tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76242687212836784522024-03-13T12:54:04.716-07:00Cutting It StraightDo your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-10713044235955082952011-06-06T19:12:00.000-07:002011-06-06T19:50:15.724-07:00Kingdom First LivingIf I want to reduce stress and get the most out of my life, I must live it Kingdom First.<br /><br /><strong>WHAT DOES KINGDOM FIRST LIVING LOOK LIKE?</strong><br /><br />• HONORING GOD WITH THE FIRST OF MY TIME<br /><br />“<em>Act like people with good sense and not like fools. These are evil times, so make every minute count. Don't be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do</em>.” Ephesians 5:15-17 CEV<br /><br />“<em>Teach us to use wisely all the time we have</em>.” Psalm 90:12 <br /><br /><strong>Action:</strong> Commit to meet with God the first part of everyday for a minimum of 15 mins<br /><br />• HONORING GOD WITH THE FIRST OF MY TALENT<br />Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:12-28<br /><br /><strong>Action:</strong> Commit to offer myself to God every morning to be used as He would choose to use me. <strong>*Sincerity is imparative for this action to be effective.</strong><br /><br />• HONORING GOD WITH THE FIRST OF MY TREASURE<br /><br />“<em>Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.</em>” Proverbs 3:9<br /><br />“<em>For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also</em>” Matthew 6:27<br /><br /><strong>Action:</strong> Commit to give to God from the first of all my income<br /><br />• SEEKING HIS DIRECTION ON HOW TO HONOR HIM WITH THE REST <br /><br />“<em>Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight</em>” Proverbs 3:4-6<br /><br /><strong>Action:</strong> Commit to asking God for wisdom everydayFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-55303189310203684612011-05-31T00:09:00.000-07:002011-05-31T12:19:42.900-07:00BIG ROCKS! God's Plan for Prioritizing Your LifeDo you need to give some attention to Prioritizing your life?<br /><br />6 Signs of Misplaced Priorities:<br /><br />1. Busyness <br />2. Overly Stressed <br />3. Nagging Guilt <br />4. Constant Financial Problems <br />5. Weak devotional life<br />6. Escapism behavior<br /><br />Where do you begin?<br /><br />• Begin with God- Get His vision for your life<br /><br />“<em>But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life</em>.” 1 Corinthians 8:6<br /><br />How do you get started? <br /><br />• Take everything off your plate- You have to make room for God by removing the things that are distracting you and dominating your time.<br /><br />• Put God back on- You are not ready to prioritize your life until God is the center of your life. Everything that you do should flow from this relationship and not the other way around. The mistake that most people make is they fill their lives with so much activity that there is no room for God. Until God is #1, our lives will remain chaotic and out of order.<br /><br />"<em>But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.</em>" Matthew 6:33<br /><br />In my next post, I will show you what this looks like in your day to day life.<br /><br />You are on your way to productive life!Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-63957622599707989892011-05-23T14:14:00.000-07:002011-05-23T14:24:35.234-07:00A Change For the BetterFACTS ABOUT BEING A CHRISTIAN<br /><br />• All Christians are called to morph/change for the better 2 Cor 5:17<br /><br />• A Christian that does not change is an Oxymoron Ephesians 4:17-24<br /> <br /><strong>Remaining the same is inconceivable for Christians for two reasons:</strong><br /><br />a) It contradicts who we are! Ephesians 4:20 <br /><br />b) It contradicts who Christ is! Ephesians 4:21 <br /><br /><strong>Breaking a Destructive Lifestyle</strong><br /><br />Requires:<br /><br /><strong>Putting off the old</strong><br /><br />“throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.” Ephesians 4:22<br /><br /><strong>Putting on the new</strong><br /><br />“Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”Eph 4:24 <br /><br />“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform 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.” Romans 12:1-2 <br /><br /><strong>Metamorphosis- Three step process to make “A Change for the Better”:</strong><br /><br />1. Sacrificial Living = A Surrendered Life<br /><br />“Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” Rom 6:13 <br /><br />2. Resist the worlds flow = A Refusal to Conform<br /><br />“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.” 1 John 2:15<br /><br />3. Change the way I think = A Renewed Mind<br /><br />“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:23<br /><br />“he saved us, but not because of anything we had done to gain his approval. Instead, because of his mercy he saved us through the washing in which the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and renewal.” Titus 3:5 GWT<br /><br />“to make it belong to God. Christ used the word to make the church clean by washing it with water.” Ephesians 5:26 NCVFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-64192758944216486592011-05-09T18:35:00.000-07:002011-05-09T18:48:05.557-07:00Real Change Is PossibleIntroduction: Is Lasting Change Possible?<br /><br />• What is “Morphing”? <br /><br />"A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function."<br /><br />What does Spiritual Metamorphosis look like in real life? <br /><br />1. Spiritual Birth = Jesus becomes my Savior. <br /><br />2. Spiritual Maturity = Jesus becomes my Lord. <br /><br />3. Spiritual Reproduction = Jesus uses me to love others. <br /><br />Three Reasons We Fail to Morph: <br /><br />1. Spiritual IGNORANCE. Ephesians 4: 1 <br /><br />A misunderstanding of our identity in Christ<br /><br />• The Problem= Lack of knowledge. <br /><br />• The Solution= Learn how to handle my Bible. <br /><br />2. Spiritual ISOLATION Ephesians 4: 2-3 <br /><br />• The Problem= Insecurities. <br /><br />• The Solution= Join a small group.<br /><br />3. Spiritual INCOMPREHENSIVENESS Ephesians 4: 4-6 <br /><br />• The Problem= The attitude of me my. <br /><br />• The Solution= Get a High View of God.Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-48079220708415492112011-04-28T12:47:00.000-07:002011-04-28T12:56:19.196-07:00"Metamorphosis" New Sermon SeriesI’m starting a new sermon series this Sunday May 1st called “Metamorphosis”. I have never been this excited about a series. This is undoubtedly the most important set of messages I have ever preached. <br /><br />Metamorphosis- A marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function.<br /><br />“Do not conform 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.” Romans 12:2<br /><br />Have you ever wondered...<br /><br />• Is lasting change really possible?<br />• Will I ever break this bad habit?<br />• Will I ever get out of this rut?<br /><br />The answer to the above questions is “Yes!”<br /><br />“Metamorphosis” will teach you practical biblical ways to make lasting change. You will learn how to put your best foot forward and keep it there.<br /><br />I will share with you biblical principles that have helped me make lasting change that before I was not sure was possible.<br /><br />Whether you want to become a better mate, parent, get your finances together, lose weight or break a bad habit, “Metamorphosis” is for you.<br /><br />“Metamorphosis” will help you become the person of God that you long to be. <br /><br />Be sure to check back for weekly sermon outlines and updates.