Adams drew this parallel: Before Christ invades our lives at conversion, he sometimes has to

"soften us up" by allowing problems we can't handle. While some open their lives to Christ the first time he knocks on the door, most of us are resistant and defensive. Our pre-conversion experience is Jesus saying, Behold I stand at the door and bomb!" Behold I stand at the door and bomb!"

The moment you open yourself to Christ, G.o.d gets a "beachhead" in your life. You may think you have surrendered all all your life to him, but the truth is, there is a lot to your life that you aren't even aware of. You can only give G.o.d as much of you as you understand at that moment. That's okay. Once Christ is given a beachhead, he begins the campaign to take over more and more territory until all of your life is completely his. There will be struggles and battles, but the outcome will never be in doubt. G.o.d has promised that your life to him, but the truth is, there is a lot to your life that you aren't even aware of. You can only give G.o.d as much of you as you understand at that moment. That's okay. Once Christ is given a beachhead, he begins the campaign to take over more and more territory until all of your life is completely his. There will be struggles and battles, but the outcome will never be in doubt. G.o.d has promised that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."

Discipleship is the process of conforming to Christ. The Bible says, "We arrive at real maturity-that measure of development which is meant by the fullness of Christ." "We arrive at real maturity-that measure of development which is meant by the fullness of Christ." Christlikeness is your eventual destination, but your journey will last a lifetime. Christlikeness is your eventual destination, but your journey will last a lifetime.

So far we have seen that this journey involves believing believing (through worship), (through worship), belonging belonging (through fellowship), and (through fellowship), and becoming becoming (through discipleship). Every day G.o.d wants you to become a little more like him: (through discipleship). Every day G.o.d wants you to become a little more like him: "You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you." "You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you."

Today we're obsessed with speed, but G.o.d is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. We want a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release us from all growing pains. But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. The Bible says, "Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as G.o.d enters our lives and we become like him." "Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as G.o.d enters our lives and we become like him."

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG?.

Although G.o.d could could instantly transform us, he has chosen to develop us slowly. Jesus is deliberate in developing his disciples. Just as G.o.d allowed the Israelites to take over the Promised Land instantly transform us, he has chosen to develop us slowly. Jesus is deliberate in developing his disciples. Just as G.o.d allowed the Israelites to take over the Promised Land "little by little" so "little by little" so they wouldn't be overwhelmed, he prefers to work in incremental steps in our lives. they wouldn't be overwhelmed, he prefers to work in incremental steps in our lives.

Why does it take so long to change and grow up? There are several reasons. We are slow learners. We are slow learners. We often have to relearn a lesson forty or fifty times to really get it. The problems keep recurring, and we think, "Not again! I've already learned that! "-but G.o.d knows better. The history of Israel ill.u.s.trates how quickly we forget the lessons G.o.d teaches us and how soon we revert to our old patterns of behavior. We need repeated exposure. We often have to relearn a lesson forty or fifty times to really get it. The problems keep recurring, and we think, "Not again! I've already learned that! "-but G.o.d knows better. The history of Israel ill.u.s.trates how quickly we forget the lessons G.o.d teaches us and how soon we revert to our old patterns of behavior. We need repeated exposure.

There is no growth without change, no change without fear or loss, and no loss without pain.

We have a lot to unlearn. Many people go to a counselor with a personal or relational problem that took Many people go to a counselor with a personal or relational problem that took years years to develop and say, "I need you to fix me. I've got an hour." They naively expect a quick solution to a long-standing, deep-rooted difficulty. Since most of our problems-and all of our bad habits-didn't develop overnight, it's unrealistic to expect them to go away immediately. There is no pill, prayer, or principle that will instantly undo the damage of many years. It requires the hard work of removal and replacement. The Bible calls it to develop and say, "I need you to fix me. I've got an hour." They naively expect a quick solution to a long-standing, deep-rooted difficulty. Since most of our problems-and all of our bad habits-didn't develop overnight, it's unrealistic to expect them to go away immediately. There is no pill, prayer, or principle that will instantly undo the damage of many years. It requires the hard work of removal and replacement. The Bible calls it "taking off the old self "taking off the old self and and putting on the new self. putting on the new self. While you were given a brand new nature at the moment of conversion, you still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced. While you were given a brand new nature at the moment of conversion, you still have old habits, patterns, and practices that need to be removed and replaced.

