Introduction
This book was written with a 40 day reading format – 40 chapters to move through and to learn from. Much like the 40 day trial period used throughout scripture.
Recognize the value of interacting with the material, rather than simply glossing over an issue.
Concerning the ‘Verse to Remember’ sections at the end of each chapter: “If you really want to improve your life, memorizing Scripture may be the most important habit you can begin.”
Be sure to write your answers to the questions in the margin – feel free to make comments. It personalizes your reading, and helps you with retention. If you have the ability to share it with others, by all means, do!
I have committed to reading a chapter a day for the next 40 days. I will finish the program and get a better sense for the purpose that God has for my life!
Section 1 – What on Earth Am I Here For?
Day 1 – It All Starts with God
My purpose is not really mine at all – it is Gods purpose for my life. It has been conceived of before I came into existence, and is independent of my will or desire. Take note that whenever hunting for a passion or purpose based on my desires, I discover more confusion than clarity.
“You were made by God and for God – and until you understand that, life will never make sense.”
“Being successful and fulfilling your life’s purpose are not at all the same issue!”
“The Bible says, ‘Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.” (Matt 16:25)
“You didn’t create youself, so there is no way you can tell yourself what you were created for! If I handed you an invention you had never seen before, you wouldn’t know it’s purpose, and the invention itself wouldn’t be able to tell you either. Only the creator or the owner’s manual could reveal its purpose.”
“Fortunately, there is an alternative to speculation about the meaning and purpose of life. It’s revelation. We can turn to what God has revealed about life in his Word. The easiest way to discover the purpose of an invention is to ask the creator of it. The same is true for discovering your life’s purpose: Ask God.
God has not left us in the dark to wonder and guess. He has clearly revealed his five purposes for our lives through the Bible.”
“The Bible says, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” (Eph 1:1)
That verse shows us the following:
1. You discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. God was thinking of you long before you every thought about him. His purpose for your life predates your conception. He planned it before you existed, without your input! You may choose your career, your spouse, and many other things, but you don’t get to choose your purpose. [it’s revealed to you!]
3. The purpose of your life fits into a much larger, cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity.
Verse to Remember: “Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” Colossians 1:16b (msg)
Question to Consider: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself? (A: Stay close to scripture and prayer, and good mental input. Might be good to develop visual reminders.)
Day 2 – You Are Not an Accident
“God prescribed every single detail of your body. He deliberately chose your race, the color of your skin, you hair, and every other feature. He custom-made your body just the way He wanted it. He also determined the naturally talents you would possess and the uniqueness of your personality.” My thought: Sweet! So what would He like to have me do with this set of attributes?
“Because God made you for a reason, he also decided when” and where and into what situation I would live in. He even decided the duration of my life. And get this – the IMPACT of my life! He specifically chose my parents, and my purpose to accomplish His will.
“There is a God who made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning! We discover that meaning and purpose only when we make God the reference point of our lives.”
Verse to remember: “I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.” Isiah 44:2 (cev)
Question to Consider: Knowing that God uniquely created me, what areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept? (A: Potentially my fathers death, the dysfunction of my family that I have learned from…)
Day 3 – What Drives Your Life?