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