In their invitation for me to join them in PNG for a ‘Just Completed Translation, Bible Dedication Celebration’, my hosts included a WHAT TO EXPECT list. I’ve condensed the main points here:

I wondered why they sent me this list. This is normal for many of the trips I make! 

Have you noticed that there are three kinds of people? Stupid Ones don’t learn from their mistakes. Smart Ones do learn from their mistakes. And Wise Ones learn from other people’s mistakes. (Which category am I … or those who accompany me on my trips?)

Over the past month I’ve been privileged to lead two BREAK THRU LIVING workshops in which the participants and I have sifted through our goals and life’s purpose AND what we expect to see of God's incredible investment developed in us for His plans. I do these courses because I’m sobered by how many folks have a ‘bruised’ or ‘bitter’ spirit. There is a relationship between finishing life well and the importance of dealing with issues before they turn into bitterness. We’re cautioned to tend to our souls and address anything that might develop a negative spirit. The Hebrews letter admonishes: “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (12:15).

Everyone, has deep inside, a burning desire to finish their life well. But many will not. Most of life’s mistakes are the result of not making decisions about WHAT WE EXPECT. We rationalize that our life will sort itself out all by itself. Howard Hendricks said: "I have never met a person who planned to live a mediocre life, but I have met plenty who do."

Hence lies my reflection and praying for God’s input and wisdom in each of my Life Dimensions. My own Life Plan includes the statement that I intend to:
Live vibrantly, Learn continuously, Love deeply and Leave a Legacy under God!

Finishing well has to do with the expectations and habits we form throughout life that produce character and dominate our personality. What are some habits, values or principles that characterize those who finish well? How do we form them?

One person wrote during a BREAK THRU LIVING workshop:

“I was desperate for the Lord to give me a vision for my future. In that desperation to learn how to finish well I set aside a whole day of solitude to really pray for the Lord to inspire me … to help me write down meaningful insights. For a long time nothing came to mind. Eventually, I started to write a few phrases and before I realized what was happening, I started scribbling away like crazy! It was like the Holy Spirit took over and inspired me about what to write. In no time, I had written two pages … one paragraph for each Life Dimension.

I wasn’t too surprised by what I wrote because most of it was already in my heart. Writing it down just helped me to clarify and articulate the ideas, dreams and desires that the Lord had already put in my heart. The pages helped me to focus on what to expect if those ideas, dreams and desires were to become a reality. It provided the foundation for specific and meaningful goals that would help my vision to start becoming a reality. As a result of that exercise, I have made some major decisions that are dramatically changing the direction of my life. Clarifying God’s purpose and vision for my life has made a huge impact on all that I am, think, feel and do. I have never been more excited about life and I think I’m beginning to understand what it means to enjoy the full abundant life that Jesus came to give me!”

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT with these Life Dimensions in your:

1. family;  2.  health;  3.  career;  4.  finances;   5.  spiritual development;   6.  recreational time;  7.  ministry efforts

Ask me about joining a BREAK THRU LIVING research workshop near you …