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The Purpose Driven LifeA series of meditations & daily readingsincluding memory versesand questions for reflection:Compiled by Pastor Philip JohnsonFor Grove Lake Lutheran ChurchPelican Rapids, MN Lent 2020Thank you for joining us in these 40-days of purpose. Thisguide is a summary of meditations from the book “The PurposeDriven Life” by Pastor Rick Warren. The way you will benefit mostfrom this 40-day journey will be by reading each of the meditationsfrom the book on a daily basis, pondering the questions asked both inthis booklet and in the book, and joining in a small group for the purpose of mutual discussion, prayer, and caring.I also suggest that you write your responses either in thisbooklet, or in the book, if you are reading it. Write down thethoughts that strike you as insights you haven’t thought of before.Also write any questions this reading brings to mind, or a challengethis thought places in your mind.Also, try to memorize the verse. If you are reading the bookyou will notice the memory verses come from a variety of translations. For this booklet I have used exclusively the NRSV as it is thetranslation we use in worship.If you don’t read the book this summary will give you my reflections and reactions. However, this booklet will not provide youwith the spiritual challenge that time spent in the book would giveyou. Finally, and most importantly, use this guide as a way to focusyour prayers.May God lead and bless you this Lenten Season.Pastor Philip Johnson501
A Lutheran Companion toThe Purpose Driven LifePastor Rick Warren’s book is filled with wisdom, insight andhelpful instruction for people of faith. I am delighted that you arereading this booklet and may even be reading the book itself alongwith me and I am confident that God will use it to help us grow. NowPastor Warren is a Baptist minister. As a result there are some ideasand themes that we as Lutherans don’t agree with. In reading thebook, I earnestly hope that these issues won’t close your minds to thatwhich is good and helpful. But because some of the issues aresignificant, I felt it was important to comment on some of them. I alsowant to extend my thanks to ELCA Pastor Eric Burtness for his initialdraft of this Lutheran companion which I modified for this booklet.On Pain, Suffering and Tragedy. In many places, PastorRick says that every aspect of our lives is determined by God, eitherdirectly (“He blended the DNA that created you.”) or indirectly(“God deliberately allowed.”) This is one way, but not the only wayof dealing with the question of why we have pain, suffering andtragedy in our lives. I believe that it is not necessary to believe thateverything that happens to us happens because God wants it to happen. Some of the things we experience are the result of our ownactions, not God’s. Even our own sins! Hence, what we say and whatwe do matters! What we say and what we do affects us and those withwhom we come into contact for the rest of our life. We should notblame God for suffering when suffering comes as a result of our ownfoolish and sinful choices.Additionally, some of the bad things that happen are the resultof other people’s sinful actions. There are 6 billion people on thisearth. If all of them are, at one time or another doing sinful actionsthere are a lot of opportunities for people to suffer as a result of thesinful and foolish choices made by others.Finally, some of the bad things that happen simply reflect thereality of the “brokenness” of creation. That is, we believe thatcreation itself no longer reflects the complete wholeness and goodnessthat God first had in mind when creation was made. The results of sinhave caused creation itself to be broken.2Group Agenda1.)The leader should welcome everyone present. Be sure to leteveryone know that others are welcome to join in this group infuture weeks. Groups are not meant to be “closed,” A good wayto remember that is to make sure there is an empty chair in yourgroup. In that way if someone walks in, they know there is a spotfor them. Once the chair is filled be sure to pull up another one!Then pray that it be filled.2) Take the time to have each person in the group share at leastone “high,” (that is a good or positive event from the week) aswell as one “low” from the week.3) Review the theme for each reading by asking questions like:A) What caught your attention from this reading?B) What surprised you or gave you a new insight?C) Does anything from these readings inspire you to makea change in your life? What is it?D) Reflect on the questions printed in this booklet foreach of the readings from this week.4) Conclude with prayer 15 minutes before your ending time bygiving everyone the opportunity to offer prayer. Keep in mindspecial circumstances that may have arisen during the groupmeeting. Hopefully everyone will pray something during theprayer time. If their response is, “I pass” let it be. One thing Iwould ask you to pray for is your empty chair, that it would befilled the next time you meet.Thank you for your time spent in this 40 day journeyduring the season of Lent. It is now holy week. A week to honorthe most important event in history. The crucifixion andresurrection of Jesus. Our focus on these events allow us toremember again, “It’s not about me, it’s not about you. It isabout God. Praise be to God that He loves the world so muchthat he gave us his own dear son!49
