Chapter Two

I am not an accident.

The question to consider at the end of the book is: What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept.

With this question in mind I have to say my biggest personallity flaw is my patience, combined with my competitive spirit. It's not bad to be competitive but sometimes I take that level to an extreme, constantly comparing myself to others, which can leave me feeling bitter or even jealous. I also seem to have a problem wanting to commit to things at times. Sometimes, I want people to like me so much that I try to hard, which might have something to do with the commitment problem. I want to be around eveyone all the time and it's frustrating when you have to pick to do something that will please someone and upset someone else. It might be in relationships or it might just be planning out what I'm doing next weekend, but I have a problem knowing or saying exactly what I want.

The whole point of this chapter is that God made me like this for a reason. I think maybe he made me like this to remind me that I still have plenty of obstacles to conquer. It's a matter of going back and trying to live for him. Most of the problems in my life seem to occur when I choose to do selfish activities as opposed to selfless.

The First Day.

Everything is very exciting right away. Trot came over and I was up at 7:50. It's going to be a productive day. I found when you get up and do something right away, it's easier to continue that trend. Anyway back to the subject at hand. The Purpose Driven Life.

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU!

is the overriding principle.

Sticking with this theme of it's not about me...

I'm thinking of situations today where someone will ask me to help them do something or move something or whatever the case may be. It will be a lot easier to say 'Yes, I can help' or 'yes, I can do that' if I can keep in mind that my life isn't about me.

Chapter 1: It All Starts With God

It All Starts With God

First things first you are not going to discover life’s meaning through yourself you most look to God. You were made by God for God; you didn’t create yourself. You need more help in life than just self-help books or strategies. Instead of speculating on what you think the purpose of life is, we should use revelation. Go to God’s word for instruction on how to live life. 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.” There are three insights to this verse.

1. You discover your identity and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you don’t have such a relationship, I will later explain how to begin one.

2. God was thinking of you long before you ever thought about him. His purpose for your life predates your conception. He planned it before you existed, without you input! You may choose your career, you spouse, your hobbies, and many other parts of your life, but you don’t get to choose your purpose.

3. The purpose of your life fits into a much larger, cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity. That’s what this book is about.

DAY ONE

Thinking About My Purpose

Point to Ponder: It’s not about me.

Verse to Remember: “Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.” Colossians 1:16

Question to Consider: In spite of al the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?

The one thing that an old friend of mine, aka neighbor, once put up little question marks all around his house in places he visits on a daily basis. These question marks would then signify to him to ask himself what he has done for God today. I believe that is a very good way of doing it. I know many of you out there don’t like to flash to everyone that you are religious because you don’t want to be called a Jesus Freak. So other ways of doing it is put a religious saying in your phone so when you open it that reminds you of God. I am just throwing a couple at you and maybe sparking your thoughts on ways you get can this accomplished. Let me know what you think.