Day 16 - What Matters Most

No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

1 CORINTHIANS 13:3b (Msg)

Love means living the way God commanded us to live.  As you have heard from the beginning, His command is this: Live a life of love.

2 JOHN 1:6 (NCV)

"Life is about love. Because God is love, the most important lesson He wants you to learn on earth is how to love.  It is in loving that we are most like Him, so love is the foundation of every command He has given us: "The whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love others as you love yourself." p123

"Relationships, not achievements or the acquisition of things, are what matters most in life.  So why do we allow our relationships to get the short end of the stick? When our schedules become over loaded, we start skimming relationally, cutting back on giving the time, energy, and attention that loving relationships require.  What's most important to God is displaced by what is urgent.

Busyness is a great enemy of relationships.  We become preoccupied with making a living, doing our work, paying bills, and accomplishing goals as if these tasks are the point of life.  They are not.  The point of life is learning to love - God and people.  Life minus love equals zero." p125

"In our final moments we all [will] realise that relationships are what life is about.  Wisdom is learning that truth sooner rather than later." Don't wait until you're on your deathbed to figure out that nothing matters more." p126

"When you transfer into eternity, you will leave everything else behind.  All you're taking with you is your character.  That's why the Bible says, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." p126

"... I suggest that when you wake up every morning, you... pray this: "God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people - because that's what life is all about.  I don't want to waste this day." Why should God give you another day, if you are just going to waste it? p126

"Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it.  You can make more money, but you can't make more time.  When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back.  Your time is your life.  That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time." p127

"Knowing that one day you will stand before God, here are some questions you need to consider: How will you explain those times when projects or things were more important to you than people?  Who do you need to start spending more time with?  What do you need to cut out of your schedule to make that possible?  What sacrifices do you need to make?" p128

"The best use of life is love.  The best expression of love is time.  The best time to love is now." p128

Points to Ponder: 

Life is all about love

Verses to Remember: 

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"

Questions to Consider: 

Honestly, are relationships my first priority? How can I ensure that they are?

Day 15 - Formed For God's Family

God is the One who made all things, and all things are for His glory.  He wanted to have many children share His glory.

HEBREWS 2:10a (NCV)

See how much our heavily Father loves us, for He allow us to be called His children, and we really are!

1 JOHN 3:1 (NLT)

"God wants a family, and He created you to be a part of it." p117

"When we place our faith in Christ, God becomes our Father, we become His children, other believers become our brothers and sisters, and the church becomes our spiritual family.  The family of God includes all believers in the past, the present and the future." p118

"The Bible says, "God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children.  It is kept in Heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay."  This means that your eternal inheritance is priceless, pure, permanent, and protected.  no one can take it from you; it can't be destroyed by war, a poor economy, or natural disaster.  This eternal inheritance, not retirement, is what you should be looking forward to and working for.  Paul says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from Lord as a reward." Retirement is a short-sighted goal.  You should be living in light of eternity." p120

The Bible says, "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." Let that amazing truth sink in.  You are a part of God's family, and because Jesus makes you holy, God is proud of you!  The words of Jesus are unmistakeable: "[Jesus] pointed to his disciples and said, 'These are my mother and brothers.  Anyone who does the will of my Father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother!'"  Being included in God's daily is the highest honour and the greatest privilege you will ever receive. Nothing else comes close. Whenever you feel unimportant, unloved, or insecure, remember to whom you belong." p121

Point to Remember:  

I was formed for God's family.

Verses to Remember: 

"His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ." EPHESIANS 1:5a (NLT)

Question to Consider: 

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

Day 14 - When God Seems Distant

The Lord has hidden Himself from His people, bit I trust him and place my hope in Him.

ISAIAH 8:17 (TEV)

"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." p107

"During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promise of God, not your emotions, and realise that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity. " p111

"Remember what God has already done for you.  If God never did anything else for you, he would still deserve your continual praise for rest of your life because of what Jesus did for you on the cross.  God's Son died for you! This is the greatest reason for worship. p112

"Jesus gave up everything so you could have everything.  He dies so you could live forever.  That alone is worthy of your continual thanks and praise.  Never again should you wonder what you have to be thankful for." p113

Point to Ponder:  God is real, no matter how I feel.

