Date Nights with God

Date Night with God
     It's a Saturday night, I am a 27 year old single girl, you would expect me to be out on a date or enjoying time with my spouse and kids. Instead I have been "blessed" with the stage of singleness in my life. I am in a transition stage in my life. I'm finishing up school and getting ready to apply to jobs all over the country. I have decided to not pray for a particular job but to pray for guidance and to go where God leads me. So, tonight I had a date night with God. I read through my devotionals and read through the rest of Romans. God is my date until He places another man in my life to help me grow in this walk of life together. In the last 3-4 months, I have spent a lot of time with God and have grown stronger in my prayer life and my bible reading life. I have learned more in the past 3 months then I have sense I first got saved. I have read several books as well to help develop myself and become a stronger christian. I have also partaken in two 24 hour fasts. I have learned a lot about myself as well. I still have a lot more to learn and develop into but, when I am ready I am confident that God will place the right man in my life to be my permanent "date". Until then I am contend with my date nights with God. Here are two quotes from my two of the most influential pastors in my life.

"Your best days can still be in front of you if you put God at the center again." Bill Purvis

"Out of our greatest misery often comes our greatest ministry." Brent Purvis

So if you are in a stage of singleness in your life. I challenge you to have some date nights with God. When you are feeling lonely, spend sometime with God. He misses you, He wants your attention. Embrace your singleness as lonely as it can be.


Jenn😘

Purpose Driven Life Day 39

Day 39, June 8th, "Balancing Your Life" 
     - "Blessed are the balanced; they shall outlast everyone." (Rick Warren). I consider myself a very balanced person. I go to church, I do school, I work, and I have fun. Life is a pentathlon of 5 purposes:
 1. Love God with all your heart
 2. Love your neighbor as yourself
 3. Go and make disciples
 4. Baptize them
 5. Teach them to do all things
2 Peter 3:17 says, "You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing." We have to keep our lives balanced in all areas.

HABITS TO DEVELOP TO STAY ON TRACK
    1. Talk it through with a spiritual partner or small group
        - You should discuss the principles of this book with a small group. "We learn best in community, our minds are sharpened and our convictions are deepened through conversation." (Rick Warren). Review the principles of this book as often as possible. Pray, encourage, and support one another in every area of life. "We are meant to grow together, not separately." (Rick Warren).
   2. Give yourself a regular spiritual check-up
       - We need to evaluate ourselves regularly. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith." The five vital signs of spiritual health are; worship, fellowship, growth in character, ministry, and mission. Do a regular check-up and make sure you are "well" in each area.
  3. Write down your progress in a journal

       - Keep a spiritual journal and record all of the life lessons God has shown you. I've kept a spiritual journal for the last 5+ years. I need to review it more and learn from the lessons God has already taught me. Regularly reviewing your spiritual journal can save you a lot of heartache and pain. Hebrew 2:1 says, "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." Writing things down and recording what we have learned can help us to not forget. Life is a journey. Record your doubts, fears, and struggles. Our greatest lessons come out of our pain. God uses pain to fulfill our purposes in life. "Every problem is purpose driven." (Rick Warren). Whenever you are going through pain realize that it is for a purpose and look to God to get you through it.
   4. Pass on what you know to others
       - It is important to pass on what we have learned through our hurts. Proverbs 11:25 says, "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Share the purpose in your pain with others so that they can learn from it. "Those who pass along insights get more from God." (Rick Warren). Sharing your pain with others can help prevent others from going through that pain. "The more you know the more God expects you to use that knowledge to help others." (Rick Warren). The more you grow in your faith the more God expects you to share.

IT'S ALL FOR GOD'S GLORY

Point to Ponder: Blessed are the balanced
Verse to Remember: "Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not know the meaning of life but as those who do." Ephesians 5:15
Question to Consider: Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on track and balance God's five purposes for my life?

Purpose Driven Life Day 36

Day 36, June 5th, "Made for a Mission"

    - Each of us was made for a mission. We each have a ministry in the church and a mission in the world. Our mission is for believers and nonbelievers. "Your life mission is both shared and specific." (Rick Warren). One part of our mission is a responsibility we share with other christians, and the other part is an assignment that is unique to you.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR MISSION
    - Fulfilling your life mission on earth is an essential part of living for God's glory. Your mission is a continuation of Jesus' mission on earth. We as christians are to continue doing what Jesus started. Matthew 28:19-20 says, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." One of our missions is to share Jesus with unbelievers. If we reach just one person, we will be rewarded in heaven. Your mission is a wonderful privilege. As christians we are working with God and representing Him. Our mission is to help build his kingdom. Telling others how they can have eternal life is the greatest thing you can do for them. It is important for us to remember how hopeless we felt without Christ. A lot of people are hopelessly lost without God even if they appear to be content and successful. It is important for us to spread the Good News with others so that we can build God's kingdom. Your mission has eternal significance. The impacting of helping people find God impacts the external destiny of the people we reach. Nothing else matters as much as helping people find God. John 9:4 says, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent
me. Night is coming, when no one can work." There is going to come a day when God returns to earth or we pass away and we will not be able to help anyone else get to heaven. We need to try and reach as many people as we can now so that we can build God's kingdom. We only have a lifetime to reach people. This doesn't mean we need to drop everything we are doing now and become evangelist. God needs people spreading the word everywhere. Spread the good news wherever you are. Look for people God places in your life to share the gospel. Your mission gives life meaning. "The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts it." (William James). Acts 20:24 says, "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God." If you reach one person in your life it will make a difference in eternity. Pray to God and ask him who He has placed in your life to talk to about Jesus. God's timetable for history;s conclusion is connected to the completion of our commission. The question of when God is going to return is futile. We need to focus on our mission on earth. Matthew 24:36 says, "'However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.'" It is easy for us to get distracted and not share our faith. Satan will let you do all kinds of good things as long as you don't take anyone to heaven with you. When we become serious about our mission the Devil will throw diversion at us. He will do anything he can to distract us from bringing people to heaven.

