BOOK REVIEW: THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE

TEXTBOOK

THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE

BY

RICH WARREN

CHAPTER 1

DAY 1

It all starts with God

For everything, abosolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible,.. everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.  Colossian 1:16 (msg)

Unless you asume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless. BERTRAND RUSSELL, ATHEIST 

DAY ONE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder: It's not aboutme.
Verse to Remember: ''Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.'' Colossians 1:16b (Msg)
Question 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?

CHAPTER 2

DAY 2

You Are Not an Accident

I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.  Isaiah 44:2a (CEV)

God doesn't play dice.  Albert Einstein

DAY TWO

THINIKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  I am not an accident.

Verse to Remember:  ''I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born''.  Isaiah 44:2a (CEV)

Question to Consider: Knowing that God uniquely created me, what áreas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

CHAPTER 3

DAY 3

What drives your life?

I observed that the basic motive for success is the driving forcé of envy and jealousy!  Ecclesiastes 4:4 (LB)

The man without a purpose islike a ship without a rudder-awaif, a nothing, a no man.   THOMAS CARLYLE 



DAY THREE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  Living on purpose is the path to peace.
Verse 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 forcé of my life? What do I want it to be?

CHAPTER 4

DAY 4

Made to Last Forever 

God has... plated eternity in the human heart.  Ecclesiates 3:11 (NLT)
Surely God would not have created such a being as man to exist only for a day!  No. no. man was made for immoratality.  ABRAHAM LINCOLN

• When you live in light of eternitym your values change.

DAY FOUR

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

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

Verse 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)

Question to consider:  Since I was made to last forwver, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?

CHAPTER 5

DAY 5

Seeing Life from God´s View

What is your life? James 414 (NIV)

We don´t see things as they are, we see them as we are. ANAIS NIN

• Character is both developed and revealed by test, and all of life is a test.
• The more God gives you, the more responsible he expects yopu to be. 

DAY FIVE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  Life is a test and a trust.

Verse to Remember: ¨Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won´t be faithful in large ones. ¨  Luke 16:10a (NTL)

Question to Consider:  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? 

CHAPTER 6

DAY 6

Life Is a Temporary Assignment 

LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.   Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away.  Psalm 39:4 (NLT)

I am here on earth for just a little while.  Psalm 119:19 (TEV)

• Your identify is in eternity, and your homeland is heaven. 
• Earth is not our final home; we were created for something much better.  

DAY SIX

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  This world is not my home.

Verse to Remember: ¨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 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

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

CHAPTER 7

DAY 7

The Reason for Everything

Everything comoes from God alone.  Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory.  Romans 11:36 (LB)

The LORD has made everything for his own purposes.  Proverbs 16:4 (NLT)

• Living for God´s glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives.  
• When anything in creation fulfills its purpose, it brings glory to God. 
• Jesus will give you everything you need to live for him.  

DAY SEVEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  It´s all for him. 

Verse to Remember:  ¨For everything comes from God alone.  Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory.¨ Romans 11:36 (LB)

Question to Consider:  Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God´s glory?

PURPOSE #1 

YOU WERE PLANNEDNFOR GOD´S PLEASURE

For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.  Isaiah 61:3 (LB)

CHAPTER 8

DAY 8

Planned for God´s Pleasure

You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.  Revelation (NLT)

The Lord takes pleasure in his people.  Psalm 149:4a (TEV)

• Anything you do that brings pleasure to God is an act of workship.
• Workship is far more than music. 

DAY EIGHT

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  I was planned for God´s pleasure. 

Verse to Remember:  ¨The Lord takes pleasure in his people.¨ Psalm 149:4a (TEV) 

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

CHAPTER 9

DAY 9

What Makes God Smile?

May the LORD, smile on you... Numbers 6:25 (NLT)

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

• What God wants most from you is a relationship.  
• Trusting God Completely means having faith that he knows what is best for your life.  
• God enjoys watching every detail of your life.

DAY NINE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  God smiles when I trust him.  

Verse to Remember:  ¨The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love.¨ Psalm 147:11(CEV)

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

CHAPTER 10

DAY 10

The Heart of Workship

Give yourselves to God... Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.  Romans 6:13 (TEV)

• Offering yourself to God is what worship is all about.  
• Surrrender is best demonstrated in obedience and trust.  
• Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live.  Nothing else works.  

DAY TEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  The heart of worship is surrender.

