Clean Sweep

"God doesn't seek for golden vessels, and does not ask for silver ones, but He must have clean ones." -- D.L. Moody

Years ago, I enjoyed watching the show Clean Sweep on The Learning Channel (TLC).  TLC describes the show as follows:

"Too much stuff? Not enough space? Is your house cluttered from floor to ceiling with more disorder than anyone can handle? Clean Sweep is an emotionally charged yet often comedic hour of television.  In every episode, our team of ruthless, yet talented, experts will help homeowners dramatically transform two areas in their house from disaster areas to functional, stylishly organized living spaces..." (TLC, last accessed 12.27.2012)

One of my favorite parts of the show was when all the contents of the rooms being remodeled were placed out on the front lawn in a pile.  The homeowners then had to divide the pile into three categories: keep, sell, throw away.  Often, the homeowners would simply start putting everything in the keep category.  Eventually, one of the hosts would come out and make them start over, and in the end, the keep pile was usually the smallest and the throw away pile was the largest.

I was always amazed at how much "stuff" people had in their homes, let alone their closets; and TLC wasn't kidding when they described the show as "emotionally charged."  The homeowners in the show would shed tears over "stuff" that looked like complete junk to me, but had obvious sentimental value to them.  However, no matter how many tears were shed or arguments raised about what they could keep or not keep, they were required to eliminate "stuff" from their life.  Fortunately, the skilled team of "ruthless, yet talented, experts" helped navigate the tumultuous waters of change

While all of this was taking place, a crew of designers and builders worked hard to remodel the rooms inside.  They tore out old structures that were no longer needed and added new ones to help reinforce the changes being made outside.  Not only were structural changes made, but aesthetic enhancements were introduced to create a sense of connection with the new space.  I have to admit, I may have coveted a few times after the rooms were completed.  Some of them were simply amazing.

At the end of the show, the homeowners would experience the big reveal. They would get blindfolded and led into the newly designed spaces.  When the blindfold was removed, they would be in awe of what had been accomplished.  Some would gawk with their mouth wide open, others started crying, while some literally jumped for joy.  I can only recall one time when the homeowner was unhappy with the results, but it was no surprise to the crew, or the viewers.  That individual fussed and complained the entire show.

When you think about it, our lives are not much different than our homes.  As time goes by we collect all types of "stuff" in our lives.  Some "stuff" is collected through moments of great joy and celebration, while other "stuff" is a result of challenges and difficulties.  It could be emotional baggage from relationships gone bad, or behavioral habits resulting from the people you spend time with. Regardless of the source of our "stuff," we all have some and many of us have more than we should.

Now, just as physical stuff can clutter a room, excessive and unhealthy mental, emotional, and spiritual "stuff" can clutter our lives.  In fact, many of us need to make a clean sweep through our lives.  We need to take inventory and get rid of the clutter building up inside of us.  This is a challenging task regardless of age, maturity, or spiritual status with God.  It's challenging because our "stuff," both the positive and the negative, has helped mold and shape us into who we are.  We are used to our "stuff;" it is a part of us.

When an drug addict goes into a rehab program, one of the first steps is to detoxify the individual.  According to Merriam-Webster, the goal is to "remove a harmful substance (as a poison or toxin) or the effect of such from" the individual (Merriam-Webster, last accessed 12.27.2012).  By removing the toxins having a negative impact on the individual, they can begin to focus on rebuilding healthy structures, boundaries, and relationships in their life.  Ideally, at the end of rehab the individual has the "tools" and resources necessary to make healthy decisions leading to a purposeful and meaningful future.

Like an addict whose body needs to be detoxified, many of us (myself included) need to detoxify our lives of the bad "stuff" we have collected and stored across the years.  If we fail to remove the clutter of "stuff" from our lives, it will hinder us from achieving our full potential.  If, however, we can put our lives through a rehab program, of sorts, we will increase our potential to live a purposeful, meaningful, and significant life now and in the future.

These concepts have been at the forefront of my thinking as I reflect on personal, local, national, and global events of 2012.  As a result, I am challenged with how to make 2013 more purposeful and meaningful not only personally, but in as many areas as possible. I am challenged to live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year with purpose and meaning. To accomplish this, I have chosen to approach the coming year in the following way:

Detoxification:  Craig Groeschel wrote a book in 2012 entitled, Soul Detox: Clean Living In A Contaminated World.  His basic premise is that we need to clean our lives of anything that is not beneficial for us.  We need to eliminate toxic behaviors, emotions, and influences from our lives. If I am, if we are, going to live 24/7/365, these must go!  This is fully possible through a relationship with Jesus. Why? Because he will give us what's necessary to get the job done (Philippians 4:13); because in the midst of trials and difficulties, he has overcome the world (John 16:33).