<br /><br />DeAntwan FittsFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-45985792104461631022010-07-22T09:49:00.000-07:002010-07-22T09:52:21.855-07:00Beware of The ThiefBeware of the Thief <br /><br />"But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into." Luke 12:39 <br /><br />What are the times when you and I are most vulnerable to being caught off guard by the enemy of our souls? One of those times is just after you've had a great victory. Consider Jesus when He was baptized and was about to begin His public ministry. He was taken away into the desert to be tempted by satan. <br /><br />Leisure time is another place in which satan seeks to take us off our normal routine of personal quiet times. In the normal routine of life, our senses are tuned to the need to draw upon God's Spirit to see us through the activities of each day. However, when we get away from our routine and go on vacation, we can often drop these routines. We wrongfully think that we do not need to spend time with the Lord during leisure times. This is a grave mistake. The vacation becomes a test of character. During vacations we turn freely to what we love most. It reveals to us what is at the core of our existence. <br /><br />A teacher in a large school reportedly said, "The greatest difficulty we encounter is the summer vacation. Just when we have brought a student to a certain discipline and place in their study habits, we lose him; when he comes back we have to begin all over again." It is the same in our spiritual lives. It only takes a small crack in the door of our heart to lose our spiritual focus. <br /><br />This summer, be on guard when times of retreat are made available to you. Use these times for spiritual refreshment, not just physical refreshment, and you will keep the thief from entering your house. <br /><br />by Os HillmanFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-67250798814492224792010-06-10T10:42:00.000-07:002010-06-10T10:45:26.842-07:00Are You a Threat?"One day the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?'" - Acts 19:15 <br /><br />Are you a threat to the kingdom of darkness? If satan and his demons had a board meeting and your name came before the board, what would they say? Would they say that you are one of their most feared enemies and they needed to keep many demons harassing and opposing you? Or would they say, "Gentlemen, this person poses no threat to our activities. Leave him alone. He needs no help from us." There are millions of church-going believers sitting in pews Sunday after Sunday who pose little threat to the kingdom of darkness. <br /><br />If we truly believe that we war against rulers and principalities that cannot be seen, then we must realize that their mandate is to hinder any believer who is seeking to walk in the fullness of God. However, "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4:4b KJV). <br /><br />If you are seeking to fully follow the Lord, you can expect harassment from the enemy. God permits temptation because it drives us deeper into the soil of God. These times reveal God's power to keep us and walk us through the temptations. Our message becomes fruitful when it is born out of obedience and suffering for His name. Do not consider it strange if you find yourself fighting major battles the more obedient you become to the Master. God desires each of us to become a feared enemy of hell in order to affect satan's domain. When you begin to feel harassed, chances are you are beginning to affect the kingdom of darkness, and satan doesn't like this. So, how many demons do you think are assigned to you? <br /><br />Os HillmanFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-5980475356342748842009-11-18T13:23:00.001-08:002009-11-18T13:29:14.414-08:00Peace Chapel Core ValuesHere are 11 Core Values that make Peace Chapel unique. These values are non negotiables for those who make up the core of our church.<br /><br /><strong>P</strong>eople matter to God and they matter to us. (John 3:16) says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”<br /><br /><strong>E</strong>veryone has a purpose (Col 1:16) says “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”<br /><br /><strong>A</strong>lways ready to help (Rom 12:13) says “Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”<br /><br /><strong>C</strong>aring for people is important to us (James 1:27) says “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”<br /><br /><strong>E</strong>very member is a minister (2 Cor 5:17-19) says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the” message of reconciliation.<br /><br /><strong>C</strong>hrist is the head (Col 1:18) says “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”<br /><br /><strong>H</strong>olding each other up (Rom 15:1) says “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”<br /><br /><strong>A</strong>tmosphere of acceptance (Rom 15:7) says “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”<br /><br /><strong>P</strong>roviding for one another (Phil 2:4;) says “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”<br /><br />Titus 3:14 says ” Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.”<br /><br /><strong>E</strong>nduring the tough times together (Gal 6:1-2) says “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”<br /><br /><strong>L</strong>oving God and Loving People (Luke 10:27) says “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-2538152606710133282009-11-05T07:08:00.001-08:002009-11-05T07:08:46.571-08:00Does todays preachers lack the passion and conviction of yesterdays preachers?And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?<br /><br />The great preachers of yesterday ushered in nationwide revival because they preached with passion, purpose and conviction. They preached the gospel. <br /><br />Does todays preachers lack the passion and conviction of yesterdays preachers?<br />Listen and see.<br /><embed src="http://www.tangle.com/flash/swf/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=4aa61ca1e2c5da9a284f" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="tangle" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed><br /><br />Woe to me if I preach not the gospel! 1 Cor 9:16Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-86892848431841272612009-10-21T13:14:00.000-07:002009-10-21T13:22:12.447-07:00Five Stages of a Healthy Small GroupFIVE STAGES OF A HEALTHY SMALL GROUP<br />WRITTEN BY DeAntwan Fitts<br />EDITED BY Nicky Pittman, Jeremy Wight & Richard Jarman<br /> <br />Healthy small groups do not just happen. They are the result of the leader being INTENTIONAL about moving the group through the four important stages of a healthy small group. Prayer and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit are essential to you developing a healthy small group.<br /><br />We are exited about having a small group ministry at Peace Chapel, because healthy small groups play an integral role in the overall goal of producing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. It takes more than Bible study to help a person become like Christ. People need to be engaging in community with others who are traveling in the same direction as they are. Small groups are a place were people can develop friendships, be transparent, cultivate community and become more like Christ. The key to a healthy life changing small group, is being INTENTIONAL. Below are healthy stages of a small group and intentional approaches to moving people to the next stage.<br /><br />STAGE 1<br />“THE FRIENDLY STAGE”<br /><br />The friendly stage is generally what will happen when the group first starts meeting. During the first two to three meetings, you will notice for the most part people will be friendly with one another. This means your group is off to a good start. Your group must move from being friendly to developing friendships.<br /><br />Groups that never get past the friendly stage will not cause transformation and will eventually die off.