Beyond the Dream, THERE'S STILL MORE!

I look at the lives of generals in the faith who have been working in the kingdom for so many years, pursuing their Dreams.  One name in particular is Arthur Bless it, the gentleman who has traveled all over the world literally carrying the cross to share the gospel.  Another name that I don't even have to think about that long is Billy Graham, a man whose passion for telling the world that Jesus saves has touched all of us in some way.  For some who’s Dream is still a burning vision and has not yet come into fruition, the Dream Giver uses people like these to encourage and remind that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH HIM.

 But for those of us who are on the verge of seeing the Dream unfold in some form or another, there are some truths we are challenged to grasp.  Is your Dream something that will bring fulfillment to only YOU, or is it centered around changing and transforming some facet of the despair-ridden Wasteland that we live in?  Are you willing to CONNECT with other Somebodies who have chosen to leave the land of Familiar and shed the title of "Ordinary" in order to fulfill their Dream, or do you somehow think you are the ONLY ONE with enough faith and vision to see it through?  Finally, what will you do when the Dream Giver empowers you to fulfill the Dream?  Will you REST in that place, or continue to follow His leading into NEW TERRITORIES -- just like Arthur Bless it and Billy Graham have done?

 Read with us this week as we conclude our journey into pursuing our Dream and solidify our commitment to live in the Land of Promise according to the Dream Giver’s Plan.

 Week of September 2nd: Thriving In the Land of Promise

 Monday, September 2nd> Genesis 6: 5-22; 2 Timothy chapter 3

 1.  Although we all see a beautiful, finished picture of our Dream, what REALITY does the Dream Giver show us of the world around us?

Tuesday, September 3rd> Mark 16: 14-20; 1 John 3: 11-18

 2.  Even though we have different Dreams, what are some DREAMS the Dream Giver is asking us ALL to fulfill?

Wednesday, September 4th> Ephesians 4: 11-16; Acts 2: 42-47

 3.  What has the Dream Giver given us to make a difference in the lives of Anybody’s who have needs?

Thursday, September 5th> Proverbs chapter 3; Matthew chapter 6

 4.  What strategies does WISDOM suggest we should use when working our Dream so that we don't become overwhelmed?

Friday, September 6th> Joshua 1: 12-18; Isaiah chapter 61

 5.  What role does the Dream Giver expect us to play in helping other anybody’s realize that they have Dreams, too?

Saturday, September 7th> Ephesians 4: 11-16; Acts 2: 42-47

 6.  How important is making CONNECTIONS with Anybody’s in the Body who may have like Dreams or resources that could help us accomplish ours?

Sunday, September 8th> Joshua 1: 1-10; Joshua 14: 6-15

 7.  When we begin to see doors open and success occur in the fulfillment of our Dream, what should our attitude be towards the work of the kingdom that is still to be done?

Giants ARE Real -- But So is MY GOD!!

When I was younger, I remember hearing the story of David and accepting it as any other fact of life.  I figured that if God wanted to use a little boy like David to kill a big giant like Goliath, then He could do just that.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think God would have been preparing me to face great big giants of my own... But He was.

Every sorrow, every trial, every situation that occurs in our lives is preparation for bigger trials and situations.  God never puts more on us than we can bear; instead, He gets us ready for the next fight by equipping us with just the amount of strength we need to fight this one.  In our story The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson, we find the main character, Ordinary, struggling with the idea of whether he's even QUALIFIED to be called a WARRIOR, and many of us are in the same place.

How do we prepare ourselves to face the next level of giants who are lining up to oppose our passage to the Dream we've been given?  Do we pretend they're not there?  Hide our heads in the sand, hoping they'll get tired of challenging us and go away?  Or do we arm ourselves with the weapons AND EXPERIENCES the Dream Giver has ALREADY equipped us with, and fight until only one champion is left standing?  Read with us this week and discover,  like Ordinary, the WARRIOR the Dream Giver has placed in you so that you can face every giant with GREAT courage.


Week of August 26th> Facing the Giants

Monday, August 26th> Numbers 13: 17-33; Revelations chapters 7-8

1.   What is the enemy's purpose for making us feel weak, inferior and like victims-- the opposite of the WARRIORS that the Dream Giver says we are?

Tuesday, August 27th> Numbers 13: 27-33; Matthew 13: 54-58; Revelations chapters 9-10

2.  In what way is UNBELIEF a more dangerous enemy to our Dream than the giants that we will face?

Wednesday, August 28th> 1 Samuel 17: 1-11; Revelations chapters 11-12

3.  Why is it important that we ACKNOWLEDGE the fact that our GIANTS are REAL?

Thursday, August 29th> Psalm chapter 3; Revelations chapters 13-15

4.  In addition to giants like "MONEYLESS" and "FEAR", what are some other giants that we cannot afford to run from or ignore?

Friday, August 30th>  1 Samuel 17: 20-37; Revelations chapters 16-17

5.  No matter how big the giants are, how does the Dream Giver PREPARE us for battle through the trials we've ALREADY experienced?

Saturday, August 31st> 2 Corinthians 10: 4; 1 Samuel 17: 38-55; Revelations chapters 18-19

6.  When The Lord tells us to "prepare for battle", what are some ADJUSTMENTS to our thinking might we need to make?

Sunday, September 1st> 2 Chronicles 20: 1-30; Revelations chapters 20-22

7.  What roles do PRAYER, FASTING and FAITH play in the level to which we will be able to witness the MIRACLES The Lord has set in store for us?

