Wednesday, September 22, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 18 Days to Launch

Today, there are 18 DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. We are asking you to join us in what God is doing and is going to do in these last 40 days.

Pray with us. Act with us. Imagine the impact we could have in Helena if each one of us is individually involved in making Helena a better place. Imagine the lives that could be touched. Imagine how the spiritual landscape of our community could be changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

Trapped by Failure?

Today, we are looking at Luke 23:32-43 ...

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

In this passage, we read that two others were led out to also be crucified with Jesus. Unlike Jesus, these two "criminals" were guilty of offenses punishable by death — even death on a cross. By all worldly standards, you are a failure if you are hanging on a cross near the end of your life.

The first criminal continues in his failure hurling insults at Jesus, but the second utters those fateful words, "remember me when you come into your Kingdom." Then Jesus assures him that he will be with Jesus in paradise.

Through Jesus, even complete and utter failure can be turned into victory.

TODAY'S PRAYER

One thought that looms over any church planter's head, is the possibility of failure. While planting Encounter Church definitely has it's challenges, we have also seen victories. In some cases, we have experienced failures like the FWD Family Christmas Gathering last year. Other times we've seen great successes like Good Friday FWD and the 2009 Kids Fall Fest. And the true victories are those won in the lives of individuals — marriages strengthened, families restored, lives surrendered.

So think about it. Think about a failure you've experienced recently. Think about an event that disappointed you greatly. Our prayer today is for God to help us see that failure for what it is. Perhaps it was for God to get you where He wants you. Perhaps He is ready to turn it into a victory. Ask God to help turn your dead end into a mere detour for His will.

TODAY'S IMPACT

The second criminal on the cross next to Jesus got a second chance. Yes, he experienced failure. But because of Jesus, he was ultimately victorious. At Encounter, we like to say that we are like a burning bush. We want to be an opportunity for people to experience God through us.

So you impact today is to live up to those words. Allow someone today to see Jesus through you. Just as the criminal was close to Jesus, someone will be close to you. They may be experiencing failure in their lives. They might even be calling out to you.

Through even the simplest of encouragement, this is your opportunity to speak life into their world. This is your opportunity to let them know that through Jesus, we can be victorious. We are not destined to be trapped by our failures, but rather experience forgiveness and abundant life.