We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves. I have already pointed out that the truth will set us free but it often makes us miserable first. The fear of what we might discover if we honestly faced our character defects keeps us living in the prison of denial. Only as G.o.d is allowed to shine the light of his truth on our faults, failures, and hang-ups can we begin to work on them. This is why you cannot grow without a humble, teachable att.i.tude. have already pointed out that the truth will set us free but it often makes us miserable first. The fear of what we might discover if we honestly faced our character defects keeps us living in the prison of denial. Only as G.o.d is allowed to shine the light of his truth on our faults, failures, and hang-ups can we begin to work on them. This is why you cannot grow without a humble, teachable att.i.tude.

Growth is often painful and scary. There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. Every change involves a loss of some kind: You must let go of old ways in order to experience the new. We fear these losses, even if our old ways were self-defeating, because, like a worn out pair of shoes, they were at least comfortable and familiar. scary. There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. Every change involves a loss of some kind: You must let go of old ways in order to experience the new. We fear these losses, even if our old ways were self-defeating, because, like a worn out pair of shoes, they were at least comfortable and familiar.

People often build their ident.i.ty around their defects. We say, "It's just like me to be ..." and "It's just the way I am." The unconscious worry is that it I let go of my habit, my hurt, or my hang-up, who will I be? This fear can definitely slow down your growth.

Habits take time to develop. Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits. You can't claim to be kind unless you are Remember that your character is the sum total of your habits. You can't claim to be kind unless you are habitually habitually kind-you show kindness without even thinking about it. You can't claim to have integrity unless it is your kind-you show kindness without even thinking about it. You can't claim to have integrity unless it is your habit habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most most of the time is not faithful at all! Your habits define your character. of the time is not faithful at all! Your habits define your character.

There is only one way to develop the habits of Christlike character: You must practice practice them-and that takes time! There are no them-and that takes time! There are no instant habits. instant habits. Paul urged Timothy, Paul urged Timothy, "Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress." "Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress."

If you practice something over time, you get good at it. Repet.i.tion is the mother of character and skill. These character-building habits are often called "spiritual disciplines," "spiritual disciplines," and there are dozens of great books that can teach you how to do these. See appendix 2 for a recommended reading list of books for spiritual growth. and there are dozens of great books that can teach you how to do these. See appendix 2 for a recommended reading list of books for spiritual growth.

DON'T GET IN A HURRY.

As you grow to spiritual maturity, there are several ways to cooperate with G.o.d in the process.

Believe G.o.d is working in your life even when you don't feel it. Spiritual growth is sometimes tedious work, one small step at a time. Expect gradual improvement. The Bible says, Spiritual growth is sometimes tedious work, one small step at a time. Expect gradual improvement. The Bible says, "Everything on earth has its own time and its own season." "Everything on earth has its own time and its own season." 8 8There are seasons in your spiritual life, too. Sometimes you will have a short, intense burst of growth (springtime) followed by a period of stabilizing and testing (fall and winter).

What about those problems, habits, and hurts you would like miraculously removed? It's fine to pray for a miracle, but don't be disappointed if the answer comes through a gradual change. Over time, a slow, steady stream of water will erode the hardest rock and turn giant boulders into pebbles. Over time, a little sprout can turn into a giant redwood tree towering 350 feet tall.

