I'm just going to go over the extra questions in the appendix 1. These are called "Discussion Questions". (Hint, Hint.) Let's discuss.
What do you think are the implications of the first sentence of this book, "It's not about you."?
The implication is that I've been living for me more than God.
What do you feel most people's lives are driven by? What has been the driving force in your life?
I feel that most people's lives are driven by the need for stuff. I've been driven by the need to provide for my family.
Up to this point, what image or metaphor has best described your life. A race, a circus, something else?
My life has been part race, part game, and part roller coaster.
If everyone understood that life on earth is really preparation for eternity, how would we act differently?
If everyone understood that, we wouldn't have terrorists, or arms races, or world hunger, or immigration laws. We would act towards each other the way Jesus acted towards the people of his time.
What do people get attached to on earth that keeps them from living for God's purposes?
People get attached to stuff like money and the things money can buy.
What have you been attached to that could keep you from living for God's purposes?
I've been attached to video games and facebook.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Day 7 The Reason For Everything
Yay, I've made it through my first week of committed blogging. Although I feel like I could be committed right about now. Working overtime on the weekend throws my whole schedule off. And the heat index these last two days has been between 106 and 110. I had to leave work early today because of the heat. But, that gives me extra time to spend here with you. I've been missing the commentary from my regular readers, and some days I think I'm all alone here.
Day seven kinda completes day 1. Whereas day one let us know it wasn't about us, day seven tells us that it's all for Him. Everything on earth is here because God wants it here. It looks like it does, moves like it does, smells like it does, because that's how God designed them. Even the duck billed platypus is exactly what God wants it to be. (Although my theory on that is that animal is that it's just here to mess with our heads) It's here for God's glory.
That's why I am here, to give glory to God. My goals shouldn't be to get glory, fame, or fortune, but to give God the glory for everything in my life. Even my misfortunes are for the glory of God. Say that with me, my misfortune is for God's glory. It makes anything easier to deal with.
Do you know the story of Job? I think in the entire Old Testament, no one suffered like Job did. Job was taken from the pinnacle of success and wealth to a man with no wealth or family. God allowed this to happen because He knew the kind of man Job was. Job's acceptance of what had happened to him, brought glory to God. And God went on to reward Job for his faithfulness and trust through what any one of us might consider proof that there is no God.
You won't read about Job in day seven. But it's one of my favorite books of the Bible. I could turn to any book and find examples of people giving glory to God where I myself might not under the same circumstances. But, since God made all things, He deserves all the glory. God made ALL things. I can't add to God's glory, but I can bring Him glory through my actions.
All sin, at it's root, is failing to give God glory.
Sinning doesn't bring God glory, but I can bring Him glory by worshiping Him. Not just on Sunday, not just by singing in church, but by enjoying Him and all his creations. When you live your life for God's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship.
We bring God glory by loving other believers. I think the author left out that we bring God glory by loving non-believers too. My pastor says, "look at where someone has been, look at where they are going, and love them THERE. Notice he doesn't say look at where they are. Don't let the current issue going on in someone's life keep you from loving them. God made that guy who upsets me at work, to hate him is to hate something God made and that's not going to bring Him any glory.
The last three points are all extensions of this one. We bring God glory by becoming like Christ. As I become like Christ, I will serve others with my gifts, and I will tell others about Him. That's what I'm doing here. Telling people about God. About my God and my relationship with Him. I've said it before, this blog isn't about me.
If you're having trouble believing that my God is real, that He is your God too and that He loves you drop me a note. If you have questions, I may not have the answers right away, but I have a great support group.
Our Bible verse is from the Book of Romans:
The question of the day is:
Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory? Everywhere. But I need to start looking for it more at work. That really is where I feel farthest from Him and His glory.
Remember:It's all about Him.
Check back later, I'm going to do a week in review with some extra questions from the back of the book.
Day seven kinda completes day 1. Whereas day one let us know it wasn't about us, day seven tells us that it's all for Him. Everything on earth is here because God wants it here. It looks like it does, moves like it does, smells like it does, because that's how God designed them. Even the duck billed platypus is exactly what God wants it to be. (Although my theory on that is that animal is that it's just here to mess with our heads) It's here for God's glory.
That's why I am here, to give glory to God. My goals shouldn't be to get glory, fame, or fortune, but to give God the glory for everything in my life. Even my misfortunes are for the glory of God. Say that with me, my misfortune is for God's glory. It makes anything easier to deal with.
Do you know the story of Job? I think in the entire Old Testament, no one suffered like Job did. Job was taken from the pinnacle of success and wealth to a man with no wealth or family. God allowed this to happen because He knew the kind of man Job was. Job's acceptance of what had happened to him, brought glory to God. And God went on to reward Job for his faithfulness and trust through what any one of us might consider proof that there is no God.
You won't read about Job in day seven. But it's one of my favorite books of the Bible. I could turn to any book and find examples of people giving glory to God where I myself might not under the same circumstances. But, since God made all things, He deserves all the glory. God made ALL things. I can't add to God's glory, but I can bring Him glory through my actions.
All sin, at it's root, is failing to give God glory.
Sinning doesn't bring God glory, but I can bring Him glory by worshiping Him. Not just on Sunday, not just by singing in church, but by enjoying Him and all his creations. When you live your life for God's glory, everything you do can become an act of worship.
We bring God glory by loving other believers. I think the author left out that we bring God glory by loving non-believers too. My pastor says, "look at where someone has been, look at where they are going, and love them THERE. Notice he doesn't say look at where they are. Don't let the current issue going on in someone's life keep you from loving them. God made that guy who upsets me at work, to hate him is to hate something God made and that's not going to bring Him any glory.
The last three points are all extensions of this one. We bring God glory by becoming like Christ. As I become like Christ, I will serve others with my gifts, and I will tell others about Him. That's what I'm doing here. Telling people about God. About my God and my relationship with Him. I've said it before, this blog isn't about me.
If you're having trouble believing that my God is real, that He is your God too and that He loves you drop me a note. If you have questions, I may not have the answers right away, but I have a great support group.
Our Bible verse is from the Book of Romans:
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Rom 11:36 (NIV)
The question of the day is:
Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory? Everywhere. But I need to start looking for it more at work. That really is where I feel farthest from Him and His glory.
Remember:It's all about Him.
Check back later, I'm going to do a week in review with some extra questions from the back of the book.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Day 6 Life is a Temporary Assignment
Well, first I want to say hello to the new people following and commenting. Greg, Dani, Babs, and Aaron, welcome. My blog is your blog. I hope in the days that come you will feel comfortable enough to post on what you're reading in the book, or on the blog itself.
Life on Earth is a temporary assignment.
I've had a lot of different jobs since I started working. However, it wasn't until I was in the Navy that I understood what a temporary assignment is. In the Navy they were very common things. TAD stood for Temporary Assigned Duty and it was anything from working on the flight line, or working in the chow hall. It was someplace you went to work that wasn't where you were trained, or hired to work. Just recently, I went on a temporary assignment to Maryland.
