Day 40 - Living with Purpose

Are You Diving In?



"DIVE" - Steven Curtis Chapman

We read it, we believe it... now it's time to DIVE IN and take a leap of faith!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 40 !

Point to Ponder: Living with purpose is the only way to really live.

Verse to Remember: "for David... served the purpose of God in his own generation." Acts 13:36 (NASB)

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?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a great feeling! Can you believe it's been 40 Days? Looking back at the beginning- 40 days seemed like a very big mountain to climb. YOU DID IT! Wow, what a great acheivement! You are a success and an achiever for God.

Our purpose-driven lives do not end here. It is the beginning of great things God will be doing through your lives!

Day 39 - Balancing Your Life

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 39

Point to Ponder: Blessed are the balanced.

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

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


-

Day 38 - Becoming a World-Class Christian

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 38

Point to Ponder: The Great Commission is my commission.

Verse to Remember: "Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind." Psalm 67:2 (LB)

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


-

Day 37 - Sharing Your Message

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 37

Point To Ponder: God wants to say something to the world through me.

Verse To Remember: "Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15b-16 (TEV)

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


-

Day 36 - Made For a Mission

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 36

Point to Ponder: 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." Matthew 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 other the Good News?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Mission's Flame" - Matt Redman



Jess, Thank you for sharing this song with us!

-

We Are Nearing The Finish Line!

Can you believe there are only 5 more Days left to this campaign?

It has been a very big commitment. There has been struggles along the way, but I hope there has been many life-changing experiences too!

It's been a great journey with God! What makes this special is to have friends to motivate you and to encourage you along the way.

Don't quit! Don't give up! We are about to cross the finish-line and God's blessings are waiting for us on the other side.

(Hmmm... I think the next campaign we should do is "40 Days of Fasting". Ummm... I will have to pray hard about that one. HA!)

Day 35 - God's Power in Your Weakness

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 35

Point to Ponder: God works best when I admit my weakness.

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

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


-

Day 34 - Thinking Like a Servant

"A Servant Heart (Sweetly Broken)"
Performed by Life! Group

Please take a moment to watch this moving video: http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5b44c40e7ca3047b5d26

(I could not get this video to show up on the blog.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 34

Point to Ponder: To be a servant I must think like a servant.

Verse to Remember: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

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

-

Day 33 - How Real Servants Act

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 33

Point To Ponder: 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?


-

Day 32 - Using What God Gave You

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is one of many questionaires you can take to determine your spiritual giftedness. Usually the top (3) results would be your strongest gifts. It's free to do the questionaire and it can help you discover how God shaped you. http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/

DAY 32

Point to Ponder: God deserves my best.

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

Question to Consider: How can I make the best use of what God has given me?

-

- INTERMISSION -

"WHO AM I" - CASTING CROWNS (Black Light Drama)

I've never seen anything like this! What an inventive way to worship God!

Enjoy!

Day 31 - Understanding Your Shape

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 31

Point to Ponder: Nobody else can be me.

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

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


-

Day 30 - Shaped for Serving God

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 30

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 purposes through them all." 1 Corinthians 12:6 (Ph)

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

-

Day 29 - Accepting Your Assignment

Created to Serve God

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 29

Point to Ponder: Service is not optional.

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

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

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"

Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8 (NASB)

-

Day 28 - It Takes Time

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 28

Point to Ponder: There are no shortcuts to maturity.

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

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


-

- INTERMISSION -

These topics have been quite heavy. It's time to sit back... and LAUGH!

Tim Hawkins, comedian, speaks about his experiences as a kid on the playground.

I think we all can relate!




Tim Hawkins, "Things You Don't Say to Your Wife".




-

Day 27 - Defeating Temptation

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 27

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." 1 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?


-

Day 26 - Growing through Temptation

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 26

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

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

Question to Consider: What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?


-

Day 25 - Transformed by Trouble

------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 25

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?

-

Day 24 - Transformed by Truth

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 24

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?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I found this worship video on GodTube. It is filled with great imagery and bible verses. Let this be your challenge and prayer as we pursue truth in our lives.

