Category Archives: Discovery Church

church family, Discovery Church, Discovery Prescott

Discovery update from Pastor Steve and Brenda

Hello Discovery Family,

As we continue to make adjustments in response to the COVID-19 situation, we want to be sensitive to appropriate precautions while offering new methods of engaging with you.

We will be sharing updates regularly, so please check your emails, our website or app, and follow Discovery Church on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest.

For a unique and special worship service this weekend, please join our virtual gathering by watching a video that will stream worship and a message from me at 10:00 AM this Sunday.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1718904498337252/

You can also follow along with the message notes on Discovery App.

Download it with iTunes or Google play.

Discovery Church Prescott

While we regret that we may not be in the same physical space, our God who holds all things together will certainly continue to hold His Church together! We can still worship, learn, and give online as a church family even in this season.

We look forward to trying new ways of connecting with you, and we will be sending out more updates as we have them.

We pray for everyone who is affected to experience God’s presence and healing in this unique season.

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Pastors Steve and Brenda Lummer

https://podpoint.com/discovery-church-prescott-podcast/covaid-19-discovery-update

www.discoveryprescott.com

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Discovery Church, Discovery Prescott, Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger Doug Reed

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I ask Doug Reed if he would share the notes from his message he shared with Discovery Church Prescott yesterday and he was kind enough to say yes.

Here are the notes in outline form from his sermon that touched so many.

 

The Pathway to Your Dreams   

“Principles of Destiny Fulfillment from the Life of Joseph”  

Message Text: Genesis 37-50       *** ROLLAR COASTER ILL. *** 

*** LEROY STORY — I want to start today by telling you a story I read a long time ago about a mischievous kid named Leroy — He was good kid (about 7-8 years old) with an evil streak… One day Leroy went to his mother demanding a new bicycle — His mother decided to use this moment to help Leroy examine his heart and the way he acts — She said: “Well Leroy, it is not Christmas and we don’t have money lying around to buy you anything you want… So… Why don’t you write a letter to Jesus and pray for a bicycle instead of asking me” — After he threw a heathy temper tantrum his mom sent him to his room….He finally sat down to write a letter to Jesus  —  Version #1 went like this: “Dear Jesus I have been a good boy this year and I would appreciate a new bicycle, Your friend Leroy.”  —  Now… Leroy no more than finished the letter and he realized he had just wrote a pack of lies to Jesus (ELAB)  —  Version #2 – “Dear Jesus, I have been an OK boy this year and I want a new bicycle, Yours truly Leroy.”  — He knew he had not even been OK… So he tore it up & tried again  —  Version #3 – “Dear Jesus, I have THOUGHT about being a good boy this year…Can I have a bicycle?”  (ELAB and APPLY)  — He knew he had been terrible and was deserving of nothing… (His walk) — (Going into the catholic Church) — (Taking the Virgin Mary statue and running back home and hiding it under this bed)  —  FINAL VERSION — “Dear Jesus, I’VE GOT YOUR MOMMA … If you ever want to see her again then get me a bicycle! …YOU KNOW WHO  — 

——  The details may be different… BUT most of us have childhood memories that relate well to the story of LEROY  (ELAB) 

*** ME AS A KID For me it is MISS JONES ROSE GARDEN — OR… The damage that countless baseballs and other projectiles did to our house or our neighbors property…                      

BUT… WE GREW UP… Or at least some of us did!  — Perhaps the 1st step in our growth process is… We begin to DREAM about the FUTURE  

*** TRASH MAN DREAM — POLICE OFFICER DREAM  

Perhaps the 1st step in our GROWTH PROCESS getting a dream! – Nothing accelerates maturity like DREAMING!  (True emotionally & spiritually )   

  • DREAMERS are GROWERS!  (When your not dreaming… you stop growing)  

The enemy hates GROWTH because he hates advancement — He wants you to stay the same    When you GROW the devil loses track of you – Your never TRAPPED when your GROWING 

— Being a “GROWING DREAMER” will set you up for your Divine Destiny 

** MY CALL AT 16 — The DREAM God gave me for the future caused a DRAMATIC ACCELERATION in my GROWTH PROCESS **

SEE…* Dreaming is a form of PRAYING  (God meets you there)                                                                     — Your DREAM-LIFE should be intertwined with your PRAYER-LIFE  

(TRANSITION  — BUILT FOR DREAMING)  

The good news is…Everyone in this room has been designed by God to be               a DREAMER … It is in your spiritual DNA… * God built you to DREAM!  