While I was in Maryland, I had a place to stay, I hung out with friends I was working with, I had video games to entertain me when I got bored plus I was earning extra money that I could spend on whatever I wanted. I had everything a guy needed to be happy. EXCEPT I WASN'T HOME. I was living in a room, not a house. There were people there who weren't my family. And no matter how comfortable I got with the area, it wasn't where I belonged.
So, I can totally relate to this chapter. We were made for eternity and for life in Heaven. Earth isn't our home. Your identity is in eternity and your homeland is in Heaven. . .In order to keep us from becoming too attached to Earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life. There are many good points brought up in this chapter about not becoming to attached to the world.
My favorite quote was actually from C.S. Lewis "All that is not Eternal is Eternally useless." And, since I know that only souls are eternal, it is more important that I invest in relationships with other people than material things that will fade away in the blink of an eye once I am gone. And I'll be left wondering why I wasted so much time on getting stuff.
When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death you wont leave home -- you'll go home.
The Bible verse is from Paul in the second book of Corinthians.
The question for day six:
How should the fact that life on Earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now? I answered this earlier in my writing, I need to spend more time on relationships that are eternal than I do on objects that are temporal.
Remember: This world is not our home.
Life on Earth is a temporary assignment.
I've had a lot of different jobs since I started working. However, it wasn't until I was in the Navy that I understood what a temporary assignment is. In the Navy they were very common things. TAD stood for Temporary Assigned Duty and it was anything from working on the flight line, or working in the chow hall. It was someplace you went to work that wasn't where you were trained, or hired to work. Just recently, I went on a temporary assignment to Maryland.
While I was in Maryland, I had a place to stay, I hung out with friends I was working with, I had video games to entertain me when I got bored plus I was earning extra money that I could spend on whatever I wanted. I had everything a guy needed to be happy. EXCEPT I WASN'T HOME. I was living in a room, not a house. There were people there who weren't my family. And no matter how comfortable I got with the area, it wasn't where I belonged.
So, I can totally relate to this chapter. We were made for eternity and for life in Heaven. Earth isn't our home. Your identity is in eternity and your homeland is in Heaven. . .In order to keep us from becoming too attached to Earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life. There are many good points brought up in this chapter about not becoming to attached to the world.
My favorite quote was actually from C.S. Lewis "All that is not Eternal is Eternally useless." And, since I know that only souls are eternal, it is more important that I invest in relationships with other people than material things that will fade away in the blink of an eye once I am gone. And I'll be left wondering why I wasted so much time on getting stuff.
When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death you wont leave home -- you'll go home.
The Bible verse is from Paul in the second book of Corinthians.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Cor 4:18 (NIV)
The question for day six:
How should the fact that life on Earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now? I answered this earlier in my writing, I need to spend more time on relationships that are eternal than I do on objects that are temporal.
Remember: This world is not our home.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Day 5 Seeing Life From God's View
How you define life determines your destiny.
I'm just jumping right in today. The author covers several different ways that people describe their life. Some people said circus, roller coaster, card game, etc. He didn't say "life's a dance" I wonder if there are royalty issues there. And he goes on to ask what my life metaphor is. Two images came to mind, one of course is "a Dance" but that could be because we listen to country music all night at work. The other image that came to mind was a chess game. I used to play chess, and I could play it for hours because we didn't have timed moves. The thing about chess that most resonates with me is that the move you make now is going to affect what moves you can make next. You may move a piece now so that 27 moves later, that piece is exactly where you need it to be.
The author gives Biblical descriptions of the metaphors God uses for our lives. But, I guess if God is using them they aren't exactly metaphors. They are what life really is.
Life on Earth is a test.
And I haven't been studying. Jeff Foxworthy has a joke about talking to his wife is like taking a test he didn't study for. "ask me true/false" he's pleading at the end. "I'm good at true/false." Every day, every thing I do has eternal implications. Another thing it reminds me of was a short independent film I once saw. All the "angels" were accountants and they kept a balance sheet of everything we did. And each thing had a point value, open a door for someone +1 point, recycle +1, use foul language -1 point. And at the end of the main actor's life, he's something like one point short to get into Heaven. He gets a second chance and is crossing the street flipping a coin. "WHAM" he gets hit by a bus! and we know he's going hell. But then as he's standing before his "accountant" the coin rolls to a homeless guy who picks it up. Give to the poor +1 point.
What a way to think about it. What if everything was worth points? Then you'd be able to figure out what points you needed, what we had to do and could get away with not doing. Life would become a big check sheet. Life is a test, but God grades it on a curve. More than just what we do is important, weight is given to how we do it. God helps us become who we are, and shows us who we are by these everyday tests.
A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. How am I doing there? Not as good as I'd like to be.
Life on Earth is a Trust
I figured out about 11 years ago, that I owned nothing. Eleven years ago, everything "I" owned became stuff "we" owned, and when you own something with someone, you take better care of it. Well God takes it further. Everything we think we own, is actually on loan to us from God. Since everything is borrowed from God, we can't brag about the nice things we have or get jealous of nice things other people have. They were given to us by God to use for His plan, not ours. At the end of your life on Earth you will be evaluated and rewarded on how well you handled what God entrusted to you.
The last thing that really hit home with me is that Money is a test and a trust. . . there is a direct relationship between how I use my money and my spiritual life. Really? (wince) I guess I need to start working more on that too. I don't feel bad about my spending, I don't buy lavish things, I don't have 5 different credit cards maxed out, but I am not at the 10-20-70 stage yet either. That's the Biblical formula for financial well being. Give the first 10% to God (your church and other charities), save 20%, and live on 70%.
See, God doesn't want all my money, we just talked about it's ALL HIS anyway. He wants me to care for it and everything as if they aren't mine. He wants me to follow this formula so that I can be successful, and be right where He needs me to be 27 moves from now. Think if you had 20% of your salary from last year in the bank how you would be able to move as God called you.
The Bible verse is from the Gospel of Luke.
The question:
What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God. What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
I'm developing a love/hate relationship with the daily questions. I love/hate how they make me do self examination. The most recent thing I can think of that was a test from God was my time spent in Maryland. There, I knew very few people, I could have chose to behave in any manner I wanted. I think I did a good job remaining faithful to who I am as a husband, father, and Child of Christ. The greatest matter entrusted to me by God, has to be the spiritual leadership of my family. I have to lead by word AND ACTION.
Remember: Life is a test and a trust.
I'm just jumping right in today. The author covers several different ways that people describe their life. Some people said circus, roller coaster, card game, etc. He didn't say "life's a dance" I wonder if there are royalty issues there. And he goes on to ask what my life metaphor is. Two images came to mind, one of course is "a Dance" but that could be because we listen to country music all night at work. The other image that came to mind was a chess game. I used to play chess, and I could play it for hours because we didn't have timed moves. The thing about chess that most resonates with me is that the move you make now is going to affect what moves you can make next. You may move a piece now so that 27 moves later, that piece is exactly where you need it to be.
