Chapter 39- Balancing Your Life

Take care not to overemphasize the areas you are most comfortable in and as a result, neglect the areas you need to mature in. It will help keep things balanced if you join a small group for accountability, regularly evaluate your progress, record achievement in a journal and share what you learn with others.

Most of all, remember that it's all for the Glory of God! We live, we learn, we love, we share, we grow, we testify, we exemplify, we witness, we serve, we save, we give, we mature, and we do it all from our heart, for His Glory.

Chpt. 38 - Becoming a World-Class Christian

The "Point to Ponder" at the end of this chapter is really a challenge to consider. It states this "The Great Commission is my commission." It's MY commission! We are all missionaries, commissioned by Jesus to share the good news of His salvation.

As PDL states so well, there is a BIG difference between a WORLD-CLASS Christian and a WORDLY Christian. WORDLY Christians look to God primarily for personal fulfillment. They are saved, but self-centered. In contrast, the WORLD-CLASS Christian knows that they were saved to serve and made for a mission. They are eager to be used by God and excited about the great privilege that they are given.

I am praying to be a WORLD-CLASS Christian. I want to embrace every moment that God gives me to share Christ's message of hope to a world that desperately need Him!

Chapter 37- Sharing Your Life Message

There are four parts to our life message:
Our Testimony- the story of how we began our relationship with Jesus
Our Life Lessons- Important lessons God has taught us
Our Godly Passions- What God shaped us to care about passionately
The Good News- sharing the message of salvation

To prepare to share our life message, it might be helpful to write down what your life was like before you met Jesus, how you realized you needed Him, how you committed your life to Him, and the difference it has made in your life.

We have an obligation to look for opportunities to share our "life message". This chapter gives so much information on how to prepare to witness and how to share the message of salvation. It's easy to relate to real-life troubles- so spend a little time reflecting on the following areas so that you are better prepared to move forward with your mission to witness.

How has God taught me from failure? poor economy? no money? pain, sorrow or depression? illness? disappointment? loss?

How have I learned from my family, church, relationships, children, and my critics?

What am I passionate about?

How else can I witness?

Chapter 36 - Made for a Mission

The constant theme of this book is that we all have a great purpose! The driving force of our purpose is our MISSION. Fulfilling your life mission on earth is an essential part of living for God's glory.

The Great Commission was given to every follower of Jesus (Matt. 28:19-20). It is a wonderful privilege that God has challenged us to do - go and impact our world for Christ. All of your God given gifts and talents are designed to help you. By living each day with God's mission in mind, we will impact people with the message of Christ's love and saving grace.

EVERYDAY we have to be PURPOSE driven for the great MISSION. For eternity's sake.

Chapter 35- God's Power in your Weakness

We spent a lot of time (several chapters) talking about using our strengths and talents to serve God- now let's talk about using our weaknesses for the same thing! I had never put much thought into why I have the weaknesses I have. I guess I just always told myself that 'we all have a cross to bear' and if I had to say why... I guess I would say that it was to build our character and form us into the person God intends us to be. I never contemplated the possibility that God would use our weakness for his Glory and Power. There's so much to think about here.

I challenge each of you to make a list of your weaknesses and put some thought into how you (or should I say HE?)can use those weaknesses for his Glory. (Feel free to post & share some of your thoughts with us if you want)

Chapter 34 - Thinking Like a Servant

Our mind is a powerful force. It can make us and it can break us. "Thinking like a servant" was another great topic choice to study. It really all starts on how we think about serving - our attitude is crucial. I agree, God is always most interested in why we do something than in what we do. This might be true for all of us if we think about it. I am at my very best state of mind when I am serving - thinking of others and giving. We cannot be a servant if we are full of ourselves and self-serving achievements. We need to be humble, giving with gladness and serve for God's glory. Let God renew your mind and adjust your thinking habits so He can use you to the fullest. I have to pray for this everyday.

Chapter 33- How Real Servants Act

It's true, actions do speak louder than words. The main idea behind this chapter is that in order to be a true servant, you must take action. Good intentions do not excuse anyone from stepping up and doing what needs to be done. It sounds so simple, but often we let "life" get in the way of our service. It's very easy to pack so much into our schedule that we leave no room for opportunities to serve. We must cultivate our awareness so that we consciously seek ways in which we can step up.