A New Place In God

"New levels".  This expression is a catch phrase in our society.  Everyone is excited about "moving up" in the company, "scaling the ranks" on the job, and even "expanding" in terms of our economic status.  But where is the fire when the time comes to apply this same concept in the spirit?  Why do we fight so hard to "maintain", "tread water" or "keep the status quo" when the DreamGiver is calling us higher, deeper, and closer?

These are questions we're compelled to face as we think about where we want our Dream to go.  There are some demands the DreamGiver will put on us -- and rightfully so, since we are His -- that will require these "New Levels".  If you're ready to see where this commitment will lead, and how rich the rewards of submission are, read with us this week as we explore a sacrificial (yet satisfying) new place in God.

Week of August 19th> The Dream Giver Part 3: Finding Sanctuary in Surrender

Monday, August 19th> Psalm 9:9; Proverbs 18: 10; Hebrews 6:18;  1 Peter 3: 8-22; chapters 4-5

1.  Although the Bible describes the Sanctuary of the DreamGiver as a place of refuge, why do many believers tend to avoid going in?

Tuesday, August 20th> Matthew 11: 28; Jeremiah 6: 16; 2 Peter

2.  What are some steps the DreamGiver requires us to take in order to find REST?

Wednesday, August 21st> Psalm chapter 51; Acts 3: 19-20; 1 John chapters 1-2; 3:1-10

3.  As we respond to the DreamGiver's invitation to go higher and draw closer, what are some of the characteristics of the Wasteland that will begin falling away?

Thursday, August 22nd> Psalm chapter 51; Acts 3: 19-20; chapters 4-5

4.  When we allow the DreamGiver's Holy Presence to draw us into this place of refuge, what will we willingly release when He shows us ourselves?

Friday, August 23rd> Genesis 22: 1-3; 9-18; 2 John; 3 John; Jude

5.  Why does the DreamGiver demand that we surrender every Dream to Him rather than keep it for ourselves?

Saturday, August 24th> Genesis 22: 9-18 (ESV); Revelation chapters 1-3

6.  What does our OBEDIENCE in surrendering our Dream reveal about our heart towards God?

Sunday, August 25th> 1 Samuel 10-11; 17-20; 1 Samuel 2: 18-21; Revelation chapters 4-6

7.  In what ways can we expect God to REWARD our obedience and surrender to the DreamGiver?

What Do We Do With Border Bullies?

In chapter 3 of Bruce Wilkinson's book, The Dream Giver, a description is given of certain types of bullies.    Upon hearing the word "bully" in our society, a picture of a big kid picking on a much smaller one comes to mind.  But in this book, the reference that is made  has nothing to do with size at all... rather, it involves a certain mentality within people whom we both know and trust.  It's a certain mindset that threatens to stamp out the fire of our Dream because it threatens or causes THEM to have to change the way they've always viewed life.  Wilkinson calls these people "Border Bullies".

How do we respond to these people who post up and begin to shoot down our Dream from the moment we release it?  Do we put more stock in their words than those of the Dream Giver because they've always known us, thereby backing away from our Dream?  Do we simply dismiss them as "against us" and push on?  Or is there something the Dream Giver wants us to learn from the opposition coming from them?  Read with us this week as we explore the heat and discomfort of Border Bullies, as well as plow through the Wasteland on the way to our Promise.

Week of August 12th> The Dream-Giver Part 2: Bullies in the Borderland

Monday, August 12th> Matthew 13: 54-58; Genesis 37:5-9 and 18-19; Hebrews chapters 3-4

1.  In pursuit of our Dream, why do we find opposition coming from close friends or family-- BORDER BULLIES-- who should be the MOST supportive?

Tuesday, August 13th> Proverbs 3: 5-6; John 16: 33; Psalm 46: 1-2; Hebrews chapters 5-7

2.  Through the Dream-Giver's Spirit, what can be POSITIVE about the Border Bullies' opposition?

Wednesday, August 14th> 1 Kings 19: 1-10; Hebrews 8-10

3.  Why does God allow us to reach a place on our journey into our promise where the favor "runs out", and where the Dream-Giver seems to have disappeared?

Thursday, August 15th> 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8 and verse 10; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews chapters 11-13

4.  Even in a season of apparent lack, why should we be thankful for and confident of the Dream-Giver's provision if we are tithers and givers?

Friday, August 16th> Hebrews 11:1; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 146: 5-6; James 1-3:12

Why does the Dream-Giver send us FAITH while in the Wasteland rather than a quick answer to our prayers?

Saturday, August 17th> 2 Kings 7: 1-9 NLT; James 3: 13-5

6.  What REWARDS await us when we press through until we move out of the drudgery of the Wasteland?

Sunday, August 18th> Genesis 39: 1-6 and 40-42

7. When our Dream is finally realized, in what way will our CONFIDENCE in the Dream-Giver keep us from RETALIATING against the Border Bullies who may have hurt us in the past?

A Quest to Leave the Land of Familiar

Wake up... Eat... Work... Come home... Watch the box... Eat... Sleep... Wake up... And everything happens all over again.   Many of us spend hours in the Land of Familiar, a very big city in the Wasteland, consumed with life as usual.  We live totally unaware that deep within us lays Something Special: a Dream, given to us by someone even more Special -- the Dream Giver.  We struggle to find Meaning in a very Ordinary life, when God designed it to be the very opposite.