<br /><br />There are a few intentional approaches for moving your group to the next stage of friendship. <br /><br />1. Encourage prayer partners (female with female & male with male),<br />2. Partner assignments such as two group members meeting to pick up supplies for the group. <br />3. Friendships can also develop by encouraging group members to find an accountability partner within the group that they meet with over the phone or in person once a week (female with female & male with male). <br /><br />STAGE 2 <br />“THE FRIENDSHIP STAGE”<br /><br />Not everyone in your group will find a close friend but with an INTENTIONAL approach you should see some friendships developing between the fourth and fifth small group meeting. This is confirmation that your group is moving along well. Your group must continue to move towards community by moving from making friends in your group to being transparent. <br /><br />Transparency is not easy, but it is necessary if you want to have a healthy small group. This is undoubtedly the toughest obstacle to a healthy Small group because this does not happen unless people take risk. This means letting people see the real you. This is the stage where a good small group leader is very important. The small group leader must must must create an environment where people are safe to open up. It is equally important that the leader first model this attitude of authenticity and transparency. If you as a leader are not open, you cannot expect it from those who are in your group.<br /><br />The intentional approach for this stage is for you as the leader to give honest and open testimonies. You must be honest about your own frailties. Be open with your group about things that you struggle with. Being honest about our issues is extremely important in getting past our issues. <br /><br />One point of caution with transparency: being transparent does not mean being graphic. You can open up about your struggles without giving all of the details of your struggles. <br /><br />Below are some intentional things that can promote transparency in your small group<br /><br />1. Go over Small group guidelines before every group meeting stressing the importance of confidentiality <br />2. During prayer time, ask them to pray for you in the area of your struggle.<br />3. During prayer time ask them is there anything that you can pray for them about<br />4. Break the group up into groups of two during prayer time.<br />5. Get help from others in the group who are comfortable with opening up and ask them to give testimonies (ask them prior to the group meeting).<br /><br />STAGE 3<br />“THE TRANSPARENCY STAGE”<br /><br />Once your group makes it to this stage, you should start to see life-transformation taking place. Many groups never make it to this stage because of the challenges associated with being authentic. If your group makes it to this stage, that means they are ready for the very important stage of maturity or discipleship. <br /><br />Small Group Discipleship happens when the members of your group start to take on more of the character and qualities of Jesus Christ and grow in intimacy with Him. This is an important step towards the overall goal at Peace Chapel, which is to develop fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />The intentional approach for this stage is:<br /><br />1. A group mission project, where you take the principles you are learning and put them into practice<br />2. Provide your group members with a daily devotional plan such as the “Daily Bread”, one from the small group study or one that you put together based on the subject matter of the lesson.<br />3. Give out homework assignments that require a study partner for accountability<br />4. Have all group members set discipleship goals such as reading through the Bible in a year, praying and daily quiet time with God.<br />5. Set a goal as a group for each member to spend 15 min alone with God everyday and share the impact with the group.<br />6. Share prayer request<br />7. Recognizing a need the group can fulfill and doing it as a team<br />8. Helping people to find there place to serve<br />9. Encourage volunteering at the church<br />10. Encourage accountability partners<br />11. Regularly pass out study tools and study guides at your small group meetings<br />12. Memorizing versus of the Bible as a group<br /><br />STAGE 4<br />“THE MATURITY STAGE”<br /><br />When Discipleship is taking place within your small group that means that lives are being transformed. If you get your group to this stage, you have a mature group of believers that is now ready to reproduce transformation. This is where it is important for you as a leader to stress the importance of reaching out. <br /><br />Stage 5<br />“Building Community”<br /><br />Now that you have established an environment that is intentional about producing growth, it is time to bring others in to experience the power of community and send others out to reproduce community. <br /><br />The intentional approach for building community is:<br /><br />1. State the goal of the group often<br />2. Encourage group members to invite people to your small group<br />3. Encourage acceptance<br />4. Expect people to serve within the Small group (including the opportunity to host the group from time to time)<br />5. Develop a group mission statement that includes outreach<br /><br />Unless you have an INTENTIONAL approach for moving members through the above-mentioned stages, you should not expect to see growth as individuals or as a group. There are tons of small groups meeting but not all groups are healthy groups. You can have a healthy small group, but it will not happen by accident. Remember the key word is INTENTIONAL. You must be intentional about moving your small group towards healthy community. <br /><br />“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Colossians 1:28Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-65115623897057642292009-10-13T08:53:00.000-07:002009-10-13T09:27:01.577-07:00FAITH BEYOND LIP SERVICEDeAntwan Fitts<br />James 2:14-26<br /><br />“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?” James 2:14 NLT<br /><br /><strong>FAITH</strong> beyond lip service is <strong>more than religious expressions</strong><br /><br />“Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything?” <br />James 2:14 MES<br /><br />“A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food.16 If you say to that person, "God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat," but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing.” James 2:15-16 NCV<br /><br /><strong>FAITH</strong> beyond lip service is <strong>more than correct theology</strong><br /><br />“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (vs. 19)<br /><br />He (the demon) shouted, "Jesus, Son of God in heaven, what do you want with me? Promise me in God's name that you won't torture me!" Mark 5:7 CEV<br /><br /><strong>FAITH</strong> beyond lip service <strong>produces righteousness</strong><br />Examples:<br /><br />Abraham (21-24)<br /><br />Rahab the prostitute (25-26)<br /><br />How to use my Faith Beyond Lip Service to defeat the giants in my life:<br /><br />F-<strong>Focus</strong> on God, not the Giants<br /><br />“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."<br />1 Samuel 17:37 NIV<br /><br />A-<strong>Act</strong> on biblical principles, not my feelings<br /><br />“David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty” 1 Samuel 17:45a NIV<br /><br />“These people are no better than senseless animals that live by their feelings and are born to be caught and killed.”<br />2 Pet 2:12 CEV<br /><br />C-<strong>Confront</strong> the Giant, don’t run away<br /><br />“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.” 