As you ponder your own situation and how you have (and/or have not) been able to serve, consider these points:
1) You must make yourself available to serve- It's not always going to be convenient or pleasant.
2) You must pay attention to needs We have to train ourselves to acknowledge and act when needs are identified- because opportunity passes quickly. You don't want to miss your chance to serve. Remember John Wesley's motto "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can."
3) Do the best you can with what you have to work with Don't fear that you're not good enough. Even if what you do has some flaws, it is better than doing nothing.
4) Put your heart into everything you do It doesn't matter if it's a small task or a huge project- give it all you've got.
5) Be faithful and reliable Finish what you start, or at least see that it is finished- even if you have to call for help. Fulfilling responsibility, keeping promises, and completing commitments keep us trustworthy and dependable.
6) Consider your motives carefully Don't serve for the approval or recognition of others. It doesn't count unless it is truly heartfelt and sincere.

Chapt. 32 - Using What God Gave You

"Since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be." Romans 12:5 (Msg)

There you go ... kinda reminds me of the Nike slogan "just do it." He shaped you for a purpose, and He expects you to make the most of what you have been given. What else can one say? The most I can do is just encourage you to give it all you got. Whatever gifts God has given you can be enlarged, refined and developed into something amazing. Stretch yourself and "just do it".

Chapter 31- Understanding Your Shape

As we discussed previously, each of us is unique. We have various God-given skills and abilities that we were given for the purpose of bringing glory to God. Along with those skills and abilities, we were each given our very own personality to assist us in our endeavors.

This chapter really made me think about how every experience of our lifetime leaves a unique impression on our individual development. I think back to my childhood and my brothers and sisters. There were many events that we all experienced together, but because we each have our own individual personality and SHAPE, the impression those experiences left on each one of us was different. When we reminisce, we each recall different aspects of events- because that is the part that was meant for our personal development I guess. This concept really applies to many scenarios. For example, you and your friend witness a serious accident- will the impression it leaves on your life, ministry, and personality be the exact as it is for your friend?

Chapter 30 - Shaped for Serving God

This is a WOW moment for me. I have been personally writing a Bible study for young girls and my focus has been on the lead scripture verse in this very chapter.

Your hands shaped me and made me - Job 10:8

I do not think that is be chance so I am stunned for a moment. The reason that I have been focusing on this Scripture (and others with the same message), is that it shows us our value and the deep love from our Creator. He shaped us in our mother's womb. Can we truly grasp the depth of that thought? ... God chose to make us and made us unique for serving Him. We were made for His glory! If we think that we are only here by chance or an accident, it totally devalues our lives. There is NO journey if there is no purpose. Read though this chapter and feel God's love on each page.

Chapter 29- Accepting your Assignment

There are many who have always known and followed their 'calling' and others who still don't have it figured out. But, the bottom line is that God has blessed each of us with our own unique talents and skills. Our assignment is to use those talents and skills to glorify God and help each other.

When you stand before God at your final judgement do you think he will accept 'I was gonna...','I was afraid...','I was busy...', or 'I forgot'? I don't know about you, but I would much rather be able to say 'Lord, you told me to feed the hungry, I did it. You told me to witness, I did it. You told me to take care of widows & orphans, I did it. You told me to love my neighbor, I did it. You told me to share the gospel, I did it.'

Chapter 28 - It Takes Time

The very first line in this chapter sums it all up for me. There are no shortcuts to maturity.

The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time. I guess I wish it wasn't that way - but I know that growth is a process, not an overnight event. Yes, God could instantly transform us but he has chosen to develop us slowly. Like the PDL points out - we are slow learners so it is probably the best approach.

In our process of Christian growth we have to be patient, stay focused and not get discouraged. "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." Phil 1:6

I am thankful that Jesus believes in each of us so much.