Remodel:  Just like in the show Clean Sweep, the rooms of my life, of your life, need to be remodeled to reinforce the changes resulting from the detoxification process.  For some this might include a new foundation all together, for others it might simply be an adjustment here or a tweak there. Overall, I believe this remodel MUST include more intimate time in God's word and a greater commitment to prayer than ever before.

The Reveal:  The moment of truth in Clean Sweep comes when the remodel is revealed to the homeowners for the first time.  There is great joy and excitement when they see the remodeled rooms, and what we get excited about we share.  Think about the last time something wonderful happened in your life.  Did you keep it a secret? I submit that you did not. I imagine those homeowners couldn't wait to share about their newly remodeled rooms.  They probably had a big party with all the neighbors and celebrated for days, if not weeks.

As our lives are detoxified and remodeled, I need to, you need to, celebrate what is happening and then reveal the results to others.  People get excited about excitement. It's practically contagious. Your reveal may just be the incentive needed to begin the process in their own life.  One by one, we can make a difference in the lives of people around us.

I am excited about the potential 2013 holds to live 24/7/365.  May you experience a clean sweep in your life that leads to unlocking your potential in the coming year as well.  May God guide us, shape us, and use us to accomplish great things for Him in the world around us.

Until next time,

David

They Rode Home In A Hearse

I understand the excitement of firing a gun.  I served in our armed forces where I fired a gun for the very first time.  They trained me to strip it down, clean it, put it back together, and hit my target every time.  I admit there was an adrenaline rush the first time I pulled the trigger on that M-16.  The raw power I held in my hands was incredible.  Later I served in the Air Force Honor Guard where I became proficient with the M-1 Carbine.  I shot that rifle in twenty-one gun salutes more than I can remember, and even though we only shot blanks, the power of the gun was still apparent.  Fortunately, I was one of the “good guys.”  I treated these weapons with respect and used them for appropriate purposes.

I also understand the practical use of guns.  While I prefer to use a bow, many of my friends who hunt prefer the rifle.  Some hunt for sport (not a fan), while others hunt for food (the only good reason to hunt).  Hunters have very particular requirements governing the use of weapons in hunting (i.e., wearing orange, type and caliber of gun, etc…).  If they get caught in violation, they lose their ability to hunt. 

Now I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure our founding fathers would be devastated by the events of last week.  I’m pretty sure their intentional inclusion of the Second Amendment was more practical for their day.  Not only that, but they were using muskets – guns that required the shooter to reload after each shot.  I’m not convinced our founding fathers would have been as generic about the right to bear arms if there had been automatic, semi-automatic, or assault weapons available to the general public back then. I’m pretty sure they would have implemented significant restrictions.

As a youth pastor, I was directly connected to students who personally experienced the Columbine shootings in April of 1999.  I spent time helping them move past the loss of friends and learning in the midst of great tragedy, there is still hope and a future.

The tragedies last week, in both Oregon and Connecticut, should remind us that life itself is more valuable than the right to bear arms.  I'm not suggesting we take away that right, but the children who died in CT last week will never have an opportunity to exercise their Second Amendment rights.  So, do we emphasize the right to bear arms or the sanctity of life?

In my humble opinion, the abuse of guns in our country should be as important a topic as gay marriage or legalizing marijuana was in the last election.  Regardless of which side of these two issues you fall, are they truly more important than the lives of the children and teachers taken from their families last week?  I submit they are not. Why then are we afraid to tackle this issue head on?

I don’t want guns to go away.  I want them regulated in a way that protects our right to have them, but at the same time, limits or deters individuals from using them inappropriately. I don’t have the answers either. I wish I did. 

What I do know is that we, as individuals and a nation, need to openly discuss this issue with honesty and respect, and for the purpose of limiting/preventing another Columbine (CO), Virginia Tech (VA), Batman shooting (CO), Clackamas Mall (OR), or Sandy Hook (CT). If you don’t believe me, just ask the parents of the Sandy Hook kids who rode home from school, not in a school bus, but in a hearse.

