Imagine riding in a speedboat on a lake with an automatic pilot set to go east. If you decide to reverse and head west, you have two possible ways to change the boat's direction. One way is to grab the steering wheel and physically force it force it to head in the opposite direction from where the autopilot is programmed to go. By sheer willpower you could overcome the autopilot, but you would feel constant resistance. Your arms would eventually tire of the stress, you'd let go of the steering wheel, and the boat would instantly head back east, the way it was internally programmed. to head in the opposite direction from where the autopilot is programmed to go. By sheer willpower you could overcome the autopilot, but you would feel constant resistance. Your arms would eventually tire of the stress, you'd let go of the steering wheel, and the boat would instantly head back east, the way it was internally programmed.

This is what happens when you try to change your life with willpower: You say, "I'll force force myself to eat less ... exercise more... quit being disorganized and late." Yes, willpower myself to eat less ... exercise more... quit being disorganized and late." Yes, willpower can can produce short-term change, but it creates constant internal stress because you haven't dealt with the root cause. The change doesn't feel natural, so eventually you give up, go off your diet, and quit exercising. You quickly revert to your old patterns. produce short-term change, but it creates constant internal stress because you haven't dealt with the root cause. The change doesn't feel natural, so eventually you give up, go off your diet, and quit exercising. You quickly revert to your old patterns.

We become whatever we are committed to.

There is a better and easier way: Change your autopilot-the way you think. The Bible says, "Let G.o.d transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." "Let G.o.d transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." Your first step in spiritual growth is to start changing the way you think. Change always starts first in your mind. Your first step in spiritual growth is to start changing the way you think. Change always starts first in your mind.

The way you think think determines the way determines the way you feel, you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you and the way you feel influences the way you act. act. Paul said, Paul said, "There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and att.i.tudes." "There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and att.i.tudes."

To be like Christ you must develop the mind of Christ. The New Testament calls this mental shift repentance, repentance, which in Greek literally means "to change your mind." You repent whenever you change the way you think by adopting how G.o.d thinks-about yourself, sin, G.o.d, other people, life, your future, and everything else. You take on Christ's outlook and perspective. which in Greek literally means "to change your mind." You repent whenever you change the way you think by adopting how G.o.d thinks-about yourself, sin, G.o.d, other people, life, your future, and everything else. You take on Christ's outlook and perspective.

We are commanded to "think the same way that Christ Jesus thought." "think the same way that Christ Jesus thought."7There are two parts to doing this. The first half of this mental shift is to stop thinking immature immature thoughts, which are self-centered and self-seeking. The Bible says, thoughts, which are self-centered and self-seeking. The Bible says, "Stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." "Stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." Babies by nature are completely selfish. They think only of themselves and their own needs. They are incapable of giving; they can only receive. That is immature thinking. Unfortunately, many people never grow beyond that kind of thinking. The Bible says that selfish thinking is the source of sinful behavior: Babies by nature are completely selfish. They think only of themselves and their own needs. They are incapable of giving; they can only receive. That is immature thinking. Unfortunately, many people never grow beyond that kind of thinking. The Bible says that selfish thinking is the source of sinful behavior: "Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want." "Those who live following their sinful selves think only about things that their sinful selves want."

The second half of thinking like Jesus is to start start thinking thinking maturely, maturely, which focuses on others, not yourself. In his great chapter on what real love is, Paul concluded that thinking of others is the mark of maturity: which focuses on others, not yourself. In his great chapter on what real love is, Paul concluded that thinking of others is the mark of maturity: "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, 1 put childish ways behind me." "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, 1 put childish ways behind me."

Today many a.s.sume that spiritual maturity is measured by the amount of biblical information and doctrine you know. While knowledge is one one measurement of maturity, it isn't the whole story. The Christian life is far more than creeds and convictions; it includes conduct and character. Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds, and our beliefs must be backed up with Christlike behavior. measurement of maturity, it isn't the whole story. The Christian life is far more than creeds and convictions; it includes conduct and character. Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds, and our beliefs must be backed up with Christlike behavior.