Verse to Remember: " For God has said, "I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." HEBREWS 13:5 (TEV)

Question to Consider: How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when He feel distant?

Day 13 - Worship That Pleases God

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

MARK 12:30 (NIV)

"...many Christians seem stuck in a worship rut - an unsatisfying routine - instead of having a vibrant friendship with God, because they force themselves to use devotional methods or worship styles that don't fit the way God uniquely shaped them." p102

"...if God intentionally made us all different, why should everyone be expected to love God in the same way?" p102

Point to Ponder: God wants all of me.

Verses to Remember: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your should and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30 (NIV)

Question to Consider: Which is more pleasing to God right now - my public worship or my private worship? What will I do about this?

Day 12 - Develop Your friendship With God

He offers His friendship to the godly.

PROVERBS 3:32 (NLT)

Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.

JAMES (NLT)

"Like any friendship, you must work at developing your friendship with God.  It won't happen by accident.  It takes desire, time, and energy." p92

"We obey God, not out of duty or fear or compulsion, but because we love Him and trust that He knows what is best for us.  We want to follow Christ out of gratitude for all he has done for us, and the closer we follow Him, the deeper our friendship becomes." p95

"True friendship isn't passive; it acts.  When Jesus asks us to love others, help the needy, share our resources, keep our lives clean, offer forgiveness, and bring others to Him, love motivates us to obey immediately." p96

"We are often challenged to do "great things" for God.  Actually, God is more pleased when we do small things for Him out of loving obedience.  They may be unnoticed by others, but God notices them and considers them acts of worship.

Great opportunities may come once in a lifetime, but small opportunities surround us every day.  Even through such simple acts as telling the truth, being kind, and encouraging others, we bring a smile to God's face.  God treasures simple acts of obedience more than our prayer, praise, or offerings." p96

Point to Ponder: I'm as close to God as I choose to be.

Verses to Remember: "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." JAMES 4:8a (NLT)

Question to Consider: What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?

Day 11 - Becoming Friends With God

Since we are restored to friendship with God by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by His life.

ROMANS 5:10 (NLT)

"God deeply desires that we know Him intimately.  In fact, he planned the universe and orchestrated history, including the details of our lives, so that we could become His friend.  The Bible says, "He made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find Him."" p87

"You will never grow a close relationship with God by just attending church once a week or even having a daily quiet time.  Friendship with God is built by sharing all you life experiences with Him  ...it is important to establish the habit of a daily devotion time with God, but he wants more than an appointment in your schedule." p87

"Everything you do can be "spending time with God" if He is invited to be part of it and you stay aware of His presence." p88

"In Eden, worship was not an event to attend, but a perpetual attitude; Adam and Eve were in constant communion with God.  Because God is with you all the time, no place is any closer to God than the place you are right now." p88

The Bible tells us to "pray all the time".  How is it possible to do this? one way is to use "breath prayers" throughout the day [such as]:

You are with me.

I receive your grace.

I'm depending on you.

I want to know you.

I belong to you.

Help me trust you.

You can also use a short phrase of Scripture:

For me to live is Christ.

You will never leave me.

Your are my God". p89

"...the Bible repeatedly urges us to meditate on who God is, what He has done, and what he has said."p90

"When you read the Bible or hear a sermon or listen to a tape, don't just forget it and walk away.  Develop the practice of reviewing the truth in your mind, thinking about it over and over.  The more time you spend reviewing what God has said, the more you will understand the "secrets" of this life that most people miss.  The Bible says, "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him.  With them alone He shares the secrets of His promise." p91

Points to Ponder: God wants to be my best friend.

Verses to Remember: "Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence Him." PSALM 25:14a (LB)

Questions to Consider: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to Him more often throughout the day?

Day 10 - The Heart Of Worship

Give yourselves to God ...Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.

