Day 16: All About Love

In Matthew 22, specifically verses 36-40, it says that the greatest commandment of all is to love. We are to love God with everything we have and we are to love one another in the same way.  In fact, elsewhere, God tells us if we do not show love to the least then we have not shown love to Him.  The last verse of Matthew 22 encapsulates a lot.  If we truly love as God loves then the rest of the law is a no brainer.  You can't have idols if you love God.  You won't steal people's possessions if you love the owner.  You won't envy people but, instead, you'll want to bless them.  The list goes on and on.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3 that without love we are nothing.  We can have everything else the world considers important but without love our lives are wasted.  The rest of the chapter, known as the love chapter, goes on to tell us what real love looks like.  Without going through the list individually, I think love can be summed up by saying it's thinking of someone else's well being over your own.  Like always, our example is God.  Christ came down to earth because God was thinking of us first.  If He had been selfish we would not exist.  That's true of the entire creation story.  Why should he share what He has with another being?  The answer is that He is so filled with love that He can't help but share it.  He is compelled to share it.  That's how we should live, compelled to show the love of God.

Happy Chatting...

Day 15: A Family Of Privilege

There is a vast amount of scripture devoted to the benefits of becoming a Christian.  As if Christ dying for us wasn't enough, God lavishes on us so much here on earth and in heaven in the life to come.

Most of the benefits are put in the context of being a member of God's family through Christ. For some, this analogy is a hard one to understand as their families are not quite what they would have hoped for.  The word dysfunctional seems to be more the norm than an oddity. Healthy families and relationships are being torn apart every day.  It makes us wish we were born into another family.  The problem is that the next family is probably just as broken as the one we have.  The grass isn't necessarily greener once you get into the situation.  I know for some a step into any different situation is probably better than the one they're in and we need to support and pray for these people.  However, for most of us we will be disappointed as we go from one set of humans to another.  That's the key.  Our earthly families are made up of broken people while God's family, the trinity, is made up of perfect entities.

When you think of all the benefits, there is nothing to lose and all to gain.  To live is Christ and to die is gain.  How could anyone say no to that?  How could we not share that with anyone we meet?  How could we not try to bring a little of that here on earth in our relationships?

Happy Chatting...

Day 14: Not Forsaken

Hebrews 13: 5 says that God will never leave us or forsake us, but sometimes we feel like this isn't true because God has withdrawn himself from us.  The two words I would want to take a closer look at in the verse are forsake and never.  See, our definition can be different than God's when it comes to the word forsake.  We think if He's not accessible at all times then He must have forsaken us when the word forsake, to God, would mean not returning at all.  He sees a difference between absent and permanently gone, as should we.  Interestingly enough, it's the same deal with the word never.  Never is a long time and we just cannot comprehend that for some reason.  If He's absent for 10 years, it's still not never.

People say absence makes the heart grow fond and that's true if the word fond can include anxiety because that's what we can feel sometimes when someone is absent when we wish they were near. So how do I focus on God and worship Him when He feels far away or when I have pulled myself away from Him?  Really, the opposite is a better question.  Why wouldn't I worship Him in these times?  These valley experiences are the perfect time to press in and trust Him that this is only for a season, as long as we know that "season" is defined in God's timing.  If for some reason the experience never ends in this life, well, we need to submit to God's sovereign will.  See, we forget that never forsaking us would include our life after death. When we look at it in the light of eternity, never is really a long time.  That makes it really tough sometimes.  Once again, it's a matter of relinquishing control to the One who is in control of everything.

Happy Chatting...

Day 13: The One True God

I've always been fascinated, or maybe a better word is disheartened, by how people can create their own religion by picking and choosing what they feel is convenient for them.  They make their own god and it never asks anything of them but gives them the world.  This same process can happen with people interpreting the Bible.  People pick and choose verses to prove their preconceived belief system instead of yielding their beliefs to the Bible.  One problem with this can be that we feel we are worshipping God and He is pleased with us when we do these things.

We are certainly worshipping something, but if it's not an accurate picture of God is it truly God we are worshipping?

Happy Chatting...

Day 12: Choices

It sounds simple to say we can choose to be a friend of God or that we can choose to grow closer to Him.  The interesting thing is that we don't make the choice or, should I say, we don't realize a choice has an action accompanied with it.  It's a two part process.  First, I choose to grow closer to God.  Second, I choose to do that by doing X.

