Monday, October 4, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 6 Days to Launch

Word is getting out! I can't believe there is only SIX DAYS before the Encounter Grand Opening on 10-10-10. As we have been counting down 40 Days of Prayer & Impact, we hope to prepare you to impact our community in a tangible way.

There is still time for you to join in with what God is doing through an amazing group of people. First, pray with us. Then, let's intentionally take an active part in seeing the spiritual landscape of our community changed even BEFORE the grand opening.

A Risk-Taking Faith?

Today, we are looking at Hebrews 11:6a ...

And it is impossible to please God without faith.

There is a difference between being "safe" and being "dangerous." When we are safe we strive to make everone happy, we avoid the uncomfortable and controversial issues, and we remain paralyzed by caution. The kind of dangerous that I am talking about, means that we are not afraid to challenge the status quo if it will bring about positive change. But the problem with being dangerous in this way, is that it requires a risk-taking faith.

Without faith, we are trapped in a world without hope. But Jesus was all about taking faith risks so that people could come to know God better. In Matthew 16:25, Jesus put forth the boldest invitation I can think of. He said, "If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it."

We are called to embrace a risk-taking faith!

TODAY'S PRAYER

When was the last time you had an uncivilized experience with God? When was the last time you took a bold stand for Christ? When was the last time you took a faith-risk? Our prayer today is for God to release us from a "safe" religion. Instead, ask Him to develop within us a "dangerous" risk-taking faith.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact today is make a personal connection. Take a risk and step out of your comfort zone. If you earnestly pray for it, God will grant you a "dangerous" faith that is uncivilized, bold, selfless, and all consuming. Paul said in Galatians 2:20, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." These are the characteristics that promote life and stave off decay.

So as you capture this risk-taking faith, there are three ways to connect and invite someone to embrace the same. Invite them and their kids to the Downtown Helena Kids Fall Fest this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Invite them and their friends to encounter God at the Encounter Grand Opening this Sunday at 5:30pm. Let them know about the LifeGroup Connect coming up next week at the Red Atlas. These are just the first baby steps with may lead them into a life-giving risk-taking faith as well.