Day 40: Just Do It

I realize the title is a bit cliched now, but I figured it fit pretty well.  We've read for 40 days now about how we should be living.  It's a good time, now that the readings are done, to make a clean start for some of the things we've read and discussed.  When it's all said and done, our purpose is connected to our goal which is to have God say to us, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

For the most part, this is a good time to review as well.  I'm going to leave most of that to you in the comments if you'd like to write out some of your feelings concerning the last 40 days.  For instance, what did you like?  What did you learn?  How has it changed you?

Happy Chatting...

Day 39: A Well Rounded Life

As we begin to finish up The Purpose Driven Life we can look back on everything that has been discussed and put it all together, reviewing and encapsulating everything into a life of balance. I've always said I liked the idea that I had a well rounded life, mostly referring to my education and continuous studies, but I never really thought about it in terms of my relationship with God.

Rick Warren says that many will easily incorporate a few of the purposes outlined in his book but not all of the purposes.  He encourages us to strive to incorporate all of the facets as this provides a complete picture of how God wants us to live.

A well rounded life is not only more interesting, but it is also more fulfilling.

Happy Chatting...

Day 38: Ask And You Shall Receive

No, today's topic is not on asking for stuff as in material items.  As we've been taking a closer look at our mission in the world, the great commission, we've come to the point where we have to make a decision.  We can say we're available to "go," but are we confident enough to ask God for more opportunities.  If you haven't had many opportunities to share your faith it's probably because you weren't looking closely enough, you shielded yourself from the world around you, or you didn't ask God for opportunities.  If we ask, He is faithful and just.  He will certainly give you opportunities as it is His will for you to share your faith.

Why don't people ask God for opportunities or, in general, what He wants them to do as far as missions?  Well, many people don't ask Him because they're afraid of the answer.  We can know by way of the Bible that He will say yes and send us, whether it's to our neighbors or across the globe.

God has not given us a spirit of fear, though.  We can be confident that when we ask He will give us the strength, courage, and ability to reach the lost for His kingdom.  So, what are you waiting for?

Happy Chatting...

Day 37: Make It Personal

When sharing our faith with others we sometimes become discouraged because we just end up in a heated discussion with bunny trails that never seem to end.  We feel like we are doing more harm than good.

In The Purpose Driven Life, it says to try a personal approach and I would agree.  See, the thing about a personal approach is it's less threatening and you know it really well since it's your story. Plus, people cannot argue with your personal testimony of how you became a Christian and how God leads you through your experiences.  They may try to discount your story, but they cannot argue against it.  They weren't there to actually witness any of it.

Plus, everyone likes a good story.

Happy Chatting...

Day 36: Go

In Matthew 28, we are given what is called the great commission.  It says to go into all the world and preach the gospel, telling everyone about Christ and the gift of eternal life through salvation. If I asked everyone reading this whether they knew about the great commission they'd probably tell me they do know of it, but how many of us are actually doing anything about our commission?

See, most of us go through each day just trying to get through work so we can go home and relax a little before we go through the same routine the next day.  If we stop somewhere for groceries on the way home we rarely talk with anyone.  We use electric garage door openers so we don't have to get out of our cars when we get home, thereby limiting our contact with our neighbors. We simply do not spend much time forming relationships with those around us.  It's partly because we're lazy, partly that strangers are less trustworthy these days, and partly because we're simply scared of what might happen if someone actually wanted us to share God's good news with them.  Are we prepared?  1 Peter 3:15-17 says we should always be prepared with an answer.

To begin a lifestyle of sharing the gospel we first need to say we will be open to any and all opportunities that come.  Then we need to start making more opportunities by putting ourselves out in the world a little.  The Bible says to be in the world but not of the world.  Most people forget that it still says to be in the world, though.  We are to be the salt and light for God.

Who's ready?

Happy Chatting...

Day 35: Strength In Weakness

Most of us do not want to show weakness.  We are taught to be strong in a world where only the strong survive.  However, weaknesses are given for a reason.  In our weakness we learn to become humble, we rely on God, and we rely on and connect with others around us.  We can sympathize and empathize with others, sharing similar experiences or imparting truth that comes from the experiences in our weakness.