Christianity is not a religion or a philosophy, but a relationship and a lifestyle. The core of that lifestyle is thinking of others, as Jesus did, instead of ourselves. The Bible says, "We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. Even Christ did not try to please himself. "We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. Even Christ did not try to please himself. " "

Thinking of others is the heart of Christlikeness and the best evidence of spiritual growth. This kind of thinking is unnatural, counter-cultural, rare, and difficult. Fortunately we have help: "G.o.d has given us his Spirit. That's why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think." "G.o.d has given us his Spirit. That's why we don't think the same way that the people of this world think." In the next few chapters we will look at the tools the Holy Spirit uses to help us grow. In the next few chapters we will look at the tools the Holy Spirit uses to help us grow.

[image]The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act.DAY TWENTY-THREE THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE Point to Ponder: It is never too late to start growing. It is never too late to start growing.

Verse to Remember: "Let G.o.d transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of G.o.d-what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." "Let G.o.d transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of G.o.d-what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect." Romans 12:2b (TEV) Romans 12:2b (TEV) Question to Consider: What is one area where I need to stop thinking What is one area where I need to stop thinking my my way and start thinking way and start thinking G.o.d's G.o.d's way? way?

24.

Transformed by TruthPeople need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of G.o.d. Matthew 4:4 (N LT) Matthew 4:4 (N LT)G.o.d's ... gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everythingyou could possibly need. Acts 20:32 (Msg) Acts 20:32 (Msg)The truth transforms us.

Spiritual growth is the process of replacing lies with truth. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."

Sanctification requires revelation. The Spirit of G.o.d uses the Word of G.o.d to make us like the Son of G.o.d. To become like Jesus, we must fill our lives with his Word. The Bible says, "Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks G.o.d has for us." "Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks G.o.d has for us." G.o.d's Word is unlike any other word. It is alive. Jesus said, G.o.d's Word is unlike any other word. It is alive. Jesus said, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life." "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life." When G.o.d speaks, things change. Everything around you-all of creation-exists because When G.o.d speaks, things change. Everything around you-all of creation-exists because "G.o.d said it.' "G.o.d said it.' He spoke it all into existence. Without G.o.d's Word you would not even be alive. James points out, He spoke it all into existence. Without G.o.d's Word you would not even be alive. James points out, "G.o.d decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made." "G.o.d decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made."

The Spirit of G.o.d uses the Word of G.o.d to make us like the Son of G.o.d.

The Bible is far more than a doctrinal guidebook. G.o.d's Word generates life, creates faith, produces change, frightens the Devil, causes miracles, heals hurts, builds character, transforms circ.u.mstances, imparts joy, overcomes adversity, defeats temptation, infuses hope, releases power, cleanses our minds, brings things into being, and guarantees our future forever! We cannot live without the Word of G.o.d! Never Never take it for granted. You should consider it as essential to your life as food. Job said, take it for granted. You should consider it as essential to your life as food. Job said, "I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." "I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread."

G.o.d's Word is the spiritual nourishment you must you must have to fulfill your purpose. The Bible is called our milk, bread, solid food, and sweet dessert.' This four-course meal is the Spirit's menu for spiritual strength and growth. Peter advises us, have to fulfill your purpose. The Bible is called our milk, bread, solid food, and sweet dessert.' This four-course meal is the Spirit's menu for spiritual strength and growth. Peter advises us, "Crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." "Crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."

ABIDING IN G.o.d'S WORD.

There are more Bibles in print today than ever before, but a Bible on the shelf is worthless. Millions of believers are plagued with spiritual anorexia, starving to death from spiritual malnutrition. To be a healthy disciple of Jesus, feeding on G.o.d's Word must be your first priority. Jesus called it "abiding." "abiding." He said, He said, "If you abide in My word, "If you abide in My word, then then you are truly disciples of Mine." you are truly disciples of Mine." In day-to-day living, abiding in G.o.d's Word includes three activities. In day-to-day living, abiding in G.o.d's Word includes three activities.

I must accept its authority. The Bible must become the authoritative standard for my life: the compa.s.s I rely on for direction, the counsel I listen to for making wise decisions, and the benchmark I use for evaluating everything. The Bible must always have the first and last word in my life. The Bible must become the authoritative standard for my life: the compa.s.s I rely on for direction, the counsel I listen to for making wise decisions, and the benchmark I use for evaluating everything. The Bible must always have the first and last word in my life.