WHAT IT COSTS TO FULFILL YOUR MISSION

     - We have to abandon our own personal agendas and accept God's agenda for our life. Ask God to help us do what He is blessing, don't ask him to bless what you want. "Hand God a blank sheet with your name signed at the bottom and tell him to fill in the details." (Rick Warren). We must surrender our life to God and let him take control. Romans 6:13b says, "So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God." Everything that you do, do it for the glory of God. Commit to fulfilling your mission no matter the cost and you will experience the blessing of God.

ONE MORE FOR JESUS
     - There is always someone else you can bring to Jesus. Live to bring people to Jesus.

Point to Ponder: I was made for a mission.
Verse to Remember: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Ans surely I am with you always to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
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?

Purpose Driven Life Day 33

Day 33, June 2nd, "How Real Servants Act" 

    - We serve God by serving others. God measures greatness in terms of service, not in terms of status. Our society has a "me-first" mentality. As christians we need to eliminate the "me-first" thinking in our lives. "God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you." (Rick Warren). Most all of us want to lead and not be a servant but to be like Jesus we must be a servant. Knowing your shape that God gave you is important but having the heart of a servant is even more important. "Without a servants heart, you will be tempted to misuse your shape for personal gain." (Rick Warren). God tests our hearts by asking us to serve in ways we're NOT shaped. "Your primary ministry should be in the area of your service, but your secondary service is wherever you're needed at that moment." A servants heart will reveal your maturity.

REAL SERVANTS MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE TO SERVE

     - 2 Timothy 2:4 says, "Solider's don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them." Rick Warren says, "When you only serve when its convenient for you, you're not a real servant. Real servants do what's needed, even when its inconvenient." We have to remind ourselves that we are all servants and we won't be frustrated with interruptions throughout our day. If you are at work and get interrupted to help someone, see it as an opportunity to be a servant, don't see it as a interruption or inconvenience. Your agenda will be whatever God plans for your day. 

REAL SERVANTS PAY ATTENTION TO NEEDS

     - We should always be on the lookout to help others. Galatians 6:10 says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." "When God puts someone in need right in front of you, he is giving you the opportunity to grow in servanthood." (Rick Warren). Often times we miss our on opportunities to serve because we lack sensitivity and spontaneity. We have to be willing to serve others on the fly and be sensitive to others because great opportunities to serve never last long. Proverbs 3:28 says, "Do not say to your neighbor, 'Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you' - when you already have it with you." Don't put off something till tomorrow that you can do today. We need to do the little things as if they were the great things. 

REAL SERVANTS DO THEIR BEST WITH WHAT THEY HAVE

    - Real servants do what needs to be done now. They don't put off things that they can get done in that moment. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, "Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest." We have to do what we can with what we have and wherever we are. You may not have everything you want of be where you want to be but you can still serve and be a servant with what you have. 

REAL SERVANTS DO EVERY TASK WITH EQUAL DEDICATION

    - Real servants to every task with all their heart. "You will never arrive at the state in life where you're too important to help with menial tasks." (Rick Warren). I have a masters degree but I worked in a hospital as a tech and I worked as a caregiver. These tasks are not below me just because I have a masters degree. Sometimes the menial tasks mean the most. Galatians 6:3 says, "If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important." Do even the small tasks with a big heart. "Your servant's heart is revealed in little acts that others don't think you are doing." (Rick Warren). Do the small/not-so glamorous tasks and God will assign you whatever he wants you to do. "Sometimes you serve upward to those with anything, and sometimes you serve downward to those in need. Either way you develop a servants heart." (Rick Warren). Whether you are serving the president of the USA or the homeless man on the street, God sees them the same and each task should be done with equal dedication.

REAL SERVANTS ARE FAITHFUL TO THEIR MINISTRY

    - Real servants are trustworthy and dependable. Can you be counted on by others? God puts us to the test here and test our faithfulness. God will reward your faithfulness in eternity. Don't bail on someone or the church because you just don't want to or you are tired. Faithful servants never retire from serving God. 

REAL SERVANTS MAINTAIN A LOW PROFILE

    - Real servants are humble and maintain a low profile. They do not bring attention to themselves. They are humble and accept recognition if given it but do not seek recognition. Matthew 6:1 says, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Don't do stuff to seek recognition. Don't serve for approval or applause. So many people on social media post things for attention or recognition. They enjoy the "likes" but we need to realize that God sees all that we do and we will be rewarded in heaven. We don't need others approval. Being in the spotlight blinds you. God put you exactly where you are for a purpose. "The most significant service is often the service that is unseen." (Rick Warren). 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that you labor in the Lord is vain." 

Point to Ponder: I serve God by serving others.
Verse to Remember: "If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." Matthew10:42
Question to Consider: Which of the six characteristics of real servants offers the most challenge to me?

Purpose Driven Life Day 31

Day 31, May 31st, "Understanding Your Shape"
    - Psalm 139:13 says, "You shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb." God designed each one of us unique, there will never be a duplicate. When God created us He broke the mold. "...no one else on earth will ever be able to play the role God planned for you." (Rick Warren). We each have a unique contribution of natural abilities and spiritual gifts. Yesterday we went over the first two letters of SHAPE, today we will go over the last three.

