Freedom Workshop--FREEDOM IS BEING TRANSFORMED THROUGH GOD'S WORD

STAY ALERT! WATCH OUT for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. STAND FIRM against him, and BE STRONG in your faith. REMEMBER that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.--1 Peter 5:8-9

APPLICATION

• STAY ALERT: be Intentional.  Don't get carried about by your emotions and how you're feeling in the moment.  
• WATCH OUT: that you do not drift away from that first love and begin to listen and engage the voice of the enemy.  
• STAND FIRM:  against him and keep having conversations with your Savior. (Come To Me)  
• BE STRONG and know your position, own your position, walk in humble confidence.  
• REMEMBER that you are not the only one who is in the same kind of Bootcamp.  As I clean you up, remember to stop and pray for those struggling too.

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.--2 Peter 1:3

The lion's den is NOT Daniels death chamber, it's his pulpit!

One of my favorite assignments this week was when we read through Daniel 6 and noted the character of the three main players.  

DANIEL:  Chosen, Appointed, Hard worker, Wise, Faithful, Responsible, Trustworthy, Honored God & King

ADMINISTRATORS:  Jealous, Petty, Vindictive, Deceitful, Deceptive, Wise in their own understanding, strife stirrers

KING DARIUS:  King, Loved Daniel, Loved how Daniel loved His God, Lost

Such a fun activity to pick apart verses for fuller understanding and depth.  

"Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.  If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death.  But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind there is life and peace.  For the sinful nature is always hostile to God.  It never did obey God's laws, and it never will.  The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, LIVES IN YOU! -- Romans 8:5-7&11

Each Table has someone represent them up front.

One of our assignments/activities last night was to rewrite Romans 8:12-14 with opposite meaning.  

TRUTH: So dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature is urging you to do.  For if you keep on following it, you will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and it's evil deeds you will live.

Verses

LIE:  So dear brothers and sisters, you have every obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.  For if you keep on following it you will prosper.  But if through the power of your own self you turn to what your sinful nature wants to do, you will DIE.

Who's voice are you listening to?

It felt wrong, but it had a good purpose.  As each table team had someone read their re-written version of the verse it allowed us to intentionally hear and recognize that voice that wants to lure us away.   (Fascinate and then assassinate)  It was POWERFUL.  

I pray that each of us (Starting with me) will think about this as we are purposeful in making sure we are staying connected to the Lord through His Word and listening ONLY to His voice.  

 

"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."--1 Peter 5:7

Yolanda shared how the Lord used her husband's fishing trip for our youth to bring scripture to LIFE! I will always see this cast net in my mind when I think about casting my care on the Lord!

CAST...Fling, Throw, Thrust, Sling, Toss, Pitch

AWESOME SHARE:  God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.--1 Peter 4:10

God has given each of us purpose until we take our last breath.  We are never too young or too old to be of use and to be used by the Lord.

KNOWING OUR POSITION:  Jane has a Holy Bootcamp with one of her patients this week.  He talked about her being religious and how he believed in a "force".  In that moment, God allowed Jane to remember her position in Christ and she shared the gospel in a very short time period.  Let's pray that God's word would WOO this mans heart.  

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL BERNICE!  (And Erika...we missed you)  You were both wonderfully and fearfully made in HIS image.  You are HIS MASTERPIECE.  You were created to do the good things He called you too long ago!  

Please remember that we are off next week so that we can attend the congregational meeting.  Please stay connected to your group and stay consistent with your memory verses and heart work!  Taking this workshop will not change your life.  We need HIS Word to transform and change the way we think!  

Have a great 2 weeks everyone!