Angela Benson
Today starts our Purpose Driven Life journey. I just finished today’s reading and I’m very excited about continuing with you through the entire 40 day journey.The topic for this week, What on Earth am I Here for?, is a very appropriate (and challenging way) to get us started. The reading for today, It All Starts With God, could have been titled, “It’s not about you!” I certainly got the message.
I’ll be thinking on today’s question to ponder for a while: In spite of all the advertising around me, how do I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?
For those of you just joining us, you can find the first week’s reading here. After that, you’ll need to buy the book (it’s available everywhere) or get a copy from your local library. I encouarge you to join us. I think it’s going to be a great ride. I’ll post again on Monday and we can all check in for the next week.
Scripture for today: Everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him (Col. 1:16b, The Message)
Note that Pastor Warren uses a great many different versions of the Bible in the book. The first time I began this journey I found this off-putting, but this time I’m just going to stick with the passages he presents in the book and not try find them all in the version that I primarily use (New Living Translation). You might want to do the same.
Be blessed!
I almost forgot to start today. But for me, though it’s almost 0300 EST, the next day doesn’t start until I get up in the morning.
Lots of deep thinking. I guess I always knew I was here for God’s purpose not mine but knowing and doing are two entirely different things. I’m not the prayer warrior type, unfortunately, and God knows it: I hate to “ask” for something more than once just as I don’t like being nagged about things, though sometimes I need reminders. But does God?
Just my first thoughts on this.
See you next week, though I might write down more.
Good idea, Sigrun! Everybody feel free to comment here with your thoughts throughout Week 1. I’ll start another post for Week 2.
The library book is on its way to me. I placed a hold on it yesterday. If I’m lucky, I may be able to renew it for the whole 40 days (3 weeks at a time). It’s not that I don’t want to get it but finances are still very tight. If it bears repeated reading, I’ll get it later.
Haven’t done my reading for today yet.
Great, Sigrun! The online readings should last until you get your book.
I almost went to bed and forgot to do my reading. I am so greatful to have this email from Angela to remind me, and to make me accountable for reading ‘The Purpose Driven Life’.
My answer to Day 1’s question is: I try to remember to look at nature every day. The beauty of the open spaces around me, focus my attention on God’s beauty and care for us all.
God bless you all,
Charlotte
PS The day is not over until I go to bed. I’m going now, so goodnight.
I like that, Charlotte! The day is not over until you to bed and you don’t go to bed until after you’ve done your reading for the day. Words to live by.
Charlotte, thanks for the reminder of something I once did and need to get back to. I used to work at a company where the grounds had beautiful old trees and were nicely landscaped. When I left the building each day, the sound of the wind in the trees and the sight of God’s creation were an immediate relief from the day’s stresses.
Something I like that I learned from a friend is to write down a Bible verse and carry it in my pocket, purse, planner, etc. so that I see it throughout the day.
I didn’t read yesterday, but I am not going to let that stop me. I *WILL* read today so I’ll just be a day behind. I’m okay with that. 🙂
This was a great chapter. I have been dealing with this question for the last two weeks, “What is my purpose in life.” God knows He put this book on my heart because I have been asking this question everyday, and this ended up being the first chapter in the book. Look at God!! When this question was laid on my heart the first place I went to was God. I know who holds my future. I went to the Lord and I asked Him to show me my purpose in life. I am only 24 years old but I believe God has a higher hight for me right now. I had to learn the hard way that my way is no way and the only way is the Lords way. My desire is to do His will. I believe that God has a work for all of us, and no one can complete what God has for you but you. And I know whether or not we want to do the work God wants us to do, it will come to pass. Even Jonah tried to run from his purpose (Jonah 1:1-6) but God stopped him in his trail, and when it was all said and done Jonah completed the task God set for him. Glory be to God!!!! If Jonah had of obeyed God in the beginning he would not of had to go into the belly of the fish. Many times we as Christians spend a life time running from the will of God, doing our own thing, living our own life, when little do we know that God is going to complete the work in us that He planned even before we were born. People wonder sometimes why it took so long for the Lord to allow His will to be done in their life, when it was not God that was the hold up, it was them because they were running in the wrong direction. My husband right now knows that he has been called to lead people to Christ through ministry, but because of fear he does not give in to God. Yes he loves the Lord, faithful to church, and the Pastor’s son, but he has not truly given his life to the will of God. “Lord use me as you see fit.” That is my prayer.
Keela, have you checked out the writing resources on the web site. If not, I encoruage you to do so. Just look down the left side of the main page for the section titled, Writing Resources.
Also, you might want to look at some old posts in the Taking Back the Past and Talking Writing categories.
If you have specific questions, send me a message (see the Contact Angela page) and I’ll answer. It may take a while, but I’ll answer. Since I tend to get a lot of questions, I may do a weekly post that addresses all the questions I get for that week or couple of weeks. What do you think?
I totally understand how busy you are Angela. After sending you this email I saw all the resources on the site. I should have looked at those before sending you an email. Thank you for responding and I look forward to talking with you and the other ladies about “Purpose Driven Life.” God bless!!!