Day 40... What have you experienced?

Over the past 40 days I have felt a renewing within me. As I would read a chapter I would find myself marking scripture references and jumping to them in my Bible.

God wants a relationship with us and thEse forty days have definitely strengthened my relationship with Him!

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son. Thank you for loving me. Give me the strength and guidance to fulfill my purpose. Amen.

Day 39 Balancing Your Life

Our life if a pentathlon of five purposes. The pentathlete's goal is to succeed in all five areas, not just one or two. Small groups can help us live a balanced Purpose Driven Life and make us accountable to others that we are working on all five purposes simultaneously:

1) You Were Planned for God's Pleasure - Worship
2) You Were Formed for God's Family - Fellowship
3) You Were Created to Become Like Christ - Discipleship
4) You Were Shaped for Serving God - Ministry
5) You Were Made for a Mission - Evangelism

Have a good race!

Day 38 Becoming a World-Class Christian

World-class Christians know they were saved to serve and made for a mission. We have to move beyond our self-centered way of thinking. Prayer is the most important tool as people may refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. We should 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. So much of what we waste our energy on will not matter even a year from now, much less eternity. The Great Commission is OUR commission, and doing our part is the secret to living a life of significance.

Day 37 Sharing Your Life Message

God wants to say something to the world through me.

This week I want to take some time to reflect on:
1)My Testimony - the story of how I began a relationship with Jesus, as a witness this is simply a report of what happened
2)My Life Lessons - the most important lessons God has taught me. "God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course." Psalm 119:33 There isn't enough time to learn everything in life by trial and error. We must learn from the life lessons of one another.
3) My Godly Passions - the issues God shaped me to care about most. You cannot keep yourself from talking about what you care about most.
4)The Good News - the message of salvation. "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others." 2 Corinthians 5:19 We must learn to love lost people the way God does.

We are members of his family, models of his character, magnifiers of his glory, ministers of grace and messengers of his Good News.

Day 36: Made for a Mission

Mission Possible!

There were three thoughts that struck me most in today's reading...

1. It was not called the Great Suggestion... It's the Great Commission!

2. The moment you become serious about your mission, expect Satan to throw all kinds of diversions at you.

3. If you fail to fulfill your mission you will have wasted the life God gave you. Just hand God a blank sheet of paper with your name signed at the bottom and let Him fill in the details.

I'm in Ireland right now and missing my small group... But I'm not ready to come back yet... Maybe being here for me is part of God's mission for me!

Day 35 God's Power in Your Weakness

God is never limited by our limitations - Praise God!

I love Warren's statement that contentment is an expression of faith in the goodness of God. Our weaknesses cause us to depend on God, they keep us humble and they show how much we need each other. 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.

God is good - ALL THE TIME! ALL THE TIME - God is good! Amen.

Day 34 Thinking Like a Servant

"True humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less." What a humbling chapter this was. "When we stop focusing on our own needs, we become aware of the needs around us." We serve the Lord because we love the Lord, we're grateful for his grace, we know serving is the highest use of life, and we know God has promised a reward - period, end of story. If we are serving for ANY OTHER reason, we have lost our servant's heart.

Lord, I pray that you give me a servant's heart - that I serve humbly and with my focus on You and the needs of others. Amen

Day 33: How real servants act

The message I took from this chapter is "If you want to be a real servant... then act like one!"

"If you only serve when its convenient for you, you're not a real servant!  Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule!"

That is tough.  I will admit, I struggle with this.  Giving up control of my schedule seems illogical based on how much we all try to cram into our lives.  Giving up control to let God control my schedule will create a true servant out of me.

Lord give me the strength to surrender completely to you!

Day 32 Using What God Gave You

"In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. 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? So 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, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't." Romans 12:5 (MSG)

God deserves your best. He shaped you for a particular purpose, your specialty. When we try to overextend our ministry beyond what God shaped us for, we experience stress. Don't know what your serving specialty is? JUST START SERVING (Just Do it!), experiment and celebrate the shape God has given only you! We are getting ready for our ETERNAL responsibilities and rewards.

