Week 9

There will be no posts for this week, as I will be away.

Week 8; Day 5-The Fruit of Unfailing Love

Today's Treasure: "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you." -Hosea 10:12

Today's exercise at the beginning of the lesson serves as food for thought.  It made me think about my own beliefs regarding God's love for me, and my behavior in general.  For today, I will write my responses for the exercise:

A chid who believes she is loved... is secure, is obedient, trusts, is loving to others, believes in that love.
A child who does not believe she is loved...misbehaves, craves attention, looks for love in different places, is angry, seeks approval.



Question 1:What were the 5 endings you provided t the incomplete sentences, where you offered your own thoughts contrasting two children: one who believes she is loved, and the one who does not.
Question 2: Read John 15:9. Since we know God loves us unfailingly at all times, what do you think "abiding" or "remaining" in God's love means?

Week 8; Day 3-The Fullness of Unfailing Love

Today's Treasure: "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." -Psalm 90:14

What most stood out to me about this lesson was learning that whatever God does for me, whatever He decides, it can only be out of His love for me.  I think that sometimes this can be difficult to accept and understand in its entirety.  Many times in church we hear about God's love for us, but it's usually in reference to His crucifixion.  I think that this is a vital thing to learn early on in our Christian walk b/c it directly affects our perspective.  A change in perspective can make all the difference.

Question 1: Can you think of a time when you were suddenly awash with the magnitude of God's love for you personally?

Week 7; Day 5-God's Daily Rule

Today's Treasure: "O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress." -Isaiah 33:2

It's interesting that Beth Moore states that much of obedience is based on trust.  Even though some of us have been 'walking with God' for a long time, and even experience daily fellowship with Him, we don't always trust Him. Maybe we trust Him with certain aspects of our lives, but can't seem to entrust Him with other parts.  This is a daily struggle, and as such, something to pray about daily as well.


Question 1: Explain why Jeremiah said walking with God is so much wiser and personally fulfilling than asking God to walk with us.
Question 2: What is your biggest temptation when you don't feel that God is illuminating your way clearly?

Week 6; Day 5- To Live Happily Ever After

Today's Treasure: "Come and share your master's happiness!" -Matthew 25:21

In my bible study recently, we talked about being hopeful. About being ready for God's return, and our entrance into heaven.  That is our eternal hope, that one day we will live in heaven and not have any troubles, fears, sadness, sickness or anxiety, just to name a few.  Personally, I'm not one to dream, so this lesson was interesting to read through.  To think that God wants to surpass our dreams is difficult to swallow, especially if you gave up and stopped dreaming. I never thought about the differences between being blessed  and being happy, but there truly is a difference. We might not always be happy in life, but we certainly are blessed on a daily basis, even if it doesn't always appear that way.


Question 1: Read John 13:3-17. What result did Christ guarantee if His followers put into practice what He demonstrated to them?
Question 2: Can you think of a time when you sensed the fullness and favor of God but would not characterize the time as happy?

Week 6; Day 3-To Be Beautiful

Today's Treasure: "How beautiful you are my darling! Oh, how beautiful!"- Song of Songs 4:1

We live in a society that's very superficial, and where everyone feels the need to voice their opinion on everything, including people's looks, even if it's negative.  Insecurities can be a stronghold in our lives, because as Beth Moore says, they don't allow us to live freely or abundantly.  Some of us are insecure about our faces, our bodies, our hair etc., and those feelings can take a toll on our perspective about not only ourselves but life.  It's hard to feel "beautiful" if you don't think you are.  It's also challenging sometimes to believe what God has to say about us. With most things, it starts with our way of thinking.

Question 1: What is far more profound than a man and a woman coming together in marriage?
Question 2: Read Song of Songs 5:10-16. In the eyes of His beloved, which will be you, how will Christ look?

Week 6; Day 1-Ashes Instead of Honor

Today's Treasure: "Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornamented robe she was wearing. She put her hand on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went." -2 Samuel 13:19

The story of Tamar is a very upsetting one, however, not surprising. When it comes to women and sexuality, women are always getting oppressed or violated in some way. I'm sure the story of Tamar is one that many women can relate to. She wasn't even safe from the men in her own family. On page 129, Beth Moore asks us what we think Tamar may have been like at 40 years old. I responded that she was probably bitter and alone, but I'm sure the emotional scarring was a lot more profound than that.



Question 1: In what ways did Tamar symbolize and express her grief?
Question 2: What is your personal opinion regarding the advice Absalom gave Tamar?

Week 5; Day 5-Hearts Broken by Loss

Today's Treasure: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.'" -John 11:25

We all experience loss in different forms.  Sometimes loss comes in the shape of death, relationships ending, sacrifice of materialistic things etc,. There were two things that stood out to me during this lesson. The first is that it doesn't matter what kind of loss it, it shouldn't be compared to anyone else's, because different things will impact us in different ways.  Secondly, "Christ never allows the hearts of His own to be shattered without excellent reasons and eternal purposes." Although that is difficulty to fathom when we are experiencing the loss, it is He he who brings the healing and makes good things out of something that is bad.

Question 1: How do you think the loss of faith can turn into a form of bondage?
Question 2: Has the enemy turned any of your losses into bondage? If so, please describe.

Week 5; Day 3-Hearts Mended by Truth

Today's Treasure: "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!" -Matthew 18:7

If you were victimized as a child, this is probably a difficult week of bible study.  Although I cannot relate with today's lesson, I know of adults close to me who were.  The only thing I can say for today's lesson, is that healing is a slow, but "progressive" process, if we allow ourselves to be healed by God's truth, and His truth alone. This can only occur if we allow Him to heal us.  This is why knowledge of His word, which is synonymous with truth is vital in our Christian walk.