What would happen if, all of a sudden, the Dream we've always had come to the surface, giving us a vision of the possibility to fulfill it?  What would it take to get from Here to There?  Would we be willing to break away from Familiar in order to prepare ourselves for the accomplishment of this Dream?  Even more importantly, would we dare to step across the Comfort Zone where the Dream Giver’s Purpose lies?  Read with us this week as we discover how to line up with the Dream Giver's Plan for accomplishing our Dream.

 Week of August 5th> The Wasteland Part 3: The Dream-Giver

 Monday, August 5th> Genesis 1: 26; Romans 8: 29; Psalm 139: 14 (MSG); 2 Thessalonians chapters 1-3

 1.   What characteristics of the Wasteland cause many Christians to believe they are Nobodies in spite of what the Word declares?

Tuesday, August 6th> Genesis 37: 5-11; Jeremiah 1: 5; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Timothy chapters 1-3

 2.  What is the Dream-Giver's purpose for placing dreams deep within us, even with the possibility that they may be aborted?

Wednesday, August 7th> Luke 14: 15-35; 1 Timothy chapters 4-6

 3.  What sorts of DISTRACTIONS and EXCUSES do we allow to consume our time and energy, potentially keeping us from working towards our Dream?

Thursday, August 8th> Genesis 12: 1-9; 2 Timothy chapters 1-4

 4.  What is the FIRST STEP in moving towards the Dream where the land of Familiar is concerned?

Friday, August 9th > Exodus chapters 3-4; Titus chapters 1-3

 5.  Why is it that God deliberately asks us to accomplish some aspects of our Dream that are far beyond our abilities?

Saturday, August 10th> Exodus chapter 16; The Book of Philemon

6.  Although we may leave Familiar with excitement and enthusiasm, what roadblocks threaten to push us back to what we've always known?

Sunday, August 11th> Deuteronomy 1: 6-8; Joshua 1: 1-9; Hebrews chapters 1-2

7.  What TREASURE does The Dream-Giver give us to push past the Invisible Line of our Comfort Zone (where Fear lives) and into the Land of Promise?

No More Surviving!!!

How many of us can identify with just "making it"?  Waiting for the BIG, EXCITING things in life to happen, but barely scraping by while we wait?  After a while, there's a certain attitude that takes over, sapping us of our joy, strength, and eventually victory.  These, my friends, are the trinkets of the Wasteland, and this mindset is the "Wasteland Mentality".

But did you know there's a place in God that we can get to where the dog-eat-dog, grab-all-you-can rat-race has NO INFLUENCE?  So the question is this: are you willing to DIE  for it?  Will you LOSE it all in order for the benefits of Kingdom Living to take root in your life?  Read with us this week as we learn how to shed our former Wasteland Walker identity --and become Kingdom Dwellers-- the way God ALWAYS intended.

Week of July 29th> The Wasteland Part 2: SURVIVOR MENTALITY

Monday, July 29th> John 3: 1-16; Ephesians chapters 4-6

1.  What is the most important FIRST STEP to turning from living as a Wasteland Walker?

Tuesday, July 30th> 2 Corinthians 11: 1-3 (NET);  Philippians chapters 1-2

 2.  Even after the awesome miracle of salvation, what is the "deadly leftover" from the Wasteland that we must get rid of DAILY in order to truly CROSS OVER into Kingdom Living?

Wednesday, July 31st> Ephesians 2: 1-10; Philippians chapters 3-4

3.  What are some strategies and schemes we tend to come up with to SURVIVE in the Wasteland when our minds are not renewed in Christ?

Thursday, August 1st> Galatians 4:3 (NET); Colossians chapters 1-2

4.  In what ways will we begin to see TRANSFORMATION in our lives when we simply surrender to God's formula for rejecting the Wasteland Mentality?

Friday, August 2nd> Galatians 2: 20 (NLT); Mark 8: 35-37; John 12: 24-25 (NLT);  Colossians chapters 3-4

5.  What IS God's formula for MOVING from the Survivor Mentality of the Wasteland into that of being a KINGDOM DWELLER?

Saturday, August 3rd> Revelation 12: 11 (NET); Ephesians 3: 8 (NET); Romans 8: 31-37 (NIV); 1 Thessalonians chapters 1-2

6.  What are God's PROMISES to us for persistently LEARNING and APPLYING the principles of Kingdom Living?

Sunday, August 4th> Genesis chapter 13; 1 Thessalonians chapters 3-5

7.  In what ways will succumbing to the Survivor Mentality, even after being exposed to the TRUTH, affect us and our FAMILIES?

Is There Hope of Crossing Over?

I keep seeing glimpses of two different images from television... On one hand, I see a thriving METROPOLIS with shiny skyscrapers, sophisticated highways and fancy cars (like the opening scene of CSI Miami).  But underneath all that gIitz and glam, I picture drab desert devastation -- broken-down vehicles and abandoned houses, everyone walking around in dirty clothing... Food and water being rationed out, and no sign of anything green or full of life (like the scenery in "The Book of Eli").  Such is the spiritual reality of life on this earth: sin created A WASTELAND of death, dread and despair that we can't simply escape by clicking our heels 3 times and wishing we were home,  like Dorothy did in the Wizard of Oz.  We were doomed to be Wasteland Walkers, subject to its laws and lifestyle...