Verse to Remember:  ¨Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purpose.¨  Romans 6:13b (TEV)

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

CHAPTER 11

DAY 11

Becoming Best Friends with God

Since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life.  Romans 5:10 (NLT)

• Knowing and loving God is our greatest privilege, and being known and loved is God´s greatest pleasure.   
• Everything you do can be ¨spending time with God¨ if he is invited to be a part of it and you stay aware of his presence.  

DAY ELEVEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

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

Verse to Remember:  ¨Friendship with god is reserved for those who reverence him.¨ Psalm 25:14a (LB)  

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

CHAPTER 12

DAY 12

Developing Your Friendship with God

He offers his friendship to the godly.  Proverbs 3:32 (NLT)

Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.  James 4:8 (NLT) 

• God doesn´t expect you to be perfect, but he does insist on complete honesty.    
• Bitterness is the greatest barrier to friendship with God. 
• The more you become God´s friend, the more you will care about the things he cares about. 

DAY TWELVE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

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

Verse to Remember:  ¨Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.¨ James 4:8a (NLT)
Question to Consider: What practical choices will I make today in order top grow closer to God?

CHAPTER 13

DAY 13

Worship That Pleases God

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  Mark 12:30 (NIV)

• God pleasing worship is deeply emotional and deeply doctrinal.  We use both our hearts and our heads.  
• The best style of worship is the one that most authentically represents your love for God.  
• Real worship is rooted in the Word. 

DAY THIRTEEN 

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  God wants all of me.  

Verse to Remember:  ¨Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.¨ Mark 12:30 (NIV)

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

CHAPTER 14

DAY 14

When God Seems Distant

The LORD has hidden himself from his people, but I trust him and place my hope in him.  Isaiah 8:17 (TEV)

• God admits that sometimes he hides his face from us.  
• The most common mistake Christians make in worship today is seeking an experience rather than seeking God.    
• When you feel abandoned by God yet continue to trust him, you worship him in the deepest way.

DAY FOURTEEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

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

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

Question to Consider:  How can I stay focused on God´s presence, especially when he feels distant?

PURPOSE #2

YOU WERE FORMED FOR GOD´S FAMILY

I am the vine, and you are the branches.  John 15:5 (CEV)

Christ makes us one body... connected to each other.  Romans 12:5 (GWT)

CHAPTER 15

DAY 15

Formed for God´s Family

God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory.  He wanted to have many children share his glory.  Hebrew 2:10a (NCV)

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!

• Your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family because it will last forever.  
• Being included in God´s family is the highest honor and the greatest privilege you will ever receive.  

DAY FITHTEEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  I was formed for God´s family. 

Verse to Remember:  ¨His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.¨  Ephesians 1:5a (NLT)  

Question to Consider:  How can I start treating other believers like memebers of my own family?

CHAPTER 16

DAY 16

What Matters Most

No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I´m bankrupt without love.  1 Corinthians 13:3b (Msg)

Love means living the way God commanded us to live.  As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this live a life of love.  2 John 1:6 (NCV)

• Relationship are what life is all about.  
• The greatest gift you can give someone is your time.  

DAY SIXTEEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  Life is all about love. 

Verse to Remember:  ¨The entire law is summed up in a single command:  ´Love your neighbor as yourself.´ ¨  Galatians 5:14 (NIV)

Question to Consider:  Honestly, are relationships my first priority?  How can I ensure that they are? 

CHAPTER 17

DAY 17

A Place to Belong

You are members of God´s very own family, citizens of God´s country, and you belong in God´s household with every other Christian.   Ephesians 2:19b (LB)

God´s family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.  I Timothy 3:15b (GWT)

• We discover our role in life through our relationship with others.   
• The church will outlive this universe, and so will your role in it.   
• Jesus has not promised to build your ministry; he has promised to build his church.  

DAY SEVENTEEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  I am called to belong, not just believe. 

Verse to Remember:  ¨In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.¨  Romans 12:5 (NIV)

Question to Consisder:  Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love and am committed to God´s family?

CHAPTER 18

DAY 18

Experiencing Life Together

Each one of you is part of the body of Christ,  and you were chosen to live together in peace. Colossians 3:15 (CEV)

How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God´s people to live together in harmony.  Psalm 133:1 (TEV)

• Real fellowship happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives.    
• Every time you understand and affirm someone´s feelings, you build fellowship.  

