Impulse Buying With No Budget Equals Financial Disaster by Rick Warren
"Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough." (Proverbs 21:5 TEV)
A budget is simply a plan. It's telling your money where you want it to go, rather than wondering where it went. And the problem many of us have today is that we don't know where our money is going because we don't have a budget.
But if you want to get out of debt, you have to nip it in the budget. Do you remember Barney Fife, from The Andy Griffith Show? He used to say, “Nip it, nip it, nip it in the bud.” We need to nip it in the budget.
Notice today’s verse says, “Plan carefully.” That means budgeting; a budget is simply planned spending. Planning carefully means you say, “This is what we're going to spend next year and next month,” and by doing that, the Bible says, “You will have plenty.” It's a promise of God.
On the other hand, as today's verse says, “If you act too quickly, you will never have enough.” This refers to what advertisers, marketers and retailers call impulse buying. You know what impulse buying is? Have you ever gone into a store without planning to buy something, but you bought it on an impulse? You didn't think about the purchase; it was totally emotion-based. You saw it, you wanted it, and you bought it.
And if you act too quickly, impulse buying plus no budget equals financial disaster. Have you ever bought something without thinking and later regretted it? Most of us have! And that's why you've got to have a plan.
When you make purchases this week, ask yourself if what you are buying is something you really need. Ask, “Is this an impulse buy?”
Showing posts with label TPDL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TPDL. Show all posts
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Debt Free
You Can Be Debt Free by Rick Warren
"Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other." (Romans 13:8a MSG)
My hope for you is that you will be debt free by the end of this decade. It is possible if you are disciplined. Let me say that if you've never been debt free, you have no idea the freedom you will experience when you no longer owe anybody anything.
And this is why it is important: if God told you to go do something right now, some of you couldn't do it because you are in such financial bondage.
The Bible says we should not withhold the repayment of our debts, that we should let no debt remain outstanding. What does that mean? If you are only paying the minimum on your credit card, you are letting a debt remain outstanding. The Bible says don't do that. God is not going to bless that.
You need to set up repayment. You may be thinking that would be hard. It is hard! That's why most people are in debt. If it were easy, everybody would be rich. The fact is, most people do not have the character and discipline to do what God tells them to do. First, give 10% to God; second, put 10% into savings; then, set up a repayment plan.
You might say, “Wait a minute. Are you telling me to save before I pay off my debts?” That's exactly what I'm telling you to do, because if you wait until you get all your debts paid off to start saving or tithing, you will never do it.
You may think you can’t afford it, but the truth is, you can't afford not to do it God’s way.
How will you need to adjust your finances so they line up with God’s way? Even if it seems impossible, set up a repayment plan for your debts.
"Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other." (Romans 13:8a MSG)
My hope for you is that you will be debt free by the end of this decade. It is possible if you are disciplined. Let me say that if you've never been debt free, you have no idea the freedom you will experience when you no longer owe anybody anything.
And this is why it is important: if God told you to go do something right now, some of you couldn't do it because you are in such financial bondage.
The Bible says we should not withhold the repayment of our debts, that we should let no debt remain outstanding. What does that mean? If you are only paying the minimum on your credit card, you are letting a debt remain outstanding. The Bible says don't do that. God is not going to bless that.
You need to set up repayment. You may be thinking that would be hard. It is hard! That's why most people are in debt. If it were easy, everybody would be rich. The fact is, most people do not have the character and discipline to do what God tells them to do. First, give 10% to God; second, put 10% into savings; then, set up a repayment plan.
You might say, “Wait a minute. Are you telling me to save before I pay off my debts?” That's exactly what I'm telling you to do, because if you wait until you get all your debts paid off to start saving or tithing, you will never do it.
You may think you can’t afford it, but the truth is, you can't afford not to do it God’s way.
How will you need to adjust your finances so they line up with God’s way? Even if it seems impossible, set up a repayment plan for your debts.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Invest in the Future
Invest in the Future by Saving by Rick Warren
"Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it." (Proverbs 21:20 TEV)
The Bible says a lot about making financial investments. In fact, you can see that Proverbs 21:20 is God's IQ test! Let's see how smart you are: wise people save for the future, but foolish people spend whatever they get.
There is a question you can ask yourself that will help you save more money. It's really simple. When you get ready to buy something, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” And then be honest enough to tell yourself.
For instance, do I really need a new car? Well, I know I'd like it. But do I really need a new car? Do I really need this upgrade? I know I'd like it, but do I really need it?
A fundamental financial principle is this: when you spend your money, it's gone. Yet when you save your money, it works for you. The problem with most of us is that we work for our money instead of letting our money work for us. If you'll do it God's way, you can get out of debt, and you can be blessed.
How will you need to adjust your finances so they line up with God’s way?
"Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it." (Proverbs 21:20 TEV)
The Bible says a lot about making financial investments. In fact, you can see that Proverbs 21:20 is God's IQ test! Let's see how smart you are: wise people save for the future, but foolish people spend whatever they get.
There is a question you can ask yourself that will help you save more money. It's really simple. When you get ready to buy something, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” And then be honest enough to tell yourself.
For instance, do I really need a new car? Well, I know I'd like it. But do I really need a new car? Do I really need this upgrade? I know I'd like it, but do I really need it?
A fundamental financial principle is this: when you spend your money, it's gone. Yet when you save your money, it works for you. The problem with most of us is that we work for our money instead of letting our money work for us. If you'll do it God's way, you can get out of debt, and you can be blessed.
How will you need to adjust your finances so they line up with God’s way?
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Let God Define You
Let God Define You by Rick Warren
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
Jesus faced constant demands, dangerous opposition and little privacy. Yet he never allowed others to define him.
What does that teach us?
Know who you are (John 8:12) — There was no doubt in Jesus’ mind as to who he was. He knew he came from God, and he knew he had a unique mission to fulfill. As believers, we can know we belong to God and that God defines who we are and what we are meant to do on this Earth. Trying to be someone God never intended you to be causes stress!
