Day 40 - Living With Purpose

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. 

PROVERBS 19:21 (NIV)

For David served.... the purpose of God in his own generation.

ACTS 13:36 (NASB)

"Living on a purpose is the only way to really live.  Everything else is just existing.  Most people struggle with three basic issues in life.  The first is identity: 'Who am I?'  The second is importance: 'Do I matter?'  The third is impact: 'What is my place in life?'  The answers to all three questions are found in God's five purses for you." p312

"Once you know what God wants you to do, the blessing comes in actually doing it.  As we come to the end of our fourty-day journey together, now that you know God's purposes for your life, you will be blessed if you do them!" p312

"...you will have to stop doing some other things.  There are many 'good' things you can do with your life, but God's purposes are the five essentials you must do.  Unfortunately, it's easy to get distracted and forget what is most important.  It's easy to drift away from what matters most and slowly get off course.  To prevent this, you should develop a purpose statement for your life and then review it regularly.

- It's a statement that summarises God's purpose for your life.

- It's a statement that points the direction of your life.

- It's a statement that defines the direction of your life.

- It's a statement that defines 'success' for you.

- It's a statement that expresses your shape.

Here are five questions you should consider as you prepare your statement:

- What will be the centre of my life?

- What will be the character of my life?

- What will be the contribution of my life?

- What will be the communication of my life?

- What will be the community of my life?" p311-6

"How do you know when God is at the centre of your life?  When God's at the centre, you worship.  When he's not, you worry." p314

Point to Ponder:

Living with purpose is the only way to really live.

Verse to Remember: 

"For David... served the purpose of God in his own generation." ACTS 13:36 (NASB)

Questions to Consider: 

When will I take the time to write down my answers to life's five great questions?  When will I put my purpose on paper?

Day 39 - Balancing Your Life

Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do.

EPHESIANS 5:15 (Ph)

Don't let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance.

2 PETER 3:17 (CEV)

"Your life is [like] a pentathlon of five purposes, which you must keep in balance.

1. 'Love God with all your heart':You were planned for God's pleasure, so your purpose is to love God through worship.

2. 'Love your neighbour as yourself': You were shaped for serving, so your purpose is to show love for others through ministry.

3. 'Go and make disciples': You were made for a mission, so your purpose is to share God's message through evangelism.

4. 'baptise them into...': You were formed for God's family, so your purpose is to identify with His church through fellowship.

5. 'Teach them to do all things...': You were created to become like Christ, so your purpose is to grow maturity through discipleship." p306

"...you can keep our life balanced and on track by joining a small group for accountability, by regularly evaluating your spiritual health, by recording your progress in a personal journal, and by passing on what you learn to others.  These are four important activities for purpose-driven living." p306

James said, 'Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning.'  Knowledge increases responsibility.  But passing along the purpose of life is more than an obligation; it's one of life's greatest privileges.  Imagine how different the world would be if everyone knew their purpose.  Paul said. 'if you teach these things to other followers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus.'" p310

Point to Ponder:

Blessed are the balanced.

Verse to Remember: 

"Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do." EPHESIANS 5:15 (Ph)

Questions to Consider: 

Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on track and balance God's five purposes for my life?

Day 38 - Becoming A World-Class Christian

Jesus said to His followers "Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone. MARK 16:15 (NCV)

Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind.

 PSALM 67:2 (LB)

"You will either be a world-class Christian or a worldly Christian.  Worldly Christians look to God primarily for personal fulfilment.  They are saved but self-centred....  Their prayers focus on their own needs, blessings, and happiness....They want to use God for their purposes instead of being used for his purposes.

In contrast, world-class Christians know they were saved to serve and made for a mission...  Their joy, confidence, and enthusiasm are contagious because they know they're making a difference.  They wake up each morning expecting God to work through them in fresh ways." p298

"...Jesus told His followers to 'go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone'...  It has never been easier in history to fulfil [that] commission to go to the whole world.  The great barriers are no longer distance, cost or transportation.  The only barrier is the way we think.  To be a world-class Christian you must make some mental shifts.  Your perspective and attitudes must change." p298-9

"Shift from local thinking to global thinking.  God is a global God and cared about the entire world...  The first way to start thinking globally is to begin praying for specific countries.  World-class christians pray for the world.  Get a globe or map and pray for nations by name.  The Bible says, "If you ask me, I will give you the nations; all the people on earth will be yours."p300

 Map of Haiti

Haiti Aftermath 

Pray for the people of Haiti and other places in the world with problems.