1 Samuel 17:48 NIV<br /><br />E-<strong>Expect</strong> God to work for His glory and my good<br /><br />“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." 1 Samuel 17:47 <br /><br />And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.<br />Rom 8:28 NIVFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-11690979410932965812009-10-06T11:09:00.000-07:002009-10-06T11:31:36.767-07:00Twisted BodyGuest post by Tiffany (Sage) Wilson endoresed by DeAntwan Fitts <br /><br />The twisted body And the need for a spiritual realignment <br /><br />Article written by tiffany Denise Wilson<br /> <br /><br />There is a growing problem within “churches” today in which there is an unwillingness to embrace change. It seems as if upholding Tradition has become the main focus while neglecting to support new ministries that minister to the needs of the community. While there is nothing wrong with tradition in and of itself it can pose a problem to the younger generations who are full of new and innovative ideas and are eager to use the gifts and talents to serve the body and bring glory to God. When we allow tradition to cause division it presents two fundamental problems:<br /><br />1. There is a refusal to obey Gods written word and commands <br /><br />2. There is a lack of empathy and love for one another <br /><br />1 Corinthians 12: 12-13 says that the body is a unit made up of many members and though the members are many they form one body so it is with Christ for we are all baptized into one body and we are all given the one spirit to drink whether Jews or Greeks slave or free. It is interesting to note that separatism wasn’t the goal rather unity in the spirit. Paul the author went on to say in verses 25 and 26 that there should be no division in the church but that each part should have equal concern for one another. How awesome! Is that? The greater blessing comes when we exercise togetherness and line up with the word of God. <br /><br />I sincerely believe that when Paul said whether Jew or Greek slave or free that he expected us to get the bigger picture and if I were the author I would include young or old, old or new. It is going to take much more than a hymn and tambourines to reach the lost and keep the youth. It’s going to take the Spirit of God empowering the word of God and the acceptance of young and old alike. <br /><br />Jesus made it clear in Mark 10:13-14 when He said to His disciples suffer not the little ones to come unto him for such is the kingdom of God. There is more than one-way to praise the Lord but nothing compares to praising him as a unit. <br /><br />Here is the conclusion let the older women teach the younger women and the elders lead the younger men not judging them but loving them unconditionally remembering that as the generations pass so will the way the people relate. As long as we allow the enemy to cripple us we wont be productive for the kingdom. So lets stretch out our twisted hands and feet in faith and let the Master chiropractor realign our spirits that our body will become whole!Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-65629516204366761732009-09-21T12:42:00.000-07:002009-09-21T13:16:47.301-07:00Do You Have a Vision Problem?The following is a guest post from my twitter brother @benreed. I commend Ben Reed for drawing attention to this disturbing behavior that is prevalent in a lot of churches (particularly churches that are stagnant and/or have platoed). Studies show that 85% of Southern Baptist churches are dying or have platoed and I believe that Ben' post shed's light on a very likely reason. If we want to reach people for Jesus, we must be both internally and externally focused.<br /><br />I pray that God will minister to you through the wisdom of this young leader in the Christian community.<br /><br />Do You Have a Vision Problem<br />Ben Reed<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SrfeaFA-seI/AAAAAAAAAJw/sidlVD8v5PY/s1600-h/Warning+keep+out.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 114px; height: 112px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SrfeaFA-seI/AAAAAAAAAJw/sidlVD8v5PY/s200/Warning+keep+out.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384016419148968418" /></a>I visited a church recently, and found it to be less than friendly. In fact, we felt like we were outsiders.<br /><br />They used lots of “insider” language, barely acknowledged that visitors were even present, and talked about situations that one would only know about if he or she were a regular attender.<br /><br />The problem, as I saw it, wasn’t a lack of volunteers. It wasn’t even a lack of skilled volunteers. There were plenty of capable folks who could have made us feel warm and welcomed.<br /><br />The problem wasn’t that the pastor and leaders couldn’t communicate in such a way that first-timers could get it.<br /><br />The problem wasn’t a lack of organization on the part of the leadership and the “welcome” committee.<br /><br />The problem is that they didn’t want to.<br /><br />By not communicating the importance of welcoming outsiders, they had structured their service in such a way that those who are new felt awkward, unwelcomed, and ultimately unwanted.<br /><br />People want to be led. They’ll be led where the leader takes them.<br /><br />If there’s a problem with vitally important tasks consistently not being carried out, maybe the finger needs to be pointed at you, the leader.<br /><br />Are you regularly casting vision for those things that are most important? Where are you taking those you’re leading?<br /><br />Visit Ben Reed' Blog at www.benreed.net or follow him on twitter www.twitter/benreedFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-52913970891005368262009-09-16T15:18:00.000-07:002009-09-16T15:31:48.359-07:00How to Prepare for your Small Group or Bible Study ClassI in no way consider myself an expert when it comes to small groups but I have taken a strong interest as of late and I have gone to great length to learn as much as I can.<br /><br />Below are some disciplines for preparing for your Small Group and/or Bible study. I have used these disciplines in the area of Bible study for years and now I am applying them to a new passion that I have for Small group ministry. I hope they are helpful for you as you take on the awesome task of transformation in the lives of God’s people.<br /><br /><strong>Preparing For your Group<br /></strong><br /><strong>Pray<br /></strong><br />Your job as group leader is to prepare first in prayer. Open your heart by asking: “What is the burden of the Lord for this particular upcoming meeting?” and “What does God want to see happen because Christians have been exposed to fellow believers and to Holy Scripture?”<br /><br /><strong>Reflect<br /></strong><br />Read and meditate on the main text of the session. What does God want the people in your group to start doing? Stop doing? Or Continue doing? What promises does He want them to claim?<br /><br />Read the main text several times. Perhaps use several different translations to take advantage of the work of many Bible scholars. <br /><strong><br />Expand</strong><br /><br />Expand your understanding of the main text by reading related commentary on the text. Also, expand your understanding of the point of the lesson by looking through all the lesson material prior to your group meeting.<br /><br /><strong>Apply<br /></strong><br />Ask “so what? Questions. What is the application for my life? What does God want me to do or stop doing as a result of this lesson? What am I going to do about it? What can my group do about it? Is there a sin I need to confess? Is there an attitude I need to adjust? Is there a promise I need to claim?