Know whom you want to please (John 5:30) — Jesus never let the fear of rejection manipulate him. No one can pressure you without your permission. You can’t please everyone; even God can’t!
Know what goals you need to reach (John 8:14) — Jesus said, “I know where I came from and where I am going.” Preparation prevents pressure, but procrastination produces it. You work by either priorities or pressures.
Know how to maintain your priorities (Luke 4:42–44) — Jesus knew how to handle interruptions without being distracted from his primary goal.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
Jesus faced constant demands, dangerous opposition and little privacy. Yet he never allowed others to define him.
What does that teach us?
Know who you are (John 8:12) — There was no doubt in Jesus’ mind as to who he was. He knew he came from God, and he knew he had a unique mission to fulfill. As believers, we can know we belong to God and that God defines who we are and what we are meant to do on this Earth. Trying to be someone God never intended you to be causes stress!
Know whom you want to please (John 5:30) — Jesus never let the fear of rejection manipulate him. No one can pressure you without your permission. You can’t please everyone; even God can’t!
Know what goals you need to reach (John 8:14) — Jesus said, “I know where I came from and where I am going.” Preparation prevents pressure, but procrastination produces it. You work by either priorities or pressures.
Know how to maintain your priorities (Luke 4:42–44) — Jesus knew how to handle interruptions without being distracted from his primary goal.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Integrity
Your Integrity Shows Your Faithfulness - Rick Warren
“Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.” (Luke 16:10 GNT)
No matter what they say, anyone who is not faithful in small matters will not be faithful in large matters.
A common saying today is that “what you do in your private life is nobody’s business.” Well, it actually is. What you do in your private life — what you do behind closed doors or out of view of other people — builds and reveals your true character. And God sees it just as clearly as the things you do in public.
In fact, the small things you do that are unseen are the seeds to God’s public blessing on your life. You cannot compartmentalize your life and say, “I have integrity in my public life, just not in my private life.” I bet you could make a list right now of public figures who have tried to live their lives this way only to have their private indiscretions become this week’s public scandal and their personal downfall. No matter what they say, any leader who is not faithful in small matters will not be faithful in large matters.
Jesus says, “If you have not been faithful with that which belongs to someone else, who will give you what belongs to you?” (Luke 16:12 GNT).
For centuries, everybody who learned a skill, trade or vocation learned it through an apprenticeship. If you were going to be a mechanic, you apprenticed to another mechanic and served in his (or her) business before you started your own.
This principle of apprenticeship applies to every area of your life. It applies to how you handle other people’s money, how you handle other people’s possessions, and even how you handle other people’s ministry before God gives you your own.
Before God gave me my own ministry, I served as a youth pastor under another man’s ministry. God was watching how I handled it; he was testing my integrity. I needed to prove my faithfulness in that ministry before God would allow me to lead the ministry of Saddleback Church.
If someone loans you his car, how well do you take care of it? If a family lets you stay in their house for vacation, do you treat it as well as you treat your own home? God is watching and testing your integrity. And he will reward you accordingly.
“Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.” (Luke 16:10 GNT)
No matter what they say, anyone who is not faithful in small matters will not be faithful in large matters.
A common saying today is that “what you do in your private life is nobody’s business.” Well, it actually is. What you do in your private life — what you do behind closed doors or out of view of other people — builds and reveals your true character. And God sees it just as clearly as the things you do in public.
In fact, the small things you do that are unseen are the seeds to God’s public blessing on your life. You cannot compartmentalize your life and say, “I have integrity in my public life, just not in my private life.” I bet you could make a list right now of public figures who have tried to live their lives this way only to have their private indiscretions become this week’s public scandal and their personal downfall. No matter what they say, any leader who is not faithful in small matters will not be faithful in large matters.
Jesus says, “If you have not been faithful with that which belongs to someone else, who will give you what belongs to you?” (Luke 16:12 GNT).
For centuries, everybody who learned a skill, trade or vocation learned it through an apprenticeship. If you were going to be a mechanic, you apprenticed to another mechanic and served in his (or her) business before you started your own.
This principle of apprenticeship applies to every area of your life. It applies to how you handle other people’s money, how you handle other people’s possessions, and even how you handle other people’s ministry before God gives you your own.
Before God gave me my own ministry, I served as a youth pastor under another man’s ministry. God was watching how I handled it; he was testing my integrity. I needed to prove my faithfulness in that ministry before God would allow me to lead the ministry of Saddleback Church.
If someone loans you his car, how well do you take care of it? If a family lets you stay in their house for vacation, do you treat it as well as you treat your own home? God is watching and testing your integrity. And he will reward you accordingly.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Truth
Principles for Personal Change: Truth (by Rick Warren)
“Since you have heard all about Jesus and have learned the truth that is in him, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must put on your new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness—righteous, holy, and true. So put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because we belong to each other. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.”
Ephesians 4:21-27 (NLT)
Who is the truth? Jesus, and because Jesus is the truth, he will always tell you the truth.
The secret to personal change is not willpower. The secret is to know and face the truth. You must know and face the truth about yourself, your relationships, and your own nature.
Nothing will change in your life until you know and face the truth about your weaknesses, your relationships, your successes and failures, and your past and future.
Nothing changes until you know and face the truth. And that truth is found in Jesus Christ.
Why is it necessary to learn the truth before anything can change in your life? Here’s why: Behind every self-defeating habit in my life is a lie that I believe. If you get in debt, it's because you believed some lies like “I can spend and get away with it” or “I can always pay it back.” You might have overestimated how much you were going to make, or you believed the lie that you needed a much bigger house.
But do you? Are you sure it's the truth? Can you prove it's the truth? Are you absolutely certain that what you believe you've said about your finances is true? What about your relationships? What about the things you say to yourself about yourself? Is the way you think about your past or about some event the truth, or is the truth what God says about it?