"Shift from 'here and now' thinking to eternal thinking...  So much of what we waste our energy on will not matter even a year from now, much less for eternity.  Don't trade your life for temporary things." p302

"You've probably heard the expression 'You can't take it with you' - but the Bible says 'You can send it on ahead by investing in people who are going there!'  The Bible says, 'By doing this they only will be storing up real treasures for themselves in Heaven - it is the only safe investment for eternity!  And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well." p303

Point to Ponder:

The Great Commission is my commission.

Verse to remember:

"Send us around the world with the News of Your saving power and Your eternal plan for all mankind." PSALM 67:2 (LB)

Question to Consider: 

What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short mission experience in the next year?

Day 37 - Sharing Your Life Message

Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them.

1 JOHN 5:10a (GWT)

Your lives are echoing the Master's Word ...The news of your faith in God is out.  We don't even have to say anything anymore - You're the message! 

1 THESSALONIANS 1:8 (Msg)

"When you became a believer, you also became God's messenger.  God wants to speak to the world through you...  You may feel you don't have anything to share, but that's the Devil trying to keep you silent." p289

"Your testimony is the story of how Christ has made a difference in your life...  [Jesus] wants you to share your [life] story with others...  There is no other story like yours, so only you can share it.  If you don't share it, it will be lost forever." p290

Kunta Kinte passed on his story to his descendants , which has lasted over 200 years. 

"Personal stories are easier to relate to than principles and people love to hear them.  They capture our attention, and we remember them longer.  Unbelievers would probably lose interest if you start quoting theologians, but they have a natural curiosity about experiences they've never had." p290

"Many people who won't accept the authority of the Bible will listen to a humble, personal story." p291

Point to Ponder:

God wants to say something to the world through me.

Verse to Remember:

"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." 1 PETER 3:15b-16 (TEV)

Question to Consider: 

As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with? 

Day 36 - Made for A Mission

In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. 

JOHN 17:18 (Msg)

The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me.

ACTS 20:24 (NCV)

"God wants you to have both a ministry in the Body of Christ and a mission in the world.  Your ministry is your service to believers, and your mission is your service to unbelievers." p281

"You may have been unaware that God holds you responsible for the unbelievers around you.  The Bible says, 'You must warn them so they may live.  If you don't speak out to warn the wicked to stop their evil ways, they will die in their sin.  But I will hold you responsible for their death.' You are the only Christian some people will ever know, and your mission is to share Jesus with them." p283

"...no matter how contended or successful people appear to be, without Christ they are hopelessly lost and headed for eternal separation from God." p284

"Your mission has eternal significance.  It will impact the eternal destiny of other people, so it's more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth.  The consequences of your mission will last forever; the consequences of your job will not.  Nothing else you do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with God.  

This is why we must be urgent about our mission.  Jesus said, 'All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned to us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end.'" p284

"...only the kingdom of God is going to last.  Everything else will eventually vanish.  This is why we must live purpose-driven-lives - lives committed to worship, fellowship, spiritual growth, ministry and fulfilling our mission on earth." p285

"To fulfil your mission will require that you abandon your agenda and accept God's agenda for life...  You must say, like Jesus, 'Father, ...I want your will, not mine.'  You yield your rights, expectations, dreams, plans, and ambitions to Him.  You stop praying prayers like 'God bless what I want to do.'  Instead you pray, 'God help me to do what you're blessing!'" p286

Point to Ponder: 

I was made for a mission.

Verse to Remember:

"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." MATTHEW 28:19-20 (NOV)

Question to Consider:

What fears have kept me from fulfilling the mission God made me to accomplish?  What keeps me from telling others the Good News?

Purpose #5 - You Were Made For A Mission

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

PROVERBS 11:30 (NIV)

Day 35 - God's Power In Your Weakness

We are weak ...yet by God's power we will live with Him to serve you.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:4 (NIV)

I am with you; that is all you need.  My power shows up best in weak people.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9a (LB)

"...God loves to use imperfect, ordinary people to do extraordinary things in spite of their weakness." p273

"When you think of the limitations in your life, you may be tempted to conclude, 'God could never use me.'  But God is never limited by our limitations.  In fact, He enjoys putting His great power into ordinary containers." p273

"Admit your weaknesses.  Own up to your imperfections.  Stop pretending to have it all together, and be honest about yourself.  Instead of living in denial or making excuses, take the time to identify your personal weaknesses." p274

"God often attaches a major weakness to a major strength to keep our egos in check.  A limitation can act as a governor to keep us from going too fast and running ahead of God." p274

"God specialise in turning weakness into strengths.  He wants to take your greatest weakness and transform it." p276

"When satan points out your weakness, agree with him and fill your heart with praise for Jesus, who 'understands every weakness of ours,' and for the Holy Spirit, who 'helps us in our weakness.'" p277

Point to Ponder: 

God works best when I admit my weakness.