ROMANS 6:13 (TEV)

"In todays competitive culture we are taught to never give up and never give in - so we don't hear much about surrendering.  If winning is everything, surrendering is unthinkable.  We would rather talk about winning, succeeding, overcoming, and conquering than yielding, submitting, obeying, and surrendering.  But surrendering to God is the Heart Of Worship." p77

"God wants your life - all of it. Ninety percent is not enough.  There are three barriers that block our total surrender to God: fear, pride and confusion.  We don't realise how much God loves us, we want to control our own lives, and we misunderstand the meaning of surrender." p78

"You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda and control the situation."p80-81

"Victory comes through surrender.  Surrender doesn't weaken you; it strengthens you." p82

"Everybody eventually surrenders to something or someone.  If not to God, you will surrender to the opinions or expectations of others, to money, to resentment, to fear, or to your own pride, lust or ego.  You are free to choose what you surrender to, but you are not free from the consequences of that choice." p82

"Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live.  Nothing else works.  All other approaches lead to frustration, disappointment, and self-destruction...  Surrendering your life is not a foolish emotional impulse but a rational, intelligent act, the most responsible and sensible thing you can do with your life...  Eventually you discover that the greatest hindrance to God's blessing in your life is not others, it is yourself - your self-will, stubborn pride, and personal ambition.  You cannot fulfill God's purpose for your life while focusing on your own plans." p83

"Jesus said, "If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want.  They must be willing to give up their lives daily to follow me." p84 

Points to Ponder:  The Heart of Worship is surrender.

Verses to Remember:  "Surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purpose," Romans 6:13b (TEV)

Question to Consider:  What area of my life am I holding back from God?

Day 9 - What Makes God Smile?

May the LORD smile on you....

NUMBERS 6:25 (NLT)

Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live.

PSALM 119:135 (MSG)

"In Noah's day, the entire world had become morally bankrupt.  Everyone lived for their own pleasure, not God's.  God couldn't find anyone on earth interested in pleasing Him, so he was grieved and regretted making man.  God became so disgusted with the human race that He considered wiping it out.  But there was one man who made God smile.  The Bible says, "Noah was a pleasure to the Lord."...   Because Noah brought pleasure to God, you and I are alive today." p69-70

"... to love God and be loved by Him, should be the greatest objective of your life.  Nothing else comes close in importance." p70

"Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life" p71

"Any act of obedience is an act of worship.  Why is obedience so pleasing to God?  Because it proves you really love Him.  Jesus said,  "If you love me, you will obey my commandments." p73

 "Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we don't offer animal scarifies.  Instead we are told to offer God "the sacrifice of praise" and  "the sacrifice of thanksgiving".  We praise God for who he is, and we thank God for what he has done." p73

"Worship works both ways.  We enjoy what God has done for us, and when we express that enjoyment to God, it brings Him joy - but it also increases our joy. p74

"...God especially enjoys watching you use the talents and abilities he has given you.  God intentionally gifted us differently for His enjoyment.  He has made some to be athletic and some to be analytical.  You may be gifted at mechanics or mathematics or music or a thousand others skills.  All these abilities can bring a smile to God's grace.  The Bible says, " He has shaped each person in turn; now He watches everything we do." p75

Points to Ponser: God smiles when I trust Him.

Verses to Remember: "The Lord is pleased with those who worship Him and trust His love." PSLAM 147: 11 (CEV)

Question to Consider: Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust Him most?

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 (NLT)

The Lord takes pleasure in his people.

PSALM 149:4a (TEV)

"Bringing pleasure to God is called worship...  Anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of worship." p64

"...worship is a universal urge, hard-wired by God into the very fibre of our being." p64

"You may think of church services with singing, praying, and listening to sermon.  Or you may think of ceremonies, candles, and communion.  Or you may think of healing, miracles, and experiences.  Worship can include these elements, but worship is far more than these expressions,  Worship is a lifestyle." p65

"[Worship] isn't for our benefits!  We worship for God's benefit.  When we worship, our goal is to bring pleasure to God, not ourselves. p66

"Worship is not a part of your life; it is you life.  Worship is not just for church services.  We are told to "worship him continually" and to "praise him from sunrise to sunset."  In the Bible people praised God at work, at home, in battle, in jail, and even in bed!  Praise should be the first activity when you open your eyes in the morning and the last activity when you close them at night.  David said, "I will thank the Lord at all times.  My mouth will always praise him."

Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory, and pleasure of God. The Bible says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." p67

Points to Ponder: I was planned for God's pleasure.

Verses to Remember: "The LORD takes pleasure in his people." PSLALM 149:4a (TEV)

Questions to Consider: What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?

Day 7 - A Reason For Everything

Everything comes from God alone.  Everything lives by His power, and everything is for His glory. ROMANS 11:36 (LB)

The LORD has made everything for His own purpose.  PROVERBS 16:4 (NLT)

"[God is everywhere] ...from the smallest microscopic form of life to the vast Milky Way [galaxy], from sunsets and starts to storms and seasons." p53

"We are commanded to recognise his glory, and live for His glory.....  Since God made all things, He deserves all glory." p54

"In the entire universe, only two of God's creations fail to bring glory to Him: fallen angels (demons) and us (people)." p54

"[Not giving glory to God] is the worst sin and the biggest mistake we can make.....  Living for God's glory is the the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives." p55

"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.  It will sometimes mean choosing a difficult path instead of an easy one." p57

"The Bible says "Anyone who holds on to life as it is, destroys that life.  But if you let it go ... you'll have it forever, real and eternal" p58

     How we can bring glory to God:

• We bring God glory by worshiping Him.
• We bring God glory by loving other believers.
• We We bring God glory by becoming like Christ.
• We We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts.
• We We bring God glory by telling others about him.

Points to ponder: 

It's all for Him.

Verses to remember: 

"For everything comes from God alone.  Everything lives by his power, and everything is for His glory." ROMANS 11:36 (LB)

Questions to consider: 

Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?

Day 6 - Life Is A Temporary Assignment

Points to Ponder:

This world is not my home.

Verses To Remember:

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

Questions To Consider:

How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?

Day 100 - Follow Him

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it."

MATTHEW 16:24-25 HCSB

"Jesus walks with you.  Are you walking with Him seven days a week, and not just on Sunday mornings?  Are you a seven-day-a-week Christian who carries your faith with you to work each day, or do you try to keep Jesus at a safe distance when you're not sitting in church?  Hopefully, you understand the wisdom of walking with Christ all day every day.

Jesus loved you so much that He endured unspeakable humiliation and suffering for you.  How will you respond to Christ's sacrifice?  Will you take up his cross and follow Him - during good times and tough times - or will you choose another path?  When you place your hopes squarely at the foot of the cross, when you place Jesus squarely at the centre of tour life, you will be blessed.

Do you seek to fulfill God's purpose for your life?  Do you seek spiritual abundance?  Would you like to partake in  "the peace that passes all understanding?"  Then follow Christ.  Follow Him by picking up His cross today and every day that you live.  When you do, you will quickly discover that christ's love has the power to change everything, including you." p202

"You who suffer take heart.  Christ is the answer to sorrow." - BILLY GRAHAM p203

"Jesus Christ is not a security from storm.  He is perfect security in storms" - KATHY TROCCOLI p203

"When you are in deep water ...trust the One who walked on it." - ANONYMOUS p203

"In the midst of the pressure and the heat, I am confident His hand is on my life, developing my faith until I display His glory, transforming me into a vessel of honour that pleases Him!" - ANNE GRAHAM LOTZ p203

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Jesus, because I am Your disciple, I will trust You, I will obey Your teachings, and I will share Your Good News.  You have given me life abundant and life eternal, and I will follow You today and forever.  Amen

Day 5 - Seeing Life From God's View

Points To Ponder: 

Life is a test and a trust.

Verses To Remember: 

"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful enlarge ones." LUKE 16:10a (NLT)

Questions To Consider: 

What has happened to me recently that I now realise was a test form God?  What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

Day 99 - Taking care Of Your Body

Didn't you realise that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit?  Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for?  The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:19 MSG

"Are you concerned about your spiritual, physical or emotional health?  If so, there is a timeless source of comfort and advice that is as near as your bookshelf.  That source is the Holy Bible.