But a KINGDOM DWELLER named JESUS showed up on the scene!  Find out what we really LOST, and how new life in Christ allows us to CROSS OVER into the KINGDOM of a Loving GOD.  Read with us this week, learn just what rights and privileges you possess as a JOINT HEIR and KINGDOM DWELLER...and never look at life the same way again.

Week of July 22nd> Crossing Over From The WASTELAND: Living In God's BEST

 Monday, July 22nd> Matthew 25: 34; Genesis 1: 26-27; 2 Corinthians chapters 4-6

1.  In what way do these passages reveal  the fact that God's design has always been for us to RULE, HAVE DOMINION, and  walk in AUTHORITY OVER everything on this earth?

Tuesday, July 23rd> Genesis 1: 28; John 15: 15-16; 2 Corinthians chapters 7-9

2.  How does God's blessing to be FRUITFUL, MULTIPLY and PRODUCE in the Original Kingdom (Eden) prove His intention for us to be successful in everything we do?

Wednesday, July 24th> Genesis 1: 29-30; 2 Corinthians chapters 10-13

3.  Contrary to the deception that mankind has been left to fend for ourselves, what does this passage tell us about the CONSTANT PROVISION God established in the Original Kingdom?

Thursday, July 25th> Genesis 2: 18-23; Galatians chapters 1-2

4.  In what way does the MANNER in which Eve was created SHOW God's design for the wife to be a PERFECT MATCH for her husband?

Friday, July 26th> Genesis 2: 15-17; Genesis 3: 16-19; Galatians chapters 3-4

5.  After Adam and Eve's sin drove them from the Original Kingdom into the Wasteland, what did mankind lose, and what was our  new inheritance as WASTELAND WALKERS?

Saturday, July 27th> 1 Corinthians 15: 20-28 and 53; John 3: 3; 1 Peter 1: 23; Galatians chapters 5-6

6.  Since Jesus has come to RESTORE us to our rightful place as KINGDOM DWELLERS in the Wasteland, how do we "Cross Over",  and what do we gain?

Sunday, July 28th> Daniel 7: 27; Isaiah 51: 3; Isaiah 41: 18-20; Isaiah 43: 18-20; Ephesians chapters 1-3

7.  What happens when we refuse to succumb to the laws and lifestyle of the Wasteland, but STAND instead in the authority of the KINGDOM?

Are You Ready for THE HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT?

Wherever we live, work, play, or shop, God has birthed in us a PURPOSE to reach others for the kingdom of God.  While this is an awesome and honorable calling, there's also a TARGET on our lives to STOP this witness.  What is our mindset to be because of this assignment from the kingdom of darkness?  We must PREPARE our minds, spirits and hearts to thrive in the HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT that is being formed against the people of God.

From the moment we accepted Christ, there’s a spirit of HOSTILITY that has very strategically been launched against us.  And yet, many of us find ourselves being SURPRISED when we see this spirit manifested.  Well, no more walking in confusion about this matter!  God will NOT have us ignorant or ill-prepared about these things.  Read with us this week and find out what you've always wanted to know about what we're up against as believers, how it started, and what our ATTITUDE should be in a world that so desperately needs to hear the TRUTH of God's great love for us all.

Week of July 15th> THE HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT

Monday, July 15th> Genesis 3: 14-15; Romans chapters 14-16

1.  Where and why did this hostility against God's people begin?

Tuesday, July 16th> Luke 4: 1-13; 1 Corinthians chapters 1-3

2.  What form of training must we REGULARLY engage in if we want to make preparation for the hostile environment?

Wednesday, July 17th> Luke 4: 16-30 (NET); 1 Corinthians chapters 4-6

3.  How does this hostility MANIFEST when we declare the TRUTH about FREEDOM in the hearing of those who may or may not know they are under satan's influence?

Thursday, July 18th> Luke 6: 6-11; John 12: 9-11; 1 Corinthians chapters 7-10

4.  Why is the enemy so determined to "KILL THE MIRACLE" that God uses us to display?

Friday, July 19th> Matthew 26: 55; Acts 5: 27-33; 1 Corinthians chapters 11-13

5.  Because darkness wants Christ and His message ARRESTED, what should our mindset and response be when we find ourselves being cross-examined under the disguise of "innocent" questioning?

Saturday, July 20th> Acts 26: 9-11; John 15: 20; Matthew 24: 9-14; 1 Corinthians chapters 14-16

6.  Since the motives of the enemy have been EXPOSED, what type of RESOLVE must we have about the fact that we WILL BE PERSECUTED just like Jesus and His disciples were?

Sunday, July 21st> John 14:6; Acts 20: 22-24(NLT); 2 Corinthians chapters 1-3

7.  No matter what KIND of persecution, how should we RESPOND when God opens the opportunity to boldly DECLARE the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Re-Awaken the Dreams

In the words of Pastors Chad and Nette, "The Holy Spirit did not impregnate us with dreams of change, destiny and purpose to frustrate us, aggravate us, or discourage us!  He placed them WITHIN us... To see them come THROUGH us... To IMPACT the world AROUND us!  God will give you EVERYTHING you need to be EVERYTHING He wants!"

So what stops us from pursuing those dreams that are at the forefront of our minds and hearts?  Could it be that we may have FORGOTTEN the very important fact that a WORLDCHANGER named Jesus touched us, and life will never be the same?  We do have a part to play in this process, however: we have to CHANGE!  Old MINDSETS, attitudes, and bad habits have to go.  We must make room for the NEW THING God is doing so we can accomplish the MOST in the time we have left on this earth. To do the opposite has only one result: RUINS.  DEVASTATION.  LOST HOPES AND DREAMS.  BROKEN-DOWN CITIES.