— The desire to SEE MORE.. To BE MORE… To live a life that really matters!                  ……. THIS is something that God has put in every PERSON on the PLANET!  

*** BRIDGE LETTER  — Event in Wisconsin – 4 sermons – (The “ATTITUDE” girl story) — The LETTER — She was no place Spiritually… Had been hurt and molested… Yet… Even in her condition her SOUL knew that she should she was built for something MORE! — “Oh my life is like standing at a BRIDGE, but not being able to see it because there is too much fog.  And you have to jump on it with both feet or you won’t find that BRIDGE.  I have seen your friends on the other side, happy as they can be.  I want that happiness to but I can’t give myself over.  What if the the BRIDGE caves in?  What if God does not catch me?  I have so many questions.”      See.. Even in her hurting condition she knew that God had something better for her              —  BUT… She also knew that the JOURNEY would be a PROCESS…  (A BRIDGE) ….. It was SCARY and would not be EASY…  But everyone is born to CROSS the BRIDGE from where they are to where Good wants them to be! – DREAM! *** 

SEE… Dreaming is not for wimps… Because dreaming creates EXPECTATIONS            — DREAMING makes you VULNERABLE  (A by-product – ELAB)

We all have BROKEN DREAMS & ALTERED DREAMS … Beat up DREAMS ——— No ones FANTASY comes TRUE!    (My plan verses God’s  plan ILL.)  

  • The BATTLEFIELD of EXECUTION is never the same as the LABORATORY of EXEGESIS  (Mike Tyson – “Everyone has a PLAN until they get punched in the face”)  

(TRANSITION TO TEXT — JOSEPH and GODS PROCESS)  

This is what we learn from the story of a DREAMER in the Bible named JOSEPH

——  We find in this man that God certainly gives DREAMS… — But He also always attaches a PROCESS to every DREAM He gives— God always develops the DREAMER before He lets the DREAM come true   (SET UP TEXT… This a a BIG STORY because GOD gave Joseph a BIG DREAM) 

Genesis 37:5-11 (NLT) “One night Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever.  “Listen to this dream,” he said.  “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!”

8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.  (OLDER BROTHERS JOKE)

9  Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it.   “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!”

10 This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” 

11 —  But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph,                                                             his father wondered what the dreams meant.

*** JOSEPHS HISTORY —  Jacob is Josephs father and Jacob has 12 sons… including Joseph — These 12 sons will ultimately be the start of the 12 tribes of ISRAEL — Of Josephs 11 brother’s… 10 of them are half brothers… only Benjamin (Joseph’s younger Bro) is a full blood brother to Joseph — Joseph was favored by his father…  (THE COAT OF MANY COLORS)  (there are many reasons but we do not have time!) — JOSEPH HAS A DREAM that his brothers will bow down to him           —— The announcement of that dream was like pouring gas on a fire… *** 

Later… Joseph is sent by his father to check on his brothers… They are supposed to be grazing flocks near Shechem but they are actually in Dothan (More in a minute)

Genesis 37:18-20 (NLT) They saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other ———               — “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns  and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”  

Have you ever been HATED because you had a DREAM?  Joseph was! (ELAB) 

*** THE STORY… They strip him of his robe and throw him in a pit… They talk about killing him… but Reuben suggests they sell him into slavery instead… At that precise moment a band of Ishmaelites from Gilead arrive.… Who are (among other things) slave traders… Jospeh is sold into slavery by his brothers… They even dip his robe in animal blood and tell his father that he has died! — At this moment he is 17…13 chapters later (Chap. 50)… after a long process… 25 years later… at the age of 42 his dream comes true… His brothers & really the entire world bows down to him *** 

(TRANSITION TO OUTLINE)  — I will share the rest of the story as we go… But let me give you some application… * 3 EXITS on the PATHWAY to your DREAMS     

(3 life lessons from the story of Joseph)  

  • 1.  The exit of ALONENESS or SOLITUDE  

— Every time God is going to do something GREAT… He SEPARATES  

We see this in the life of JOSEPH… He gives him a DREAM…… Then He systematically separates JOSEPH… He has to get him ALONE!  

Several Reasons: — TUNE OUT DISTRACTIONS  (The great sin of our day)   

— SELF CONFRONTATION (Being alone can be too intimate… This is why we turn on noise… We can’t deceive ourselves as well when were alone — No one knows YOU like YOU!) 

