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Saturday, July 9, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still - Join Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer
Ladies Bible Study - Faithful, Abundant and True
Date: Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Time: 06:30 PM - 08:20 PM
Location: Avenue Worship Center
Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still - Leader Kit. Join Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer in a women's Bible study recorded live at the Orlando Deeper Still conference.
* Kay Arthur teaches from basically, the entire book of Hebrews! Hebrews is both an example of God's faithfulness and a challenge to believers to be faithful in difficult times.
* Priscilla Shirer teaches from Ephesians 3:20-21 on God's abundance. A fundamental basis for every believer is the absolute reality that God can do whatever He chooses to do. God's ability empowers our faithfulness.
* Beth Moore teaches on the topic of discernment. In these difficult days it is absolutely essential that we learn to trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to determine what is true and what is false.
While these three women each speak on the distinctive topic the Holy Spirit had lead them to teach, the messages result in a marvelous blend. Kay challenges us to faithfulness in difficult days. Priscilla points to the essential of trust in God's ability, and Beth teaches on how to discern truth from error in these difficult days.
The Member Books are $15.00 Each. Faith Abundant True is a versatile study guide for this Women's Bible study that is a seven-session study. Each teacher provides two weeks of study in a brief format that will take most women 15 to 30 minutes daily. As a bonus, Faithful, Abundant, and True Member Book includes a partnership with HomeLife Magazine in which each of the three speakers' section also includes an article from HomeLife that illustrates faithfulness, abundance, and truth.
Click below to view PROMO VIDEO
http://lifeway.promos.s3.amazonaws.com/Faithful_Abundant_True_Promo_QuicktimeH264.mov
Please arrive early in order to receive your book get snacks, and mingle. This will help things not to get congested and will help us serve you better. We are really looking forward to this new series! We thank you ahead of time for your cooperation and participation. Expect great things!!!!
Thurs Nites are phenomenal, with the some of the most precious women on earth! You will encounter...
Dynamic Worship
In-depth Relevant Teaching
Genuine friendship
And most Important You will Encounter GOD!!
Reminder,CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE!!!
Going Deeper Still
Terrell
Date: Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Time: 06:30 PM - 08:20 PM
Location: Avenue Worship Center
Faithful, Abundant, True: Three Lives Going Deeper Still - Leader Kit. Join Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer in a women's Bible study recorded live at the Orlando Deeper Still conference.
* Kay Arthur teaches from basically, the entire book of Hebrews! Hebrews is both an example of God's faithfulness and a challenge to believers to be faithful in difficult times.
* Priscilla Shirer teaches from Ephesians 3:20-21 on God's abundance. A fundamental basis for every believer is the absolute reality that God can do whatever He chooses to do. God's ability empowers our faithfulness.
* Beth Moore teaches on the topic of discernment. In these difficult days it is absolutely essential that we learn to trust the Holy Spirit to enable us to determine what is true and what is false.
While these three women each speak on the distinctive topic the Holy Spirit had lead them to teach, the messages result in a marvelous blend. Kay challenges us to faithfulness in difficult days. Priscilla points to the essential of trust in God's ability, and Beth teaches on how to discern truth from error in these difficult days.
The Member Books are $15.00 Each. Faith Abundant True is a versatile study guide for this Women's Bible study that is a seven-session study. Each teacher provides two weeks of study in a brief format that will take most women 15 to 30 minutes daily. As a bonus, Faithful, Abundant, and True Member Book includes a partnership with HomeLife Magazine in which each of the three speakers' section also includes an article from HomeLife that illustrates faithfulness, abundance, and truth.
Click below to view PROMO VIDEO
http://lifeway.promos.s3.amazonaws.com/Faithful_Abundant_True_Promo_QuicktimeH264.mov
Please arrive early in order to receive your book get snacks, and mingle. This will help things not to get congested and will help us serve you better. We are really looking forward to this new series! We thank you ahead of time for your cooperation and participation. Expect great things!!!!
Thurs Nites are phenomenal, with the some of the most precious women on earth! You will encounter...
Dynamic Worship
In-depth Relevant Teaching
Genuine friendship
And most Important You will Encounter GOD!!
