The Purpose Driven Life

I can’t remember when I bought this book but I would love to share with you the wonderful messages I’ve got from this book since I’ve started reading it last week. Anyway, this is one of those books where I thought I would read but at the end of the day, it took me so long to even turn one page of the book (till last week that is…)

Let me tell you how I ended up buying the book in the first place. I remember that I was going through some rough times last year and I was walking aimlessly around Taipan. I saw a Christian shop that I normally go to and I just went in to enjoy their music and window shop…well, going through their stuff, I found many interesting books but this one particular one caught my eyes… “The Purpose Driven Life…what on earth am I here for? by Rick Warren” Well maybe I thought I needed to find my purpose here on earth at that time and that was the reason why I bought the book. But surprisingly, it took me so long to even read the first page…

Anyway, today I am at day 4. I placed the book on my office table and last Wednesday I took the time to go through it and to my surprise, it’s pretty interesting but since it’s a Christian book…it tends to focus more on “the big guy” a.k.a God and sometimes it’s just too much (this is just my opinion…)

Oh…now I remember why I picked that book out from my mini library on my table…one day, a work mate actually sent one of those emails…those forwarded emails and I actually read it and it had a few tips of starting your day in a good note…bla bla…and the person wrote that everyday he wakes up, he reads for at least ½ hour in the morning…and if possible, make a habit of reading something spiritual…I just read it as another forwarded email…I didn’t know that it would somehow follow it…anyway, when he wrote spiritual…I was thinking the bible or some books from Church…I don’t think I’ve ever been interested in those kinda books…sorry God…sorry Mum… Ok ok before I dig a deeper grave for myself, let’s talk about the book shall we?




Day One:
Thinking about my purpose

Point to ponder: It’s not about me.
Well, it basically just says that everything starts with God and not yourself. Sometimes we are self centered questions like “What should I do with my life?” “What do I want to be?” “What are my goals, my ambitions, and my dreams for my future? Maybe it’s time to refocus these questions and ask “What is God’s plan for me?”

Verse to Remember: “Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him” Colossians 1:16

Questions to Consider: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, and not my own?




Day Two:
Thinking about my purpose

Point to Ponder: I am not an accident.
Basically in day two, the topic talks about us being born for a reason and its not an accident even if your parents says that they did not plan for you…God DID! “Long before you were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God.”

Verse to Remember: “I am your Creator: You were on my care even before you were born.” Isaiah 44:2

Question to Consider: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?




Day 3
Thinking about my purpose

Point to Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace
Day 3 tells us that many people are driven by something in their life. It can be guilt, problem, pressure, deadline…anything. Here are five common ones:
1. Guilt
2. Resentment & anger
3. Fear
4. Materialism
5. Need for approval

From knowing your purpose or that force that drives you, you are able to:
1. Knowing your purpose give you meaning to your life
2. Knowing your purpose simplify your life
3. Knowing your purpose focuses your life
4. Knowing your purpose motivates your life
5. Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity

Verse to Remember: “You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.” Isaih 26:3

Questions to Consider: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?




Day 4
Thinking about my purpose

Point to Ponder: There is more to life than just here and now.
Day four tells us to prepare ourselves from now to face our Lord when our life on earth is over.

Verse to Remember: “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

Question to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?