DAY 40 MAN OF SORROWS (video)

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose

CHAPTER 40 - LIVING WITH PURPOSE

Living on purpose is the only way to really live. Everything else is just existing. 

Most people struggle with three basic issues in life. The first is identity: "Who am I?" The second is importance: "Do I matter?" The third is impact: "What is my place in life?" The answers to all three questions are found in God's five purposes for you. (See Day 39 post)

It's easy to drift away from what matters most and slowly get off course. To prevent this, you should develop a purpose statement for your life and then review it regularly. 

WHAT IS A LIFE PURPOSE STATEMENT? 

• It's a statement that summarized God's purposes for your life 
• It's a statement that points the direction of your life
• It's a statement that defines "success" for you 
• It's a statement that clarifies your roles
• It's a statement that expresses your shape

LIFE'S FIVE GREATEST QUESTIONS

1. What will be the center of my life?

2. What will be the character of my life?

3. What will be the contribution of my life? 

4. What will be the communication of my life? 

5. What will be the community of my life? 

Point to Ponder: Living with purpose is the only way to really live

Verse to Remember: "For David...served the purpose of God in his own generation." Acts 13:36 (NASB)

Question to Consider: When will I take the time to write down my answers to life's five great questions? When will I put my purpose on paper? 

Day 39 - Surely this man was the Son of God!

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”  – Mark 15:37-39 (NIV)

How could an act of weakness, such as a man dying on a cross, cause this kind of response in an elite Roman soldier? In the Jewish temple there was a place called the Holy of holies. A heavy curtain covered the entrance; separated unholy man from a holy God. When that curtain was ripped in two the separation between God and man was gone. Suddenly the centurion saw what he couldn’t see before: Jesus was not an ordinary man, but God’s very act of reconciliation. Can you see that? Or do you still see just a man on a cross?
 (Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor Grace Church NY)

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 39 - BALANCING YOUR LIFE


Blessed are the balanced; they shall outlast everyone.

Your life is a pentathlon of five purposes, which you must keep in balance. These purposes were practiced by the first Christians in Acts 2, explained by Paul in Ephesians 4, and modeled by Jesus in John 17, but they are summarized in the Great Commandment  and the Great Commission of Jesus. These two statements sum up what this book is all about -- God's five purposes for your life:

1. "Love God with all your heart": You were planned for God's pleasure, so your purpose is to love God through worship


2. "Love your neighbor as yourself": You were shaped for serving, so your purpose is to show love for others through ministry


3. "Go and make disciples": You were made for a mission, so your purpose is to share God's message through evangelism.

4. "baptize them into...": You were formed for God's family, so your purpose is to identify with his church through fellowship.

5. "teach them to do all things...": You were created to become like Christ, so your purpose is to grow to maturity through discipleship

Point to Ponder: Blessed are the balanced


Verse to Remember: "Live life with a due sense of responsibility, not as those who do not now the meaning of life but as those who do." Ephesians 5:15 (Ph)


Question to Consider: Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on track and balance God's five purpose for my life?

Day 38 - Becoming a World Class Christian

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 38 - BECOMING A WORLD CLASS CHRISTIAN


The Great Commission is your commission.

You have a choice to make. You will be either a world-class Christian or a worldly Christian.

Worldly Christian: 

• look to God for personal fulfillment 
• saved, but self-centered
• "me-first" faith

World-Class Christian:

• know they are saved to serve
• made for a mission and purpose
• "others-first" faith

How can you shift from a worldly Christian to a world-class Christian? Here are a few ways:

1. Shift from self-centered thinking to other-centered thinking
2. Shift from local thinking to global thinking
3. Shift from "here and now" thinking to eternal thinking
4. Shift from thinking of excuses to thinking of creative ways to fulfill your commission
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Point to Ponder: The Great Commission is my commission


Verse to Remember: "Send us around the world with the news of your saving power and your eternal plan for all mankind." Psalm 67:2 (LB)


Question to Consider: What steps can I take to prepare to go on a short-term missions experience in the next year?

Day 37 - Share your message! Share your 40 day renewal!

**LAST CLASS WILL BE NEXT WEDNESDAY APRIL 11TH. COME PREPARED TO SHARE YOUR STORY AND HEAR HOW OTHERS TRANSFORMED THROUGH THESE 40 DAYS!**


If we count in Sunday's through Lent, today is exactly 40 days since you started your 40 day renewal!

There is no class this evening, however it's now time to meditate and reflect on Holy Week and on what Jesus dying on the cross meant for you and me. We've been focused on getting ourselves physically ready these past 40 days, so now take some time and ask why? What is the big purpose/reason you took on this challenge? How does physically cleansing our body help us spiritually?

The most amazing time of the year is upon us! Without Christ we have nothing, but with him we have eternal life!

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose

CHAPTER 37 - SHARING YOUR LIFE MESSAGE

God has given you a Life Message to share.
When you became a believer, you also became God's messenger. God wants to speak to the world through you.

You may feel you don't have anything to share, but that's the Devil trying to keep you silent. You have a storehouse of experiences that God wants to use to bring others into his family. 

Your Life Message has 4 parts.

1. Your testimony: the story of how you began a relationship with Jesus
2. Your life lessons: the most important lessons God has taught you
3. Your godly passions: the issues God shaped you to care about most
4. The Good News: The message of salvation

Don't miss the opportunities God is giving you.

Point to Ponder: God wants to say something to the world through me.

Verse to Remember: "Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, but do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15b-16 (TEV)

Question to Consider: As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?

Day 36 - Part 5 Stress series

Dear Reader

Christopher Lord here and I will conclude the 5 part series on stress to educate you and to assist you in your faith journey.  In the previous blog entries, I introduced the father of modern stress research, Dr. Hans Selye, who discovered the physiological underpinning of the human stress response- the “HPA Axis” which stands for the Hypothalamic- Pituitary- Adrenal Axis that also includes the chemical messengers between these structures, chief among them are the stress hormones, with cortisol being the big player I will focus on.