May God grant us the strength to put our differences aside for the sanctity of human life, and our children’s future!

Until next time,

David

PS - This NY Times article about the events of last week is worth reading.  Maybe it will jump start some healthy conversations where you live. 

Weekend Update Dec 08-09

Don’t miss week two of the Carols Christmas series.  This week, we will explore O Come All Ye Faithful to discover how a little baby helps us to be more faithful, joyful, and triumphant everyday and not just during the Christmas season. Why not invite someone this Sunday? Remember, found people find people!

Also… don’t forget your Bring Hope Challenge offering Sunday.  How awesome would it be to reach our goal of $3000 tomorrow?  You can learn about this year’s Bring Hope Challenge on the church website.

Join us in serving at the Union Gospel Mission.  Meet at the church Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm.  We will carpool down to the mission to serve the evening meal.  Afterwards, we’ll fellowship with some goodies.  This is a great opportunity to build the kingdom of God in a practical way.

Hope to see you there!

Pastor David

Everybody Like A Good Story

Everybody likes a good story.  We tell them around camp fires; we read them to our children; we watch the evening news to hear about stories from around the world.  We laugh and cry with them; we are motivated by them; we learn from them.  Most of all – we connect with them at some personal level.

As created beings, we have a connection with the most important story of all – the story of God!  God’s story began with time itself, at the dawn of creation.  We connect with this story because we were woven into its fabric long before we were physically created.  As God planned and prepared to create the heavens and the earth, he did so with us in mind.  He designed his creation knowing one day you and I would be a part of His story.

To better understand how we fit into God’s story, I am going to begin a new series on July 22^nd, 2012 called “Life’s Little Stories.”  This series will explore some of the parables of Jesus. Parables were used to communicate an understanding of God and His story in ways people could understand and connect with.  As we better understand these stories, we will discover ways to better connect with the story of God.

I want to challenge you to participate in as much of this series as possible.  It has the potential to be incredibly life changing for every person who attends.  In fact, I believe it will be so life changing I want to challenge you to invite someone to experience this series with you.  Who do you know that needs to discover their place in the story of God?

If you live outside of Seattle or can’t make it to a service in person, you can watch one of the Sunday Replays Tuesday through Friday (check online.gothope365.com for times).  You can also listen to the sermons in the resource section of www.gothope365.com, at sermon.net/gothope365, or on iTunes (search “Community of Hope Seattle” or “David Chambers”). New sermon audio is usually available the Tuesday following the service.

Whatever you do… DON’T MISS THIS SERIES!

Until next time,

David

Weekly Wrap-up for Community of Hope

The end is near.  Yes, last Sunday we started the first of four final messages in our journey through Paul's letter to the Ephesians. This has been a real growing experience for me as I have studied Ephesians more thoroughly than ever before; and honestly, there is so much more to discover.  I hope you have not only enjoyed our time, but found this series to be beneficial in your life.  Which leads me to an important question...

Did you Armor Up this week?  Did you take a stand against evil and the various ways it presents itself in our world (poverty, hunger, abuse, discouragement, etc...)?  The enemy of God is real and would like nothing more than to scam/trick/scheme his way into your life.  Don't sit idly by, but "be strong in the Lord and his mighty power."  It's time to say enough is enough and take a stand against the enemy of God!  Remember, the enemy wants to make good men/women weak, but God makes weak men/women strong!

Church online continues to reach people across the country and around the world. I want to challenge you to find time this week or next to do two things regarding this new ministry.  1) Take some time to participate in one of the replays.  You can find the schedule at online.gothope365.com. By doing this, you will have a better understanding of what people are experiencing when they watch online.  Better yet, why not invite someone to experience church online with you when you watch.

2) Pray for this new ministry; pray people will be impacted powerfully by the sharing of God's word;  pray lives will be changed, relationships repaired, families healed; pray the process of producing this aspect of ministry will go smoothly; pray about how you might support or participate in this ministry.

Summer Sod Squad: Summer is here... sort of. The month of June hasn't felt very summery, but that hasn't stopped the grass from growing.  If you enjoy working in the yard, why not do it for God and help keep the outside of the church looking good.  It should take more than an hour each week.  If more than one person is interested we can take turns. Let me know.

Cleaning Crew: I am so thankful for the men and women who volunteer to clean the church ONE Saturday per month.  However, we need some more people to help make this task as easy and efficient as possible.  It doesn't take more than 1-1.5 hours to get it done... even less if there are more people. Let me know if you can help.