A discussion about free will might feel like it's always about right and wrong and choosing to follow God's will or not follow His will.  The truth is that free will encompasses every decision we make and that includes the simple choices where any and all decisions we would make would be fine with God.  For example, I could choose between a Caesar salad or grilled chicken salad and God would be pleased when I enjoy either.  It's been said many ways and even been popularized in a song by the band Rush; if you choose not to decide you still have made a choice.  So, not being active in our choices is a good way to never reach a goal.

What I've really been thinking on this subject, though, is that we seldom think God would give us more than one option, even in larger decisions.  However, what if He's saying, "What would you like to do"?  You mean, like I can make the choice all by myself and you'll be happy with whatever choice I make?  That's like having way too much freedom isn't it?  I think God smiles and tells us that this is what a relationship feels like.

Happy Chatting...

Day 11: No Greater Love

The Bible says there is no greater love one can show for friends than to lay down one's life for them.  This is exactly what Christ did for us.  The Bible also calls Jesus the friend of sinners.  He was known for spending time with all sorts of people that others considered outsiders and offensive.  No matter how I look at it, Jesus wants to be friends with me.  So, how do I respond? Do I shove Him to the back burner as a matter of convenience?

It may seem like I'm talking to myself in a public place, but it's not how I'm viewed by others that matters.  Actually, my chats with God in public rarely include an audible discussion which makes it a lot easier to do anyway.  It seems those who use a bluetooth cell phone in the middle of the grocery store are a little crazier than me.

As a practical way of looking at conversing with God, we each have an inner voice that occupies our thoughts when we're not conversing with someone else.  What we say back and forth to ourselves could just as easily be directed to God.  What about when we're at home?  I would think, as single people, we'd have a good grasp on how to share our time with God.  What would we do when watching television with a roommate?  Would we all sit in silence?  Probably not.  We'd probably visit about what's on the television.  "I really like that commercial.  It makes me laugh."

Sometimes I find myself laughing with God as I think about a joke.  I mean, it feels saner to think I'm laughing with God than to think I'm sitting alone at home and making myself laugh. Wouldn't you agree?

Happy Chatting...

Day 10: I've Reached The End Of Me, Rita

For those who aren't familiar with the reference, the title for today's post comes from the movie Groundhog Day.  It comes at a time when Bill Murray's character feels he has reached the end of his rope and has reconciled himself to what seems like a situation that will never change.

I actually said this phrase to myself a few hours before reading today's chapter in The Purpose Driven Life.  One of the hardest struggles for someone who has perfectionist leanings along with a desire for a life of order is to surrender control of the situation they're in.  Peace seems to come when "all is right with the world."  The thing is, all is rarely right with the world.  There's always a new set of problems.

Many of us make plans for our lives and have difficulty when those plans don't work out the way we wanted.  It's hard to give up our plans.  It's hard to give up control.  The Bible says we'll need to give up control daily and even multiple times each day.  It's a constant struggle for the will.

Like many others, I've had plans for my life.  However, I've decided to try a new plan.  In the words of C3PO, spoken to R2-D2, in A New Hope, "I suggest a new strategy.  Let the Wookie win."  Now is as good a time as any to let God have control.

Happy Chatting...

Day 9: If You Build It...

As I was reading the chapter for today I couldn't help but think of the movie Field Of Dreams.  Today's chapter dealt with the story of Noah and how it shows a great example of the practical ways we can bring a smile to the face of God.  Both Noah and Ray, from Field Of Dreams, were in the position of doing something crazy that was told to them by a voice.  By faith, they took a chance.  Noah's faith just happened to be extended for many years before he saw the culmination of his efforts.

Hebrews 11:6 says that we cannot please God without faith.  This means we're going to be given times when faith is necessary.  It's like praying for patience and being given times we'll need to be patient.  That's the only way we'll grown in faith or patience.  Psalms 147:11 talks about trusting God as well.

None of the trust or faith we have is worth much if we don't act.  John 14:15 says we will obey God's commands if we love Him.  When the voice tells us to plow under our field to build a baseball stadium or when His voice tells us to build an ark that will save humanity and all the animals, we first need to have faith, then we trust, then we act.  We continue to have faith and trust as we continue to act.  As the old saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words."

Happy Chatting...

Day 8: God's Delight

In Romans it says that all have fallen short of the glory of God.  Isaiah says that there are no other gods like our God.  A + B = There is nothing other than God worthy of our praise and worship.