Verse to Remember: 

"My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9a (NIV)

Question to Consider: 

Am I limiting God's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses?  What do I need to be honest about in order to help others?

Day 34 - Thinking Like A Servant

My servant Caleb thinks differently and follows me completely.

NUMBERS 14:24 (NCV)

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself.

PHILIPPIANS 2:5 (Msg)

"To be a servant requires a mental shift, a change in your attitudes.  God is always more interested in why we do something than in what we do.  Attitudes count more than achievements." p265

"Servants focus on others, not themselves.  This is true humility: not thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less.  They are self forgetful." p265

"When we stop focusing on our own needs, we become aware of the needs around us." p265

"We serve to get others to like us, to be admired, or to achieve our own goals.  That is manipulation, not ministry.... Real servants don't try to use God for their proposes. They let God use them for His purpose." p266

"To become a real servant you are going to have to settle the issue of money in your life.  Jesus said, 'No servant can serve two masters ... You cannot serve both God and Money.'  He didn't say, 'You should not,' but 'You cannot.' It is impossible.  Living for ministry and living for money are mutually exclusive goals.  Which one will you choose?" p267

"Money has the greatest potential to replace God in your life.  More people are side-tracked from serving by materialism than by anything else." p267

"Servants think about their work, not what others are doing.  They don't compare, criticise, or compare with others servants or ministries. They're too busy doing the work God has given them." p268

"Only secure people can serve.  Insecure people are always worrying about how they appear to others. They fear exposure of their weaknesses and hide beneath layers of protection pride and pretensions.  The more insecure you are, the more you will want people to serve you, and the more you will need their approval." p269

Point to Ponder:

To be a servant I must think like a servant.

Verse to Remember:

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." PHILIPPIANS 2:5 (NIV)

Question to Consider: 

Am I usually more concerned about being served or finding ways to serve others?

Day 33 - How Real Servants Act

Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.

MARK 10:43 (Msg)

You can tell what they are by what they do.

MATTHEW 7:16 (CEV)

"The world defines greatness in terms of power, possessions, prestige, and position...  In our self-serving culture...acting like a servant is not a popular concept.

Jesus however, measures greatness in terms of service, not status.  God determines your greatness by how many people serve, not how many people serve you." p257

"Real servants make themselves available for service.  Servants don't fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability.  They jump into service when called on." p258

"If you only serve when it is convenient for you, you're not a real servant." p259

"We miss many occasions for serving because we lack sensitivity and spontaneity.  Great opportunities to serve never last long.  They pass quickly, sometimes never to return again.  You may only get one chance to serve that person, so take advantage of the moment.  'Never tell your neighbours to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.'" p259

"John Wesley was an incredible servant of God.  His motto was 'Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.'  That is greatness.  You can begin by looking for small tasks that no one else wants to do.  Do these little things as if they were great things, because God is watching." p260

"Some people fear they are not good enough to serve.   They have believed the lie that serving God is only for superstars.  Some churches have fostered this myth by making 'excellence' and idol, which makes people of average talent hesitant to get involved." p260

"Real servants maintain a low profile.  Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves.  Instead of acting to impress and dressing for success, they 'put on the apron of humility, to serve one another.'  If recognised for their service, they humbly accept it but don't allow notoriety to distract them from their work." p262

"Unfortunately, many leaders today start off as servants but end up as celebrities.  They become addicted to attention, unaware that always being in the spot light blinds you." p263

"In Heaven God is going to openly reward some of his most obscure and unknown servants - people we have never heard of on earth." p263

Point to Ponder:

I serve God by serving others.

Verses to Remember:

If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded. MATTHEW 10:42 (NLT)

Question to Consider: 

Which of the characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?

Day 32 - Using What God Gave You

Since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvellously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be.

Romans 12:5 (Msg)

What you are is God's gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God.

