Quotes from Rick Warren

Willpower works for a few weeks, or maybe a month or two at best.

Did you notice the phrase by his power in that last Bible verse? This is what makes The Daniel Plan different from other approaches. It is built on trusting in God's power to help you change, not merely your own willpower.

contentment is an expression of faith in the goodness of God. It says, "God, I believe you love me and know what's best for me.

You don't bring glory or pleasure to God by hiding your abilities or by trying to be someone else. You only bring him enjoyment by being you. Anytime you reject any part of yourself, you are rejecting God's wisdom and sovereignty in creating you.

God's motive for creating you was his love.

The most difficult area to surrender for many people is their money. Many have thought, "I want to live for God but I also want to earn enough money to live comfortably and retire someday." Retirement is not the goal of a surrendered life, because it competes with God for the primary attention of our lives. Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and money

Our habits control our lives. We shape our habits; then our habits shape us.

Real fellowship happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives.

many believers have abandoned living for God's great purposes and settled for personal fulfillment and emotional stability. That is narcissism, not discipleship. Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: He wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven. This is our greatest privilege, our immediate responsibility, and our ultimate destiny.

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.10

This truth, that I have to please only God, is an important key to becoming resistant to being manipulated by disapproval from others.

Whenever you feel weak, God is reminding you to depend on him.