— PASSION DEVELOPMENT (Passion grows in the dark… A BIBLICAL PATTERN)    

— TOTAL TRUST — (God wants to become your source… So sometimes…He gets you to the place where He is all you have… because He is all you need!)  

This exit… (like the other two I will mention) does not make sense in the natural   (Have you ever had God speak something to you and the exact opposite begins to happen?  Am I the only one?  – This is what Joseph experienced)  

—  LOOK AT HOW GOD GOT JOSEPH ALONE: 

>>>  Joseph was attacked because of his AMBITION   

Granted… His immaturity announced the DREAM early… But that does not excuse the hatred of his brother’s 

— People love to PICTURE YOU WHERE YOU ARE… They want to keep you there                                   * When you DREAM for MORE it irritates the INSECURITY of others   

(My own STORY… Not everyone is CALLED to be on your JOURNEY – Booster Rockets)        

— Sometimes God is SAVING YOU from people who don’t really believe in you 

>>>  Joseph was stripped of his COMFORTS

They take his “Coat of many Colors”… It represented his relationship with his                   Father… His place of favoritism (ELAB)  

BIG… GOOD can be the ENEMY of BEST!  (God wanted to be His Father)  

—— Sometimes God has to allow your SECURITY to SUFFER  (ELAB) 

  • Sometimes God has to STRIP you of your COMFORTS so He can prepare you for your CALLING  (What are you wearing that won’t “GO” where your going?)      

>>> Joseph was thrown in a PIT  

— Someone always wants BURY a DREAMER!  Expect it!                                    

——  KNOW THIS…. PAIN will be a part of your PURPOSE  (Blank KEY) 

They stuff him into this place that looks like the opposite of what God spoke  

— The PERSECUTER’S thought it was their idea… But God is SMART…               

—  He knows how to weave DETOURS into your DESTINY                              ————————————————————————————————

NOTE:  The result of all this abuse for JOSEPH has really only done 2 things: 

— 1. He has experienced PAIN  (He can now relate to a hurting world…                       HIS struggle is creating AUTHENTICITY in him… BROKEN ARM ILL.)   

— 2. He is ALONE  (For the 1st time in his life… He is truly alone… Which is right where God wanted him to be)  

*** 200 MILES IN THE WRONG DIRECTION — The start of my traveling ministry at age 33 — 4 Florida Churches offered me a position — The big trip…There for a month — Last night in Tampa…No direction from God — I though God might speak to me on my drive… 17 hours — The call from the YP — Going to the Pastors Office… His ‘Word’ for me…”God has called you to a a place of trust, not a place of security… but you keep wanting to go back to Egypt.” — The tapes they gave me…My drive… God is speaking… 2 hours later I should be in Gainesville on HWY 75… Instead I am almost to Fort Meyers… I just went 200 miles in the wrong direction! (Round trip) — ELAB MY REACTION …Blamed God… Blamed Jeanne..     — Passing the Church I was at about 5pm… Finally passed Gainesville around 7pm — Starting to get my spirit right… Called a friend and told him the story… He made fun of me… Then suddenly had a word from God  (Everyone is a prophet today!)  — “Doug… This was a bad day to make a wrong turn wasn’t it?  — (My reply) — God is lessening the Margin of Error ion your life.. In the past you could disobey and He would make up the difference… but now God is going to hold you accountable for the maturity He has placed in you… You must hear his voice and obey… Don’t make a wrong turn or it will cost you dearly.”  (ELAB the rest)  — My all night drive — God speaking  — Me telling Jeanne that we are not moving to Florida  (ELAB) *** 

APPLY:  God had to pick a day when I was in the car for 17 plus hours —                    —  He wanted me ALONE… He knew I would never sit there otherwise!

  • 2.  The exit of EDUCATION or TESTING  

——  If a DREAM is really from God it can be TESTED        

In order for God to GRADUATE… He has to EDUCATE 

This is what He does for JOSEPH… He takes him through a series of TESTS… To teach him and to FORM HIM into the person who can live out the DREAM

(GOD POSITIONS JOSEPH)  — Look at the providence of God to this point… God gives Joseph a dream… Then.. some time later (Gen. 37:13)               

His dad sends him to check on his brothers in a place called Shechem…  

— They are not there… They are in DOTHAN… Dothan is an 80 mile journey for Joseph… After his long journey to SHECHEM  (Traveling on Donkeys)  

BIG… DOTHAN literally means… “A PLACE OF BURDEN”                                                   — God takes Joseph from a place of COMFORT to a place of BURDEN  

They throw Joseph in the Pit… And just as they sit down (to eat) … A caravan  of Ishmaelites from Gilead arrive … Gilead is 40 miles in the opposite direction!  