What do you LOVE to do that you could use to serve others in the family of God?

Day 31: Understanding your shape

If you don't make your unique contribution to the Body of Christ, it won't be made.

Wow! That statement hit me hard. We all are unique and we are the only one to make the contribution that we can make. I love what they say to new members at Saddleback Church, "Whatever you are good at, you should be doing for the church!"

There's something only I can contribute... I can't let God down!

Day 30: Shaped for serving God

As a parent I have said befor that it is amazing how both my kids are from the same family. They can be so different at times. I think this chapter just made me realize how that is really true for all of us.

God gifted us each differently. When you are doing what you love you don't need any applause or thanks because you are doing it for the sheer joy it brings you.

I also loved the comment that "no one is given all the gifts because that would defeat God's purpose to teach us to depend on each other and serve each other. How absolutely perfect is that!!!!?

Day 29: Accepting your assignment

You are not saved by service you are saved for service. I like Warren's comment on the last thing believers need being another Bible study. We need to put into practice what we already know!

If you're not involved in any service or ministry, what excuse have you been using?

Day 28 It Takes Time

Things that spoke to me from this chapter Patience - there are no shortcuts to maturity. God views our lives from and for eternity so he has a different perspective. When you feel like things aren't moving fast enough in regards to your spiritual growth, remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time.

Day 27 Defeating Temptation

"Remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

I find comfort in that - that God will not give us more than we can handle - and that he gives us everything we need to handle it.

1. Refocus your attention - don't dwell on the temptation
2. Reveal your struggle - "if you fall, your friend can help you up"
3. Resist the devil - "Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" Ephesians 6:17
4. Realize your vulnerability - it is easier to stay out of temptation than to get out of it

When you are tempted, memorizing Scripture is absolutely essential to defeating temptation. I urge you to memorize scripture so that you have the truth stored in your heart for quick access when you are tempted. This is one of the things I would really like to work on.

Day 27: Defeating Temptation

I like the four keys to defeating temptation:
1. Refocus on something besides the temptation. Ignore it! Don't fight it!
2. Get an accountability partner
3. Resist the devil. There is power in God's Word and Satan fears it!
4. Don't get arrogant! We are all capable of any sin.

There was a specific time I was feeling tormented by Satan and called on the name of Jesus. And I can only describe it as an almost immediate peace. I'm a firm believer when I read that Satan trembles at the sound of His name!

Have you called on the Word to defeat Satan?

Day 26: Growing through Temptation

Temptation is simply a choice and while Satan uses it for evil, God uses it for our growth. Satan will always use the same pattern to tempt you:
1. Satan identifies desire in you.
2. Satan creates doubt in your mind, is it really wrong?
3. Satan tells you a lie to confirm your doubts are "true"
4. We give in and disobey.

Three steps to resist temptation and make the right choice...
1. Refuse to be intimidated. Temptation is not a sin. Temptation means that Satan hates you. He doesn't have to tempt the ones who are already doing evil.
2. Be prepared for temptation. When are you most tempted?
3. Call upon God for help. God is waiting to help us. The Bible says we can call on God anytime we need help.

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good!

Day 25 Transformed by Trouble

Maybe it's my sweet tooth, but I liked the analogy Warren uses about the cake. The ingredients of a cake, eaten individually, are not that appetizing - but bake them together and they become delicious! Similarly, the events in your life - good and bad - work together in God's plan to complete God's beautiful masterpiece which is uniquely you. We can be comforted in knowing that when we are facing troubles, God is right there every step of the way enduring it, entering it and overcoming it with us.

What do you think about Warren's statement "You'll never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got?"

cheree

Day 24: Transformed by Truth

Day 24... couldn't help it when I saw the number and in my head I could hear that digital countdown from the "24" TV series!  Then I thought, "how fitting and appropriate" because we are to be "Transformed by Truth" day-by-day!