Keep a a notebook or journal of lessons learned. notebook or journal of lessons learned. This is not a diary of events, but a record of what you are learning. Write down the insights and life lessons G.o.d teaches you about him, about yourself, about life, relationships, and everything else. Record these so you can review and remember them and pa.s.s them on to the next generation. The reason we must relearn lessons is that we forget them. Reviewing your spiritual journal regularly can spare you a lot of unnecessary pain and heartache. The Bible says, This is not a diary of events, but a record of what you are learning. Write down the insights and life lessons G.o.d teaches you about him, about yourself, about life, relationships, and everything else. Record these so you can review and remember them and pa.s.s them on to the next generation. The reason we must relearn lessons is that we forget them. Reviewing your spiritual journal regularly can spare you a lot of unnecessary pain and heartache. The Bible says, "It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off." "It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off."

Be patient with G.o.d and with yourself. One of life's frustrations is that G.o.d's timetable is rarely the same as ours. We are often in a hurry when G.o.d isn't. You may feel frustrated with the seemingly slow progress you're making in life. Remember that G.o.d is never in a hurry, but he is always on time. He will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for your role in eternity. One of life's frustrations is that G.o.d's timetable is rarely the same as ours. We are often in a hurry when G.o.d isn't. You may feel frustrated with the seemingly slow progress you're making in life. Remember that G.o.d is never in a hurry, but he is always on time. He will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for your role in eternity.

The Bible is filled with examples of how G.o.d uses a long process to develop character, especially in leaders. He took eighty years to prepare Moses, including forty in the wilderness. For 14,600 days Moses kept waiting and wondering, "Is it time yet?" But G.o.d kept saying, "Not yet." Contrary to popular book t.i.tles, there are no Easy Steps to Maturity Easy Steps to Maturity or or Secrets of Instant Sainthood. Secrets of Instant Sainthood. When G.o.d wants to make a mushroom, he does it overnight, but when he wants to make a giant oak, he takes a hundred years. Great souls are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering. Be patient with the process. James advised, When G.o.d wants to make a mushroom, he does it overnight, but when he wants to make a giant oak, he takes a hundred years. Great souls are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering. Be patient with the process. James advised, "Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed." "Don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed."

Don't get discouraged. When Habakkuk became depressed because he didn't think G.o.d was acting quickly enough, G.o.d had this to say: When Habakkuk became depressed because he didn't think G.o.d was acting quickly enough, G.o.d had this to say: "These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pa.s.s. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"A "These things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pa.s.s. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"A delay is not a denial from G.o.d. delay is not a denial from G.o.d.

Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be. Years ago people wore a popular b.u.t.ton with the letters PBPGINFWMY. It stood for "Please Be Patient, G.o.d Is Not Finished With Me Yet." G.o.d isn't finished with you, either, so keep on moving forward. Even the snail reached the ark by persevering!

DAY TWENTY-EIGHT THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: There are no shortcuts to maturity. There are no shortcuts to maturity.Verse to Remember: "G.o.d began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." "G.o.d 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 Philippians 1:6(NCV)Question to Consider: In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent? In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent?

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YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING G.o.d.

We are simply G.o.d's servants.... Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was G.o.d who made the plant grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5 - 6 (TEV)

Accepting Your a.s.signment It is G.o.d himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephesians 2:10 (LB) Ephesians 2:10 (LB)I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you a.s.signed me to do. John 17:4 (Msg) John 17:4 (Msg)You were put on earth to make a contribution.

You weren't created just to consume resources-to eat, breathe, and take up s.p.a.ce. G.o.d designed you to make a difference with your life. While many best-selling books offer advice on how to y yget" the most out of life, that's not the reason G.o.d made you. You were created to the most out of life, that's not the reason G.o.d made you. You were created to add add to life on earth, not just take from it. G.o.d wants you to give something back. This is G.o.d's fourth purpose for your life, and it is called your "ministry," or service. The Bible gives us the details. to life on earth, not just take from it. G.o.d wants you to give something back. This is G.o.d's fourth purpose for your life, and it is called your "ministry," or service. The Bible gives us the details.

