Book Bits ~ Notes on "The Purpose Driven Life"

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He who trusts in his riches will fall,
But the righteous will flourish like foliage.
Proverbs 11:28 (NKJV)

Verse to Remember: Colossians 1:16 (NKJV) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

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?"

Verse to Remember: Isaiah 44:2 (NKJV) Thus says the LORD who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you: ‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant; And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

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

Verse to Remember: Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

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

Verse to Remember: 1 John 2:17 (NKJV) And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

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

Verse to Remember: Luke 16:10 (NKJV) He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

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

Verse to Remember: 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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

Verse to Remember: Romans 11:36 (NKJV) For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

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

That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

Verse to Remember: Psalm 149:4 (NKJV) For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

Question to Consider: "What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?"

"God smiles when we love Him supremely" Deuteronomy 6:5~9 (NKJV) 5You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

"God smiles when we trust Him completely" Hebrews 11:7 (NKJV) By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

"God smiles when we obey Him wholeheartedly Genesis 6:22 (NKJV) Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

"God smiles when we praise and thank Him continually" Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV) Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

"God smiles when we use our abilities" Genesis 1:27,28 (NKJV) 27So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Verse to Remember: Psalm 147:11 (NKJV) The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.

Question to Consider: "Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust Him most?"

Verse to Remember: Romans 6:13 (NKJV) And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Verse to Remember: Psalm 25:14 (NKJV) The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.

Question to Consider: "What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to Him more often throughout the day?"

Verse to Remember: James 4:8 (NKJV) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Question to Consider: "What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?"

Verse to Remember: Mark 12:30 (NKJV) And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Question to Consider: "Which is more pleasing to God right now-- My public worship or my private worship? What will I do about this?

Verse to Remember: Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Question to Consider: "How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when He feels distant?"

Verse to Remember: Ephesians 1:5 (NKJV) . . . having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Question to Consider: "How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family."

Verse to Remember: Galatians 5:14 (NKJV) For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Question to Consider: "Honestly, are relationships my first priority? How can I ensure that they are?"

Verse to Remember: Romans 12:5 (NKJV) so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

Question to Consider: "Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love an am committed to God's family?"

Verse to Remember: Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Question to Consider: "What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, hear-to-heart level?"

Verse to Remember: 1 John 3:16 (NKJV) By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Question to Consider: "How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?"

Verse to Remember: Romans 12:18 (NKJV) If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Question to Consider: "Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?"

Verse to Remember: Romans 14:19 (NKJV) Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Question to Consider: "What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now?"

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son,
that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:29 (NKJV)

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

Verse to Remember: 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Question to Consider: "In what area of my life do I need to ask for the Spirit's power to be like Christ today?"

Verse to Remember: Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Question to Consider: "What is one area where I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking of God's way?"

Verse to Remember: John 8:31,32 (NKJV) 31Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Question to Consider: "What has God already told me in His Word that I haven't started doing yet?"

Verse to Remember: Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Question to Consider: "What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?"

Verse to Remember: James 1:12 (NKJV) Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Question to Consider: "What Christ-like character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?"

Verse to Remember: 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Question to Consider: "Who could I ask to be a spiritual partner to help me feat a persistant temptation by praying for me?"

Verse to Remember: Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Question to Consider: "In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient & persistant?"

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Verse to Remember: Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Question to Consider: "What is holding me back from accepting God's call to serve Him?"

Verse to Remember: 1 Corinthians 12:6 (NKJV) And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

Question to Consider: "In what way can I see myself passionately serving others?"

Verse to Remember: 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Question to Consider: "What God-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church?"

Verse to Remember: 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Question to Consider: "How can I make the best use of what God has given me?"

Verse to Remember: Matthew 10:42 (NKJV) And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”

Question to Consider: "Which of the six characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?"

Verse to Remember: Philippians 2:5 (NKJV) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Question to Consider: "Am I usually more concerned about being served or finding ways to serve others?"

Verse to Remember: 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Question to Consider: "Am I limiting God's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses? What do I need to be honest about in order to help others?"

As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
John 17:18 (NKJV)

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy,
and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24 (NKJV)

Verse to Remember: Matthew 28:19,20 (NKJV) Go £therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” £Amen.

Question to Consider: "What fears have kept me from fulfilling the mission God made me to accomplish? What keeps me from telling others the good news?"

Verse to Remember: 1 Peter 3:15,16 (NKJV) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

Question to Consider: As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?

Verse to Remember: Psalm 67:2 (NKJV) 2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.