Read with us this week as we learn AND APPLY the steps to embracing TRUE CHANGE and re-awakening the dreams God intended us to fulfill.

Week of July 8th> What Prevents the Ruins? CHANGE!

Monday, July 8th> Matthew 11: 20; Acts chapters 22-24

1.  What role does the act of REPENTING (heartily, with enthusiasm, gusto and WITHOUT reservation) play in our decision to CHANGE?

Tuesday, July 9th> Matthew 11: 21-24; Acts chapters 25-28

2.  In spite of the many miracles Jesus, a WORLDCHANGER, performed in these cities, what are some reasons for their refusal to change?

Wednesday, July 10th> John 1: 1-14; Romans chapters 1-2

3.  Contrary to the enemy's assignment, how has God designed our cities to BENEFIT as a result of having WORLDCHANGERS in our midst?

Thursday, July 11th> Isaiah chapter 61; Romans chapters 3-5

4.  What is the most important Gift from God that will cause change WITHIN us, and consequently cause us to become WORLDCHANGERS?

Friday, July 12th> Isaiah 54: 1-2; Romans chapters 6-8

5.  What about our MINDSETS will we need to CHANGE in order to ENLARGE the place of our tent (make room for the new people God is preparing us to minister to)?

Saturday, July 13th> Isaiah 54: 2; Romans chapters 9-11

6.  When God says "Do NOT SPARE", how is He expecting us to treat the visions, dreams and ideas we've been given?

Sunday, July 14th> Isaiah 54:3; 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NLT); Romans chapters 12-13

7.  In what areas can we expect to see INCREASE as we step out in faith and BELIEVE that God WILL use us to impact the lives of others?

PERSISTENCE: Soldier's Edition

Picture your favorite movie soldier hero, whomever it may be -- Sylvester Stallone in "Rambo" (for the more seasoned folks among us, sorry, this is as far back as I can go), Mel Gibson as "The Patriot", Meg Ryan in "Courage Under Fire" or Denzel Washington in "Glory" -- and we will never forget Gerald Butler as King Leonidas with his crew in "300".  What endears us to every single one?  Which characteristic of their heroism do we admire the most?  You've got it: their ability to ENDURE HARDSHIP.  That, my friends, is PERSISTENCE.

As believers, I think we love to watch movies of this nature because we love being reminded of who WE really are.  It's fascinating and encouraging to see how these characters rise to the occasion when faced with heartache, adversity and certain death.  But we fail to see OURSELVES in this role on a DAILY BASIS.  We tend to forget that we ARE soldiers in this ETERNAL battle between a VERY REAL kingdom of darkness and Kingdom of Light.   There's no-one to yell "Cut!" after a bloody scene in which we MUST engage ranks of demonic forces from day to day.  So how do we do it?  How do we endure hardship, trials and temptations without giving up or giving in?

Read with us this week as we take on another level of Persistence: Soldiers' Edition.

Week of July 1st> PERSISTENCE Part 2: The Soldier's Charge

Monday, July 1st> 2 Timothy 2: 3; Acts chapters 1-3

1.  Contrary to the anti-Christian culture which threatens to water down the Biblical image of a GOOD soldier, what kinds of hardships does God expect us to endure?

Tuesday, July 2nd> 2 Timothy 2:4; Acts chapters 4-6

2.  What "affairs of this life" does the Bible admonish the good soldier not to become ENTANGLED with?

Wednesday, July 3rd> Ephesians 6: 10 (AMP); Acts chapters 7-9

3.  Where should the soldier of the Lord's army draw the power and might to fight in this eternal battle?

Thursday, July 4th> Ephesians 6: 11; Eph. 6: 13-17 (AMP); Acts chapters 10-12

4.  What is the significance of EACH piece of the WHOLE ARMOR of God?

Friday, July 5th> Ephesians 6: 12; Acts chapters 13-15

5.  In what way does keeping in mind whom our fight is against, help the good soldier remain PERSISTENTLY PERSISTENT?

Saturday, July 6th> Ephesians 6: 18; 1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18; Acts chapters 16-18

6.  What is the good soldier's MOST IMPORTANT area of persistence?

Sunday, July 7th> Genesis 32: 24-30; Acts chapters 19-21 and 36

7.  In what ways does God manifest BLESSINGS in our lives when we refuse to allow our past to keep us from PRESSING into God for change?

PERSISTENCE WILL PAY OFF!

It's become an inspiring example of PERSISTENCE even in the mainstream collection of movies, and it's definitely my all-time favorite.  I can see it now-- the scene in Alex Kendrick's movie " Facing the Giants" where the coach convinces one of his main players to crawl 50 yards with a 150-pound player on his back while blindfolded.  Through the pain, and because of his coach's urging not to give up, Brock manages to crawl all the way to the end zone... And discovers that the player he'd been carrying was 15 pounds heavier than he thought!

 If you're like me, are you tired of coming so close --but not close enough --to walking in ALL the fullness of living the Totally Devoted Life?  Has one disappointment after another convinced you that CHANGE is just a pipe dream?  Read with us this week and discover how attainable it is THROUGH PERSISTENCE...And just how rewarding it will be at the finish line when you STAY IN THE RACE.

 Week of June 24th> A Summer of Change: PERSISTENCE WILL PAY OFF!