You were created to serve G.o.d. The Bible says, The Bible says, "[G.o.d] has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for "[G.o.d] has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do." These "good deeds" are your service. Whenever you serve others in any way, you are actually serving G.o.d and fulfilling one of your purposes. In the next two chapters you will see how G.o.d has carefully shaped you for this purpose. What G.o.d told Jeremiah is also true for you: "Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work." You were placed on this planet for a special a.s.signment. us to do." These "good deeds" are your service. Whenever you serve others in any way, you are actually serving G.o.d and fulfilling one of your purposes. In the next two chapters you will see how G.o.d has carefully shaped you for this purpose. What G.o.d told Jeremiah is also true for you: "Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work." You were placed on this planet for a special a.s.signment.

You were saved to serve G.o.d. The Bible says, "It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy

work, not because we deserved it but because that was his plan. "4 G.o.d redeemed you so you could do his "holy work." You're not saved by service, but you are saved for service. In G.o.d's kingdom, you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a function to fulfill. This gives your life great significance and value.

It cost Jesus his own life to purchase your salvation. The Bible reminds us, "G.o.d paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor G.o.d." paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor G.o.d." We don't serve G.o.d out of guilt or fear or even duty, but out of joy, and deep grat.i.tude for what he's done for us. We owe him our lives. Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured. In light of these incredible benefits Paul concluded, We don't serve G.o.d out of guilt or fear or even duty, but out of joy, and deep grat.i.tude for what he's done for us. We owe him our lives. Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured. In light of these incredible benefits Paul concluded, 'Because of G.o.d's great mercy ... Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to G.o.d, dedicated to his service." 'Because of G.o.d's great mercy ... Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to G.o.d, dedicated to his service."

The apostle John taught that our loving service to others shows that we are truly saved. He said, "Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life." If I have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and I'm only concerned about my needs, I should question whether Christ is really in my life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.

Another term for serving G.o.d that's misunderstood by most people is the word ministry. When most people hear "ministry," they think of pastors, priests, and professional clergy, but G.o.d says every member of his family is a minister. In the Bible, the words servant and minister are synonyms, as are service service and and ministry. ministry. If you are a Christian, you are a minister, and when you're serving, you're ministering. If you are a Christian, you are a minister, and when you're serving, you're ministering.

When Peter's sick mother-in-law was healed by Jesus, she instantly "stood up and began to serve Jesus," "stood up and began to serve Jesus," using her new gift of health. This is what we're to do. We are healed to help others. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are saved to serve, not to sit around and wait for heaven. using her new gift of health. This is what we're to do. We are healed to help others. We are blessed to be a blessing. We are saved to serve, not to sit around and wait for heaven.

Have you ever wondered why G.o.d doesn't just immediately take us to heaven the moment we accept his grace? Why does he leave us in a fallen world? He leaves us here to fulfill his purposes. Once you are saved, G.o.d intends to use you for his goals. G.o.d has a ministry for you in his church and a mission for you in the world.

You are called to serve G.o.d. Growing up, you may have thought that being "called" by G.o.d was something only missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other "full-time" church workers experienced, but the Bible says every Christian is called to service. Your call to salvation included your call to service. They are the same. Regardless of your job or career, you are called to full-time full-time Christian service. A "non-serving Christian" is a contradiction in terms. Christian service. A "non-serving Christian" is a contradiction in terms.

The Bible says, "He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose." Peter adds, "You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of G.o.d, who called you. "He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose." Peter adds, "You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of G.o.d, who called you. " Anytime you use your G.o.d-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling. " Anytime you use your G.o.d-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling.

The Bible says, 'Wow you belong to him ... in order that we might be useful in the service of G.o.d." you belong to him ... in order that we might be useful in the service of G.o.d." How much of the time are you being useful in the service of G.o.d? In some churches in China, they welcome new believers by saying "Jesus now has a new pair of eyes to see with, new ears to listen with, new hands to help with, and a new heart to love others with." How much of the time are you being useful in the service of G.o.d? In some churches in China, they welcome new believers by saying "Jesus now has a new pair of eyes to see with, new ears to listen with, new hands to help with, and a new heart to love others with."