<br /> Sometimes the Spirit will convict you in an area of your own life. If He does you must bow in obedience as to model the behavior that everyone in your group will need in order to grow spiritually.<br /><br />Feel free to comment with disciplines that have helped you out.Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-88356962596029559112009-05-27T11:53:00.001-07:002009-05-27T12:31:24.165-07:00Lifestyle WorshipI have been away from blogspear for over 5 months but not completely. I have been checking in on post from some of my blog brothers and of course Mother P. I have been using the past 5 months to focus on my role as a pastor. My preaching role came natural, but I really felt the need to give more attention to my role as pastor.<br /><br />Over the last 5 months God has revealed some wonderful things to me that I hope to share with the blog community soon.<br /><br />For right now I feel led to post a few things from a series that I started a few weeks ago that I am calling Lifestyle Worship. I did a series on worship about a year ago where I focused on the essence of worship. This year I wanted to deal with the how to of worship.<br /><br />There is nothing more foundational in the life of the believer than worship. God saved us for that purpose. The sad reality is that there are many today who attend church every Sunday and even through the week who do not worship God. The biggest reason for this is the misunderstandings that people have about worship. Most people think that worship is limited to singing and shouting on Sunday' or at a church service. Sunday's should be the climax of our worship as we come together as God's living stones to celebrate His presence, but worship should be a way of life for the believer.<br /><br />It is the pursuit of God, that we will spend the rest of our lives consumed with. Buddy Owens says it like this in his book The Way of a Worshiper "The pursuit of God is the chase of a lifetime-- in fact it's been going on since the day you were born. The question is, have you been the hunter or the prey?"<br /><br />I have a longing to know God more and more. My hearts desire is to know that He is really there-- not just in theory, not just in feelings, but rather in moment by moment, living, breathing, present, absolute certainty. A certainty that is higher than intellect and deeper than emotions. I long to know Him as my God. To know Him as my Father. This is something that I will spend the rest of my life in pursuit of.<br /><br />That is why I exist; To know Him and to make Him known.<br /><br />I will share more soon.<br /><br />DeAntwan FittsFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-74818513931559505822008-12-11T07:17:00.000-08:002008-12-11T08:18:52.158-08:00The Road To Recovery Part 5As we approach the end of the year, I find myself busier then ever. I am trying to finish strong and prepare for the up and coming year. God has given me an awesome vision for 2009 and I am exited about it!<br /><br />God has really used this current Recovery series to produce fruit in the lives of His people. Saints are already on the Road to Recovery from issues that have had them in bondage for many years. God be praised!<br /><br />Here is the outline for last Sunday’s sermon:<br /><br /><strong>MAKING CHANGES<br />The Road to Recovery - Part 5<br />DeAntwan Fitts<br />Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)<br />December 7th, 2008</strong><br /><br /><strong>R.E.C.O.V</strong>.E.R.Y<br /><br />V oluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask him to remove my <strong>Character Defects</strong>.<br /><br />"Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him...and let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind." Rom 12:1-2 (GN)<br /><br /><strong>I. WHERE DO MY CHARACTER DEFECTS COME FROM?</strong><br /><br /><strong>a.</strong> Ultimatly My Defects are a result of my fallen sinful nature but My <strong>Genetics </strong>have contributed to my character defects.<br /><br />Genetics explain predisposition but don't excuse sin!<br /><br /><strong>b.</strong> My <strong>Circumstances</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs.<br /><br /><strong>c.</strong> My <strong>Choices</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Character defects are often positive qualities being misused.<br /><br /><strong>II. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO CHANGE THEM?</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>1.</strong> Because I've had them <strong>so long</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>2. </strong>Because I <strong>identify</strong> with them<br /><br /><strong>3. </strong>Because they have a <strong>payoff</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>4. </strong>Because <strong>Satan</strong> discourages me<br /><br /><strong>III. HOW DO I COOPERATE WITH GOD'S CHANGE PROCESS?</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />"..Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Rom 12:2<br /><br /><strong>1. </strong>Focus on changing <strong>one defect</strong> at a time.<br /><br />An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions." Prov. 17:24<br /><br /><strong>2.</strong> Focus on victory <strong>one day</strong> at a time.<br /><br />"Give us this day our daily bread" Matt. 6:11<br /><br />"Don't worry about tomorrow, each day has enough troubles of its own." Matt. 6:34<br /><br /><strong>3. </strong>Focus on <strong>God's power</strong> not willpower.<br /><br />"Can a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are used to doing evil now start being good." Jer. 12:23 (LB)<br /><br />"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13<br /><br /><strong>4.</strong> Focus on what I <strong>want</strong>, not what I <strong>don't want. </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />"Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure...Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about..." Phil. 4:8 (LB)<br /><br /><strong>5. </strong>Focus on <strong>doing</strong> good, not <strong>feeling</strong> good.<br /><br />"If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence." Gal. 5:16 (JB)<br /><br /><strong>6.</strong> Focus on <strong>people</strong> who help me, not hinder me.<br /><br />"As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other." Prov. 27:1 (NCV)<br /><br /><strong>7.</strong> Focus on <strong>progress</strong> not perfection.<br /><br />"God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task with you is finally finished..." Phil 1:6Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-87617769762183151402008-12-03T16:12:00.000-08:002008-12-03T16:58:23.982-08:00The Road To Recovery Part 4<strong>COMING CLEAN<br />The Road to Recovery - Part 4<br />DeAntwan Fitts<br />Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)<br />November 30th 2008</strong><br /><br /><strong>R.E.C.O.</strong>V.E.R.Y.<br /><br />R ealize I'm not God, I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.<br /><br />E arnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.<br /><br />C onsciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control.<br /><br />O penly <strong>Examine</strong> and <strong>Confess</strong> my faults to myself, to God, and to <strong>someone</strong> I trust.<br /><br />"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit." Psalm 32:1-2 (NIV)<br /><br />I. THE REASON FOR THIS STEP<br /><br /> 1. Guilt destroys my <strong>confidence</strong>.<br /><br /> 2. Guilt damages my <strong>relationships</strong>.<br /><br /> 3. Guilt keeps me <strong>stuck in the past</strong>.<br /><br />"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Prov. 28:13 (NIV)<br /><br />II. HOW TO DO THIS STEP<br /><br /> 1. Take a personal <strong>inventory</strong>.