 Monday, June 24th> Romans 7: 14-25; John chapters 1-3

 1.  Although the word PERSISTENCE seems difficult when faced with areas of our lives that we need to change, in what ways DO we show persistence?

 

Tuesday, June 25th> Hebrews 10:23;  Galatians 6: 9; John chapters 4-6

 2.  Why is it important NOT to become weary and give up hope if we want to truly see things change in our lives?

 

Wednesday, June 26th> Ephesians 6: 16;  John chapters 7-9

 3.  How does our SHIELD OF FAITH operate as our primary weapon in our fight for PERSISTENCE?

 

Thursday, June 27th> 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; John chapters 10-12

 4.  In what ways do our lives parallel those of runners, and how does PERSISTENCE defeat the enemy's resistance to our success?

 

Friday, June 28th> James 1: 2-4 NLT; John chapters 13-16

 5.  How has God designed the use of trials in our lives where PERSISTENCE is concerned?

 

Saturday, June 29th> 2 Kings 2: 1-14; John chapters 17-18

 6.  What could happen "SUDDENLY" when we are PERSISTENT in pursuing Godly covenant relationships?

 

Sunday, June 30th> Ruth chapter 4; John chapters 19-21

 7.  In what other ways does PERSISTENCE promise to pay off in our lives?

 

 Always Totally Devoted

Can one man really make that much of a difference in our world?

Is it even worth the headache and heartache to stand and fight for righteousness and Godly families?  Does God really expect us to walk away from the "backup plans" we may have stored deep in our hearts just in case His way doesn't work out to our advantage?

What does a Godly, on-fire, and courageous man look like, anyway?  Well, look no further than the life of Joshua the son of Nun!  Read with us this week and find out how to walk in our God-given authority over the kingdom of darkness as you learn how to DECLARE: "As for me and my house, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!"

Week of June 17th> A SUMMER OF CHANGE: "As For Me and My House"

Monday, June 17th> Joshua 24: 1-13; Luke chapters 4-6

1.  In what ways has God shown Himself to be a FATHER in your life?

Tuesday, June 18th> Joshua 24: 14; Luke chapters 7-9

2.  Why is it of the utmost importance that we commit to serving God in SINCERITY and TRUTH?

Wednesday, June 19th> Joshua 24: 15; Luke chapters 10-12

3.  What are some examples of the "gods on the other side of the River of Life" that we will HAVE TO put away out of total devotion to the One True God?

Thursday, June 20th> Joshua 24: 16-18; Luke chapters 13-15

4.  In what ways have the "gods of the Amorites, in whose land we dwell", influenced believers today?

  Friday, June 21st > Joshua 24: 19-31; Luke chapters 16-18

5.  What characteristics of Joshua the son of Nun do Godly men need in order to take a stand for the kingdom of God in the face of so many challenges?

Saturday, June 22nd> Matthew 11:12 (NIV); Ephesians 6: 12 (MSG); Luke chapters 19-21

6.  What MINDSET SHIFT is expected among Godly fathers that will make the most impact on our homes, neighborhoods, and eventually our society?

Sunday, June 23rd> Hebrews 8: 10 (MSG); 2 Corinthians 3: 2-3; Luke chapters 22-24

7.  Where has God placed the MARK of His covenant with us that serves as a REMINDER to us as well as a LIVING LETTER of Christ to the world?

Always Totally Devoted

A Summer of Change: Want Fruit? Something MUST Bloom!

WANT FRUIT? THEN AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST MUST BLOSSOM AND PRODUCE SEED, SO THE FRUIT WILL GROW TO PROTECT IT, DISPERSE IT, AND DRAW THOSE TO CONSUME AND PLANT IT!

DON'T LET SIN, IMMATURITY, AND A LACK OF INTIMATE COMMUNION KEEP YOU SPIRITUALLY STERILE, WE HAVE BEEN COMMANDED TO REPRODUCE!!! TO BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY...

Pastor Yassah Po...sted:

Roses, carnations, hydrangeas, oh my! Peppers, cabbages, spinach-- yum, yum! Plums, oranges, tomatoes-- oh, wow! The list goes on and on of the Father's colorful AND delicious display of His purpose for our lives. Did you know that your life is DESIGNED to bloom, produce seed from intimacy with the Father, then bear fruit that will attract others to Him? Have you ever considered the contrary winds and pests in your life as ASSISTANTS to the pollination that is necessary for reproduction?

Are you ready to push past all the distractions and hindrances to maturity so that YOUR ULTIMATE PURPOSE-- to bear fruit that remains and reproduces-- can manifest? Read with us this week, our second week in A SUMMER OF CHANGE, and find out how God has set us up to be fruitful and multiply for His kingdom.

Week of June 10th> A Summer of Change: Want Fruit? Something MUST Bloom!

Monday, June 10th > Romans 1: 20; Matthew chapters 26-28

1. How does God use His creation to model what the believer's life should look like?

Tuesday, June 11th> Genesis 1: 11-12; Mark chapters 1-3

2. In what way do the reproductive organs INSIDE the flower parallel that of the body of Christ?

Wednesday, June 12th> John 15: 1-7; Mark chapters 4-6

3. Although inside of EACH of us has been placed the necessary parts for reproduction (GIVER and RECEIVER), why WON'T we reproduce without INTIMACY?