One reason why you need to be connected to a church family is to fulfill your calling to serve other believers in practical ways. The Bible says, "All of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. "All of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. Your service is desperately needed in the Body of Christ-just ask any local church. Each of us has a role to play, and every role is important. There is no small service to G.o.d; it all matters. Your service is desperately needed in the Body of Christ-just ask any local church. Each of us has a role to play, and every role is important. There is no small service to G.o.d; it all matters.

Likewise, there are no insignificant ministries in the church. Some are visible and some are behind the scenes, but all are valuable. Small or hidden ministries often make the biggest difference. In my home, the most important light is not the large chandelier in our dining room but the little night light that keeps me from stubbing my toe when I get up at night. There is no correlation between size and significance. Every ministry matters because we are all dependent on each other to function.

What happens when one part of your body fails to function? You get sick. The rest of your body suffers. Imagine if your liver decided to start living for itself: "I'm tired! I don't want to serve the body anymore! I want a year off just to be fed. I've got to do what's best for me! Let some other part take over." What would happen? Your body would die. Today thousands of local churches are dying because of Christians who are unwilling to serve. They sit on the sidelines as spectators, and the Body suffers.

You are commanded to serve G.o.d. Jesus was unmistakable: Jesus was unmistakable: "Your att.i.tude "Your att.i.tude must must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life. be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life."For Christians, service is not optional, something to be tacked onto our schedules if we can spare the time. It is the heart of the Christian life. Jesus came "to serve" and "to give"-and those two verbs should define your life on earth, too. Serving and giving sum up G.o.d's fourth purpose for your life. Mother Teresa once said, "Holy living consists in doing G.o.d's work with a smile."

Jesus taught that spiritual maturity is never an end in itself. Maturity is for ministry! We grow up in order to give out. It is not enough to keep learning more and more. We must act on what we know and practice what we claim to believe. Impression Impression without without expression expression causes causes depression. depression. Study without service leads to spiritual stagnation. The old comparison between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea is still true. Galilee is a lake full of life because it takes in water but also gives it out. In contrast, nothing lives in the Dead Sea because, with no outflow, the lake has stagnated. Study without service leads to spiritual stagnation. The old comparison between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea is still true. Galilee is a lake full of life because it takes in water but also gives it out. In contrast, nothing lives in the Dead Sea because, with no outflow, the lake has stagnated.

The last last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. What they need are thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. What they need are serving serving experiences in which they can exercise their spiritual muscles. experiences in which they can exercise their spiritual muscles.

Serving is the opposite of our natural inclination. Most of the time we're more interested in "serve us" "serve us" than than service. service. We say, "I'm looking for a church that meets my needs and blesses me," not "I'm looking for a place to serve and We say, "I'm looking for a church that meets my needs and blesses me," not "I'm looking for a place to serve and be a be a blessing." We expect others to serve us, not vice versa. But as we mature in Christ, the focus of our lives should increasingly shift to living a life of service. The mature follower of Jesus stops asking, "Who's going to meet blessing." We expect others to serve us, not vice versa. But as we mature in Christ, the focus of our lives should increasingly shift to living a life of service. The mature follower of Jesus stops asking, "Who's going to meet my my needs?" and starts asking, "Whose needs can I meet?" needs?" and starts asking, "Whose needs can I meet?" Do you ever Do you ever ask that question? ask that question?

PREPARING FOR ETERNITY.

At the end of your life on earth you will stand before G.o.d, and he is going to evaluate how well you served others with your life.

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The Bible says, "Each of us will have to give a personal account to G.o.d."' "Each of us will have to give a personal account to G.o.d."' Think about the implications of that. One day G.o.d will compare how much time and energy we spent on ourselves compared with what we invested in serving others. Think about the implications of that. One day G.o.d will compare how much time and energy we spent on ourselves compared with what we invested in serving others.

