:23 (NLT) We must bear the 'burden' of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others. Romans 15:2 (Living Bible)

DAY 18: FAMILY

Real fellowship isn't just hanging out and eating snack-size sandwiches together. Real fellowship is experiencing life, with all its ups and downs, together. "You can worship with a crowd, but you can't fellowship with one." It's important to get people into smaller groups to connect with other people and open up. Whether it's bible classes, home fellowship groups, or racquetball meetings. Real connection doesn't happen in between songs. We have to take risks and open up to people to grow closer. I think the more we're willing to share the nasty, humiliating parts of ourselves with others, the closer we become. Fellowship means being honest and authentic. If you can't share you worries or struggles with anyone in a group, there probably isn't real fellowship there. Once you are comfortable sharing with people, it's important that we forgive and offer grace when people mess up. Helping each other through mistakes and hard times is what fellowship is all about. In the church or anywhere else, we'll never be asked to forgive more than we've been forgiven. I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you. Romans 1:12 (New Century Version) Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

DAY 17: FAMILY

We're not just called to be Christians. We're also called to belong to a family. Being a part of a local body is imperative to all Christians. It's crazy to think you can grow or fulfill all of God's purposes on your own. "To Paul, being a 'member' of the church meant being a vital organ of a living body, an indispensable, interconnected part of the Body of Christ. We need to recover and practice the biblical meaning of membership." "Sadly, many Christians use the church, but don't love it." This really gives me something to think about in the way that I view church. As part of belonging to a local church, you get to learn and test your spiritual muscle for the real world. We learn patience, unselfishness, and love. Fortunately and unfortunately, there are plenty of chances in any church to learn these kinds of things. "Attenders are spectators from the sidelines; members get involved in the ministry. Attenders are consumers; members are contributors." Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? Romans 12:4-5 (Msg)

DAY 16: FAMILY

Jesus says that others will be able to tell his people by the love we show each other. It's particularly important that we show love not just to everybody, but especially to God's family. Relationships, especially with other Christians, are what's really important. We try to cram things into our schedule so much that we lose time to simply have relationships. "What's important to God is displaced by what's urgent." What's going to last long after we're gone is the way we treat people. Not how much we get done or how many projects we took on. "The greatest gift you can give someone is your time." In light of that, we need to adjust our schedules. Not only that, but we also need to use the time we have. When we're in a position to spend time with somebody, we need to make sure we take advantage. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35 Show special love for God's people. 1 Peter 2:17b (CEV)

DAY 15: FAMILY

"God treasures relationships." God explains his own nature as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He wants a relationship with us, but more specifically he wants us to be a part of his family There's nothing about God that needs us or a family. But he desired a family, so he created us, led us, and brought us into his family at great cost. Nothing else in our lives is ever going to be as important or awesome as being part of God's family. If we ever doubt our worth, we just need to look at the great price he paid to make us part of his family. Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to the same family. That is why he isn't ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrew 2:11 (Contemporary English Version) See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT)

DAY 14: WORSHIP

It's easy to worship God when we're excited, happy, and feeling blessed. In every life, however, there are times when we don't feel so happy or feel God's presence in our life. Our heart is really proved when we feel miles away from God and we come to worship him. We're often guilty of seeking a good feeling or trying to experience God rather than simply worshipping. 4 things to do when you don't feel that God is close to you. 1. Share all of your frustrations and feelings with god 2. Focus on God's unchanging nature instead of focusing on the crazy world around you or how you feel right then. 3. Don't bank on your emotions to keep you going spiritually. Turn to God's promises and lean on what he's promised you. 4. No matter how bad you feel, you have to always remember that Christ came and died for you. Even if nothing else is going right, that saving act will always be enough to warrant your praise.