Remember... Found people find people and saved people serve people. Who are you inviting to church and how are you serving in the kingdom?

I love our church and the people who call it home.  I am privileged and honored to build the kingdom with you in our community.  See you on Sunday!

Pastor David

Hey Community of Hope:

I was wondering…

1. Have you submitted to one another out of reverence for Christ this week (Eph 5:21)? I have been working on this area in my life. I hope you have as well.  Remember, this is not about control; but is all about love for others because Christ first loved us by giving his live and paying the price for our sins. Men, I'm praying you listened well and are working on loving your wives as Christ loved the church.  If you're not married, I have prayed for this passage to influence your potential marriage in the future. Remember, your life and the lives of people around you will be so much better when you submit out of reverence for what Christ has done.

This Sunday, I'm going to teach on the parent/child relationship described by the Apostle Paul in Eph 6:1-4.

2. Will you tell someone how to experience the Sunday message if they can't come to service?  1) You can listen to the sermon again on the church website at www.gothope365.com, at sermon.net/gothope365.com, or as an iTunes podcast (search "David Chambers" or "Community of Hope Seattle" to locate).  Sermons are generally available on the following Tuesday on the website and sermon.net, or if you subscribe to the iTunes podcast.  Otherwise, it will be available when iTunes performs their scheduled updates of podcasts.

2) You can also watch the entire service at gothope365.churchonline.org on Tuesday evenings at 7pm.  The "doors" open at 6:30pm for pre-service announcements and videos.  During the Sunday Replay this week, people from five states watched the service.  God is doing something exciting with this new ministry.  If you are interested in helping in this new ministry with your time, talents, or financial resources, please send an e-mail to david@gothope365.com so we can get you plugged in.

3. Can you help promote the Outdoor Summer Movie Series with materials available this Sunday: Beginning in June, our FREE Dinner & A Movie nights will be outdoors (indoors in case of rain).  The Summer Series will feature A Bugs Life, The Lion King, and Night At The Museum.  In addition there will be monthly door prizes, and a Grand Prize at the end of the Summer.  Watch for more details and start planning now to invite everyone you know to the FREE Dinner & A Movie event on the 3rd Saturday of June, July, and August.

4. If you will pick up your quarterly giving statement on Sunday.  They can be picked up in the foyer before or after service.  Any statements that are not picked up will be mailed.  Thank you for your faithfulness in bringing the full tithe!

5. Do you remember: Found people, find people; and saved people, serve people.  Whom do you need to find or serve in your life? You may be their only opportunity to encounter Jesus in the world around them.

6. Did you know five years ago, this Sunday, I preached my first sermon as your pastor.  Since then, we have worked, played, laughed, cried, and shared the burden of building God's kingdom together in the world around us. I want you to know that now, more than ever before, I love my church!  I am so very excited to see what God does in us and through us during the next five years as we are faithful to follow his lead.  You are loved more than you know!

Until next time,

Pastor David

Prison Breaks, Replays, Outdoor Movies, and Other Thoughts

1.  I really enjoyed starting the Prison Break series again; and what a great passage to start-up with.  "Be imitators of God... and live a life of love" (Eph 5:1-2).  Be a copy cat... and then walk as children of the light; walk like you just used the mimeograph machine or had a BBQ for God, so people can see His love inside of you (if that doesn't make sense you should listen to the sermon or watch the replay).  Remember, if you’re not sure how to do that, ask "What does love require of me?"  If you answer honestly, you'll never go wrong following love's requirements.

On a personal note, "What does love require of me?" was a very powerful concept for me.  I'm grateful for fellow preachers like Andy Stanley for their insight, wisdom, creativity, and willingness to share their ideas. I pray God will use this concept to influence, mold, and bless your life as well. Don’t forget, you can download the “What does love require of me?” backgrounds on the church website. Click on the “current series” link in the resource section to find them.

2. You can experience Sunday's message again in two ways.  1) You can listen to the sermon again on the church website at www.gothope365.com, at sermon.net/gothope365, or as an iTunes podcast (search "David Chambers" or "Community of Hope Seattle" to locate).  Sermons are generally available on the following Tuesday on the website and sermon.net, or if you subscribe to the iTunes podcast.  Otherwise, it will be available when iTunes performs their scheduled updates of podcasts.

