Purpose Driven Life/40 Day Challenge

I've commited to do the 40 day Challenge of The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. I have read bits and pieces of this book over the years, but never have read it through thoroughly. A lot of people I know have highly recommended this book and doing the 40 day challenge. It's a book I've been wanting to read for a long time, but just never made the time to. I read A LOT at a time, but for some reason, never seemed to squeeze this one in there. But I want this book to be different, not just something I read. I want to make it a daily assignment and need for me. I did day 1 last night and was immediately hooked. I've read the 1st chapter before, but never did the assignments with it. It's very basic too. I just read the chapter, then have a power/memory verse and I also have a journal that goes along with it, to write down my thoughts referring to the chapter I just read.

The 1st Day was amazing! The 1st sentence was- IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU. I love that! I love anything from t-shirts to billboards that say that. Day one really hit me that this life is not about us and ourselves- it's not about what WE want to do with OUR lives, where WE want to live or go, or be, it's about GOD. He is the Creator of Life and we are only here because of Him. It's really hard to remember that living in a world where everything is aimed at ourselves, our desires and our rights. It makes you wonder, if everyone stepped back and looked at the big picture, how different things would be. We live in a very selfish world and it's hard sometimes to remember that it's not about us- but God and His purpose- we are only here because of Him and for His purpose only. Every day or every few days- when I can- I'll type out a brief outline of my daily readings and what I've learned. Pray for me as I do this challenge. Pray that I stay focused and motivated. I hope you are Blessed and inspired as I take this 40 day challenge!

My power/memory verse for day 1 was-

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible...everything got started in Him and finds its purspose in Him. COLOSSIANS 1:16 MSG

POINT TO PONDER: IT'S NOT ABOUT ME.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: HOW CAN I REMIND MYSELF TODAY THAT LIFE IS REALLY ABOUT LIVING FOR GOD, NOT MYSELF?

THE PURPOSE OF YOUR LIFE IS FAR GREATER THAN YOUR OWN PERSONAL FULFILLMENT, YOUR PEACE OF MIND, OR EVEN YOUR HAPPINESS. IT'S FAR GREATER THAN YOUR FAMILY, YOUR CAREER, OR EVEN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS AND AMBITIONS. THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SPECULATION ABOUT THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE. ITS REVELATION. WE CAN TURN TO WHAT GOD HAS REVEALED ABOUT LIFE IN HIS WORD. IT EASIEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE PURPOSE OF AN INVITATION IS TO ASK THE CREATOR OF IT. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE. ASK GOD.

GOD'S WISDOM...GOES DEEP INTO THE INTERIOR OF HIS PURPOSES. IT'S NOT THE LATEST MESSAGE, BUT MORE LIKE THE OLDEST-WHAT GOD DETERMINED AS THE WAY TO BRING OUT HIS BEST IN US.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:7 MSG

Father,

AS I BEGIN MY JOURNEY, HELP ME TO REALIZE THAT BUILDING MY LIFE AROUND MYSELF INSTEAD OF YOU WILL ONLY LEAD TO EMPTINESS AND MEANINGLESSNESS. I WAS MADE BY YOU AND FOR YOU, AND I WANT TO DISCOVER MY PURPOSE IN YOU.

IN YOUR HOLY NAME, AMEN