Vulnerability is tough, but it makes us reachable and makes God's glory shine through us as He is strong when we are weak.  Our influence for God becomes greater as others are shown that they, too, can have the strength of God in their weaknesses.  Weakness can become your greatest strength when viewed through the eyes of God.

So, what are your greatest weaknesses, I mean, strengths, err, I mean, uh...?

Happy Chatting...

Day 34: Stewardship & Service

Everything is God's.  However, as early as the creation account in Genesis, God gave us responsibility over His stuff.  Adam and Eve were to take care of His animals and were even to be responsible for giving the animals names.

From money and materialism to what we do with our time and abilities, we need to be good stewards of what God has given us.  The same is true for service opportunities.  Each opportunity is a test.  The Bible consistently talks about how if we are good stewards in what we are given then more will be given to us.  Do well in serving and more opportunities will come.

In what ways can you be a better steward of what God gave you?

Happy Chatting...

Day 33: A Place For Everyone

In today's reading of The Purpose Driven Life I kept thinking about one line, "We would rather involve thousands of regular folks in ministry than have a perfect church run by a few elites."  I don't think the "elite" church would be perfect, but that's beside the point.

So many churches feel they need to have everything perfect and the only way to do that is to have a standard which few can meet.  This alienates those who cannot perform as well as others and they simply won't connect or feel a part of the body.  It also burns out those who can perform well.  These are the churches where servants are complaining that 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people, but they won't let the remaining 80% do the work without micromanaging them.

I'm all for the adage that says, "Many hands make light work."  It also accomplishes more.  So, we should all do what we can and not worry so much about how well they are doing it.  In the end, it's Ollie Ollie All Come Free...

Happy Chatting...

Day 32: Finding Where You Fit

Continuing to explore serving God, Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life suggests we cannot be a square peg in a round hole.  He says one of the best ways to find out where we fit is to simply try different areas of serving.  Most try to find out their SHAPE and then go into that ministry, but Warren says that it's more efficient to go about the process in the opposite fashion.  By trying out different areas of ministry we can know which works and which doesn't. It's not failure when you don't do well; it's experimentation.

I know, by way of this process, that this is true.  At my previous church home I tried many different areas of service.  I landed in a children's ministry at one point and discovered I am not gifted to teach 30 children.  They run all over me.  Sure, as a photographer I can work well with kids one-on-one, but the masses are too much for me.  I'm simply not gifted for it.  So, I move on to what I am gifted at.

With so many choices, what would you like to try first?

Happy Chatting...

Day 31: Just Be You

Today's reading in The Purpose Driven Life dealt with the second part of our SHAPE, our abilities, personality, and experiences.  It says to look at these areas of our lives to see how to serve God.  When you find what you are good at and what comes natural for you then you should go with the grain instead of against it.  It will be less frustrating and you will be more successful.

I learned this myself in business when other business people said this or that way was the only way to succeed.  There are many ways to accomplish a goal, especially if God is on your side.

We looked at how some use excuses to avoid serving.  Now, after the excuses are eliminated, there are still some who sit on the sidelines because they don't feel they have any abilities to offer.  I don't believe that people really think they don't have any abilities.  They really believe they don't have abilities that God can use.  To that I say we put God in a box.  If you're good at knitting then let God use that for His glory.  Believe me, He'll find a way for you to be the best knitter for Him.

Happy Chatting...

Day 30: With All Your Heart

Today's reading continues with the theme of serving and mentions our SHAPE which the Vineyard also uses when you go through 201.  The S stands for spiritual gifts and the H stands for heart.  All of the letters make up how God has wired us as individuals, each with their own desires and abilities.

The Bible says we are to love God with all our heart, strength, mind, and soul.  It also says that if we love God we will obey His commands, one of which is to serve.  So, it follows that we are to serve with all our hearts.  I was thinking it is probably a lot easier to do that when we are doing something that we love, something we are passionate about.

What are the things that really get you going?  I'm betting they've been laid on your heart by someone who wants you to use those gifts and desires for Him.

Happy Chatting...

Day 29: All Things Are Possible

Today's reading in The Purpose Driven Life is about serving.  It is the first of multiple chapters on the topic.  We are made for, called to, and commanded to serve.  Later, we'll see practical ways for that to happen.