(Go over the GEOGRAPHY — To Shechem — To Dothan — From Gilead)  

(But they were there to harm him?  No.. It saved Joseph from his brothers & himself!)  

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) “I know the plans I have for you, plans for your good and not for your disaster — to give you a hope and a future”

In a PIT?  God has a CARAVAN on the way!  What looks like a disaster could be the very providence of God… Positioning you so He can EDUCATE you!  

  • God uses the PAIN of POSITION to prepare us for our DESTINIES 

The question is:  Do you see PROVIDENCE where others only see DISASTER?  

SEE…   HOW you view a something is dependent  on WHO handed you that something  –  (MY MOM & THE WORM)  

(TRANSITION)  >>> JOSEPHS 4 TESTS:  (FAST) 

— THE PIT:  Abandonment… The exact opposite of his dream 

— THE PALACE: Joseph is purchased by a wealthy man named Potiphar… God’s favor… Then Potiphar’s wife goes after Joseph  (39:6 He was well built and handsome)  — Joseph keeps his purity and is arrested anyway  (ELAB)  

— THE PRISON: This is the TEST OF TIME… God’s favor is on him… but 13 more years past… * The greatest test of a DREAM is the TEST of TIME 

— THE PROMISES: After interpreting a dream for him … Joseph is promised by Pharaoh’s Cup-bearer that he will help Joseph (40:23 — He forgot all about Joseph and never gave him another thought)  —  BROKEN PROMISES!!          (Who has let you down?  Your DREAM is not in their hands!  It is in Gods!) 

God’s strategy for Joseph was not designed for comfort or speed — God was forming Joseph — God had a DESTINATION in mind for JOSEPH  

— The real issue when it comes to all our DREAMING is quite simple:  

  • We value the PRODUCT of our lives, but God values the PROCESS 

— We are concerned with ARRIVALS but God is all about the JOURNEY 

The BIGGER the DREAM….  The LONGER the PROCESS — God is a God of PROCESS 

BIG… YOU GROW INTO YOUR DESTINY!! (ELAB) 

*** YOU GROW & YOUR MINISTRY WILL GROW STORY ***  

  • —  3. The exit of BROKENNESS 

———  In CHAPTER 41 this story takes a turn  (ELAB Pharaohs DREAMS)  

After Joseph interprets the DREAM he is put in CHARGE…He is now the 2cd most powerful man in the world… The DREAM is coming true!

—  He goes from the PRISON to the PALACE! (God promoting you is never the issue)   

—— In Chapter 42-45… We see the specifics of Josephs DREAM come true

(Plenty then famine)  After 7 years of plenty and a few years of famine…                                                …….… His own family comes looking for food… His brothers bow down 

WEIRD ACTIONS BY JOSEPH:  His brothers come & He recognizes them 

— He calls them spies — Imprisons the youngest — Puts silver in with their grain to make them look like thieves — Does it a second time after they come to give it back and beg for mercy — A major confrontation happens in chapter 45                           

— Then… He finally reveals himself…  WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?  

>>> JOSEPH is struggling with BROKENNESS  

—  His brothers have no idea how much danger they are in… But God has                prepared JOSEPH… And the DREAMER is ready for the DREAM to come true

*** ILL.  People who ARRIVE to where they want to be… but they have a  BAD SPIRIT by the time they get there… THIS WILL NOT BE JOSEPH ***

  • The hardest thing God can ask a DREAMER to do is to SEE their VICTIMIZATIONS as a part of the DREAM    

*** 5 WAYS TO HURT SOMEONE (don’t write them down 🙂

1. Verbally

2.  Environmentally (Protectors become the predators) —

3. Personally (Deny an Identity)        

4. Physical abuse (Harm body) 

5. Abandonment (Leave them alone and unprotected)  ***

Josephs Brothers had done all 5 to him… And now all he has to say is “off with their heads” & no one will even question him! (BROKENNESS is NEEDED!)  