The Bible teaches that personal change starts with truth. It is the truth that sets you free. The apostle Paul says, “Since you have heard all about Jesus and have learned the truth that is in him …” (Ephesians 4:21 NLT). Who is the truth? Jesus, and because Jesus is the truth, he will always tell you the truth. His word is the truth. The Bible is his word and that means the Bible is truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Now, what you hear on television isn't always going to help you because it's not always the truth. Have you learned that? And what you read in books isn't always the truth, but what God tells you is always going to be the truth. God's Word shows you how to get back to the life you were created to live, and then it shows you how to stay on God’s path.
This is why it is so important for you to have a daily quiet time in the Word of God: change requires learning the truth. Nothing will change until you get the truth into your heart. As long as you build your life on a foundation of lies, misconceptions, deceptions or half-truths, you will never change. But when you face the truth and respond to the truth, you will begin to see change in your life.
“Since you have heard all about Jesus and have learned the truth that is in him, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must put on your new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness—righteous, holy, and true. So put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because we belong to each other. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.”
Ephesians 4:21-27 (NLT)
Who is the truth? Jesus, and because Jesus is the truth, he will always tell you the truth.
The secret to personal change is not willpower. The secret is to know and face the truth. You must know and face the truth about yourself, your relationships, and your own nature.
Nothing will change in your life until you know and face the truth about your weaknesses, your relationships, your successes and failures, and your past and future.
Nothing changes until you know and face the truth. And that truth is found in Jesus Christ.
Why is it necessary to learn the truth before anything can change in your life? Here’s why: Behind every self-defeating habit in my life is a lie that I believe. If you get in debt, it's because you believed some lies like “I can spend and get away with it” or “I can always pay it back.” You might have overestimated how much you were going to make, or you believed the lie that you needed a much bigger house.
But do you? Are you sure it's the truth? Can you prove it's the truth? Are you absolutely certain that what you believe you've said about your finances is true? What about your relationships? What about the things you say to yourself about yourself? Is the way you think about your past or about some event the truth, or is the truth what God says about it?
The Bible teaches that personal change starts with truth. It is the truth that sets you free. The apostle Paul says, “Since you have heard all about Jesus and have learned the truth that is in him …” (Ephesians 4:21 NLT). Who is the truth? Jesus, and because Jesus is the truth, he will always tell you the truth. His word is the truth. The Bible is his word and that means the Bible is truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Now, what you hear on television isn't always going to help you because it's not always the truth. Have you learned that? And what you read in books isn't always the truth, but what God tells you is always going to be the truth. God's Word shows you how to get back to the life you were created to live, and then it shows you how to stay on God’s path.
This is why it is so important for you to have a daily quiet time in the Word of God: change requires learning the truth. Nothing will change until you get the truth into your heart. As long as you build your life on a foundation of lies, misconceptions, deceptions or half-truths, you will never change. But when you face the truth and respond to the truth, you will begin to see change in your life.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Focus
Stay Focused with Your Family Priorities by Jon Walker
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Running the race with perseverance means we stay focused on our priorities. We don’t let other things step in and hinder us from the priority of deepening our relationship with Jesus. We don’t let other things entangle us, tying us up so that we no longer place priority on our families or our health.
Consider this -- One day the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water and Peter yelled out that he wanted to walk on the water too (Matthew 14:22-31). Jesus told him to come and so Peter, with all his focus on Jesus, stepped out of the boat and started walking on the water toward Jesus.
But then, the Bible tells us, Peter got distracted by the waves and the wind -- just like you and I can get distracted by all the good and bad things we come across everyday. And, once Peter’s eyes were no longer fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith,” he began to sink into the water.
We cannot walk on water while trying to focus on whatever we want -- sometimes Jesus, sometimes the wind and waves; sometimes God’s priorities for our lives, sometimes trivial pursuits; sometimes the purpose God created us for; sometimes “the sin that so easily entangles.”
What do you need to do to maintain the priorities in your faith, your life, your marriage, your family, and your health throughout this Decade of Destiny?
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Running the race with perseverance means we stay focused on our priorities. We don’t let other things step in and hinder us from the priority of deepening our relationship with Jesus. We don’t let other things entangle us, tying us up so that we no longer place priority on our families or our health.
Consider this -- One day the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water and Peter yelled out that he wanted to walk on the water too (Matthew 14:22-31). Jesus told him to come and so Peter, with all his focus on Jesus, stepped out of the boat and started walking on the water toward Jesus.
But then, the Bible tells us, Peter got distracted by the waves and the wind -- just like you and I can get distracted by all the good and bad things we come across everyday. And, once Peter’s eyes were no longer fixed on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith,” he began to sink into the water.
We cannot walk on water while trying to focus on whatever we want -- sometimes Jesus, sometimes the wind and waves; sometimes God’s priorities for our lives, sometimes trivial pursuits; sometimes the purpose God created us for; sometimes “the sin that so easily entangles.”
What do you need to do to maintain the priorities in your faith, your life, your marriage, your family, and your health throughout this Decade of Destiny?
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter
Jesus Will Be With You Day After Day After Day by Tom Holladay
The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said …. " Matthew 28:5-6 (MSG)
[Jesus said,] "I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20 (MSG)
Easter is a celebration of Jesus conquering even death in order to give us freedom. He wants you to join him in heaven.
How do you do that? You accept the gift that he's given you, the gift of forgiveness and life. You can do that right now. You can talk to him and tell him, "I accept your gift of forgiveness and I accept your gift of life. I want to live the life that you made me to live. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me."
This is a very simple prayer, but it changes everything. When you say I accept the fact that Jesus' blood was given so I could be forgiven, it changes everything about your life, everything about who you are and everything about your eternity.
"No matter what other people say about us, you say that you love us. And no matter what has happened in our lives, you will accept us as we come to you. Thank you for the gift of your love. Thank you for the promise of your freedom. In your name we pray, Amen.”
Monday, April 11, 2011
Spiritual Journaling
Start the Spiritual Habit of Journaling by Rick Warren
“The Lord gave me this answer, ‘Write down clearly…what I reveal to you…’” Habakkuk 2:2 (TEV)
Let's review. If I want to hear God speak to me, the first thing I do is I want it. I say, ‘God, I want you to speak to me. Hearing from you is not just nice, it is a necessity!’