Small Group MeetingsThank you for being part of a small group. There aremany different types of small groups. Some groups focus onservice such as the quilting group. Some small groups have afocus on fellowship such as a bowling league. Some smallgroups exist for the purpose of learning, and some for thepurpose of spiritual development, and prayer. Additionally,some small groups are designed for a long life span and some fora short life span. When you become a part of a group it’s goodto know what you are getting involved in.These groups are designed with a primary emphasis onspiritual development and prayer during the season of Lent. Youwill have opportunity to meet about 6 times and then it isexpected that your life as a group will come to an end.To gain the most from these few times of being togetherit will be best if you focus your attention on the following agendawhen you meet.Finally, it is very important that you have time for prayerat the end of your study time. Please allow 15 minutes for suchprayer. If you use all the time, well and good, if not, that is OKtoo. Agree with everyone in your group when the starting timeand ending time of each meeting will be. You each need tocommit yourselves to this time frame in order for the group towork. I suggest a group time length of one and a half hours.(That means of course going beyond the normal time allotted forthis gathering)48The results of this brokenness are seen, for example, in the existenceof genes that cause birth defects.As a result, we often don’t know if the suffering weexperience was actually given to us by God or not. What we doknow, and where I agree heartily with Pastor Rick, is that “ in all things, God is at work for the good of those who love him ”Romans 8:28. We know that God can not cause evil, but we alsoknow that God can and does work good even in the midst of evil.(You will find this issue arising on days 2, 12, 25, 30, 31 and 35.)On Eternity. Rick believes that in eternity, we will each havedifferent rewards and different responsibilities, and that how we livenow will determine how much of each we receive in heaven. Thisbelief in various “rewards,” becomes, for Pastor Warren, amotivation for serving and growing, as a way to “prepare foreternity.”I believe this idea is not well supported in the Bible. Moreimportantly, even if it is true, it should not become a motivator forus to be involved in doing the work of God. If we serve others outof a desire to gain rewards or status in heaven, or out of a fear thatwe might lose these things, then our service is really self-serving.This “serve-us,” attitude (rather than service) is not Christ like at all!Jesus sets us free from greed or fear so that we can be motivated toserve others through genuine love for God and others. (You willfind this issue arising on days 3,5,15, 29 and others.)On the Bible, the Word and Jesus. On Day 24 Rick writesabout the power of the word of God to make us more like Jesus.The Bible says much about the power of “God’s Word.”Unfortunately, many people use that phrase to refer exclusively tothe Bible itself. It is very important that we are clear about what theword of God is. First of all, the word of God is Jesus. For example,John 1:1 says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word waswith God, and the Word was God,. and the word became flesh andlived among us.”3
Rick writes that “God’s Word generates life, creates faith, .brings things into being ” This is true of Jesus, the word ofGod, especially as we remember the work of the HolyTrinity. For it is the Holy Spirit who generates faith.Secondly, the Word of God is also the proclaimedmessage of who Jesus is and what that means to us. In the daysof the early church saving faith was born in the lives of listenersas the disciples proclaimed the word of God (the message ofJesus) and people were converted. So there was faith, there wereChristians, there was even a church, long before there was acomplete Bible! In fact the New Testament wasn’t compiled untilhundreds of years after the church began. So, as you read thedevotion for this day, bear in mind that most of what Rick saysabout the Bible is actually more true of Jesus himself. Forexample, “I must accept it’s authority,” becomes “I must acceptChrist’s authority.” With this in mind, Day 24’s devotionbecomes a powerful call into personal relationship with the livingLord, Jesus himself!Yes, we as a Lutheran church do teach that the Bible itself is theword of God, sometimes though, it is helpful to stress thesefundamental building blocks. For the Bible is not the focus of ourworship. The