God is moving His people and leading them into a deeper trust
and dependency in Him; where our relationship is being strengthened
and we are becoming more rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ.
Providence – defined as the sustaining, governing, care
of God. His sovereign will; His superior rule that is controlling
everything that pertains to our individual’s lives.
Our patriarch, Joseph, is a great biblical example of
the providence of God operating. As outlined in Genesis
(chapters 37- 50),
Joseph encounters many stages: thrown into a pit; sold into
slavery; wrongly accused and thrown into prison; and finally,
rightly appointed as prime minister in the palace. It is through
each of these seasons, that Joseph began to understand the
sustaining, governing care of God working in his life. However,
often times as believers, when we encounter similar dark
seasons, we tend to lose sight of God. We struggle and question
within, “why
do bad things happen to good people?”
Know this: we suffer and struggle due to the Adamic sinful
nature of man. However, while we are struggling between the
providence of God and the full revelation of His plan (promise);
God is developing within each of us reliance (trust) in Him.
We can discover His divine providence in our difficult situations.
This season we will experience:
Transformation
Revelation
Impartation
Colossians
1:16 states, “for by him, were all things
created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible
and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions,
or principalities, or powers: all things were created by
him, and for him:”.
This lets us know that God is leading and directing and
is in control of our lives. So, our assurance is this – before
we even reach our season, God has already worked His
plan in the midst of our struggle and all things will work
out
according
to His good pleasure.
God does his best work in the dark,
so remain steadfast and continue to move in the plan of God.
From the
Pastor’s
Desk
Click here to view and download a copy of the Schedule
of Events for O' Give Thanks
To hear a special audio presentation regarding this devotional,
please click on the play button below...
Greetings!
Positioning yourself for victory can be hard to do without a concrete plan. If we are going to become all that God desires us to be, it will require a balanced approach to both the spiritual and physical aspects of our lives. We cannot focus on one area to the exclusion of the other. Our victory is accomplished when optimal health in spirit, soul and body is reached.
The plan is simple: A twenty-one [21] day turnaround
The goal is reachable: Developing habits that will position each of us for victory
Cultivating a balanced life requires devoting time each day to the spiritual and natural disciplines. You will be charged to work on these applications individually, as well as a church family. All are included here on these pages.
Scripture Memorization
Every day you will be given a scriptural focus for your spirit man to feed on. You are also encouraged to utilize the space provided for you to journal your thoughts, prayers, feelings, meditations, and inspirations. At the end of twenty-one days, you will have successfully memorized 7 scriptures, all of which are directly related to our mission of a twenty-one day turnaround.
Spiritual Application
As you begin to study and memorize scripture, you will notice that your attitude will begin to transform to that of which you are studying. Each day you will be given some application tools and assessments as well as some renewal addresses/tips relating to your emotions. Areas of focus will include:
Forgiveness
Attitude Adjustments
How to achieve balance
Prioritizing - How to place God first
Physical Application
This area will deal with a very simple approach: diet and exercise. This will be an area of suggestion only and is not intended to replace any dietary plans or programs that have been recommended by your physician.
Shall We Begin?
Now you have a clear overview of what the next twenty-one [21] days will present. I hope you are excited about this journey as I am. If you will walk with me during this next twenty-one days, I believe God that He will reward our efforts; and, we will be positioned for victory. Click
here to download the supplemental guide.
Checklist for the Spiritual Journey.
King James Bible
This Devotional Journal
Attendance to Wednesday Bible Class
A set time and place for prayer
Worship CD *[optional]
Accountability partner
Check list for the Physical Journey
A good pair of walking sneakers
64-oz refillable water bottle
Walkman, I-POD, or other portable music player
Accountability partner
** PRECAUTIONS TO FASTING**
Remember personal hygiene: brush teeth, wash body and comb hair. Look as if you’re not fasting.
Consult with your spouse, normal marital relations discontinue for that time [1Cor 7:5].
Don't eat a heavy meal before or after fasting. The
heavy meal prior makes you hungry and the meal afterwards
could hurt you! (Juices, fruits, soups, salads, and gradually
increase to solids). Click
here to download the supplemental
guide.
5:00am
Prayer is back in session!
Join us for a special time of prayer and
communion with the Lord every Wednesday morning in the Multi-Purpose
Facility!
Man to Man "the truth will set you free..."
Men, this is your opportunity to connect with other men as
we challenge one another to be the best we can be. Join us
each week...
Woman to Woman "just
keeping it real..."
Women, this is your opportunity to connect with other women as we discuss real
issues concerning as women and what God's word says about them.
Join
us
each week...