Two items struck me in today's reading:

1.  There are 5 authorities you can make decisions on and only one is based in truth.  Culture, tradition, reason, emotion or ... the BIBLE.  It is the PERFECT standard that will never lead us wrong.

2.  Satan doesn't mind if you go to Bible studies... as long as you don't do anything with what you learned.  Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless.  I read this to mean that we should put our faith into action.  Any other adults up for an Adult Mission Trip in 2011?  Ken A. said something to me this past Sunday...

John 8:31-32  "If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Day 23 How we Grow

Spiritual growth is not automatic. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow and persist in growing. It begins with a decision and it is a lifelong process to become more like Christ. Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle.

What is this Purpose Driven Life study revealing to you about your spiritual growth?

Day 22: Created to become like Christ

I love how this chapter starts! I love the epic story we are all living. Many don't realize "... It is your destiny!!" What is our destiny? Our destiny is to become like Christ... And one day we will have that destiny completely fulfilled. For now, what does God expect from each of us? Let the Holy Spirit, who lives in each of us, do His work.

So, how do we let the Holy Spirit do His work? One way is to remember to focus on others and what God wants, not us. I like the reminder from Warren, "Life is not about you!" Warren reminds us that we all still deal with original sin today. "The desire to be a god shows up every time we try to control our circumstances, our future, and the people around us."

That's the devil whispering in your ear...

Don't eat that fruit!

Day 21 Protecting Your Church

I have enjoyed and gained a lot of understanding from this week's Purpose of Fellowship. It has really opened my eyes as to how important small groups and protecting your church are essential to maturity in Christ. I love the reminder that we should focus on what we have in common, not our differences. "Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony, and on the growth of one another's character." Romans 14:19

Warren says it's the Devil's job to blame, complain and criticize members of God's family. Anytime we do the same, we're being duped into doing Satan's work for him. God blesses churches that unified and it is our responsibility to protect the unity of the church.

Day 20: restoring broken fellowship

Conflict... I'm thankful God gave us the guidance to resolve it while maintaining relationships. The two pieces that struck me most were:

First, take it to God first. We need to talk to God before we talk to the person.

Second, attack the problem, not the person. You cannot fix the problem if you're consumed with fix the blame.

I also like how Warren ends the chapter telling us that God expects unity not uniformity. We should reconcile our relationships and work to resolve our issues, but we can agree to disagree.

Day 19 Cultivating Community

The nine characteristics of Biblical fellowship:
Authenticity-share our true feelings
Mutuality-encourage each other
Sympathy-support each other
Mercy-forgive each other
Honesty-speak the truth in love
Humility-admit our weaknesses
Courtesy-respect our differences
Confidentiality-not gossip
Frequency-make group a priority

It means giving up our self-centeredness and independence but it prepares us for heaven.

What are ways we can help cultivate these characteristics of real community at PVLC?

Day 18: Experiencing life together

I like how Warren recommends being a part of a small group.  "Once a group becomes larger than 10, someone stops participating."  He also points out that Jesus probably recognized if he had more than 12 disciples, his small group would be too large!

Cheree and I were in a small group for about a year and we absolutely loved it.  Four couples (and kids) would meet at one of our houses' for dinner.  Then we would do Bible study together.  Then we would all pray together.  The connections and accountability remain to this day.

I love small group!  What do you think about small groups?

Day 17 A Place To Belong

The role of the local church is vital to your life as a believer. Over 50 times in the New Testament the phrase "one Another" or "each other" is used commanding us in the ways of our "family responsibilities". God created the church to meet all 5 of your deepest needs. You can spend a lifetime looking for the perfect church, but you will never find it because we are all imperfect sinners called to love, pray for, encourage, admonish, greet, serve, teach, accept, honor, bear each other's burdens, forgive, submit to and be devoted to ONE ANOTHER. We cannot fulfill our purposes without relationships within the church (the body if Christ). I praise God for each of you, my family at PVLC.