DAY 13: WORSHIP

God wants all of us when we worship. Not just our mouths. Not just our hearts. But every single bit of us praising him. All of our heart, soul, mind, and strength God doesn't want phoniness or some facade of worship. We may never worship perfectly, but God doesn't expect perfection. He does, however, expect sincerity. An even greater sin than worshipping incorrectly in some minor way is worship insincerely. Often times, the biggest distraction in worship is yourself. Whether it's your thoughts running somewhere else, your sleepiness, or even your own introspection. Songs that force us to look inward are fantastic sometimes, but songs about ME and MY FEELINGS should never take precedence over songs about GOD. I think I'm guilty of this one a lot. Many people, myself included, get in worship ruts. These are sometimes caused by trying to worship using a style or method that just isn't yours. God made us all different, so why should we all be expected to worship the same way, every Sunday. A little variety can do wonders for your spirituality. One of the biggest problems with worship is how everyone is expected to adhere to some standard that others have devised. Some people are naturally loud and excited and shoot fire, they need to clap and yell sometimes. Others don't need to. Some people need to get on their knees and lift holy hands. It's a shame that we try to squeeze everybody's worship into this awkwardly shaped box, until it's not even their own anymore. Should worship be about finding the lowest common denominator where everybody is comfortable with everything? Or does God even call us to be comfortable? Then again, should everyone be praising God in their own, random way? The answer lies in the middle and that's what we need to shoot for. God also wants our worship to be thoughtful. Not some last minute plugging songs into slots. Not singing the same songs for decades. Not worshipping the same way every day. We say worshipping God is the most important thing we do together, so shouldn't we prepare and spend time with it like we really believe that? "If worship is mindless, it's meaningless." Our worship can easily become what Jesus called "vain repetitions". When we use the same words, same songs, same translations, same "order of worship", same anything it loses its effectiveness. People need fresh takes on things or new metaphors for their spiritual lives. "God is so good", but if we sing it every week it will eventually be hard to really mean it. It's a lot easier to just offer God the same sacrifice every day in the same cliché way, but isn't it the cost of something that really gives it value? If we don't put our hearts and minds into worship, how can we expect real, emotional, thoughtful, and spirit-filled worship to emerge? I believe with all my heart that worship together is a time for God to work among his people. The more we honestly come to him and offer our hearts, the more he's going to bless us. At Gateway Getaway one night, I saw God bless more lives after one hour of awesome, heartfelt praise than I had seen in my 22 years before that night. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in worship John 4:23 (Msg) I will not offer to the Lord my God sacrifices that have cost me nothing 2 Samuel 24:24 (Today's English Version)

DAY 12: WORSHIP

God promises us that we'll be as close to him as we want to be. If we're willing to put our energy, time, and heart into being closer to him, God will draw closer to us. God wants us to be his friend and part of friendship is honesty, complete honesty. Whether we're pumped up, disappointed, furious, or confused God wants to know about it. Sometimes we think that God prefers some kind of spiritual mask whenever we're upset. Instead, I think God wants to hear that we're upset and why. Abraham, Moses, David, Job, and others all complained to God and bargained with him, but God never got upset. In fact, God praised Job's honesty. The entire book of Psalms is a worship how-to. Yet it's not just filled with pious songs of praise and 'everything's ok' hymns. David yells at God, confronts him, and praises him, too. We should be comfortable doing the same. God wants obedience as well. Every time we obey God, not understanding God's ways, we grow in faith and draw closer to God. We place so much emphasis on the 'big' acts of faith like missions or conversions, but God is probably more pleased by a life that daily does the small things right. Draw close to God and God will draw close to you James 4:8 (NLT) You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14 (NIV) You haven't been honest with me or about me ...not the way my friend Job has. My friend Job will now pray for you and I will accept your prayer. Job 42:7b (Msg)

DAY 11: WORSHIP

God wants us to be drawn closer to him. He wants a real friendship to develop. This only happens along with lots of time spent sharing and talking. Whatever we're doing, we can find time to pray and talk to God about it. If we're really surrendered, we'll lean on God in every situation and before we go to do anything. So often we think we have to 'get away' to praise God.' Worship can become a daily thing that's ingrained into our daily routine. We don't worship to lift our spirits, we worship because that's what God wants us to do. We have to make a habit of constantly talking to God, singing praises, and sharing with Him. The closer we grow to God and more we grow accustomed to dwelling on God's word, the more God will reveal his will and his secrets to us.

