40 Days of Purpose 10-12

(Purpose Driven Life)



Day 10: The Heart of Worship

Key Point: The heart of worship is surrender
*We have to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord.

In order for us to surrender wholeheartedly to God we have to overcome three barriers:

1. Fear
2. Pride
3. Confusion 

Something that was in this chapter that I have on a wall in my room was the following quote: "I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency." Meaning, instead of trying to manipulate others or push my own agenda I follow God's lead. 

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

• If there are any areas I am not surrendering to God I ask that he show them to me so that I can push aside  any fear, pride, or confusion to relinquish it and be sufficient in that area of my life through him.

Day 11: Becoming Best Friends With God

Key Point: God wants to be your best friend

This chapter discusses why God wants to be our best friend and explains two secrets of building friendship with him. 

1. Having constant conversation with God
• pray more short prayers throughout your day 
2. Continual meditation 
• think about God's word throughout your day
• exchange worrying for meditating on your daily affairs 

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

• To remind myself to think about God and talk to him more I when I am bored, confused, frustrated, anxious, etc. I will hum this song that says "I want Jesus to walk with me". That will remind and assure me that through everything I do that God is with me. 

Day 12: Developing Your Friendship with God

Key Point: You are as close to God as you choose to be. 

Like with any other friendship you choose to do things with one another and talk to one another. The more you get to know that person the better your relationship is and the closer you are. The same is with God; when we choose to be honest with God about our feelings, faults, and hurts we grow closer to him as our friend. When we choose to obey God in faith and start to value what is important to Him we grow closer. Among all we must desire to be friends with God if we want to have a friendship with him. 

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

• In talking/praying with God I will be more honest. Sometimes I hold back my thoughts but if I let go and freely admit my faults and feelings not only will I feel relief but I will start to grow closer to God. 

PDL-Day 9

(Purpose Driven Life)

Day 9

What Makes God Smile?

Key Point: God smiles when I trust him

*In Day 9 we learn how to please God and how to make him smile. We should keep these 5 things in mind.

1. God smiles when we love him supremely - by this meaning building a relationship with God
2. God smiles when we trust him completely- Never question God or his plans, trusting him completely means having faith that he knows what is best for your life, you cant please God without faith
3.  God smiles when we obey him wholeheartedly- We tend to partially obey God's rules and visions, we need to obey him wholeheartedly because it proves that we really love him
4. God Smiles when we praise and thank him continually- Live with a heart of praise and thanksgiving, by doing so we enjoy what God has done for us and express that enjoyment to God
5. God smiles when we use our abilities- God is not only pleased when you do spiritual activities but everything that you do, do not hide your abilities because he enjoys watching you utilize those exact same abilities that he has given you

If we keep these key points in mind, then we will continuously please God and make him smile.

 

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

• I believe I need to trust him the most with my future. The future is unknown, and will always be unknown, so I need to trust in him to know that what he has planned is what is best for me. It may not be exactly what I want or think I need, but I know everything is for him not for me and I need to trust in what hes doing COMPLETELY.

Family Business 2

FAMILY BUSINESS 2 HAS BEGUN!

Now, we left off on family business 1 with every one in the Duncan family surviving from a big shoot out. London had cheated on Harris with a Dash and both her and Paris were pregnant. LC and Chippy never retired and the family was getting back to business at the close of the book.

The second book opens with LC and just like the last book a meeting with the family. We quickly learn that Orlando has been stirring up some things in the lab a new drug, called HEAT and everyone is for it except for mama Chippy. A lot of money can be made from this new drug, but so far Chippy is not having it, she cares way too much about her children. 

We get a peak into Sasha's life. And don't ask me who Sasha is because I have no idea. I do know she a gangsta. That's all I'm saying.

London had her baby and is indeed Harris' baby which was a huge relief for the entire family. Paris goes into labor the same exact time, so we're waiting for the arrival of her child, but no one still does not know who her baby daddy is. Now thats crazy!`

Finally, Orlando finally talks with Ruby and we learn that she is marrying Vinnie and has named Orlando's baby after her new fiance. That had to cut Orlando deep!

So once again, Carl Weber has started this book with a whole lot of action. 

Let's read chapters 7-11 this week.

Discussion Questions: 

What do you think of HEAT?

Which side were you on when it came to HEAT, LC or Chippy?

Who do you really think Paris' baby daddy is?

40 Days of Purpose 7 & 8

(Purpose Driven Life)

Day 7

The Reason for Everything 

Key Point: It's all about him [God]. 