Reminder,CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE!!!
Going Deeper Still
Terrell
Saturday, February 26, 2011
An Unconditional Promise
Have you ever heard the expression,"Too good to be true"? I am sure that you have and I must tell you that I only know of one thing that is too good to be true BUT IS TRUE, and that is God's precious unconditional love for each one of us. And He longs for an intimate relationship with each one of us as well.
The children of Israel did not even realize how anxious God was to be with them and know them personally. It was not by chance that God led them to the "Mountain of God." At Mount Sinai God met His people with open arms and revealed Himself miraculously. During this study I have thought to myself 'how I long for a miraculous revealing of God in my own life', and it is more evident now than it has ever been before that SO DOES GOD! He wants to reveal Himself miraculously in each of our lives. To think about how God delivered the Israelites from the hands of their enemies, set them out on a journey to reach the wonderful place He promised for them, and then brought them into that place amazes me. It gets me so excited to think about what He has for each one of us! Take some time right now to thank God for what He has delivered you from. I know that in my life, I am so thankful to be delivered from a past in which I did not value myself or others, and I constantly felt as though I was not good enough. I am so thankful to have learned since then that God has already done everything for me through His Unconditional Promise, or the New Covenant.
As I was running through the gym the other day, a song came on my i-pod called "Come to Me." The lyrics are directly taken from Matthew 11:28-29. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This has been on my heart since this day a few weeks ago. This scripture reminds me that I do not have to do anything to receive the Unconditional Promise from our sweet God. Thanks to Jesus and everything He did for us on the cross, and what He continues to do for us each and every day.
In Hebrews 8:8-13 we are reminded of that New Covenant. God says that this new covenant is not the same as the old covenant that He made with the fathers of Israel, but the new covenant would be different. He tells us (vs. 10) that He will put His laws on our minds and write them on our hearts, "and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." Praise God! That gives me geese bumps! He calls each one of us His own! But it gets even better! God goes on to say that He will be merciful to our unrighteousness and He will FORGET all of our sins! The next part is what turned my world upside down... (vs. 13) "In that He says, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is READY TO VANISH AWAY."
Do you know what this means?!?!?!?!? This means that anything from our past, anything that is keeping us from our own land of milk and honey, anything that is keeping us from living a life of abundance is READY TO VANISH AWAY! And that means that we need to let it! If there is anything, anything, anything that is keeping you from living life to the fullest in Christ Jesus our Lord make the choice today to live under the New Covenant and let it vanish away! God's Word tells us in Hebrews 9:13-15, "For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh (old covenant), how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works (our past, present and future troubles) to serve the living God (our land of milk and honey)? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called (all of us) may receive the eternal inheritance."
My sisters, I encourage you to bask in the glory of what God has promised us. This promise to us is unconditional, and it seems to be too good to be true, BUT IS SO TRUE! Praise His name in all that you do this day. He loves you so much and longs for a closeness with you. Let's give that to Him.
Nancy Gammon
The children of Israel did not even realize how anxious God was to be with them and know them personally. It was not by chance that God led them to the "Mountain of God." At Mount Sinai God met His people with open arms and revealed Himself miraculously. During this study I have thought to myself 'how I long for a miraculous revealing of God in my own life', and it is more evident now than it has ever been before that SO DOES GOD! He wants to reveal Himself miraculously in each of our lives. To think about how God delivered the Israelites from the hands of their enemies, set them out on a journey to reach the wonderful place He promised for them, and then brought them into that place amazes me. It gets me so excited to think about what He has for each one of us! Take some time right now to thank God for what He has delivered you from. I know that in my life, I am so thankful to be delivered from a past in which I did not value myself or others, and I constantly felt as though I was not good enough. I am so thankful to have learned since then that God has already done everything for me through His Unconditional Promise, or the New Covenant.
As I was running through the gym the other day, a song came on my i-pod called "Come to Me." The lyrics are directly taken from Matthew 11:28-29. "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This has been on my heart since this day a few weeks ago. This scripture reminds me that I do not have to do anything to receive the Unconditional Promise from our sweet God. Thanks to Jesus and everything He did for us on the cross, and what He continues to do for us each and every day.
