Free to G.R.O.W. Challenge and Story #1

Pray for Protection!

The Final Message in Living Beyond Our Means was a great reminder that we are not ever supposed to be relying on ourselves - We must rely on God, through intense prayer, and as we do the ripple effect of changed lives will move so far beyond our own circles to the rest of the world that we may not realize the effect for many years to come!  However, as we approach Free to Grow Sunday, we are going to need much protection and reliance upon God - spend some time this week praying for God to protect us as we hit the final 6 days before Free to Grow Celebration!

1 Corinthians 1:9-11(NIV)

"...this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.  He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."

Cool Story #1

Someone shared with me today that they had been a victim of bank fraud and thus, while all of this was getting straightened out, they were minimizing the writing of checks for fear of overdrawing their account.  The bank was working with them and yet they were still a little hesitant.  The reason for the call to me was that they wanted to put a commitment note in the offering this Sunday instead of a check because they wanted to be a part of the miracle and will write their check as soon as things settle for them. 

Praise the Lord for changed lives - I believe that the real miracle here is that a large part of our church has experienced a greater dependance upon God as a result of this leap of faith!  Changed lives are what it is all about!