DAY 7 - July 1, 2010: "The Reason For Everything

Point to Ponder: It's all for Him.

Question to Consider: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?

Living for God's Glory! We are so easily distracted by the world. Our jobs, our families, our schedules...places to go, people to see, things to do. How often do you stop and ask "Does this glorify God?". After all, that's why we are here. He made us to serve HIS purpose, not our own. Doesn't it then make sense that we would seek His direction, His council, and His approval? Life on earth may be but a grain of sand in the beach of eternity but it is the most important grain. How we spend this brief amount of time will determine how we will spend eternity. And the best part is, its an open book test. The answers are right in front of us. Jesus came to show us the way to live our live to glorify God. The Bible gives us the blueprint. You will stumble. MISTAKES are inevitable, PERFECTION is unattainable, but FORGIVENESS is eternal. Every second of every minute, of every day you have a choice. Will you live for yourself, or will you live for GOD? 

Everything comes from God alone. Everything  lives by His power, and everything is for His glory. (Romans 11:36 {Living Bible})

DAY 6 - June 30, 2010: "Life is a Temporary Assignment"

Point to Ponder: This world is not my home.

Question to Consider: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?

It is interesting to think about how often people comment on how "short" life is. More often than not it is with negative connotation. We need to hold on to every moment, make it last as long as possible, live life to the fullest because soon it will be OVER! I must admit to spewing these hallow philosophies myself from time to time in the past. How refreshing it is though to rejoice in the shortness of our time on earth, to know that our TRUE home awaits us and our time and joy there will be immeasurable. How difficult it can be though to be in the world but not OF the world. We are bombarded everyday with worldly measures of success and prosperity. Faced with that, it is not easy to take comfort in knowing that nothingness by the world's standards can equate to riches in eternity. 1 Corinthians 7:31 really speaks to me and my walk lately: "Those in frequent contact with the things of the world should make good use of them without becoming attached to them. for this world and all it contains will pass away. (NLT)" Using the things of this world for a good, Godly purpose. Making the most out of what I've been given. Being a good "steward" of my time, talents, money, and all that God has blessed me with. And not to fear failure, lack of money, success, or even death, because I'm not home yet. This is just a pit stop... a test... a temporary assignment. Amen.

 Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives. (1 Peter 2:11-12 {The Message})

DAY 5 - June 18, 2010: "Seeing Life From God's View"

Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust.

Question to Consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

One of my greatest tests in my life is having a family. God has entrusted to me, in part, the health and welfare of 4 other individuals. Not only am I to care for them physically and financially, but also spiritually. I am to set an example everyday for them. Talk about a test and a trust! The more I examine my life and all aspects of it, it all leads back to God. The way I behave and speak effects all those around me, especially my children. God trusts me to set a Godly example. I am physically and mentally gifted by God to perform my job. By using those gifts to their fullest, I am honoring those gifts, setting an example for others. When I honor God by using those gifts to their fullest, God rewards me with financial well being. When I use those financial gifts wisely, I am caring and providing for my family, thus fulfilling my trust with God. It all comes from and goes back to Him! daily tests that I see myself failing are moments of interaction with my family. My temper can flair, my tongue can be sharp, and I find myself speaking in anger, not in love. That is not the example I want to set for them. I pray that God continues to aid me in that struggle. That he softens my temper and helps me to show grace and love ALWAYS to my family. 

What do you have that god hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own? (1 Corinthians 4:7b {New Living Translation})

DAY 4 - June 17, 2010: "Made to Last Forever"

Point to Ponder: The is more to life than just here and now.

Question to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?

I can only think to answer the question at the end of the chapter: "What should I STOP doing and what should I START doing today?" I need to STOP worry and stress in my life! My worldly, everyday worries and stresses bind me at times, and keep me from focusing on the Big Picture! I need to give it all to God and act with faith. All I can do is walk in faith, and trust in God to provide care. It's his plan, not mine. Less worrying, more praying. Stress, worry and fear mean a lack of trust in the Lord. It seems the right answers are always easier to find with a Godly perspective. Not that it is always easy to act Godly in an un-Godly world. But, fear is no excuse when it comes to your place in eternity. I need to LIVE OUT LOUD with my faith and carry His light with me down every path I tread.

This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever. (1 John 2:17 [New Living Translation])

DAY 3 - June 16, 2010: "What Drives Your Life?"

Pont to Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace.

Question to Consider: What would my family and friends say is the driving force in my life? What do I want it to be?

Of the examples given on what drives most people in this world, I can most relate to APPROVAL. Its something that I can acknowledge has always concerned me; doing what is pleasing in the eyes of others. Sadly, many of my quests for approval led me away from Godly things, and toward worldly ones. Its not easy turning my back on that need, but I see the great amount of progress I have made. I know that God's approval is lasting and eternal. Seeking the approval of my wife, a Godly woman, has also helped me focus my priorities. I see God in her everyday. I know her heart is with the Lord and by drawing closer to her, I draw closer to Him as well. Pleasing God has been my NEW DRIVING FORCE! The last few weeks have marked an awakening in my spiritual life. After just 3 days, this book is helping to focus and channel that awakening. My quest is for purpose, in Him who has given it to me. Amen.

I observed  that the basic motive for success is the driving force of envy and jealousy! (Ecclesiastes 4:4 [Living Bible])

You Lord give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. ( Isaiah 26:3 [Today's English Version])

"The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder -- a waif, a nothing, a no man." - Thomas Carlyle

DAY 2 - June 15, 2010: "You Are Not An Accident"

Point to Ponder: I am not an accident.

Question to Consider: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my presonality. background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

I never believed I was an accident. Never have I felt that there was no point. I have always struggled with figuring out WHAT that point is though. Actually, pondering the fact that God specifically designed me to be the way that I am has provided me with some of my most faith rattling moments. Why would God want ME to be like THIS? Why would he make EVERYONE, seemingly wicked, evil people, to be like that? My comfort comes from looking at the enormity of it all. How it is all interconnected. Without darkness, there can be no light. It is all intricately woven together by God, for His purpose. I'm looking at my daughter right now. So tiny, so beautiful, innocent in every way. I have to wonder what God has in store for her. What purpose will she serve in God's Kingdom? Whatever the answer is, I know that she is a part of my purpose. Thanks be to God.

I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. (Isaiah 44:2 CEV)

DAY 1 - June 14, 2010: "It All Starts With God"

Point to Ponder: It's not about me.

Question to Consider: Inspite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?

ITS NOT ABOUT ME! Even as I've been experiencing God speaking to me more clearly in these passing weeks, PURPOSE is an entirely new thought. I've heard God calling me to strengthen my faith and my relationship with Him; to abandon my worldly way of thinking and transform myself (Romans 12:2). Still, all this was focused on making ME a better person, father, husband, friend, Christian. Sure I need to focus on being the type of man God calls us all to be. But not for me, not for my family, not for others around me. For GOD! For HIS purpose which he created me to fulfill. Make God #1!


For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.(Colossians 1:16)