Day 15

Formed for God's Family

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10

We were created by God to be in relationship with him - to be, if you will, Family - HIS Family. There is only one way we can be in the Family of God - it is by God's grace and His merit and His invitation. We are sinners and have nothing to offer other than what He gives us. Scripture says that God's people are to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20. Mark 16:16 also says "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved".

So how does one "believe"? Well, you have to have "faith". So how does one "get" faith? If it is something we work on or for, something that we do, then faith becomes a work. Scripture is very clear that we ARE NOT saved by works! (Thank God, other wise NONE of us would make it - at least no one I know!) Scripture is also very clear that we ARE saved by God's grace, through faith, and this is not from ourselves. (Eph 2) God gives us faith, because of His grace, and one means that He does this is through baptism. Age does not matter since it is God who does the giving! He does this because He has a PURPOSE for us - He has a Plan for us - He has work for us to do! So we are not saved by works, but saved for works. Works do not affect our salvation, they reflect our salvation. God saves us so that we can join Him in carrying out His will. He adopts us into His family. What a comfort to know that because of His love, He has made us family; we have a place to belong, we have a PURPOSE, and a PLAN.

Now what does it mean to BE family? The American Heritage Dictionary defines family as: (a) 'Two or more people who share goals and values, have commitments to one another, and reside in the same place. (b) All the members of a household under one roof.' This definition can easily be compared with how God defines family.

Let's see what constitutes a family according to God's Word:
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Acts 4:32-35

God formed us for family and fellowship. Fellowship with Him and fellowship with other believers. When God first formed the church, He formed a community of people who spent a great deal of time together, living daily life together, just like families. Looking at the above Scriptures, we can know that God formed us to need each other, and to provide for each other. He formed us to experience life together and to build life together. To sum it up, God formed us for R-E-L-A-T-I-O-N-S-H-I-P-S.

We can learn a lot about relationships examining the New Testament Christians. Take a look:

• They were eager to learn and fellowship (Acts 2:42; 4:33).
• There was unity among the believers (Acts 2:44; 32).
• They gave to everyone in need (Acts 2:45).
• Even selling there possessions if need be (Acts 4:34, 35).
• They met together everyday, inviting each other to their homes, with gladness (Acts 2:46).
• They praised God, and ENJOYED each other (Acts 2:47)
• They had sincere hearts (Acts 2:46).

And what exactly was their reward for the fellowship, for these acts of service, for their undying hospitality and love? The Scriptures state that, 'And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.' Notice it was THE LORD adding to their numbers, not them!

We were formed for God's family, and it's our job to protect that bond. Far too often people are quick to condemn, criticize, and complain. But we should be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. We should love one another, build each other up, and do whatever necessary to protect the integrity and fellowship of the church. And that includes the people that MAKE THE CHURCH. I have often heard the phrase, 'blood is thicker than water.' While that may be true, the Christian should be quick to remember we are all part of the family of God by the blood of Jesus Christ!

Application:
Select one item below that applies to you:
1. If you harbor bitterness towards another brother or sister, take the time to invite him or her to your home, and restore that broken relationship.
2. Invite another believer to partake in a weekly Bible Study.
3. If you see another brother or sister in need, take the time to meet that need opposed to waiting for somebody else to do it.
4. Instead of gossiping about those that hurt you, pray for them and encourage them, building them up.
5. If you have noticed fellow brothers or sisters who have been absent from church or fellowship, take the time to call them and commit to pray for them.

Lord - help me always see that I come before you as a sinful beggar, not deserving of your love or grace. But by your mercy you take me into your family and give me PURPOSE. Thank you for bringing me into your family by Baptism. Help me to be a useful family member. Amen

Point to Ponder: I was formed for God's family.

Verse to Remember: His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:5a

React (and share) to the below statements:

1. How can I do the above application points?

Day 16

What Matters Most

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

In the mid-1970's, Ed Roberts created the world's first commercially successful personal computer (PC). He hired a 19-year-old named Bill Gates to write software for him.

Roberts sold his computer business in 1977 and bought a farm. Seven years later, at the age of 41, he entered medical school. Today Bill Gates is the head of the largest software company in the world. Ed Roberts is a physician in a small Georgia town.

Roberts says, "The implication is that the PC is the most important thing I've ever done, and I don't think that's true. Every day I deal with things that are equally if not more important here with my patients."

How can we evaluate the significance of our lives? Something deep inside tells us that such a thing cannot be measured by wealth and fame.

As we look at the Apostle Paul's turbulent life, it seems noteworthy that he approached the end with a peaceful sense of successful completion. He wrote, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). Paul looked confidently not to the world but to "the Lord, the righteous Judge," for approval and reward (v.8).