It was also stated that the “HPA Axis” or the stress response wasn’t necessarily a bad thing but rather a helpful/adaptive strategy to temporarily deal with the demands of increased stress.  The problem came when the need to deal with stress wasn’t temporary after all, but constant/near constant demands that lead to a nasty collection of symptoms that could be built into a syndrome called Cushing’s Syndrome which is associated with weight gain/obesity, musculoskeletal and skin problems as well as sex hormone dysfunction and an overall rough time in life.  I did not go into the mental health effects but I plan to now in this final blog entry.

We have long known in my field that there is a link between depression (“Big D” or Major Depression) and dysfunctional HPA Axis (as well as thyroid gland) but our search for a “chemical test” has remained elusive and unfulfilled because the association between HPA Axis/thyroid dysfunction is strong, it is not across the board and therefore not a good medical test.

So what do we know? We know that HPA Axis dysfunction (in most cases related to cortisol levels) is associated with Mood Disorders (which includes things like Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder) as well as Anxiety  Disorders (what matters with these is the rate of change in cortisol levels rather than just a high level). Additionally, there is HPA Axis dysfunction associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in which the cortisol response is abnormal, especially in those children who present primarily as hyperactive. HPA dysfunction is also associated with psychotic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and Major Depression with Psychosis. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (which is technically an Anxiety Disorder) is unsurprisingly associated with abnormalities of cortisol functioning (cortisol levels are actually low- we think that with that population the system actually wears out and other changes happen too). HPA Axis dysfunction is also associated with disruptive behavior in general in young people. Also, and very importantly, HPA Axis dysfunction is also associated with brain damage!

Specifically, chronic stress (in the study I read it was very severe stress) was associated with the loss of brain cells in a part of our brain called the hippocampus, which is associated with learning, verbal memory, as well as memory storage and retrieval, so much so that people were actually cognitively impaired on neuropsychological testing.

There you have it. By no means have I told you the whole story in terms of the deficits associated with long-term, chronic stress and its impact on your mind and body, there are other chemical messengers and systems involved with other deleterious effects.

Re-reading this material and writing these blog entries has reminded me to work harder at relaxing, and trying where I may to take better care of myself and to thank God

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
-Psalm 139:13-14
 
God’s peace and thank you for the opportunity to be of service

Christopher Lord

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 36 - MADE FOR A MISSION


You were made for a mission.
God is at work in the world, and he wants you to join him. This assignment is called you mission. God wants you to have both a ministry in the Body of Christ and a mission in the world.

Your life mission is both shared and specific. One part of it is a responsibility you share with every other Christian, and the other part is an assignment that is unique to you.

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR MISSION

• Your mission is a continuation of Jesus' mission on earth. 
• Your mission is a wonderful privilege 
• Telling others how they can have eternal life is the greatest thing you can do for them
• Your mission has eternal significance
• Your mission give your life meaning
• God's timetable for history's conclusion is connected to the completion of our commission. 

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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

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? 

Day 35 - let go and let God

Easter week. Time to let go of everything and let God in. God is ready to do what you cannot do yourself. All you need to do is let him in. Will you?
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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 35 - GOD'S POWER IN YOUR WEAKNESS


God loves to use weak people.
Everyone has weaknesses. Usually we deny our weaknesses, defend them, excuse them, hide them, and resent them. This prevents God from using them the way he desires.

We think that God only wants to use our strengths, but he also wants to use our weaknesses for his glory. 

• Admit your weaknesses
• Be content with your weaknesses 
• Honestly share your weaknesses
• Glory in your weaknesses 

Point to Ponder: God works best when I admit my weakness

Verse to Remember: "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)

Question to Consider: Am I limiting God's power in my life by trying to hide my weaknesses? What do I need to be honest about in order to help others? 

Day 34 - Balance

Balance is often over looked as part of a fitness routine until we loose our balance.  That sound like an odd statement but it's true.  Have you ever watched a kid play and wonder, "How do they do that?"  They can jump, climb, hop on one foot, walk on top of a brick wall and many other gravity defying tricks.  So what happened?  We use to have that kind of balance.  For one we stopped playing like kids and another reason is we got older.  Without actually knowing it we slowly loose our body's ability to balance as we age. 

Don't worry, you can get better with practice.  I don't suggest walking on the edge of a brick wall but you can improve your balance.  Here are a few hints at helping you build confidence.

     1.  During your exercise routine, do some of the exercises on one leg, then change legs.  This will help your body gain strength and work on your balance at the same time. 

     2.  Try and do basic daily activities on one leg, then alternate legs, like brushing your teeth.  It is a great way to work on balance while doing something else. 

     3.  Do one legged stands at home with your shoes on, then try it with no shoes.  You can also try different surfaces like on the carpet as well as a solid surface.  This helps mimic multiple surfaces that we encounter everyday.  The goal would be to stand on each leg for 30 seconds without putting the other leg down. 

     4.  Once you have accomplished standing on one leg then stand on two legs and close your eyes.  This changes your ability to stabilize yourself.  You can further challenge yourself by doing one legged stands with your eyes closed. 

Balance is an integral part of our day.  We walk on uneven surfaces, climb stairs reach in cabinets on our toes, or even getting out of a chair.  All these regular activities require some level of balance.  That is why it is important in our daily routine to continue to work on our balance and hopefully capture some of what we have lost.  With practice you will get better. 

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose

CHAPTER 34 - THINKING LIKE A SERVANT 

Service starts in your mind. 

To be a servant requires a mental shift, a change in your attitudes. God is always more interested in why we do something than in what we do. Attitudes count more than achievements. Real servants serve God with a mindset of the five attitudes. 

1. Servants think more about others than about themselves

2. Servants think like stewards, not owners

3. Servants think about their work, not what others are doing 

4. Servants base their identity in Christ

5. Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation 

Imagine what could happen if just 10 percent of all Christians in the world got serious about their role as real servants. Imagine all the good that could be done. Are you willing to be one of those people? 