Many of our troubles occur because we base our choices on unreliable authorities: culture ("everyone is doing it"), tradition ("we've always done it"), reason ("it seemed logical"), or emotion ("it just felt right"). All four of these are flawed by the Fall. What we need is a perfect standard that will never lead us in the wrong direction. Only G.o.d's Word meets that need. Solomon reminds us, "Every word of G.o.d is flawless, " us, "Every word of G.o.d is flawless, "10and Paul explains, "Everything in the Scriptures is G.o.d's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live." "Everything in the Scriptures is G.o.d's Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live."

In the early years of his ministry, Billy Graham went through a time when he struggled with doubts about the accuracy and authority of the Bible. One moonlit night he dropped to his knees in tears and told G.o.d that, in spite of confusing pa.s.sages he didn't understand, from that point on he would completely trust the Bible as the sole authority for his life and ministry. From that day forward, Billy's life was blessed with unusual power and effectiveness.

The most important decision you can make today is to settle this issue of what will be the ultimate authority for your life. Decide that regardless of culture, tradition, reason, or emotion, you choose the Bible as your final authority. Determine to first ask, "What does the Bible say?" when making decisions. Resolve that when G.o.d says to do something, you will trust G.o.d's Word and do it whether or not it makes sense or you feel like doing it. Adopt Paul's statement as your personal affirmation of faith: "I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets. "I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets."

I must a.s.similate its truth. It is not enough just to believe the Bible; I must fill my mind with it so that the Holy Spirit can transform me with the truth. There are five ways to do this: You can receive it, read it, research it, remember it, and reflect on it. It is not enough just to believe the Bible; I must fill my mind with it so that the Holy Spirit can transform me with the truth. There are five ways to do this: You can receive it, read it, research it, remember it, and reflect on it.

Many who claim to believe the Bible from "cover to cover" have never read it from cover to cover.

First, you receive you receive G.o.d's Word when you listen and accept it with an open, receptive att.i.tude. The parable of the sower ill.u.s.trates how our receptiveness determines whether or not G.o.d's Word takes root in our lives and bears fruit. Jesus identified three unreceptive att.i.tudes-a closed mind (hard soil), a superficial mind (shallow soil), and a distracted mind (soil with weeds)-and then he said, G.o.d's Word when you listen and accept it with an open, receptive att.i.tude. The parable of the sower ill.u.s.trates how our receptiveness determines whether or not G.o.d's Word takes root in our lives and bears fruit. Jesus identified three unreceptive att.i.tudes-a closed mind (hard soil), a superficial mind (shallow soil), and a distracted mind (soil with weeds)-and then he said, "Consider carefully how you listen." "Consider carefully how you listen."

Anytime you feel you are not learning anything from a sermon or a Bible teacher, you should check your att.i.tude, especially for pride, because G.o.d can speak through even the most boring teacher when you are humble and receptive. James advises, "In a humble (gentle, modest) spirit, receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted in your hearts contains the power to save your souls. "In a humble (gentle, modest) spirit, receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted in your hearts contains the power to save your souls. " "

Second, for most of the 2,000-year history of the church, only priests got to personally read read the Bible, but now billions of us have access to it. In spite of this, many believers are more faithful to reading their daily newspaper than their Bibles. It's no wonder we don't grow. We can't watch television for three hours, then read the Bible for three minutes and expect to grow. the Bible, but now billions of us have access to it. In spite of this, many believers are more faithful to reading their daily newspaper than their Bibles. It's no wonder we don't grow. We can't watch television for three hours, then read the Bible for three minutes and expect to grow.

Many who claim to believe the Bible "from cover to cover" have never read it from cover to cover. But if you will read the Bible just fifteen minutes a day, you will read completely through it once a year. If you cut out one thirty-minute television program a day and read your Bible instead, you will read through the entire Bible twice a year.

Daily Bible reading will keep you in range of G.o.d's voice. This is why G.o.d instructed the kings of Israel to always keep a copy of his Word nearby: "He should keep it with him all the time and read from it every day of his life. "He should keep it with him all the time and read from it every day of his life." But don't just keep it near you; read it regularly! A simple tool that is helpful for this is a daily Bible reading plan. It will prevent you from just skipping around the Bible arbitrarily and overlooking sections. If you would like a copy of my personal Bible reading plan, see appendix 2.

