Getting Started

"For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:21 NLT

Well dear brothers and sisters we are off and running. God is so good, so strong and so mighty, there is nothing my God cannot do. Sounds like Ephesians 3:20,21 in a kid version for sure. "Now to Him is ABLE to do immeasurably more than we ask or think..." Fantastic stuff. I am so thankful that you all are willing to join me on this crazy journey. I expect God to do some amazing stuff in this year ahead. I hope you are expecting that as well!

We started this blog spot so that you can post the stories of what God is doing in and through you during this year long adventure. I hope that you will not only avail yourself of the stories regularly but that you will update us on what God is doing in you so that we can share in the joy, tears, laughter, victories and defeats.

Let me give you a couple of starter points. I already shared with you that I am not sure what God has in store or how to do this...winging it together is a great step of faith:

1) Don't forget that salvation is a gift. Ephesians 2:8,9 I know you realize that already but it is a great reminder. God loves you already as much as He ever will love you. What we do can and does please our LORD but it doesn't get Him to love us more or earn us "brownie" points.
2) I know I scared you a little about the attacks coming your way and the challenge this is going to be. That is for the best. Remember Paul's admonition in Ephesians 6:12 "For we are not fighting against flesh and blook enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." NLT Also remember that we are stepping out believing that this is possible. It is possible to ask "what would Jesus do?" in all of our circumstances and get a true Biblical answer led be the Holy Spirit without just slapping a Bible verse on it. The SPIRIT WILL lead us!
3) Studying 1 Peter until the end of the year is worth it as I mentioned already. Read through it over and over again to understand the context of Peter's challenge to the church. After that your own Bible plan and prayer is up to you. If you want some help with that please let someone know or let me know and we will work on it together.
4) Pray without ceasing. 1 Thess. 5:17 Be devoted to prayer. Col. 4:2 Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be open to you. For to those that ask receive and to them that seek find and to those who knock the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 PRAYER IS IMPORTANT! Don't forget!
5) We are in this TOGETHER. Whatever happens good, bad, totally sold out or struggling it is ok! We will work on it together! God will be exalted and we will be different a year from now for sure!

Praying with and for you all! Loving God and loving others, Pastor Peter

P.S. Find a copy of In His Steps and read it over Christmas time. It is worth it!
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