Point to Ponder: To be a servant I must think like a servant


Verse to Remember: "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Phillipians 2:5 (NIV)


Question to Consider: Am I usually more concerned about being served or finding ways to serve others?

Day 33 - The Young Man and the Keys

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 33 - HOW REAL SERVANTS ACT 


We serve God by serving others.

The world defines greatness in terms of power, possessions, prestige, and position. If you can demand service from others, you've arrived. In our self-serving culture with its me-first mentality, acting like a servant is not a popular concept.

Jesus, however, measured greatness in terms of service, not status. God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you. 


How can you know if you have the heart of a servant? Jesus said, "You can tell what they are by what the do." 


Real servants make themselves available to serve


Real servants pay attention to needs


Real servants do their best with what they have


Real servants do every task with equal dedication


Real servants are faithful to their ministry


Real servants maintain a low profile


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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." Matthew 10:42 (NLT)

Question to Consider: Which of the six characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?

Day 32 - Cortisol and too much stress!

Hello again Reader

Christopher E Lord here and I am continuing the blog series on stress and mental/medical health.  I have introduced you to Hans Selye who pioneered modern stress research by discovering the “stress response”, which is the body’s physiological reaction to increased environmental demands and consists of various chemical messengers originating in our brain and travelling throughout our bodies.  This is referred to the “HPA Axis” or Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and isn’t necessarily a bad thing by itself, because we need to be able to adapt to stressful demands, but when the HPA Axis doesn’t work correctly (for example, when it is always on); it can have negative medical and mental health consequences.

In this entry, I will focus on the medical consequences of an abnormally functioning HPA Axis.  In the next and final blog entry, I will cover the mental health consequences of an abnormally functioning HPA Axis.

Recall that the HPA Axis consists of a brain structure called the Hypothalamus (which receives information from all over the brain via our sensory system- eyes, ears, smell, etc.) which then communicates with the nearby Pituitary gland (which makes a chemical messenger that is sent outside the brain) to the Adrenal glands (which sit on top of our kidneys) that in turn make chemical messengers that travel all over the body and exert various effects like increasing our heart rates so more blood gets to vital organs  and increasing our blood sugar levels so cells can do more work.  The chemical messengers made by the Adrenal glands are the so-called the “stress hormones” of epinephrine (aka adrenaline) norepinephrine (aka noradrenaline) and cortisol.  Each of these chemical messengers work well and are helpful when they exert their actions temporarily, but that is not the case when they exert their effects over long periods.  There is actually an endocrine disease associated with this, called Cushing’s syndrome (which was discovered 100 years ago by a pioneering neurosurgeon named Harvey Cushing).

Dr. Cushing noted the “syndrome” (which is a medical term meaning a group of symptoms that when seen together suggest a particular disorder) was due to excess exposure to one of the stress hormones (cortisol) which consisted of metabolic problems like rapid weight gain with fat distribution around the midsection (“central obesity” is what we call it) with arms and legs that are usually thin or small by comparison. Additionally, fat may be deposited in unlikely places like the face and upper section of the back.  Also, growth rate can be suppressed as well, which is of course especially applicable to children. Besides these metabolic concerns, excess cortisol can lead to purple-colored stretch marks on the skin around abdomen, thigh, breasts and buttocks, with additional skin thinning, which therefore becomes easily bruised or torn. It doesn’t stop there folks.  Excess cortisol (from the HPA Axis/stress response that is chronically “on”) can also lead to musculoskeletal problems like low back pain (even without exertion) plus bone pain, diminished bone strength therefore more fractures and decreased muscle mass.  Lucky women who have this problem may experience what we call “hirsutism” which is excess hair growth everywhere you don’t want it- face, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs.  Even more significant, excess cortisol may disrupt the menstruation cycle or even stop it all together, which of course leads to fertility problems.

I’m not going to leave out the men either. Besides all the general things listed above, men may also experience decreased libido/sex drive and impotence.

This list reads like a horror story and/or the long list of side effects/disclaimers in a drug company advertisement.  Because cortisol is a “medicine” of sorts (it is just manufactured inside of us with no prescription needed) and because its effects are far-reaching throughout the body, we might well consider these side effects as symptoms that build into a syndrome associated with too much stress.

I did not address the mental health aspects of this, but will in the final blog entry in this series.

God’s peace (and less cortisol if you have enough already)

Christopher E Lord

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 32 - USING WHAT GOD GAVE YOU


God deserves your best.

He shaped you for a purpose, and he expects you to make the most of what you have been given. He doesn't want you to worry about or covet abilities you don't have. Instead he wants you to focus on talents he has given you to use.

Discover Your Shape

•  Begin by assessing your gifts and abilities 
• Consider your heart and your personality
• Examine your experiences and extract lessons you have learned. 

Accept and Enjoy Your Shape

Keep Developing Your Shape

In heaven we are going to serve God forever. Right now, we can prepare for that eternal service by practicing on earth. We're getting ready for eternal responsibilities and rewards. 

Point to Ponder: God deserves my best

Verse to Remember: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Question to Consider: How can I make the best use of what God as given me? 

Day 31 - Understanding Your Shape

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 31 - UNDERSTANDING YOUR SHAPE


Only you can be you.

God designed each of us so there would be no duplication in the world.

SHAPE: APPLYING YOUR ABILITIES

• All of our abilities come from God
• Every ability can be used for God's purpose
• What I'm able to do, God wants me to do. 

SHAPE: APPLYING YOUR PERSONALITY

• Your personality will affect how and where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities. 

SHAPE: EMPLOYING YOUR EXPERIENCES

• You have been shaped by your experiences in life, most of which were beyond your control
• For God to use your painful experiences, you must be willing to share them

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 blessings."


Question to Consider: What God-given ability or personal experience can I offer to my church?

