MarketPlace - July 23, 2008

Are you satisfied with your life? Really satisfied?

It’s often said that followers/disciples of Christ have every reason in the world to be optimistic. Actually the Scriptures say that God has a special love for those who follow Him.

According to Romans 8:28, God promises that, in the final analysis, things will work for our good because we love Him.

And yet, in our heart of hearts, we know life to be an incredible challenge. The fact is that there still seems (even in the lives of Christ followers) to be more drudgery and boredom than excitement and adventure.

Have you ever been there, thirsting for more? At times I have been… Are you there now?

I’m excited to tell you about the exciting news we’ve all been waiting for. A little over a month from now, our church family is going to embark on a forty-day study that can change the way we feel about prayer, church attendance, acts of service, and even financial giving.

By the time it’s all said and done, you will see your whole relationship with God in a new way – and understand how to “live all the days of your life”, as the Irish blessing puts it.

So, what is your part in all this? First, think about your life. Are you getting all the enjoyment and fulfillment that you think God might have in store for you? Second, commit to giving God forty days to change it. Third, dedicate six Sundays: from September 7 (the week after Labor Day) until the second Sunday in October, to being in church. And fourth, read a simple book with me called Treasures of the Transformed Life. That book can be picked up at any time in the church office.

That forty-day process will help you identify what it is that you are thirsty for, and will point you in the direction of satisfying that thirst. You’ll be given the opportunity to discuss what you’re learning during weekly Sunday School/small group meetings. And you will hear inspiring messages each week that will tie it all together.

At the end, we will try to answer the “So what?” question, and talk about putting our faith into action.

I believe this could be the most important forty days this church has ever experienced. Plan now for the stretching of your spirit and growth of your faith and security.

And know that the transformed life that results will be your very own!

May you remain aware of God’s love for you and all.

Dave Melton