Third, researching, researching, or studying, the Bible is another practical way to abide in the Word. The difference between reading and studying the Bible involves two additional activities: asking questions of the text and writing down your insights. You haven't really studied the Bible unless you've written your thoughts down on paper or computer. or studying, the Bible is another practical way to abide in the Word. The difference between reading and studying the Bible involves two additional activities: asking questions of the text and writing down your insights. You haven't really studied the Bible unless you've written your thoughts down on paper or computer.

s.p.a.ce does not allow me to explain the different methods of Bible study. Several helpful books on Bible study methods are available, including one I wrote over twenty years ago. The secret of good Bible study is simply learning to ask the right questions. Different methods use different questions. You will discover far more if you pause and ask such simple questions as who? what? when? where? why? and how? The Bible says, "Truly happy people are those who carefully study G.o.d's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what G.o.d's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy. "Truly happy people are those who carefully study G.o.d's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what G.o.d's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy.

The fourth way to abide in G.o.d's Word is by remembering remembering it. Your capacity to remember is a G.o.d-given gift. You may think you have a poor memory, but the truth is, you have millions of ideas, truths, facts, and figures memorized. You remember what is it. Your capacity to remember is a G.o.d-given gift. You may think you have a poor memory, but the truth is, you have millions of ideas, truths, facts, and figures memorized. You remember what is important important to you. If G.o.d's Word is important, you will take the time to remember it. to you. If G.o.d's Word is important, you will take the time to remember it.

There are enormous benefits to memorizing Bible verses. It will help you resist temptation, make wise decisions, reduce stress, build confidence, offer good advice, and share your faith with others.'

Your memory is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it will become, and memorizing Scripture will become easier. You might begin by selecting a few Bible verses out of this book that have touched you and writing them down on a small card you can carry with you. Then review them aloud aloud throughout your day. You can memorize Scripture anywhere: while working or exercising or driving or waiting or at bedtime. The three keys to memorizing Scripture are review, review, and review! The Bible says, throughout your day. You can memorize Scripture anywhere: while working or exercising or driving or waiting or at bedtime. The three keys to memorizing Scripture are review, review, and review! The Bible says, "Remember what Christ taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise." "Remember what Christ taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise."

The fifth way to abide in G.o.d's Word is to reflect reflect on it, which the Bible calls "meditation." For many, the idea of meditating conjures up images of putting your mind in neutral and letting it wander. This is the exact opposite of biblical meditation. Meditation on it, which the Bible calls "meditation." For many, the idea of meditating conjures up images of putting your mind in neutral and letting it wander. This is the exact opposite of biblical meditation. Meditation is focused is focused thinking. It takes serious effort. You select a verse and reflect on it over and over in your mind. thinking. It takes serious effort. You select a verse and reflect on it over and over in your mind.

As I mentioned in chapter 11, if you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate. Worry is focused thinking on something negative. Meditation is doing the same thing, only focusing on G.o.d's Word instead of your problem.

No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture. As we take the time to contemplate G.o.d's truth, seriously reflecting on the example of Christ, we are "transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory." "transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory." If you look up all the times G.o.d speaks about meditation in the Bible, you will be amazed at the benefits he has promised to those who take the time to reflect on his Word throughout the day. One of the reasons G.o.d called David If you look up all the times G.o.d speaks about meditation in the Bible, you will be amazed at the benefits he has promised to those who take the time to reflect on his Word throughout the day. One of the reasons G.o.d called David "a man after my own heart" "a man after my own heart" is that David loved to reflect on G.o.d's Word. He said, is that David loved to reflect on G.o.d's Word. He said, "How I love your teachings! I think about them all day long." "How I love your teachings! I think about them all day long." Serious reflection on G.o.d's truth is a key to answered prayer and the secret to successful living. Serious reflection on G.o.d's truth is a key to answered prayer and the secret to successful living.