DAY EIGHTEEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder: I need others in my life.  

Verse to Remember:  ¨Share each other´s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.¨ Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

Question to Consider:  What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, heart-to-heart level?   

CHAPTER 19

DAY 19

Cultivating Community

You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God andenjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with eacch other, treating eacch other with dignity and honor.  James 3:18 (Msg)

They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.  Acts 2:42 (Msg)

• When conflict is handled correctly, we grow closer to each other.  
• Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.  
• The fellowship of the church is more important than any individual. 

DAY NINETEEN 

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  Communnity requires commitment.  

Verse to Remember:  ¨We understand what love is when realize that Christ gave his life for us.  That means we must give our lives for other believers. ¨ I John 3:16 (GWT)

Question to Consider:  How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?  

CHAPTER 20

DAY 20

Restoring Broken Fellowship

(God) has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships.  2 Corinthians 5:18 (GWT)

• God expects you to make the first move.  
• In resolving conflict, how you say it is a important as what you say.   
• Reconciliation focuses on the relationship, while resolution focuses on the problem.  

DAY TWENTY

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  Relationships are always worth restoring.  

Verse to Remember:  ¨Do everything possible on your part to live in peacee with everybody.¨  Roman 12:18 (TEV)

Question to Consider:  Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?

CHAPTER 21

DAY 21

Protecting Your Church

You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way.   Ephesians 4:3 (NCV)

Most of all, let love guide your life, for them the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.  Colossians 3:14 (LB) 

• Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than his church. 
• We must passionately love the church in spite of its imperfections.   
• We protect the fellowship when we honor those who serve us by leading.    

DAY TWETY-ONE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:   It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church.

Verse to Remember: ¨Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together.¨  Romans 14:19 (Ph)

Question to Consider:  What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now? 

PURPOSE #3

YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST 

Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him.  See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth.  Colossians 2:7 (LB)

CHAPTER 22

DAY 22

Created to Become Like Christ

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning.  He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son... We see the orginal and intended shape of our lives there in him.  Romans 8:29 (Msg)

We look at this Son and see God´s orginal purpose in everything created.  Colossians 1:15 (Msg)

• God´s ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development.  
• Your character is essentially the sum of your habits.   
• God is far more interested in what you are than in what you do.  

DAY TWETY-TWO

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  I was created to become like Christ.  

Verse to Remember:  ¨As the Spirit of the Lord works within us,  we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.¨ 2 Corinthians 3:18b (NLT)

Question to Consider:   In what area of my life do I need to ask for the Spirit´s power to be like Christ today?  

CHAPTER 23

DAY 23

How We Grow

God wants us to grow up... like Christ in everything.  Ephesians 4:15a (Msg)

We are not meant to remain as children.  Ephesians 4:14a (Ph)

• We become whatever we are committed to. 
• The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act.   

DAY TWETY-THREE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  It is never too late to start growing. 

Verse to Remember:  ¨Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.  Then you will be able to know the will of God-what is good and is pleasing to him and its perfect.¨ Romans 12:2b (TEV)

Question to Consider:  What is one are where I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God´s way?

CHAPTER 24

DAY 24

Transformed by Truth

People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every wird of God.  Matthew 4:4 (NLT)

God´s... gracious Word ca make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need.  Acts 20:32 (Msg)

• The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the  Son of God. 
• Many who claim to believe the Bible ¨from cover to cover¨ have never read it from cover to cover.   
• The truth will set you free, but first it may make you miserable.   

DAY TWETY-FOUR

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  The truth transforms me.  

Verse to Remember:  ¨If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.¨  John 8:31-32 (KJV)

Question to Consider:  What has God already told me in his Word that I haven´t started doing yet?

CHAPTER 25

DAY 25

Trnasformed by Trouble

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving  for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)

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

• You most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days. 
• Everything that happens to you has spiritual significance 
• What happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens inside you.

DAY TWETY-FIVE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

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? 

CHAPTER 26

DAY 26

Growing through Temptation

Happy is the man who doesn´t give in and do wrong when he is 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 dignity.  MARTIN LUTHER

• God develops the fruit of the Spirit by allowing  you to experience circumstances in which you´re tempted to express the exact opposite quality.  
• We think temptation lies around us, but God says it begins within us.  
• Temptation is a sign that Satan hates you, not a sign of weakness or worldliness.  

DAY TWETY-SIX

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.