We, as humans, will worship something.  We have a television program called American Idol.  I find it interesting that we use the word idol in the title.  We're not ashamed to call our admiration for these people what it actually is.  I think back to the footage of Elvis and The Beatles, how all these young girls would faint and swoon over these guys.  Imagine if we could channel this energy in the right direction, towards the One that is worthy of that praise and worship.

God delights in His creation, as strange sounding as it may seem to us when we compare ourselves next to His glory.  He delights in us even more when we recognize Him as the creator and worship Him.  Worship is what brings pleasure to God.  I can see that...  It would bring me pleasure to know people adored me.  It would destroy me, though.  It's a good thing I'm not worthy.

Happy Chatting...

Day 7: The Glory Of God

To say God is glorious or that He is glory itself is to admit that He is deserving of all honor, praise, and adoration.

Rick Warren says we are commanded to recognize, honor, declare, praise, reflect, and live for the glory of God.  It's not so much that we are required but that we can't help but live for God, thereby showing that He is glorious.  The Bible says even the rocks will cry out if we keep silent.

There are so many areas of God's personality that are glorious and are worthy of discussion, but I've also been thinking that since we are in a personal relationship with God there's probably a personal story for our recognition of God's glory.  How has he shown His glory to you, causing you to want to live for Him?

I've always marveled at the greatness of creation, how everything is so intricately put together. Also, His love and forgiveness as well as His patience with me are beyond measure.

Happy Chatting...

Day 6: A Temporal World

Rick Warren says that life is temporary and we shouldn't get too attached.  This, of course, is based on many passages in the Bible that talk about us being simply visitors to this world.  Why is that?  It must be that we have some purpose to accomplish while here or we'd just be created in and for heaven.  We wouldn't be placed here on earth to enjoy it so much we got attached to it.  That would be a bit cruel.  Yet, we do live like we're going to be here forever.  We get attached to things, and places, and people and our heart is wrenched when we lose these.  Sure, getting a little attached to people is part of connecting with them, but the cool thing about that is we'll get to see them again.

The Bible says that all will pass away but God and we should store up our treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy them.  The word of the Lord stands forever.  These things are eternal and should be our focus, what we cling to, what guides our lives.

Happy Chatting...

Day 5: Little Is Much

Rick Warren says that life is a series of tests.  God is always watching to see how we handle situations, big or small.  This way He will know how trustworthy we are.  Warren also talks about life being about trust.  We are entrusted with God's stuff, so to speak.  Everything is His.  Even we are His.  So how do we handle the small situations?

Luke 16:10 says that he who is faithful in small things will be entrusted with more.  Said the other way around, it also says that those who are not faithful in small things will not be trusted with large things.

That's why the small challenges of life are so important.  They are a reflection of how we will act in larger situations.  I would say that it is also a matter of degrees of behavior.  As a situation escalates our poor behavior can become that much worse.  Bill Hybels wrote a book that centered around the idea that your true character becomes evident in how you act when no one is looking.

So how do we view these small tests?  In the greater picture that is made up by these tests, how do we view our lives?  I probably would have said I viewed life as a problem to be solved as I feel like I'm constantly trying to find a way to "make it work."  My problem then becomes how well I can depend on God.  The greater picture tells me to live each day the best way I can and be found trustworthy by the God who owns everything.

How do you see your life?

Happy Chatting...

Day 4: In The Light Of Eternity

I've always found it interesting that a great majority of people seem to believe in some sort of afterlife.  There isn't a consensus on how one would arrive there, but they at least believe there is something after we die.  Most would say that being a good person is enough to qualify.  Rick Warren, referencing the Bible, says it is inborn to believe in eternity.

There have been times when I've sat through funerals and knew the comforting words about being able to see the deceased again in heaven was simply for comfort.  It can be hard to take.  The Bible clearly tells us that we must believe in Christ and trust Him with our lives to be with Him when we die.  Otherwise, the alternative is not good.

Many site John 3:16 and you see it all over sporting events, but no one ever tells the unbeliever that the word "believe" is an active word if translated properly.  Believing means knowing in your heart and doing something about it.  That leads me to ask, what are we doing?  How do we act, in light of eternity?

Happy Chatting...

