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January 10 - ADVANCE-Battle Formation
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rickdakidd
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02/03/2010 20:41 |
Brian, that was excellent. I think I will have to do something I very rarely do; listen to it again. Not that it was hard to understand. Your analogies were great. You are the voice of God on this one, I think; we all have to go deep on this one. The body of Christ will stay ineffective if we do not take God's direction on this one.
As I grow deeper and deeper within Christ; lose more and more of myself - I find myself less concerned about Church doctrines, differences and theologies. Actually, I never really saw them as the best way to grow in my faith. I keep remembering that one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is "simple" faith. Maybe that is why Christ said it is best to have the faith like little children. They don't complicate things by getting involved in the things that distract and divide us.
I love you, brother. I praise God you are faithful to hearing His Word and obedient. I say this not to build you up because I know you desire to remain humble. This must be increasingly hard on you. Praise God He continues to show you how to abide in Him while He does truly great things through your leadership, DAB team and community - ALL TO HIS GLORY!
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deborah
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02/04/2010 09:43 |
Wow - that was so humbling and so true. I am convicted.
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Garry J
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02/04/2010 15:27 |
loved it, loved the songs.
The muse lyrics are so fitting - they will stop degrading us... they will not control us... rise up and take the power back. I take that as both for myself and as a community/church. "they" being spiritual forces not people like Paul says.
The talk reminds me a bit of Rick Joyner's vision described in his book "prophetic vision for the 21st century" - he basically saw an army. Part of the army was in step, perfect spacing and uniforms, each one helping other up and healing the others. That was the front small group. It was a big army, but as you approached the back the uniforms were more worn out and dirty, many more 'walking wounded', soldiers less in step and really just wandering aimlessly in a general direction, not helping others. The front portions were effective not the rear portions. But it's not a condemnation thing, it's a walking out God's love and promises thing. Believing Him and His word. If it weren't true Jesus wouldn't have told you.
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Craig from Illinois
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02/04/2010 15:48 |
Never in my life have I experienced a community of Believers that trusts each other with the deepest, darkest, vilest details of their sin and pain than I have here at the DAB community. Our virtual community has given me a chance to experience true freedom in Christ. I make the assumption that everyone is on the same page – we are all sinners and we are all saved by God’s grace through Jesus’ death and resurrection. If my assumption is wrong, then I assume everyone will figure it out by December 31st! Why is it then that in the “real world community” (my local church, my friends and yes – even with my spouse) I am afraid to live in the freedom of Christ?
Brian talks about division in the ranks of the Believers. But what causes the division? Sin, yes of course, but what sin specifically when it’s all boiled down? What is the root cause of the criticism of our Christian leaders? What is the root of gossip about our brothers and sisters? What is the root cause of fear that our reputation could be damaged or that we will look weak in the eyes of our circle of friends, family and yes – our spouse? I believe root cause of all these things is the sin of personal PRIDE.
When Christ defeats the sin of personal pride in my life, what will THAT look like? Will I be able to take the Kingdom of God into my real world?
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mike
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02/04/2010 16:48 |
its so true we must stay togther in this i fell some times i am on my own in this but i now i am not thanks to the chat rooms !! and god im glad i join this year and im here to stay and have meet so many nice people from all over the wold and cant wait for tommrow for to her the voice of the bible and brain of coures
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Jenna in Austin
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02/05/2010 19:27 |
Brian, I really enjoyed the month-end talk this time around. (Not that I don't usually enjoy them, but this one was especially good.) When I was an athiest/agnostic/whatever I always thought "religion" was a stupid yet personal thing and that you did it alone. Now that I am a Christ follower, I find myself gravitating to other brothers and sisters in Christ. I crave fellowship with other like-minded people who understand my deep love for Christ and also who will help me grow in my journey.
I love the new theme for this year: ADVANCE. I have been noticing this theme pop up in my life lately. I truly feel that I have advanced hugely in my walk in faith. But I now feel that the Lord is calling me to advance by sharing my faith. And I have no idea how to do this. I am so afraid to talk to people about my love for Jesus. And then I feel so guilty for being afraid of what other people think. I've been praying for not only the strength but the words to talk to others about my faith. I know that God will answer my prayer.
For now, I'm trying to analyze what I do in my life that makes it evident to others that I walk with Christ. And when I do this, I start to feel a little ashamed because I know other people can look at my life and say, "She doesn't walk with the Lord because she does this and this and this." ARG, I just don't know...
What I do know is that I need all of my brothers and sisters! I can't do this alone! When I am alone and feeling discouraged or down, its then that I know the enemy is near. He's stalking me, just waiting for that moment I let my guard down. He's won some battles in my life, but he will not win anymore!
On a side note, I REALLY loved the music you played! That Muse song is amazing and I am going to download it asap.
Blessings, Jenna
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Leslie
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02/05/2010 21:43 |
Yes...I loved it too. I have listened twice now! I concur with all that has been said!! I can't do it alone! : )
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rickdakidd
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02/06/2010 07:30 |
Jenna, I have been where you are. Keep asking the Holy Spirit to fill you more, more and more! Ask Jesus to empty you more because it is not you (me) who will make it evident to all that you walk with Christ; the Holy Spirit will (must) do this for you. When I think too much about how I look to others, what and how I should say the right words or do the right things to bring others to Christ, then I have a clue I am probably more in the flesh than in the Spirit. This is still difficult for me to understand, but trust me - God wants what you want more than you want it. So, ask Him for this understanding. In your quiet time with Him; listen. Then go obey.
I would suggest 2 more things; find someone who you know who loves the Holy Spirit and can pray over you about this. Second, check out ALPHA.org and prayerfully consider going through the program. Over 13 million over the world have attended. Many people wrongfully think it is only for people who want an introduction to Christianity. It is much more than this. I am currently leading the course for the third time. It is a great evangelistic plan. It has forced me to come "out of the closet". There are not too many in my circle of friends and family who don't know where I am coming from now because the Holy Spirit creates opportunities I used to "force" before.
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Jenna in Austin
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02/06/2010 09:18 |
Thanks Rick! I will definitely check out that site. And you are so right about being filled with the Holy Spirit... It isn't me who will do these things, it is God.
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John T
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07/26/2010 10:53 |
I'm halfway through this month-end talk -- my first one. Very much enjoying the program and how Brian challenges us. Thanks DAB!
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