Week 11: Do You "Shrink-wrap" God?

Week 11 verses: Psalm 23; 1 Corinthians 1, 2

Psalm 23: 5,6
You revive my drooping head, my cup brims with blessings. (6) Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. (MSG)

How we GO BIG to "enter in" this 2010...

1. By growing BIG. (Ephesians 4:11-15)
2. By finding the BIG in the small. (Luke 16:10)
3. By sowing BIG. (Luke 16:38)
4. By connecting to something BIGGER than myself. (Ephesians 4:16)
5. By speaking BIG. (Hebrews 13:5,6)
6. By knowing BIG. (Ephesians 1:17)

Reggie McNeal asks in his book, A Work of Heart, ...how many would be leaders turn away from the burning bush. Having decided their own destiny, they close themselves off from the call of God on their lives...They have SHRINK-WRAPPED God down to the size of their personal frailties and limitations...Not willing to risk or explore a world that has something besides themselves at the center, they never make it onto God's stage."

Can we let God be God and not limit Him to our past experiences, hurts or misrepresented ideas of who He is. His ways are BIGGER & BETTER than our ways -- let's trust His "Super-Sized" life for us instead of our own--shrunk by fear. We are GOING BIG!

The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. Proverbs 11:24 (MSG)

Week 10: 2010 Challenge

2010 Challenge: Reading Isaiah 40 / Romans 13-15

Isaiah 40: 5 "And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it."

We believe this year God has BIG things to reveal to us that we will witness together--all ages, all races, all kinds!

We chose not to live small lives of offense and pettiness. We are GOING BIG by seeing the BIG in the small choices we make.

"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue other small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you!" - John Rohn

Week 9: Transforming into Big GROWTH

2010 Challenge: Week Nine - Reading: Proverbs 2 / Romans 10 & 12

This year to Go BIG, we have to Grow BIG from the inside outside. That's what transformation is all about...

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is --his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

(The Message) Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well formed maturity in you.

The word transform here is the Greek word, Metamorphoo, which means to change from one form to another. It's the same word we use as metamorphosis, such as when a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. What outside forces are influencing your inner transformation?

Remember voices determine choices and attitude determines altitude. Without a constant focus on our life, we will be shaped our culture without even realizing it. We are called to be "reshaped and renewed" in God's presence where we know Him more and are able to live BIG in the things He's promised us.

Measure your growth in these areas:

1. In my Spirit: - When, where, how do I pray during the week? - Do I worship during week other than just Sunday morning? - How, when, where do I read my Bible?

2. In my Soul: (mind, will, emotions) - What am I doing to grow mentally? - Am I expanding my knowledge and intellect? - How do I work on my attitude? (Do I need to forgive an offense or let something go?) - How do I care for my emotional well-being?

3. Body: - Am I out of balance in any area? (eating, sleeping, exercise, coffee, soda, salt etc?) - Do I get plenty of exercise? - How can I live a healthier life style? -Am I teaching my kids healthy habits or teaching them to repeat negative cycles? - Do I have addictions I need to be delivered from? This week my small steps toward the change you want to see."Be the change you want to see."

"You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can your direction." - John Rohn

Determine an Action Plan this week to go in the right direction!