Danish Proverb

"The Bible says, 'Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to.'  Don't let another day go by. Start finding out and clarifying what God intends for you to be and do." p250

"Take a long honest look at what you are good at and what you're not good at.  Paul advised, 'Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities.'  Make a list.  Ask other people for their candid opinion.  Tell them you're searching for the truth, not fishing for a compliment.  Spiritual gifts and natural abilities are always confirmed by others.  If you think you are gifted to be a teacher or a singer and no one else agrees, guess what? If you want to know if you have the gift of leadership, just look over your shoulder!  If no one is following you, you're not a leader." p250

"Just start serving, experimenting with different ministries, and then you'll discover your gifts.  Until you're actually involved in serving, you're not going to know what you're good at." p251

"Forgotten experiences are worthless; that's a good reason to keep a spiritual journal." p252

"Extracting the lessons from your experiences take time.  I recommend that you take an entire weekend for a life review retreat, where you pause to see how God has worked in the various defining moments of your life and consider how he wants to use those lessons to help others." p252

"The Bible warns us never to compare ourselves with others: ' Do your own work well, and then you will have something to be proud of.  But don't compare yourself with others.'" p253

"Fail to use what you've been given and you will lose it.  Use the ability you've got and God  will increase it." p255

"In Heaven we are going to serve God forever.  Right now, we can prepare for that eternal service by practicing on earth." p255

Point to Ponder:

God deserves my best.

Verse to Remember:

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 TIMOTHY 2:15 (NIV)

Question to Consider:

How can I make the best use of what God has given me?  

Day 31 - Understanding Your Shape

 

You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mothers womb.

 

PSALM 139:13 (Msg)

 

 

"You are a bundle of incredible abilities, an amazing creation of God.  Part of the church's responsibility is to identify and release your abilities for serving God." p242

 

"...the abilities you do have are a strong indication of what God wants you to do with your life.  They are clues to knowing God's will for you life.  If you're good at designing or recruiting or drawing or organising, it is a safe assumption that God's plan for your life includes that skill somehow.  God doesn't waste abilities; he matches our calling and our capabilities." p244 

 

"There is no 'right' or 'wrong' temperament for ministry.  We need all kinds of personalities to balance the church and give it flavour.  The world would be a very boring place if we were all plain vanilla.  Fortunately, people come in more than thirty-one flavours." p245

 

"Woodworkers know that it's easier to work with the grain rather than against it.  In the same way, when you are forced to minister in a manner that is 'out of character' for your temperament, it creates tension and discomfort, requires extra effort and energy, and produces less than the best results.  This is why mimicking someone else's ministry never works...  When you minister in a manner consistent with the personality God gave you, you experience fulfilment, satisfaction, and fruitfulness." p145

 

"If you really desired to be used by God, you must understand a powerful truth: The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life - the ones you've wanted to hide and forget - are the experiences God wants to use to help others.  They are your ministry!" p247

 

"Only shared experiences can help other.... What will you do with what you have been through?  Don't wastes your pain; use it to help others." p248

 

 

Point to Ponder:

Nobody else can be me.

 

Verse to Remember:

"God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings." 1 PETER 4:10 (LB)

 

Question to Consider:

What God-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church?

 

 

 

Day 30 - Shaped For Serving God

Your hands shaped me and made me.

 

JOB 10:8 (NIV)

 

 

The people I have shaped for myself will broadcast my praises.

 

ISAIAH 43:21 (NJB)

 

 

"God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise...  The same is true with humans.  Each of us was uniquely designed, or 'shaped,' to do certain things." p234

 

"You are God's handcrafted work of art.  You are not an assembly line product mass produced without thought.  You are a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece." p135

 

"Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit of others, just as other people were given gifts for your benefit.  The Bible says, 'A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.'  God planned it this way so we would need each other.  When we use our gifts together, we will all benefit." p136-7

 

"When you were growing up, you may have discovered that you were intensely interested in some subjects that no one else in your family cared about...  God had a purpose in giving you these inborn interests...  Don't ignore your interests.  Consider how they might be used for God's glory.  There is a reason that you love to do these things." p238

 

 

 

Point to Ponder:

I was shaped for serving God.

 

Verse to Remember:

"God works through different men in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves His purpose through them all." 1 CORNTHIANS 12:6 (Ph)

 

Question to Consider:

In what way can I see myself passionately serving others and loving it?

 

Day 29 - Accepting Your Assignment

It is God Himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago He planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.

EPHESIANS 2:10 (LB)

I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do.