God's Word has much to say about every aspect of your life, including your health.  If you face personal health challenges that seem almost insoluble, have faith and seek God's wisdom.  If you can't seem to get yourself on a sensible diet or on a program of regular physical exercise, consult God's teachings.  If your approach to your physical or emotional health has, up to this point, been undisciplined, pray to your Creator for the strength to do what you know is right.

God has given you the Holy Bible for the purpose of knowing His promise, His power, His commandments, His wisdom, His love, and His Son.  As you seek to improve the state of your own health, study God's teachings and apply them to your life.  When you do, you will be blessed, now and forever." p200

"Our body is like armour, our soul like the warrior.  Take care of both, and you will be ready for what comes." - AMMA ST. SYNCLETICE

"Laughter is the language of the young at heart and the antidote to what ails us." - BARBARA JOHNSON p201

"People are funny. When they are young, they will spend their health to get wealth.  later, they will gladly pay all they have trying to get their health back." - JOHN MAXWELL p201

"You can't buy good health at the doctors office - you've got to earn it for yourself." - MARIE T. FREEMAN

TODAY'S PRAYER

Lord, when I am ill, weak, or troubled, You heal me. Renew me, Father, and let me trust Your will for my life.  Let me welcome Your unending love and Your healing touch, now and forever.  Amen

Day 4 - Made to Last Forever

Point to Ponder: There is more to life than just here and now.

Verses To Remember: "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves.  But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 JOHN 2:17 (NLT)

Questions to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one things I should start doing today?

Day 98 - Good Decisions Mean Less Stress

If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask Him, and He will gladly tell you.  He will not resent your asking.

JAMES 1:5 NLT

"Life presents each of us with countless questions, conundrums, doubt, and problems.  Thankfully, the riddles of everyday living are not too difficult to solve if we look for answers in the right place.  When we have questions, we should consult God's Word, we should consult our own conscience, and we should consult a few close friends and family members.

Perhaps Soren Kierkegaard was stating the obvious when he observed, " Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."  Still, Kierkegaard's words are far easier to understand than they are to live by.

Taking a forward-looking (stress-conquering) approach to life means learning the art of solving difficult problems sensibly and consistently ...and sooner rather than later." p198

"Life is built on character, but character is built on decision." - WARREN WIESERBE p198

"No trumpets sound when the important decisions of life are made.  Destiny is made known silently." - AGNESS DEMILLE p199

"The Reference Point for the Christian is the Bible.  All values, judgments, and attitudes must be gauged in relationship to this Reference Point." - RUTH BELL GRAHAM p199

"Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily." - JOHN MAXWELL p199

"Don't be overwhelmed ...take it one day and one prayer at a time." - STORMIE OMARTIAN p199

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear lord, give me the insight to make wise decisions and the courage to act upon the decisions that I make.  Amen

Day 3 - What Drives Your life?

Points To Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace.

Verses To Remember: "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You." ISAIAH 26:3 (TEV)

Question to Consider: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?

Day 97 - Using Your Talents

Do not neglect the gift that is in you.

1 TIMOTY 4 :14 NKJV

"God gives each of us a unique assortment of talents and opportunities.  And our Heavenly Father instructs us to be faithful stewards of the gifts that He bestows upon us.  But we live in a world that encourages us to do otherwise.

Ours is a society that is filled to the brim with countless opportunities to squander our time, our resources, and our talents.  So we must be watchful for distractions and temptations that might lead us astray.

God has blessed you with uniques opportunities to serve Him, and He has given you every tool that you need to do so.  Today, accept this challenge: value the talent that God has given you, nourish it, make it grow, and and share it with the world.  After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them." p196

"Not everyone possesses boundless energy or a conspicuous talent.  We are not equally blessed with great intellect or physical beauty or emotional strength.  But we have all been given the same ability to be faithful." - GIGI GRAHAM TCHIVIDJIAN p196

"The Lord has abundantly blessed me all of my life.  I'm not trying to pay Him back for all of his wonderful gifts; I just realise that He gave them to me to give away." - LISA WHELCHEL p197

"It is the definition of joy to be able to offer back to God the essence of what He's placed in you, be that creativity or love of ideas or a compassionate heart or the gift of hospitality." - PAULA WHELCHEL p197

"Almighty God created us, redeemed us, called us, endowed us with gifts and abilities and perceptions. To demean the gift is to insult the Giver." - PENELOPE STOKES p197

TODAY'S PRAYER

Father, You have given me abilities to be used for the glory of Your Kingdom.  Give me the courage and the perseverance to use those talents.  Keep me mindful that all my gifts come from You, Lord.  Let me be Your faithful, humble servant, and let me give You all the glory and all the praise.  Amen

Day 2 - You Are Not An Accident

Points To Ponder: I am not an accident.