BUT… JOSEPH has BECOME the DREAMER within his DREAM  — He  never stands taller than this moment — Winston Churchill would have       called it “His finest hour” — Joseph has been prepared for his destiny  

Think of all that depended on Josephs DREAM:  

—— The salvation of his family  — His own DESTINY — Millions would have   starved to death — Josephs and his family would live in peace in Egypt for    generations… The very future of Israel would be put in place  

(He imagined ruling his BROTHERS… God imagined him ruling the WORLD)   

Joseph had committed to the PROCESS — He had BECOME the DREAMER      He lived the DREAM….  Not the one he IMAGINED… the one GOD IMAGINED!   

  • God always DEVELOPS the DREAMER before He lets the DREAM come true  

Because God knows how BIG the DREAM really is… So He wants you to be READY 

*** JORDAN BASEBALL ILLUSTRATION *** 

CLOSE:  50/20 VISION 

The GOLDEN VERSE of the 13 chapters dedicated to life of JOSEPH in GENESIS is GENESIS 50:20 (NLT)  

Genesis 50:20  You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good    

— He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people

*** 50/20 VISION — You have heard of 20/20 vision? (ELAB)  — I am praying that you will have 50/20 VISON!! —  This is the kind of vision that JOSEPH HAD in Genesis 50:20 —  See… most people can only see life in one direction… The inward direction of THEMSELVES… The direction of ME  (ELAB) That is normal 20/20 vision — Life is about what I can see... Life is about what is happening to me — Joseph had something much better…. 50/20 VISION —— LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WHAT I CAN SEE…. It is about what GOD CAN SEE… GOD HAS A PLAN!  —  God can turn around HARM and make it for YOUR GOOD and the GOOD of OTHERS  (ELAB BIG)  *** 

BIG… When your a DREAMER things don’t “GO YOUR WAY”… They    “COME YOUR WAY”… Expect the BATTLE and have  50’20 VISION!  

ALTAR:  A PRAYER / WORD FOR THE DREAMERS  

— The DREAMS God has for you begin and end with JESUS (Salvation)  

 ABANDON the FANTASY… The way you PICTURE IT needs to be nailed to the cross… Your need for INFORMATION reveals your IMMATURITY 

—  You were BUILT to DREAM but will you commit to the PROCESS?                  

(What if I told you the dream was about to come true? — Test of Time)  

Maybe you feel ALONE… God always SEPARATES what He intends to make GREAT…  EMBRACE the SOLITUDE and get to know your Father!  

— Some here are in a PLACE OF BROKENNESS… 

God uses BROKEN PEOPLE! – BROKENNESS is where the anointing thrives!   

— GOD GIVE US 50/20 VISION!!!  

Genesis 50:20  You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good     — He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

https://www.dougkreed.com

 

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Discovery Church, outdoors

LISTEN – Outdoor Nature Lovers Experience God Everywhere

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PRESCOTT, Ariz. (K-LOVE News – Abby Aronoff) – Outdoor Nation’s the name lovingly given to millions of Americans who can’t get enough of the great outdoors. Many of these nature enthusiasts use the whole weekend to explore the world around them. But now one pastor is capitalizing on the passion of those who feel God in nature.

[Rather LISTEN to this story? Scroll down to the podcast]

In Arizona, there is a lot to discover. With over 450 miles of trails and 1.25 million acres surrounding Prescott National Forrest, locals and visitors have trouble staying indoors. Pastor Steve Lummer of Discovery Church tells PE News, “You can whitewater raft, hike, mountain climb, bike, the options are endless.” And with moderate weather year-round you can explore from dawn to dusk.

After attending his own “pastors adventure” in Zion National Park exploring canyons and discussing the things of God with other like-minded church leaders, Steve caught a new vision: Church outside.

Steve explains, “We encourage people to get outside and let God speak to their inside.”

Pastor Steve started Discovery Church, but just about everyone in leadership is an outdoor enthusiast. And whether it’s trips to Yosemite, the Redwood National Park, or rafting at the Grand Canyon, members focus on faith as the congregation continues to grow.

Creation provides a powerful backdrop to connect and talk about God. And Steve points out, “Over half of Jesus’ teachings occurred in the outdoors.” In fact, Jesus took his disciples to mountains, in gardens and on boats to show them his purposes and teach them deep lessons about themselves.

At almost every adventure at Discovery Church a campfire is roaring and people are talking about the Creator.