Thursday, June 13th> Galatians 5: 22-23; Mark chapters 7-9

4. What is God's ultimate purpose for wrapping His seed inside of the fruit we produce, then making it attractive and irresistible to others?

Friday, June 14th> 2 Corinthians 4: 7-11; Mark chapters 10-12

5. Contrary to what many of us would like to believe, in what way do winds and pests ASSIST the POLLINATORS (the Holy Spirit, the Word, and Godly relationships, etc.) in depositing the seed of life into us?

Saturday, June 15th> Jeremiah 48:32-33 (NLT); Mark chapters 13-16

6. How does the destroyer use SIN, IMMATURITY, and LACK of COMMUNION to steal our fruit before reproduction takes place?

Sunday, June 16th> John 15: 15-17; Luke chapters 1-3

7. What do we as believers need to do in order to reproduce after our own kind in this season of fruit-bearing?

A Summer of Change/BIBLE READING PLAN

Week of June 3rd> A Summer of Change/BIBLE READING PLAN

Monday, June 3rd> Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8; Matthew chapters 5-7

1. Although everything in creation displays God's intention for change to be NATURAL and CONSTANT, why do we resist change in our lives?

Tuesday, June 4th> Matthew chapters 8-10

2. In what way does God reward us when we dare to INITIATE the change needed in our lives rather than become unwilling participants?

Wednesday, June 5th> Matthew 24: 32; Matthew chapters 11-13

3. In order for change to begin, why is it important for us to resist the urge to remain hard and unmoving after going through disappointments and heartbreak?

Thursday, June 6th> John 15: 5; Proverbs 11: 30; Matthew chapters 14-16

4. Just as Jesus exemplified in His ministry, what is the first and foremost RESULT of allowing God's will and purpose to abide (live and remain) in us?

Friday, June 7th> Luke 13: 6-9; Matthew chapters 17-19

5. What does this passage in Luke 13 reveal about the TRUE heart of God towards His children who may have missed seasons of productiveness for one reason or another? How should we respond to God's compassion and mercy?

Saturday, June 8th> Romans 12: 1-2; Matthew chapters 20-22

6. Unlike many fruit trees whose flowers "show" on the outside, what does God want us to learn from the fig tree whose fruit IS the flower?

Sunday, June 9th> Psalm chapter 1; Matthew chapters 23-25

7. Although God has promised to make us fruitful in the spring AND in the fall, what attitude must we be mindful to have if we want our fall harvest to be different?

"US" and "THEM"

Week of May 27th: "US" and "THEM"

Monday, May 27th> Matthew 13: 1-9

1.  What is the difference between hearing a SERMON and hearing a WORD?

Tuesday, May 28th> Matthew 13: 10-15

2.  Is Christ making a distinction between "US" and "THEM" because He wants to encourage cliques inside of the church?

Wednesday, May 29th> Matthew 13: 10-15 (MSG); Matthew 25: 14-30

3.  Although it seems unfair, why does the kingdom of  heaven work to give to those who already have and multiply what's already there?

Thursday, May 30th> Matthew 13: 16-23

4.  How does the difference between "crowds" and "disciples" help define what Jesus meant by "THEM" and "US"?

Friday, May 31st> Matthew 6: 19-34

5.  Why is God calling us to become kingdom-minded?

Saturday, June 1st> Matthew 13: 9; Proverbs chapter 4

6.  In what way do these passages reveal the fact that the power of moving from "THEM" to "US" lies with US?

Sunday, June 2nd> Matthew 6: 33; Proverbs chapter 3

7.  What will be the manifestation that we have shifted from just being a churchgoer to a lifestyle of being INVADED by the kingdom of God?

MAY YOUR SOUL PROSPER!

What do you do when you discover something old and filthy that is no longer needed at all?... It's not a trick question, YOU DISCARD IT! You create a separation between it and you, you no longer allow it to remain taking up space and affecting your clean environment.

Well this is the same response that our Heavenly Father has afforded us, the ability to slay, mortify, put off, get rid of, disarm, and cast off the residue, filth and abundance of wickedness that shows up to hinder the reception of His implanted Word within us!

Read with us this week and find out, the Key to your Prospering Soul! It's the implanted Word within you that saves your mind, will, and emotions, when you yield to it, obey it, and discard everything else!

Week of 5/19 CAST OFF AND MAKE ROOM FOR THE IMPLANTED

Monday, May 20th; James 1:21-25

1.) Why is it important to LIVE OUT the Word of God?

Tuesday, May 21st> Colossians 3:5-6; Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:14 (NET)

2.) Why is it so vitally important to completely PUT TO DEATH/turn completely away from the world’s way of doing things?

Wednesday, May 22nd> Colossians 3:7-8,10; 2 Corinthians 5:17

3.) How does the Word implanted in us by God, continually allow us to grow and blossom when the filth, wickedness, evil excess, and our old way of being is prevalent at every turn (i.e. T.V., Facebook, our minds)? Why have we been given the BENEFIT of becoming new in Christ and casting away our old nature?

Thursday, May 23rd> Colossians 2:13-15; Colossians 3:9; Hebrews 12:2-3

4.) Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities. How do we disarm our old man?

Friday, May 24th> 1 Peter 2:1; Hebrews 12:1; James 1:27

5.) What tools has the Lord given us to put off the weight of evil and deceit? Why is it important to put the weights off?

Saturday, May 25th> James 1:25; Hebrews 4:12

6.) How do you adjust yourself/your life to LIVE OUT God’s Word? What are the benefits of peering into God’s perfect law of liberty?