triune God is!4) What will be the communication of my life? What is my story that can be shared with those who do not believe?5) What will be the community of my life? Where will youpractice the “one another” commands of God.It may take weeks or months to write a purposestatement. Pray, think, talk and reflect on scripture. It is helpfulto have both a detailed purpose statement and a shorter sloganthat summarizes the five purposes in a way that’s memorableand inspires you. Remember to focus on God’s purpose for yourlife, not your goals or plans, since they shift. One way to thinkof that is, “What would you like on your tombstone?” or “Whatwould you like your family and friends to say about you at yourfuneral.” Of course, the only thing that matters is what Godsays.God wants to use you: Now, in this day, in this lifetime.The future is as bright as the promises of God.On Baptism. On Day 15, Rick writes about Baptism and saysmuch that is true and helpful. However, this is a point on whichLutherans and Baptists have always understood the Bibledifferently. We believe that baptism is much more than asymbolic act. We believe that, in Baptism, God personalizesGod’s saving action. That is, when Jesus died on the cross hedied for the world (John 3:16). However, when you and I arebaptized God speaks individually to you and me saying: “Thedeath and resurrection of Jesus is for you!” It’s one thing to knowChrist died for the world, it is another to know Christ died foryou!Are you willing to work with your church so that together thismay be a “Purpose Driven Church?” This takes a serious commitment of time, a willingness to learn from others, and a visionfor God’s work that is much greater than our own congregation.Remember. “It’s not about you.it’s also not about us.4Memory verse: Acts 13:36David, . served the purpose of God in his own generation.Questions for reflection on your own, with a partner, or in asmall group:When will I write my purpose statement!This is Holy Week. Although this booklet is completedwe are just now entering the days in which we especiallyremember what God has done for us in Christ Jesus, Hiscrucifixion and resurrection. As we share these days together inworship may the richness of God’s love and mercy embrace youthese holy days. Then, may God’s love get us moving accordingto God’s purpose.47
Day 40: Sunday April 5 “Living with purpose”“Living with purpose is the only way to really live.Everything else is just existing.” Most people struggle with threequestions: the first is identity, “Who am I?” The second isimportance: “Do I matter?” The third is impact: “What is myplace in life?” Jesus washed feet and said, “Now that I havedone this, blessed are you as you do it too. Over the next fewdays develop a purpose statement for your life then review itperiodically. What is this?1) It summarizes God’s purpose for you: In my wordsI affirm God’s purpose for me. Not a list of goals, goalsare temporary, purpose is eternal.2) A statement that gives direction in life: As I writethis down it forces me to think of the path God has forme. Such a statement tells me what I need to do withtime, life, money etc. It also implies what I should not bedoing with the same list of things.3) It defines what success is for me.4) It clarifies my role. Roles can change, purpose stays.What role should I be fulfilling right now?5) It’s a statement that expresses my SHAPE.Guide for writing such a statement: Don’t do it all in onesetting. It takes time, give it time. Also, allow it to be flexibleand editable. Ask these five questions.1) What will be the center of my life: This is a question of whatyou worship. Some options include: God, career, family, sport,hobby, money, fun. Whatever is at the center is your god.2) What will be the character of my life? This is a question ofdiscipleship. We take our character into eternity. List thecharacter qualities you want to work on and develop in your life.3) What will be my contribution? This is the question of service.Based on my shape what is the best role I can play in God’sfamily?46As a result we Lutherans (as well as many other Christians)emphasize baptism as an action of receiving a precious gift fromGod. In contrast, those of a Baptist tradition see baptism as theirgift to God.This is a fundamental reason why we will baptize infants,while those of the Baptist tradition will only baptize someonewho is older. This is also why those in the Baptist tradition do notrecognize our baptism as being valid. We, on the other hand,recognize any baptism done by any believer, “In the name of theFather and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.” as being a valid,one time occurrence that never needs to be repeated and can neverbe reversed. Therefore, we will not re-baptize! (Nor can we“un-baptize!) It comes down to direction. Lutherans see Baptismas an action of receiving from God. The Baptist tradition seesbaptism as an act of giving to God.I stress this point not so we can say, “We are right, andthey are wrong,” I