Day 30 - Easy ways to DETOX naturally

Toxins are everywhere in our world.  We all know we need to be cautious of environmental factors, such as the air we breathe and water we drink. However, most toxins are actually found in the food we eat, personal care products, and medications. Signs of toxicity include:

• Feeling tired, sluggish, lethargic
• Trouble concentrating and staying focused
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Catch colds easy
• Trouble sleeping
• Bad breath
• Unpleasant body odor
• Frequent gas, bloating or indigestion
• Allergies and/or food sensitivities
• Skin problems like acne, psoriasis, eczema
• Constipation and other gastrointestinal irregularities
• Depression
• Irritability
• Recurrent respiratory problems
• Back pain
• Mood changes
• Hemorrhoids
• Sinus congestion

One single tea spoon of cinnamon contains more antioxidants than 100 grams of forest fruits.  Add 1 tsp of cinnamon to your breakfast shake daily.

Baths of Epsom salt and apple cider vinegar help to pull toxins directly out of the pores of your skin while neutralizing the pH of your skin.  To a warm bath, add 1 cup Epsom salt and 2 cups apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar has hundreds upon hundreds of health benefits directly linked to its internal and external use.  Drink 1 Tablespoon diluted in a small glass of water daily to decrease inflammation and neutralize the pH of your body.  Use externally for so many different things: dandruff healing, yeast infections, sunburn, facial toner for acne....

Garlic has been used for its beneficial effects for thousands of years. It is a blood cleanser, a natural antibiotic it also reduces blood fats thinning the blood and lowering blood pressure. To avoid the lingering smell when you eat raw garlic, simply peel the garlic clove, cut it lengthways and remove the heart (which is sometimes green). If you prefer to avoid the smell of garlic altogether, there is a multitude of garlic supplements in the health food shops to choose from

Drink water! Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily to flush out toxins thru your skin, urine and bowel movements.  Drink more on days of working out or outdoor activity.  This does not include the consumption of other beverages.  You actually need to drink MORE water to compensate for drinking something other than water.

Vitamin D supplement is a huge immune booster.  Even here in Charlotte studies show we as a community lack enough vitamin D.  This comes from not being out in the sun enough every single day -- we sit in our office or home all day, drive around in our covered car, and when we are outside most of our skin is usually covered up.  In order to take advantage of the sun's precious healing rays, you need to have at least 50% skin exposure for a minimum of 20 consecutive minutes daily.  This is how long it takes your skin to convert the UVA/UVB rays to Vitamin D in your body.  To make it easier, supplement 5,000IUs of Vitamin D3 daily from a quality D supplement.

Cayenne pepper: Purifies the blood, increases fluid elimination and encourages sweating

Ginger root: Stimulates blood circulation and sweating

Liquorice root: Is a potent detoxifier it also balances biochemical functions and acts as a mild laxative

Eat plenty of fiber daily to keep your colon clean: Beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent detoxifying foods

Take vitamin C, which helps the body produce glutathione, a liver compound that drives away toxins.  2,000mg-10,000mg daily (higher dose when sick or fatigued)

Perform daily deep breathing or relaxation exercises to allow oxygen to circulate more completely through your system.  This is something you can do at your desk at work or just before bedtime to get your mind into a relaxed state.  See Jo-Dee or Rosemary for more info this Wednesday!

Dry brush your skin daily to cause your body to emit toxins thru your pores.  Rinse them off in the shower.  An extremely cheap yet effective way to detox your lymphatic system! http://www.healingcuisinebyelise.com/search?q=dry+brush


MORE IDEAS:

http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/stories/30-ways-to-detox-your-home-and-body
http://www.nursingdegree.net/blog/20/101-painless-ways-to-detoxify-your-mind-body-and-home/

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 30 - SHAPED FOR SERVING GOD


You were shaped to serve God.

God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play, based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us was uniquely designed, or "shaped", to do certain things.

Not only did god shape you before your birth, he planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. This means that nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others and shape you for your service to him.

Spiritual Gifts
Heart
Abilities
Personality
Experience

Point to Ponder: I was shaped for serving God

Verse to Remember: "God works through different men in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purposes through them all." 1 Corinthians 12:6 (Ph)

Question to Consider: In what way can I see myself passionately serving others and loving it?

Day 29 - Finding Your Assignment

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 29 - FINDING YOUR ASSIGNMENT


You were put on earth to make a contribution.

You weren't created just to consume resources -- to eat, breathe, and take up space. God designed you to make a difference with your life. You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it. God wants you to give something back.

You were created to serve God

You were saved to serve God

You were called to serve God

You are commanded to serve God

God wants to use you to make a difference in his world. He wants work through you. What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived.

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 (NIV)


Question to Consider: What is holding me back from accepting God's call to serve him?

Day 28 - Staying Focused

It's hard. I understand. Overcoming our obstacles and the temptations of everyday is challenging. The good news is that God will never put an obstacle in your way that you cannot overcome. So have faith in the power God put inside of you to accomplish his desires.

The easiest way we get sidetracked from the purpose God is calling us to, is we love to procrastinate. Let's push things off till tomorrow or next time.

What are ways that can help us stay focused?

1. Clear All Unnecessary Distractions
A big source of stagnation is what we do in our daily lives which serve no true purpose except to distract us. If you want to stay focused on achieving your dreams, you need to find everything in your life that is distracting you from that.

Some of the big ones for me were:
Television
Video games
Poor relationships
Unhealthy food
Other people’s drama

2. Keep a Journal
Knowing that you’re progressing is a great way to stay motivated. Who wants to keep doing something when they think all their efforts are for nothing? Often times, our growth and important steps towards our goals are overlooked or ignored. Writing down every single positive step you’ve taken towards your goals, no matter how small it may seem, will always serve as a reminder that you ARE progressing, and that reaching your goals happens one step at a time.

