Foundations Study, Week 3

Tuesday morning during my time of prayer and reading I was captivated by a particular verse within the passage I was reading. The verse(s) were 2 Timothy 1:8b, 9 where Timothy is exhorted by Paul to “…share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9who saved us and called us with a holy calling,

not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began”.  What stuck out to me was that our individual calling is not based on our works but according to His own purpose! As a pastor/teacher this is not new information to me but as a follower of Jesus this stood out to me this morning. Rather than trying to figure out why it stood I thought about what it said. Basically I observed that we are saved for a purpose much bigger than ourselves. I see a fresh view on the fact that God has called us and offered us salvation because He is good (grace is really good!) and He has a purpose for our lives. We didn’t earn a calling, we don’t deserve a special enabling. We are simply and specially saved because He is good. My life, your life in this season at Mountain Home is designed by Him! He has a plan that is a product of His deep love for you, for me. My desire is to know Him more that I may understand more of my calling, more of my purpose in this season.

 
I have shared this as an example and encouragement. The example being that as you work through the Foundations study that you intentionally listen and respond. Don’t “read into” the text something but rather listen to what is said. What stands out, what hits home? What is beating, resonating within your heart and mind as you study? Intentionally listen and respond to what He amplifies. The encouragement is that when you settle in you can anticipate, even expect that God will speak to you. He shows no partiality, which means He speaks to all who will seek Him and listen.
I am including information concerning our Prayer and Fasting, Feb.8-12th and I encourage you to venture out and
experience what God has in store for you by way of Prayer and Fasting.
Lastly I am including the DEEPER STILL tract instructions once again. As the DEEPER STILL paragraph explains if you
would like to be a part of this tract of Rock Solid Foundation please reply back to me and I will get you the additional studies and reading to you.
 
Have a great week, In His Grace,
Pastor Dan
 
DEEPER STILL:  
This is for everyone who senses Gods calling them to a closer more responsive walk. Jesus’ disciples went from curious, to casual, to committed in their relationship with Him. This was not merely their decision or determination. This was a response on their part to what God was calling them to. It is the same today; we start as curious which for some then leads to a casual healthy spiritual life. For some the curious to casual is followed by His call to a deeper commitment. If you are at that point or sense that God is calling you to a role of leadership, or perhaps a role of support and helps, or even a more committed consistent spiritual life, then the DEEPER STILL tract is for you. This will involve the same approach as listed in the initial portion of this letter as well as additional disciplines.
In DEEPER STILL I ask that you commit additional time to prayer. This prayer time is enhanced as you keep a reading journal and prayer log of what God is showing you. Along with the reading journal and prayer log, I ask that you read supplemental articles that I will have available to you.  As you glean from these articles and writings I ask that you write brief summaries or reports on a selected few. DEEPER STILL will help you learn to listen to Gods voice. It will help you learn from others who have experienced God’s faithfulness. DEEPER STILL will strengthen you and stretch you in your spiritual journey with Jesus.
To be involved with the DEEPER STILL tract of this Foundation Study simply reply to this email and indicate that you would like to be a part of the DEEPER STILL portion.
I am excited to see what God will do in our lives during this time together. I believe He will bless our diligence and commitment to Him and even raise up a new group of leaders, teachers, evangelists from among us. Exciting times, time to be ready and alert!
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1Corinthians 15:58
 
By His Grace,
Pastor Dan

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