Day 3: Driving Forces

Rick Warren sites five typical driving forces in our society.  They are guilt, resentment and anger, fear, materialism, and the need for approval.  As singles, I wanted to add feeling like you needed to find a mate.  Whether this falls under needing the approval of someone is hard to say, but I definitely think singles can obsess over that.  We are constantly reminded by the media and friends and family and co-workers about our single status and we're constantly asked what we are doing about it as if it's a matter of just snapping our fingers to change our status.  This doesn't even take into account that it's inappropriate to be treating us in that fashion in the first place.  Maybe I should have said this falls under the resentment/anger category because that's what it can lead to in some cases.

Warren sites five attributes of a Godly purpose driven life as well.  These are a life of meaning, a simplified life, a focused life, motivation, and an eternal perspective.  All of these lead to peacefulness and fulfillment as opposed to hopelessness and depression.

So, it leads us to examine what it is that drives us, day after day.  If it's not what we would like we need to first ask ourselves what we would like it to be and then take steps to change.

Happy Chatting...

Day 2: I Am Loved

Do you remember those little red buttons, about the size of a nickel, that said “I am loved”? Well, you can still see them and still buy them, but I remember when they first came out and I remember a time when I wondered if the people wearing them actually believed what was said on the button. It became so prevalent to wear one when they first came out that it was fashionable to wear one. It’s kinda like the same phenomenon that occurred with the WWJD campaign. While these are great themes and ideas, they get to a point there is a bandwagon effect with people jumping on board that are only a part of the trend because it is just that, a trend.

When you read passages in the Bible like Psalm 139, you begin to realize what it truly means to be loved by God. He can be seen everywhere. Romans says that we have no excuse for not believing in Him because of creation itself. When you look at our world scientifically, you realize that all of creation was made for us. Sure, God enjoyed the process, calling it good, but how often do we ponder the fact that everything was put in place for our existence. The oceans do not overheat or freeze because of the salt content. The earth doesn’t overheat or freeze because of our distance from the sun. Our atmosphere contains just the right mix of substances to sustain our life. Was this all by accident? Absolutely not! It’s all because God is a wonderful creator and we are at the heart of the creation. Just think about the rest of the universe. It’s not there to sustain our life, but I believe, after studying God’s word, that the stars were put in the sky so we could enjoy them. All of it, everything, was so God could show His love for us.

So how do I respond to His vast love? Do I seek His purpose for my life? Do I like my life and who I am? I’ve been frustrated at not being taller... Now I’m thinking this is like an insult to God who created me and crafted me.

The Purpose Driven Life uses a portion of Psalm 139 (verses 13-16), but I would encourage you to take a look at the whole chapter. Plus, take a look at Ephesians 1:4 for more insight into our purpose.

Happy Chatting...

Day 1: We The Created

As I read today's chapter I kept coming back to one thought; the creation cannot determine the creator's intent.  Only the creator can say what the true purpose of something is.

In addition, a third party cannot accurately identify the creator's intent.  As an example, we can see how many people try to impose a certain theme and symbolism to a painting or movie or written work, only to find out when the creator was interviewed that these were manufactured by the viewer.  They saw something they wanted to see.  On a basic level this causes no harm, but what happens when we extrapolate that to the extent of our entire lives?  It can lead to an unfulfilled life.  We never know if we're right or not.  All we can say is this is my best guess or this is what sounds right to me.

The truth is that our creator has been "interviewed" in a sense.  We can discover what He meant for us.  Our first step is to realize that we are a created being.  While that may seem easy enough, it's not a given for some.  Just look at those who believe in evolution, a purposeless belief that leads to hopelessness.  Once we realize we are created and there is something higher than us that did the creating, we are now forced to ask what our purpose is.

The Bible gives us the answer, as always.  The Purpose Driven Life focuses on Colossians 1:16 and I would add Acts 17:26-28.  These tell us that we have a purpose and that purpose is found only in Christ.

Happy Chatting...

Introductions Are In Order

Greetings,

Welcome to the official blog for the Whole In One singles small group. What you can expect to see here over the next few weeks is a daily discussion about the book The Purpose Driven Life. I'll be posting about each day's chapter in the book and leaving a question or two for discussing in the comments section of the post. I think it will be interesting to see what people are thinking on a daily basis as we go through this study together.

For now, you can leave a comment letting us know a little bit about yourself.  To start, I'm posting my photograph as my introduction (as you can see).  No, you don't have to post a photo of yourself, but since I am a photographer I figured that would be a good way to introduce myself.

See you Wednesday and happy chatting...