Tuesday, September 14, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 26 Days to Launch

Today, there are 26 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.

Learn To Become Dangerous

Today, we are looking at Matthew 21:12 ...

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.

In this passage, we see what I call the dangerous Jesus. The image is a far cry from the meek and mild Jesus with whom we are so comfortable. Further to verse 14 after Jesus cleansed the temple, it was then "the blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them."

Sometimes we prefer to endure unhealthy situations and destructive lifestyles rather to endure the painful process of growth and life-change that brings healing. The challenge for us, is to decide whether we will be "dangerous" to the status quo or will we be "safe." Will we seek restoration or will we settle for second best.

God desires the very best for you, your family, and your community. And He is still willing to overturn tables and drive out anything that is second best.

TODAY'S PRAYER

We are planting Encounter Church in Helena to see people's lives changed for the better. God has moved us to extremes. Every day we embrace the risk of rejection, the risk of an unstable income, and the risk of failure. It's not comfortable, it's not safe, but it is a healthy process of growth and change.

Our prayer today involves listening to God's response when we ask him the "dangerous" questions. What must I be willing to do? How must I be dangerous? Am I truly committed to seeing people's lives changed, even if it means enduring discomfort?

As you pray, allow God to overturn the tables in your heart. When was the last time you had an uncivilized experience with God? Allow Him to drive out those strongholds that are holding you back from being fully committed to His very best.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your challenge today is to take a tangible step in becoming "dangerous" for God. Stop playing it safe. We challenge you to commit yourself to making a lasting impact in Helena through Encounter. When was the last time you took a faith-risk? When was the last time you took a bold stand for Christ? Isn't it time to become dangerous?