Day one......Newcomers please read

Hello friends:

If you're reading this, then you have already read the first chapter. If you haven't, STOP reading this, and go read the first chapter. It's very important that we're on the same page here. It will be hard to understand these posts without having read the chapter for which they are written. I just want to point out some things that stood out for me in the 1st chapter. Firstly we see the opening sentences:

"It's not about you. 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. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by His purpose and for His purpose."

(OK, in the book he does capitalize "his" but I will.) When I first knew that the Lord was leading me to not only read this book, but guide folks in reading it, I must say I panicked. I was looking for teaching helps, and wanted to get with some others who'd taught on this book and whatnot, and the Lord just led me to scrap all of that. I had some good advice (thanks Jerri) as well. I realize that we're all in this together, and that we're all going to learn from the different perspectives that each of us have. Now folks who simply aren't willing to yield to the Lord are going to have a rough time making the leap, so to speak. But even if you're not so sure about your walk with the Lord at this point.......or maybe even especially if you're not, keep with it. I guess you could call this a God focused study on the Purpose Driven Life. But that's what the book is about, so whether this blog is labeled as such or not it most definitely could be classified that way, and rightfully so. Here are a few more quotes from the 1st chapter:

"You were made by God, and for God------and until you understand that, life will never make sense."

"You could reach all your personal goals, becoming a raving success by the world's standard, and still miss the purposes for which God created you."

"This is not a self-help book. It is not about finding the right career, achieving your dreams, or planning your life. It is not about how to cram more activities into an overloaded schedule. Actually, it will teach you how to do less in life---by focusing on what matters most. It is about becoming what God created you to be"

That's where we are folks. And that's what we're going to do in reading this book. We're going to study each chapter and reflect on what we've read. Now for the question of the day, or question to consider:

"In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?"

I would like your input.

My answer? Put God first. Start out the day with prayer, and a bible study. (It may only be "Our Daily Bread" devotional, which is fine by the way, or it may be a more indepth study. And later in the day or at night set some time aside to read the bible again. Again, it may only be a few verses or it may be a chapter.) This is what I do to remind myself. Don't get me wrong, I still have questions, and problems.......and confusions from time to time. I'm still struggling with what I want to do (or plan to do) and what God has for me. We're all learning here. If you are already a Christian, don't get all worked up and/or upset by those who aren't where you are spiritually, and don't think that this study is beneath you. That, my friend, is pride and/or self-importance. We all need to refocus where we are and what we're here for. We need to all remember that it's NOT about us. I'm so excited.......what a great first chapter! I can hardly wait to read tomorrow's. But I will. :-) James