40 Days of Devotions

By Tom Cox

The centerpiece of our upcoming 40 Days of Purpose campaign is a book. Actually, it's two books: the Bible and an extraordinary book of daily devotions entitled, The Purpose-Driven Life, written by Pastor Rick Warren. This second book will be our guide on the 40-day spiritual journey that Central starts on Easter Sunday.

What is so special about this book? First, it sharpens your focus on what may be the most important question in your life: "What on earth am I here for?" By the end of this 40 days' journey-with the book in hand-you will know God's purpose for your life. You will understand the Big Picture, and know how all the pieces of your life are intended to fit together. As Warren puts it, "this perspective will reduce your stress, simplify your decisions, increase your satisfaction, and, most important, prepare you for eternity."

Self-help books often suggest that you try to discover the meaning and purpose of your life by looking within yourself, but Rick Warren says that is exactly the wrong place to start. You must begin with God, your Creator, and his reasons for creating you. You were made by God, and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.

The Purpose Driven Life is a blueprint for Christian living -- a lifestyle based on eternal values, not cultural values. Using over 1,200 scriptural references, this book challenges conventional definitions of worship, fellowship, discipleship, and evangelism to present a new life message for everyone who studies its contents.

Bruce Wilkinson, author of The Prayer of Jabez, calls The Purpose Driven Life "a priceless gift for anyone who wants to know their purpose and fulfill their destiny." Max Lucado, another well-known Christian author, calls it a "masterpiece of wise counsel."

The best way to dive into Warren's great book is to join with others who are doing it at the same time. During 40 Days of Purpose, Central will sponsor more than fifty small groups to do just that. Come to the Simulcast on April 12th, hear Rick Warren first-hand, then sign up for a 40 Days small group and receive your own copy of The Purpose Driven Life. In six weeks it will change your life!