For now, I wanted to look at our obstacles.  See, we are the kings of excuses.  As Charlie Peacock says in his song In The Light, we've got one for every selfish thing we do (no, DCTalk was not the originator of this song).  However, when you look at the long list of misfits God used for His glory it's hard not to believe He can also use us, no matter how inadequate.

Many know I am a huge Star Wars fan and I find many spiritual parallels in the characters. In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke attempts to lift his spacecraft out of the swamp and fails.  He turns to Yoda and says, "I can't.  It's too big."  Yoda, at his small size, proceeds to do it for Luke. Luke then says, "I don't believe it."  To which Yoda replies, "That is why you fail."

So, I'm writing on excuses for not serving and I can't help but think it's related to our faith in God.  We don't believe He can accomplish His work through us.  Sure, He could do it on His own, but once He decides to use me, well then, my shortcomings blot out His power.  It's like kryptonite to Superman.  We forget that all things are possible with God and that all includes using us, even in the small things.  So what has God called you to do that you've been holding back on?

Happy Chatting...

Day 28: Well Aged

There is this theory that wines taste better with age.  I personally can't vouch for that as I'm not a wine drinker.  However, I like the idea that if you wait patiently for some things they get better the longer you wait.  It's a great metaphor for patience.  The same could be said of the Christian walk.  Our growth is slow but sure and looks better with age.  It's when we look back on our lives that we can truly see the changes that took place.

Hearts are hardened and bad habits are formed over a long period of time.  It's like stones that are formed beneath the earth's surface under intense heat and pressure.  The refiner's fire is the only way to reverse the process.  It takes His fire to soften those areas and that's what we want, to be softened, not shattered.  We want to be whole.  We want to be remade in God's image, not removed from His presence.

Happy Chatting...

Day 27: The Battle For The Mind

If you read both today's and yesterday's blog entry and Purpose Driven Life chapters you know that I kinda jumped ahead with some of the stuff I wrote.  So, I figured I'd take a little different approach today instead of repeating anything.

First, I'll start with a couple new thoughts that came from the reading.  If temptation starts in the mind, then a practical way to avoid it would be to think on something other than the temptation. Now, once again, that's easier said than done, but I like the imagery of 2 Corinthians 10:5 where it says to take every thought captive.  We are to be vigilant in what goes in and comes out of our minds.  Many are quick to say whatever they are thinking, but if we take every thought captive we'll avoid many troubles that our minds and our mouths get us in. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Philippians 4:8.  Whatever is good, we are to think on these things.  Any time we are feeling oppressed in our minds we can choose to think about other things.

Jesus gives us a great example of how to defeat Satan and temptation.  When He was led into the wilderness to be tempted He overcame Satan by quoting scripture.  All of the scripture He quoted was practical for what He was being tempted with.  I've always liked how He told Satan that he should not tempt the Lord his God.  It tells us who is really in charge.  Jesus is the God of Satan.  That's a powerful truth to hold on to.

Happy Chatting...

Day 26: The Truth About Temptation

The Purpose Driven Life shares about what temptation is and how to deal with it.  First, it defines it by telling us temptation is only sin when we give in to acting on it.  It is always going to be something we want.  That's why it's so hard to resist temptation.  Looking at the opposite as an example, it's not a temptation for me to get blitzed on a weekend because I don't like the taste of alcohol.  Others are not tempted to be a glutton and overeat vegetables.

Rick Warren lists four steps in the process of going from temptation to sin.  It starts with a thought for a desire we have, moves to doubting we can overcome or doubting that we shouldn't do the thought in the first place, and follows with deceiving ourselves into actually acting on the thought.  These steps can move very quickly if we are not alert.  They can move instantaneously if we want the action to occur.

Some practical ways to overcome temptation are to recognize the catalysts that spark the temptation and avoid situations.  Going back to the alcohol comment, if you are prone to drinking too much then it's a good idea not to frequent bars where you'll be tempted to drink. Another help in time of temptation is to call on God and friends.