3. Surround Yourself With People That Have Similar Goals
If you’re trying to improve your life and remove things which are preventing you from doing that, it doesn’t make much sense to hang around people who are still stuck in the things which you are trying to move on from. This one can be difficult for a lot of people. Some of us are in relationships, and have friends that we’ve known for a long time, but they may not be interested in the same goals you are. There’s nothing wrong with knowing that you’ve outgrown someone and moving on, especially if they have no interest in improving themselves.

5. Take Breaks
Taking some time off recharges and refreshes your mind. The absolute best thing for me is going camping or hiking. Being out in nature is very calming and balancing. All the answers to my questions just seem to be answered so much easier when I’m out in nature. And I always come back with new insights and a focused mind.

(Adapted from: http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2011/03/18/how-to-stay-focused/)

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 28 - IT TAKES TIME


There are no shortcuts to maturity.

It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed. Spiritual growth, like physical growth takes time.

So why does it take so long?

• We are slow learners
• We have a lot to unlearn
• We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves
• Growth is often painful and scary
• Habits take time to develop

Here is how you can cooperate with God in this process:

• Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it. 
• Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned
• Be patient with God and with yourself 
• Don't get discouraged 

Point to Ponder: There are no shortcuts to maturity

Verse to Remember: "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." Philippians 1:6 (NCV)

Question to Consider: In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent? 

Day 27: We Are All Theologians

Why Theology Matters from anberlin_fan on GodTube.

God wants us to study Him.  Not only by reading our Bibles and studying the scriptures, but by observing His work in the world around us and living out the purpose he has put you on this earth for.  Life isn't just going thru the motions.  It's asking the questions and figuring out WHY and HOW.  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11  There is just something about believing and claiming this promise for your life that really helps to propel you for seeking out and living your life of purpose!

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 27 - DEFEATING TEMPTATION


There is always a way out.

You may sometimes feel that a temptation is too overpowering for you to bear, but that's a lie from Satan. God has promised never to all more on you than he puts within you to handle it. He will not permit any temptation that you could not overcome. However, you must do your part too by practicing four biblical keys to defeating temptation.

1. Refocus your attention on something else
2. Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group
3. Resist the Devil
4. Realize your vulnerability




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 into it." 1 Corinthians 10:13b (NLT)


Question to Consider: Who could I ask to be a spiritual partner to help me defeat a persistent temptation by praying for me?

Day 26 - Portion Control

American's are not only getting larger around the waist, but our plate size is increasing as well. According to many nutritionists, Americans have the largest food portion sizes in the world. Our economy encourages us to eat what we want, as much as we want, and whenever we want.  Unfortunately, a combination of "super-sized" portions and poor nutritional quality has led to the fastest growing epidemic in American history, Diabesity. 


In her book Diabesity: The Obesity-Diabetes Epidemic That Threatens America—And What We Must Do to Stop It, Dr. Kaufman explains the roots of diabesity quite simply: "Our ancient genes and our modern environment have collided." Our bodies store excess calories as fat. In ancient times calories were hard to come by. Today, fast food and junk food are everywhere. Coupled with our increasingly inactive lifestyle, the result is obesity.

Many people know they are overweight. Many know they need to change, but they don't. Why? They are unwilling to change their lifestyle and think that they will get bailed out somehow in the end. Unfortunately, obesity is just the start. Diabetes is now a household term and is rising at exponential rates.

It's time to take your health more seriously and that can begin with a simple step: portion control.


Here are the standard portion sizes for one meal:

The following are general portion guidelines to help you. 

Food - One Serving Equals . . . Breads, pasta, cereal, cooked grain, etc.

One slice of bread (size of CD case)
Half a bagel (size of a hockey puck)
One-cup cereal (two hands cupped together)
Half-cup cooked grain or pasta (one cupped palm)

Fruits


One piece of fruit (size of a tennis ball)

Half-cup cut-up fruit, raw, cooked, frozen, or canned (size of seven cotton balls)
One-quarter cup dried fruit
Three quarters cup 100 percent fruit juice

Veggies
Half cup cut up veggie, raw, cooked, frozen, or canned (looks like the bulb part of a lightbulb)
Half-cup cooked, canned or frozen legumes
One-cup leafy greens
Three quarters cup 100 percent vegetable juice

Meat, chicken, or fish
Three ounces (deck of cards or checkbook)
One egg

Dairy
One ounce of cheese (two nine-volt batteries)
Half-cup ice cream, cottage cheese, or pudding
One-cup milk or yogurt


Nuts
One-third cup (small handful)
One-tablespoon nut butter (size of both your thumbs)




When the Promised Land was distributed to the children of Israel all the tribes received a portion of the land except the Levites. The Lord God became their portion. They were to be God-centered and supported with tithes from the other tribes.

Although David was from the tribe of Judah he set the example of being God-centered. He gave his entire fortune of gold and silver to the building of the temple.

In Psalm 119 he pledged to obey God’s word. If God is our portion, we can have as much of him as we want and know that we can never run out of him.

You are my portion, LORD; 

I have promised to obey your words. 

I have sought your face with all my heart; 

   be gracious to me according to your promise. 

I have considered my ways 

   and have turned my steps to your statutes. 

I will hasten and not delay 

   to obey your commands. 

Though the wicked bind me with ropes, 

   I will not forget your law. 

At midnight I rise to give you thanks 

   for your righteous laws. 

I am a friend to all who fear you, 

   to all who follow your precepts. 

The earth is filled with your love, LORD; 

   teach me your decrees.

Psalm 119:57-64 

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 26 - GROWING THROUGH TEMPTATION


Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.

On the path to spiritual maturity, even temptation becomes a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block when you realize that it is just as much an occasion to do the right thing as it is to do the wrong thing. Temptation simply provides the choice.

While temptation is Satan's primary weapon to destroy you, God wants to use it to develop you.
  Every time you choose to to do good instead of sin, you are growing in the character of Christ. 