In Hebrews 8:8-13 we are reminded of that New Covenant. God says that this new covenant is not the same as the old covenant that He made with the fathers of Israel, but the new covenant would be different. He tells us (vs. 10) that He will put His laws on our minds and write them on our hearts, "and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." Praise God! That gives me geese bumps! He calls each one of us His own! But it gets even better! God goes on to say that He will be merciful to our unrighteousness and He will FORGET all of our sins! The next part is what turned my world upside down... (vs. 13) "In that He says, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is READY TO VANISH AWAY."
Do you know what this means?!?!?!?!? This means that anything from our past, anything that is keeping us from our own land of milk and honey, anything that is keeping us from living a life of abundance is READY TO VANISH AWAY! And that means that we need to let it! If there is anything, anything, anything that is keeping you from living life to the fullest in Christ Jesus our Lord make the choice today to live under the New Covenant and let it vanish away! God's Word tells us in Hebrews 9:13-15, "For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh (old covenant), how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works (our past, present and future troubles) to serve the living God (our land of milk and honey)? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called (all of us) may receive the eternal inheritance."
My sisters, I encourage you to bask in the glory of what God has promised us. This promise to us is unconditional, and it seems to be too good to be true, BUT IS SO TRUE! Praise His name in all that you do this day. He loves you so much and longs for a closeness with you. Let's give that to Him.
Nancy Gammon
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Movement
This past weekend services Pastor Dan spoke about movement, that “movement should equal growth”. This brought a question: Did the children of Israel think of the movement they were going through as growth? From all the whining and complaining they did, I’d think not! Why couldn’t the children of Israel see this movement as growth? Was this fish and melon that good? How sweet was it really?
What makes us want to go backwards? Why can’t we just trust God’s leading? He gave the people a clear marker that he was there at all times, we may not have a clear marker that shadows our head, but we have something even better, the Holy Spirit who talks to us on a consistent basis, who guides us, if only we listen. We must choose to cooperate with what we hear, just as the Israelites had to choose to cooperate with their journey.
I’ve been on my own since age 11. Movement to me was change, and change meant growth. Growth WAS going to happen, because I never was going to be complacent in the stage of life I was at. I was going to make things change. As my life situations, places, and even the people in it has changed; I’ve grown into my own Canaan. Looking back, I remember several wilderness periods I’ve gone through. I learned to lean on God in a more intimate way. In the past, while in these wilderness periods; I told God, “I got this!” When the hard things came, “I only need you to help with his particular portion!” When it got really difficult I said, “You can have it, I need you to fix it, I’m done.” But this isn’t good, God wants us to give him ALL of it, EVERYTHING. Why is this so hard? Why can’t we give up the control and let him have it?
My life-changing plan (New Years Resolution) for 2010 was “Total Surrender”. I will tell you, God showed me so many things that I had a tight grip on it was frightening: my children, job, and finances, even my willingness to be healed in areas of my life. Even though I was cooperative, it didn’t feel good to go through that period. At one point I got extremely mad at God. I was mad at myself and then mad at God some more. I had to get over being mad at God and myself so I could move, so I could grow into the person he has called me to be. I wonder if this was the thought pattern of those two that made it into Canaan. Did they say, “This may be hard, but I have an end desire?”
Now, I am comfortable in his leading, I am in complete trust, there has not been a need that has gone unmet. There has not been a situation that has not had the hand of God written all over it. He has orchestrated events and situations that clearly have shown me the “cloud pillar” that’s over my head. I will still say I am not complacent because I believe if I become complacent then I have an opportunity to complain about what I should be doing or where I should be going. I just am now growing with God instead of on my own – God is fighting for me, I am not alone.
My friends; “Let Go and Let God”, He can do it far better than we can; and when he does he loves to show off, let him. Pastor Dan says “Favor Ain’t fair”. He loves to show us that he loves us and truly wants to take care of us. James 4:8 states, “Draw near to God and God will draw dear to you.” Yes, my friends, you have to take the first step. Draw near to him in your time of wilderness so that when you are not in your wilderness you can lean on him then as well. You can then, my friend, have the abundant life God said you are entitled to, just as the Israelites.
