Living Christ

"How we live our days is. . . how we live our lives." -Annie Dillard

"We each need to discover for ourselves how to live this day in faithful surrender to God." (p. 165)

"My suggestion as you think, make decisions, and discern how God would have you live is to ask yourself, 'Is this the most loving way to do life?'" (p. 166)

The stories in chapter 9 show us "that there is another path, an alternative to the individualism, selfishness, and materialism of the American Dream (even the so-called Christian version). . . God works in a vast number of ways,. . . He has more in store for you than you can really imagine right now." (p. 166)

"'Be careful not to turn others' lives into the mold for you own.'. . . Do you believe you were crafted for specific good works, things that God knew before you even existed? Or do you compare your life to others and lament what you have been given? We have a God who is a Creator, not a duplicator." (p. 167)

"We say things like, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,' and 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart.' Then we live and plan like we don't believe God even exists. . . But true faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God's fidelity to His promises." (p. 168)

"We are quick to rationalize our entertainment and priorities yet are slow to commit to serving God." (p. 169)

Stay focused on Jesus every day by first, pursuing Christ. "We never grow closer to God when we just live life; it takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness." (p. 170) Second, "remember that we are not alone. . . God and His angels are watching even now." (pp. 170-171) Third, acknowledge "the gift and power of the Holy Spirit. . . The Holy Spirit lives in us. It is individual people living Spirit-filled lives that will change the church." (p. 171)

"Part of your responsibility in the body of Christ is to help set the pace for the church by listening and obeying and living Christ. Knowing that god has called each of us to live faithful and devoted lives before Him, by the power of His Spirit." (p. 172)

"The world needs Christians who don't tolerate the complacency of their own lives." (p. 173)

"The Bible is clear that each of us will stand before God and account for our lives (2 Corinthians 5:10; Jeremiah 32:18-19; Romans 14:10-12). What will people say about your life in heaven? Will people speak of God's work and glory through you? And even more important, how will you answer the King when He says, 'What did you do with what I gave you?'" (p. 174)

"May you be able to say at the end of your life, along with Paul, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (p. 174)

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