Question 1: In your opinion how could childhood victimization eventually trap someone by enticing conduct that could ruin the person in question?
Question 2: Compare 2 Timothy 2:26. According to scripture, why does the Devil try to trap people? To...

Week 5; Day 1- Straight to the Heart

Today's Treasure: "He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted."- Isaiah 61:1

Today's lesson forces us to look back and recall painful moments in our lives that we probably would like to forget. Some of us maybe have a more difficult time getting over heartbreak, than others. Regardless, we've all experiences some form of sorrow, and unfortunately at an early age, before we should. It's important to remember today's treasure because He cares about our emotional state. When I did the study, I had to tell myself that God cares about what I feel, even when the heartbreaks might be considered "minor" He is still there to bring healing. 

Question 1: Can you remember a particular time when you felt your heart break? Did you have any idea at the time God cared so much that He aimed His son straight toward your heart?

Week 4; Day 5-The Ancient of Days

Today's Treasure: "I have revealed and saved and proclaimed-I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days, I am He."- Isaiah 43:12-13

This week you have toured the ancient ruins.  You've revisited areas of your life that desperately need to be reconstructed by God.  This day inspires you to be hopeful of change.  Beth Moore states that there is a "link" between the faithful and the unfaithful, and how that link can be you. The same way that sin affects the lives of those around us, I believe that allowing God to reconstruct ruins in our lives, will not only bless us, but those closest to us, and even future generations.

Question 1: Based on God's priority in our lives, what might be Satan's priority in the lives of people who are already Christian?
Question 2: In what ways are you allowing the next generation to see authenticity in your life?

Week 4; Day 3-The Ancient Serpent

Today's Treasure: "In order that satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." -2 Corinthians 2:11

The bible uses the word 'cunning' and 'deceiver' to describe Satan.  Although these may be appropriate descriptive words, if you are aware of his schemes, as today's treasure states, then he will not outwit you.  It's interesting to sit down and think of generational bondages that we all have, that we never truly noticed before.  Maybe we just described out families as dysfunctional etc, but in light of this bible study, it goes a lot deeper than that.  We've all complained about our mothers/fathers, whether they were absent or present in our lives, at some point or another.  Unfortunately, a lot of those behaviors that we complain about, are behaviors we exhibit as well. Although, satan is like a lion, looking for someone to devour, if we know God, and His truth, no matter how "normal" something may be in our life, or the life of our families, we can pick up on the subtleties, and look to God to break those chains in our lives, and in the lives of future generations.

Question 1:What is Satan's role in every human going astray? (Refer to Revelations 12:9)
Question 2: What behavior might you see in your life that you disliked in your parents or grandparents?

Week 4; Day 1-Touring the Ruins

Today's Treasure: " They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations." -Isaiah 61:4

Welcome to the beginning of an interesting week! There were many points that stuck out to me this week. 1-That we acknowledge God as our savior, but often times we don't have Him in our life as our deliverer; 2-We often think of bondage as being strictly demonic etc, when often times our strongholds consist of other things, like generational bondages (which we don't recognize because we're so used to them) 3- It is not easy touring the ruins, because we come face to face with certain truths about ourselves that may be hard to admit.  As you tour your own ruins, remember that the point is not to continued to be weighed down by them, but rather, that you be able to experience the fullness of God in that area.

Question 1: Describe another possible scenario of generational bondage-perhaps one you've witnessed personally?

Question 2: What might be a right reason or attitude for looking back at family history, and what would be wrong reason?

Week 3; Day 5-The Obstacle of Legalism

Today's Treasure: "The Lord says: 'These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men'."- Isaiah 29:13

Many Christians don't live spirit-filled lives, instead they lead legalistic lives.  God wants individual relationships with us, even if at times we cannot "feel" His presence as we stated we may feel sometimes.  Regarding question one, I believe that legalism is knowing God's word but applies it without grace and mercy.  God is showers us with grace and mercy, so clearly, this is something that we must do also.


Question 1:To the best of your understanding, what does legalism mean when used in a negative, religious context?
Question 2: How could a student of God's word squeeze the enjoyment out of her christian walk by replacing relationship with regulations?

Week 3; Day 3-The obstacle of Idolatry

Today's Treasure: "Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit him nothing?" -Isaiah 44:10

In day 3, Beth Moore states that at some point or another, we are all guilty of idolatry.  We've found things, experiences, or people that we put in the place of God, even if we are not aware of it. She makes an interesting point when she states that people become so involved in their idols that they even begin to stop paying attention to their physical needs. Maybe you've filled voids in your life with your job, relationships, or other activities, but if you've come to realize that maybe you are trying to fill an empty place that God Himself would like to feel, then this is an obstacle that you can overcome.  The first step is to realize that there's an idol actually in place.

Question 1: Looking back, can you think of a time when God was trying to lead you to find fullness in Him but you settled for something less? If so, describe what happened (If you feel comfortable sharing, of course)
Question 2: In Isaiah 2:8, what signs of idolatry did Isaiah see in the people?

Week 3; Day 1-The Obstacle of Unbelief

Today's Treasure: "Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." -Isaiah 57:14

Last week you studied the 5 benefits of a believer, this week you will look at the 5 obstacles in your walk with God, that correspond to those benefits.  Ladies, this is when it starts to get real! Lol. One of the things that stood out to me was the distinction that's made between believing God, and believing IN God.  I think sometimes we don't realize there's a difference.  Often times we might want try to convince ourselves, or others that we believe what God says, what He promises, but if we're honest, the truth is we don't.  If this is or has ever been an obstacle for you, what causes your unbelief? If you do struggle with believing in God (for whatever the reason), be honest with yourself, and be honest with Him about it in prayer, that He may remove this obstacle.