How do you overcome temptation? Follow these steps:

• Refuse to be intimidated 
• Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it
• Request God's help

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 (NLT)

Question to Consider: What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face? 

Day 25 - CLASS TONIGHT! 6PM CLC FORUM

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT...

OVERCOMING STRESS?

In today's world it is virtually impossible to avoid stress. Almost everyone is carrying some amount of it, in varying degrees. Many find it increasingly difficult to simply survive in the world we live in. In desperation, people are seeking relief for their problems through any remedy they can find. Our culture is inundated with self-help books, therapists, time-management workshops, massage parlors, and recovery programs (to name just the tip of the iceberg). Everyone talks about returning to a "simpler" way of life, but no one seems to even know exactly what that means, or how to attain it. Many of us cry out like Job, "The churning inside me never stops; days of suffering confront me." (Job 30:27).

Most of us are so used to carrying the burden of stress, we can scarcely imagine our lives without it. We think it is simply an unavoidable part of living in the world. We carry it like a hiker trudging out of the Grand Canyon with a huge pack on his back. The pack seems to be a part of his own weight, and he can't even remember what it was ever like to not be carrying it. It seems that his legs have always been that heavy and his back has always ached under all that weight. Only when he stops to rest for a moment and takes off his pack does he realize just how heavy it really is, and how light and free he is without it.

Unfortunately, most of us cannot just unload stress like a backpack. It seems to be intrinsically woven into the very fabric of our lives. It lurks somewhere beneath our skin (usually in a knot between our shoulderblades). It keeps us up late into the night, just when we need sleep the most. It presses in on us from all sides. Yet, Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mt. 11:28-30). Those words have touched the hearts of many, yet they are only words that merely sound comforting and are in essence, worthless, unless they are true. If they are true, how can we apply them to our lives and walk free from the burdens that weigh us down so badly? Perhaps you are responding, "I would love do that if only I knew how!" How can we receive rest for our souls? (to read more go to http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=127)

FIND OUT HOW TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS LEVELS!

TONIGHT @ 6PM CLC FORUM

SEE YOU THERE!

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 25 - TRANSFORMED BY TROUBLE


God has a purpose behind every problem.
He uses circumstances to develop our character. In fact, he depends more on circumstances to make us like Jesus than he depends on our reading the Bible. The reason is obvious: You face circumstances twenty-four hours a day.

No one is immune to pain or insulated from suffering, and no one gets to skate through life problem-free. Life is a series of problems. Every time you solve one, another is waiting to take its place. Not all of them are big, but all are significant in God's growth process for you.

Point to Ponder: There is a purpose behind every problem.

Verse to Remember: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Question to Consider: What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in me?

Day 24 - Transformed by Truth

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 24 - TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH


The truth transforms us.


Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth. The Spirit of God used the Word of God to make us like the Son of God. To become like Jesus, we must fill our lives with his Word.


God's Word is unlike any other word. It is alive. 


In day-to-day living, abiding in God's Word includes three activities:



1. I must accept its authority


2. I must assimilate it's truth


3. I must apply it's principles


What has God already told you to do in his Word that you haven't started doing yet? The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives.

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 (KIV)

Question to Consider: What has God already told me in his Word that I haven't started doing yet?

Day 23 - Morning Smoothie...Delicious!

Start your morning out right with this delicious smoothie! How are you doing with your nutrition changes so far through these 40 days? What results have you seen?

We would LOVE to hear about it and know what your goals for Easter. Comment on this blog or send Elise and email @ elise@healingcuisinebyelise.com

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 23 - HOW WE GROW


God wants you to grow up.

Your heavenly Father's goal is for you to mature and develop the characteristics of Jesus Christ.  Sadly, millions of Christians grow older but never grow up. They are stuck in perpetual spiritual infancy, remaining in diapers and booties. The reason is that they never intended to grow.

Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing. Discipleship - the process of becoming like Christ - always begins with a decision.

Point to Ponder: It is never too 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 (TEV)


Question to Consider: What is one area where I need to stop thinking my way and start thinking God's way? 

Day 22 - Listen. Watch. Relax.

Meditation Video for the morning:

Meditation video for the evening:

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 22 - CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST


You were created to become like Christ.

From the very beginning, God's plan has been to make you like his Son, Jesus. This is your destiny and the third purpose of your life. In all of creation, only human beings, are made "in God's image." This is a great privilege and gives us dignity.

Is is the Holy Spirit's job to produce Christlike character in you. You cannot reproduce the character of Jesus on your own strength. New Year's resolutions, willpower, and best intentions are not enough. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in our lives. 


We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit's work.

God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us.

Becoming like Christ is a long, slow process of growth.

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 (NLT)


Question to Consider: In what area of my life do I need to ask for the Spirit's power to be like Christ today?

Day 21

Developing and starting an exercise program are the easy steps.  The hardest part of any exercise program is being consistent which means maintaining some level of motivations.  There is some excitement and anticipation when starting new exercise program. But what happens weeks later, when it seems you aren't any closer to your personal goals or life sends you a curve ball that knocks you off your tracks.  There are some steps that you can use that will help your overcome those road blocks in your exercise program.

     1.  Setting Goals - Having goals keeps us focused on our program even on those days that we just don't feel like exercising.
     2.  Write it Down - First you want to write your goals down, then develop your own exercise log.  Fitness improvements are gradual so having a log helps you keep a record of how much you have improved.
     3.  Pick a Time - Put your exercise time in your calendar.  Taking car of yourself is as important as any thing we do.
     4.  Work out with a Friend - Meeting a friend to exercise will help you both from slipping or quitting.  It is also a great way to stay connected with your friend and still get your exercise in.
     5.  Be Flexible - Events do happen in our lives whether it comes from family, work, friend, holidays or getting sick.  We need to be flexible enough with our exercise program so that we can deal with personal life issues and still take care of our selves.
     6.  Have Fun - This seems silly, but this may be the most important part of your program.  Pick and exercise you enjoy.  If you like to walk, then walk, or if you like to swim....swim.  You are more likely to continue to exercise if you are doing something you enjoy.

