Just Exceptional

The heart of worship is surrender. Verse to Remember: "Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes." Romans 6:13b (TEV) Question to Consider: What area of my life am I holding back from God?

When you live in light of eternity, your focus changes from "How much pleasure am I getting out of Life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?" The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there is any who are wise, who want to please God. Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do you need to trust Him most?

Bringing enjoyment to God, living for his pleasure, is the first purpose of your life. "The Lord takes pleasure in his people." Psalm 149:4a Question to Consider: What common task could you start doing as if you were doing it directly for Jesus?

Living for God's glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives. The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. It is the reason for everything that exists, including you. God made it all for his glory. Without God's glory, there would be nothing. "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36 (LB) Question to Consider: Where in your daily routines can you become more aware of God's glory?

This is the third metaphor that teaches us God's view of life. This world is not our home. When life gets tough, when you're overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death, you won't leave home - you'll go home. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way you are living right now?

How you define life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your relationships. Life is a test and trust. "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke I6:l0a (NLT) Question to Consider: What has happened to you recently that you now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to you?

When you live in the light of eternity, your values change. There is more to life than just here and now. "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17 (NLT) Since you were made to last forever, what is the one thing you should stop doing and the one thing you should start doing today?

Everyone's life is driven by something: guilt, resentment and anger, fear, materialism, or the need for approval, but a purpose-driven life is rewarding now and in eternity. "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm an put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 (TEV) What would your family and friends say is the driving force of your life? What do you want it to be?

Long before you were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God. You are not an accident. The Bible says, "I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2 (CEV) God uniquely created you. What areas of your personality, background, and physical appearance are you struggling to accept?

God is not just the starting point of your life; he is the source of it. To discover your purpose in life you must turn to God's Word, not the world's wisdom. "Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." Colossians 1: 16b (Msg) In spite of all the advertising around you, how can you remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?