<br /><br />"Let us examine our ways and test them." Lam 3:40<br /><br />"Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:21 (NASB)<br /><br />2. Accept <strong>responsibility<br /></strong><br />"The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being." Prov 20:27 (NIV)<br /><br />"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John. 1:8<br /><br />3. Ask <strong>God for forgiveness</strong><br /><br />"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NIV)<br /><br />""Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD:though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isa. 1:19 (ESV)<br /><br />4. Admit my faults to <strong>someone we trust</strong><br /> <br />"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16 (NIV)<br /><br /> Who? <strong>Someone I trust</strong><br /><br /> What do you say? <strong>I want you to hold me accountable</strong><br /><br /> When? <strong>ASAP</strong><br /><br />5. Accept God's forgiveness and forgive myself<br /><br />"All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins ." Rom 3:23-24 (CEV)<br /><br />"There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Rom. 8:1Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-86275185888552302112008-11-25T07:35:00.000-08:002008-11-25T09:04:25.738-08:00Five Enemies of Team UnityAs we close out 2008, I am looking forward to helping our congregation make a running start into 2009. My focus is more on Building and Strengthening our leadership/ministry teams, placing extra enfaces on Unity. God has designed for His people to live and grow in Community, to work together as a team. It is only when we are working together in Community that we can truly call ourselves The Church of Jesus Christ; The Body of Christ.<br /><br />There are obvious things that get in the way of us being united and it is important to identify what they are and make sure to avoid or eliminate them. What are the opponents of team Unity; that get in the way of healthy Community? If we don’t find and eliminate these enemies, we will not achieve Team Unity.<br /><br />Below are Five enemies of Team Unity<br /><br />1. <strong>Poor Communication</strong><br />When the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing, strife sets in<br /><br />2. <strong>Gossip<br /></strong>Gossip is when a negative comment is discussed with anyone who can't help solve<br />the problem<br /><br />3. <strong>Unresolved Disagreements</strong><br />This happens when a leader doesn't know they exist or avoids confrontation<br /><br />4. <strong>Lack of Shared Purpose</strong><br />This happens when the leader doesn't restate the goal, the vision, and the mission early and often<br /><br />5. <strong>Sanctioned Incompetence<br /></strong>Keeping an inefficient team leader because we feel sorry for them or because of who they areFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-40487304048251301972008-11-23T21:04:00.000-08:002008-11-23T21:45:14.209-08:00The Road To Recovery Part 3<div align="left"><strong>LETTING GO<br />The Road to Recovery - Part 3<br />DeAntwan Fitts<br />Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)<br />November 23rd, 2008<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>R.E.C.</strong>O.V.E.R.Y.<br /><br />R ealize I'm not God; I admit I'm powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.<br /><br />E arnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, and that he has the power to help me recover.<br /><br />C onciously <strong>Choose</strong> to commit all my life and will to Christ's <strong>Care</strong> and <strong>Control</strong>.<br /><br />Jesus, "Come to me all you who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Mt. 11:28-30 (Ph)<br /><br /><strong>I. WHAT COULD KEEP ME FROM TAKING THIS STEP?<br /></strong><br />1. <strong>Pride</strong>; I don't want to admit I need help.<br /><em>"...Arrogant people are on the way to ruin." Pr. 18:12 (GN)<br /></em><br />2. <strong>Guilt</strong>: I'm ashamed to ask God for help.<br /><em>"Problems far too big for me to solve are piled higher than my head. Meanwhile my sins, too many to count, have all caught up with me, and I am ashamed to look up."<br />Ps. 40:12 (LB)</em><br /><br />3. <strong>Fear</strong>: I'm afraid of what I'd have to give up.<br /><em>"How does a man benefit if he gains the whole world and loses his soul in the process? Is anything worth more than his soul?" Mk 8:36 (LB)<br /></em><br />4. <strong>Worry</strong>: I confuse the decision phase with the problem-solving phase.<br /><em>"Cast all your anxiety on God because He cares for you." 1 Pet5 :7<br /></em><br /><em>"God, who began the good work within you, will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his love is finally finished." Phil 1:8 (LB)<br /></em><br />5. <strong>Doubt</strong>: My faith seems so small.<br /><em>"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you."<br />Matt. 17:20<br /></em><strong><br /><br />II. HOW DO I TAKE THIS STEP?</strong></div><div align="left"><br />1. I accept <strong>God’s Son</strong> as my Savior.<br /><em>"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." Acts 16:31<br /></em><br />2. I accept <strong>God’s Word</strong> as my Standard.<br /><em>"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error, </em></div><div align="left"><em>for resetting the direction of a man's life, and training him in good living."<br />II Tim 3:16 (Ph)<br /></em><br />3. I accept <strong>God’s Will</strong> as my Strategy<br /><em>"I desire to do your will, O my God..." Ps. 40:8<br /></em><br />4. I accept <strong>God’s Power</strong> as my Strength<br /><em>"I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength </em></div><div align="left"><em>and power." Ph. 4:13 (LB)<br /></em><br /><br />Jesus: "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him." Rev. 3:20</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div>Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-83391478371436082902008-11-18T06:40:00.000-08:002008-11-18T06:48:00.735-08:00How Pastors and Leaders Can Work Together to Care for PeopleOne of the greatest challenges for churches, pastors, staffers, and church leaders is the ability to work together. The reasons for an inability to work together appear endless: ego, pride, selfishness, a lack of vision, personality tension, church politics, and a failure to plug into a focused priority of Jesus first with a love for the Lord’s church that sets aside personal agendas. Such reasons may appear difficult to swallow on the surface, but the value of working together begins with a heart for God and His kingdom.<br /><br />How can pastors and leaders work together?<br /><br /><strong>1. Start with purpose.<br /></strong>Matthew 28:19-20 is a great place to start. Study God’s work in the early churches: Acts 2:41-47, Ephesians 4:12-16, and I Corinthians 16:13-14. A study will uncover five things:<br /><br />The churches were Christ-centered.<br />Proclamation of the good news of Jesus and God’s Word were basic.<br />Discipleship transformed lives and culture.<br />The church engaged community and culture as worship, mission and specific mission activities like ministry to the poor.<br />The church enacted people to build God’s kingdom and people.<br /><br /><strong>2. Put prayer at the center of the purpose.<br /></strong>Pastors and leaders, ultimately, pray to “join God in His work,” to borrow a Blackaby and King quote from <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/product/?isbn=1415858381">Experiencing God</a>. Prayer reminds the pastor and leaders of two things: 1. God’s plan in His love for people through salvation transforms lives; 2. Work cannot be done apart from God’s Holy Spirit and people-action-ministry. God’s work should not be done in isolation. It requires God working through people. Prayer engages that purpose.