No Neutral Ground

C.S. Lewis said, "There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God, and counterclaimed by Satan." 

Do you agree with Lewis, that there is no such thing as neutral territory? If you believe God's Word is true then living like there is neutral ground where you can avoid the spiritual battles of this world is a little like rolling out a sleeping bag on the 50 yard line during the Superbowl game hoping to get in a long, relaxing nap. I'm not really a football fan, but I'm 99.9% sure when that kickoff whistle blows you're going to know for a fact sitting idle isn't an option. It won't take long for you to wake up and become aware you're in the middle of a fierce and divisive battle. You realize one team is playing with the confidence and joy of an assured win, and the other team just seems angry and disillusioned of their inevitable loss. 

In this life every breath, word, action, relationship, thought, and desire is an opportunity to either confirm or deny who God says He is and who He says you are. It's one reason why as followers of Jesus our suffering matters. It's never wasted and always has significance we cannot measure or even see. It's a chance for us to find out firsthand whether God really is our refuge, our strength, and our present help during times of trouble. It's our opportunity to try out the power of prayer. Do you know from experience that Jesus' kind of joy supersedes circumstances? Have you experienced the presence of Holy Spirit so concretely that you've been left shaken? Can you look back on any past pain and point to God's ability to breathe new life into places you swore were hopeless? Do you know God's promises for your life aren't just good intentions, but active absolutes? 

God loves us too much to leave any hint of neutral territory. Instead, He's tells us we're going to battle hardships and hands us the assignment of a lifetime using His weapons and armor to stand against evil and fight for the freedom of others. It's an invitation to join in and experience a life more abundant than anything we've known. It's fighting because we know we're free and we're willing for fight for others to know it as well. 

John 8:32 "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Wisdom Wednesday

"Journey to the Forgotten"
Speaker: Jami Kaeb

Today Jami Kaeb will be with us helping us take a deeper look at how God asks us to remember and care for those who may be forgotten in our community and world. Included below are some references from her talk.

Jami’s blog: www.lifewithapersonalgod.blogspot.com

Ministry Site: www.theforgotteninitiative.org

Video references:

• “The C.A.L.L.”
• The RUNNER
• Date with Daddy

Read these verses and the surrounding verses. What are the facts about what God is saying in these verses? How do they apply to you, the Body of Christ?
"Once our eyes were opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us responsible to act." Prov. 24:12
"Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help." Isaiah 58:7

Discussion Questions

1. Read PS. 139: 13-18. Have you embraced the fact that you are precious to God? Why or Why not? How does this knowledge influence the way you live your life? How about how you look at or see others?
2. Do you believe it is difficult to be authentic with others? Why or why not? What benefits come with living an authentic life with others and God? Share one road block preventing you from living authentically and identify an action you can take this week to overcome it.
3. There are many who feel forgotten in your own community. Discuss those in our KC area who may be forgotten. What is one tangible way you can reach out to them or more specifically to your local foster care community?
4. Discuss as a group the role Jesus plays in your life and whether you are content in your current relationship with him. If not, define and share one way you are going to pursue intimacy with our risen Christ or learn more about Him.

- Is he a historical figure that was a great leader?
- Is he your savior?
- Do you view him as a God of rules?
- Do you see him as a loving, tender God?

Resources for Song of Solomon Study

Resource List for Song of Solomon Study

Here is a list of resources that Kim Specker, our speaker the last three weeks, mentioned during our Wednesday meeting last week to help assist you in developing a deeper walk with God.

The Bible - (Daily Reading)
"Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young - (Daily Devotional)
"Who I Am in Christ" by Neil Anderson - (Reading or Devotional about identity)
"The Delay of Unanswered Prayers" by Bob Sorge - (Book about waiting on God)
"The Fire of Delayed Answers"
"The Study of the Song of Solomon" by Mike Bickle, www.ihop.org - (Free online study with video and audio downloads)
"The Bride" by Rhonda Calhoun - an allegory based on the Song of Solomon
"Classic Collection by JI Packer
"Absolute Surrender" by Andrew Murray
"The Power of Identification" by Mark Hankins - (Identity Book)

Contact Kim Specker if you have any questions at kim.specker@anthosgroup.com

Wisdom Wednesday

Click here for a printable version of the handout and here to print the discussion questions from today's teaching by Frann Wohlers.
Click here for a printable version of the Bible Study below.

Bible Study
The Mind Part 2
by Frann Wohlers

Our focus this week is our memory verse:
Romans 12:2—“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

God never asks a thing of us that He doesn’t give the grace to accomplish. We DO NOT have to conform to the world’s standards; we CAN be transformed and we CAN renew our minds. We CAN because God tells us we can.

Remember that “being transformed” means to undergo a complete INWARD change. This change results in a new character and new conduct. We are able to accomplish this by accepting God’s grace, and by CHOOSING to do it.

Remember that “renewing your mind” means adjusting your vision and your mind to the mind of God so that your moral and spiritual life and thoughts line up with His. This is what transforms your life.

No matter what type of mind you struggle with--be it doubtful, unbelieving, fearful, anxious, critical, judgmental, controlling—remember that you can choose to renew your mind and change your thoughts.

During the week, spend focused time in your bible and continue to write down scriptures that speak truth into your situation. Every time your mind goes to a place that you know is not of God, STOP! Get out your 3 x 5 cards and speak aloud a biblical truth that renews your mind to the mind of Christ.

Begin the process of memorizing your life-giving scriptures. Soon you will be able to “renew” your mind immediately whenever a lie enters in. This is what a transformed life is all about!