The author gives Biblical descriptions of the metaphors God uses for our lives. But, I guess if God is using them they aren't exactly metaphors. They are what life really is.
Life on Earth is a test.
And I haven't been studying. Jeff Foxworthy has a joke about talking to his wife is like taking a test he didn't study for. "ask me true/false" he's pleading at the end. "I'm good at true/false." Every day, every thing I do has eternal implications. Another thing it reminds me of was a short independent film I once saw. All the "angels" were accountants and they kept a balance sheet of everything we did. And each thing had a point value, open a door for someone +1 point, recycle +1, use foul language -1 point. And at the end of the main actor's life, he's something like one point short to get into Heaven. He gets a second chance and is crossing the street flipping a coin. "WHAM" he gets hit by a bus! and we know he's going hell. But then as he's standing before his "accountant" the coin rolls to a homeless guy who picks it up. Give to the poor +1 point.
What a way to think about it. What if everything was worth points? Then you'd be able to figure out what points you needed, what we had to do and could get away with not doing. Life would become a big check sheet. Life is a test, but God grades it on a curve. More than just what we do is important, weight is given to how we do it. God helps us become who we are, and shows us who we are by these everyday tests.
A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. How am I doing there? Not as good as I'd like to be.
Life on Earth is a Trust
I figured out about 11 years ago, that I owned nothing. Eleven years ago, everything "I" owned became stuff "we" owned, and when you own something with someone, you take better care of it. Well God takes it further. Everything we think we own, is actually on loan to us from God. Since everything is borrowed from God, we can't brag about the nice things we have or get jealous of nice things other people have. They were given to us by God to use for His plan, not ours. At the end of your life on Earth you will be evaluated and rewarded on how well you handled what God entrusted to you.
The last thing that really hit home with me is that Money is a test and a trust. . . there is a direct relationship between how I use my money and my spiritual life. Really? (wince) I guess I need to start working more on that too. I don't feel bad about my spending, I don't buy lavish things, I don't have 5 different credit cards maxed out, but I am not at the 10-20-70 stage yet either. That's the Biblical formula for financial well being. Give the first 10% to God (your church and other charities), save 20%, and live on 70%.
See, God doesn't want all my money, we just talked about it's ALL HIS anyway. He wants me to care for it and everything as if they aren't mine. He wants me to follow this formula so that I can be successful, and be right where He needs me to be 27 moves from now. Think if you had 20% of your salary from last year in the bank how you would be able to move as God called you.
The Bible verse is from the Gospel of Luke.
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
Luke 16:10 (NLT)
The question:
What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God. What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
I'm developing a love/hate relationship with the daily questions. I love/hate how they make me do self examination. The most recent thing I can think of that was a test from God was my time spent in Maryland. There, I knew very few people, I could have chose to behave in any manner I wanted. I think I did a good job remaining faithful to who I am as a husband, father, and Child of Christ. The greatest matter entrusted to me by God, has to be the spiritual leadership of my family. I have to lead by word AND ACTION.
Remember: Life is a test and a trust.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Day 4 Made to Last Forever
This day's lesson is short, sweet, and straight to the point. From the opening paragraph I got the message. But as has been the case, I need the other paragraphs to really emphasize the point. I read this chapter several times and the question at the end wasn't easy for me to answer.
This life is not all there is.
Hooray, Amen, Hallelujah, Yippee!, or whatever other word you want to insert here. How about the phrase "THANK GOD."
While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers only two: Heaven or Hell.
I was born and raised Catholic. From catechism classes, to Catholic Schools, being an altar boy and everything. Even when I stopped going to church, I never forgot about the afterlife. You could just say there was a time when I was resigned to my fate. I had a "why bother" attitude. Those were some pretty low years for me. It was like I knew I had a wealthy relative but figured they were too busy and I wasn't good enough for them to ever love me.
I'm more busy now than I think I've ever been. It's not that I am buzzing like a bee from when I wake to when I sleep, but there is stuff that needs to be done and I need to cut a lot of things out of my life that waste time. This blog isn't one of them though. I honestly believe this to be a God thing, drawing me closer to Him. "The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears."
Through these first four days, I've really started to see where time is lost, and where energy is wasted not focusing on God. Now it's not easy to change patterns of behavior overnight. I'm still thinking about all the things I used to do during the day. But, I'm also thinking more about God. I check this blog before I check my e-mail or my facebook. I want to write when I get home so that it can be here when you check it during the day. And I pray more than I have been doing, before my feet hit the floor and as my head touches the pillow.
And you know what, I'm still failing. This life is the practice before the big game, the warm up laps before the Daytona 500, the dress rehearsal for the afterlife. And I need more time to practice! I'm dropping balls, my car is not set up like I want it, and I can't find all the pieces to my costume. I'm not ready. But I'll get there if I stay faithful. I need to spend more time plugged into God than I do online.
"If you have a relationship with God through Jesus, you don't need to fear death."
I have a relationship with God through Jesus. It's not everything is could be, but that's my fault. I still spend a lot of time just thinking about the here and now, the next twenty minutes. What do I have to get done in the next hour before I leave work?, Do I have any time to just goof off? Can I get done everything that needs to get done?
And the one question that hit me today: Is this blog becoming just another time dump? I'm pretty sure I know where that question came from. And I will stand by my earlier statement that this blog is a God thing!
I know I didn't stick straight to the text like I have been. If you're following along without the book, I apologize. I write what I feel is important to get out about how the chapter is resonating in my mind. I'm sorry if it left anyone hanging.
Our Bible Verse today comes from First John.
The question:
Since I was made to last forever, what is one thing I should stop doing and one thing I should start doing today?
Nothing. Not as in there is nothing I need to stop doing, I need to stop doing nothing right now, today. I need to stop all the things that are just aimless distractions. I need to start today focusing my energy on building relationships with my family that will lift them up and show that I can be the spiritual leader they need.
Remember: There is more to life than just here and now.
This life is not all there is.
Hooray, Amen, Hallelujah, Yippee!, or whatever other word you want to insert here. How about the phrase "THANK GOD."
While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers only two: Heaven or Hell.
I was born and raised Catholic. From catechism classes, to Catholic Schools, being an altar boy and everything. Even when I stopped going to church, I never forgot about the afterlife. You could just say there was a time when I was resigned to my fate. I had a "why bother" attitude. Those were some pretty low years for me. It was like I knew I had a wealthy relative but figured they were too busy and I wasn't good enough for them to ever love me.
I'm more busy now than I think I've ever been. It's not that I am buzzing like a bee from when I wake to when I sleep, but there is stuff that needs to be done and I need to cut a lot of things out of my life that waste time. This blog isn't one of them though. I honestly believe this to be a God thing, drawing me closer to Him. "The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears."