Day 16: What matters most...

...is love! We are most like Jesus when we are loving others. Three parts of today's chapter I latched on to...
1. Love cannot be learned in isolation. You have to be around other people, irritating, imperfect, and frustrating people. I'm sure I am that person to some others!
2. Paul said he is "bankrupt without love." And, he was never married! He is talking about love for God and our love for each other.
3. Relationships are most important and yet we let worldly issues and life's tasks displace God. I read "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis and this comment reminded me of that book. The devil uses this world to take our hearts and minds off of God and loving others.

I also liked Warren's summary of love at the end of the chapter..."The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now."

Day 15 Formed for God's Family

The entire Bible is the story of God building a family who will love him, honor him, and reign with him forever. Galatians 3:26 says "You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus." The invitation to be part of God's family is universal, but there is one condition: faith in Jesus. As a member of God's family, we are adopted by a spiritual family that will last forever!

How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?

Day 14: When God Seems Distant

"Faith, not feelings, pleases God."  I love that phrase from today's chapter.  Who among us has not had a bad day?  A day where everything is going wrong for you, bad news after bad news, maybe even pain or suffering.  I know I pray for comfort and healing not just for myself, but for others who are hurting.  God hears and God never leaves us... but he may not always seem close.

One day I was in a store with Russell and he asked to go to the toy aisle.  I said "Okay, but don't go anywhere else."  After I grabbed a few items, I made my way back to the toy aisle and he wasn't there.  I started to think... he must have gone looking for me.  So, I retraced some of my steps because he knew we were there to get milk.  Eventually, I spotted him, but he didn't see me.  I continued to follow at a distance to see where he'd go.  He looked around the milk and then went toward the front of the store.  When he didn't see me, he stayed near the front, expecting I'd have to check out some time.  I walked up to him and asked why he left the toy aisle.  He said he was looking for me.  I asked, "Were you scared when you didn't find me right away?"  He replied, "No.  I knew you wouldn't leave me."  I pray that I could always be like that with God.

Faith, not feelings, pleases God.

Day 13 Worship that Pleases God

I love that there is not a one size fits all way to worship and have a friendship with God. Which of the 9 ways that people draw near to God that Gary Thomas identifies do you relate to most? Although I identify with several I am a combination mostly of sensate and enthusiast. The fact that there are so many ways makes each of our relationships with God special and unique. I praise God for variety and the opportunity to worship Him in a way that let's me be honestly me!

Day 12: Developing your friendship with God

"God is not mad at you, he's mad about you!". I like how this chapter focuses on developing a friendship with God. Friendships are not solidified overnight. It takes commitment. Friends will truly be interested in each other. God is "mad" about you. Do you share the same feeling about him?

Just like any of our friends, you are as close to God as you want to be.

A friend of mine said, "I'm fine. I believe in God and Jesus. That's all I need to know... I'll make it to heaven.". As Paul pointed it out to Timothy... He's missing the point. The most important thing in life is to know God... Which means you spend time with him. You can't develop strong friendships by just knowing of a friend... You must invest time with them to truly know them. It's up to each of us. God gives us the choice.

Day 11 Becoming Best Friends with God

What makes a great friendship? To me, it is one in which you feel free and at ease to share and one in which you love to listen - it all centers around two way communication. I have a dear friend who is one of the best listeners I know - she always seems to know the right thing to say and gives you her undivided attention when she is listening. She makes you feel like what you are saying is the most interesting thing she's ever heard and that there is no where on earth she'd rather be than right there listening to what you are saying. Her visual, verbal and vocal cues are all tuned in on you. She asks lots of questions to get you to talk more and if she gets interrupted, she comes right back to where you left off. She makes it so easy to talk to her and as such she probably gets more info than she wants! But, she is so easy to talk to and she always reminds me how important it is to be a good listener and I try to repay her with the same listening skills but never feel like I can do her justice. At the same time, I love to listen to her - I look forward to the next time we get to catch up, and even though it is often weeks in between talking to each to other, we always just pick up right where we left off. She is probably the closest thing I have to a sister and is one of my best friends.

