Chapter 1: Ruts

For our purposes, a rut is whatever keeps us stuck, bound, or complacent. It is anything that limits us from achieving all God has planned for our lives.

Chapter 2: Living Out of a Rut Requires Faith

Faith is believing in what God says, even if we do not see the whole picture. Sometimes we are simply looking at things from the wrong perspective. It is like an Oriental rug. From the underside, we see all the knots, dangling strings, and what seems to be a big mess. But on the top side, we see that awesome design that all those knots and strings create.

Chapter 3: Understanding the Power of Thoughts and Words

Your worth does not depend on what other people say about you. It is based solely on God’s unconditional love, His endless grace, and His mercy for us. You really are God’s best. Please do not allow others, or your own thoughts and words, to ever take that realization from you.

Chapter 4: Clear Vision

Take a moment and get a vision in your heart of what you can do for God and how you can be a positive influence on other people if you will simply decide you have had enough of your muddy, stinky rut. What are you waiting for? Be a modern-day Bart and make your move. And watch how God can use you to change lives.

Chapter 5: Action

What if you decided to get out of your rut and start doing something, like regularly reading and studying the Bible, praying, banding together with the people of your church and encouraging and supporting each other to grow in your Christian faith? The possibilities are limitless.

Chapter 6: Perseverance

To persevere means to never give up, even when life challenges you (Luke 18:39). Think with me for a moment how Bartimaeus must have felt. He asked a question, and the Bible says that those who were leading the way told him to be quiet. I think it went this way: “Look at yourself. You are just a handicapped beggar.”

Chapter 7: Let Go of the Past

Is there something you are holding on to that is keeping you stuck in your rut? Some signs that you are trapped in the past are bitterness, unforgiveness, disappointment, anger, blame, and hurt.

Chapter 8: Empowerment

Empowerment is simply plugging into the power that God has already put in us. Yes, it really is already inside you. You just have to allow it to come out.

Chapter 9: Change

We like our ruts. We know what to expect and we are familiar with the routine, even if it is harming our spiritual lives. If we just stay there, we know we won’t have to risk failure and disappointment or make any waves. But we also prevent ourselves from experiencing the joy, freedom, and fulfillment found in living an abundant life that is pleasing to God and brings vitality to our relationships with our family and friends.

Chapter 10: Impact

The truth is that people are watching your life every day. They see you in your good times and your not-so-good moments. You may never know that they are watching, but if you are a Christian, you can be sure their eyes are on you. Do they see something different about your life that makes them wonder how you handle life the way you do? If a young child was to look up to you as a role model, would they see a reflection of Christ and want to be like you?

Chapter 11: The Results of Living Out of the Rut

Have you ever taken the time in the busyness of life to slow down and ask yourself why you are here? God has put an amazing story inside of you – your own blank, something that He cares deeply about. There is something only you can do. There are lives only you can touch.

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