In the Lord's prayer it says we can pray for God to not lead us into temptation.  Basically, we can be protected from temptation in times when we are vulnerable.  However, that protection is only for a season as God uses temptation to test and strengthen us.  So, be prepared.

Happy Chatting...

Day 25: Problematic Perspective

The Bible tells us, a lot, that we'll have troubles in this world.  We are never promised an easy time.  As early as the first sin of man, God told us that we would toil.  So why do we think we will have an easy way out when we become a Christian?  It's simple.  It's human nature to believe if someone is for you, especially as great an advocate as God is, they should come through in the times you need it most.

However, we misunderstand how God comes through for us.  Romans 8:28-29 tells us that God uses our times of trouble to make us more like Christ.  That is His purpose and that is good for us.  James 1:2-3 gives us the perspective we should have in times of trouble.  It says to have joy in our troubles because we have the knowledge that our troubles are developing perseverance in us. That perseverance is the patience we need to withstand the troubles.  We can have joy because we are becoming more like Christ.

While it's easier said than done, we at least know that God will not give us more than we can handle and that means we can probably handle more than we think.

Happy Chatting...

Day 24: Sola Biblia

The title for today means the Bible is the sole authority for how to live our lives.  It covers so many areas that it is the first place we should look when we are looking for guidance or direction. Following are some thoughts from the scriptures detailing its importance.

The Word is God breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).  It is God speaking to us.

In it (Matthew 4:4), Jesus (quoting from Deuteronomy 8:3) says that man shall not live by bread alone but also by His Word.  It is to be a part of our survival.

Faith, the foundation of our salvation, is built by studying God's Word (Romans 10:17).

We are told to hide His Word in our hearts so we can keep from sinning (Psalm 119:11).  How does that work?  First, memorization gives us something to think about when we're being tempted.  Second, the Bible reveals to us that Satan is a finite being and he cannot access what you have hidden in your heart.  It's a safe place reserved for you and the Holy Spirit.

The most important part of any discussion about the Bible is that we do something with the information.  We must do what it says (James 1:22).

Happy Chatting...

Day 23: Giving In To Maturity

Some have a definition of immaturity that includes adults doing childlike things like playing video games.  I think this definition is too broad.  I would define immaturity as childlike things at improper times.  For instance, it would be immature to tell crude jokes at a funeral or saying "So's you're face" when you know you're wrong and can't think of anything else to say. Immaturity is a defense mechanism that keeps people from facing reality.  They can never be hurt, but they never fully connect.

The Purpose Driven Life defines maturity as thinking in terms of the bigger picture and about thinking of others before ourselves.  There's a lot of thinking there.  It starts first with making the decision to be mature.  While that doesn't make us mature immediately, at least it gets us in the mindset to become mature.  God, through the Holy Spirit, assists in the process once we've made the decision.  He will be there as we begin our transformation through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Happy Chatting...

Day 22: In His Image

The Purpose Driven Life talks quite a bit about what it means to be created in God's image and, over the next few days, we'll be looking into that, but what I wanted to start off with was a bit of current events.

Evolution always seems to be a hot topic because we're not supposed to question science.  The problem is there isn't any science to evolution.  What does this have to do with being created in God's image?  Well, first it denies a creator.  Second, if it did allow for a creator, it forces the assumption that the image of God could shift or change.  One day he has the characteristics of a fish, the next moment he's more like a bird or monkey.  I don't know about your Bible, but mine says that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  We can come to know what He "looks" like by studying His word which will never pass away.  We can come to be more like Him by the knowledge that we know who He is and has always been and will always be.

Happy Chatting...

Day 21: A Unified Church

The Purpose Driven Life talks about how we are responsible for the unity in our church body, how we need to be vigilant and active in preserving harmony among believers.  It gives practical advice on how to accomplish this.

I wanted to expand on the thought and extend it to the church body across the world.  See, we have divisions just like in Bible times, we have church splits, and we have denominational disputes as if each denomination corners the market on the correct way to serve God.  I know there are times when people get off course and need to be corrected.  That's a biblical teaching. However, for the most part, all of these disagreements are trivial and I'm sure they are not too pleasing to the heart of God.  We need to preserve unity in our local church bodies and find ways to bring the global church into that same sense of unity.

