Friday, January 30, 2009

Day 23 - How We Grow

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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?



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3 comments:

  1. It was great for me to read about having a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. I have seen that happen in my own life, but still need to work on so much more.

    I have the same struggles as Jeff with the kids and marriage. I also need to always remember kindness and patience and not annoyance and selfishness.

    I think my way about a lot of things. I need to put my life completely into God's hands and let him guide it. If there's a way to reconnect with my dad, to get out of a financial hole that looks hopeless, to move, to do any of the things I think about, God will open the doors for those things to happen. I can't make things happen myself- whenever I try- it usually turns out pretty bad. I can't take the advice of others before God- whenever I do- it turns out being the wrong advice (not to say you can't get good advice from a friend- God can speak to us that way too- but I should be turning to him first).

    I am trying really hard to connect with God as a father because I need that. Pray that I will be able to get there spritually.

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  2. I've learned that growing takes intentional commitment. It very true nowadays to not see people commit to anything long-term. Just look at our generation: jumping from job to job, failed marriages, affairs, politicians flipping sides on issues, Christians attending church but aren't going out and serving. Today's commitment is weak.

    I like what Rick said: "Many are afraid to commit to anything and just drift through life. Others make half-hearted commitments to competing values, which leads to frustration and mediocrity." Then he goes on to say, "Every choice has eternal consequences, so you better choose wisely." pg. 180

    Answer to the question: My way stinks sometimes. Trying to raise my kids and be a good leader to Lynn can really suck. I don't know how to handle the new rebellion stages with our soon to be 2 and 3 year olds. My daughter who thinks that 10 years old is the new 20 year old. My way gets frustrating and I can be at a loss on how to raise them. These new stages of parenting and even new adventures with Lynn can be overwhelming, confusing and I can be ill-prepared as how to handle the new issues that are in front of me. The bible has great instruction on how to raise my kids and how to love my wife.

    I've come to realize if you don't crack open the bible, wisdom doesn't automatically come floating into my head... I need to read it =)

    I need to do it more God's way than my helpless, crabby way of doing things.

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  3. In case it isn't obvious yet, I love analogies and stories. The part on "changing your autopilot" so you think the way God thinks was really cool... even if kinda depressing for the whole diet and exercise routine. Let's face it - I can have great willpower when I want to, but that's not enough to be transformed.

    I know that I can be very selfish at times, though I'm quick to make sure nobody else calls me that (pet peeve). But I am selfish with my time, plans, and goals. I need to work on thinking more of others before thinking about what I want. If I could truly live to fulfill the needs of others, think and love the way God does, and build a Christlike character that lasts through to eternity, I think that would be pretty awesome.

    Why choose one? I need to think God's way in every area of my life!

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