stress this understanding of baptism because itis fundamental to our identity and understanding of the faith. Iconsider this theology to be a precious gift that we as Lutheransshare with the world. It is also the basis upon which we doevangelism.Finally, we must understand that Baptism is not a “work,”that we do that somehow obligates God to “save” us. Actually,there is nothing we can do that obligates God! We can never doanything that gets God in a position of “owing” us. However,God in God’s goodness has done what we cannot do. God’ssalvation took place when Jesus died on that cross so long ago. Inthat event God took upon himself the sin, judgement, andbrokenness of this world so that none of those things wouldseparate us from God’s love. God’s personal salvation was givento you in your baptism. When you were baptized into ChristJesus you were baptized into his death so that just as Christ wasraised from the dead by the glory of the father you too might livea new life. (Romans 6)5
Day 39: Saturday April 4 “Balancing your Life”Finally, faith, is the trust and confidence that you and I haveplaced in God’s work through the life, death, and resurrection ofJesus Christ our Lord. From this faith, this confidence we havein God’s Grace, we can live a life of faithfulness to God. A lifefilled with purpose and meaning. A life that is A PurposeDriven Life.May God’s Peace and purposeful leading be with you.“Blessed are the balanced, they shall outlast everyone.”The best way to keep your life on balance is by joining a group ofpeople who will help you be accountable. Another way is byJournaling. Purpose driven people have these habits:1) Talk about life with a spiritual partner or group.We learn best in community. We are meant to growtogether. Luther considered “conversation among thesaints” as just as important as all other aspects ofChristian living.Pastor Phil Johnson,Interim Pastor,Grove Lake Lutheran ChurchAsh Wed, February 26, 20202) Give themselves a regular spiritual check-up.Evaluate yourself periodically. Five times the Bibleencourages us to test ourselves.P.S. A Note about the 40-days of Lent.3) Write down progress in a journal. Writing helpsclarify what God is doing.The 40-day cycle of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesdayand concludes on Saturday before Easter Sunday is meant to bea time of spiritual growth and renewal. When the 40 days forlent were set aside in the ancient church Sunday’s were alwaysexcluded because each and every Sunday was meant to be amini celebration of Easter, the Resurrection of our Lord. As aresult, the forty days of lent can be a challenge to count.The following devotions follow a 7 day a week cycle.Therefore, the 40-days of meditations conclude during HolyWeek. It is my hope and prayer, as this book of meditationscomes to a close, that Holy Week itself , with the reading of thepassion narrative will provide for you and your loved ones afocus on the last days in the life of our Lord. Providing for usan opportunity to see again how God gave himself for the worldin Christ Jesus our Lord.4) Pass on what you know to others.Remember, it’s for God’s Glory.Memory verse: Ephesians 5:15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise,Questions for reflection on your own, with a partner, or in asmall group:Which of the four activities will I begin in order to stay on trackand balance God’s five purposes for my life?Who does God bring to your mind that you could share the lifechanging message of “The Purpose Driven Life?”645
Day 38: Friday April 3 “Becoming a world class Christian”Day 1: Ash Wednesday February 26 “It All Starts With God”It’s your choice. “A world class, or worldly classcitizen.” Worldly ones look to God mostly for personalfulfillment. They are saved but self-centered. The opposite istrue of world class Christians. (Or those on a journey ofdeepening and maturing faith) World class Christians are fullyalive people. “There is nothing more important than the wayyou think!”1) Shift from self-absorbed to other-centered thinking: “Think like mature people.” It is contrary toadvertising. We must think a moment by momentdependence on God. That is the work of the Spirit.Also, we need to ask for God’s spiritual guidance.2) Shift from local to global thinking: Praying forother countries. Prayer is the most important tool formission. Pray for opportunities to witness, courage tospeak up and spread God’s word. Another way isthrough mission trips.3) Shift from here and now thinking to eternal thinking: We must maintain an eternal perspective. Shiftfrom thinking of excuses to thinking of creative ways tofulfill your commission.It’s not about you. The purpose for your life is greaterthan your own personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or even yourown happiness, greater than family or career. If you want toknow why you were placed on this earth, you must begin withGod. The way to find God’s purpose for you is through the HolyScriptures. By reading and praying over them we will discover:1) Our