Through these first four days, I've really started to see where time is lost, and where energy is wasted not focusing on God. Now it's not easy to change patterns of behavior overnight. I'm still thinking about all the things I used to do during the day. But, I'm also thinking more about God. I check this blog before I check my e-mail or my facebook. I want to write when I get home so that it can be here when you check it during the day. And I pray more than I have been doing, before my feet hit the floor and as my head touches the pillow.
And you know what, I'm still failing. This life is the practice before the big game, the warm up laps before the Daytona 500, the dress rehearsal for the afterlife. And I need more time to practice! I'm dropping balls, my car is not set up like I want it, and I can't find all the pieces to my costume. I'm not ready. But I'll get there if I stay faithful. I need to spend more time plugged into God than I do online.
"If you have a relationship with God through Jesus, you don't need to fear death."
I have a relationship with God through Jesus. It's not everything is could be, but that's my fault. I still spend a lot of time just thinking about the here and now, the next twenty minutes. What do I have to get done in the next hour before I leave work?, Do I have any time to just goof off? Can I get done everything that needs to get done?
And the one question that hit me today: Is this blog becoming just another time dump? I'm pretty sure I know where that question came from. And I will stand by my earlier statement that this blog is a God thing!
I know I didn't stick straight to the text like I have been. If you're following along without the book, I apologize. I write what I feel is important to get out about how the chapter is resonating in my mind. I'm sorry if it left anyone hanging.
Our Bible Verse today comes from First John.
And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
1 John 2:17 (NLT)
The question:
Since I was made to last forever, what is one thing I should stop doing and one thing I should start doing today?
Nothing. Not as in there is nothing I need to stop doing, I need to stop doing nothing right now, today. I need to stop all the things that are just aimless distractions. I need to start today focusing my energy on building relationships with my family that will lift them up and show that I can be the spiritual leader they need.
Remember: There is more to life than just here and now.
Time to Regroup
This is not Day Four's message.
There is a saying in the military and it goes back hundreds and possibly thousands of years. It's attributed to several different people, including Napoleon.
"No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy."
By now, you've had your first contact with the enemy. I know I have. The enemy of Christ doesn't want you doing anything that will draw you closer to God. He is attacking you right now, he may have even started his attack before you started following this blog. His attacks can be blatant, or subtle, but they exist and are him at work. Once you recognize your opponent, it becomes easier to defeat him.
In my case, my sleep anxiety has flared up, along with my sleep apnea. The two go hand in hand, the apnea causes the anxiety, which causes me to stay up later, making the amount of sleep I get less, intensifying the effects of the apnea. Nice huh? I know it's Satan at work in my life. How is Satan attacking you?
Do you remember the Bible verse I posted on Facebook when I was starting this? Ecclesiastes 4:12. Well, here is the extended verse.
Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecc 4:9-12(NIV)
Heavenly Father, I pray right now that you will help us overpower the enemy. Lord, I pray for my sisters Joleen, Sherry, Sarah, and Jen. I pray for everyone who is following along and drawing closer to you. Jesus, help us to put on the full Armor of God that we may stand against the enemy's schemes. Lord, bring peace to your faithful children, give us the strength we need to fight back the advances of the enemy. As I lay myself down tonight I know that you will do what we ask in the name of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I ask you readers, as you read this right now, to pause for a moment and say a prayer to Christ. Praying for each other is the equivalent to standing back to back in a fight. You can defeat many opponents if someone has your back. If you don't feel comfortable praying like I just did, do what I normally do, recite the Lord's Prayer while you consider the others that are struggling right now. And if you're not familiar with the "Armor of God", it's described in Ephesians 6:13-17 Read this and picture yourself in The Colosseum of Rome, all decked out ready to face the enemy. Look to your side, I am right there with you. I've got your back!
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the Belt of Truth buckled around your waist, with the Breastplate of Righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the Shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day 3 What Drives Your Life Part 2
I told you day 3 was a long chapter. I wanted to publish part 1 before I went to bed last night, but when I looked at the clock it was after 4am and I wasn't finished. So it was more important to close the laptop and get some sleep than finish.
Knowing your Purpose gives meaning to your life.
I bet that you didn't need a book to tell you that. I didn't. Wait, wanting to know our purpose is the reason I'm reading this book. Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Some people still don't get this. They confuse goals with purposes. I used to be one of those people. Getting to know Jesus just wasn't on my "to do" list.
Knowing your purpose simplifies your life.
It defines what you do, and what you don't do. If I know my purpose, than I can choose to NOT do things that don't serve that purpose. The same was true when I was living for my goals, my life goal didn't involve being a better Christian, so I chose to not go to Church. God took that into account though and brought Church back to me.
You have just enough time to do God's will. If you can't get it all done, it means you're trying to do more than God intended for you to do. So I need to start spending less time online and in front of the PS3. God didn't intend for me to put those things before Him or my family.
Knowing your purpose focuses your life.
It's human nature to get distracted by minor things. I am ruled by minor distractions. If I'm online, or working on photos, or doing whatever and something distracts me, it's hard to get back on task. You could say that I have adult onset ADD.
Knowing your purpose motivates your life.
It's usually meaningless work, not overwork, that wears us down,saps our strength, and robs our joy. Wow, does this guy work with me? When I'm sweaty and dirty and greasy and I just fixed a problem on the airplane, I'm a happy guy. When I'm sweaty and dirty and greasy, and I've been vacuuming micro particles out from under floorboards, or changing discolored string tie, I am beat down. There's little motivation to go to work on days when I know I won't have a lot of work to do.
Remember back when I said that meeting Jesus wasn't on my "to do" list. Well, if a relationship with Christ isn't on your bucket list you might want to put it there. Meeting me face to face is certainly on God's "to do" list. One day I will stand before God. And it won't matter how much money I had, what records I held, or if my pictures were ever published in Time magazine. (I used to want to be a photographer for a different magazine.) God is going to ask me some hard questions. "What did you do with my son Jesus Christ?" and "What did you do with the talents I gave you?"
Jesus tells us what we are supposed to do with him. "Go and make disciples of all men." Have I been talking about Jesus, is it obvious that He lives in me? Will someone ever say about me "That guy has something I don't have, and I want to know what it is."? I sure hope so.
Jesus also tells us a story of a rich man and his three servants. The man gives them all money before he goes away and when he returns he comes back to collect. I don't want to ruin the story for you, but let's just say the master wasn't happy with the man who didn't use the money to make any profit. Am I making a profit on what God gave me? Am I using His gifts for His Glory?
Our memory verse is from Isaiah again:
What a beautiful verse, Perfect peace comes to the steadfast who trust in God. I want that!!
The question for day three is more self reflecting, but with a twist.
It's hard to know exactly what others think. It's hard to answer the first part for other people, but if you call your family and friends and ask them, they probably won't be honest with you anyway. So on pure speculation, I would like to think that my family and friends see my wife and kids as the driving force in my life. And although I could be content with living just for them, I know that if I can live for Jesus that I will be a much better husband and father.