Happy Chatting...

Day 20: God Of Reconciliation

The Bible talks about how we should reconcile with one another and be peacemakers.  This is because we are to be like Christ.  Let's look at how God is our example for reconciliation.

God sent His Son to earth for the express purpose of making a way back to Him.  He gives us the parable of the prodigal son to show us not only that we can come back to Him but that He comes out to meet us.  Christ talked about leaving the 99 sheep behind to find one that was lost.  He offers us grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  The Bible says we can love Him only because He first loved us.  We are forgiven only if we show forgiveness.

God initiates the process of reconciliation.  It touches all areas, friendships, marriages, church groups, work places.  It should never stop.

Happy Chatting...

Day 19: Commitment To Community

I could have titled this Our Small Group Part II because, once again, these are some of the things that we are trying to accomplish through Whole In One.

Today's reading dealt with a commitment to several areas in an environment of fellowship. What it did not spend much time on was the commitment itself.  It seems, in today's society, there's very little commitment to anything, whether it be marriages, jobs, where we live, or church. Commitment is the key to all of the areas of a successful fellowship situation.

The additional areas Rick Warren mentions in this reading, and what our group is committed to, are honesty which is speaking the truth in love, humility which is thinking of ourselves less and thinking of others more, serving them.  Also mentioned is confidentiality, a trust for the deepest hurts, needs, and mistakes.  Finally, a commitment to time is important.  That seems to be one of our greatest commodities.  Relationships that are of the most value take time to build.  With the greatest investment comes the greatest return.  That's why we try to meet regularly and try to plan even more events to accelerate the process.  Besides, it's fun.

Happy Chatting...

Day 18: Our Small Group

Today's reading in The Purpose Driven Life is about fellowship, but more specifically it's about what we're trying to do with Whole In One.  We try to provide an environment that makes Godly fellowship possible.

Rick Warren mentions several attributes of fellowship.  Among them is being transparent with your fellow group members.  Being a relatively new group, we are in a trust building stage that will hopefully lead to a comfortability in sharing the deeper moments of each of our lives. Another attribute is dependency.  Whether it's through accountability or sharing each others' burdens, we need each other.  We need to feel grace, mercy, and love from fellow believers to make it through.  Serving one another is also an important part of the puzzle.

The one item that is needed for any of these attributes to occur is a willingness to do them. Eventually, it comes down to whether we want to enter into fellowship or not.  I would say that if you are a part of a small group, that is the first step and sign that you are entering into fellowship.  I thank those of you that have been a part of my fellowship experience.  I pray that all will find a place where they can feel comfortable joining in the fellowship of God's family.

Happy Chatting...

Day 17: The Bodily Church

Romans 12: 5 tells us that we were made for the church.  We are interdependent with other members of the body, not independent.  We are made for community and relationship.  The church is where we find our true identity.

I think the reason many choose not to regularly attend a church or join a church body is because it asks something of them.  While churches ask for money that's not all they ask of us. They ask for our support of other believers and accountability.  People do not want to be accountable to someone else because it relinquishes a little control and there's always an excuse to run from commitment.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the church is that it is the building itself and the style of worship that occurs in the building.  People are always saying they didn't like this or that church for some reason or another.  The church is the people in the building.  We are the church.  So, to have "church" we bring it with us, our attitudes, our desires, our joys, our pain, and our worship.  A "worship service" does not happen if we don't come prepared to worship.

It's a bit strange to some to find out that church is not particularly for them.  Yes, we all benefit from the body but only if everyone is demonstrating love which is unselfish and is providing for others' needs first.  So when I hear of people trying to find the perfect church, well, I tell them it doesn't exist because they (yes, the person I'm speaking to) are not perfect.

Sure, I understand the need to find a church that matches your personality and that's where style comes in.  I personally love the more contemporary music.  I would probably fall asleep in a more traditional church and that's my fault as it is my attitude going in, but there's nothing wrong with making it easier to worship God.  I've always said there are many denominations because there are so many different types of people.  The point is, we must be actively seeking to become an active part of the body of Christ, actively doing our part to further God's kingdom, actively.  That's a lot of action.

Happy Chatting...