And then I withdraw and get alone and get quiet: “Be still and know that I am God.”
And then I wait quietly, patiently, and expectantly on God. I ask a specific question, I look into his Word and then when I see God’s answer, I write it down. Habakkuk said, “The Lord gave me this answer, ‘Write down clearly…what I reveal to you…’” (Habakkuk 2:2 TEV)
Writing down what God reveals to us is the spiritual habit of journaling. This is not the same as keeping a diary. A diary is, ‘Dear diary, this is what I did today.’ A journal is, ‘This is what I learned today.’ So it's not about what you did, it's about what you are learning, what you are praying, and what God is saying to you.
David took the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and he meditated on them day and night. He wrote his prayers down and that is how we got the Psalms. And, as you read the Psalms, you’ll see that David includes just about every emotion known to the human race: envy, jealousy, lust, greed.
Why? Because he's honest. He's not writing what he thinks he should write; he's writing what he honestly feels. We should be honest, too, when we talk to God about our problems.
Here are some suggestions for journaling:
Requests and Answers -- On each page, make two columns. In one column write down what you say to God: ‘God, I need this. I'm worried about that,’ and so forth. In the second column, write down the answers that God gives you.
What I learned today -- Another way to do it is to take a page and write, ‘Here is what I learned yesterday about life or about God.’ This will help you focus your thoughts and help you remember what God said.
The Bible says, “Write these things down for the future so that people who are not yet born will praise the Lord.” (Psalm 102:18 NCV)
“The Lord gave me this answer, ‘Write down clearly…what I reveal to you…’” Habakkuk 2:2 (TEV)
Let's review. If I want to hear God speak to me, the first thing I do is I want it. I say, ‘God, I want you to speak to me. Hearing from you is not just nice, it is a necessity!’
And then I withdraw and get alone and get quiet: “Be still and know that I am God.”
And then I wait quietly, patiently, and expectantly on God. I ask a specific question, I look into his Word and then when I see God’s answer, I write it down. Habakkuk said, “The Lord gave me this answer, ‘Write down clearly…what I reveal to you…’” (Habakkuk 2:2 TEV)
Writing down what God reveals to us is the spiritual habit of journaling. This is not the same as keeping a diary. A diary is, ‘Dear diary, this is what I did today.’ A journal is, ‘This is what I learned today.’ So it's not about what you did, it's about what you are learning, what you are praying, and what God is saying to you.
David took the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and he meditated on them day and night. He wrote his prayers down and that is how we got the Psalms. And, as you read the Psalms, you’ll see that David includes just about every emotion known to the human race: envy, jealousy, lust, greed.
Why? Because he's honest. He's not writing what he thinks he should write; he's writing what he honestly feels. We should be honest, too, when we talk to God about our problems.
Here are some suggestions for journaling:
Requests and Answers -- On each page, make two columns. In one column write down what you say to God: ‘God, I need this. I'm worried about that,’ and so forth. In the second column, write down the answers that God gives you.
What I learned today -- Another way to do it is to take a page and write, ‘Here is what I learned yesterday about life or about God.’ This will help you focus your thoughts and help you remember what God said.
The Bible says, “Write these things down for the future so that people who are not yet born will praise the Lord.” (Psalm 102:18 NCV)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Believe You Are Who GOD Says You Are
Believe You Are Who God Says You Are by Buddy Owens (teaching pastor @ Saddleback Church and author of "The Way of a Worshiper")
“And we … are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
I want to help you learn to confess your faith, and then let that confession lead to life change so that it demolishes your old way of thinking and gives you a new way of thinking about life, God, yourself, hardship, your family and your world.
And here’s how to do it: Stop confessing lies. Confess your faith! Say the same thing God says about you. Let it change the way you think . . . and it will change the way you live.
Here are some things the Bible says about you that need to become things you say about yourself. Start every day by confessing these truths:
My Faith Confessions -
~ I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)
~ The Son has set me free. I am free indeed! (John 8:36)
~ My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
~ I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
~ He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
~ There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
~ Nothing can ever separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39)
~ In all things God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28)
~ God is faithful. He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13) ~ God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
~ My light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
~ He is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me. (Ephesians 3:20)
~ God is for me! Who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)
When you say what God says (confession), you begin to think what God thinks (repentance). So let this be your confession of faith. And let it be the foundation on which you build your new life.
This is not the power of positive thinking. It’s not your good thoughts that will turn your life around. God’s power will turn your life around. He’s just asking you to believe he is who he says he is, believe you are who he says you are, and then live like you believe those things.
Does that mean bad things will stop happening? No. But it does mean you will experience many more victories than losses because the Word of God is at work in you.
“And we … are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
I want to help you learn to confess your faith, and then let that confession lead to life change so that it demolishes your old way of thinking and gives you a new way of thinking about life, God, yourself, hardship, your family and your world.
And here’s how to do it: Stop confessing lies. Confess your faith! Say the same thing God says about you. Let it change the way you think . . . and it will change the way you live.
Here are some things the Bible says about you that need to become things you say about yourself. Start every day by confessing these truths:
My Faith Confessions -
~ I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)
~ The Son has set me free. I am free indeed! (John 8:36)
~ My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
~ I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
~ He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
~ There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
~ Nothing can ever separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39)
~ In all things God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28)
~ God is faithful. He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13) ~ God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
~ My light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
~ He is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me. (Ephesians 3:20)
~ God is for me! Who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)
When you say what God says (confession), you begin to think what God thinks (repentance). So let this be your confession of faith. And let it be the foundation on which you build your new life.
This is not the power of positive thinking. It’s not your good thoughts that will turn your life around. God’s power will turn your life around. He’s just asking you to believe he is who he says he is, believe you are who he says you are, and then live like you believe those things.
Does that mean bad things will stop happening? No. But it does mean you will experience many more victories than losses because the Word of God is at work in you.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Where will your commitments take you this decade?
Daily Hope by Pastor Rick Warren
"So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it."
Philippians 3:15-16 (MSG)
Every choice you make has eternal consequences, so you had better choose wisely.
Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you. Tell me what you are committed to, and I’ll tell you what you will be at the end of the next ten years. We become whatever we are committed to.
It is at this point of commitment that many of us miss God’s purpose for our lives. Some will be afraid to commit to anything and so they will just drift through the next decade. Others will make half-hearted commitments to competing values, and so they will face frustration and mediocrity over the next ten years. Others will make a full commitment to worldly goals, such as becoming wealthy or famous, and end up disappointed and bitter.
Every choice you make has eternal consequences, so you had better choose wisely. Peter warns, “Since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives you should be living!” 2 Peter 3:11 (NLT)
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship—the process of becoming like Christ—begins with a commitment to follow Jesus no matter where he leads.
Let Jesus shape your life this decade. Imagine what your life will be like at the end of this Decade of Destiny, if you make a full and complete commitment to him now.
"So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it."
Philippians 3:15-16 (MSG)
Every choice you make has eternal consequences, so you had better choose wisely.
Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you. Tell me what you are committed to, and I’ll tell you what you will be at the end of the next ten years. We become whatever we are committed to.
It is at this point of commitment that many of us miss God’s purpose for our lives. Some will be afraid to commit to anything and so they will just drift through the next decade. Others will make half-hearted commitments to competing values, and so they will face frustration and mediocrity over the next ten years. Others will make a full commitment to worldly goals, such as becoming wealthy or famous, and end up disappointed and bitter.
Every choice you make has eternal consequences, so you had better choose wisely. Peter warns, “Since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives you should be living!” 2 Peter 3:11 (NLT)
Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship—the process of becoming like Christ—begins with a commitment to follow Jesus no matter where he leads.
Let Jesus shape your life this decade. Imagine what your life will be like at the end of this Decade of Destiny, if you make a full and complete commitment to him now.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Your Destiny has Eternal Significance
"All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end."
John 9:4 (NLT)
Your destiny has eternal significance. And it will impact the eternal destiny of other people, so it's more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth.
The consequences of your mission will last forever; the consequences of your job will not. Nothing else you do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with God.
This is why you must be urgent about knowing your destiny and completing your mission. Jesus said, "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end." (John 9:4 NLT)
The clock is ticking down on your life mission, so don't delay another day. Get started on your mission of reaching out to others now! We will have all of eternity to celebrate with those we have brought to Jesus, but we only have our lifetime in which to reach them.
This does not mean you should quit your job to become a full-time evangelist. God wants you to share the Good News where you are. As a student, mother, preschool teacher, salesman, or manager or whatever you do, you should continually look for people God places in your path with whom you can share the gospel.
by Rick Warren
John 9:4 (NLT)
Your destiny has eternal significance. And it will impact the eternal destiny of other people, so it's more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your life on earth.
The consequences of your mission will last forever; the consequences of your job will not. Nothing else you do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with God.
This is why you must be urgent about knowing your destiny and completing your mission. Jesus said, "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end." (John 9:4 NLT)
The clock is ticking down on your life mission, so don't delay another day. Get started on your mission of reaching out to others now! We will have all of eternity to celebrate with those we have brought to Jesus, but we only have our lifetime in which to reach them.
This does not mean you should quit your job to become a full-time evangelist. God wants you to share the Good News where you are. As a student, mother, preschool teacher, salesman, or manager or whatever you do, you should continually look for people God places in your path with whom you can share the gospel.
by Rick Warren
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Only God Can Give You Financial Security
Only God Can Give You Financial Security by Rick Warren
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)
"When I turn on the water, I don't really think the water comes from the faucet. In the same way, the source of my finances is God, not my job."
As you enter your Decade of Destiny, it is important that you trust God with your finances. If you want God to bless you financially, you must remain focused on the truth that he is the source of your finances and he is the one who supplies your needs.
What does that mean? It means I'm not looking to an employer for my security. I'm not looking to my savings for security. I'm not looking to anyone or anything other than God to supply my needs.
Let me illustrate it this way: When I turn on the water, I don't really think the water comes from the faucet. I know that the water really comes from a reservoir. It just comes to me through the faucet. In the same way, the income that God wants to give you may come through a job or through something else.
But the source is God.
If you trust in a bank account, the bank account can be taken away. If you trust in your savings, you can lose it. The only true security you can have is when you put your trust in God. He is the starting point of your finances. He is the one and only true source of your finances.
This means you don't need to worry about which faucet he uses to supply your needs. In a sense he says, 'If I turn off one faucet, I can just as easily turn on another. If you lose one job, I can give you another. I am your source, not your job. I am your source, not your bank account.'
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)
"When I turn on the water, I don't really think the water comes from the faucet. In the same way, the source of my finances is God, not my job."
As you enter your Decade of Destiny, it is important that you trust God with your finances. If you want God to bless you financially, you must remain focused on the truth that he is the source of your finances and he is the one who supplies your needs.
What does that mean? It means I'm not looking to an employer for my security. I'm not looking to my savings for security. I'm not looking to anyone or anything other than God to supply my needs.
Let me illustrate it this way: When I turn on the water, I don't really think the water comes from the faucet. I know that the water really comes from a reservoir. It just comes to me through the faucet. In the same way, the income that God wants to give you may come through a job or through something else.
But the source is God.
If you trust in a bank account, the bank account can be taken away. If you trust in your savings, you can lose it. The only true security you can have is when you put your trust in God. He is the starting point of your finances. He is the one and only true source of your finances.
This means you don't need to worry about which faucet he uses to supply your needs. In a sense he says, 'If I turn off one faucet, I can just as easily turn on another. If you lose one job, I can give you another. I am your source, not your job. I am your source, not your bank account.'
Sunday, October 24, 2010
TPDL - Life On Earth Is A Test
Life on Earth is a Test by Rick Warren
God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.
2 Chronicles 32:31 (NLT)
Over your Decade of Destiny, you will be tested by God as he develops your character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more than 200 times in Scripture. God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac. God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife. Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden, and David failed a test from God on several occasions. But the Bible also gives us many examples of people who passed great tests, such as Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel.
Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward a clerk or waitress.
We don't know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, by delayed promises, by impossible problems, by unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. In my own life I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people.
A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don't sense his closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." (2 Chronicles 32:31 NLT) Hezekiah had enjoyed a close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point in his life God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.
When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God.
The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows them to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them (1 Corinthians 10:13).
God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart.
2 Chronicles 32:31 (NLT)
Over your Decade of Destiny, you will be tested by God as he develops your character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more than 200 times in Scripture. God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac. God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife. Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden, and David failed a test from God on several occasions. But the Bible also gives us many examples of people who passed great tests, such as Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel.
Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward a clerk or waitress.
We don't know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, by delayed promises, by impossible problems, by unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. In my own life I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people.
A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. Sometimes God intentionally draws back, and we don't sense his closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." (2 Chronicles 32:31 NLT) Hezekiah had enjoyed a close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point in his life God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.
When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God.
The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows them to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sometimes God has a better idea
Sometimes God has a better idea by Rick Warren
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
"If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15 NIV
Have you noticed that things don't always turn out the way you want them to? That sometimes God has a better idea? The Bible says in Proverbs 27:1, "Don't boast about tomorrow. You don't know what tomorrow's going to bring." It's okay to make your plans, but remember that life is unpredictable and God says we shouldn't presume on it. On the other hand, we shouldn't worry about it because God is in control.
James 4 tells us the proper attitude to have: "Now listen you who say 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.' Why, you don't even know what will happen tomorrow. ... Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" vv. 13-15, NIV
James is saying it's OK to make plans, but just realize that ultimately God has the final word. The right attitude is to always keep your plans submitted to God. Make your plans but say, "God, if this is what You want, this is the direction I'm going to go. I'm doing this with flexible faith." Proverbs 16:9 says, "We should make our plans counting on God to direct us."
How do you do that? By praying. When you get up in the morning and have your quiet time, say, "God, what do You want to do with this day?" Then when interruptions come, you'll remember God is in control. It will dramatically lower the frustration level in your life as you remember it is not all up to you.
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
"If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15 NIV
Have you noticed that things don't always turn out the way you want them to? That sometimes God has a better idea? The Bible says in Proverbs 27:1, "Don't boast about tomorrow. You don't know what tomorrow's going to bring." It's okay to make your plans, but remember that life is unpredictable and God says we shouldn't presume on it. On the other hand, we shouldn't worry about it because God is in control.
James 4 tells us the proper attitude to have: "Now listen you who say 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.' Why, you don't even know what will happen tomorrow. ... Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" vv. 13-15, NIV
James is saying it's OK to make plans, but just realize that ultimately God has the final word. The right attitude is to always keep your plans submitted to God. Make your plans but say, "God, if this is what You want, this is the direction I'm going to go. I'm doing this with flexible faith." Proverbs 16:9 says, "We should make our plans counting on God to direct us."
How do you do that? By praying. When you get up in the morning and have your quiet time, say, "God, what do You want to do with this day?" Then when interruptions come, you'll remember God is in control. It will dramatically lower the frustration level in your life as you remember it is not all up to you.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Choices Control Your Calendar
Copied from today's Daily Hope with Rick Warren:
"We are each responsible for our own conduct."
Galatians 6:5 (NLT)
Your choices control your calendar and, as a result, your lifestyle. Your choices are far more powerful than your circumstances. You may not like how complicated your life has become yet, with very few exceptions, no one is forcing you to keep your life complicated.
You have the power to simplify your life.
The Bible teaches, "We are each responsible for our own conduct" (Galatians 6:5 NLT). To me, that means God expects us to assume responsibility for our lives and to carefully choose how we spend our time. That's why I've spent years teaching people to discover why God placed them on this planet: What is your purpose for being here?
Ultimately, it will be the donation of your life that will count far more than the duration.
In other words, it's not how long you live - or even how much you cram into how long you live - it's really about how you live.
Here are three essential steps to simplify your life:
First, figure out your purpose, and then let your purpose guide the goals of your life.
Second, organize your activities based upon your purpose.
Finally, harmonize your schedule with your purpose; that is, bring your activities into agreement with your goals.
You have just enough time to do God's will while you're here on earth. You've been given just enough time to fulfill your purpose. When you try to do more than God planned for you, it's only natural that you'll find yourself constantly out of time or stressed over your schedule.
If it doesn't fit the purpose of your life, God doesn't want you doing it. In fact, he may be overjoyed that you finally got the message and stopped doing meaningless activities. He may even want you to add "rest" or "have fun" to your to-do list.
My prayer for you is that you will find relief from stress and a new sense of satisfaction as you do only the things God created you to do.
"We are each responsible for our own conduct."
Galatians 6:5 (NLT)
Your choices control your calendar and, as a result, your lifestyle. Your choices are far more powerful than your circumstances. You may not like how complicated your life has become yet, with very few exceptions, no one is forcing you to keep your life complicated.
You have the power to simplify your life.
The Bible teaches, "We are each responsible for our own conduct" (Galatians 6:5 NLT). To me, that means God expects us to assume responsibility for our lives and to carefully choose how we spend our time. That's why I've spent years teaching people to discover why God placed them on this planet: What is your purpose for being here?
Ultimately, it will be the donation of your life that will count far more than the duration.
In other words, it's not how long you live - or even how much you cram into how long you live - it's really about how you live.
Here are three essential steps to simplify your life:
First, figure out your purpose, and then let your purpose guide the goals of your life.
Second, organize your activities based upon your purpose.
Finally, harmonize your schedule with your purpose; that is, bring your activities into agreement with your goals.
You have just enough time to do God's will while you're here on earth. You've been given just enough time to fulfill your purpose. When you try to do more than God planned for you, it's only natural that you'll find yourself constantly out of time or stressed over your schedule.
If it doesn't fit the purpose of your life, God doesn't want you doing it. In fact, he may be overjoyed that you finally got the message and stopped doing meaningless activities. He may even want you to add "rest" or "have fun" to your to-do list.