I used to have a hard time understanding how people could have a relationship, in the traditional sense, with God (who is an "omnipotent, invisible & perfect God"). For a long time, praying felt one sided to me and just something I did in the evenings before I went to bed, usually a memorized prayer out of habit. I felt like in order to converse with God, I had to be alone with Him at a set aside time in the still and quiet or at church. Slowly, I began to realize, out of necessity, that this was not enough. I am growing every day and starting to have a constant conversation with God as I become aware of him in every aspect of my life and I feel His presence. I am working on changing my attitude so that those things I would normally do for myself, I begin doing for God. I find myself having a hard time waiting to share something exciting with God and craving time to be in His Word and letting him speak to me! I just hope that I can be as good a listener to Him as He is to me!

Day 10:The Heart of Worship

Wow...  I think this has been my favorite chapter so far!!  Some C.S. Lewis (one of my favorites!), some great quotes!, so much truth!  One word that sums up this chapter... "SURRENDER!"

God wants your life... all of it!  It takes more trust and strength to surrender completely than to try and control your life yourself.  When you surrender to God, that means you obey.  I love the comment, "you can't call Jesus your Lord when you refuse to obey Him!"  "It's when we try to be God that we end up most like Satan, because he desired the same thing."  The decision to surrender to God will be tested.  That is why Paul said, "I die daily." He knew that he must surrender every day... "If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to Chaos."  Be prepared, Satan (chaos) will whisper in your ear, "Don't be weak!  Don't be a wimp!  Take control of your life!  Don't listen to anyone else!!  Don't surrender!!"

Warren tells us "You know when you are surrendered when you don't react to criticism and rush to defend yourself."

I also think about how we are fighting against God because of our sin.  True repentance is exactly what this chapter is about... stop fighting God... lay down your weapons... surrender to Him.  You don't lose when you surrender... quite the contrary!!

My prayer for myself and for all of us... "Heavenly Father, give us the strength to surrender to you.. every day... AMEN!"

Day 9 What Makes God Smile?

What God wants most from you is a relationship. Everything in this chapter reminds me that as humans who are made in His image, our tendencies in relationships, especially parenting, come from being His creation. We crave reciprocal love from those we love. We hope that our loved ones know know that even though we can't control everything, that they can trust that we will be there to walk through it with them. It brings great joy to people who serve especially when they are appreciated by the ones they serve. Does it make you happy when your kids wholeheartedly obey you? Can you relate to the joy of watching someone doing something that they love and were born to do? Think about watching a loved one sleep and the feeling of love swelling up in your heart.

Much like we enjoy watching our children grow (mistakes and all,) God loves and enjoys every step of growth in your spiritual journey. I pray that our journey be pleasing to God and I praise God for being a God of love and forgiveness.

Day 8: planned for God's pleasure

I think my favorite part about today is the simple definition of worship... Anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship. I also like Warren's warning that if we fail to worship God, we will always find a substitute... Sounds like a reminder of the first commandment. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. I heard a friend of mine once say, "everybody worships something."

Worship is not about us... It's not for us... It is for God's pleasure!

Day 7 Saturday Sept 18 The Reason for Everything

"The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. It is the reason everything exists.". WOW!!

How do we glorify god? Warren summarizes the ways in God's five purposes for your life:

Worship-God is inviting us to enjoy Him,God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him
Community-it is our responsibilty to learn to love as God does, because God is love
Growing-the more you develop Christlike character, the more you will bring glory to God
Serving-God gave you your abilitis to benefit others
Mission-God expects us to share the truth with others

We will be diving deeper into these 5 ways we can glorify God over the next 5 weeks.

Where in your daily routine can you become more aware of God's glory?