If I can move past the things I have been doing to myself and live each day ready to stand before the throne and answer God's two questions in a manner that will please Him, I will have fulfilled His purpose in me.
Thank you so much for making it this far with me. I can't promise I won't have another two page post, but I can promise that everything I wrote today, I needed to get out. And I could have written more, but I think I got the meat of the chapter out there.
Remember: Living on Purpose is the Path to Peace.
The Benefits of Purpose Driven Living.Yay, we're to a point where we can focus on what to expect from this book. I have a feeling there are going to be plenty of surprises along the way.
Knowing your Purpose gives meaning to your life.
I bet that you didn't need a book to tell you that. I didn't. Wait, wanting to know our purpose is the reason I'm reading this book. Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Some people still don't get this. They confuse goals with purposes. I used to be one of those people. Getting to know Jesus just wasn't on my "to do" list.
Knowing your purpose simplifies your life.
It defines what you do, and what you don't do. If I know my purpose, than I can choose to NOT do things that don't serve that purpose. The same was true when I was living for my goals, my life goal didn't involve being a better Christian, so I chose to not go to Church. God took that into account though and brought Church back to me.
You have just enough time to do God's will. If you can't get it all done, it means you're trying to do more than God intended for you to do. So I need to start spending less time online and in front of the PS3. God didn't intend for me to put those things before Him or my family.
Knowing your purpose focuses your life.
It's human nature to get distracted by minor things. I am ruled by minor distractions. If I'm online, or working on photos, or doing whatever and something distracts me, it's hard to get back on task. You could say that I have adult onset ADD.
Knowing your purpose motivates your life.
It's usually meaningless work, not overwork, that wears us down,saps our strength, and robs our joy. Wow, does this guy work with me? When I'm sweaty and dirty and greasy and I just fixed a problem on the airplane, I'm a happy guy. When I'm sweaty and dirty and greasy, and I've been vacuuming micro particles out from under floorboards, or changing discolored string tie, I am beat down. There's little motivation to go to work on days when I know I won't have a lot of work to do.
Knowing your purpose prepares you for Eternity.
Remember back when I said that meeting Jesus wasn't on my "to do" list. Well, if a relationship with Christ isn't on your bucket list you might want to put it there. Meeting me face to face is certainly on God's "to do" list. One day I will stand before God. And it won't matter how much money I had, what records I held, or if my pictures were ever published in Time magazine. (I used to want to be a photographer for a different magazine.) God is going to ask me some hard questions. "What did you do with my son Jesus Christ?" and "What did you do with the talents I gave you?"
Jesus tells us what we are supposed to do with him. "Go and make disciples of all men." Have I been talking about Jesus, is it obvious that He lives in me? Will someone ever say about me "That guy has something I don't have, and I want to know what it is."? I sure hope so.
Jesus also tells us a story of a rich man and his three servants. The man gives them all money before he goes away and when he returns he comes back to collect. I don't want to ruin the story for you, but let's just say the master wasn't happy with the man who didn't use the money to make any profit. Am I making a profit on what God gave me? Am I using His gifts for His Glory?
Our memory verse is from Isaiah again:
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
(IS 26:3 NIV)
What a beautiful verse, Perfect peace comes to the steadfast who trust in God. I want that!!
The question for day three is more self reflecting, but with a twist.
What would my family and friends say is the driving force in my life? What do I want it to be?
It's hard to know exactly what others think. It's hard to answer the first part for other people, but if you call your family and friends and ask them, they probably won't be honest with you anyway. So on pure speculation, I would like to think that my family and friends see my wife and kids as the driving force in my life. And although I could be content with living just for them, I know that if I can live for Jesus that I will be a much better husband and father.
If I can move past the things I have been doing to myself and live each day ready to stand before the throne and answer God's two questions in a manner that will please Him, I will have fulfilled His purpose in me.
Thank you so much for making it this far with me. I can't promise I won't have another two page post, but I can promise that everything I wrote today, I needed to get out. And I could have written more, but I think I got the meat of the chapter out there.
Remember: Living on Purpose is the Path to Peace.
Day 3 What Drives Your Life Part 1
Day Three is the longest chapter I have read so far. It's about 9 pages. I take my book with me to work so I can read it at lunch and again on break and then come home and blog. There was a lot of meat in this chapter and I'm at a loss right now for how to approach blogging about it. Here Goes:
I'm driven by a lot of different motives. The author touched on Five factors that drive people and I underlined something that spoke to me in each paragraph.
I'm Driven by Guilt.
Guilt-driven people are manipulated by memories. They allow their past to control their future. I see that in me sometimes. I won't go into what I feel guilty about. It's not relevant to this discussion. The Bible tells us "All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." But there is hope from the author; We are products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it.
I'm doing this to myself.
I'm Driven by Resentment and Anger.
Instead of releasing their pain through forgiveness, they rehearse it over and over in their minds. Am I the only one holding a grudge? I've been hurt, and the person who hurt me isn't even around anymore. How do you make peace with the dead? How do you confront them and let them know they hurt you deeply? Can you bring yourself to thank them for making you who you are today? That would be like Jesus. There is more hope; Those who have hurt you in the past cannont continue to hurt you now unless you hold on to the pain through resentment.
I'm doing this to myself.
I'm Driven by Fear.
Regardless of the cause, fear driven people often miss great opportunities because they're afraid to venture out. I'm afraid of very few "things". Some things creep me out, like roaches, but I'm not afraid of them. Some things make me uncomfortable, but not afraid like I know fear. My biggest fear, Failing when a loved one needs me most. Being afraid that I won't be able to put food on the table or care for the kids in the event of tragedy keeps me up some nights. What does the author say about this? Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be.
I'm doing this to myself.
I'm Driven by Materialism.
Some of you are probably saying "Really John?" and yes, I have to own the fact that money and things are a big issue for me. I don't need the best things, but I want things that other people have. I work hard to get the things I want, but every year it seems Canon makes a new DSLR, and mine gets a year older. Honda now has a 1200cc VFR and my 13 year old, 800cc bike has eighty five thousand miles on it. But notice I didn't quote anything yet. From this paragraph, what I took away was more hope. Self-worth and net worth are not the same. Your value is not determined by your valuables.
I'm doing this to myself.
I'm Driven by the need for Approval.
Again, some of you might not see this in me. Actually, it is pretty far down on my list of driving forces. If he had started with this one, I would have probably skipped over it. But I need to know that what I am do is pleasing to those whom I do it for. And I am somewhat driven by peer pressure. Unfortunately, those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it.
I'm doing this to myself!
I think that first half of this chapter was a real eye opener. It really stinks to know that so many of my stresses and pains are self inflicted. I'm really, really hoping to let go of those issues through the next few weeks. On to Part two!
What Drives Your Life
I'm driven by a lot of different motives. The author touched on Five factors that drive people and I underlined something that spoke to me in each paragraph.
I'm Driven by Guilt.