For Pastor Steve it is simple, “We worship in outdoor classrooms to acknowledge that there is a center of the universe, and we are not it.”

Listen to the article on sound cloud here.

http://www.klove.com/news/2017/07/25/listen-outdoor-nature-lovers-experience-god-everywhere/

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Books I'm Reading, Discovery Church, Discovery Prescott, leadership, Ministry

Seven Week Speaking Sabbatical at 60

“Every leader functions on two stages–the front stage and the back stage. The front stage is the public world of leadership. The back stage is the private world of the leader. There are many resources to help you succeed on the front stage. But who is talking to you about you and your backstage life?

  • prioritize matters of the soul
  • develop healthy spiritual practices
  • address problems that lead to burnout
  • create a healthy rhythm in your life
  • craft a healthy leadership culture
  • develop better systems in your church
  • move toward an unhurried life”

From the book Replenish by Lance Witt

 

At the age of 60 I had a personal goal to take a six week sabbatical from my ministry responsibilities at Discovery for the above mentioned desire.

However, real life would not allow that to take place.

Then, an idea of a partial sabbatical took shape and here is how it worked.

Discovery church here in Prescott has developed and been given some amazingly gifted and talented people.

Seven of them responded to my request to speak on Sundays and each brought such a rich and diversified message.

Something besides giving me the much needed break came  out of this as well.

Over the seven weeks I noticed something I have never that experienced.

Each speaker showed our church what our actual theology was and that was powerful to witness.

Here are a few quotes and statements from the past seven weeks.

Week 1 with Keith Dionise 

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“Jesus is the continuation of the story of God.”

“We need the Gospel to transform the heart, to grow with our relationship with God.”

“Jesus is coming back…..Without this truth rooted in our heart we can be discouraged.”

“In our everyday practical life we are living one of four ways: our hearts are hardened to the word of God, we recognize the word of God but do not accept it, we accept the word of God but not the reconciliation, & we accept the reconciliation of God.”

“Without having a foundation of faith, we can become a skewed in our beliefs.”

“God doesn’t want us to have a piece of him, he did not sacrifice his son for this, to deny him is to deny the work he has done for us.”

“We are not here to reinvent the gospel … we are here to let the gospel will reinvent us.”

Keith Dionise

Listen to the sermon here:

https://podpoint.com/episode/embed/96855

Week 2 with Helen Jackson

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“As mother’s we are not given a manual. Our manual for life & reference is the word of God.”

“The Bible gives us instruction for birthing, marriage, family & anything else we may encounter in our lives.”

“We can say that we love God, but if we don’t read the Bible, how do we know how to love him?”

“We live with God & he lives with us, he is a personal God.”

“In our times of trial & trouble we can sometimes question God’s direction. The Bible can help answer our questions, & define God’s character.”

“We eat everyday, food is our body’s fuel. The Bible is no different, it is the food for our spiritual body. If you don’t fast for your physical body, why are you fasting your spiritual body?”

“Sometimes the message we feast on can be undesirable, & other times it can be pleasant, but remember no matter the message it feeds our spiritual being for the better.”

“To glorify God is to bless God.”

“We can glorify God by our character & our actions.”

“God did not create us for him to be our pleasure, he created us for HIS pleasure.”

“If you want to live for God & have a relationship with him, you cannot live without his word, the Bible.”

“It doesn’t matter where you are in your life, God can use you.”

“In today’s world, people are feeling beaten up, all they want is hope. God IS hope, he is faithful, present, giving, generous, & good. He will give direction, just read it.”

Listen to the message here.

https://podpoint.com/episode/embed/97158

Week 3 with Maureen Simpson

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“Never pass up an opportunity to break bread with someone who you don’t know. A new relationship & possibility to share the story of Christ may arrive from that occasion.”

“Live with intentionality with the people around you everyday. You do not need to be blood or have any other connection to any one person in order to serve selflessly.”

“Do not take for granted your availability to serve, worship and live as you do in America, because not everyone has that opportunity to do so.”

“The relationship of Christianity isn’t meant to be just for us, but to be given away & shared with others.”

This message is not available online.

Week 4 with James Dufour

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” I have not even read the entire bible and yet I have been ask to preach it.”

“Ephesians 6 tells us to “stand” three times.”

“I’m so excited for the next best book in the bible.”

“The belt of truth holds us together.”