2) You can also watch the entire service at online.gothope365.com on Tuesday evenings at 7pm.  The "doors" open at 6:30pm for pre-service announcements and videos.  This is a new ministry adventure for us and is being fine tuned and tweaked each week.  In its infancy, people from 5 states and 2 countries outside the USA have experienced God at Community of Hope either during the live streaming broadcast or the Sunday Replay later in the week.

If you are interested in helping in this new ministry with your time, talents, or financial resources, please send an e-mail to david@gothope365.com so we can get you plugged in.

3. Outdoor Summer Movie Series: Beginning in June, our FREE Dinner & A Movie nights will be outdoors (indoors in case of rain).  This summer will feature A Bugs Life, The Lion King, and Night at the Museum.  In addition there will be monthly door prizes and a Grand Prize at the end of the summer.  Watch for more details and start planning now to invite everyone you know to the FREE Dinner & A Movie event on the 3rd Saturday of June, July, and August.

4. The resource section of our church website has been updated to include an Amazon.com section.  We receive a percentage of all purchases initiated through our website.  This has totaled more than $150 dollars of “free” money.  If you’re going to buy something, you might as well buy it through our amazon links so the church can benefit.

5. In the coming days, I will be sharing some devotionals from Perry Noble.  Perry has been one of my “unofficial” mentors.  I listen to his preaching and leadership teachings on a regular basis.  He is currently sharing some thoughts with his church that I think will benefit all of us.  Watch for these to post in my blog at www.myteleios.com. It will be like having a guest speaker/columnist.

6.  Remember:  Found people, find people.  Who do you know that needs help finding Christ in their life?  You may be their best opportunity to experience the God of Creation. Keep your eyes open and your spirit tuned to what God may want to accomplish through you!

You are loved more than you know!

Until next time,

Pastor David

Important Thoughts Before Easter Sunday!

1. Invite someone to come with you on Easter Sunday.  There will be a FREE pancake breakfast from 8:45 to 9:45am.  It will be followed by a time of hope and celebration at 10:00am.  Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to help someone experience the amazing grace God has to offer through the gift of his son, Jesus.  There are plenty more tickets available if you need some.  Just let me know.  Remember, found people find people.

2. If you use Facebook, keep your eyes open for an advertisement for the pancake breakfast and Easter service.  So far the add has been seen by 19,580 people an average of 17 times. Almost 100 people have clicked on the ad to find out more.  Please pray God will use these ads to reach the people who need to be at Community of Hope on Easter.

3. Don’t forget about the 24-hours of prayer and fasting beginning Friday (Apr 6^th) at 6PM.  I encourage you to commit to pray for an hour at the church on Saturday (Apr 7^th).  One hour time slots begin at 6am and continue through the day with the last one starting at 5pm.   If you didn’t sign-up for a time on Sunday, let me know when you want to pray so I know to expect you.

4. Remember to take some time this week to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for you when he died on the cross.  The gift of mercy and forgiveness you have received is available for everyone.  Don’t let anyone in your life miss out on the opportunity to receive the same gifts of mercy and forgiveness.

Until next time,

David

Six Things I want to Share Today with Community of Hope

1. I was very blessed on Sunday with both our worship and the powerful message that God brought us. As I have preached through the book of Ephesians, I am constantly finding myself blessed by the power of God's love for me. The simple fact that he loved us enough to allow his son to die on the cross, be buried in a tomb, and raised from the dead three days later is life changing. The amazing grace we have received from God's gift to us through Jesus is awe-inspiring. Even more amazing, is he would have done it for any ONE of us.

2. If you missed the Annual Vision Meeting last Sunday evening, you missed seeing me do my best surfer pose. Why was I posing like a surfer? I was letting everyone know there is a wave coming. You see, I believe God is about to move in a powerful way and that a giant outpouring of the Holy Spirit is about to wash over Community of Hope like a tsunami sized wave. This is why I think we’re going to experience a W.A.V.E.: We have(W)aited on God's timing (Proverbs 16:9); (A)ctively equipped the membership. (Ephesians 4:11 – 12); our (V)alues, vision, and purpose remained consistent (Proverbs 4:26 – 27); and as a result, we can(E)xpect overwhelming growth (Ecclesiastes 3:1 – 2; Ephesians 3:20; Luke 16:10a). Are you ready to ride the wave with me?

