Sunday, October 3, 2010 40 Days of Prayer & Impact: 7 Days to Launch

The excitement is definitely building! I can't believe there is only ONE WEEK 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.

Do You Really Want It?

Today, we are looking at John 5:5-9a ...

One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?" "I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me." Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!" Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!

Despite the excuses of the sick man, Jesus has one penetrating question: "Would you like to get well?" Yes, we often recognize the hurt and pain that we go through. We are aware of our addictions and vices. We know that we need healing, forgiveness, and redemption. But the question remains, "Do we really want it?"

Even as we start new Encounter Church in Helena, we must still ask the question. Yes, there are people who are struggling. There are families and marriages that are broken. There are still people in need in our city. We recognize it, but do we really want it to change? Or are we making excuses? Are we waiting for someone else to do it? Are we afraid to try it alone?

Jesus says if you really want it then "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"

TODAY'S PRAYER

Let us pray first for us to respond to Jesus' words. We've felt the fire inside, the need for healing and forgiveness, and the desire to see Helena changed — now it is time to embrace all that God has for us. He is inviting us to take an active part in the redemption of our city, community, neighbors, friends, and ourselves. It is time to surrender to that call. Our prayer today is to simply say an honest "yes" to what God is offering. It's time to pick up your mat and take action.

TODAY'S IMPACT

Your impact today is a call to action. We've mentioned two great opportunities to make a difference now — the Kids Fall Fest and the Encounter Grand Opening. To change the world, you have to first "show up." So depending on your journey, you have to consider your next step.

Perhaps you need to check out the new community of faith called Encounter. Bring your kids to the Kids Fall Fest. Check out the Grand Opening. Maybe bring some friends. Or perhaps you're ready to volunteer. If so, you can contact us right now — give us a call or send an email.

Your thirty-eight years are up! It's time to stop making excuses and consider if you really want to be healed. Do you really want to see a difference in our community? Do you want build friendships with people who are on your same faith journey? If so, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"