Question to Consider: "What steps can I plan to go on a short term missions experience in the next year?"

Verse to Remember: Ephesians 5:15 (NKJV) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Question to Consider: "Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on track and balance God's five purposes in my life?"

Verse to Remember: Acts 13:36 (NKJV) “For David, after he had served his own generation . . . "

Question to Consider: "When will I take time to write down my answers to life's five great questions? When will I put my purpose on paper?"

January		February		March		April		May		June
1-Jan	1	1-Feb	32	1-Mar	20	1-Apr	11	1-May	1	1-Jun	32
2-Jan	2	2-Feb	33	2-Mar	21	2-Apr	12	2-May	2	2-Jun	33
3-Jan	3	3-Feb	34	3-Mar	22	3-Apr	13	3-May	3	3-Jun	34
4-Jan	4	4-Feb	35	4-Mar	23	4-Apr	14	4-May	4	4-Jun	35
5-Jan	5	5-Feb	36	5-Mar	24	5-Apr	15	5-May	5	5-Jun	36
6-Jan	6	6-Feb	37	6-Mar	25	6-Apr	16	6-May	6	6-Jun	37
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9-Jan	9	9-Feb	40	9-Mar	28	9-Apr	19	9-May	9	9-Jun	40
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27-Jan	27	27-Feb	18	27-Mar	6	27-Apr	37	27-May	27	27-Jun	18
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31-Jan	31			31-Mar	10			31-May	31

July		August		September		October		November		December
1-Jul	22	1-Aug	13	1-Sep	4	1-Oct	34	1-Nov	25	1-Dec	15
2-Jul	23	2-Aug	14	2-Sep	5	2-Oct	35	2-Nov	26	2-Dec	16
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9-Jul	30	9-Aug	21	9-Sep	12	9-Oct	2	9-Nov	33	9-Dec	23
10-Jul	31	10-Aug	22	10-Sep	13	10-Oct	3	10-Nov	34	10-Dec	24
11-Jul	32	11-Aug	23	11-Sep	14	11-Oct	4	11-Nov	35	11-Dec	25
12-Jul	33	12-Aug	24	12-Sep	15	12-Oct	5	12-Nov	36	12-Dec	26
13-Jul	34	13-Aug	25	13-Sep	16	13-Oct	6	13-Nov	37	13-Dec	27
14-Jul	35	14-Aug	26	14-Sep	17	14-Oct	7	14-Nov	38	14-Dec	28
15-Jul	36	15-Aug	27	15-Sep	18	15-Oct	8	15-Nov	39	15-Dec	29
16-Jul	37	16-Aug	28	16-Sep	19	16-Oct	9	16-Nov	40	16-Dec	30
17-Jul	38	17-Aug	29	17-Sep	20	17-Oct	10	17-Nov	1	17-Dec	31
18-Jul	39	18-Aug	30	18-Sep	21	18-Oct	11	18-Nov	2	18-Dec	32
19-Jul	40	19-Aug	31	19-Sep	22	19-Oct	12	19-Nov	3	19-Dec	33
20-Jul	1	20-Aug	32	20-Sep	23	20-Oct	13	20-Nov	4	20-Dec	34
21-Jul	2	21-Aug	33	21-Sep	24	21-Oct	14	21-Nov	5	21-Dec	35
22-Jul	3	22-Aug	34	22-Sep	25	22-Oct	15	22-Nov	6	22-Dec	36
23-Jul	4	23-Aug	35	23-Sep	26	23-Oct	16	23-Nov	7	23-Dec	37
24-Jul	5	24-Aug	36	24-Sep	27	24-Oct	17	24-Nov	8	24-Dec	38
25-Jul	6	25-Aug	37	25-Sep	28	25-Oct	18	25-Nov	9	25-Dec	39
26-Jul	7	26-Aug	38	26-Sep	29	26-Oct	19	26-Nov	10	26-Dec	40
27-Jul	8	27-Aug	39	27-Sep	30	27-Oct	20	27-Nov	11	27-Dec	1
28-Jul	9	28-Aug	40	28-Sep	31	28-Oct	21	28-Nov	12	28-Dec	2
29-Jul	10	29-Aug	1	29-Sep	32	29-Oct	22	29-Nov	13	29-Dec	3
30-Jul	11	30-Aug	2	30-Sep	33	30-Oct	23	30-Nov	14	30-Dec	4
31-Jul	12	31-Aug	3			31-Oct	24			31-Dec	5