At that point, all our excuses for self-centeredness will sound hollow: "I was too busy" or "I had my own goals" or "I was preoccupied with working, having fun, or preparing for retirement." To all excuses G.o.d will respond, "Sorry, wrong answer. I created, saved, and called you and commanded you to live a life of service. What part What part did you not understand?" The Bible warns unbelievers, did you not understand?" The Bible warns unbelievers, "He will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves," "He will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves," but for Christians it will mean a loss of eternal rewards. but for Christians it will mean a loss of eternal rewards.

We are only fully alive when we're helping others. Jesus said, "If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live." "If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live." This truth is so important that it is repeated five times in the Gospels. If you aren't serving, you're just existing, because life is meant for ministry. G.o.d wants you to learn to love and serve others unselfishly. This truth is so important that it is repeated five times in the Gospels. If you aren't serving, you're just existing, because life is meant for ministry. G.o.d wants you to learn to love and serve others unselfishly.

SERVICE AND SIGNIFICANCE.

You are going to give your life for something. What will it be a career, a sport, a hobby, fame, wealth? None of these will have lasting significance. Service is the pathway to real significance. It is through ministry that we discover the meaning of our lives. The Bible says, 'Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body." 'Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body."

As we serve together in G.o.d's family, our lives take on eternal importance. Paul said, "I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less ... because of what you are a part "I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less ... because of what you are a part of."

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

If you're not involved in any service or ministry, what excuse have you been using? Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health, and Timothy was timid. That is quite a variety of misfits, but G.o.d used each of them in his service. He will use you, too, if you stop making excuses.

Service is the pathway to real significance.DAY TWENTY-NINE THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: Service is not optional. Service is not optional.Verse to Remember: "For we are G.o.d's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which G.o.d prepared in advance for us to do." "For we are G.o.d's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which G.o.d prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 Ephesians 2:10(NIV)Question to Consider: What is holding me back from accepting G.o.d's call to serve him? What is holding me back from accepting G.o.d's call to serve him?

Shaped for Serving G.o.d Your hands shaped me and made me. Job 10:5 (NIV) Job 10:5 (NIV)The people I have shaped for myself will broadcast my praises. Isaiah 43:21 (NJB) Isaiah 43:21 (NJB)You were shaped to serve G.o.d.

G.o.d 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 G.o.d. The same is true with humans. Each of us was uniquely designed, or "shaped, "shaped, 'to do certain things. 'to do certain things.

Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building. Before G.o.d created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.

The Bible says, "We are G.o.d's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. "I "We are G.o.d's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. "I Our English word Our English word poem poem comes from the Greek word translated "workmanship." You are G.o.d's handcrafted work of art. You are not an a.s.sembly-line product, ma.s.s produced without thought. You are a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece. comes from the Greek word translated "workmanship." You are G.o.d's handcrafted work of art. You are not an a.s.sembly-line product, ma.s.s produced without thought. You are a custom-designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece.

G.o.d deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA c.o.c.ktail that created you. David praised G.o.d for this incredible personal attention to detail: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous." "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous." As Ethel Waters said, "G.o.d doesn't make junk." As Ethel Waters said, "G.o.d doesn't make junk."

Not only did G.o.d shape you before your birth, he planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had pa.s.sed." "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had pa.s.sed." This means that nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. G.o.d uses This means that nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. G.o.d uses all of it all of it to mold you for your ministry to others and shape you for your service to him. to mold you for your ministry to others and shape you for your service to him.

G.o.d never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory. By identifying and understanding these factors you can discover G.o.d's will for your life.

The Bible says you are "wonderfully complex.' "wonderfully complex.' You arc a combination of many different factors. To help you remember five of these factors, I have created a simple acrostic: SHAPE. In this chapter and the next we will look at these five factors, and following that, I will explain how to discover and use your shape. You arc a combination of many different factors. To help you remember five of these factors, I have created a simple acrostic: SHAPE. In this chapter and the next we will look at these five factors, and following that, I will explain how to discover and use your shape.

G.o.d never wastes anything.

HOW G.o.d SHAPES YOU FOR YOUR MINISTRY.