SHAPE: APPLYING YOUR ABILITIES
    We are all born with natural talents. We all have a different combination of natural talents. Our natural talents are just as important as our spiritual gifts because they both come from God.
    *All of our abilities come from God*
          - "Even abilities used to sin are God given; they are just being misused or abused." (Rick Warren). It is important that we identify and release our abilities for serving God. We need to make sure we use our abilities for good and not for bad.
    *Every ability can be used for God's glory*

         - 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Anything we do we can do it to bring glory to God. There is a place in your local church where your abilities can shine and make a difference. It is important for us to find where we can have our abilities shine. It may be working in the children's ministry, greeting first time guests, or being a prayer partner. 1 Corinthians 12:6 says, "Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits." Find a place in your church where you can let your natural abilities shine.
     *What I'm able to do, God wants me to do*
         - We are the only person on earth that can use your abilities. No one else can play your role, its unique. This is why it is so important to discover what you are good at and what you are not good at and do it. "God will never ask you to dedicate your life to a task you have no talent in." (Rick Warren). What you are good at is an indication of what God's will for you is. "God doesn't waste abilities; he matches our calling and our capabilities." (Rick Warren). The abilities that God gives us are not just given to you to make a living but also to work in ministry. 1 Peter 4:10 says, "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." If we do not use our gifts and abilities that God has given to serve one another we are being selfish.

SHAPE: USING YOUR PERSONALITY

    - Each of of us are unique. God breaks the mold after he creates us. There is no one exactly like you. The church needs all kinds of people to balance the church. Some of us may have the same spiritual gifts but we use them differently. "You can learn from examples of others, but you must filter what you learn through your shape." (Rick Warren). Our different personalities reflect God's light in different colors and patterns. Some one may have the spiritual gift of giving and give financially and another person may have the same spiritual gift of giving and give their time. "When you minister in a manner consistent with the personality God gave you, you experience fulfillment, satisfaction, and fruitfulness." (Rick Warren). Use your personality, natural abilities, and spiritual gifts and you will be satisfied.

SHAPE: EMPLOYING YOUR EXPERIENCES
    - We are all shaped by our experiences. Most of our
experiences are beyond our control. There are six kinds of experiences we go through:
    1. Family experiences - What did you learn growing up? How were you raised?
    2. Educational experiences - How much education do you have? What did you study? What was your favorite subject? How much have you grown educational through personal growth?
    3. Vocational experiences - What jobs have you had? What jobs were you good at and enjoyed?
    4. Spiritual experiences - When were the most meaningful times you had with God?
    5. Ministry experiences - In what ways have you served God in the past?
    6. Painful experiences - What did you learn from your problems, hurts, and trials?
   - God uses our painful experiences to prepare us most for ministry (God's work). "God never waste a hurt. Your greatest ministry will most likely come out of your greatest hurt." (Rick Warren). My greatest hurts thus far in life have led me to be a better christian. Each one has helped me grow to be a better person as painful as they have been. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." "The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life - the ones you've wanted to hide and forget - are the experiences God wants to use to help others." (Rick Warren). Each experience we go through we can use to help someone else. People are more encouraged when we share how God's grace helped us in weakness than when we brag about our strengths. Its more beneficial to show others what we have gone through and overcome rather than to

only show people are strengths. This is why social media is so bad. People only post themselves at their best so we get a false image in our head and think we are less of a person because all we see is everyone else's life going perfect. "Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you." (Alders Huxley). We need to use our pain to help others. Turn our negatives into positives by helping others grow from our mistakes and painful experiences.

Point to Ponder: Nobody else can be me.
Verse to Remember: "God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessing." 1 Peter 4:10
Question to Consider: What God-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church?

Purpose Driven Life Day 29

Day 29, May 29th, "Accepting Your Assignment"

    - The fourth purpose in our life is serving God. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Each of us was placed on earth to make a contribution. God designed each of us to make a difference with our lives. "You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it." (Rick Warren).

YOU WERE CREATED TO SERVE GOD
    - Whenever we serve others in any way we are serving God. Each one of us was placed on earth for a special reason/assignment. Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations - that's what I had in mind for you." God shaped us before we were even conceived. He planned who our parents were going to be and what our assignment was going to be.

YOU WERE SAVED TO SERVE GOD

    - 2 Timothy 1:9 says, "For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time - to show us his grace through Christ Jesus." We were saved to serve God. "In God's kingdom, you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a function to fulfill." (Rick Warren). Jesus gave his life to purchase our salvation. We need to serve God out of joy and gratitude and not out of guilt or shame. We own him our lives. "Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured." (Rick Warren). If you only have love for yourself, no desire to serve others, and are only concerned about your needs, you should question whether Christ is really in your life. "A saved heart is one that wants to serve. Every member of God's family is a minister" (Rick Warren). When we serve, we are ministering. We are saved to help others. We are saved to serve, not sit around and wait for heaven.

YOU ARE CALLED TO SERVE GOD
    - Every Christian is called to serve, not just preachers. "Anytime you use your God-given abilities to help other, you are fulfilling your calling." (Rick Warren). Each one of us have a role in our local church. There is no small service, any kind of service matters. There is no correlation between the size of service and the significance. Every role matters because we rely on each other to function. Just like the body if one part fails to function, you get sick. When my thyroid stopped functioning correctly I became sick. Cancer invaded my body and I had to have my thyroid taken out and radiation. My immune system was down and I got sick a lot. It's important that each of us play our role and serve in our local church, so that the church stays healthy and continues to grow.

YOU ARE COMMANDED TO SERVE GOD
    - Serving is the heart of Christian living. "Holy living consists in doing God's work with a smile." (Mother Teresa). If you are not doing God's work with a smile and a grateful, giving heart you might as well not do it. As christians we need to act on what we know and practice it. "Impression without expression causes depression." (Rick Warren). When we serve we are exercising our spiritual muscles. We need not to ask what someone can do for us but we need to ask whose needs can I meet.