identity and purpose comes through relationship toJesus Christ.2) We do have many choices we can make; spouse, career,hobbies etc. But we have no choice over God’s purposefor us. It was there before we were born.3.) The purpose for our life fits into a large, cosmic purpose. God’s eternity.Memory verse: Psalm 67:2That your way may be known upon earth,your saving power among all nations.Questions for reflection on your own, with a partner, or in asmall group:What part of your life message has God given you to share withthe world?What do you think are implications of the first sentence of thebook, “It’s not about you”?Memory verse: .all things have been created through him andfor him.” (Col 1:16b)Questions for reflection on your own, with a partner, or in asmall group:Despite all the advertising around me, how can I remind myselfthat life is really about living for God, not myself?What steps can you take to prepare for a short-(or longer) termmission experience in the next year?How has reading the book “The Purpose Driven Life” helpedre-shape your life purpose?447
Day 37: Thursday April 2 “Sharing Your Life Message”Day 2: Thursday February 27 “You Are Not an Accident”“You are not an accident. Your birth was no mistake ormishap. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did.”God made us as we are with all the gifts, abilities, andpersonality that are us. Even the things we might regard asflaws are things mysteriously under God’s rule. You werecreated as a result of God’s love for you. God wishes to use theuniqueness of who you are to carry out his divine purpose inyou.In this devotion Pastor Rick implies that God hadeverything to do with creating me and you and if we don’taccept that we might as well accept that we are a total accident.I personally find this to be an extreme thought that does not takeseriously God’s wonderful creating activity in the midst of thefall and evil. For instance, I don’t believe all things about meare the way God wants them to be! I can accept that God hasgiven me both strengths and weaknesses as part of hisconsider weaknesses because God has made us unique.However, I also need to recognize an ungodliness resides deepwithin me. This ungodliness the church calls original sin.When we do not acknowledge this part of ourselves it becomestoo easy to deceive ourselves and even call evil good. For thisreason, confession of sin and the hearing of forgiveness is ofvital importance to both new Christians and those of maturingfaith. That does, however, bring us back to this verse.There are four aspects of your life message:1) Testimony: How God began a relationship with you.In a court room a witness tells their story. You have a story. Ifyou don’t tell it, it will be lost. Unbelievers see pastors as“professional salesmen” therefore you have more credibility!2) Life Lessons: Are the most important lessons God hastaught you. These don’t have to be personal experiences; theycan be the experiences of others! There isn’t enough time–norcan we take the pain of learning by error! Write down major lifeleaning so you can share them with others.What has God taught me through failure, lack of money,depression or sorrow, through waiting, disappointment, illness,how about from my family, church, relationships, critics?3) Godly passions: God is passionate. As you growcloser God will teach you passion about something God loves.God gives you passions to speak for a cause, or a people.4) The Good News: That is, the message of salvation isGod’s most important statement. “If you have been afraid toshare the Good News with those around you, ask God to fill yourheart with his love for them.” What am I willing to do so that thepeople I know will go to heaven? Invite them to church? Sharethis book, take them a meal, pray for them daily. Don’t miss theopportunities God gives. Of the 5 purposes, only the fifth will befinished in this world. The other 4 continue through-out eternity.Memory Verse: Isa 44:2Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you in thewomb and will help you: Do not fear, O Jacob my servant,Jeshurun whom I have chosen.Memory verse: 1 Peter 3:15-16Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demandsfrom you an accounting for the hope that is in you;16yet do it with gentleness and reverenceQuestion for prayerful reflection on your own, with a partner, or in a small group:Question for reflection on your own, with a partner, or in asmall group:Knowing that God uniquely created you, what areas ofyour personality, background, and physical appearance are youstruggling to accept?As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to shareit with?843