“All of us are fighting a battle.”

“Our righteousness is found in Jesus.”

 

Week 5 with Jason Dyer

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“If we are only trying to please people, then we are not servants of God.”

“Deep down we all seek validation & approval.”

“As Christians we share because of our love for others. Regardless of what others may think of us, we must never miss an opportunity to share God.”

“Understand that the approval of “they” & “them”, doesn’t matter.”

“Do NOT seek the approval of man, you will only lose your way, because at the end of the day IT DOES NOT MATTER.”

“As a society we have been conditioned to a culture of “SELFIES”. Do not chase after the approval of man.”

“We are not called to donate & give for the acknowledgment & pride, when we give, give without saying.”

“A lot of us are caught up in seeking the approval of others & ourselves, that we are missing the real reason that we are here.”

“If you are struggling with the circumstances of your life & questioning your approval from God, remember, he GAVE up his ONLY son because GOD LOVES US.”

“God doesn’t only just love us, he cherishes us, we are valued by him.”

“No matter where we are at or what we’ve done, GOD loves us, because Jesus died for US.”

“Understand that God isn’t going to love a FUTURE version of yourself more than he loves you right NOW. ”

Listen to the message here:

https://podpoint.com/episode/embed/98635

 

Week 6 with Nolan Howell

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“What is Biblical meditation: Finding an opportunity to have a time of quiet to focus on God.”

“Every time God gives us something good, the world finds a way to pervert it.”

“With Biblical meditation we strive to fill our minds’ with positive thoughts & strengthen against the attacks of the enemy.”

“When we meditate on God’s word, he is with us.”

“Meditating on God’s word renews our souls. It allows us to discover God’s will for us.”

“Meditation is not easy, it takes practice. All too often when we try to focus on God, the distractions of life can come rushing in.”

“Do not be intimidated by Biblical meditation, if you’re not sure how to begin, start by focusing on a specific scripture or think about all of the gifts that God has given you, & thank him for those gifts.”

“Remember to focus on what’s next, Jesus.”

“Be honest with yourself, we may look like we are put together, but we’re not. The reality is we’re a mess. We need his help, but we may not know what to say. Guard your mind & thoughts & invite God in, to meditate on his word.”

Listen to the message here:

https://podpoint.com/episode/embed/99024

 

Week 7 with Boniface Musyoka Nyamu

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“God came down to rescue the people from the power of the Egyptians, & to bring them up from that land to a land that is good & spacious, to a land flowing with milk & honey to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, the Jebusites…..(.& the websites)”

“At times we may know who we are, but along the way we can forget who we are. Remember though that God will always remember who we are.”

“A mirror is a tool that allows us to see ourselves. We have many different “mirrors” in our lives that let us see our selves.”

“The people in our lives can act as a mirror in the way that they can reflect onto ourselves what they themselves see in ourselves.”

“Our jobs can act as a mirror in reflecting our outward successes to those around us.”

“Our cultural influences such as social media can act as a mirror in the way that they reflect our thoughts & public personification of ourselves to others.”

“The hardest mirror for us to look into is our past which shows us our mistakes & regrets.”

“The most important mirror in our lives is the word of God. We are a reflection of him. Walk towards this mirror.”

“We have to trust in the word of God. We have to have faith to walk through the hardest parts of our lives & trust that God will not fail us, that the past is gone, & that he is working on us.”

“We put so much pressure on ourselves in the different “mirrors” that we choose to look into. Look into the word of God & see your true reflection. We are not perfect, but we will see ourselves freely when we look into God’s mirror.”

“God is the light, the light of our lives & our future.”

“Through the other “mirrors” we can get distorted views of our lives & believe the lies these false mirrors reflect to us.”

“Our distorted views that we reflect cause us to question our worth, value & purpose.”

“These distorted reflections can give us a false identity. We are not here by mistake, we belong here. Our true identity is because God wants us here, & that he LOVES us all so much.”

Thank you all who contributed to this seven week journey.

Pastor Steve

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Discovery Church, FASTING

2018 Giving God the first part of the year.

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As we move into 2018, we are collectively asking God for blessing, provision, and favor as Discovery Church dreams for an amazing future.

We are committing to give God the “first part”; such as the first part of the year, the first part of our day, and the first fruits of our lives.

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Our 21 day Daniel fast will begin Sunday night, January 1st, at mid-night and go through Sunday, January 21st.