Sunday, May 26th> 3 John 1:2; Romans 8:11

7.) The reception of the implanted word within us causes us to live a healthy spiritual life, where our soul is being saved and prospering. What is God's desire for our physical health as well?

When God Commands a MOTHER: It's NOT Over!

Week of May 13th> When God Commands a MOTHER: It's NOT Over!

Monday, May 13th> 1 Kings 16: 17-34; 1 Kings 17:1- 6

1.  What should the stand of the totally devoted be when those in authority turn their backs on the One true God?

Tuesday, May 14th> 1 Kings 17: 1-9; Jeremiah 15: 16

2. In what way is our OBEDIENCE to God's command a reflection of the level of TRUST we have in His Word?

Wednesday, May 15th>1 Kings 17: 7- 16; Luke 4: 25- 26

3.  What specific PURPOSES does God have for "drying up" certain areas in our lives?

Thursday, May 16th> 1 Kings 17: 7- 16; Acts 19: 21-41

4.  How devoted must we be to KNOWING and DECLARING the TRUTH of Who God is no matter what the popular belief is all around us?

Friday, May 17th> 1 Kings 17: 17-24; Hebrews 11:35

5.  What is the purpose behind God's ARITHMETIC (taking away something He has given us)?

Saturday, May 18th> 1 Kings 17: 22-24; Acts 19: 11-20

6.  Why is it important that the world see the SUPERNATURAL power of God through us?

Sunday, May 19th> Matthew 11: 20- 30

7.  Why does God desire for us to not only SEE and BE EXCITED about the miracles we experience, but also ADJUST our lives to His perfect will?

What Is Jesus Doing TODAY?

Week of May 6th> What Is Jesus Doing TODAY?

Monday, May 6th> John 14: 1-14
1.  What is the average Christian's concept of what Christ is doing in heaven today?

Tuesday, May 7th> John 14: 15-21
2.  Why is going from just UPHOLDING the 10 commandments to OBEYING them necessary ?

Wednesday, May 8th> Hebrews 1: 1-3
3.  What has God appointed Jesus to DO while He is seated at God's right hand?

Thursday, May 9th> Hebrews 5: 1-10
4.  Although Jesus has been given the authority to uphold the Word of His power in our lives, why do we often not see that power manifested in our lives TODAY?

Friday, May 10th> Romans 8: 14-17
5.  Because we are JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST, what is our responsibility in this partnership?

Saturday, May 11th> Matthew 21: 18-22; Matthew 12: 33-37
6.  In what way is our profession and confession the "missing link" to seeing God's will manifested in our lives TODAY?

Sunday, May 12th> Hebrews 5: 1-14; Psalm 103: 20-21
7.  What supernatural event occurs as we "say the same thing" God says about our situation?

Get ASSEMBLED: The Necessity of the Church

Week of April 29th> Get ASSEMBLED: The Necessity of the Church

Monday, April 29th> Acts 2: 1-4; John 20: 19-28

1.  In what way is the mindset of many believers regarding going to church a sign that the church is under attack?

Tuesday, April 30th> Acts 1: 4-26; Acts 2: 41-47

2.  What IS the purpose of the church, and how have YOU benefitted from the existence of your local church?

Wednesday, May 1st> Acts 11: 19-30; Matthew 16: 18

3.  Because God intended the church to be the MOST POWERFUL ENTITY on earth, what IMPACT does she have the potential to make on the laws that are being passed?

Thursday, May 2nd> 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6; Ephesians 4: 1- 16

4.  How does the church go about advancing the kingdom and being effective in the harvest?

Friday, May 3rd> Acts 15: 1-21; 1Corinthians 1:10

5.  What causes the church --an entity so strong and empowered by an EXTREME God-- to lose ground to a much lesser force?

Saturday, May 4th> Exodus 12: 50-51; Exodus   13: 17-18; Numbers 2: 1-2

6.  How does this passage show that God intends for His body to function through the UNITED assembly of ranks?

Sunday, May 5th>  1 Corinthians 12: 7-11; Romans 12: 3-8; Ephesians 4: 11-16

7.  How does the revelation that EVERYONE in the body has a gifting and a place in the ranks encourage you to get/stay ASSEMBLED?

Our EXTREME GOD

Week of April 22nd> Our EXTREME GOD

Monday, April 22nd > Genesis chapter 1

1. In what way does the Creation show the EXTREME nature of God (going beyond reason, convention, and what is usual)?

Tuesday, April 23rd> Exodus chapter 14

2. Because God is an EXTREME God, what is His purpose for placing us in situations that defy the natural?

Wednesday, April 24th> Psalm chapter 145 (MESSAGE)

3. What should our praise look and sound like in order to reflect the EXTREME nature of our God?

Thursday, April 25th> Psalm chapter 103

4. Due to the LIMITLESS nature of God's mercy, what should our attitude be towards those who are lost or backslidden ?

Friday, April 26th> Job chapter 26 (MESSAGE)

5. Armed with the knowledge of how AWESOME our God is, how should we respond to dire circumstances?

Saturday, April 27th> Ephesians 3: 14-21; Acts 4: 23-31

6. What part will the revelation that we have God's EXTREME power working IN US play in the 110?

Sunday, April 28th> Isaiah chapter 40; Matthew 22: 34-40

7. Because of God's EXTREME LOVE, and the fact that He is FOR US, how should we live our lives for Him?