I must apply its principles. Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word are all useless if we fail to put them into practice. We must become Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word are all useless if we fail to put them into practice. We must become "doers of the word." "doers of the word." This is the hardest step of all, because Satan fights it so intensely. He doesn't mind you going to Bible studies as long as you don't do anything with what you learn. We fool ourselves when we a.s.sume that just because we have heard or read or studied a truth, we have internalized it. Actually, you can be so busy going to the next cla.s.s or seminar or Bible conference that you have no time to implement what you've learned. You forget it on the way to your next study. Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless. Jesus said, This is the hardest step of all, because Satan fights it so intensely. He doesn't mind you going to Bible studies as long as you don't do anything with what you learn. We fool ourselves when we a.s.sume that just because we have heard or read or studied a truth, we have internalized it. Actually, you can be so busy going to the next cla.s.s or seminar or Bible conference that you have no time to implement what you've learned. You forget it on the way to your next study. Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless. Jesus said, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Jesus also pointed out that G.o.d's blessing comes from obeying the truth, not just knowing it. He said, Jesus also pointed out that G.o.d's blessing comes from obeying the truth, not just knowing it. He said, "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

The truth will set you free, but first it may make you miserable!

Another reason we avoid personal application is that it can be difficult or even painful. The truth will will set you free, but first it may make you miserable! G.o.d's Word exposes our motives, points out our faults, rebukes our sin, and expects us to change. It's human nature to resist change, so applying G.o.d's Word is hard work. This is why it is so important to discuss your personal applications with other people. set you free, but first it may make you miserable! G.o.d's Word exposes our motives, points out our faults, rebukes our sin, and expects us to change. It's human nature to resist change, so applying G.o.d's Word is hard work. This is why it is so important to discuss your personal applications with other people.

I cannot overstate the value of being a part of a small Bible study discussion group. We always learn from others truths we would never learn on our own. Other people will help you see insights you would miss and help you apply G.o.d's truth in a practical way.

The best way to become a "doer of the Word" is to always write out an action step as a result of your reading or studying or reflecting on G.o.d's Word. Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do. This action step should be personal personal (involving (involving you), practical you), practical (something you can (something you can do), do), and and provable provable (with a (with a deadline deadline to do it). Every application will involve either your relationship to G.o.d, your relationship to others, or your personal character. to do it). Every application will involve either your relationship to G.o.d, your relationship to others, or your personal character.

Before reading the next chapter, spend some time thinking about this question: What has G.o.d already already told you to do in his Word that you haven't started doing yet? Then write down a few action statements that will help you act on what you know. You might tell a friend who can hold you accountable. As D. L. Moody said, "The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives." told you to do in his Word that you haven't started doing yet? Then write down a few action statements that will help you act on what you know. You might tell a friend who can hold you accountable. As D. L. Moody said, "The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives."

DAY TWENTY-FOUR THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSEPoint to Ponder: The truth transforms me. 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." "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 (KJV) John 8:31-32 (KJV)Question to Consider: What has G.o.d already told me in his Word that I haven't started doing yet? What has G.o.d already told me in his Word that I haven't started doing yet?

25Transformed by TroubleFor our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17 (N l v) 2 Corinthians 4:17 (N l v)It is the fire of suffering that brings forth the gold of G.o.dliness. Madame Guyon Madame GuyonG.o.d has a purpose behind every problem.

He uses circ.u.mstances to develop our character. In fact, he depends more on circ.u.mstances to make us like Jesus than he depends on our reading the Bible. The reason is obvious: You face circ.u.mstances twenty-four hours a day.

Jesus warned us that we would have problems in the world.' 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 G.o.d's growth process for you. Peter a.s.sures us that problems are normal, saying, "Don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you." "Don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you."

G.o.d uses problems to draw you closer to himself. The Bible says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days-when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you're out of options, when the pain is great-and you turn to G.o.d alone. It is during suffering that we learn to pray our most authentic, heartfelt, honest-to-G.o.d prayers. Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days-when your heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you're out of options, when the pain is great-and you turn to G.o.d alone. It is during suffering that we learn to pray our most authentic, heartfelt, honest-to-G.o.d prayers.

When we're in pain, we don't have the energy for superficial prayers.

Joni Eareckson Tada notes, "When life is rosy, we may slide by with knowing about Jesus, with imitating him and quoting him and speaking of him. But only in suffering will we know know Jesus." We learn things about G.o.d in suffering that we can't learn any other way. Jesus." We learn things about G.o.d in suffering that we can't learn any other way.