~Love and Blessings, Jennifer
What makes us want to go backwards? Why can’t we just trust God’s leading? He gave the people a clear marker that he was there at all times, we may not have a clear marker that shadows our head, but we have something even better, the Holy Spirit who talks to us on a consistent basis, who guides us, if only we listen. We must choose to cooperate with what we hear, just as the Israelites had to choose to cooperate with their journey.
I’ve been on my own since age 11. Movement to me was change, and change meant growth. Growth WAS going to happen, because I never was going to be complacent in the stage of life I was at. I was going to make things change. As my life situations, places, and even the people in it has changed; I’ve grown into my own Canaan. Looking back, I remember several wilderness periods I’ve gone through. I learned to lean on God in a more intimate way. In the past, while in these wilderness periods; I told God, “I got this!” When the hard things came, “I only need you to help with his particular portion!” When it got really difficult I said, “You can have it, I need you to fix it, I’m done.” But this isn’t good, God wants us to give him ALL of it, EVERYTHING. Why is this so hard? Why can’t we give up the control and let him have it?
My life-changing plan (New Years Resolution) for 2010 was “Total Surrender”. I will tell you, God showed me so many things that I had a tight grip on it was frightening: my children, job, and finances, even my willingness to be healed in areas of my life. Even though I was cooperative, it didn’t feel good to go through that period. At one point I got extremely mad at God. I was mad at myself and then mad at God some more. I had to get over being mad at God and myself so I could move, so I could grow into the person he has called me to be. I wonder if this was the thought pattern of those two that made it into Canaan. Did they say, “This may be hard, but I have an end desire?”
Now, I am comfortable in his leading, I am in complete trust, there has not been a need that has gone unmet. There has not been a situation that has not had the hand of God written all over it. He has orchestrated events and situations that clearly have shown me the “cloud pillar” that’s over my head. I will still say I am not complacent because I believe if I become complacent then I have an opportunity to complain about what I should be doing or where I should be going. I just am now growing with God instead of on my own – God is fighting for me, I am not alone.
My friends; “Let Go and Let God”, He can do it far better than we can; and when he does he loves to show off, let him. Pastor Dan says “Favor Ain’t fair”. He loves to show us that he loves us and truly wants to take care of us. James 4:8 states, “Draw near to God and God will draw dear to you.” Yes, my friends, you have to take the first step. Draw near to him in your time of wilderness so that when you are not in your wilderness you can lean on him then as well. You can then, my friend, have the abundant life God said you are entitled to, just as the Israelites.
~Love and Blessings, Jennifer
Monday, February 14, 2011
A BIG God!
I was so encouraged by the Session 3 teaching. I have been going through a major wildnerness time right now and God is making it so the only thing I have to truly count on is Him. He is making everything else fail. He wants us to go to Him for everything.
It seems like a lonely journey in the wilderness, but it is good for us to be forced to look to the only One Who can help us. He is the only One Who can truly and fully satisfy us. Not the things of this world, not even a job, money, not even family. He is the only One who can truly satisfy our every need. The wilderness journey of choosing to obey and trust Him is an opportunity for a miracle and also an opportunity to get to know Him better. :)
I really enjoy this Bible study because it has reminded me that God DOES Really love me through this. He cares about every detail. It's so nice to be reminded how much He loves and cares for us and will take care of us especially when we are more vulnerable to hearing the enemies voice that tells us just the opposite. That is why it is so important to stand firm in faith, trusting and believing God despite the circumstances.