PREPARING FOR ETERNITY
    - When we go to heaven God is going to evaluate us on how well we served others in our life. He will compare how much time and energy we spent on ourselves compared with what we invested in serving others. Romans 2:8 says, "But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness." If we live for ourselves and do not serve others, God will show anger towards us and we will lose eternal awards God has planned for us. "We are only fully alive when we're helping others." (Rick Warren). This is so true! When I am serving others in my work, I absolutely feel so alive. I feel so fulfilled, thats how I know serving others is my spiritual gift.

SERVICE AND SIGNIFICANCE

    - Service is the only pathway to real significance. We all will give our life to something. It's what we choose to give it to that matters. You could choose your job, a hobby, fame, wealth, etc. None of those will have lasting significance. Through ministry we discover the meaning of our lives. God wants to work through us. "What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it." (Rick Warren). God uses even us misfits for his service. We need to stop making excuses and start serving.

Point to Ponder: Service is not optional.
Verse to Remember: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
Question to Remember: What is holding me back from accepting God's call to serve him?

Purpose Driven Life Day 27

Day 27, May 27th, "Defeating Temptation"

    - 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." There is always a way out when we are tempted. God never gives us more than what we can handle. At times, we may think he does but he promises he won't. Each temptation is a struggle, it will make us stronger once we conquer and defeat it. There are four biblical keys to defeating temptation.

BIBLICAL KEYS TO DEFEATING TEMPTATION 
     1. Refocus your attention on something else
         - No where in the bible does it say resist temptations but, it does say resist the devil because temptations come from the devil. When temptations arise in our mind and we try and block the thoughts we only reinforce them in our memory. "The more you fight a feeling, the more it consumes and controls you. You strengthen it every time you think." (Rick Warren). If we continue to say "I will not do (fill in the blank).", we are only keeping it in our mind regardless if we are saying we will not do something. We need to turn our attention to something else, channel our energy else where. Find something to get your mind off your temptations. That may be working out, reading, journalling, working; find what works for you. "The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind. Whatever gets your attention will get you." (Rick Warren). The more we think about something the stronger it takes hold of us. Once we place our mind on something else, the temptation loses its power. "Spiritually, your mind is the most vulnerable organ." (Rick Warren). We need to occupy our mind with God's word

and good thoughts, positive energy. I have been know to be a negative Nancy and I am working on becoming more positive and developing my mind to think positive always because, what you think is so important. Also, its more attractive to be a positive versus a negative person. Philippians 4:8 says, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." The more we manage our mind the better off we will be. We need to monitor our intake from the media. Social media is a great thing and also a bad thing. Everyone puts on there very best on social media, we don't see the other side of peoples lives and we think we are less because of it. I encourage anyone to take a fast from social media. Once I finish my 100 happy days challenge, I will be doing a 40 day fast from social media. In this day and age, a lot of us are addicted to social media and our phone. I will blog about that experience once I get to it.
     2. Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group
         - It is important that when we have a stronghold or temptation that we tell at least one person. The first step is admitting it to a friend so they can help you and pray for you. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." It's hard to fight battles alone. "Some temptations are only overcome with the help of a partner who prays for you, encourages you, and holds you accountable." (Rick Warren). This is why it is important to have fellowship with other Christians. James 5:16 says, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has power and produces wonderful results." Find someone that can pray with you. Prayer is powerful and wherever two are gathered God promises to be there. When you are in a relationship or married pray together every night. "Problems grow in the dark and become bigger and bigger, but when exposed to the light of truth, they shrink." (Rick Warren). Always confess your sins and temptations. Tell your partner your problems and pray about them together, don't keep secrets.
      3. Resist the Devil
          - James 4:7 says, "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." We have to fight back and resist the devil. We are like soldiers on the battlefield. Ephesians
6:17 says, "Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." By getting saved we put on our helmet to protect us. The weapon that we have is the word of God, scripture. Having memorized scripture is like having bullets in our gun. When the devil comes with us with temptations, we use our weapon of scripture and shoot out our memorized scripture at the devil and he flees. I challenge you to memorize as much scripture as you can so you can have enough ammo when the devil comes at you.
      4. Realize your vulnerability
          - We can never let our guard down. The moment we do the devil will be there to take over. We can't put ourselves in tempting situations where we know we will give in to our strongholds. 1 Corinthians 10:12 says, "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall." We are all vulnerable, we must always keep our guard up.

Point to Ponder: There is always a way out.
Verse to Remember: "God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." 1 Corinthians 10:13b
Question to Consider: Who could I ask to be a spiritual partner to help me defeat a persistent temptation by praying for me?

Purpose Driven Life Day 26

Day 26, May 26th, "Growing Through Temptation" 

    James 1:12 says, "Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out it is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and and more life." Every believer is faced with temptations, every temptation is an opportunity to do good. Temptation is simple a choice. We can choice to do whats wrong or what is right. "Every time you choose to do good instead of sin, you are growing in the character of God." (Rick Warren). Temptation is Satan's primary method to destroy us. The closer we get to God the more temptations he will place in front of us. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" As believers we have the Holy Spirit in us to help protect us from temptations. "Fruit always matures and ripens slowly. God develops the fruit of the Spirit in your life by allowing you to experience circumstances in which you're tempted to express the exact opposite quality" (Rick Warren). Temptation helps teach us things. It teaches us to love by putting unlovely people around us to love. It teaches us joy in the midst of sorrow, when we turn to him. "Happiness depends on external circumstances but joy is based on your relationship to God." (Rick Warren). Temptation teaches us peace by us trusting God in circumstance we are tempted to worry or be afraid. This one is my biggest temptation and I fail over and over again. Worry is a problem for me. Temptation develops patience by putting circumstances where we are forced to wait. Again, another huge temptation for me. I am very patient with other people but when it comes to myself, I am not patient at all. Integrity is built by defeating the temptation to be dishonest. What ever you are struggling with know that it is normal. "You can't claim to be God if you've never been tempted to be bad." (Rick Warren). As believers we are all tempted, its how you respond to temptation that matters most.