Question 1: What are some obstacles you've battled in previous efforts to live the liberated, abundant life in Christ? 
Question 2: Regarding Mark 9:21-23, how did the father reveal a lack of confidence in Christ's ability and how did Christ respond in verse 23?

Sunday: That you May Know

This week was a week to set up our breakthrough. We learned aboutthe 5 benefits of freddom from captivity. Which day struck a chord with you?  I'm sending the video for week 3. I know that it is hard and you want to give up, but change isnt easy. Be honset, work hard and watch God do the rest. 

Week 2; Day 5- To Enjoy God's Presence

Today's Treasure:When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your saviour."- Isaiah 43:2-3

Many times, we as believers will express that we cannot feel His presence.  We feel that when we pray, He doesn't hear us, or when we cry out to Him, He is unresponsive. However, if we have accepted Christ into our lives, and have come into an intimate relationship with Him, we know that His Holy Spirit dwells with us, and, therefore, is always with us.  As Beth Moore states, it's an issue of Faith.  Even if we don't "feel" Him, He is still there.  Always.


Question 1: Read Psalm 139:7-12 and the promise in Hebrews 13:5.  We obviously and fortunately cannot escape God's presence, but why do you think we experience times when we sense God's presence more clearly than others?
Question 2: In Psalm 16:11, what did David confidently expect from God?

Week 2; Day 3- To find Satisfaction in God

Today's treasure: "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."- Isaiah 55:2

I found that this day was a little challenging, because I had to be honest with myself and confess that I don't alway feel 100% satisfied with God.  I think maybe we are afraid to say that because it sounds almost blasphemous, but it's something many of us experience. At the beginning of today's lesson, Beth Moore starts us off by reading John 8:32, where the emphasis is on God's truth. It's important to know and understand what God's truth is because it is off that that we build our faith.  I was just having this discussion this week, that it's not only critical that we know His truth, but that we be completely honest with Him as well.


Question 1: Why do you think the writer of Psalm 63 had such a hunger and thirst for God?
Question 2: Can you think of a time in your life when you knew you should be satisfied but you weren't? Describe how you felt.

Missing posts

Good morning ladies. I apologize that it is the last day of the second week and I only have one post up. A couple of things happened this week, including a trip to the ER so I was unable to post. I will have more postings for this week by Sunday. 

-neisha

Week 2; Day 1- To Know God and Believe Him

Today's Treasure: "'You are my witnesses,' declares the Lord, 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.'"-Isaiah 43:10


According to Beth, captivity is described as "...anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her." When using this definition, I think the idea of being held captive, or of not being free can be seen from a different perspective. To me, it means that it doesn't always have to be something 'spiritual', but can also be the every day things that we might not even be aware of as hindering the life God wants for us.


Question 1: According to Isaiah 43: 10-13, describe the margin describe the One you have been chosen to know, believe and understand to be God.

Question 2: If you characterized your relationship with Christ as 'close and personal', what characteristics of your relationship reflect a degree of familiarity? If not, what causes you to feel distant?

Happy Father's Day

I want to chat online with people Sunday's at 9pm, but considering it's Father's Day, I'll be unavailable tonight. I'm taking Noel to see X-men :) 

However I am emailing and texting the video to everyone tonight. Enjoy the video. In your study guide on pages 30-31 is a viewers guide so you can follow along and answer questions. 

I know that the questions and reading are a lot, but persist through it, we can do this together. Acknowledgig the obstacles that stand in the way if our road to freedom is difficult, but we can do it, break the cycle and be free from the bondage that captivates us. 

God Bless you! If you don't get the video or you have problems viewing it, let me know, thanks 

Week 1; Day 4-The Reign of Hezekiah

Today's Treasure: "Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, 'Hear the words of the Lord Almighty: The time will surely come when everything in your palace, ad all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.'" -Isaiah 39:5-6

Today, we learn about King Hezekiah, who unlike His Father, tried to restore the People of Judah back to God by removing the high places.  As you've been reading about these kings, have you thought of any 'high places' you may have in your personal life?
King Hezekiah was more praise worthy than his father, yet, he was still attacked, and became sick.  Naturally, he felt bitterness, sadness, and fear regarding this...throughout His ordeal though, we see God is merciful towards him, and that people who believe in God, haven't changed much.


Question 1:Why do you think Hezekiah turned out so differently from his father?
Question 2: How do we also tend to flaunt our treasures to the godless, enjoying their favor and approval?

Week 1; Day 3-The Reign of Ahaz

Today's Treasure: "He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree." -2 Chronicles 28:4

On day 3, we're introduced to King Ahaz.  As we read, we discover that altars are still being built in the high places to other gods and that he participated in what we would consider (hopefully) to be some outrageous practices. Even when God reaches out and speaks to Ahaz, we see how he disregards God's warning and mercy...we are not always so different. But even Ahaz, who was full of corruption, God wanted to save and set free from his bondages.


Question 1:Why were high places accessible to a young and impressionable Ahaz?
Question 2: We might say that Manasseh "hit rock bottom" in verse 11. How might this terrible descent have been considered a blessing in disguise?