* I know that the main point highlighted in the text is mentioned above but I believe to give better clarity it should be: the ultimate goal while we're on the universe is to show the glory of God and give him glory as well. That was this chapters focus. Understanding why we should give God the glory and how we can do it. We are to give God the praise and thanks because everything we have and are is because of him. The author explains that, "refusing to do so is prideful and rebellious."

This is interesting. Lately I have been focusing on being grateful for the things and people in my life because I have encountered so many in recent months that are bearing the burdens of situations that I can only imagine. Knowing that it's all about him I can go forth with my gratitude journal and continue to give God glory for his works. 

How We Can Give Glory to God

• Through worshiping God
• By loving others like God loves 
• By becoming more Christ-like
• adapting/changing our character like His
• Through serving others with our gifts
• By telling others about his love/spreading the "Good News"

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

• On my way to work! I'm blessed to have a job, transportation to get there, an able body to work in the environment I work. I'm blessed for this and I should praise God and worship him more for these blessings. 

Prayer of Purpose: God, thank you for creating and loving me. I want to fulfill the purposes you created me for. Lord, I want to know and trust you more. I want my life to bring you glory and reflect a positive lifestyle and a legacy my family will be proud to inherit when I'm gone. Stretch me and help me to grow like Jesus did. In the weeks ahead, help me to understand your mission and vision for my life. 

~Amen!

Day 8

Planned for God's Pleasure

Key Point: I was planned for God's Pleasure. 

*We were put here on earth for God's pleasure and to advance his kingdom. We bring him pleasure through worship and obeying his word. Today's lesson extends yesterdays discussion of worship. Through worshiping God we bring him pleasure. 

• Worship is more than music 
• listening to music and singing it is just part of what we can do to give God glory/praise
• Worship is not for our benefit
• Our goal is to bring pleasure to God and that alone should be gratifying for us
• Worship is not a part of your life; it is your life
• Each day I will practice to worship more and in all I do

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

• Hmm....The common task I will start doing directly for Jesus as a form of worship is running/walking. Through using my mobility I am able to thank God and let that have a positive reflection on the temporary body in which he's given me. 

40 Days Purpose - Day 5 & Day 6

(Purpose Driven Life)

Day 5

Seeing Life From God's View

In this chapter we discover that the way you see your life shapes your life.

Key Point: Life is a test and a trust.

*We often see life as a circus, a minefield, a roller coaster, a puzzle, a symphony. a journey, a dance, and a carousel. I know that I have described life as a roller coaster, a puzzle, and a journey many times. But in actuality, life is a test and life is trust!

In what ways? you may ask.

Life on earth is a Test.

Throughout our lives "God tests our character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty.He watches our responses to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather." Now thinking about it, I can pinpoint all the tests that I went through. One big, recent one for me was going to college as a photography major in Michigan for 4 years. That was a huge test for me, and I could go on and on and on about the details of it, but in the end I believe I passed and not just because I graduated. 

What stood out to me the most in this section is that, "The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows the tets you face to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them." It just made me think that no matter how hard it gets or how difficult life seems God did not put us on this earth to fail. He wants us to succeed!

Life on earth is a Trust

"The first job God gave humans was to manage and take care of God's "stuff" on earth. This role has never been rescinded. It is a part of our purpose today."

So what exactly is he saying?

Well, he is saying that at the end of your life you will be evaluated by GOD. You will be awarded according to how well you lived your life, how well you handled what God entrusted to you.

Was he able to trust you with the responsibilities that he has given you? Did you do your chores? Did you do your duties? Can he trust you? If you pass these tests of trust you will be rewarded with eternal riches. He will give you 3 things: Affirmation, Promotion, and Celebration

Questions to consider:

1.   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?

o    Like I said within the past few years, I have had quite a few tests, but the most recent one is the transition of leaving my home of 10 years to live with a couple of my family members. I believe this is a test for me because I also have made some connections with this book and Joel Osteen's book, Every Day is a Friday." In that book, he explains "Bloom where you are planted." My current situation is a test. I need to now realize that although I am not exactly where I want to be, I need to bloom where I am planted. Accept my situation, acknowledge and appreciate the blessing, and continue to grow regardless of what field I am planted in and not see it as a setback but a platform to propel forward. And I believe God trusts me to protect my family and my friends.

Day 6

Life is a Temporary Assignment

This chapter is rather simple. It references a few ideas from Day 4, which was about eternity. 