HOW TEMPTATION WORKS

   - Satan is predictable when it comes to temptation, its a four step process.
        1. Identifies a desire inside of us
            - This could be a normal desire or a sinful desire. He plants temptation in our minds. Mark 7:21-23 says, "For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile us."
       2. Doubt...is it really wrong?
           - Satan starts to plant a seed telling you its really not wrong, its not that bad, everyone is doing it, etc.
       3. Deception
           - Satan can not tell the truth. He makes you think it is okay to do it. Anything he tells us is either untrue or half-true.
       4. Disobedience
           - We act on the temptation and do what is wrong.

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
       1. Refuse to be intimidated

          - We will never outgrow temptation. As believers we will always be tempted in one way or another. We need to think of temptation as a compliment. Satan doesn't tempt those that are already doing evil. Even Jesus was tempted but, he never sinned. "You can't keep the Devil from suggesting thoughts, but you can choose not to dwell or act on them." (Rick Warren). The closer we become to God the more Satan will try and tempt us.
       2. Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it
          - Each of us have certain situations that make us more vulnerable than others. Some of us may be tempted by worry, lust, trust, etc. We have to recognize our patterns that we fall into and avoid them and pray over them. Who are you with when you are tempted? Where are you at when you are tempted? What time of day? Proverbs 4:26-27 says, "Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust."
       3. Request God's help
           - Heaven/God have a 24 hour emergency hotline. Send up a prayer flare when you feel tempted. Psalm 50:15 says, "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." We need to cry out to God! Shout to the heavens. "The Bible guarantees that our cry will be heard because Jesus is sympathetic to our struggle." (Rick Warren). Jesus was tempted throughout his whole life, he understand the struggle we face. Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin."

"Temptations keep us dependent on God." (Rick Warren). Without God, we would give in to all our temptations. Next time you are tempted send up a prayer flare.

Point to Ponder: Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.
Verse to Remember: "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
Question to Consider: What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?

Purpose Driven Life Day 24

Day 24, May 24th, "Transformed by Truth"

   - Acts 20:32 says, "Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends." God gives us everything we could possible need. He shows us and tells us in His word. "Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth." (Rick Warren). In order for us to grow spiritually we must fill our lives with the word of God. God speaks things change, everything around us was created by God. "God's Word generates life, creates faith, produces change, frightens the Devil, causes miracles, heals hurts, builds character, transforms circumstances, imparts joy, overcomes adversity, defeats temptation, infuses hope, releases power, cleanses our minds, brings things into being, and guarantees our future forever!" (Rick Warren). God's word is as essential as food to us. We need spiritual nourishment to fulfill our purpose. More often than not believers have "spiritual anorexia". We need to make make abiding in God's word 1st priority:

ABIDING IN GOD'S WORD
    1. I must accept its authenticity
        - God's word is the authoritative standard of life, compass for direction, counsel to listen to make a wise decision, and a benchmark to evaluate everything. Troubles come because we base our choices on, culture (everything everyone is doing), tradition, reason (logical), and emotion. Proverbs 30:5 says, "Every word of God is flawless." We need to see what the Bible says first before we make any decision in our life. There are times in my life where I wish I would have followed exactly what the Bible says, I would be better off. We are not going to get God's blessings if we are not obedient with what His word says.
     2. I must assimilate its truth
         - We must receive the Word of God. We must listen/accept with a open attitude. If we are not learning something from reading the bible or from a sermon we need to check our attitude. God can speak even through the most boring teacher when were are humble and receptive.
        - We must read God's word. If we read the Bible 15 minutes a day for a year, we can read the entire Bible in a year. If we read for 30 minutes a day we could read the Bible twice a year. All of us can make time for this. "Daily bible reading keeps you in range of God's voice." (Rick Warren). If you are having a hard time hearing God's voice, dig into his Word.
        - We need to research and study the bible. Ask questions and write down our thoughts. Keep a journal. Write down your prayers, your notes from sermons, your answered prayers, everything!
        - Remember it. You remember what is important to you. Reading and reflecting on God's word helps us resist temptation, make wise decisions, reduce stress, build confidence, offer good advice, and helps us share our faith with others.
         - We need to reflect on it - meditation. Meditation is focused thinking. We select a verse and
reflect on it over and over and over in our head. "If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate." (Rick Warren). Like I've said before I should be a expert meditator because I know how to worry. I need to take that energy of worrying and turn it into mediation on God's word.
      3. I must apply its principles
          - We must put all that we learn into practice. Satan fights us on this. He doesn't care if we go to bible study and read the bible, he cares when we start applying it. Blessings come from obeying  the truth in God's word. John 13:17 says, "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." We have to obey God in order to get his blessings no matter if its difficult or painful. "The truth will set you free, but first it may make you miserable." (Rick Warren). We have all been through things that have made us miserable but in the end we are better off. It is important to discuss personal
applications in our lives with others that we trust so that they can help us make wise decisions. This is why is it important to have a small group and a church family. "We always learn from others truths we would never learn on our own. Other people will help you see insights you would miss and help you apply God's truth in a practical way." (Rick Warren). Be careful who you take advice from though.

Point to Ponder: The truth transforms me.
Verse to Remember: "If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32
Question to Remember: What has God already told me in his Word that I haven't started doing yet?

Purpose Driven Life Day 23

Day 23, May 23rd, "How We Grow"

   - God wants us to grow up, he doesn't want us to stay immature. "Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes intentional commitment." (Rick Warren). Our commitments can develop us or destroy us. We become whatever we are committed to.