DAY 10: WORSHIP

Worship is all about surrendering ourselves to God; offering our lives, our worship, and everything to him We don't understand what it really means to 'surrender to God' and so we keep struggling to control our own lives.  When we continue trying to control other people and situations it shows our failure to surrender it to God. Someone who has surrendered to God and trusts him won't get as shaken by criticism and rush to defend themselves. Surrendering isn't just some one-time thing we do at church camp or in the baptistry.   It's a life-long and daily decision we have to make.  Each day I can live for myself or for God.

DAY 9: WORSHIP

Make God smile by pleasing him, trusting, and obeying We need to change our focus from "how much does this please me" to "does this please God." When we bring God joy through our worship, that joy overflows into our hearts as well If we don't feel that joy, does that mean God isn't feeling it?  God isn't pleased by worship that isn't heartfelt is he?

 

DAY 8: WORSHIP

Living for God's pleasure is our first purpose We should never feel worthless if we understand that the things we do matter to God and it makes him happy when we please him We can experience joy and excitement because God gave us those emotions.  God experiences those same emotions, too. "Bringing God pleasure is called 'worship.' "  If anything that pleases God can be considered worship, then our entire lives could and should be filled with 'worship.' Everything we do can be transformed into worship if we're doing to please God.  "so whatever you do, do it for the glory of God." God isn't impressed by meaningless repetition or business as usual.  Passion, hearts on fire, and genuine joy please God.

 

DAY 7: PURPOSE?

We're here for God's glory God initially showed his glory one on one to select people, then through the cloud and the tabernacle, through Jesus Christ, and finally through his church.  Each step along the way God has revealed himself more and more to his people There's nothing we can do to add to the glory of God.  It's our job to recognize, praise, give thanks for, and live for his glory By sinning we fall short of God's glory and we settle for our own Worshipping can be described not as singing or praying, but as enjoying, appreciating, and living for God The Lord has made everything for his own purposes. Proverbs 16:4 (NLT) For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power and is for His glory. Romans 11:36 (Living Bible)

 

DAY 6: PURPOSE?

"We're not completely happy here because we're not supposed to be!  Earth is not our final home, we were created for something much better." Lord, remind how brief my time on earth will be.  Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. Psalms 39:4 (NLT) You're cheating God.  If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. James 4:4 (Msg)

 

DAY 5: PURPOSE?

In our lives God tests us in various situations and trusts us with his creation. We should always remember that God is watching how we react to people and circumstances.   He's watching and hoping we'll do the right thing.  Sometimes God draws away from us a little to see how we'll react on our own. God also trusts us with money, talents, opportunities, and more.  He expects us to do a good job using these things for his glory.  One day we'll be rewarded for how well we handled the things he trusted us with. Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. Luke 16:10 (NLT)

 

DAY 4: PURPOSE?

God has made us to live for eternity and we should live our lives in light of that purpose.  If we purpose our lives based on things that are eternally important, they'll look a lot different.

 

DAY 3: PURPOSE?

"Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life" It also simplifies your life.  "Purpose-driven living leads to a simpler lifestyle and a saner schedule." It focuses your life by enabling you to figure out what's important and then selectively choose what you do.  By trying to do so many different things and solve a million problems, we become less effective.  If you want your life to make an impact, focus. A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life. Proverbs 11:7 (Msg) Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly.  Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Ephesians 5:17 (Msg)

 

DAY 2: PURPOSE?

We're not an accident; no matter what circumstances we come from.  God knew exactly how he wanted to create us and he did. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us. Romans 12:3 (Msg)

 

DAY 1: PURPOSE?

"In our search for the meaning of life, we typically start at the wrong point, ourselves." "You were made by God and for God - and until you understand that life will never make sense" "You could reach all your personal goals, become a raving success by the world's standards, and still miss the point for which God created you." "You may choose your career, your spouse, your hobbies, and many other parts of your life, but you can't choose your purpose" Self help is no help at all.  Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. Psalms 139:16 (Living Bible) A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God shaped life is a flourishing tree. Proverbs 11:28 (Msg) For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible . . . everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. Colossians 1:16 (Msg)

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