Guilt-driven people are manipulated by memories. They allow their past to control their future. I see that in me sometimes. I won't go into what I feel guilty about. It's not relevant to this discussion. The Bible tells us "All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." But there is hope from the author; We are products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it.
I'm doing this to myself.
I'm Driven by Resentment and Anger.
Instead of releasing their pain through forgiveness, they rehearse it over and over in their minds. Am I the only one holding a grudge? I've been hurt, and the person who hurt me isn't even around anymore. How do you make peace with the dead? How do you confront them and let them know they hurt you deeply? Can you bring yourself to thank them for making you who you are today? That would be like Jesus. There is more hope; Those who have hurt you in the past cannont continue to hurt you now unless you hold on to the pain through resentment.
I'm doing this to myself.
I'm Driven by Fear.
Regardless of the cause, fear driven people often miss great opportunities because they're afraid to venture out. I'm afraid of very few "things". Some things creep me out, like roaches, but I'm not afraid of them. Some things make me uncomfortable, but not afraid like I know fear. My biggest fear, Failing when a loved one needs me most. Being afraid that I won't be able to put food on the table or care for the kids in the event of tragedy keeps me up some nights. What does the author say about this? Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be.
I'm doing this to myself.
I'm Driven by Materialism.
Some of you are probably saying "Really John?" and yes, I have to own the fact that money and things are a big issue for me. I don't need the best things, but I want things that other people have. I work hard to get the things I want, but every year it seems Canon makes a new DSLR, and mine gets a year older. Honda now has a 1200cc VFR and my 13 year old, 800cc bike has eighty five thousand miles on it. But notice I didn't quote anything yet. From this paragraph, what I took away was more hope. Self-worth and net worth are not the same. Your value is not determined by your valuables.
I'm doing this to myself.
I'm Driven by the need for Approval.
Again, some of you might not see this in me. Actually, it is pretty far down on my list of driving forces. If he had started with this one, I would have probably skipped over it. But I need to know that what I am do is pleasing to those whom I do it for. And I am somewhat driven by peer pressure. Unfortunately, those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it.
I'm doing this to myself!
I think that first half of this chapter was a real eye opener. It really stinks to know that so many of my stresses and pains are self inflicted. I'm really, really hoping to let go of those issues through the next few weeks. On to Part two!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Day 2 You Are Not an Accident
I don't know about you, but yesterday was a great day for me. I really felt God moving in me and drawing me to speak to a complete stranger. I am so glad I did, because she needed someone to talk to and I was able, with the help of one of my sisters in Christ, to get her in touch with some great young adult Christians.
I'm not telling you this to toot my own horn. Don't congratulate me on anything. I'm sharing this with you as a Praise to God. Talking to strangers isn't out of my comfort zone, but this was different. It was no accident that I wasn't working the sound board, that people were where we normally sit, or that I came out of kids church with my kids at the same time she was coming out of the nursery with her son. God planed all of that, all I had to do was act.
That's how Day two starts. I even underlined the Albert Einstein quote "God doesn't play dice". God left nothing to chance. I am exactly the person God needs me to be for His purpose. This goes along with yesterday's lesson, "I was made by Him and for Him." I believe that to be true, and if you look back at your life too, you just might see it.
God planned everything about my birth and my life. He planned who my parents would be, where I would live, the friends and jobs I would have, even the women I would date, and the one who I would eventually marry. (See, He made her just for me.) Everything I did made me the person I am today. At this moment, I am doing EXACTLY what God has planned for me. (And so are you!)
I underlined that and had to read it a few times. God took into account that I would sin. Those sins helped shape who I am in Christ. I am human, sin is in my nature, and there is no way I could do the job God wants me to if I couldn't accept that and admit it to others. The Pharisees held themselves above the common man. They were hypocrites, and Jesus even called them on it. They were failing to do God's work because they saw themselves as more. Jesus said we need to be last if we want to be first.
Sin is the thing we all have in common. I struggle with it, and like my Pastor spoke about yesterday; because I know all the things I've done, I don't hold myself above anyone. I was asked if I would consider leading a small group on this book and although it was a huge compliment from someone I love and respect, I still feel like I am not a leader of men. But, I am a servant to God and will do what He asks when He asks. He will set everything into place and I will simply have to act.
Our verse to remember comes from Isaiah:
The question for day two is harder than yesterdays.
Now I have to be honest and pray that I won't scare anyone away. Self examination is hard to admit, and this is the internet, what I say will be here forever! I could list so many things that it would seem like I was incredibly petty and vain because I am aware of almost every part of myself that doesn't look like Jesus. Instead, I will focus on what is the one I think is most important one for me to accept.
My parents. Sorry Mom and Dad, it's been 25+ years and this is still the ghost that haunts me. I see my in laws and they are approaching 50 years together and I think how would I be different if. . . But there again is the lesson from today, God planned that I would be from a broken home. It makes up part of who I am.
I love both my parents and know now that every moment of my upbringing was scripted by God. I wouldn't want to change anything that would change who I am in Christ, but I can't wait to see His purpose fulfilled in me. Whatever He is planning I know is worth the cost. And the cost to me will ALWAYS be less than what it cost Him to save me.
Sorry, I have to walk away right now. I hope you all have a blessed day and remember, you were worth the Cross to Him!
I'm not telling you this to toot my own horn. Don't congratulate me on anything. I'm sharing this with you as a Praise to God. Talking to strangers isn't out of my comfort zone, but this was different. It was no accident that I wasn't working the sound board, that people were where we normally sit, or that I came out of kids church with my kids at the same time she was coming out of the nursery with her son. God planed all of that, all I had to do was act.
You are no accident
That's how Day two starts. I even underlined the Albert Einstein quote "God doesn't play dice". God left nothing to chance. I am exactly the person God needs me to be for His purpose. This goes along with yesterday's lesson, "I was made by Him and for Him." I believe that to be true, and if you look back at your life too, you just might see it.
God planned everything about my birth and my life. He planned who my parents would be, where I would live, the friends and jobs I would have, even the women I would date, and the one who I would eventually marry. (See, He made her just for me.) Everything I did made me the person I am today. At this moment, I am doing EXACTLY what God has planned for me. (And so are you!)
God's plan took into account human error and even sin.
I underlined that and had to read it a few times. God took into account that I would sin. Those sins helped shape who I am in Christ. I am human, sin is in my nature, and there is no way I could do the job God wants me to if I couldn't accept that and admit it to others. The Pharisees held themselves above the common man. They were hypocrites, and Jesus even called them on it. They were failing to do God's work because they saw themselves as more. Jesus said we need to be last if we want to be first.
Sin is the thing we all have in common. I struggle with it, and like my Pastor spoke about yesterday; because I know all the things I've done, I don't hold myself above anyone. I was asked if I would consider leading a small group on this book and although it was a huge compliment from someone I love and respect, I still feel like I am not a leader of men. But, I am a servant to God and will do what He asks when He asks. He will set everything into place and I will simply have to act.