Casting Crowns: "Voice of Truth"



-

Day 23 - How We Grow

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 23

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 is perfect." Romans 12:2b (TEV)

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



-

Day 22 - Created to Become Like Christ

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 22

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?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DJ "J to the P" taking requests =)

Here is the video. The words are awesome. It makes you think...

Brandon Heath: "Give Me Your Eyes"


-

Day 21 - Protecting Your Church

DEFENSE!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 21

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 14:9 (Ph)

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

-

Day 20 - Restoring Broken Fellowship

20 DAYS COMPLETED!
Sound the trumpets! We have made it to the halfway point in our journey. You have succeeded in staying the course. Your commitment is paying off. Doesn't it feel good to achieve this much of your goal? Looking back, can you see how much you have grown? What a blessing this journey has been.

This has truly been a great adventure!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 20

Point to Ponder: Relationships are always worth restoring.

Verse to Remember: "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody." Romans 12:18 (TEV)

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


-

Day 19 - Cultivating Community

Cultivating Community

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 19

Point to Ponder: Community requires commitment.

Verse to Remember: "We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers." 1 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?

-

Day 18 - Experiencing Life Together

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 18

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?

-

Day 17 - A Place to Belong

God's Family

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 17

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


-

Day 16 - What Matters Most

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 16

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?


-

Day 15 - You Were Formed for God's Family

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 15

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 members of my own family?


-

Day 14 - When God Seems Distant

CELEBRATING OUR 2 WEEK MILESTONE!

We have learned what makes God smile. How to have a personal friendship with God. This journey has really shown us that God is not only the Creator of the universe- He desires a close, intimate relationship with us too.

Life's demands and lack of time can make this journey very hard to find alone time to do this study. If you are behind in your studies, start on DAY 14 and recommit to doing your best on staying the course. When you find time, try to go back and read the past "Days" you've skipped. Don't give up- there are many blessings waiting for you!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 14

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.' " Heb. 13:5(TEV)

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

-

Day 13 - Worship That Pleases God

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the story told on pg. 106, Matt Redman wrote the classic song "Heart of Worship".

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 13

Point to Ponder: God wants all of me.

Verse to Remember: "Love the Lord your God will 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 this?


-

Day 12 - Developing Your Friendship with God

"Be Near, Oh God" by Shane and Shane

This journey has brought us to recognize we are created for God's purposes- we are to glorify Him- worship Him- and build a friendship with Him.

Please listen to the words of this song and pray that God will draw near to you.

This song was inspired by Psalm 73:28, Psalm 139

Chorus:
Be near, oh God
Be near, oh God of us
You're nearness is to us our good

Be near, oh God
Be near, oh God of us
You're nearness is to us our good
Our good.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 12

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 to grow closer to God?

-

Day 11 - Becoming Friends with God

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 11

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?

-

Day 10 - The Heart of Worship

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 10

Point to Ponder: The heart of worship is surrender.

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

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

-

Day 9 - What Makes God Smile?

SMILE!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 9


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?


-

Day 8 - Planned for God's Pleasure

"Place In This World"

There are millions who go through life feeling alone, asking, "Where do I belong?"

This classic song by Michael W. Smith reminds us that we need God's light to find our place in this world.

Chorus:
Looking for a reason
Roaming through the night to find
My place in this world

Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world

---------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 8

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?

-

Day 7 - The Reason for Everything

CELEBRATING OUR 1 WEEK MILESTONE!

Let's face it, this journey has been a hard one! It takes commitment to find time to read daily. It takes discipline to post a comment. It has taken much soul searching to re-think how we look at ourselves, life and God. But it's been worth it!

The comments on this blog is what will continue to make this a success. In addition to posting your comments, feel free to respond to someone else's thoughts. There have been many break-throughs and inspiring comments. Keep it going!

--------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 7

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?

-

Day 6 - Life Is a Temporary Assignment

Hello,

When you have time, please go back through the past 'Days' because many new comments have been added.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 6

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?