G.o.d could have kept Joseph out of jail, kept Daniel out of the lion's den, kept Jeremiah from being tossed into a slimy pit, kept Paul from being shipwrecked three times, and kept the three Hebrew young men from being thrown into the blazing furnace-but he didn't. He let those problems happen, and every one of those persons was drawn closer to G.o.d as a result.

Problems force us to look to G.o.d and depend on him instead of ourselves. Paul testified to this benefit: "We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of G.o.d, who alone could save us." "We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of G.o.d, who alone could save us." You'll never know that G.o.d is all you need until G.o.d is all you've got. You'll never know that G.o.d is all you need until G.o.d is all you've got.

Regardless of the cause, none of your problems could happen without G.o.d's permission. Everything that happens to a child of G.o.d is Father filtered, Father filtered, and he intends to use it for good even when Satan and others mean it for bad. and he intends to use it for good even when Satan and others mean it for bad.

Because G.o.d is sovereignly in control, accidents are just incidents in G.o.d's good plan for you. Because every day of your life was written on G.o.d's calendar before you were born, everything everything that happens to you has spiritual significance. Everything! Romans 8:28-29 explains why: that happens to you has spiritual significance. Everything! Romans 8:28-29 explains why: "We know that G.o.d causes everything to work together for the good of those who love G.o.d and are called according to his purpose for them. For G.o.d knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son." "We know that G.o.d causes everything to work together for the good of those who love G.o.d and are called according to his purpose for them. For G.o.d knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son."

UNDERSTANDING ROMANS 8:28-29.

This is one of the most misquoted and misunderstood pa.s.sages in the Bible. It doesn't say, "G.o.d causes everything to work out the way I want it to." Obviously that's not true. It also doesn't say, "G.o.d causes everything to work out to have a happy ending on earth." That is not true either. There are many unhappy endings on earth.

We live in a fallen world. Only in heaven is everything done perfectly the way G.o.d intends. That is why we are told to pray, "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." "Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." To fully understand Romans 8:28-29 you must consider it phrase by phrase. To fully understand Romans 8:28-29 you must consider it phrase by phrase.

"We know": Our hope in difficult times is not based on positive thinking, wishful thinking, or natural optimism. It is a certainty based on the truths that G.o.d is in complete control of our universe and that he loves us. Our hope in difficult times is not based on positive thinking, wishful thinking, or natural optimism. It is a certainty based on the truths that G.o.d is in complete control of our universe and that he loves us.

"that G.o.d causes": There's a Grand Designer behind everything. Your life is not a result of random chance, fate, or luck. There is a master plan. History is There's a Grand Designer behind everything. Your life is not a result of random chance, fate, or luck. There is a master plan. History is His story. His story. G.o.d is pulling the strings. G.o.d is pulling the strings. We We make mistakes, but G.o.d never does. G.o.d make mistakes, but G.o.d never does. G.o.d cannot cannot make a mistake-because he is G.o.d. make a mistake-because he is G.o.d.

"everything": G.o.d's plan for your life involves G.o.d's plan for your life involves all all that happens to you-including your mistakes, your sins, and your hurts. It includes illness, debt, disasters, divorce, and death of loved ones. G.o.d can bring good out of the worst evil. He did at Calvary. that happens to you-including your mistakes, your sins, and your hurts. It includes illness, debt, disasters, divorce, and death of loved ones. G.o.d can bring good out of the worst evil. He did at Calvary.

Everything that happens to you has spiritual significance.

"to work together": Not separately or independently. The events in your life work Not separately or independently. The events in your life work together together in G.o.d's plan. They are not isolated acts, but interdependent parts of the process to make you like Christ. To bake a cake you must use flour, salt, raw eggs, sugar, and oil. Eaten individually, each is pretty distasteful or even bitter. But bake them together and they become delicious. If you will give G.o.d all your distasteful, unpleasant experiences, he will blend them together for good. in G.o.d's plan. They are not isolated acts, but interdependent parts of the process to make you like Christ. To bake a cake you must use flour, salt, raw eggs, sugar, and oil. Eaten individually, each is pretty distasteful or even bitter. But bake them together and they become delicious. If you will give G.o.d all your distasteful, unpleasant experiences, he will blend them together for good.