If there was no God, we would all be "accidents", the result of astronomical random chance in the universe. . . There is a God who made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning! We discover that meaning and purpose only when we make God the reference point of our lives.
Our verse to remember comes from Isaiah:
This is what the LORD says—
he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
and who will help you(Is 44:2 NIV)
The question for day two is harder than yesterdays.
What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?
Now I have to be honest and pray that I won't scare anyone away. Self examination is hard to admit, and this is the internet, what I say will be here forever! I could list so many things that it would seem like I was incredibly petty and vain because I am aware of almost every part of myself that doesn't look like Jesus. Instead, I will focus on what is the one I think is most important one for me to accept.
My parents. Sorry Mom and Dad, it's been 25+ years and this is still the ghost that haunts me. I see my in laws and they are approaching 50 years together and I think how would I be different if. . . But there again is the lesson from today, God planned that I would be from a broken home. It makes up part of who I am.
I love both my parents and know now that every moment of my upbringing was scripted by God. I wouldn't want to change anything that would change who I am in Christ, but I can't wait to see His purpose fulfilled in me. Whatever He is planning I know is worth the cost. And the cost to me will ALWAYS be less than what it cost Him to save me.
Sorry, I have to walk away right now. I hope you all have a blessed day and remember, you were worth the Cross to Him!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 1 It All Starts With God
It's officially Sunday. To be honest, I read Day 1 several days ago. Then I stopped. I honestly wanted to approach this with you. I didn't want to be ahead of anyone else following along. Okay, so maybe I am a little ahead of you, maybe you haven't read day one yet, but that's still okay. If you want, go read it and then come back to me here.
It's not about Me(us). That's how this study starts. A great big wake up call. We are here because God wills us to be. We had no choice in being, and no way of knowing WHY we were made. But the text helps point us in the right direction.
I underlined that. It's a hard concept to grasp in this day and age. The world wants us to believe that it's all about us. It needs us to believe that! But the truth is that it's not. Maybe that is why so many of us struggle with depression, anxiety and stress. We're focused on ourselves and being self centered is not what God wants for us. God wants us to be God Centered.
I underlined that as well. God does not exist for us, we didn't create him, he created us.
Our Verse to Remember comes from the Book of Colossians.
The question for Day 1 is this:
My answer is that I spend time listening to Christian music in the car on my way to work. I try and spend time reading the Bible, or other Christian literature. I work a night shift schedule so I'm not subjected to a lot of advertising on TV. Most of what I watch is on the DVR and I skip commercials.
Still this is something that I struggle with. But I have hope because I am aware that the Enemy of God is out there, trying to pull my attention. He doesn't even need me to focus on him as long as he can keep me from looking at God. Technology is making the enemy's job easier and easier. I need to start spending more time with God and the Family and less time with the PS3 and Facebook.
Something else to consider: What are the implications of the opening statement "It's not about you."? How does that mesh with the way you have been living?
It's not about Me(us). That's how this study starts. A great big wake up call. We are here because God wills us to be. We had no choice in being, and no way of knowing WHY we were made. But the text helps point us in the right direction.
You were made by God and for God - and until you understand that, life will never make sense.
I underlined that. It's a hard concept to grasp in this day and age. The world wants us to believe that it's all about us. It needs us to believe that! But the truth is that it's not. Maybe that is why so many of us struggle with depression, anxiety and stress. We're focused on ourselves and being self centered is not what God wants for us. God wants us to be God Centered.
God is not just the starting point of your life, he is the source of it.
I underlined that as well. God does not exist for us, we didn't create him, he created us.
Our Verse to Remember comes from the Book of Colossians.
"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." (Col 1:16 NIV)
The question for Day 1 is this:
In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life really is about living for God,not myself?
My answer is that I spend time listening to Christian music in the car on my way to work. I try and spend time reading the Bible, or other Christian literature. I work a night shift schedule so I'm not subjected to a lot of advertising on TV. Most of what I watch is on the DVR and I skip commercials.
Still this is something that I struggle with. But I have hope because I am aware that the Enemy of God is out there, trying to pull my attention. He doesn't even need me to focus on him as long as he can keep me from looking at God. Technology is making the enemy's job easier and easier. I need to start spending more time with God and the Family and less time with the PS3 and Facebook.
Something else to consider: What are the implications of the opening statement "It's not about you."? How does that mesh with the way you have been living?
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Opening Prayer
I am not very good at free form prayer. I had a Catholic school upbringing. We learned The Lord's Prayer and the Hail Mary. And while I was in Miami, I even learned them both in Spanish. I really love the open feeling when I hear other people praying to God like they are having a conversation and I hope to get better at praying in that manner.
But I know that God knows what is on my heart so I think on those things as I say His Prayer. Each growth group I have been to opens with prayer. We normally would go around the room and ask for requests and praises and then as we feel led by the Spirit, we would pray for one another. These are my requests and praises as I start this 40 day journey.
Lord, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to be a light to those around me, near and far. I pray that you will guide my hands and bring your message out through my words. I am humbly asking that you use me for Your Glory throughout these next 40 days. Be with my readers, give them strength and make them bold so that they will take an active part in this. Be with my friends who are suffering, physically and emotionally, let them feel your presence as they read this words. Heal them of those things that ail them. I ask all this in Jesus' Holy name, and in the manner which he taught us to present all things to you.
John 14:12-14 tells us Jesus told his disciples this:
But I know that God knows what is on my heart so I think on those things as I say His Prayer. Each growth group I have been to opens with prayer. We normally would go around the room and ask for requests and praises and then as we feel led by the Spirit, we would pray for one another. These are my requests and praises as I start this 40 day journey.
Lord, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to be a light to those around me, near and far. I pray that you will guide my hands and bring your message out through my words. I am humbly asking that you use me for Your Glory throughout these next 40 days. Be with my readers, give them strength and make them bold so that they will take an active part in this. Be with my friends who are suffering, physically and emotionally, let them feel your presence as they read this words. Heal them of those things that ail them. I ask all this in Jesus' Holy name, and in the manner which he taught us to present all things to you.
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
John 14:12-14 tells us Jesus told his disciples this:
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
The Covenant
If you have the book, you know that there is a covenant inside. To me, Covenant is a very strong word. It's not a business contract that has clauses and fine print; it's not a promise. People can break promises, or cancel contracts, but there is something more to a covenant. If you've read any Old Testament, you know that nothing good ever came to people who broke a covenant.
Since I'm reading the book for the purpose of this blog, I am posting a modified version of the covenant here. I didn't take away from what was originally written, I simply added a few things to make it relevant to blogging. I'll put my words in italics. I encourage anyone who is reading along with me, to sign the covenant as well by commenting on it.
There, that's not too hard is it? Take 40 days, just under 6 weeks, and spend a few minutes reading. There is enough time in each day to do everything God wants us to. This could be one of those things for you. I know it is for me. I don't know about you, but I'm excited and ready to begin. I hope you'll join me in this endeavor by reading and blogging with me. I am looking forward to tomorrow.