Purpose # 5Day 3: Friday February 28 “What Drives My Life”You Were Made for A MissionDay 36: Wednesday April “You were Made for Mission”God wants us to have a ministry and a mission. Ministryis for God’s people, those within the church. Mission is to thoseoutside the church. Fulfilling your mission on earth is anessential part of living for God’s glory.It is a continuation of Jesus’ mission on earth.The commission is given to every follower Matthew 28 19-20Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, andteaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.This is not the great suggestion, it is, rather, a commission.1) We have a responsibility for the unbelievers around us.2) It is a privilege to work with God and for God.3) Telling others of the promise of eternal life is thegreatest thing you can do for them. Sharing this greatestnews is the greatest kindness we can show anyone.4) Your mission has eternal significance. It impacts theeternal destiny of others. So, it’s more important than ajob. Nothing you do is more important than helpingpeople in relationship with God.5) Mission gives you meaning in life. “The best way touse life is to spend it on something that outlasts it.” If wefail in this, we will have wasted life. There are people thatonly YOU can reach.Memory verse: Matthew 28:19-20 (above)Everyone’s life is driven by something. Some lives aredriven by a need for success and the desire for wealth. Othersmay be driven by problems, painful memories, fear, etc. Thereare hundreds of circumstances, values, and emotions that candrive your life. Some of these emotions include; fear,resentment, anger, or the need for approval. In these 40-days wewill see what it means to be driven that is, guided, directed, andcontrolled by God’s purpose for your life. The advantages ofbeing driven by God’s purposes are:1) It keeps me from being driven by other things such as:guiltresentment or angerfearmaterialismneed for approval2) I receive the benefits of being purpose driven:meaning in lifea simplified lifepreparedness for eternity.Memory verse: Isa 26:3Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you.Questions for reflection on your own, with a partner, or in asmall group:What do you feel drives the lives of most people?What has been the driving force in your life?Question for reflection on your own, with a partner, or in asmall group:What would my family and friends say is the drivingpurpose in my life?What would I want them to say?What fears have kept me from fulfilling the mission God mademe to accomplish?429
Day 4: Saturday February 29 “Made to Last Forever”Day 35: Tuesday March 31 “God’s power in your weakness”.This life is not all there is. “You will spend far more timein eternity than what you do here.” When we realize this, we willlive life differently. Pastor Warren uses this meditation as areminder that in this life there are many choices we make. Thereare only two eternal options: heaven and hell. “If you learn to loveand trust God’s Son, Jesus, you will be invited to spend the rest ofeternity with him. On the other hand, if you reject his love,forgiveness, and salvation, you will spend eternity apart from Godforever.” He says, “Short term thinking has been the mostdamaging aspect of contemporary living.”God loves to use weak people. When speaking ofweaknesses, we are not talking about things you can change.The unfortunate thing about this is that what is changeable inone person is not in another, or at least not easily changed inanother.The blessings of weaknesses are 1) They help us dependon God, 2) They keep us humble, 3) It encourages fellowship.We need each other. (Strength breads an independent spirit).4) They give us sympathy in ministry.Honestly Admit Your Weaknesses. Own up to imperfections.Stop pretending you have it altogether.Be Content with Your Weaknesses. Our weaknesses help usrely on God, they keep us from becoming arrogant and keep ourego’s in check. Weaknesses also keep us in fellowship withother believers because we need one another. Weaknesses alsohelp in our relationships with others. As we learn to understandour weaknesses and limitations. We also receive the ability to bepatient with others in their limitations. They have weaknessthey can’t do anything about too. Their weaknesses are differentthan yours.Who goes to heaven and who goes to hell has always beenone of those questions of which people of faith have wrestled? InLuther’s small catechism he says, “On the last day the Holy Spiritwill raise me and all the dead and he will give me and all believersin Christ eternal life.” (Explanation to the third article of thecreed). I like the way Luther avoids a blanket category of whogoes to hell. This is something that belongs to God. Whatbelongs to us, and to our witness is this statement of faith, “he willgive to me and all believers in Christ eternal life.”Memory verse: 1 John 2:17The world and its desire are passing away, but those who do thewill of God live forever.Question for reflection on your own, with a partner, or in asmall group:B
The Purpose Driven Life A series of meditations & daily readings including memory verses and questions for reflection: Compiled by Pastor Philip Johnson For Grove Lake Lutheran Church Pelican Rapids, MN Lent 2020 Thank you for joining us in these 40-days of purpose. This guide is a summary of meditations from the book "The Purpose