My prayer for you is that you will find relief from stress and a new sense of satisfaction as you do only the things God created you to do.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Purpose Driven Life
Copied from today's Daily Devotional at Purpose Driven Connection:
Barriers to Knowing God's Will by Rick Warren
Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:17 (NLT)
"Here's the key: God's will for your life begins with a friendship. "
Every day I talk to people who say, "If there is a God and he allowed me to be born and I'm still alive, what is his plan for me?"
"Why am I here and what am I supposed to be doing? How do I find out God's will for me so I don't waste my life?"
The Bible says this: "So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do." (Ephesians 5:15-17 TEV)
It's wise to figure out why I was put on earth. It's foolish to go through life without a clue. Fortunately, God doesn't play games with us. He wants us to understand his will for our lives. When we look toward the wrong things, we create barriers to discovering God's will.
For instance:
God's will is not about a feeling. God's plan for your life is not discovered through some emotional sensation. His plan for your life is practical, not mystical.
God's will is not about a formula. God's will is not some step-by-step procedure that you rigidly follow through life. Life just isn't that simple! You need more than a formula.
Here's the key: God's will for your life begins with a friendship. God is far more interested in having you establish a relationship with him than he is interested in having you follow a set of rules. First and foremost, God wants you to get to know him, like he already knows you. Once this relationship is established everything else—career, family, goals, recreation, ambitions, finances, health and friendships—will begin to fall into their proper place.
Barriers to Knowing God's Will by Rick Warren
Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:17 (NLT)
"Here's the key: God's will for your life begins with a friendship. "
Every day I talk to people who say, "If there is a God and he allowed me to be born and I'm still alive, what is his plan for me?"
"Why am I here and what am I supposed to be doing? How do I find out God's will for me so I don't waste my life?"
The Bible says this: "So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do." (Ephesians 5:15-17 TEV)
It's wise to figure out why I was put on earth. It's foolish to go through life without a clue. Fortunately, God doesn't play games with us. He wants us to understand his will for our lives. When we look toward the wrong things, we create barriers to discovering God's will.
For instance:
God's will is not about a feeling. God's plan for your life is not discovered through some emotional sensation. His plan for your life is practical, not mystical.
God's will is not about a formula. God's will is not some step-by-step procedure that you rigidly follow through life. Life just isn't that simple! You need more than a formula.
Here's the key: God's will for your life begins with a friendship. God is far more interested in having you establish a relationship with him than he is interested in having you follow a set of rules. First and foremost, God wants you to get to know him, like he already knows you. Once this relationship is established everything else—career, family, goals, recreation, ambitions, finances, health and friendships—will begin to fall into their proper place.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Purpose Driven Life
The Six Phases of Faith by Rick Warren
"Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Let it happen, then, just as you believe!" Matthew 9:29 (TEV)
"When things don't happen on our timetable, we tend to run ahead of God and create detours to make it happen. You may end up making the wrong decision. God takes our belief and he blesses us through it, and that makes life a great adventure. It is critical that we cooperate with God as he builds faith within us. Because of its importance, I want to review the six phases of faith and t his will also let you see them all in one place."
Phase 1—Dream: Do I have a dream planted in me by God? If you don't have a dream, start praying, "God give me your dream." If you can't write down the dream God has given you, you need to be praying. If you don't have a dream, you're not living, you're just existing. God placed you on this earth for a purpose.
Phase 2—Decision: Do I need to make a faith-decision that will help that dream become a reality? Some of you have a dream from God, but you haven't made a decision to follow it. You're still on the fence. God's word for you is "Go for it!" Some of you may need to make the decision to give your life to Christ. Some of you may need to make the decision to join a church. Some of you may need to make the decision to get involved in ministry.
Phase 3—Delay: What has caused my dream to be delayed? If your prayer hasn't been answered, that's okay. It just means you're in God's waiting room. Now is not the time to detour. When things don't happen on our timetable, we tend to run ahead of God and create detours to make it happen. You may end up making the wrong decision. Wait, wait, and wait for God to work his hand.
Phase 4—Difficulty: What difficulties have I faced waiting for the dream to be fulfilled? You are being tested, but it's not going to be the last time. You'll go through many, many tests in life. God says, "I know exactly what you're going through. I see it. I'm watching. Don't think I've forgotten you—I haven't."
Phase 5—Dead End: Have I come to a dead end yet? Some of you are there ready to give up. But the truth is—you're right where God wants you. You're getting prepared for deliverance. God's word for you is "Hang on! Keep on believing! Don't give up!"
Phase 6—Deliverance: Do I expect and trust God to deliver me? "According to your faith will it be done to you." (Matthew 9:29 NIV) God is faithful. What he tells us to do, he will do. But it doesn't happen overnight. You go through the faith-phases of Dream, Decision, Delay, Difficulty, and Dead End . . . and then comes Deliverance.
"Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Let it happen, then, just as you believe!" Matthew 9:29 (TEV)
"When things don't happen on our timetable, we tend to run ahead of God and create detours to make it happen. You may end up making the wrong decision. God takes our belief and he blesses us through it, and that makes life a great adventure. It is critical that we cooperate with God as he builds faith within us. Because of its importance, I want to review the six phases of faith and t his will also let you see them all in one place."
Phase 1—Dream: Do I have a dream planted in me by God? If you don't have a dream, start praying, "God give me your dream." If you can't write down the dream God has given you, you need to be praying. If you don't have a dream, you're not living, you're just existing. God placed you on this earth for a purpose.
Phase 2—Decision: Do I need to make a faith-decision that will help that dream become a reality? Some of you have a dream from God, but you haven't made a decision to follow it. You're still on the fence. God's word for you is "Go for it!" Some of you may need to make the decision to give your life to Christ. Some of you may need to make the decision to join a church. Some of you may need to make the decision to get involved in ministry.
Phase 3—Delay: What has caused my dream to be delayed? If your prayer hasn't been answered, that's okay. It just means you're in God's waiting room. Now is not the time to detour. When things don't happen on our timetable, we tend to run ahead of God and create detours to make it happen. You may end up making the wrong decision. Wait, wait, and wait for God to work his hand.