GOD'S PART AND YOUR PART
    - "Christlikeness is the result of making Christlike choices and depending on His Spirit to help you fulfill these choices." We have to let go of our old routines and habits in order to grow. God took TJ out of my life for a reason. For me, it is routine and habit for me to text/talk to him. I need to change my habits or I'm not going to grow.  Spiritual growth is a collaborative effort between us and the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 says, "Therefore, my friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." God has a purpose for us, it may not be what we have planned but it is always for good and his purpose. You can't add to your salvation once you are saved because you can't add anything to what Jesus already did. We have to work to develop what we already have.

CHANGING YOUR AUTOPILOT

    - We have to change the way we think. Behind EVERYTHING we do there is a thought, negative or positive. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will." We have to deal with the root cause of our problems. "Change always starts with the mind." (Rick Warren). We have to change our thinking in order to get off of autopilot. "The way we think determines the way we feel, the way you feel influences the way you act." (Rick Warren). We need to not think immature thoughts or self-centered thoughts. "Selfish thinking is the source of sinful behavior." (Rick Warren). We need to think maturely and thinking of others is a mark of maturity. "Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds and our beliefs must be packed with Christlike behavior." (Rick Warren). We need to make thinking of others before ourselves as a lifestyle because thinking of others is the heart of Christianity.

Point to Ponder: It's never to late to start growing.
Verse to Remember: "Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God - what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." Romans 12:2b
Question to Remember: What is one area I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God's way?

Purpose Driven Life Day 22

Day 22, May 22nd, "Created to Become like Christ"

- God's plan has always been to make us more like his son Jesus. We humans are the only things made in God's image. All people possess a part of the image of God - but the image is incomplete and has been damaged and distorted by our sins. God sent Jesus to restore the full image. "This desire to be a God shows up every time we try to control our circumstances, our future, and people around us." (Rick Warren). How many of us try to control our future? I know I do. I constantly think of my future. Who will I marry? When will I have kids? When will my debt be paid off? Why can't I live in the present? If I'm not living in the future I'm living in the past. Why did my past relationships not work out? Why did I end up getting 2 degrees and am going back for a third to figure out what I wanted to do? Why, why, why? We, including myself, need to live in the present! God's ultimate goal for us is character development. His goal is to change our character not our personality. Life is suppose to be difficult, it enables us to grow. We go through each of the difficult times in our lives to help us grow. We exist for God's purpose, not vice versa.

GOD'S SPIRIT WORKING IN YOU

   - "It is the Holy Spirit's job to produce Christlike character in you." (Rick Warren). Sanctification is the process of changing us to be more like Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make changes God wants us to make in our lives. Sometimes he nudges us with a gentle whisper or a huge tug. 1 Kings 19:12 says, "After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." Often times the Holy Spirit just talks to us in a gently whisper or through someone else.

WE MUST COOPERATE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT'S WORK
    - Obedience unlocks God's power. We have to be obedient in order to have the blessings God has in store for us. God often times waits for us to act first, its how our character develops. In order to grow spiritually we have to actively participate. We have to make an effort to become like Jesus. Surround ourselves with people who are on the same spiritual path as you. Listen to music that will help you growth. Get connected with your church family. We have to let go of our old ways. Change the way we think and develop Godly habits. Post break-up I am struggling with this. I have such habits of texting my ex and its not because I'm holding out for him, its my crutch. It gives me comfort. I know I need to stop messaging him but I continue to do it, its my crutch. I will get there but why can't I cooperate with the Holy Spirit?

GOD USES HIS WORD, PEOPLE, AND CIRCUMSTANCES TO MOLD US

   - "God's word produces the truth we need to grow, God's people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment we need to practice Christlikeness." (Rich Warren).  In order for us to become more Christlike we need to read God's word regularly, connect regularly with other believers, and trust God in difficult situations. Trust is hard for me. God ALWAYS comes through for me and I have no reason not to trust him yet, still when I am put in a difficult situation I question God and its is wrong and sinful. Often times God uses people rather than miracles. He wants us to connect with others not just be in isolation of prayer and bible study. We need to have fellowship.

BECOMING LIKE CHRIST IS A LONG, SLOW PROCESS OF GROWTH
   - Spiritual maturity is not instant or automatic, it takes an entire lifetime to reach full maturity. We
are only finished growing spiritually when we get to heaven or when Jesus returns. God is more interested in what we are more than what we do. He looks at our character not our job description. We have to make an effort to become like Christ or the world will bring us down.

Point to Ponder: I was created to become like Christ.
Verse to Remember: "As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more." 2 Corinthians 3:18b
Question to Consider: In what area of my life do I need to ask for the Spirit's power to be like Christ today?

Purpose Driven Life Day 21

Day 21, May 21st, "Protecting Our Church"

   - It is our job of members of a church to protect the unity of the church. If we destroy unity in the church it rips God's heart out. We as members need to model the trinity, father, son, and holy spirit. "Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than his church." (Rick Warren). Yesterday I was talking to a friend and I told him I didn't understand this second purpose as much. I understand that God wants us to have real fellowship but, how is this purpose teaching me or someone else reading it their purpose. He told me the church is God's most valuable possession so one of our purposes is to treasure and honor the church. It opened my eyes up and made me realize why this purpose is in here. Ephesians 4:13 says, "This work must continue until we are all joined together in the same faith and in the same knowledge of the Son of God. We must become like a mature person, growing until we become like Christ and have his perfection." There are 6 things we can do to help protect our church:
   1. Focus on what we have in common, not our differences
       - We need to focus on harmony, not differences. We should value each others differences because God gave each of us our unique personalities. We need to not let differences in each other divide us. We should stay focused on what matters most. Love like God does. "Conflict is usually a sign that the focus has shifted to less important issues." (Rick Warren). Shift your focus on loving each other and filling God's purposes in your life. 1 Corinthians 1:10 says, "I beg you, brothers and sister, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups. I beg that you be completely joined together by having the same kind of thinking and the same purpose."
   2. Be realistic in your expectations 
       - We MUST passionately love the church with its imperfections. "Longing for the ideal while criticizing the real is evidence of immaturity. On the other hand, settling for the real without striving for the ideal is complacency. Maturity is living with tension." (Rick Warren). Other believers will let us down but that doesn't mean we stop fellowship with them. We are all family. Ephesians 4:2 says, "Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love." We have to understand that we are all sinners and the church is made up of sinners as well. Sometimes we hurt each other intentionally sometimes unintentionally. It is important that we reconcile rather then run away. "Divorcing" your church or a friend is a sign of immaturity. Every church and every person has its strength and weaknesses.
   3. Choose to encourage rather than criticize