JOHN 17:4 (Msg)

"You weren't created to consume resources - to eat, breathe, and take up space.  God designed you to make a difference with your life...  You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it.  God wants you to give something back." p227

"Whenever you serve others in a way, you are actually serving God and fulfilling one of your purposes." p228

"We are healed to help others.  We are blessed to be a blessing.  We are saved to serve, not sit around and wait for Heaven." p229

"...you may have thought that being 'called' by God was something only missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other 'full-time' church workers experienced, but the Bible says every Christian is called to service." p229

"Jesus taught that spiritual maturity is never an end in itself.  Maturity if for ministry! We grow up in order to give out.  It is not enough to keep learning more and more.  We must act on what we claim to believe...  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." p231

"At the end of your life on earth you will stand before God, and He is going to evaluate how well you served others with your life.  The Bible says, 'Each of us will have to give a personal account to God.'  Think about the implications of that.  One day God will compare how much time you spent on ourselves, compared with what we invested in serving others.

At that point, all excuses for self-centredness will sound hollow: 'I was too busy' or 'I had my own gaols' or 'I was preoccupied with working, having fun or preparing for retirement.' To all excuses God will respond, 'Sorry, wrong answer.  I created, saved, and called you and commanded you to live a life of service.  What part did you not understand?'  The Bible warns unbelievers, 'He will put our His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves,' but for Christians it will mean a loss of eternal rewards." p131-2

Point to Ponder: 

Service is not optional.

Verses to Remember: 

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." EPHESIANS 2:10 (NIV)

Question to Consider: 

What is holding me back from accepting God's call to serve Him?

Purpose #4 - You Were Shaped For Serving God

We are simply God's servants ...  Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do:  I planted the seed; Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow.

1 CORINTHIANS 3:5 - 6 (TEV)

Day 28 - It Takes Time

Everything on earth has its own time and its own season.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1 (CEV)

I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.

PHILIPPIANS 1:6 (LB)

"The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed.  Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time." p217

"Christlikeness is your eventual destination, but your journey will last a lifetime." p219

"Today we're obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness.  We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution.  We want a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release us from all growing pains.  But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving.  Growth is gradual.  The Bible says, 'Our lives gradually become brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him.'" p219

"There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character: You must practice them - and that takes time!  There are no instant habits.  Paul urged Timothy, 'Practice these things.  Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress.'  If you practice something over time, you get good at it.  Repetition is the mother of character and skill.  These character-building habits are often called 'spiritual disciplines'." p221

"Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it.  Spiritual growth is sometimes tedious work, one small step at a time.  Expect gradual improvement....  There are seasons in your spiritual life.  Sometimes you will have a short, intense burst of growth (springtime) followed by a period of stabilising and testing (fall and winter)." p221

Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned.  This is not a diary of events, but a record of what you are learning.  Write down the insights and life lessons God teaches you about Him, about yourself, about life, relationships, and everything else.  Record these so you can review and remember them and pass them on to the next generation.  The reason we must relearn lessons is that we forget them.  Reviewing your spiritual journal regularly can spare you a lot of unnecessary pain an heartache.  The Bible says, 'It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we have leaned so that we don't drift off.' p222

"We are often in a hurry when God isn't.  You may feel frustrated with the seemingly slow progress you're making in life.  Remember that God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time.  He will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for your role in eternity." p222

"Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go.  You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.  Years ago people wore a popular button with the letters PBPGINFWMY.  It stood for 'Please Be Patient, God Is Not Finished With Me Yet.'  God isn't finished with you either, so keep on moving forward.  Even the snail reached the ark by persevering!" p223

Point to Ponder:

There are no shortcuts to maturity.

Verse to Remember: 

"God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure He will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." PHILIPPIANS 1:6 (NCV)

Question to Consider:  

In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent? 