Week 1; Day 2-The reign of Jotham and the call of Isaiah

Today's treasure: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple."- Isaiah 6:1

Good afternoon everyone.  Yesterday you began learning some historical facts regarding Isaiah and King Uzziah's reign over Judah. Hopefully, you have begun thinking about different areas of your life where pride might be rearing its evil head, and considering why pride is a serious issue before God.  It's something that can start off small in our life and can potentially cause us to make some very foolish assumptions about ourselves, and ultimately affect some of our decisions. Today, we learn about King Uzziah's son, Jotham, who in many ways was very different from his father, but we find that he committed some of the same actions his father did, which resulted in the people being as corrupt as they were during this time.

Question 1: How was Jotham similar/different to his father?

Question 2: Can you think of a time when you allowed God to change your focus from else to Him? Describe the circumstances.

Week 1; Day 1- The Reign of King Uzziah

Today's Treasure: "After Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall."-2 Chronicles 26:16

Hello ladies :) Today, you begin the journey  of Breaking Free by reading/learning about King Uzziah.  If any of you are like me, this was the first time you've heard of this person in the bible because the Old Testament is sometimes difficult to get through. Thankfully, Beth Moore studied it for us! This week, we will read about different Kings who reigned during Isaiah's time.
Maria and I encourage you to please use this blog as a way to share your ideas and ask questions.  For each post I will be putting up 2 questions, which you will also be answering in the workbook.  Please feel free to respond to either or both, and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.  Hope this study reveals things to you about not only yourself, but God, as it did for me.

Question 1: Why do you think Uzziah would have been a hero to a boy like Isaiah?
Question 2: Based on what you've learned by Uzziah's example today, describe why think God hates pride so much? (Refer to Proverbs 8:13)

Welcome Freedom Fighters!

Welcome Freedom Fighters.

I am excited that we are going to begin this journey together. I pray that we begin together and end together, walking in freedom.

Day 42: Congratulations!

Congratulations! You made it. I'm so excited to hear your stories and what this journey has been like. To know or be reminded that everybody has a life message. I felt so strongly, that this was imprinted in my heart when I heard Irena's story on Friday. For those unable to join us, Irena shared her story for the first time about being trafficked by her boyfriend. She had never shared her story publicly, but was brave enough to share in a very raw and real way, her pain, her experience and her hope.

God can take the ugly of this world, what the enemy has meant for destruction and turn it to good. You have a story, you have a purpose, you have a message. I hope that these 40 days have clarified for you that you have a purpose, that once embraced brings you into congruence with your creator and this brings joy, peace and passion to continue on this journey. The best is yet to come.

Day 39: thinking about this journey

I've been contemplating on this journey. I fell behind on my blog, but have continued to read, study and pray for a special breakthrough for each person that has committed to a change in their life. This isn't easy, it isn't for the faint or the weak, however our solace is that if we are weak, and most of us are, we need to find refuge and strength in our relationship with God. So, tomorrow is the big day... 40 days. Please tell me your experiences. 

Day 30: Shaped for Serving God

"The people I shaped for myself will broadcast my praises." Is. 43:21

I don't know if you've ever felt like something was missing, like you needed something more. You couldn't put your finger on it, but there it was, this ache of wanting something more. I believe there is an ache, when we live outside His purpose. When we are in God's purpose there is a synchronicity in our soul and our spirit. When we fight that, we are left in an uneasy, spiritual deficit, a hole, where we can find only fleeting joy or satisfaction.

Everything that God has given us, our interests, experiences, education, personality, talents, can all be choreographed for His honor and glory. Rick Warren gives us a lens to try and examine what is our ministry. He uses the acronym SHAPE to help us identify our ministry and service.

So Rick Warren asks "In what way can I see myself passionately serving others and loving it?"I love to teach, I enjoy connecting with people and hearing their stories and watching them grow. Though it takes, time and effort and it isn't always easy, it's something I passionately love. What do you love? Whether it's cooking or singing, art or woodworking, God can use you for his glory.

Day 29 : Accepting your Assignment

“Before I formed you in your mother’s body I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart to serve me." Jer. 1:5  Rick Warren Reminds us that we were created to serve God, that we were saved to serve God and that we were called to serve God. Sometimes we become confused about Christian service and believe that christian service is limited to church. However, most ministry occurs far from church, it occurs on the train and in your house, it occurs at work and at school. God has given you talents, abilities and gifts. Rick Warren reminds us that when we use these abilities we are fulfilling our calling. 

Today, our issue is that we don't want to serve. We want others to serve us. Some of us are victims to over-preparation, others are paralyzed by other pursuits and priorities so we never serve. In my experience when we step out,  put our own issues aside and help others we are encouraged, strengthened and find relief.  

So what is holding you back from accepting God's call to serve him? 

Message to the class

Hi All,

We are so near to the end of our 40 days. I pray that you have found this sudy to be challenging and encouraging. God has placed it in my heart for us to celebrate this journey together with a service. $0 is the number of change and in faith we are going to celebrate that change. On Febuary 23rd our class with be responibile for the service. I have asked some people to help lead the congregation to worship. I have also asked some members to sing. Minister Michelle Soto will bring the word that day. I also need volunteers to help us pray especially for this serivce.

Prayer Points:
*My prayer is that God may set us free, that He bring healing to the brokenhearted and He may bring clear direction for those that are looking for His direction.

*I pray that people be baptized in the Spirit.

*I pray that people be reconciled with God.

I need volunteers to pray and fast with me. I really have asked the Lord to use the 40 days to bring about change, for those that seek change, to clarify pupose for those that want to embrace thier purpose and to encourage us to continue on this journey.