Verses To Remember: "I am your Creator,  You were in my care even before you were born." ISAIAH 44:2 (CEV)

Questions To Consider: I know that God uniquely created me.  What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

Day 1 - It All Starts With God

Points to ponder: It's not about me.

Verses to remember: "Everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him." COLOSSIANS (MSG)

Questions to consider: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?

The Purpose Driven Life by Warren Zondervan

What's next for Lent?

Yesterday, Ash Wednesday, marked the beginning of the period of Lent. As you can see, I like to read inspirational books. Throughout this period of Lent, I will now be reading The Purpose Driven Life by Warren Zondervan. This book, will last  the duration a 40 day period, which is typically associated with Lent.

For the next 40 days I will be reading through the book and selecting quotes that I feel are relevant to the world, and myself.

As you may have noticed, I have not yet finished Stephen Arterburn's - 100 days Of Serenity.  As I still have only 3 days remaining with this book, I will place my main focusing upon it, continuing to display quotes from that book onto my blog. 

As for the new book, I am now on Day 2, and for the next 4 days I will simply put the key points from each day, not direct quotes.

I'm sure I will enjoy the next 40 days of reading The Purpose Driven Life, as much as I have enjoyed the past 96 days of reading 100 Days Of Serenity. And I hope you will too =)

Day 96 - This Is His Day

This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad today!

PSALM 118:24 NCV

"God gives us this day; He fills it to the brim with possibilities, and He challenges us to use it for His purposes.  The 118th Psalm reminds us that today, like every other  day, is a cause for celebration.  The day is presented to us fresh and clean at midnight, free of charge, but we must beware: Today is a non-renewable resource - once it's gone, it's gone forever.  Our responsibility, of course, is to use this day in the service of God's will and according to His commandments.

Today, treasure the time that God has given you.  Give Him the glory and the praise and the thanksgiving He deserves.  And search for the hidden possibilities that God has placed along your path.  This day is a priceless gift from God, use it joyfully and encourage others to do likewise.  After all, this is the day the Lord has made." p194

"Some of us seem so anxious about avoiding hell that we forget to celebrate our journey toward Heaven." - PHILP YANCEY p194

"All our life is a celebration for us; we are convinced, in fact, that God is always everywhere.  We sing while we work ...we pray while we carry out all lives occupations." - ST. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA p195

"The Church is the last place on earth to be solemn ...provided you have lived right." - SAM JONES p195

"Celebration is possible only through the deep realisation that life and death are never found completely separately.  Celebration can really come about only where fear and love, joy and sorrow, tear and smiles can exist together." - HENRI NOUWEN p195

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, You have given me so many blessings, and as a way of saying "Thank You," I will celebrate.  I will be a joyful Christian, Lord, quick to smile and slow to frown.  And, I will share my joy with my family, with my friends, and with my neighbours, this day and everyday.  Amen 

Day 95 - Your Real Riches

Don't collect for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in steal.  But collect for yourselves treasures in haven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

MATTHEW 6:19-21 HCSB

"All too often we focus our thoughts and energies on the accumulation of earthly treasures, creating untold stress in our lives and leaving precious little time to accumulate the only treasures that really matter: the spiritual kind.  Our material possessions have the potential to do great good - depending upon how we use them.  If we allow the things we own to own us, we may pay dearly for our misplaced priorities.