Whenever G.o.d gives us an a.s.signment, he always equips us with what we need to accomplish it. This custom combination of capabilities is called your SHAPE: Spiritual giftsHeartAbilitiesPersonalityExperience SHAPE: UNWRAPPING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

G.o.d gives every believer spiritual gifts to be used in ministry. These are special G.o.d-empowered abilities for serving him that are given only to believers. The Bible says, "Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from G.o.d's Spirit." "Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from G.o.d's Spirit."

You can't earn your spiritual gifts or deserve them-that's why they are called gifts! gifts! They are an expression of G.o.d's grace to you. They are an expression of G.o.d's grace to you. "Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us." "Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us." Neither do you get to choose which gifts you'd like to have; G.o.d determines that. Paul explained, Neither do you get to choose which gifts you'd like to have; G.o.d determines that. Paul explained, "It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have." "It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have."

Because G.o.d loves variety and he wants us to be special, no single gift is given to everyone.' Also, no individual receives all all the gifts. If you had them all, you'd have no need of anyone else, and that would defeat one of G.o.d's purposes-to teach us to love and depend on each FOR other. the gifts. If you had them all, you'd have no need of anyone else, and that would defeat one of G.o.d's purposes-to teach us to love and depend on each FOR other.

Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit of others, others, just as other people were given gifts for your benefit. The Bible just as other people were given gifts for your benefit. The Bible says, "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." says, "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church." G.o.d planned it this way so we would need each other. When we use our gifts together, we all benefit. If others don't use their gifts, you get cheated, and if you don't use your gifts, they get cheated. This is why we're commanded to discover and develop our spiritual gifts. Have you taken the time to discover your spiritual gifts? An unopened gift is worthless. G.o.d planned it this way so we would need each other. When we use our gifts together, we all benefit. If others don't use their gifts, you get cheated, and if you don't use your gifts, they get cheated. This is why we're commanded to discover and develop our spiritual gifts. Have you taken the time to discover your spiritual gifts? An unopened gift is worthless.

Whenever we forget these basic truths about gifts, it always causes trouble in the church. Two common problems are 'gift-envy' 'gift-envy' and and 'gift-projection. 'gift-projection. "The first occurs when we compare our gifts with others', feel dissatisfied with what G.o.d gave us, and become resentful or jealous of how G.o.d uses others. The second problem happens when we expect everyone else to have our gifts, do what we are called to do, and feel as pa.s.sionate about it as we do. The Bible says, "The first occurs when we compare our gifts with others', feel dissatisfied with what G.o.d gave us, and become resentful or jealous of how G.o.d uses others. The second problem happens when we expect everyone else to have our gifts, do what we are called to do, and feel as pa.s.sionate about it as we do. The Bible says, "There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving." "There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving."

Sometimes spiritual gifts are overemphasized to the neglect of the other factors G.o.d uses to shape you for service. Your gifts reveal one key to discovering key to discovering G.o.d's will for your ministry, but your spiritual gifts are not the total picture. G.o.d has shaped you in four other ways, too. G.o.d's will for your ministry, but your spiritual gifts are not the total picture. G.o.d has shaped you in four other ways, too.

SHAPE: LISTENING TO YOUR HEART HEART.

The Bible uses the term heart heart to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations-what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today we still use the word in this way when we say, to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations-what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today we still use the word in this way when we say, "I love you with all my heart." "I love you with all my heart."

The Bible says, "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person. "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person." Your heart reveals the real real you-what you truly are, not what others you-what you truly are, not what others think think you are or what circ.u.mstances force you to be. Your heart determines why you you are or what circ.u.mstances force you to be. Your heart determines why you say say the things you do, why you the things you do, why you feel feel the way you do, and why the way you do, and why you act you act the way you do. the way you do.

Physically, each of us has a unique heartbeat. Just as we each have unique thumbprints, eye prints, and voice prints, our hearts beat in slightly different patterns. It's amazing that out of all the billions of people who have ever lived, no one has had a heartbeat exactly like yours.