Chapter 27- Defeating Temptation

Temptation will arise, you can count on it. Each of us have our own weaknesses or vulnerabilities that open the door for temptation. The ability to maintain willpower and to overcome temptation lies within each of us. Know that you have to means to thwart temptation.

Practicing the four biblical keys will help in your endeavors to defeat temptation. The first step is refocusing your attention. The book says that when you resist a thought you actually reinforce the thought thereby causing your desire to grow. But by actually accepting the thought and simply refocusing your attention onto something else you are able neutralize the appeal. The second step is to reveal your struggle to someone who will pray for you, encourage you and hold you accountable. The third step is to resist the devil by accepting God's salvation and using His Word as your weapon. Finally, we must realize our vulnerability. This means we must never let down our guard and above all, avoid putting ourselves in tempting situations.

Chapter 26 - Growing through Temptation

Happy is the man who doesn't give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him. James 1:12

What a beautiful promise God gives us here. A crown of life for those that don't give in and do wrong. As we see it ...every temptation is an opportunity to do good. Temptation simply provides the choice. Every time you defeat a temptation, you become more like Jesus! We will grow through the temptations of life and develop in our spiritual maturity by praying for God's help. Don't give up. Look to God in each situation. A crown awaits each of us!

Chapter 25- Transformed by Trouble

Bad things happen to good people. It's inevitable. Everyone has their own set of 'troubles'. No one, not even Jesus got to bypass the trials and tribulations of this world. Understanding what is expected of us and learning how to deal with whatever might be put upon us is how God molds us. Of course, the ultimate goal is to build Christlike character, which in many cases is a challenge in itself.

Events that unfold in many lives are so deeply traumatizing that it is hard to even imagine how to respond let alone how Jesus would respond. I recently read the book of Job and as I thought about his situation it occurred to me that his character was much more developed than mine. I can say with a good amount of certainty that I probably would have started praying for forgiveness for whatever sin I committed that I didn't know about. I would have been second guessing myself thinking 'did my neighbors goat get mixed with mine?' 'who was I mean to?' 'what did I do wrong?'. But, Job was absolutely positive that he did nothing wrong and unwilling to even think that was a possibility. He held fast to his conviction and never gave up his faith. How exhilarated he must have been to find that he was the only man alive who put Satan to shame!

We're not expected to thank God for suffering- we're expected to be thankful for the opportunity to grow. Most of all, we need to help each other, support each other, and refuse to give up or give in- just like Job... especially when it seems hopeless. Keep your eyes on the prize.

Chapt. 24 - Transformed by Truth

Well, I am going to start with the end of this chapter because I feel like we really should be getting it by now. I am talking to myself here (and whoever is reading this too). The question to consider on pg. 192 is this ... "WHAT HAS GOD ALREADY TOLD ME (YOU) IN HIS WORD THAT I HAVEN'T STARTED DOING YET?"

If we are really searching and asking, I know that God is showing us. I know this, believe this, and have seen it time and time again. The truth does transform us! It sets us free from ourselves. One of my favorite quotes from this chapter is this one on pg. 185 "Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth."

Be encouraged in the journey and let His truth transform you and your future in Christ! Read John 8: 31-32 this week

Chapter 23- How We Grow

All you have to do to get started is decide to follow Jesus. But in order to grow spiritually, there has to be some change. Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort, while you work on developing new habits and changing the way you think, the Holy Spirit is right there beside you with the watering can.

Focusing on others and on giving will help develop your mentality for spiritual maturity. "Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds, and our beliefs must be backed up with Christlike behavior." (PDL p.183)

Happy Valentines Day ...we love you!

Chapt 22 - Created to Become Like Christ

WOW ... I am trying to grasp that thought. In my own strength this would truly be impossible! The scripture at the beginning of this chapter gives us some great advice.

"Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth." Col. 2:7

Page 175 in the PDL highlights it the best as Paul explains it in Eph. 4:22-24. Becoming like Christ is an active pursuit. 1. We must choose to let go of our old ways of acting. 2. We must change the way we think. 3. We must "put on" the character of Christ by developing new, godly habits. It is a great privilege to be created to become like Christ. Thank you Jesus for loving us so!