       - "It is always easier to stand on the sidelines and take shots at those who are serving than it is to get involved and make a commitment." (Rick Warren). So many people complain about things but do not do anything to get involved to change them. If you are not going to help and get involved you should only encourage those who are doing something. Whenever we judge another believer 4 things happen: 1. Lose fellowship with God
              2. Expose your own pride and insecurities
              3. Set yourself up to be judged by God
              4. Harm the fellowship of the church
It is not our job to judge, blame, or critic someone. Romans 14:19 says, "So let us try to do what makes peace and helps one another."
    4. Refuse to listen to gossip 
       - Whether you are the one gossiping or the one listen it is wrong. It is our responsibility to tell others to stop talking about others."People who gossip to you will also gossip about you." (Rick Warren). I am sure we have all been apart of gossip and the repercussions of gossiping are never good. Avoid it at all cost.
    5. Practice God's method for conflict resolution
        - Matthew 18:15-17 says, "If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again. But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. 'Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God." The bible tells us exactly what we need to do.
    6. Support your pastor and leaders

        - Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, GA has pastors prayer partners who pray over the pastor, leaders of the church and their families. People meet together before each service and pray and then go on the stage and kneel down with the pastor and pray over him before he gives the message. There are not perfect leaders in any church but God gives them the authority to maintain unity. We need to honor the leaders and pastors. Sometimes we have to do whats best for the "body" and not yourself. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, "Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you. Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do." "We protect the fellowship when we honor those who serve us by leading." (Rick Warren). Pray for your pastor, honor him, and do not put him down.

Point to Ponder: It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church.
Verse to Remember: "Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together." Romans 14:19
Question to Remember: What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now?

Purpose Driven Life Day 20

Day 20, May 20th, "Restoring Broken Fellowship" 

  - Relationships are worth restoring. Life is about learning how to love and value relationships, don't disregard them. "...our ability to get along with others is a mark of spiritual maturity." (Rick Warren). If we want to get God's blessings in life, we have to learn to be peacemakers." (Rick Warren) Peacemaking is one of the most important things to learn in life. Peacemaking is not to avoid conflict its to talk it out and work it out. We need to pray for the holy spirits guidance. Peacemaking is not appeasement. Just because we are christians, doesn't mean we should allow others to run over us.

There are 7 Biblical Steps On HOW TO RESTORE A RELATIONSHIP:

   1. Talk to God before talking to the person.
      - If we have a problem with a person we should discuss it with God before we confront the person. "If you will pray about the conflict first instead of gossiping to a friend, you will often discover that either God changes your heart or he changes the other person's without your help." (Rick Warren). Instead of gossiping to anyone that will listen we should talk to God about the conflict. Tell Him your frustrations, cry out to him! He doesn't get upset by any of our emotions. Some of our needs can only be met by God. No one can meet all our needs but God. James 4:1-2 says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God." Often times we look to others to make us happy and get angry when they fail us. We need to place God first. This one I really struggle with. I do not enjoy being single I like having a boyfriend and I can not wait to get married but I can't let someone else dictate my happiness. I need to embrace my singleness as hard as it is. Not one person on this earth can give me everything. Not one person can make me 100% truly happy.
  2. Always take initiative.
      - Whether you are the offender or the offended, God expects us as christians to make the first move to repair the relationship. We should not procrastinate or make excuses. "Delay only deepens resentment and makes matters worse. In conflict, time heals nothing, it causes hurts to fester." (Rick Warren). If we act quickly after a argument it reduces the spiritual damage to us. Unresolved conflict blocks fellowship with God and keeps are prayers from being answered, not to mention it makes us miserable. I know for me I can't eat or sleep if I know someone is mad at me. It eats away at my heart. When you are going to meet with the person you are on in conflict with, don't meet when either of you are tired, rushed, hungry, or you will be interrupted. You need to wait until both of you are at your best.
  3. Sympathize with their feelings.
      - Rick Warren says, "Use your ears more than your mouth." It is more important for us to listen to peoples feelings and let them unload emotionally. We need to make sure we are tuned in and are not defensive. Resentment towards people makes us act and think in foolish ways. We need to keep our hearts open and sympathize with their feelings.
  4. Confess your part of the conflict.
      - It is important that we admit our mistakes. We may need to ask a 3rd party to evaluate our actions before meeting with the person we are in conflict with. I would advice that if you are dating someone or married to someone that it is not one of your family members. This can cause conflict in the relationship as they are always going to take your side and if you are constantly nagging about your significant other to family that is how they are going to see them and then you are going to wonder why they don't like your significant other. Always say positive things about the person you are dating/married to to your family. We need to also talk to God and ask God if we are the problem. "Often the way we handle a conflict creates a bigger hurt than the original problem itself." (Rick Warren). If we humbly admit our mistakes it defuses the other persons anger and disarms their attack.
   5. Attack the problem, not the person
      - Often times when we get into conflict we are pointing the finger at who did what and who said what. "You cannot fix the problem if you're consumed with fixing the blame." (Rick Warren). Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." We need to by wise in choosing our words. We can get the same point across and in a more affective way without raising our voices or cussing. How you say something is just as important of what you say. If you go in with attitude and talk to the person its not going to end well. We need to have an open heart and sympathy for that person whether you are the offender or offended. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." We need to not bring up old hurts and pains as well. We only need to try and resolve the conflict we are currently in.
   6. Cooperate as much as possible.
       - Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Peace always has a price tag but we should work on having as much peace with everyone as possible. We will need to compromise on things.
   7. Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.