If you have never fasted, fasting is abstaining from food for a period a time, it could be one meal or a day, where we use that time to pray, read the bible and think about God. I cannot do this alone. Please let me know if you are able to join in prayer or in fasting. Also, I encourgae eveyone that has particpated with us to come on Feb. 23 and invite family and friends to enjoy what will invariable be an awesome time in God.

Thank you

Day 24: Transformed by Truth

Many people ask, how is it that you become transformed, how is it that you grow spiritually? I think Rick Warren gives a clear path towards growth, I don't think it's the only path, but for those searching this can be a way. I spoke to people about how I learned about accountability, but I also remember clearly how I learned about the word. When I was 13 yo. every Saturday I would join my mom and 3 Sunday school teachers to study the lesson. They took their job very seriously and for hours would devolve into the Sunday topics. The looked in dictionaries and asked questions, they looked into doctrines and history, they debated about verses and fine points of the bible. I attended this group for years. I think until I was about 17, almost every Saturday without fail this was my pastime. Watching and eventually participating gave me a deep love for the word. 

"God's word is unlike any other word, it is alive. (Pg 184)" Rick Warren challenges us that the bible is alive. Some people treat the bible as an amulet. They keep the bible open in their house or in the car, but rarely if ever read it. The power of the word is in abiding in it, in living in it, in allowing the word to penetrate your life. Rick Warren challenges us to read the bible daily. I confess that I struggle with this feeling the pressure of raising 3 boys, but feel convicted to try my best. What has been my experience and what I do know is that the word is powerful, alive and a great weapon in spiritual warfare. 

I do agree with Rick Warren that in order to change and do as the word challenges us to do we must have a plan. Those of you that know me, know that I encourage people to make a plan and do something different. You want this, you want to change an area of your life, you are tired of the same old, same old, then "What has God already told you to do in His word that you haven't started doing yet?" 

For more resources check out www.purposedriven.com/day24

Day 23: How We Grow

Spiritual growth is an intentional commitment. I truly believe this. In my experience, so many of us are stuck, because we accept Christ and then think that it is over. We stay immature, in a spiritual infancy. We watch others around us and say why not me, why am I always struggling, why don't I have x, y or z. However, we fail to see that out spiritual commitment to growth is weak.

There are many areas in my own life that I have struggled, where I have been unhappy, but remained in that comfortable unhappiness, because at least it was familiar. Things did not change until I made the commitment to growth and change, the commitment to challenge myself, to constantly question myself and bring it to God. The questioning is not the indecisive, superficial questioning, but the deep questions of motive, commitment, true desire and the reality of looking into my own heart. Rick Warren reminds us what we have been wresting with, that the first step to spiritual growth is to change the way you think. The first battlefield is the mind. Paul challenges us to renew our mind, our thoughts and out attitudes (Rom. 12:1-2). The Christian life is more than going to church, singing songs or wearing a christian t-shirt, it's about a lifestyle of love of God and the love of our fellow man.

If you try to make these changes out of your own strength, you will fail. It's like a diet, a diet is a temporary fix to a deeper rooted issue. If you don't make long term changes, then a diet does nothing. It is the same spiritually, you might go to church for a few weeks or read your bible verse for two days or play your christian play list, but if you are not in a relationship with God that will change your lifestyle, it is a fleeting fad.

So what can you do to commit to growth? Rick Warren asks What is one ares where I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God's way?

For more resources check out www.purposedriven.com/day23

Day 22: CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST

Huh, I ask myself why is today the challenge on thinking about becoming like Christ when I know that I have been short tempered with my boys, because I felt exhausted and just wanted them to listen? Isn't it often like this, that God chooses to challenge us exactly when and where we need it.

So, Rick Warren challenges us in terms of SANCTIFICATION. What is sanctification? It is the process of becoming more like Christ. We are declared to be holy, but we are in a process to match our life to that declaration. There is no quick fix or five steps or special prayer to get there, it is a painstaking, uncomfortable process that we must daily struggle through. Warren says that "God wants you to develop the kind of character described in the beatitudes of Jesus (Matt 5:1-12), the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), Paul's great chapter on love (1 Cor. 13) and Peter's list of the characteristics of an effective and productive life (2 Peter 1:5-8)." Yet, in order to develop these we must struggle like the caterpillar, that seemingly diminishes, hides in it's cocoon and must struggle to emerge.  Nothing of value is easy.

We have been challenged to embrace that our purpose in Christ. That we are created for his pleasure and glory, that we are to worship Him in all that we do and that our life is fulfilled when we find ourselves in Him. Yet, so many of us struggle so much, we asks how, what is the secret, how can I change. What I have seen is this, in my own power I am weak and unable to be the person I want to be. However, in Christ I am changed and transformed, merely by being in his presence, by seeking him, by fumbling in the darkness, towards the light. Instead of running away from God, I run towards Him, I bring him my failings and my fears. I call out to Him in song, in prayer, in poems. In my sadness and despair, I sit in His house, in my brokenness I worship with tears. I tell Him that I am weak and that I do not know how to go on and in that place I have received healing, direction and sanctification.

For more resources check out www.purposedriven.com/day22

Day 17: A Place to Belong

Today was a difficult day. I had a long day at work, including a child throwing several objects in my face and at my head. Then I went to Costco with all the boys by myself and lost my car keys and the receipt. In the end everything worked out, but suffice it to say, it was a bit of a stressful day. I hope each of your days was better … 

I've been in church practically my whole life. I can tell you the good, the bad and the ugly. I always think of church as a hospital, for people who need healing in their lives and in their heart. That's why I am there. I agree with Rick Warren that God created us with a need for belonging. The church offers us a place to belong. 

