40 DAYS OF PURPOSE

Together with hundreds of other churches around the country, OSL embarked on an intense six-week spiritual journey that will answer for each of us the question, "What on earth am I here for?" This Fall our church family and friends will focus on God's five purposes for our lives, and we will seek to take steps of growth in these essential areas.

You may be wondering, "Why 40 days? What's so special about that time frame?" The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days to be a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days:

• Noah's life was transformed by 40 days of rain.
• Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai.
• The spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land.
• David was transformed by Goliath's 40-day challenge.
• Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal.
• The entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave them 40 days to change.
• Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness.
• The disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after his resurrection.

DIRECTION, NOT JUST DURATION

1. CENTER their lives on God, not themselves, and live a lifestyle of worship for the glory of God, because we were planned for God's pleasure. This begins with complete surrender of our lives to Christ.

2. CONNECT with other believers who experience real fellowship, because we were formed for God's family. This includes identifying with other believers through baptism, joining a local church family and participating in some kind of small group fellowship.

3. CULTIVATE spiritual maturity and godly character, because we were created to become like Christ. This includes developing the habits necessary for spiritual growth.

4. CONTRIBUTE something back by using their talents in ministry because we were shaped for serving God. This includes discovering your SHAPE for ministry and finding a place of service in your church.

5. COMMUNICATE God's love to others and develop a heart for the world, because we were made for a mission. This includes learning to share your faith and participating in some kind of mission activity.