Verse to Remember:  ¨God blesses the people who patiently endures 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 characters quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face? 

CHAPTER 27

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

• The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind.  Whatever gets your attention will get you. 
• The truth is, whatever you can´t talk about is already out of control in your life.  
• Don´t ever try to argue with the Devil.  He´s better at arguing than you are, having had thousands of years to practice.  

DAY TWETY-SEVEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  There is always a way out.  

Verse 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.  I corinthians 10:13b (NLT)

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

CHAPTER 28

DAY 28

It Takes Times

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 nday when Jesus Christ returns. Philippians 1:6  (LB)

• While we worry about how fast we grow, God´s is concerned about how strong we grow.
• There is no growth without change, no change without fear or loss, and no loss without pain.  
• God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time.

DAY TWETY-EIGHT

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

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 whern Jesus Christ come again.¨

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

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.  I Corinthians 3:5-6 (TEV)

CHAPTER 29

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) 

• If I have no love for others, no desire to serve others, I should question whether Christ is really in my life.   
• Spiritual maturity is never an end in itself.  We grow up in order to give out. 
• Service is the pathway to real significance.

DAY TWETY-NINE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder:  Service is not optional. 

Verse to Remember:  ¨For we are God´s workmanship, creatred inb Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in adavance for us to do. ¨ Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Question to Consider:  What is holding me back from accepting God´s call to serve him?

CHAPTER 30

DAY 30

Shaped for Serving God 

Your hands chaped me and made me.  Job 10:8 (NIV)

The people I have shaped for myself will broadcast my praises. Isaiah 43:21 (NJB)

• God never wasted anything. 
• An unopened gift is worthless. 
• When you are doing what you love to do, no one has to motivate you. 

SHAPE:
Spiritual gifts
Heart
Abilities
Personality
Experience

DAY THIRTY

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

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.¨ I Corinthians 12:6 (Ph) 

Question to Consider: In what way can I see myself passionately serving others and loving it?

  

CHAPTER 31

DAY 31

Understanding Your Shape

You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13 (Msg)

• What I'm able to do, God wants me to do.
• It feels good to do what God made you to do.
• For God to use your painful experiences, you must be willing to share them.

SHAPE: Employing Your Experiences

• Family experiences:  What did you learn growing up in your family?
• Educational experiences: What were your favorite subjects in schools?
• Vocational experiences: What jobs have you been most effective in and enjoyed most?
• Spiritual experiences:  What have been your most meaningful times with God?
• Ministry expereices:  How have you served God in the past?
• Painful experieces:  What problems, hurts, thorns, and trials have you learned from?

DAY THIRTY-ONE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder: Nobody else can be me. 

Verse to Remember:  '' God has given each of your some special abilititiies; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on tp pthers God's many kinds of blessings.''  I Peter 4:10 (LB)

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

CHAPTER 32

DAY 32

Using What God Gave You 

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

• You will never know what you're good at until you try.  
• God wants you to enjoy using the shape he has given you.

DAY THIRTY-TWO

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder:  God derves 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 uses of what God has given me?

CHAPTER 33

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)

• Your shape reveals your ministry, but your servant's heart will reveal your maturity.
• Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small task.  
• How real servant act.

Six characteristics of real servants: 

• Real servants make themselves available to serve.
• Real servants pay attention to needs.
• Real servants do their best with what they have.
• Real servants do every task with equal dedication.
• Real servants are faithful to their ministry.  
• Real servants maintain a low profile.  

DAY THIRTY-THREE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder:  I serve God by serving others.

Verse 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 six characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?

CHAPTER 34

DAY 34

Thinking Like a Servant

My servant Caleb thinks differently and follows me completely.  Numbers 1424 (NCV)

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.  Philippians 2: (Msg)

• Real servants don't try to use God for their purposes.  They let God use them for his purposes.  
• Think like a servant 
• The closer you get to Jesus, less you need to promote yourself. 

 Real servants serve God with a mindset of five attitudes: 

• Servants thinks more about others than about themselves. 
• Servants think like stewards, not owners. 
• Servants think about their work, not what others are doing.
• Servants base their idetity in Christ.
• Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation. 

DAY THIRTY-FOUR

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder: 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 other

CHAPTER 35

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)

• If God only used perfect people, nothings would ever get done.  
• You most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts. 
• God's power in your weakness

Honestly share your weaknesses: Paul modeled vulnerability in all his letters.  He openly shared.