Chapter 21- Protecting Your Church

We're not talking about the using armed guards here. Rather, it's about keeping peace and unity within your church family. Any time you put a group of diverse individuals together, there will inevitably be differences. How we deal with those differences is key to supporting and promoting a healthy church. There are a number of things we can do to ensure that we, as individuals, support God's call for His "household" (or church) to function in peaceful harmony.

Focusing on what we have in common, not the differences is essential to maintaining a warm, welcoming experience for all who visit God's house. Personal differences must never be allowed to divide God's family. God himself chose to give each of us our own personality, background, race, and specific preferences- we must choose to embrace and welcome the variety infused within our church families.

Be realistic in your expectations of your church. We must passionately love and support our church despite imperfections. Understand that humans will disappoint you and let you down, because all humans are imperfect! Every effort should be made to work through whatever issues arise, it will inevitably make the church family stronger and facilitate spiritual growth.

We must choose to encourage rather than criticize! This is so easy to say, yet it can be really hard to practice. Sometimes we don't even realize we are criticizing our brothers and sisters. It seems to take more effort to encourage others than it does to pass judgement. We'll leave it at that...

Refuse to listen to gossip. Sounds easy...yet often we refrain from telling a gossiper that we don't want to hear it. Why is that? I'm going to blame it on imperfection and Satan's persuasion- either way, gossip causes great tension in God's household and deep wounds to the subject. Prayer will help resist the temptation to participate.

Practice God's method for conflict resolution. Go directly to the person involved as soon as possible. If that doesn't resolve the issue, take one or two others to help confirm the problem and help reconcile the relationship (mediate). If that doesn't work, take it to the church leaders.

Support your pastor and leaders. They are only human. Their responsibility and challenges are numerous. It's imperative that we do all that is in our power to show our loyal support for all their efforts.

Chapt. 20 Restoring Broken Fellowship

This is a heavy subject that only mature people can handle (and even then it's a tough challenge.) I will try to sum up this chapter and be sensitive because many of us have been hurt and still have some broken relationships out there.

The PDL does a great job on talking about how we are called to be peacemakers. In fact we are called to peacemaking (Romans 12:18). That doesn't mean we become a doormat or a people pleaser but rather we are committed to love, peace and truth.

Here are the 7 Biblical steps to restoring a relationship 1. Talk to God before talking to the person. 2. Always take the initiative. 3. Sympathize with their feelings. 4. Confess your part of the conflict. 5. Attack the problem, not the person 6. Cooperate as much as possible. 7. Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.

After this, you have done all that you are asked to do. Leave the rest in God's hands - and theirs.

Chapter 19- Cultivating Community

There are many challenges involved when you bring multiple cultures and personalities together. In order to grow and thrive in any diverse community, there are tools of cultivation that must be used. Two of the main tools that come to mind are humility and honesty. What else does it take to cultivate a positive, productive group?

I thought Warren brought it together nicely on page 151 where he said, "I urge you to make a group covenant that includes the nine characteristics of biblical fellowship: We will share our true feelings (authenticity), encourage each other (mutuality), support each other (sympathy), forgive each other (mercy), seek the truth in love (honesty), admit our weaknesses (humility), respect our differences (courtesy), not gossip (confidentiality), and make group a priority (frequency)."

What came to mind for me is what Paul wrote to the Galatians about the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." If you exercise the fruit of the spirit, you will cultivate successful communities and relationships.

Chap. 18 - Experiencing Life Together

Life is meant to be shared! How true that is and really what a gift that is to each of us. Sometimes, it is a challenge and sometimes it's pure bliss. Either way we need others in our life to motivate, challenge, love, share and grow. The Bible calls this shared experience "fellowship." We need places and groups that we can expose our faults, forgive, heal, give and receive. Jesus created the need for community deep within us. The body of Christ can be the greatest example of true "fellowship." I encouraged you to get involved in Bible study or home fellowship group where you can grow in friendships and be encouraged and challenged by other Christians. If you have a story on how a group really helped you grow, please share it here. We love hearing from you.

Happy New Year!

Today, my friend, we are one year closer to Jesus' return. Let's celebrate by making the most of each day of this year!