We don't have any reason to fear, even when facing the impossible situation. Our God is an awesome BIG God, bigger than our circumstances! I praise God He is bigger than my circumstances cause they look pretty big (when I'm looking at them)
It seems like a lonely journey in the wilderness, but it is good for us to be forced to look to the only One Who can help us. He is the only One Who can truly and fully satisfy us. Not the things of this world, not even a job, money, not even family. He is the only One who can truly satisfy our every need. The wilderness journey of choosing to obey and trust Him is an opportunity for a miracle and also an opportunity to get to know Him better. :)
I really enjoy this Bible study because it has reminded me that God DOES Really love me through this. He cares about every detail. It's so nice to be reminded how much He loves and cares for us and will take care of us especially when we are more vulnerable to hearing the enemies voice that tells us just the opposite. That is why it is so important to stand firm in faith, trusting and believing God despite the circumstances.
We don't have any reason to fear, even when facing the impossible situation. Our God is an awesome BIG God, bigger than our circumstances! I praise God He is bigger than my circumstances cause they look pretty big (when I'm looking at them)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Refreshment From God (Week 2, Day 5)
What an interesting week we’ve had, as we finish with Week Two One in a Million: Journey to Your Promised Land. Author Priscilla Shirer packs muck content in such a short lesson! Today’s lesson is about refreshment from God. In our wilderness journey, God provides. I found it fascinating that God provided 12 wells at Elim….and Israel consisted of 12 tribes. “God gave the weary, thirsty Hebrews exactly what they needed to suit their precise circumstances,” says Priscilla Shirer. Wow, God is so faithful!!!
Priscilla Shirer Quotes
* God knows what’s required to refuel your tank and encourage you in your journey.
* God will refresh us by a river of His provision, He will provide healing places and oases for us.
* Our Father will remain mindful of us, knowing our needs and caring for us in the midst of our journey.
* He will never lead you into a place that will not work toward accomplishing His purpose for you.
Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)
I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 41:18 (ESV)
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38
***Final Note***
Please complete the exercise on page 52, writing the verses on an index card for encouragement when things get tough. Carry this with you in your purse.
Meditate on God’s wilderness as an oasis from Psalm 23, filled with still water and green pastures. Place yourself inside this oasis as you meditate.
Following Him
Priscilla Shirer Quotes
* God knows what’s required to refuel your tank and encourage you in your journey.
* God will refresh us by a river of His provision, He will provide healing places and oases for us.
* Our Father will remain mindful of us, knowing our needs and caring for us in the midst of our journey.
* He will never lead you into a place that will not work toward accomplishing His purpose for you.
Today’s Scripture Verses (NASB)
I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 41:18 (ESV)
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38
***Final Note***
Please complete the exercise on page 52, writing the verses on an index card for encouragement when things get tough. Carry this with you in your purse.
Meditate on God’s wilderness as an oasis from Psalm 23, filled with still water and green pastures. Place yourself inside this oasis as you meditate.
Following Him
Sunday, January 30, 2011
One In A Million
I think secretly that’s the cry of every woman to be one in a million. We all just want to be noticed. Whether it’s by a man, through our careers, etc… whatever that thing is we are getting our affirmation from. We want to be different from the rest, the one who stands out above the crowd as extraordinary and exemplary.
Growing up my parents always told me an analogy. They would say: “In order to be unique you have to separate yourself from the rest of the crowd. You have to be set apart, which is a lonely road, so count the cost. As soon as you do that you will naturally rise above the mediocrity. However, remember that it is easier to be pulled off the ladder than it is for you to pull. someone up” This analogy always seemed to come to mind at moments in my life when I was fed up with being the ‘one in a million’. I was tired of being tired and frustrated with being different. It is difficult to hold onto hope for faith (evidence of things unseen) when the crowd around you is desperately dragging you down.
Perhaps this was the case with the Israelites. They left Egypt dancing in the streets, more than conquerors through their God who had made a way for them out of captivity, and somewhere between stepping out of their comfort zone and actually making it to the promise land they lost hope for faith. Oh how many times have I also done that. It is similar to their story of continual whining and complaining in the midst of the road to freedom and think to myself ‘what nincompoops!’ As a kid when I read the story I always wondered how God kept from shooting them all with lightning bolts (and I actually still do… good thing I’m not God!). I was challenged this past week to hold back my stone of judgment. To instead examine myself but better yet have God do it (because let’s face it, I can be slightly biased most of the time). “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” ~Psalms 139:23-24
We are on a journey too. We are on the path of everlasting life. We too, like the Israelites, have been set free from our captivity and are making it to our ‘promise land’: Heaven. The Israelites were doing great until it got a little uncomfortable and then they looked back. As Priscilla said in the teaching this past week: “Are we still hanging out in the old places?... Rid yourself of every sin and hindrance… You can not do what you’ve always done and expect different results.” For me, the ‘old places’ are as simple as mindsets. Friends are rather important also. Whoever is around you has the power to influence you. Make sure the closest people surrounding you are affecting you towards your goal.