"To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. Second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long, so don't get too attached." 

Key Point

This world is not my home.

Do not for one second become attached to material things because they are temporary. "It is a fatal mistake to assume that God's goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success, as the world defines it." 

One thing that really stuck out to me in this chapter was that, "...the pursuit of happiness is not what life is about." I honestly thought it was, but here life is REALLY about not necessarily happiness but passing your tests, making sure that God can indeed trust you and realizing that our lives are just temporary assignments. We are in preparation for something way bigger than what we think.

Questions to Consider

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

·        It changes my thought process. I mean I never been the type of person that wants to be rich and famous but would like to live comfortably. It would change the way that I spend my money and my time for things that are more important, making me focus on giving and receiving love. Maybe even helping overs find their purpose in life. There are endless possibilities and opportunities for my temporary assignment.

40 Days Purpose-Day 4

(Purpose Driven Life)

Made to Last Forever

We never consider that death is the beginning rather not our ending. In this chapter as morbid as it sounds we discuss death but in a new light. 

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

*Many of us are caught up in the now. We want things to happen for us instantly and don't take time to smell the roses like old people say. Instead of focusing so much on the present, we should use our days in the "now" preparing for our inevitable future. I totally understand this point and what this chapter was presenting.

Like change death is inevitable but if we spend time with God by forming a relationship with Him through Jesus we can find peace that our life on earth may be ending but our eternal life with God in our new house is just beginning. The author even suggest calling your death date your eternal birthday. That was interesting to me because as growing up in a Christian household and being involved in youth ministry at our church, we celebrated the day we were accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior. That day for us is a "birthday" of it's own and we have cake and ice cream and sorts for our "Reborn Day"! I guess what the author is saying here is like when you go to a funeral oftentimes people say "celebrating the life of the deceased" on earht but you are also celebrating their eternal arrival with God.

Also discussed was the point that once you comprehend that there is more to life than the here and now you start to live differently. I can attest to this. Transitioning back home from college I realized I'd lost part of myself when I was away at school. The spiritual side of me, I kind of shut out. Once I began focusing more on my faith, my desire to hangout with certain people changed, my weekend activities changed, and I found myself getting back to who I am. This happened because many of the things we do are trivial and unworthy of our attention but we only find it out when we come to understand life is about much more than here and now.

Questions to consider:

1. Since I was made t o last forever, what is one thing I should stop doing and one thing I should start doing?
•  I should be more kind with my words and take more chances and enjoy life on earth as long as I am not compromising my life eternal future. I should stop isolating myself from people who care about me and learn to cope with our differences because our lives have an inevitable ending. 

This chapter reminds me of a song, that says, "It's not over, it's not finished, it's not ending it's only the beginning....Enjoy and continue this journey of purpose discovery!

 

40 Days of Purpose -Day 3

(Purpose Driven Life)

Day 3

WHAT DRIVES YOUR LIFE?

Today we have learned of just a few of the hundreds of circumstances, values, and emotions that can drive your life: Guilt, Resentment/Anger, Fear, Materialism, Need for approval. We have also learned the benefits of Purpose-Driven Living: Knowing the meaning of your life, simplifies your life, focuses your life, motivates your life, preparing for eternity.

Key Point: Living on purpose is the path to peace.
*After thinking about this, I realized I had a lot more thinking and evaluating than I had thought. I thought I finally found my purpose in life somewhat, but the connection I had with the Fear, and Materialism really hit me. I am just getting over Resentment/anger and needing the approval from others, so I am far from knowing my actual purpose of my life, but now that I have been exposed to the true benefits of a purpose driven life I can better contemplate the true purpose of my life. That was definitely an eye opener for me. For the past year, I have felt this emptiness inside of me, and never knew what exactly it was until now, which is the fact of not knowing my true purpose quite yet. Once this is answered, I know this emptiness inside of me will be filled.

Questions to Consider:

What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life?
My family and friends would most likely say that the driving force of my life is the need to be the perfect one, the good one, the successful one, no matter what I am doing and living up to those expectations that I have built for myself since I was a little kid being that straight A student, that never got into any trouble. That's the picture I have painted for myself and the way the majority of my family sees me. Only a select few truly know me inside and out-very few!

What do I want it to be?
Thinking about this, I believe I want my driving force of my life to be art and love. No matter what route I go, the detours I am forced to take, my mind goes back to these two things. I love Love and I love art-all forms, and I want that to be the main driving force of my life.