Lord, I pray that each one of us discover new ways to glorify you each and every day!! Help us to change our priorities,schedules and relationships and live our lives for your glory. Amen

Day 6: life is a temporary assignment

The question to consider is how should we live differently knowing that our assignment on earth is temporary and the first word that comes to mind is "priorities". Knowing I have more eternal concerns than this life, I feel my priorities have shifted... Latest episode of The Office or read my Bible for 30 minutes?

I like how Rick Warren points out that we are not meant to be happy here. Christ said we would be despised when we follow Him. It should be a huge red flag if you ever hear a preacher teaching about how "you were meant to win because you are a chosen child of God!" our comforts in this world are not the greatest concern... That is what God tells us.

Day 5: seeing life from God's view

God allows us to be challenged and we build our character by focusing on His word. While we may face trials and issues, we are never alone. Through His strength we gain our strength. When I hear the word "test" I always try to remember that there are situations that will build my character. I'm not being tested so I can pass or fail to gain salvation. Instead, salvation is by grace and through faith alone.

As stewards of the earth and the gifts God has given us, we are only tending to something that wasn't ours in the first place. It's like when I used to have a truck and a friend borrowed it to move some furniture. When he brought it back he had filled the gas tank completely and washed it too! He was a good steward. We should be the same way with all that God has given us to tend.

Day 4: Made to last forever

Two quotes from one of my favorite authors in today's reading... C.S. Lewis. If you have not read Mere Christianity by Lewis I recommend you add it to your list... Of course not until after PDL!

The first quote is one of my favorites about how we will spend eternity and it is our choice. God never forces Himself on anyone. It is always our choice to either accept or reject Him. We can say to God "Thy will be done." and choose to spend eternity with God or we can reject God... And He will say "have it your way."

Hell is often thought of as fire, heat, pain, suffering, a lake of fire... I picture hell simply for what it is... Eternal separation from God. Picture that! Eternal separation from Love! Eternal separation from pure light!

No matter what you picture that to be like it is horrible... Then multiply it by infinity!

Thank God for our Savior!

Day 3 What drives your life?

The things I loved hearing today when reading this chapter were that "God's purpose is not limited by your past" and "Hope comes from having a purpose". I find comfort in Jeremiah 29:11.

What do you want to be the driving force in your life?

cheree

Day 2: You are not an accident

One of the toughest things I heard from a friend growing up was when he said, "I was an accident." He was referring to him being unplanned by his parents and they actually said that to him.  That was tough for him to hear.

How great to know that there is no such thing as an accident.  God planned you.

I love the point that God created you to express His love to you.  He is Love.  He didn't "need" to create you so he would have someone to share love with.  He already has a perfect shared love in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I will pray a prayer of thankfulness tonight that God created the world and everything in it... so that He could express his infinite love to us.  How special are you that God did that for you!!!

Prayers

Creating a separate thread to keep all of our prayers requests together:

Day 1 It All Starts with God

What a great kick off today! We look forward to taking this journey with each one of you!

Here's a question: What do you think are implications of the first sentence of this book, "It's not about you"?

A few reminders:

• Sign the Covenant right before the first chapter in the book
• Read one chapter per day - put an appointment on your calendar to remind you
• Try to commit the Ephesians 2: 10 to memory
  
• You can get Pastor's Daily Devotional and a link to the sermon podcasts on the church website at: http://www.palmvalleylutheranchurch.org
• There is a daily short paragraph in the separate booklet "A Lutheran Guide to the Purpose Driven Life" with insights from Pastor Koppel

Have a great day!
In Him,
Cheree

Welcome to 40 Days of Purpose!

Thanks for joining us for 40 Days of Purpose.  I've read this book before but I did not walk through it with a small group and I am really looking forward to it.  Although our time will be short each week with a 20-25 minute video and only ~30 minutes for discussion, I still think it is going to be a great experience for us all.  See you all tomorrow morning!
Russ