Don't be fooled into thinking that the church is a place for angels or just a place full of hypocrites, instead think of it as a place for people who are on a journey together where they fall, make mistakes and help each there get up. Hebrews 3:13 "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Doing it alone, this journey of life, is difficult. So God has given us His Spirit and His family to encourage us along. 

For more resources check out www.purposedriven.com/day17

Day 16: What Matters Most

Life is about Love. I never thought about it this way. If you would have asked me, before I read this I would have said many things, but love was definitely not at the top of my list. Of course elements with love, like my kids, my family, etc … However, I can see all the pieces that Rick Warren is talking about and how they all lead to love. Jesus stated that the greatest commandment was Love others as you love yourself (Galatians 5:14).

However, for me the challenge is to know true love. I feel that often people are led astray, by what they think is love, but it is not true love. 1 Corinthians 13 describes love to us, a deep, lasting, unwavering, pure commitment. Our love becomes healthy and healed in our relationship with God and then this can be transmitted to others. Then LOVE can be a building block in our lives, a driving force, the expression of our commitment.

Jesus' commandments are about our relationships, so if you are stuck in that mode, where you say it's only me and God and I don't need anyone else, you are missing a large part of an important equation. I like Rick Warren's prayer where he says "God whether I get anything done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving others today." Can you pray over your love for God and others? Many of us have been hurt, and love evokes pain, indifference or aloofness, but we cannot be complete without love.


For more resources check out www.purposedriven.com/day16

Day 15: Formed for God's family

As soon as I read this devotion I thought of the word Koinonia a Greek word used in the bible to mean deep fellowship and sharing, but it goes farther in that is was the inner experience of community and the outer of experience of doing an activity jointly/fellowship. This ultimate harmony is found in the trinity. However, Jesus invites us to join in this fellowship even in our imperfect and fallen state.

As human beings we long to belong to something. Jesus invites us into his family.  This is often a point of contention, because Christians are not different than most people, exhibiting poor characteristics such as hypocritical, selfish behavior. However, the difference is that those that follow Christ, hopefully are on a journey together to be transformed by His teachings, His Spirit and His power.

Paul says "I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given his people." Being part of God's family gives you so much, a priceless inheritance, a hope beyond this world, an eternal family.

Rick Warren asks "How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family? I ask, what can you do to behave like you belong to the greatest family on earth?

For more resources check out www.purposedriven.com/day15

Day 14: When God Seems Distant

I was challenged by this devotion, reminding me that in God's silence there is opportunity for growth. Today we looked at King David (Psalms 51) and Job (Job 1), two men that went through a period of silence with God. David acknowledge his own sin and cried out to God. Job praised God and waited through 37 chapters of silence, while other criticized and he cried out to God. Rick Warren make a good point that all relationships ebb and flow, sometimes through times of great closeness and sometimes through times of distance. However, God's existence and goodness and grace, does not rely on our state or circumstance, but on His unchanging character. God wants us to tell Him how we feel, trust God to keep his promises, focus on God's unchanging nature and remember what he has done for you.

We have been challenged that worship is a lifestyle, where God is praised, prioritized and acknowledged in all we do. Therefore, He should be praised for all he has done. Today a student asked, "how can we praise God in the darkness and in the silence?" The only thing that I can say is to tell your heart, your mind and your mouth that no matter what the situation and circumstance you will praise God, for he is worthy of all praise.

I leave you with my favorite quote from today: "Never doubt in the dark, what God told you in the light."

For more resources check out www.purposedriven.com/day14 

Day 12: Developing Your Friendship with God

My thoughts about Developing your Friendship with God is that our life is built on the monotonous moments of everyday life. We often remember the extraordinary, the day that we got married or the day our child was born or a special trip or when something clicked for you, however life is really built on the everyday choices. The building blocks are made the moment you wake up, with what you allow yourself to think, what choices you make, if you pray, ask God for His direction, treat other with respect, use the bible as your guide for your choices.

The same with friendships, there are great times, but a friendship is built on the everyday, the quick conversations, the walk to the train, the meal at the diner, the person being there when things were hard. Through these moments a friendship is forged. Sometimes people come to my office and they tell me every single intimate detail, I call this emotional vomit. You do it once and you feel better, until the next time you can't take it anymore. You don't really want to come back and talk or work on any issues. This is not a relationship or intimacy. Sometimes we do this with God. We run to Him and tell Him everything or breakdown during a really hard time, but we don't invite him into the everyday. Relationship is forged in the everyday mundane details. Our relationship with God is in how you talk to your mom and how you behave at work, it is in what you do when no one is looking and what you put as a priority.

What are you doing to invite God into your everyday life?

Check out www.purposedriven.com/day12 for more resources.

Day 11: Becoming Best Friends with God

What do you think about when you think of a friend? Some people have positive connotations with the word friend, but many have negative connotations. So, the first thing to look at is your own association and to see that God intended friendship as a strong, positive and loving relationship. Proverbs 17:17 says "a friend loves at all times and a brother is born in adversity." The bible speaks a lot about friendship. If you have never studied friendship through the bible it is a great topic.

God says that he wants to be our friend. He wants the elements of a great friendship. Those elements involve intimacy, time, openness and trust. We build this with God by sharing our life with Him. If you think you are going to get close to God by just going to church every Sunday, you are mistaken. Rick Warren encourages us to constantly share our life and experiences. Also, develop the habit of meditation. To mentally digest, mull over, challenge yourself, explore deeply the meaning of His word.