      - It's unrealistic to think that everyone is going to agree with everything you say. We are all raised differently and have different backgrounds so inevitable there are going to be some conflicts. "Reconciliation focuses on the relationship, while resolution focuses on the problem." (Rick Warren). We as christians need to focus on reconciliation. We can disagree without being disagreeable. "God expects unit, not uniformity." (Rick Warren). We don't have to agree on everything but we should work together for God's good.

Point to Ponder: Relationships are always worth restoring.
Verse to Remember: "Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody." Romans 12:18
Question to Consider: Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?

Purpose Driven Life Day 16

Day 16, May 16th, "What Matters Most"

   - God is LOVE! The most important lesson that God wants us to learn is to LOVE! We are most like God when we love. God wants us to love everybody but He specifically wants us to love others in His family, believers. He wants us to pay special attention to His family and love them because He wants His family to be known for its love. We can not learn to love in isolation. We have to get out and meet people and serve others. You have to be around people to love. You can't just stay in isolation. You have to go out and socialize. For some people this may be a challenge. Start with joining a group at your church. Through fellowship with other people we learn 3 important truths:
   1. The Best Use of Life is LOVE

       - Love should be our TOP PRIORITY in life. Rick Warren says, "Relationships must have priority in your life above everything else." I am really good at putting my romantic relationship top priority. When I am in a relationship I love so much and so deeply. I definitely make a HUGE effort for that person in my life almost to a fault. That person becomes the center of my world. I switch work schedules, I stop going to other activities, etc. This is good and bad. Yes, I am putting that person top priority and our relationship top priority but, thats just one person. I need to not neglect family and friends which I often times do. "Relationship, not achievements or acquisitions of things, are not what matter most in life." Rick Warren. A lot of people struggle with this one. For me I'd give up all my possessions and degrees to have my friends, family, and future husband and children. The enemy of relationships is busyness. We have to carve out time in our schedules for relationships. They should be our top priority. So often people get so caught up in their career and paying bills that they forget the best use of life is loving others. For me, I work in a career field where I can love on others all day. Life - Love = 0
  2. Love Will Last Forever

      - Love and kindness have the most impact on earth when you die. When someone is on there deathbed they don't ask to be surrounded by there diplomas, trophies, earthly possessions; they ask to be surrounded by the people they love. You have to love others and make relationships important to you now, we never know how much time we or someone else has left here on earth. When you die no one is going to remember you for your success in sports, degrees you had, career achievements, those will fade. What they will remember you for is the love you poured out to them and others.
  3. We Will be Evaluated on Our Love
     - God measures spiritual maturity by the quality of our relationships. He is not going to ask you when you get to heaven to tell him about your career or your finances, instead, He is going to ask you how you treated other people. We should love people like God loves the church. Random acts of kindness is a good way to show love to a stranger. Next time you are at a coffee shop pay for someone behind you, it will make someones day and you are showing love to a complete stranger.

THE BEST EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE

   - The more time you give someone or something the more you reveal its importance in your life. Again, when I'm in a romantic relationship giving them my time is easy for me, I love them, I want to spend time with them, I make it a huge priority to me. I prioritize other things so that I can adjust my schedule to have time with them. Especially being in a past military relationship, TIME together is important and shows your love. They may get deployed, sent to the field, go to a school and be gone for months at a time. When they are home its important to spent as much time as possible together. Again, this may be a fault in me because I neglect other relationships in my life and I hope in the future once I get into another romantic relationship that I can balance it more. If you want to know a person's priorities look how they spend their time. Do they spend all their time at work, at church, with the ones that love them? Look at where they spend the majority of time and that will show you where their priorities are. The greatest gift you can ever give someone is your TIME. The most desired form of love is focused attention, especially for us women. I would take away all my earthly possessions to have focused time with the ones I love. That means no cell phones! This is hard for all of us in this day and age but we need to give the people we love our focused attention. Guys often times do not get this. They think I am providing for there every need, they should feel loved! For us women the focused attention, one on one time is so important. For those of you that have kids that means date nights without the kids as well. It's important for your relationship.

THE BEST TIME TO LOVE IS NOW!!!

- One day I will enter into another romantic relationship and I hope and pray that I can be more balanced in my love. I definitely make that relationship my first priority and it should be once we are married but I should not neglect my other relationships. Of course, my relationship with God comes first, then will be my spouse, then children. I pray for God to send me my future husband but until then I am going to spread my love, especially to His family. I challenge you if you are single to trust in God's timing, as hard as it is, it's his perfect timing! Pray for exactly what you want in your spouse. Write it out. Give God every detail. I heard God tell me after my last break up, tell me exactly what you want in your spouse. I wrote it out. I then had a lady at work tell me to tell God exactly what you want. I wrote out another list. Then again Pastor Brent Purvis from Cascade Hills Church preached on prayer and he said you have to tell God exactly what you want from hair color, to career, to height, etc. I then proceeded to make a 3 page list and left room to add more. Of course some of those I can budge on but some I will not. I challenge you, tell God what you want and in the meantime focus on your relationship with God. He will reveal things to you and others may often times confirm it.

Point to Ponder: Life is all about love.
Verse to Remember: "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love thy neighbor as yourself.' Galatians 5:14
Question to Consider: Honestly, are relationships my first priority? How can I ensure that they are?