Out of the two million Israelites who set out on the journey, only two overcame their old mindsets, didn’t let the people around them drag them down, and stepped into victory. That’s one in a million… and let’s be honest: that’s not very good odds. But before discouragement sets in, examine the amazing thing that sets us apart from the Israelites: Jesus Christ. He came and died for ME. He came and died for YOU. Just that one person was enough for us.
So hey, we’re already one in a million to Him. :) Through Him we can see this journey to its completion. “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by what its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live in overwhelming victory through Christ, who loved us.” ~Romans 8:12-13;37
This week I challenge you to get to the point where you’re ready for everything you’ve seen, been told, heard about, and/or believe in your heart. Go with God someplace quiet and examine yourself. Grab a journal and write down the things that need to be purged from your heart that could potentially hinder your journey. And remember: nothing is worth holding back.
Let’s begin our journey. Let’s be one in a million.
~Jenee'
Growing up my parents always told me an analogy. They would say: “In order to be unique you have to separate yourself from the rest of the crowd. You have to be set apart, which is a lonely road, so count the cost. As soon as you do that you will naturally rise above the mediocrity. However, remember that it is easier to be pulled off the ladder than it is for you to pull. someone up” This analogy always seemed to come to mind at moments in my life when I was fed up with being the ‘one in a million’. I was tired of being tired and frustrated with being different. It is difficult to hold onto hope for faith (evidence of things unseen) when the crowd around you is desperately dragging you down.
Perhaps this was the case with the Israelites. They left Egypt dancing in the streets, more than conquerors through their God who had made a way for them out of captivity, and somewhere between stepping out of their comfort zone and actually making it to the promise land they lost hope for faith. Oh how many times have I also done that. It is similar to their story of continual whining and complaining in the midst of the road to freedom and think to myself ‘what nincompoops!’ As a kid when I read the story I always wondered how God kept from shooting them all with lightning bolts (and I actually still do… good thing I’m not God!). I was challenged this past week to hold back my stone of judgment. To instead examine myself but better yet have God do it (because let’s face it, I can be slightly biased most of the time). “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” ~Psalms 139:23-24
We are on a journey too. We are on the path of everlasting life. We too, like the Israelites, have been set free from our captivity and are making it to our ‘promise land’: Heaven. The Israelites were doing great until it got a little uncomfortable and then they looked back. As Priscilla said in the teaching this past week: “Are we still hanging out in the old places?... Rid yourself of every sin and hindrance… You can not do what you’ve always done and expect different results.” For me, the ‘old places’ are as simple as mindsets. Friends are rather important also. Whoever is around you has the power to influence you. Make sure the closest people surrounding you are affecting you towards your goal.
Out of the two million Israelites who set out on the journey, only two overcame their old mindsets, didn’t let the people around them drag them down, and stepped into victory. That’s one in a million… and let’s be honest: that’s not very good odds. But before discouragement sets in, examine the amazing thing that sets us apart from the Israelites: Jesus Christ. He came and died for ME. He came and died for YOU. Just that one person was enough for us.
So hey, we’re already one in a million to Him. :) Through Him we can see this journey to its completion. “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by what its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live in overwhelming victory through Christ, who loved us.” ~Romans 8:12-13;37
This week I challenge you to get to the point where you’re ready for everything you’ve seen, been told, heard about, and/or believe in your heart. Go with God someplace quiet and examine yourself. Grab a journal and write down the things that need to be purged from your heart that could potentially hinder your journey. And remember: nothing is worth holding back.
Let’s begin our journey. Let’s be one in a million.
~Jenee'
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