Once you have started your program, and are being consistent with your exercise, results will happen and it becomes part of your weekly activity.  What a great way to model behavior to your family and friends, showing them that you are special, you body is a gift and taking care of it is important.

- Thom

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 21 - PROTECTING YOUR CHURCH


It is your job to protect the unity of your church. Unity is the soul of fellowship.

• Focus on what we have in common, not our differences
• Be realistic in your expectations
• Choose to encourage rather than criticize
• Refuse to listen to gossip
• Practice God's method for conflict resolution
• Support your pastors and leaders

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." 

Question to Consider: What am I personally doing to protect unity in my church family right now? 

Day 20 - Halfway there!

Day 20! You are halfway to your goal of 40 days! It's time to reflect on how your first 20 days went. What positive changes have you made? What results have you seen? Where can improvements be made? What challenges did you face in the first 20 days? What challenges lie ahead? 

How will you be successful in the last 20 days? 

If you haven't committed yet, now is the time. It's time to jump ALL IN, not just get your feet wet. If you need help reach out to your leaders, we are here for you! If you don't know who you need to contact for what, send me an email and I will direct you: drdaveschwartz@gmail.com

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Blog Entry 3 Stress

Hello Reader

Christopher Lord here and again I am here to continue my series on stress and the human body, specifically how stress negatively impacts body and mind.

In the first entry, I introduced you the pioneer of modern stress research, Dr. Hans Selye. In the second entry, I described one of his greatest contributions- the discovery of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (aka HPA Axis) which is the network of glands in our bodies that release the hormones in response to stress, the so-called “stress hormones” (adrenalin, noradrenaline and cortisol) which help us in the short term but do not help us long term, in fact they are associated with harm.

So, let me re-state: the “stress response” is not necessarily a bad thing. There are situations when it is a useful and adaptive measure. Let’s take a modern-day example of how the stress response might be a good thing: exercise! Exercise (even low-impact activity) activates the stress response, to help us.   It goes like this: we begin to move more briskly, our bodies and brains detect something is up, the hypothalamus (in our brain) releases a chemical message (called CRH for short) which then tells a nearby part of our brain (the pituitary) to release a chemical message (this one is called ACTH for short) which travels outside the brain through our blood stream to the adrenal glands on top of our kidneys, telling the adrenal glands to release their chemical messengers: adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol, aka the stress hormones. What do they do? What are they for?

Adrenaline and noradrenaline go by other names: epinephrine and norepinephrine, which you may have heard of before. These substances are potentially helpful to us because when they are released into the blood stream by the adrenal glands (where the name “adrenaline” comes from) they travel all over the body and do helpful things like increasing our heart rates (so more blood can be brought to vital organs and muscles, bringing sugar and oxygen for cells to use for fuel and also taking away waste products). These compounds also help open up our airways to get more air in our lungs and bloodstream for the same reasons.  Additionally, adrenaline and noradrenaline (aka epinephrine and norepinephrine) cause certain blood vessels to open up (for examples the ones providing the heart) while at the same time causing other blood vessels to get smaller (taking blood away from the organs they supply, temporarily of course, because for instance there is a greater need for blood in the heart, brain and lungs then say the stomach, small and large intestines during a stressful episode). Also, and very importantly, these “stress hormones” are associated with weight loss because they help stimulate the mobilization of fat we have stored in fat cells, which for some is the most sought after benefit of exercise (and side effect of the “stress response”!)  Moreover, adrenaline and noradrenaline also tell our liver to start breaking up the sugar it has stored away for this stressful time, releasing sugar into the blood stream for our cells to use.

What about cortisol? It is the other stress hormone released from the adrenal glands along with adrenaline and noradrenaline. What is it for?   Like noradrenaline, cortisol affects the amount of sugar (glucose) floating around in our bodies for use by our cells.  Specifically, cortisol tells our bodies to make sugars (glucose) out of things we have handy to restore what we have used due to increased need (like in exercise) and what we have used in response to the effects of the other two stress hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline, which cause our bodies to use up our glucose supplies.

I haven’t told you the whole story by far with regards to what these stress hormones do for us, for example, noradrenaline (aka norepinephrine) has a lot of activity in our brains, and I will spend a portion of future blog entries talking about that specifically.

In short, I wanted to introduce you to the idea that the “stress response” isn’t actually a terrible thing; it is actually helpful/useful and even adaptive for some stressful situations, like exercise. 

In the next blog entries I will go on to discuss in more detail the not-so-helpful, harmful and even maladaptive side of stress and how that looks for body and mind.

Thank you for reading.

God’s peace.

Christopher E Lord

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose

CHAPTER 20 - RESTORING BROKEN FELLOWSHIP

Relationships are always worth restoring. 

Because life is all about learning how to love, God wants us to value relationships and make the effort to maintain them instead of discarding them whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or a conflict. 

Steps on How to Restore a Relationship

1. Talk to God before talking to the person

2. Always take the initiative 

3. Sympathize with their feelings

4. Confess your part of the conflict

5. Cooperate as much as possible

6. Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution 

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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 (TEV)

Question to Consider: Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?  

Day 19 - Cultivating Community

**Pastor's Message to come**

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 19 - CULTIVATING COMMUNITY


Community requires commitment.

Only the Holy Spirit can create real fellowship between believers, but he cultivates it with the choices and commitments we make. If you're tired of fake fellowship and you would like to cultivate real fellowship and a loving community in your small group, Sunday school class, and church, you'll need to make some tough choices and take some risks.

Cultivating community takes honesty - You will have to care enough to lovingly speak the truth, even when you would rather gloss over a problem or ignore an issue. Often we know what needs to be said to someone, but our fears prevent us from saying anything.

Cultivating community takes humility - self-importance, smugness, and stubborn pride destroy fellowship faster than anything else.

