“This poem by Russell Kelfer sums it up: You are who you are for a reason. You’re part of an intricate plan. You’re a precious and perfect unique design, Called God’s special woman or man. You look like you look for a reason. Our God made no mistake. He knit you together within the womb, You’re just what he wanted to make. The parents you had were the ones he chose, And no matter how you may feel, They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind, And they bear the Master’s seal. No, that trauma you faced was not easy. And God wept that it hurt you so; But it was allowed to shape your heart So that into his likeness you’d grow. You are who you are for a reason, You’ve been formed by the Master’s rod. You are who you are, beloved, Because there is a God!”
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Rick Warren
“When God seems distant, you may feel that he is angry with you or is disciplining you for some sin. In fact, sin does disconnect us from intimate fellowship with God. We grieve God’s Spirit and quench our fellowship with him by disobedience, conflict with others, busyness, friendship with the world, and other sins.
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Rick Warren
“As C. S. Lewis observed, “All that is not eternal is eternally useless.” The Bible says, “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
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Rick Warren
“Your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.”
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Rick Warren
“Character is both developed and revealed by test and all of life is a test.”
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Rick Warren
“Think about this: What positive changes in your life could happen if you relied on God’s unlimited power instead of your limited willpower.”
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Rick Warren
“The cliché is true: People don't care what we know until they know we care.”
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Rick Warren
“This truth, that I have to please only God, is an important key to becoming resistant to being manipulated by disapproval from others.”
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Rick Warren
“Knowing your purpose motivates your life.”
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Rick Warren
“The deepest level of worship is praising God inspite of pain, trusting Him during a trial, surrendering
while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.”
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Rick Warren
“God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment. You exist for his benefit, his glory, his purpose, and his delight.”
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Rick Warren
“He wants to be included in every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought.”
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Rick Warren
“What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it.”
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Rick Warren
“God was thinking of you long before you ever thought about him. His purpose for your life predates your conception. He planned it before you existed, without your input!”
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Rick Warren