Day 27 - Defeating Temptation

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)

Remember that the temptation that comes 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 that will not give in to it.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 (NLT)

"To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied with God's Word and other good thoughts." p211

"If you are serious about defeating temptation you must manage your mind and monitor your media intake.  The wisest man who ever lived warned, 'Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.'  Don't allow trash into your mind indiscriminately. Be selective.  Choose carefully what you think about....  This takes lifetime of practice, but with the help of the Holy Spirit you can reprogram the way you think." p212

"Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group.  You don't have to broadcast it to the whole world, but you need at least one person you can honestly share your struggles with...  You need help from other people.  Some temptations are only overcome with the help of a partner who prays for you, encourages you, and holds you accountable." p212

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." p212

"Do you really want to be healed of that persistent temptation that keeps defeating you over and over?  God's solution is plain:  Don't repress it; confess it! Don't conceal it; reveal it! Reaving your feeling is the beginning of healing." p212-3

"The reason we hide our faults is pride.  We want others to think we have everything 'under control.'  The truth is, whatever you can't talk about is already out of control in your life: problems with your finances, marriage, kids, thoughts, sexuality, secret habits, or anything else.  If you could handle it on your own, you would have already done so.  But you can't.  Willpower and personal resolutions aren't enough." p213

"How can we resist the devil? Paul tells us, "Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.'  The first step is to accept God's salvation.  You won't be able to say no to the devil unless you've already said yes to Christ.  Without Christ we are defenceless against the devil, but with 'the helmet of salvation' our minds are protected by God.  Remember this:  If you are a believer, satan cannot force you to do anything.  He can only suggest."

"...you must use the Word of God as your weapon against satan.  Jesus modelled this when He was tempted in the wilderness.  Every time satan suggested a temptation, Jesus countered by quoting scripture.  He didn't argue with satan.  He didn't say 'Im not hungry', when tempted to use His power to meet a personal need.  He simply quoted Scripture from memory.  We must do the same.  There is power in God's Word, and satan fears it." p215

Point to Ponder:

There is always a way out.

Verses to Remember:

"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 10:13b (NLT)

Questions to Consider:

Who could I ask to be a spiritual partner to help me defeat a persistent temptation by praying for me?

Day 26 - Growing Through Temptation

Happy is the mane who doesn't give in and do wrong when tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love Him.

JAMES 1:12 (LB)

My temptations have been my masters in divinity.

Martin Luther 

"Every temptation is an opportunity to do good." p201

"...temptation is satan's primary weapon to destroy you." p201

"Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about the sin: Is is really wrong? Did God really say not to do it?  Didn't God mean this prohibition for someone else or other time?  The Bible warns, 'Watch out !  Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God.'" p204

"James warns: 'We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires.  Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is fill-grown, gives birth to death.  Do not be deceived, my dear friends." p204

"You can't keep the devil from suggesting thoughts, but you can choose not to dwell or act on them." p205

"...we're embarrassed to ask God for help because we keep giving in to the same temptation over and over.  But God never gets irritated, bored, or impatient when we keep coming back to Him.  The Bible says, 'Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace.  There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us when we need it.'" p207

"God's love is everlasting, and His patience endures forever.  If you have to cry our for God's help two hundred times a day to defeat a particular temptation, he will still be eager to give mercy and grace, so come boldly. Ask Him for the power to do the right thing and then expect Him to provide it.

Temptations keep us dependant upon God.  Just as the roots grow stronger when wind blows against a tree, so every time you stand up to temptation you become more like Jesus.  When you stumble - which you will - it is not fatal.  Instead of giving in or giving up, look up to God, expect Him to help you, and remember the reward that is waiting for you: '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.'" p 208

Point to Ponder:

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.

Verses to Remember:

"God blesses the people who patiently endure testing.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." JAMES 1:12 (NLT)

Question to Consider:

What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?

Day 25 - Trasnformed By Trouble

 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweigh them all.

 

2 CORINTHIANS 4:17 (NIV)

 

 

It is the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of godliness.

 

Madame Guyon

 

 

"[God] depends more on circumstance to make us like Jesus than He depends on our reading the Bible." p193

 

"Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days - when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you're out of options, when the pain is great - and you turn to God alone." p194

 

"You will never know that God is all you need until God is all you've got." p194

 

"Every problem is a character building opportunity, and the more difficult it is the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fibre.  Paul said ' We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character.'  What happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens inside you.  Your circumstances are temporary, but your character will last forever." p197

 

"Corrie Ten Boom, who suffered in a Nazi death camp, explained the power of focus: 'If you look at the world, you'll be distressed.  If you look within, you'll be depressed.  But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest!'  Your focus will determine your feelings.  The secret of endurance is to remember that your pain is temporary but your reward will be eternal." p198

 

"Don't give in to short-term thinking.  Stay focused on the end result: 'If we share His glory, we must also share his suffering.  What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later.'" p198

 

Point to Ponder:

There is a purpose behind every problem.

 

Verse to Remember:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)

 

Question to Consider:

What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?