Society focuses intently on material possessions, but God's Word teaches us time and again that money matters little when compared to the spiritual gifts that the Creator offers to those who put Him first in their lives.  So today, keep your possessions in perspective.  Remember that God should come  first, and everything else next.  When you give God His rightful place in your heart, you'll have a clearer vision of the things that really matter.  Then, you can joyfully thank your heavenly Father for spiritual blessing that are, in truth, too numerous to count." p192

"Wealth is something entrusted to us by God, something God doesn't want us to trust.  He wants us to trust Him" - WARREN WIERSBE p193

"When possessions become our god, we become materialistic and greedy ...and we forfeit our contentment and our joy." - CHARLES SWINDOLL p193

"What we posses often posses us - we are possessed by possessions." - OSWALD CHAMBERS p193

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, all I have belongs to You.  When I leave this world I take nothing with me.  Help me to value my relationship with You - and my relationships with others - more than I value my material possessions.  Amen

Day 94 - Let Jesus Guide The Way

I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in darkness.

JOHN 12:46 HCSB

"Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life ...or have you relegated Him to a far corner of your life?  The answer to this question will determine the quality, the direction, the tone, and the ultimate destination of your life here on earth and your life throughout eternity.

Thomas Brooks spoke for believers of every generation when he observed, "Christ is the Sun, and all the watches of our lives should be set by the dial of His motion."  Christ indeed, is the ultimate Saviour of mankind and the personal Saviour of those who believe in Him.  As His servants, we should place Him at the very centre of our lives.  And every day that God gives us breath, we should share Christ's love and His message with a world that needs both." p190

"The dearest friend on earth is but a mere shadow compared with Jesus Christ." - OSWALD CHAMBERS p190

"When we are in a situation where Jesus is all we have, we soon discover He is all we really need." - GIGI GRAHAM TCHIVIDJIAN p191

"In your greatest weakness, turn to your greatest strength, Jesus, and hear Him say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (CORINTHIANS 12:99, NKJV). 

"Tell me the story of Jesus.  Write on my heart every word.  Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard." - FANNY CROSBY p191

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Jesus, You are my Saviour and my protector.  Give me the courage to trust You completely.  Today, I will praise You, I will honour You, and I will live according to Your commandments.  Amen

Day 93 - Sharing Your Burdens With God

If God is for us, who can be against us?

ROMANS 8:31 NKJV

"...tough times are temporary but God's love is not - God's love endures forever." p188

"...you must share your burdens with Him." p188

"Whatever the size of your challenges, God is big enough to handle them.  Ask for His help today, with faith and with fervour.  Instead of turning things over in your mind, turn them over to God in prayer.  Instead of worrying about your next decision, ask God to lead the way.  Cast your burdens upon the One who cannot be shaken, and rest assured that He hears your prayers." p188

"We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross bearers and light bearers.  We must cast our burdens on the Lord." - CORRIE TEN BOOM p188

"No matter what we are going through, no matter how long the waiting for answers, of one thing we may be sure.  God is faithful.  He keeps His promises.  What He starts, He finishes ...including His perfect work in us." - GLORIA GAITHER p189

TODAY'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, whatever "it" is, You can handle it!  Let me turn to You when I am burdened and when I am worried.  You are my loving Father, and I will always trust You.  Amen

Day 92 - Overcommited?

 

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fuelled and aflame.  Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.  Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.

 

ROMANS 12:11-12 MSG

 

 

"...it's time to take a long, hard look at the way you're prioritising your days and your life." p186

 

"The world encourages you to rush full-speed ahead, taking on lots of new commitments, doing many things, but doing few things well.  God, on the other hand, encourages you to slow down, to quiet yourself, and to spend time with Him.  And you can be sure that God's way is best." p186

 

"Today, slow yourself down and commit more time to God.  When you do, you'll be amazed at how the Father can revolutionise your life when you start spending more time with Him." p186

 

"Life is strenuous.  See that your clock does not run down. - MRS. CHARLES E. COWMAN p187

 

"Taking care of yourself physically really helps you emotionally.  People who get a lot of sleep, who do the things that relieve stress, can withstand a lot of stress." - LAURA BUSH p187

 

 

TODAY'S PRAYER

 

Dear Lord, when I'm tired, give me the wisdom to do the smart thing: give me the wisdom to put my head on my pillow and rest!  Amen