How do you measure the significance of your life? Only God can tell you what matters most. Only God can give you PURPOSE which will lead to the Peace that passes human Understanding. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Dear Lord, help me always remember what is most important in my life - YOU. Without you, there is no PURPOSE. In you, I discover love; true love that moves me to love others. Now my PURPOSE has REASON. Amen

Point to Ponder: Life is all about God - and therefore about love.

Verse to Remember: The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:14

React (and share) to the below statements:

1. Are relationships OR God my first priority? Can they be separated?

Day 17

A Place to Belong
We Lost Someone Today!

"...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

People everywhere are looking for a place to belong. There is something special about being recognized and appreciated in today's increasingly chaotic world. A place where you can be yourself and know that you will be accepted even though you're not.

In addition to looking for a place to belong, people today are longing even more for a place TO BECOME, a place where they can find PURPOSE. That is, a place where they can be challenged and can grow to become more than what they already are. A place where they are a very important part of a group of people working toward a common goal, striving to become all that God wants them to be, individually and collectively.

Some years back I (more then I want to count) I was working in Youth Ministry and had a Youth retreat where I had the Youth invite their friends that were not involved in the youth program. It was very successful, as far as numbers were concerned. A few weeks after the retreat, I was in the grocery store and I ran into Pam, the mother of one of the youth, Hillary, who had been on the retreat. Hillary had been invited by a friend. Hillary was shy, but I thought she'd made some new friends at our retreat and was solidly into the group.

Wrong assumption. My conversation with Pam was a blow. Hillary wasn't coming back. This shy kid was desperate to belong, to make new friends, but with all the kids we had coming each week, she couldn't find even one new friend. The teen who invited her to the meetings consistently left her alone after they arrived, spending time with other friends and leaving Hillary feeling out of place. The adult volunteers helped, but Hillary needed peers.

When I returned to the church, my office seemed lifeless. I slumped into my chair and began banging away at the computer keys. The result was something that I shared with my volunteer staff and, later on, the teens:

We lost a kid today.

She wasn't exuberant. She wasn't the school's most popular student. She didn't have a smile that would cause the boys to swoon and the girls to envy. She didn't have a laugh that was contagious.

So we lost her.

The fact that she's missing won't be a particular blow to the group. She was so quiet that hardly anyone noticed when she was there. She was one of the many faces that we come into contact with each week, each one craving something that all want--a place to call her own, a place about which she could say, "This is MY youth group." She longed for a place to belong and she didn't find it.

So we lost a kid today.

We didn't lose her because of our facility, nor did we lose her because the leaders weren't adequate. We didn't lose her because we had the wrong message. The message was right; the gospel is powerful, and it was here that she heard the good news, learned of Jesus and met him. It's just that, when the praying was done, and the tears were dried, there was no one she perceived who cared about her enough to keep on praying and keep on caring after the meeting was over.

What she saw was a pegboard with holes of various shapes and sizes except for one her shape, her size. There was no friend to tell her that each hole is custom-cut for the individual. We lost her because she didn't find something she desperately needed; something we, as fellow believers, are supposed to supply. We lost a kid today. For as she looked into the eyes of all those coming and going, she didn't see the love of God for her there.

She was seeking someone who would call her "friend," not just out of politeness but real friendship, a kinship that comes from knowing Jesus.

We lost a kid today. Her name was "Jesus."

"...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

The following week Hillary was back, and this time, surrounding her were teens who had caught a glimpse of their calling -- to love one another as Christ loved us.

We found a kid today.

Father, help me always to see You in others and to treat them with the same love and acceptance that You show me. Help me never to be the reason for losing one because they didn't see You in me. Help me to remember that I may be the only Jesus someone knows. Amen

Point to Ponder: I am called to belong, not just believe, and to make others feel like they belong.

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

React (and share) to the below statements:

1. What can I do to make others feel like they belong, like they have Purpose?

Day 18

Experiencing Life Together

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

We were created to be people in community; a Christ-like community. This includes unselfish loving, honest sharing, practical serving, sacrificial giving, sympathetic comforting, and all the other "one another" commands found in the New Testament. When it comes to community…size matters! The larger the size the more difficult community becomes. Whether you find community in an organized small group or in an informal small group of Christians - either way it is important in our growing as a person of God. It requires decisive effort on our part.

1. In real fellowship, people experience authenticity.
In most churches, people wear masks, keep their guard up, and act as if everything is rosy. There is shallow conversation, pretending and superficial politeness. That is NOT the example of the NT church. Real fellowship involves genuine, heart-to-heart, sometimes gut-level sharing. It happens when people are determined to be honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share their hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses, and ask for help and prayer.

2. In real fellowship, people experience mutuality.
It is the art of giving and receiving... of depending on each other. All of us are more consistent in our faith when others are walking with us to encourage us. Think about this: I am not responsible for everyone in the Body of Christ, but I am responsible to them. Christ calls me to serve others, not necessary as they want to be served but as He would serve them!