3. Important dates: as part of our buildup towards Easter Sunday, don't miss these important dates. The start of the Ignite sermon series on March 11; the prayer and fasting challenge which begins March 14; and I especially want to encourage you to participate in the BIG DAY training March 10 at 11 AM. For some this will be brand-new and for others it will be an important reminder as to how we can make the most of our Easter Sunday opportunity. Check the church website (www.gothope365.com) for the most recent information.

4. Our FREE Dinner & A Movie is scheduled for March 17 at 6:30 PM. It will feature the DreamWorks movie over the hedge. Your help is needed in distributing door hangers on March 10 at 9 AM. Please mark your connection card this Sunday if you can help with this important activity.

5. Easter Sunday is April 8, 2012 and will be here before you know it. Start praying NOW about who you will invite to experience God on that day. I believe God wants to move in a powerful way on Easter Sunday, and I want to challenge you to be 1 in 100 people who attend our service. Don't forget… The WAVE is coming!

6. Remember – found people find people. Who in your life is "lost". You may be just the person to find them and show them Jesus!

I am both honored and humbled to be your pastor. Thank you for serving the God of creation with me. You are loved more than you know!

Pastor David

SIX Things I want to share with Community of Hope

1. Sunday was pretty awesome.  I definitely felt God move during our worship time.  Of course, when you celebrate the name of Jesus, every chain can be broken.  I continue to be excited about Ephesians, chapter 4.  The possibilities for our church (or any church for that matter) are tremendous when we do the things we have been equipped to do.  Remember, we were given Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to equip the saints (that's you) to do works of service that build the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).  Are you living a purposeful life and doing what you have been equipped to do?

2. This Sunday, we will celebrate the Ferguson family, and their time at Community of Hope, during a potluck following the morning service.  Please bring a main dish and a side that will feed your family plus one person.  The church will provide the drinks and dessert.  Your help is needed in the kitchen and with clean up.  Please e-mail me if you can help!

3. With Alicia's departure we find ourselves searching for a worship leader.  I do not believe this situation has caught God off-guard, and that he has someone in mind for us.  I am attempting to secure interim leader(s) until a permanent worship leader can be located.  Please pray with the Leadership Team and me for guidance and direction during this process.

4. You’re invited to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday at our next Dinner & A Movie event on February 18^th.  We’ll kick off the event at 6:30 with a “Seussical” dinner and a special showing of The Lorax.  This will be followed by our feature presentation, Horton Hears A Who at 7:00pm. Your HELP IS NEEDED on Saturday at 10:00am to distribute door hangers.  Many hands make light work.

5. In the coming days, you will receive information about our plans for Easter Sunday.  I want to challenge you to start praying, right now, about who you will be inviting.  I believe you can be 1 in 100.  How awesome would that be to celebrate the risen Lord with 99 other people?  If each of us goes out and does what we have been equipped to do, this can be accomplished. I believe in you – you can do it!

6. REMEMBER: Found people FIND people!

See you soon,

Pastor David

A Few More things...

I know I already shared some thoughts with you this week, but these are too good to pass up!  FIRST, be sure to read this article about the Church & Culture.  It is a powerful message about knowing what we’re in the business of doing.

SECOND, I want to share some thoughts from Perry Noble, who is someone that inspires me in ministry.  Perry writes:

• All too often we want to expect great things from God but don’t want to put forth any energy to see them come to pass.
• Loving the Lord with all our strength means that it is going to take energy and effort on our part to grow in our relationship with Him.
• We cannot achieve God’s love…we just receive it!
• If the apostle Paul had work to do in his life (see Philippians 3:10-14), then so do we!
• Why would God trust you with what is next if He cannot trust you with what He’s telling you to do now?
• Many times Christians would rather pray than obey!  (All too often people will say they are praying about something in order to delay obedience…and delayed obedience is deliberate disobedience!)
• Procrastination is assassination of the amazing future that God has planned for your life.
• You CAN do what Jesus is leading you to do! (see Jeremiah 32:27 and Philippians 4:13)
• Until you take your next step…you’re stuck!!!  (See Ezekiel 14:1-6)  This is why some people can attend church for decades and remain the same…because they refuse to take their next step in their walk with Christ.
• The next step that Jesus wants us to take isn’t always easy…but it’s always right!

If we take these teachings seriously, Community of Hope and our area of influence will never be the same.  Now, go out and change someone’s life!

Until next time…

David