Rick Warren asks a great question: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day? I'll ask, what is one thing you can do this week to encourage yourself to think more about God? Can you write  a verse that you want to plant inside of you and keep it on the computer, on your phone? Can you take out 15 minutes to pray and meditate, etc … Think about one thing.

Day 10: The heart of worship

"Give yourselves to God … surrender your whole being to him and be used for righteous purpose."Romans 6:1 (TEV)

So, if the heart of worship is not singing the latest songs, then what is it? Rick Warren challenges us to look deeply at true worship and that true worship=surrender. I agree that in our culture the word surrender is negative, implies, losing, giving in and giving up. However, in the heavenly realms it is only in our surrender to God that we can find our purpose, peace and joy.

I was struck by Rick Warren's statement "look at Christ with his arms outstretched on the cross saying, "I love you this much! I'd rather die than live without you."" It's true, this is what Jesus said and did for each and everyone of us. "I'd rather die, than live without you." So, if Christ's love is so deep what prevents us from total surrender. Rick Warren says three things: fear, pride and confusion.

In order to surrender you just need to walk through it. There is no magic, no guarantees, no 3 steps or 7 promises. It is believing what God is saying and walking in it. Many of you know that when we came to Antioch, Noel was working for a large firm making a six figure salary. I had it all planned out in my head. I remember the process and that I was not in agreement with Pastoring a church, but Noel refused to do it without my consent and commitment. I asked God to speak to me and he did, very clearly. I remember that there was no way to keep the two lives, the corporate life and the Pastor life. With a one year old and a new mortgage, that was several thousands of dollars more than the salary he was offered, we just took the plunge and just believed that the God that was directing our path, would supply our needs. I was scared and I was worried and I wasn't sure how things would work out, but I just walked ahead and believed. Ten years later I can stand strong and say that God has been more than faithful. It wasn't the way I planned it, but it has been great. That is hindsight, when you are doing it all the fears and anxieties rear their ugly head. 

I wish there was an easy way to surrender. Surrender means to believe in God, to walk in his promises. It means to walk away from things that are not edifying and to challenge relationships, to place everything from your career, to your education, to your job and your friends in His hands. It means commitment to pray and seek God.

Recently, Matthew and I went to open up a bank account for him. However, he was concerned that the bank account was linked to me. He wasn't sure if I wouldn't "steal his money." The only thing that I could say to Him was that I loved him and that he needed to trust me. He said to me, "even though my brain is saying don't trust you, I'm going to do it." This is  similar to surrendering to God, our brain and heart screams all the reasons why not to move forward, but if we just do it, we will see how immense and good is His love.

Check out purposedrive.com/day10 for more resources.

Day 9: What makes God smile

Often our parents shape the way that we engage with authority figures. Many of us have been hurt and have made pacts with ourselves regarding whom we will trust and what we will do. However, when it comes to God, we cannot engage in the same way.

Everything that we have learned about engaging with others must be put aside. When we met, someone talked about fear as an obstacle. This devotion makes me think, even with the fear, go! It is not that we do not question or may not be anxious or even afraid, but that we allow those emotions to drive us. The people that choose to worship God and that do his will are not somehow devoid of these feelings, but they do not let these feelings paralyze them.

Rick Warren give us 5 things that bring pleasure to God, when we:
1. Love Him
2. Trust Him
3. Obey Him
4. Praise Him & Thank Him
5. Use our Abilities

Do you do these things? In what areas do you need to trust God? What do you separate as secular and spiritual? What do you need to reframe and look at differently, saying All things bring honor and glory to God. If you cook, cook for God, if you sing, sing for God, if you clean, clean for God, if you draw, draw for God. You get it, so where do you stand in your walk?

Day 8: Planned for God's Pleasure

We'll obviously this is late. A stomach virus has ravaged the Garcia home, thank God I'm fine, but everyone else was hit. However, that hasn't stopped me from moving ahead. I loved the devotion for Day 8. Especially about worship, Rick Warren says that worship is as natural as eating or drinking. All throughout history we encounter cultures that worship. Even when the state places sanctions against worship, people will hide and sneak and engage in subversive activities to worship.

I agree with Rick Warren, that we often confuse worship with singing, but worship is an state. We are in worship, worship is the lens through which you do things, the value that you give them. I often say that I don't work for my principal or my school, I work for God. All that I do, I do in an attempt to worship Him, weather it's speak to a parent or help a child or advocate for someone or complete paperwork, I do it to honor God.

How do you view worship? Isaiah 29:13 says "And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine.
They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.^{[c]" God is looking for people that worship Him in their spirit throughout their everyday life. What does that mean, that means, thinking about God, praising Him, asking Him for direction and doing everything with the lens to honor God. In the Message, in Romans 12:1 it states "}Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out."

So, what can you start doing today, as if you are doing it for Jesus? 

Day 7: The Reason for Everything

Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for his own purpose.

I was struck by one of the comments of Rick Warren, he stated that "in the entire universe, only two of God's creations fail to bring glory to him: fallen angels and people." Wow, everything else, all of creation brings him glory.

So the question is how can I live to bring God glory? Even Jesus in John 17:4 says "I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail, what you assigned me to do.(The Message) " Jesus sought The Father's will and to earnestly compete every detail.  How can we also strive to such a task?

Rick Warren breaks down the 5 ways to bring glory to God.

1. by worshiping Him
2. by loving others
3. by becoming like Christ
4. by serving others with our gifts
5. by telling others about Him

Are you living to bring glory to God? If not what can you do to embrace these ways to bring glory to God?