3. In real fellowship, people experience sympathy.
It is in times of deep crisis, grief, and doubt that we need each other the most. When circumstances crush us to the point that our faith falters, that's when we need believing friends the most. We need a small group of friends to have faith in God for us and to pull us through. In looking back when I've survived rough times, a small group of Christians were there providing support. How about you?

4. In real fellowship, people experience mercy.
We are called to reflect God's grace in our relationships with others. This means we are to be forgiving people, even before people ask for forgiveness. This is the experience of mercy. We all stumble and fall, and require help to get back on track.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

I've seen small groups be a real haven; where what was planned to be discussed was pushed aside, and instead real friends dealt head-on with real problems. Those small groups were living life together, truly what Christ meant His people to be!

Gracious Father, thank You for the true community that I can share with others. I recognize that it requires a choice on my part, to be authentic, to invest the time to develop these friendships. Please help me to start today. Amen

Point to Ponder: I need others in my life.

Verse to Remember: Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

React (and share) to the below statements:

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

Day 19

Cultivating Community
Who Is Wise and Understanding?

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18

Rich Warren writes that community requires commitment. That is very true. He also writes that only the Holy Spirit can create real fellowship between believers. Also true. The Holy Spirit helps us understand God's Word. Before we can have commitment in community, we must have wisdom-the kind that only God can give us. There must be a reason for community and commitment - a proper one - in order to have it work. In other words, you must see and have the PURPOSE to have the Community.

Wisdom is …

More than Words - it's Deeds.
James 3:13 / James 2:14-26 / Matthew 7:15-20

It is reasonable to believe that men's deeds are a better and more faithful interpreter of their minds than are their mere words. This is common sense. All mankind, in all ages, has taught this is a criterion by which to judge the hearts of men. (Jonathan Edwards)

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit…Thus by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:18 and 20)

More Than What's in Your Head - it's What's In Your Heart.
James 3:13-14

The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 1 Corinthians 8:2

More Than Getting Along Well IN LIFE - it's Getting Along Well With People.
James 3:17-18

7 Key Questions to ask Yourself

1. Do Those Closest To You Trust YOUR MOTIVES?
Key word - PURE.
James 3:17 / James 3:14
Or are you selfish, looking out for your own interests?

2. How Well Do You Get Along With People?
Key word - PEACE LOVING.
James 3:18
How much conflict do you have in your life?

It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. Proverbs 20:3

3. Are You Sensitive to the Feelings and Needs of Others?
Key word - CONSIDERATE.
Be aware of needs and be willing to take action.

4. Do You Have To Win?
Key word - SUBMISSIVE.
James 3:13-14
Is there some give and take in your relationships?

5. How Do Your Respond To The Weak?
Key word - MERCIFUL.
James 2:12-13 / John 8:1-11
Don't forget the mercy you have been shown by God.

6. Do You Ever Find Yourself Valuing Some People More Than Others?
Key word - IMPARTIAL.
James 2:1-11
Are you showing favoritism?

7. Do Others See you As A Straight Shooter?
Key word - SINCERE.
Do you manipulate others?

A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Proverbs 26:24
Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet. Proverbs 29:5

Dear Lord, give me wisdom to follow you and your word, in all areas of my life - especially in relationships with others. Help me to be pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, impartial, and sincere and most of all loving to others. Amen

Point to Ponder: Community requires commitment - and WISDOM.

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

React (and share) to the below statements:

1. How do I fare on the seven points above?
2. How can I help cultivate today the characteristics of real community?

Day 20

Restoring Broken Fellowship

Today is the midpoint of our journey together. What have you been learning through these 40 days of purpose? Would you be willing to share His story in your life?
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE send me an email and share with others what God has been doing in your life.

God has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. 2 Corinthians 5:18 (GWT)

There is no area that the Evil One has used more in the Church of Jesus Christ than good people who cannot live in harmony with one another.

Over the years if you take all the damage that has come to the church through people who have lived sinful lives, those who have taught doctrinal heresy, or those who have denounced the faith, NONE come even close to the damage brought to the church by quarreling Christians who get angry with each other.

Usually these issues are not significant. But when Christians make them significant and become angry with each other, it causes the Body of Christ such severe pain that some churches, and some people, never get over it. Our life in Christ is not supposed to be like that.

Yes we will have disagreements, but we must never allow these things to destroy the work of Christ, in us, or in our fellowship.