• His failures:  ''When I want to do good, I don't, and when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.'' 
• His feelings:  ''I have told you all my feelings.'' 
• His frustrations:  ''We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it.'' 
• His fears:  ''When I came to you, I was weak and fearful and trembling.''  

DAY THIRTY-FIVE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder: 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?

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)

CHAPTER 36

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)

• Made for a mission
• Jesus calls us not only to come to him but to go for him.  
• The Great Commission was given to  every follower of Jesus.   
• It is easy to get distracted because Satan would rather have you do anything besides sharing your faith. 

DAY THIRTY-SIX

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder:  I was made for a mission.

Verse to Remember:  ''Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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.''  Mattew 28:19-20 (NIV)

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?

CHAPTER 37

DAY 37

Sharing Your Life Message

Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them. I 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!  I THESSALONIANS 1:8 (Msg)

• Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to others.
• Sharing your life message
• While it is wise to learn from experience it is wiser to learn from the experiences of others. 
• God gives us different passions so that everything he wants done in the world will get done.

My Life Message has four parts to it:

• My Testimony:  The story of how you began a relationship with Jesus.
• My Life lessons: The most important lessons God has taught you.
• My Godly passions:  The issues God shaped you to care about most. 
• My Good News:  The message of salvation.  

Testimony divided into four parts:

1. What my life was like before I met Jesus
2. How I realized I needed Jesus
3. How I committed my life to Jesus
4. The difference Jesus has made in my life.

Other questions to ask myself:

• What has God taught me from failure?
• What has God taught me from a lack of money?
• What has God taught me from pain or sorrow or depression?
• What has God taught me through waiting?
• What has God taught me through illness?
• What has God taught me from disappointment?
• What have I learned from my family my church my relationships my small group and my critics?

DAY THIRTY-SEVEN

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder: 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.''  I Peter 3:15 (TEV)

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

CHAPTER 38

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)

• It has never been easier in history to furfill your commission to go to the whole world. 
• Becoming a world-class christian 
• People may refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers.
• ¨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!

How to think Like a World-Class Christian:

• Shift from self-centered thinking to other-centered thinking.
• Shift from local thinking to global thinking.  
• Shift from ¨here and now¨ thinking to eternal thinking.
• Shift from thinking of excuses to thinking of creative ways to furfill your commission. 

DAY THIRTY-EIGHT

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder:  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 mankiearnd.''  Psalm 67:2 (LB)

Question to Consider:  What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short-term missions experience in the next year?

CHAPTER 39

DAY 39

Balancing Your Life

Live life a due sense of responsability, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do.  EPHISIANS 5:15 (Ph) 

Don't le the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance.  2 Peter 3:17 (CEV)

• A great commitment to the Great Commandment and Great commission will make you a great Christian. 
• Blancing your life 
• You owe it to future generations to preserve the testimony of how God helped you fulfill his purpose on earth. 

God's five purposes for your life:

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 neighbor 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 minitry.
4. ''Baptize 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 to maturity through discipleship. 

Habits to develop:

• Talk it through with a spiritual partner or small group. 
• Give yourself a regular spiritual check-up. 
• Write down your progress in a journal. 
• Pass on what you know to others. 

DAY THIRTY-NINE

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder: Blessed are the balanced.

Verse to Remember:  ''Live life with a due sense of responsability, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do.''  Ephesians 5:15 (Ph)

Question to Consider:  Which of the four activities will I begin in order I begin in order to stay on track and balance God's five purpose of my life?

CHAPTER 40

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)

• When God's at the center of your life, you worship.  When he's not, you worry. 
• Living with purpose. 
• Before most unbelievers accept the Bible as credible they want to know that we are credible. 
• You can start living on purpose today.

What Is a Life Purpose Statement?

• It's a statement that summarizes God's purpose for your life. 
• It's a statement that points the direction of your life. 
• It's a statement that defines ''success'' for you. 
• It's a statement that clarifies your roles. 
• It's a statement that expresses your shape. 

Life's Five Greatest Questions:

• What will be the center 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?

DAY THIRTY-FORTY
THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Poder: 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)

Question 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? 

RESOURCES

• BibleTract.org Bible Studies, Purpose Driven Life Series:  http://www.bibletract.org/studies/purpose.html 
• Free resources email: devotional@purposedrivenlife.com and free@purposedrivenlife.com