"for the good": This does not say that everything in life is good. Much of what happens in our world is evil and bad, but G.o.d specializes in bringing good out of it. In the official family tree of Jesus Christ, four women are listed: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Tamar seduced her father-in-law to get pregnant. Rahab was a prost.i.tute. Ruth was not even Jewish and broke the law by marrying a Jewish man. Bathsheba committed adultery with David, which resulted in her husband's murder. These were not exactly sterling reputations, but G.o.d brought good out of bad, and Jesus came through their lineage. G.o.d's purpose is greater than our problems, our pain, and even our sin. This does not say that everything in life is good. Much of what happens in our world is evil and bad, but G.o.d specializes in bringing good out of it. In the official family tree of Jesus Christ, four women are listed: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Tamar seduced her father-in-law to get pregnant. Rahab was a prost.i.tute. Ruth was not even Jewish and broke the law by marrying a Jewish man. Bathsheba committed adultery with David, which resulted in her husband's murder. These were not exactly sterling reputations, but G.o.d brought good out of bad, and Jesus came through their lineage. G.o.d's purpose is greater than our problems, our pain, and even our sin.

"of those who love G.o.d and are called": This promise is only for G.o.d's children. It is not for everyone. All things work This promise is only for G.o.d's children. It is not for everyone. All things work for bad for bad for those living in opposition to G.o.d and insist on having their own way. for those living in opposition to G.o.d and insist on having their own way.

"according to his purpose": What is that purpose? It is that we What is that purpose? It is that we "become like his Son." "become like his Son." Everything G.o.d allows to happen in your life is permitted for that purpose! Everything G.o.d allows to happen in your life is permitted for that purpose!

Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days.

BUILDING CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER.

We are like jewels, shaped with the hammer and chisel of adversity. If a jeweler's hammer isn't strong enough to chip off our rough edges, G.o.d will use a sledgehammer. If we're really stubborn, he uses a jackhammer. He will use whatever it takes.

Every problem is a character-building opportunity, and the more difficult it is, the greater the potential for building spiritual muscle and moral fiber. Paul said, "We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character." "We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character." What happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens What happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens inside you. inside you. Your circ.u.mstances are temporary, but your character will last forever. Your circ.u.mstances are temporary, but your character will last forever.

The Bible often compares trials to a metal refiner's fire that burns away the impurities. Peter said, "These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold." A "These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold." A silversmith was asked, "How do you know when the silver is pure?" He replied, "When I see my reflection in it." When you've been refined by trials, people can see Jesus' reflection in you. James said, silversmith was asked, "How do you know when the silver is pure?" He replied, "When I see my reflection in it." When you've been refined by trials, people can see Jesus' reflection in you. James said, "Under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors." "Under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors."

Since G.o.d intends to make you like Jesus, he will take you through the same experiences Jesus went through. That includes loneliness, temptation, stress, criticism, rejection, and many other problems. The Bible says Jesus "learned obedience through suffering" "learned obedience through suffering" and and "was made perfect through suffering." "was made perfect through suffering." Why would G.o.d exempt us from what he allowed his own Son to experience? Paul said, Why would G.o.d exempt us from what he allowed his own Son to experience? Paul said, "We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!" "We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him!"

RESPONDING TO PROBLEMS AS JESUS WOULD.

Problems don't automatically produce what G.o.d intends. Many people become bitter, rather than better, and never grow up. You have to respond the way Jesus would.

Remember that G.o.d's plan is good. G.o.d knows what is best for you and has your best interests at heart. G.o.d told Jeremiah, G.o.d knows what is best for you and has your best interests at heart. G.o.d told Jeremiah, "The plans I have for you fare] plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." "The plans I have for you fare] plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Joseph understood this truth when he told his brothers who had sold him into slavery, "You intended to harm me, but G.o.d intended it for good." Hezekiah echoed the same sentiment about his life-threatening illness: "It was for my own good that I had such hard times. Whenever G.o.d says no to your request for relief, remember, "G.o.d is doing what is best for us, training us to live G.o.d's holy best.' Joseph understood this truth when he told his brothers who had sold him into slavery, "You intended to harm me, but G.o.d intended it for good." Hezekiah echoed the same sentiment about his life-threatening illness: "It was for my own good that I had such hard times. Whenever G.o.d says no to your request for relief, remember, "G.o.d is doing what is best for us, training us to live G.o.d's holy best.'

what happens outwardly in your life is not as important as what happens inside you.