Phase 4—Difficulty: What difficulties have I faced waiting for the dream to be fulfilled? You are being tested, but it's not going to be the last time. You'll go through many, many tests in life. God says, "I know exactly what you're going through. I see it. I'm watching. Don't think I've forgotten you—I haven't."
Phase 5—Dead End: Have I come to a dead end yet? Some of you are there ready to give up. But the truth is—you're right where God wants you. You're getting prepared for deliverance. God's word for you is "Hang on! Keep on believing! Don't give up!"
Phase 6—Deliverance: Do I expect and trust God to deliver me? "According to your faith will it be done to you." (Matthew 9:29 NIV) God is faithful. What he tells us to do, he will do. But it doesn't happen overnight. You go through the faith-phases of Dream, Decision, Delay, Difficulty, and Dead End . . . and then comes Deliverance.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Purpose Driven Life
The following is today's daily devotional from Rick Warren's website, PurposeDrivenLife.com.
God builds your faith by giving you a dream by Rick Warren
"Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." Ephesians 3:20 (LB)
"If a dream comes from God, it will be so big in your life that you can't do it on your own. If you could do it on your own, you wouldn't need faith."
Faith is like a muscle: it can be strengthened. It can be weak or it can be strong, depending on how much you use it.
How does God build your faith? He uses a very predictable pattern that we will look at this week; and, if you understand it, you can cooperate with him in developing greater faith. It's like when the father, seeking help from Jesus for his son, said, "Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" (Mark 9:22 TEV)
Jesus replied, "What do you mean, 'If I can'? . . . Anything is possible if a person believes." (Mark 9:23 NLT)
The first thing God does to build your faith is give you a dream. When God wants to work in your life, he'll always give you a dream—about yourself, about what he wants you to do, about how he's going to use your life to impact the world.
There are many examples in the Bible of this.
God gave Noah the dream of building an ark.
God gave Abraham the dream of being the father of a great nation.
God gave Joseph the dream of being a leader that would save his people.
God gave Nehemiah the dream of building the wall around Jerusalem.
How do you know when a dream is from God or when it's just something you've thought up yourself? The Bible tells us that God, "by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." (Ephesians 3:20 LB)
In other words, if a dream comes from God, it will be so big in your life that you can't do it on your own. If you could do it on your own, you wouldn't need faith. And if you don't have faith you're not pleasing God, because the Bible says whatever is not of faith is sin. (Roman 14:23)
God starts to build your faith by giving you a dream. He may be speaking to you now, but you just don't recognize it for what it is. That dream you have—the idea, the concept —that thing you've been thinking about doing that would be of real benefit to other people, where do you think that idea came from?
God will never tell you to do something that contradicts his truth. In other words, he won't give you a dream of leaving your family and kids and moving to Hollywood to be a movie star. If you've got that dream, then you can know it is not from God.
God starts with a dream as he works within your life to build faith.
God builds your faith by giving you a dream by Rick Warren
"Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." Ephesians 3:20 (LB)
"If a dream comes from God, it will be so big in your life that you can't do it on your own. If you could do it on your own, you wouldn't need faith."
Faith is like a muscle: it can be strengthened. It can be weak or it can be strong, depending on how much you use it.
How does God build your faith? He uses a very predictable pattern that we will look at this week; and, if you understand it, you can cooperate with him in developing greater faith. It's like when the father, seeking help from Jesus for his son, said, "Have pity on us and help us, if you possibly can!" (Mark 9:22 TEV)
Jesus replied, "What do you mean, 'If I can'? . . . Anything is possible if a person believes." (Mark 9:23 NLT)
The first thing God does to build your faith is give you a dream. When God wants to work in your life, he'll always give you a dream—about yourself, about what he wants you to do, about how he's going to use your life to impact the world.
There are many examples in the Bible of this.
God gave Noah the dream of building an ark.
God gave Abraham the dream of being the father of a great nation.
God gave Joseph the dream of being a leader that would save his people.
God gave Nehemiah the dream of building the wall around Jerusalem.
How do you know when a dream is from God or when it's just something you've thought up yourself? The Bible tells us that God, "by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." (Ephesians 3:20 LB)
In other words, if a dream comes from God, it will be so big in your life that you can't do it on your own. If you could do it on your own, you wouldn't need faith. And if you don't have faith you're not pleasing God, because the Bible says whatever is not of faith is sin. (Roman 14:23)
God starts to build your faith by giving you a dream. He may be speaking to you now, but you just don't recognize it for what it is. That dream you have—the idea, the concept —that thing you've been thinking about doing that would be of real benefit to other people, where do you think that idea came from?
God will never tell you to do something that contradicts his truth. In other words, he won't give you a dream of leaving your family and kids and moving to Hollywood to be a movie star. If you've got that dream, then you can know it is not from God.
God starts with a dream as he works within your life to build faith.
Monday, April 26, 2010
TPDL-Day 40
Day 40 - Living with Purpose
Point to Ponder: Living with purpose is the only way to really live.
Verse: "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?
UPDATE -
Create a LIFE PURPOSE STATEMENT that:
- summarizes God's plans for your life
- points the direction of your life
- defines "success" for you
- clarifies your roles
- expresses your shape
Ask these questions of yourself:
1. What will be the center (worship) of my life?
2. What will be the character (discipleship) of my life?
3. What will be the contribution (service) of my life?
4. What will be the communication (mission) of my life?
5. What will be the community (fellowship) of my life?
Start living on purpose today!
Point to Ponder: Living with purpose is the only way to really live.
Verse: "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?
UPDATE -
Create a LIFE PURPOSE STATEMENT that:
- summarizes God's plans for your life
- points the direction of your life
- defines "success" for you
- clarifies your roles
- expresses your shape
Ask these questions of yourself:
1. What will be the center (worship) of my life?
2. What will be the character (discipleship) of my life?
3. What will be the contribution (service) of my life?
4. What will be the communication (mission) of my life?
5. What will be the community (fellowship) of my life?
Start living on purpose today!
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