"GOD wants us to value relationships, and make the effort to maintain them, instead of discarding them whenever there is a rift, a hurt, or conflict. Paul taught that the ability to get along with others is a mark of spiritual maturity. If you want GOD's blessing on your life, and you want to be known as a child of GOD, you must learn to be a peacemaker. Notice that Jesus did not say, "Blessed are the peace lovers". Everyone loves peace. Peacemakers are those who work for peace...who actively seek to resolve conflict. Peacemakers are rare because peacemaking is hard work." Rick Warren

The key to peacemaking is learning the Matthew 18 principle for resolving conflict. Jesus thought this was so important that He told His disciples it would take precedence over worship.

Relationships are always worth restoring. Unity in the body of Christ is one of the most important witnesses to those outside the body - disharmony can be one of the worst witnesses. You and I can make the difference!

Dear Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, help me to take an active role in making peace with others that I have offended and between others who are offended and hurt. Help me proclaim YOUR reconciliation in Christ to others. Amen

Point to Ponder: Relationships are always worth restoring.

Verse to Remember: Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Romans 12:18

React (and share) to the below statements:

1. Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?

Day 21

Protecting Your Church
Maintain The Unity of the Spirit

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)

Paul doesn't pretend that unity is easy. He says in the form of a command:
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3)
"Making every effort" (NRSV, NIV) or "endeavoring" (KJV) is the Greek verb spoudazo, "to be especially conscientious in discharging an obligation, be zealous/eager, take pains, make every effort, be conscientious." Because unity is so difficult, we must be willing to work extra hard to maintain it.

"Keep" (NIV, KJV) or "maintain" (NRSV) The basic idea of "keep watch over, guard." Here it means to cause a state, condition, or activity to continue, keep, hold, reserve, preserve something. Paul is so serious about continuing unity in the Church he uses a verb meaning "to guard"!

Just what is this unity? "Unity" is the Greek noun henotes, it means a state of oneness or of being in harmony and accord, unity. It occurs in Ephesians 4:3, 13, and a textual variant in Colossians 3:14.

Notice the kind of unity -- the "unity of the Spirit," that is, the unity which the Spirit brings. This unity does not spring out of your tolerance or intolerance. Rather it comes from the Spirit of God. To sin against that unity is to grieve the Holy Spirit that brings it. The Spirit is the author of the unity, but you and I are commanded to maintain it by means of the peaceful ties, or the "bond of peace."

I must confess to you all that I am still growing in my understanding of the unity the Spirit brings. God is gradually overcoming my prejudices.

Bible teaching has always been important to me. When I was younger I was sure I was right and everybody else was wrong. But as I've grown older I've had to reverse some of my previously-held positions because I found that the Bible didn't teach them. My tradition taught them, but not the Bible.

I've learned that doctrinal understanding is strongly influenced by the traditions of those who helped shape our faith. We can be trained to look only at a certain set of scripture verses that support our position and to underemphasize others.

From my tradition I can find fault with lots of people's doctrines. I can find errors in Catholicism and Evangelicalism, with Orthodoxy and Liberalism. I can criticize both hyper Calvinists and rigid Arminians. Not to mention various groups that you could call "cults." I'm an expert at finding fault with other groups -- and so perhaps are you.

I've gradually learned that even some in "cults" have a love for Jesus and a zeal for his work that far exceeds many in my own tradition. Is their theology faulty? Without a doubt! But they seem to love the same Jesus I love. They read the same Bible. They seek to obey the same New Testament commands.

In Romans 14, Paul talks about relating to those with different, perhaps stricter convictions. Then he says a word that convicts me:

"Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:4)

My dear friends, I must confess that I have judged some servants of Jesus that I had no right to judge. Yes, I can evaluate the truth of their doctrine according to the Bible and I must. But I cannot judge their faith or their relationship to God through Jesus. Are they saved? That's for God to judge, not me. Since they confess and seek to follow Jesus as Lord; I must consider them my brothers and sisters (1 Corinthians 12:3), and thus strive to maintain unity with them, too.

The history of the Christian church displays an immense variety of kooky, non-biblical theology, even within so-called "orthodox" groups. Anyone can find fault, but who can "maintain the unity of the Spirit in a peaceful uniting bond"? Can we do that for Christ's sake?

I listen to Jesus' great high priestly prayer and realize that he was praying for you and me:

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:20-23)

Dear Father, forgive me for the times I have separated myself from my fellow Christians. Forgive me for not striving to maintain the unity of the faith. Forgive me for disregarding the uniting bond of peace. Please work more fully in me your own humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love. Display clearly to us the essential unity of your Church here on earth, I pray, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Point to Ponder: It is my responsibility to protect the unity of my church.

Verse to Remember: Let us concentrate on the things which make for harmony and the growth of our fellowship together. Romans 14:19

React (and share) to the below statements:

1. According to Ephesians 4:3, who brings about the unity?
2. Who is to maintain it?
3. What is a "bond of peace," do you think?
4. According to the wording in verse 3, is Christian unity to be a prime goal or a secondary goal for us?