Since I'm reading the book for the purpose of this blog, I am posting a modified version of the covenant here. I didn't take away from what was originally written, I simply added a few things to make it relevant to blogging. I'll put my words in italics. I encourage anyone who is reading along with me, to sign the covenant as well by commenting on it.
THE COVENANT
With God's help, I commit the next 40 days of my life to discovering God's Purpose for my life. I commit to sharing this journey with you readers by blogging about what I have read and what it means to me. I promise to be faithful and true in my writing.
There, that's not too hard is it? Take 40 days, just under 6 weeks, and spend a few minutes reading. There is enough time in each day to do everything God wants us to. This could be one of those things for you. I know it is for me. I don't know about you, but I'm excited and ready to begin. I hope you'll join me in this endeavor by reading and blogging with me. I am looking forward to tomorrow.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Why Are We Here?
First off, this is probably about the normal time I will be posting. It's 3:45am, the house is asleep and I'm winding down from work. Second, don't be scared by the title of this post. This isn't a deep philosophical question. It's my first very interactive Q & A post.
Simply put, why are we here, on this page of the internet at this time?
I've stated before, that I am here to read and blog about "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I wanted to have an accountability partner, and I turned to you the readers of this blog right now. Of course at the time I started, this blog didn't exist. Weird huh?
Like I said in my first post, you don't have to say who you are, but if you plan on following the blog, please consider making an alias so that every comment isn't by "guest". And I'd like to welcome Lizzie, my first official stalker, um follower. She is a wonderful person and I really hope she'll actively participate in some of the threads.
I'd like to thank Teresa for getting me the book. We can thank my friend Diane (I call her 'Tom')for encouraging the blog idea. Thank my friend Sarah (who in my head will always be TBC) who lives in Texas and was willing to do this with me. Thanks to my Pastors, Mike and Jeff, who lift me up and by their own example show the very positive effects blogging can have. And we have to thank God for bringing you here to this page at this moment.
Which brings us back to the title of this post. I want to know, what brought you to this page? Short simple answer, or long drawn out one, it doesn't matter. There is no wrong answer to this question. I just want to hear from you folks out there and get you in the habit of reading something and replying to it. :)
Simply put, why are we here, on this page of the internet at this time?
I've stated before, that I am here to read and blog about "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I wanted to have an accountability partner, and I turned to you the readers of this blog right now. Of course at the time I started, this blog didn't exist. Weird huh?
Like I said in my first post, you don't have to say who you are, but if you plan on following the blog, please consider making an alias so that every comment isn't by "guest". And I'd like to welcome Lizzie, my first official stalker, um follower. She is a wonderful person and I really hope she'll actively participate in some of the threads.
I'd like to thank Teresa for getting me the book. We can thank my friend Diane (I call her 'Tom')for encouraging the blog idea. Thank my friend Sarah (who in my head will always be TBC) who lives in Texas and was willing to do this with me. Thanks to my Pastors, Mike and Jeff, who lift me up and by their own example show the very positive effects blogging can have. And we have to thank God for bringing you here to this page at this moment.
Which brings us back to the title of this post. I want to know, what brought you to this page? Short simple answer, or long drawn out one, it doesn't matter. There is no wrong answer to this question. I just want to hear from you folks out there and get you in the habit of reading something and replying to it. :)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Getting Started
Well, I've never done an online study before. I'm not even sure that I can. Actually, I know that I can, because ALL things are possible through Christ who strengthens me. And that leads me to my first warning:
This blog is about God. It's about my (and the people who choose to participate) personal experience and interaction with a Living, Breathing, God. If you're not a believer, I still invite you to follow along and maybe, just maybe, you'll meet my God along the way. I know He's waiting for you. I'm not doing this to push my religion on anyone. Like I said, this is about a relationship with my Savior. Please respect that, and the postings of others on here. Inflammatory posts will be pulled as soon as I see them.
This blog is also about me and a few friends reading the book titled "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I've included a link to his website on the sidebar as well. If you're coming to this late, don't feel you have to rush to catch up. Start on your day one, and follow along with what I hope will be many discussions on different subjects as they come up. I hope that you'll feel encouraged to post your thoughts with me. It's a forty day read, with something to consider every day. I'll post the daily questions from the book and my answers to them. These will be my answers, not gospel, and hopefully will invite some interaction.
If you want to remain anonymous, that is fine, but consider creating a sign in alias. It could get confusing if every reply is written by "guest". I of course can not remain anonymous so, you're probably gonna learn a bit about me if you stick with this. I am, at times, acutely aware of my own shortcomings; usually after the fact.
You'll catch me paraphrasing scripture in my own writings a lot. I need to work on memorization but I know enough that when I don't know the verse, I will look it up. Feel free to interact with those if you feel I am missing the mark though. My goal through is to move closer to God so that He will draw closer to me. But that's my goal, and having a Goal and having a Purpose are two very different things.
So, I hope you will join me in reading the book. I'll start with Day 1 on Sunday, July 25th so be sure to check back every day after that. I work night shift, so I may not get to comment on your posts right away, but I promise if you interact with me, I'll interact with you. (Kinda sounds like someone else I know)
John
This blog is about God. It's about my (and the people who choose to participate) personal experience and interaction with a Living, Breathing, God. If you're not a believer, I still invite you to follow along and maybe, just maybe, you'll meet my God along the way. I know He's waiting for you. I'm not doing this to push my religion on anyone. Like I said, this is about a relationship with my Savior. Please respect that, and the postings of others on here. Inflammatory posts will be pulled as soon as I see them.
This blog is also about me and a few friends reading the book titled "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I've included a link to his website on the sidebar as well. If you're coming to this late, don't feel you have to rush to catch up. Start on your day one, and follow along with what I hope will be many discussions on different subjects as they come up. I hope that you'll feel encouraged to post your thoughts with me. It's a forty day read, with something to consider every day. I'll post the daily questions from the book and my answers to them. These will be my answers, not gospel, and hopefully will invite some interaction.
If you want to remain anonymous, that is fine, but consider creating a sign in alias. It could get confusing if every reply is written by "guest". I of course can not remain anonymous so, you're probably gonna learn a bit about me if you stick with this. I am, at times, acutely aware of my own shortcomings; usually after the fact.
You'll catch me paraphrasing scripture in my own writings a lot. I need to work on memorization but I know enough that when I don't know the verse, I will look it up. Feel free to interact with those if you feel I am missing the mark though. My goal through is to move closer to God so that He will draw closer to me. But that's my goal, and having a Goal and having a Purpose are two very different things.
So, I hope you will join me in reading the book. I'll start with Day 1 on Sunday, July 25th so be sure to check back every day after that. I work night shift, so I may not get to comment on your posts right away, but I promise if you interact with me, I'll interact with you. (Kinda sounds like someone else I know)
John
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