<br /><br /><strong>3. Respect each other.<br /></strong>Max DePree has a book entitled Leading Without Power. Many pastors and leaders seek to dominate and lead with personal power, that is, out of their own independence, insecurity, or authority, rather than God’s power. Depree quotes Peter Drucker as saying that “manners are the lubricant of the organization.” Depree also calls for building community, deciding what is significant and measuring it together, and service to people.<br /><br />These goals are achieved through respect for others. I find that tension, anger, and conflict arise many times when rudeness, pride, and disrespect prevail. The fruit-of-the-Spirit kindness never hurts. Try good manners.<br /><br /><strong>4. Resolve conflict.<br /></strong>Differences about church, ministry, preaching style, and local church vision, mission, and programs abound. Conflict is inevitable because humanity sticks to all of us like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. My father grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He says, “Everybody has an opinion!” Often conflict arises over differences of opinion. Still, I am amazed at pastors, staffers and church leaders who carry unresolved conflict deep in the soul. It causes bitterness and kills the joy of service to Christ. Differences may stay, but conflict must be resolved to work together for Christ.<br /><br /><strong>5. Build a team.<br /></strong>Team building through retreats, a monthly staff luncheon, or even an activity like bowling can open communication and encourage unity and ministry to people. Work toward working together by appreciating the grace-gifts of each individual. Aim for harmony like an orchestra sounding music. Train leaders. Focus on people’s needs.<br /><br /><strong>6. Live in Christ’s Joy and Wonder.<br /></strong>What can you do when conflict is unresolved? Return to number one in this article and start over. Read Philippians to recapture Christ’s joy in service. Joy? Working together requires it. Such Christ-joy supplies purpose, wisdom, restraint and togetherness to glorify God. That’s the goal, isn’t it?<br /><br />Discover the joy of serving Christ and working together to care for people.<br />Written by John DuncanFittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-86596402120753262372008-11-16T23:02:00.000-08:002008-11-16T23:14:31.185-08:00The Road To Recovery Step 2<strong>WHERE TO GET HELP WHEN YOU HURT<br />The Road To Recovery - Part 2<br />DeAntwan Fitts<br />Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)<br />November 16th, 2008<br /></strong><br /><br /><strong>R.E</strong>.C.O.V.E.R.Y<br /><br /><strong>R</strong>ealize I'm not God; I must admit that there are certain things that are outside of my realm of control. Apart from Christ my life is un-manageable..<br /><br />Step 2:<br /><br /><strong>E</strong>arnestly believe that God Exist, that I <strong>Matter</strong> to Him, and that He has the <strong>Power </strong>to help me recover.<br /><br />"Anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."<br />Heb. 11:6<br /><br />Three Parts<br /><br />1. ACKNOWLEDGE GOD'S <strong>Existence</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />"Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature -- have been clearly seen."<br /><br />"The fool says "There is no God!" Ps. 14:1<br /><br /><br />2. UNDERSTAND GOD'S <strong>Character</strong><br /><br />"Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God." Col 1:15 (Ph)<br /><br />God <strong>knows</strong> all about my situation.<br /><br />"You have seen the crisis in my soul" Ps.31:7 (LB)<br />"You know how foolish I have been." Ps.69:5<br /><br />God <strong>cares </strong>about my situation.<br /><br /><br /><br />"He is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic...for he knows what we are made of -- dust." Ps. 103:13-14 (LB/GN)<br /><br />"God says "I have loved you with an everlasting love!" Jer. 31:3<br /><br />"God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us." Rom. 5:8 (LB)<br /><br /><br />God can <strong>change</strong> me and my situation.<br /><br />"I pray you will begin to understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him...the same power that raised Christ from the dead." Eph. 1:20 (LB)<br /><br />"What is impossible for men is possible with God." Luke 18:27 (GN)<br /><br />3. ACCEPT GOD'S <strong>Offer to Help Me</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />"For God is at work within you giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose." Phil 2:13 (Ph)<br /><br /><br /><br />"The Spirit that God gives us ... fills us with power, love and self-control."<br />2 Tim 1:7 (GN)<br /><br /><br />How to Plug Into God's Power<br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><strong>Believe</strong> and <strong>Receive</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />"When you go through deep waters and great troubles, I will be with you,... you won't drown! When you walk through the fires of oppression, you won't be burned up."<br />Isa 43:2-3 (LB)Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-21953257132518630392008-11-11T00:08:00.000-08:002008-11-11T02:26:02.042-08:00Update On My Struggle!!!Here is an update on my struggle with bad eating habits and being overweight after about two months.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Before</strong>-----------------------------------------------------------=<strong>After<br /></strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk_TDAEFwI/AAAAAAAAAHY/qtSYC68xxsI/s1600-h/me+picture+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267310835642144514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk_TDAEFwI/AAAAAAAAAHY/qtSYC68xxsI/s200/me+picture+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk-jxBkdPI/AAAAAAAAAG4/n-chEOofEZg/s1600-h/chance+and+i.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267310023362770162" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk-jxBkdPI/AAAAAAAAAG4/n-chEOofEZg/s200/chance+and+i.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk-87xL6sI/AAAAAAAAAHI/WZ9ZAh9uyPE/s1600-h/me+picture.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267310455743572674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk-87xL6sI/AAAAAAAAAHI/WZ9ZAh9uyPE/s200/me+picture.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk-XGQzd-I/AAAAAAAAAGw/tUFtXANDuqo/s1600-h/me+at+grand+canyon+3.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267309805725513698" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk-XGQzd-I/AAAAAAAAAGw/tUFtXANDuqo/s200/me+at+grand+canyon+3.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk_FEJbKwI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/0XqO20UDiyY/s1600-h/me+picture+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267310595431672578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk_FEJbKwI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/0XqO20UDiyY/s200/me+picture+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk-IShxf8I/AAAAAAAAAGo/uGjoOiZnsaA/s1600-h/me+at+grand+canyon+2.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267309551319875522" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HB_SyYMwuQA/SRk-IShxf8I/AAAAAAAAAGo/uGjoOiZnsaA/s200/me+at+grand+canyon+2.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>How My Faith is Helping Me Control My Eating</strong><br />-It's not about will power, it's about surrender.<br />-I don't trust my flesh, so why should I eat what/when it wants me to eat.<br />-True saving faith works.<br />-Inward regeneration produces outward transformation. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><em>All praise and gloriy to our Lord Jesus Christ, who sets the believer free from life's hurts, habits and hang-ups!!! </em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>My Eating Plan</strong></div><div><strong>Large</strong> high protein breakfast, </div><div><strong>Medium</strong> high protein high high fiber lunch, </div><div><strong>Small</strong> high protein, low carb (<span style="color:#009900;">green carb</span> only) low fiber dinner. With protein bars or shakes between each meal.</div><div>I have added a multi-vitamin and an antioxidant to my routine.<br />I now have the energy to start working out.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#3366ff;"><em>I will update again soon.<br /></em><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-67433871802945678002008-11-09T14:12:00.000-08:002008-11-09T21:10:47.331-08:00The Road to Recovery Part 1<div align="center"></div><div align="left"><strong>THE FIRST STEP TO FREEDOM<br />The Road to Recovery - Part 1<br />DeAntwan Fitts<br />Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)<br />November 9th, 2008<br /></strong><br />Isaiah 57:18 (GN) "I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, near and far!"<br /><br />What are some possible things I need to recover from?<br /><br />Overworking Overeating Alcohol/Drugs Overspending<br />Grief Guilt Anger/Rage Fear/Anxiety<br />Divorce Abuse Sexual addictions Codependency<br />Insecurity Perfectionism Hypochondria Hurtful Relationships<br />Gambling Lying Procrastination The need to control<br /><br /><br />The first step to <strong>R</strong>.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y:<br /><br /><strong>R</strong>ealize <strong>I'm not God</strong>; I must admit that there are certain things that are outside of my realm of control. Apart from Christ my life is un-manageable.<br /><br />"I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can't! I do what I don't want to -- what I hate! I know perfectly well what I'm doing is wrong. . . but I can't help myself! It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things."<br />Romans 7:15-17 (LB)<br /><br /><strong>I. THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM: <em>My sin Nature/I want to be God</em></strong><em><br /></em><br />How we "play" God:<br /><br />By denying our <strong>humanity</strong> and by trying to <strong>control </strong>everything for selfish reasons.<br /><br />We try to control Our image<br />We try to control Other people<br />We try to control Our problems<br />We try to control Our pain</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong>II. THE CONSEQUENCES </strong><em><strong>to trying to play God<br /></strong></em><br />1. <strong>Fear</strong><br /><br />(Adam) "I was afraid because I was naked so I hid."<br />Gen. 3:10<br /><br />2. <strong>Frustration</strong><br /><br />"It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong... something else deep within me... is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me slave to the sin..."<br />Rom 7:21, 23 (LB)<br /><br />"My dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration."<br />Ps. 32:3 (LB) </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">3. <strong>Fatigue</strong><br /><br />"My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide them."<br />Ps. 32:4-5 (LB)<br /><br />4. <strong>Failure </strong><br /><br />"You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you." Prov. 28:13 (GN)<br /><br /><br /><strong>III. THE CURE:</strong> <strong><em>Admit that I’m not God</em> </strong></div><div align="left">Admitting that I'm not God means I know I am:<br /><br />powerless to change: <em><strong>My Past</strong><br /></em><br />powerless to control: <em><strong>Other People</strong><br /></em><br />powerless to cope: <strong>With </strong><em><strong>My harmful habits, behaviors and actions<br /></strong></em><br />"God opposes the proud but gives GRACE to the humble."<br /><br />James 4:6<br /><br />GRACE IS: <strong><em>The power to change</em> </strong></div>Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-20795137463229969952008-11-07T08:10:00.000-08:002008-11-08T13:05:53.710-08:00Peace Chapel Just Kicked Off a New Ministry!!!My fellow blog community and those that follow this blog,<br /><br />I am exited about a new ministry that we kicked off this past Friday at Peace Chapel called "Celebrate Recovery". I am asking you to pray that God will use this ministry to change countless lives for now and for eternity. I believe in the power of prayer and "pray" is all I am asking you to do.<br /><br /><strong>Celebrate Recovery<br /></strong><br />The Bible clearly states that "all have sinned." It is our very nature to do so. And because of sin, we've all hurt ourselves, we've all hurt other people, and others have hurt us. This means each of us is in need of repentance and recovery in order to live the way God intended.<br /><br />Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program for helping people overcome their hurts, habits and hang-ups, using 8 principles based on the Beatitudes of the New Testament and 12 biblical steps to recovery. Through this program, people have restored and developed stronger relationships with others and with God.<br /><br />Here are some issues people might need recovery from:<br /><br />Overworking, Overeating, Alcohol/Drugs, Overspending<br />Grief, Guilt, Anger/Rage, Fear/Anxiety<br />Divorce, Abuse, Sexual addictions, Codependency,<br />Insecurity, Perfectionism, Hypochondria, Hurtful Relationships,<br />Gambling, Lying, Procrastination, The need to control.<br /><br /><strong>We will start our fellowship at 6pm this evening with Dinner!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Peace Chapel is located at 7622 S. Avalon S. Avalon Blvd in Los Angeles. We are also on the web <a href="http://www.peacechapelchurch.org/">http://www.peacechapelchurch.org/</a>Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624268721283678452.post-42227525280393107082008-11-05T07:32:00.000-08:002008-11-05T17:03:48.942-08:00Congratulations to our New President-Elect Barack ObamaCongratulations to our new President-Elect Barack Obama! This is an historical moment for the United States of America particularly African Americans and all minorities that reside in this great Nation. We have come a long way in a short period of time. America has proven to be the land of opportunity. This should encourage us as African Americans to reach for the stars. We no longer can use being black as a reason for failure, we now have to take personal responsibility for our shortcomings.<br /><br />My prayer is that we the Christian Community will be united in supporting our newly elected leader. We are commanded to pray for our leaders. President-Elect Obama, his family and his administration will need all the prayer he/they can get.<span style="font-size:78%;">1 </span><br /><br />Those of us who did not vote for Senator Obama, lets hope the best for our new President-Elect. The Bible tells us, that God ordains government, so let us accept and embrace the will of God.<span style="font-size:78%;">2</span><br /><br />The revival that our Country needs will only come about when we as believers will humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face and turn from our wicked ways.<span style="font-size:78%;">3</span><br /><br />God bless you and God bless America!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(1) 1 Tim 2:1-4</span> <span style="font-size:78%;">I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. </span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(2) Rom 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(3) 2 Chron 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.</span>Fittshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13996167043550983015noreply@blogger.com22