If you want to check out additional resources you can go to www.purposedriven.com/day7

Day 6: Life is a temporary assignment

Have you ever done something hard? Have you ever done something you feel like you're not sure you will get through? I remember when Matthew was born I had such a hard time breastfeeding him. He was struggling, I was struggling and I wasn't sure what to do. I remember hiring a lactation consultant and she asked me to try her suggestions for 10 days. I remember telling myself over and over, I can do anything for 10 days. The temporary nature of my goal allowed me to get through a hard time. In my focus of the short term goals, I was able to learn a lot and went on to BF Matthew for a year.

This passage made me think of that experience. If our perspective is a temporary one, then our perspective changes, because we know that this is not it. Psalms 39:4 Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered and that my life is fleeing away." When hard times come I always tell myself, this too will pass. If I don't get something i want now, I know that I have greater rewards in eternity.

Do you have an eternal perspective? If yes, how does it affect your daily life? If not, what do you think would change, if you changed your perspective? Have you had an experience where the eternal perspective has helped you get through?

Check out www.purposedriven.com/day6 for additional resources.

Day 5: Seeing Life from God's view

Hi my friends, 

I enjoyed this reading and thought about my metaphor for life. I think life is a marathon. I value endurance and persistence. I always think about the long term. I may slow down, but I don't stop. This perspective has definitely been shaped by the bible. In Hebrews 12:1-2 it says "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." 

What is your metaphor for life? How has this metaphor impacted your perspective? Has your metaphor ever changed? 

Rick Warren gives us three metaphors to think about. Life is a test, Life is a trust and life is a temporary assignment. I think that when we begin to embrace the ideas and metaphors the bible gives us, it provides a framework for looking at life and giving meaning to our expreinces. 

The purpose driven life website has some great questions today to help you think about your life metaphors. Check out http://purposedriven.com/day5/. 

Day 4: Made to last forever

Eccl 3:11 God has planted eternity in the human heart. To think about an eternal perspective is to shift our perspective completely. I recently saw a picture on FB with twins inside a womb and one was telling the other about a world outside the womb and the other said, no that could never be. It is similar to our position, this life gives us an opportunity to develop a relationship with God and to make some choices. We are preparing for eternity. What if we are like the fetus in the womb, our mind struggles to comprehend eternity.

What would you change if you had an eternal perspective? What would I stop, what would I start, what would I invest in and what would I let fall by the wayside?

If your struggling to keep up with your reading check out http://purposedriven.com/day4/.

Day 3: What Drives your life?

What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? Take a moment to think about this. What would your family and friends say?

I remember many years ago a nun, who deeply impacted my life, passed away. I was so inspired by her life. She lived for others, she touched thousands of lives and made them better. One woman changed the course of my life and of Noel's life, Sister Mary Geraldine. Sister G, as she was affectionately known, was the director of a program we both worked in, but it was more than just a job it was her life's purpose. I can still remember her caring and her love, her tireless work and when I thought about a driven life, I thought about her. She loved teens, loved kids and loved the community. She was so focused in her mission that it has been over 15 years that she passed away and I still see the fruit of her work.

Think about Nick Vujicic, he has no arms, no legs, but he found his purpose and allows that purpose to drive his life. http://youtu.be/8jhcxOhIMAQ If you hear his story it wasn't always easy, he struggled through depression and thoughts of suicide. He heard his own voice tell him he would amount to anything, but he found Jesus and a life driven by the passion of purpose is powerful.

Now you may be thinking, it's too late for me, I don't even know where to start, that could never be me, but you can start by looking at what is the driving force now. What do I spend my time and energy on? Is this in line with where I want to be? Challenge yourself.

Paul said it best in Philippians 3:13, 14 "I am focusing all my energies on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on …"

Take some time t think about this and pray … God I may not have let you be the driving force behind my life. There were many things that distracted me and stood in my way. I really want to change that, to let go of the past, the resentment, anger, the ned for approval and fear that keep me stuck. Help me to move forward even when I am afraid or I hear the doubt. Amen

Day 2: You are not an Accident

This is an interesting day because I was very deliberate, my brother was a little over a month old and he was in critical condition. He was literally dying in my parents arms. The doctors gave him weeks if not days to live and they said to my parents that they should have another child right away to replace the one they were losing and voila, here I am. Except that things didn't work out the way the doctors thought and then my mom was pregnant and my brother remained critically ill and when I came along, although he was no longer in critical condition he was seriously ill and was severely impaired. It's now a joke that the two alcoholics that lived upstairs from my apartment were my babysitter's, but that was the reality of the need.

And despite this, there are no accidents. Psalms 139 is one of my favorite Psalms and I repeat it to my boys many times. "You know me inside and out, you know my every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something." Psalms 139:16

I don't know your story, but I know that you are not an accident and that "All things work together for good, for those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." Rom. 8:28.

Have you every felt that you were an accident, that you shouldn't be here? Has it been a struggle to believe that God created you with a very deliberate purpose in mind, like an artist, who doesn't finish his painting until it is perfect or the singer who doesn't stop singing until he hits the right note?

Day 1: It all starts with God

Welcome to this journey.

As I read day 1 the two things that stuck out the me were this idea that I was made for God and not God for me and that being successful and fulfilling your life's purpose are not one and the same. To give up control and be willing to seek out God's purpose for me may be somewhat scary, but it is a journey unlike any other, where the end is already known. We have already been declared victorious, free and able.

You'll get out what you invest in … think about this "Everything got started in Him and finds it's purpose in Him." Col. 1:16 (MSG)