Cultivating community takes courtesy - courtesy is respecting our differences, being considerate of each other's feelings, and being patient with people who irritate us.

Cultivating community takes confidentiality - having a safe environment of warm acceptance and trusted confidentiality

Cultivating community takes frequency - You must have frequent, regular contact with your group in order to build genuine fellowship.

Point to Ponder: Community requires commitment.


Verse to Remember: "We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers." 1 John 3:16 (GWT)

Question to Consider: How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?

Day 18 - MUST WATCH!

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 18 - EXPERIENCING LIFE TOGETHER


Life is meant to be shared.

God intends for us to experience life together.  The Bible calls this shared experience fellowship. Today, however, the word has lost most of its biblical meaning. "Fellowship" now usually refers to casual conversation, socializing, food, and fun.

Real fellowship is so much more than just showing up at services. It is experiencing life together. It includes unselfish loving, honest sharing, practical serving, sacrificial giving, sympathetic comforting, and all the other "one another" commands found in the New Testament.

In real fellowship people experience:

Authenticity
Mutuality
Sympathy
Mercy
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Point to Ponder: I need others in my life.


Verse To Remember: "Share each others troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ" Galatians 6:2 (NLT)


Question to Consider: What one step can I take today to connect with another believer at a more genuine, heart-to-heart level?  

Day 17 - Be a Label Sleuth

Who is joining us tonight for the grocery store tour at the Super Bi-Lo in Matthews?  It is at 6:45pm, come if you are able!  We will be learning the best God foods to buy, comparing prices, and learning how to read labels.  In case you can't make it, I wanted to share a few tips on label reading.  These simple and important steps can have a huge impact on the foods you eat!

4 Steps to Label Reading

#1 - Read the ingredients.  If it has more than 5 ingredients, it's not Food by God.  Don't buy it!  Also, if you can't pronounce or understand what an ingredient is, don't buy it.  Chances are it's a chemical or man-made ingredient.  Write it down and go home to research it before deciding to buy.

#2 - No sugar, No artificial sweeteners.  Sugar is highly inflammatory and is a main contributing factor to diabetes, obesity, and even cancer.  I recommend choosing foods with low-to-no sugar.  And watch out for artificial sweeteners!  Companies are answering the awareness of sugar and disease by removing the sugar and replacing with chemicals like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin.

#3 - Choose full-fat.  While the fat-free and low-fat craze that started in the 80s still has a hold on the marketing in America, the truth is healthy fat is good for us.  Did you know that good fat has been proven to help you LOSE weight?  Read the label and opt for full-fat options of yogurt, cheese, etc, as long as no bad fats have been added in.

#4 - Is it really Trans-fat Free?  Labeling guidelines allow a product to say it is Trans-fat Free on the label, but still include hydrogenated oils.  How is this possible?  Our government says as long as there is less than 0.5g of trans-fat per serving it can be called Trans-fat Free.  What a joke, right??  Don't pick foods just because the front of the label says it's free of hydrogenated bad oils.  Dive in and investigate, because a lot of foods will have hidden trans fats in their ingredients list.

See you tonight!


Elise, Healing Cuisine

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose

CHAPTER 17 - A PLACE TO BELONG

You are called to belong, not just believe.

We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God's purposes by ourselves. While your relationship to Christ is personal, God never intends it to be private. In God's family you are connected to every other believer, and we will belong to each other for eternity. The Bible says, "In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:5 (NIV)

Why do I need a church family?

1. A church family identifies you as a genuine believer
2. A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation
3. A church family helps you develop spiritual muscle
4. The Body of Christ needs you
5. You will share in Christ's mission in the world
6. A church family will help keep  you from backsliding 

The difference between being a church attender and a church member is commitment. Attenders are spectators from the sidelines; members get involved in the ministry. Attenders are consumers; members are contributors.  The Christian life is more than just commitment to Christ; it includes a commitment to other Christians.

Point to Ponder:I am called to belong, not just believe.

Verse to Remember: "In Christ we who are many form one, body, and each member belongs to all the others" Romans 12:5 (NIV)

Question to Consider:  Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love and committed to God's family?

Do you think you're not good enough?

Do you find yourself always making excuses especially when it comes to your health? Do you find yourself saying:

• I'm too busy to cook
• Eating healthy costs too much
• I could never give up sweets (or soda, etc..)
• I don't have time to exercise
• I'll never lose weight
• Something always comes up, that's why I can't get anything done
• Eating well and exercising, that's for those people, I'm not them.
• Eating well and exercising is boring and too difficult
• It's too late to start something new
• I'm just not good enough

If you said "yes" to one of the above or know you say something similar, you have A LIMITING BELIEF! 

A limiting belief is any belief, thought or behavior that tells you that you are not good enough or can't do something. It is the reason you make excuses throughout your life. For example:

"I know I should eat better, but I just don't have the time." 

The limiting belief, "I just don't have the time", is an excuse to get out of something you know you should be doing, eating better.   It is your mind's way of telling you that it is ok to not eat healthier, because you have others things to do. The more we listen to our limiting beliefs, the more they control our lives.

You can either let these limiting beliefs control your life OR destroy them NOW.

Take a few minutes and watch the following clip:

What if Nick had listened to his limiting beliefs? He wouldn't be the inspiration to so many as he is today.

There is so much more out there for you! God is calling you towards bigger and better things in order to glorify his name! You have all the will-power, discipline and potential inside of you already. God is waiting for you to take ACTION!  It doesn't have to start with a big step.  Begin with little ones and watch the snowball build and eventually snowball towards the fulfillment God is calling you to.

Action Step:

1. List ONE limiting belief that you know is holding you back

2.  Find ONE person that had a similar limiting belief and overcame it. 


For example: If you are overweight and think it is impossible to lose weight and be healthy, find someone who used to be overweight and overcame it and is now living a healthy lifestyle.

Maximum Blessings to you on this beautiful Sunday!