It is vital that you stay focused on G.o.d's plan, not your pain or problem. That is how Jesus endured the pain of the cross, and we are urged to follow his example: "Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards." Corrie ten Boom, who suffered in a n.a.z.i death camp, explained the power of focus: "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest!" Your focus will determine your feelings. The secret of endurance is to remember that your pain is temporary but your reward will be eternal. Moses endured a life of problems "because he was looking ahead to his reward." "because he was looking ahead to his reward." Paul endured hardship the same way. He said, Paul endured hardship the same way. He said, "Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!" "Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!"

Don't give in to short-term thinking. Stay focused on the end result: "If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later."

Rejoice and give thanks. The Bible tells us to The Bible tells us to give thanks in all circ.u.mstances, for this is G.o.d's will for you in Christ Jesus. give thanks in all circ.u.mstances, for this is G.o.d's will for you in Christ Jesus. " How is this possible? Notice that G.o.d tells us to give thanks "in all circ.u.mstances" not "for all circ.u.mstances." G.o.d doesn't expect you to be thankful for evil, for sin, for suffering, or for their painful consequences in the world. Instead, G.o.d wants you to thank him that he will use your problems to fulfill his purposes. " How is this possible? Notice that G.o.d tells us to give thanks "in all circ.u.mstances" not "for all circ.u.mstances." G.o.d doesn't expect you to be thankful for evil, for sin, for suffering, or for their painful consequences in the world. Instead, G.o.d wants you to thank him that he will use your problems to fulfill his purposes.

The Bible says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." "Rejoice in the Lord always." It doesn't say, "Rejoice over your pain." That's masochism. You rejoice "in It doesn't say, "Rejoice over your pain." That's masochism. You rejoice "in the Lord." the Lord." No matter what's happening, you can rejoice in G.o.d's love, care, wisdom, power, and faithfulness. Jesus said, 'Be No matter what's happening, you can rejoice in G.o.d's love, care, wisdom, power, and faithfulness. Jesus said, 'Be full of joy at that time, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven." full of joy at that time, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven."

We can also rejoice in knowing that G.o.d is going through the pain with us. We do not serve a distant and detached G.o.d who spouts encouraging cliches safely from the sideline. Instead, he enters into our suffering. Jesus did it in the Incarnation, and his Spirit does it in us now. G.o.d will never leave us on our own.

Refuse to give up. Be patient and persistent. The Bible says, Be patient and persistent. The Bible says, "Let the process go on until your endurance is fully developed, and you will find that you have become men of mature character ... with no weak spots.' "Let the process go on until your endurance is fully developed, and you will find that you have become men of mature character ... with no weak spots.'

Character building is a slow process. Whenever we try to avoid or escape the difficulties in life, we short-circuit the process, delay our growth, and actually end up with a worse kind of pain-the worthless type that accompanies denial and avoidance. When you grasp the eternal consequences of your character development, you'll pray fewer "Comfort me' "Comfort me' prayers ("Help me feel good") and more prayers ("Help me feel good") and more "Conform me" "Conform me" prayers ("Use this to make me more like you"). prayers ("Use this to make me more like you").

You know you are maturing when you begin to see the hand of G.o.d in the random, baffling, and seemingly pointless circ.u.mstances of life.

If you are facing trouble right now, don't ask, "Why me?" Instead ask, "What do you want me to learn?" Then trust G.o.d and keep on doing what's right. "7ou need to stick it out, staying with G.o.d's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion." need to stick it out, staying with G.o.d's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion." Don't give up-grow up! Don't give up-grow up!

DAY TWENTY-FIVE THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE Point to Ponder: There is a purpose behind every problem. There is a purpose behind every problem.Verse to Remember: "And we know that in all things G.o.d works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." "And we know that in all things G.o.d works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV) Romans 8:28 (NIV)Question to Consider: What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth in What problem in my life has caused the greatest growth inme?