-

Day 5 - Seeing Life from God's View

----------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 5

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 (NLT)

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?


-

Day 4 - Made to Last Forever

This journey has not been easy. The questions are causing us to look deep within our hearts to find truth- about ourselves and about God. In the past several days we have come to understand God's unfailing love. He loves you so much that He created you. You are intentional in design- and He will never give up on you.

Please listen to this song by Chris Tomlin, titled "Unfailing Love". Meditate on the words. It's beautiful!

This is for those who don't have the capability to listen to this song.

Here are the verses and chorus:

You have my heart

And I am Yours forever

You are my strength

God of grace and power

And everything You hold in Your hand

Still You make time for me

I can't understand

Praise You God of Earth and sky

How beautiful is Your unfailing love

Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain

The Holy One

My unfailing love

Unfailing love

You are my rock

The one I hold on to

You are my song

And I sing for You

-----------------------------------------------------------------

DAY 4

Point to Ponder: There is more to life than just here and 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 forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?


-

Day 3 - What Drives Your Life?

------------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY THREE

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 force of my life? What do I want to be?


-

Day 2 - You Are Not an Accident

Thank you for posting your comments yesterday!

It is very encouraging to read everyone's perspective regarding, "It All Starts with God".

We would encourage anyone who is participating to share their thoughts. You are in a safe place where everyone respects and cares for one another. Please don't hesitate to post a comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY TWO

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 44:2 (CEV)

Question to Consider: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?


-

Day 1 - It All Starts with God

This is an exciting journey for you!

A start of a 40 day journey in answering the question, "What on Earth Am I Here For?"

Let's first celebrate in the fact that you are taking on such a huge commitment. A commitment that says, "I will do whatever it takes to complete this 40 day experience."

There are forces out there that do not want you to find purpose, value, and truth. You may already feel like you have too many "irons in the fire". You're life is hectic, complicated, and full of demands.

Your biggest enemy right now is TIME. You are constantly giving. Giving to your job, giving to your companion, and giving to life's demands. It's time to give back to yourself!

Rick Warren said, "Today the average life span is 25,550 days. That's how long you will live if you are typical. Don't you think it would be a wise use of time to set aside 40 of those days to figure out what God wants you to do with the rest of them?"

You owe it to yourself. Don't let anything stand in the way of your journey- your dreams.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DAY ONE

Point to Ponder: It's not about me.

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?


What will make this community a success is in sharing your thoughts with each other.

(If you don't know how to add a comment, please see instructions in the post below.)

How To Post A Comment

Hello,

Yes, you can post your comments directly on to this blog.

Some of you wanted to know how to add your comments to this blog.

* If you look at the end of this post(and any posts), you will find in the bottom right hand corner a link called, "comments".

* Click on "Comments" and it will bring you to a "Post a Comment" page.
This is the field where you want to add your thoughts about The Purpose Driven Life.

* After you are done typing your comments, below, you will find "Comments As:" with a scroll button that says "Select profile..."

* Click on the down arrow and select "Name/ URL". Just type in your first name and ignore the "URL" field.

* Hit "Continue" and you have successfully posted your comment.

(You will see that I posted a comment as an example.)

This seems confusing, but after doing it the first time it will be very easy to post your comments... I promise =)

If you have questions, please send an e-mail to: pdgroup08@gmail.com

The Purpose Driven Life Introduction

Welcome to our Community!

Please take time to watch & listen to Rick Warren as he shares about "The Purpose Driven Life".

If you can't view this video or it's too slow, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udfF6F7oUWM

40 Days is a big commitment!

In the video, Rick Warren is asking us to write a commitment that says, "With God's help I commit the next 40 days of my life to discovering God's purpose for my life." Then, sign your name. (This covenant is also found towards the beginning of your book.)

Every day we will post the daily topic and questions. Please participate, knowing we are a community- to support each other, to help each other and to love one another.

We will start "Day 1" on Thursday, January 8th A.M.

Talk to you soon!