I encourage you to join in at what ever level you wish.  Some may dive in completely and others may change their fasting experience to fit their needs.

Many friends have ask me for a “shopping” list or “menu” for a resource.

So I will do my best from here to update us on our informal shopping guidelines.

The concept of a Daniel fast comes from Daniel 1:8-14, “But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.’

Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ‘Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.’ So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.”

Here are some simple informal menu helps for the 21 day Daniel fast.

SOME INITIAL GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST:
(Foods We May Eat)
Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon

Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts

Liquids: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices

(Foods to Avoid)
All “fast” food – hahahaha ( no really).
Meat
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine (are you kidding me?) 😡
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products

Please do not risk your health to go on this fast. Consult your doctor with specific question regarding an extended fast.

Brenda and I have been amazed to see what God has done in our lives over the years through fasting and prayer. We can only imagine what He has in store for us over the next few weeks and the year ahead, not only for our family, but for your family and our church.

I am really looking forward to this year’s 21 days of fasting for Discovery.

Pastor Steve

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Discovery Church, outdoors

Nate and Sarah Moore

This couple are U.S. appointed missionaries to the rock climbing community. They also work in Hollywood for the TV show American Ninja Warrior. http://www.anwexperience.com

The symbiotic relationship these two fields have, has created so much opportunity for Nate and Sarah to reach people who would never otherwise enter the doors of a church. Nate and Sarah have been married for 8 years and have lived off and on out of a vehicle for the last 6 years. For the first time in their marriage they have a home base in Golden, Colorado.
Join us Friday night through Sunday with this fun amazing couple.
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Discovery Church, Discovery Prescott

JUICE IT – Part 3 VISION

In this series we will looking at how to squeeze the most out of:
PRAYER – (Apples Perspective, Possibility and Prevention)
MARRIAGE – (Mangos fertility and drive to keep your marriage alive)
VISION – (Carrots)
CHURCH – (Pomegranate )
PARENTING – (Bannans  – Parent panel
FINANCES – (Grapes – Abundance)
The purposes of JUICING:
1. It’s the best way to get your DAILY SERVINGS of Fruits/Veggies.
2. It allows you to absorb nutrients BETTER with less digestion.
3. It strengthens your immune system
it allows you to MAKE SURE you are getting ALL your body needs to live in health and wellness.
“They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village.
When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”
25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.” – Mark 8:24 (NIV)
 
“he saw everything clearly“
 
Man I wish that was me…..TO BE ABLE TO SEE EVERYTHING CLEARLY.
I wish I could see why, what and when.
 
“Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.” — Jonathan Swift
“The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision.” – Helen Keller
 
“Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” – Napoleon Hill
 
JOKE
A woman walks into an optician to return a pair of spectacles that she purchased for her husband a week before.

The assistant asks, “What seems to be the problem, Madam?”
The woman replies, “I’m returning these spectacles I bought for my husband. He’s still not seeing things my way.”
Most of us don’t have clarity toward our future because of clutter in our today.
 
In other words, we’re so busy today that we can’t even see our tomorrow.
 
In part three of our JUICE IT series we use the power of the carrot to relate the spiritual fruit that God has to your spiritual vision.
 
Macular Degeneration: This is a common eye disease of the elderly that impairs the function of the macula. Research has found that people who ate the most amount of beta-carotene had a forty percent lower risk of macular degeneration compared with those who consumed the least. Beta-carotene can also split itself via an enzymatic reaction to form provitamin A, which is often associated with antioxidant capacity in relation to vision. Therefore, carrots are an all-around vision booster.
Improves Eyesight: Deficiency of vitamin A can cause some difficulty in eyesight.
Where do you SEE yourself in 5 years
 
We need to to be clear about our future because we are going to spend the rest of your life there!
Provers 29:18 “where there is no vision the people perish
WHAT IS VISION?
 
It is the ability to see…..
 
SPIRITUAL VISION IS THE ABILITY TO SEE WHAT OTHERS CANNOT SEE. 
If your vision is limited your life is limited … limited vision is limited life.
7 times in scripture we see God say’s “what do you see?”
It is God’s design for us to have clarity !
THE PROBLEM
 
But, many people don’t have CLARITY because of the CLUTTER.
We don’t have CLARITY ABOUT OUR FUTURE  because we have too much CLUTTER TODAY.
WORK – BILLS – SCHEDULES – FAMILY – CHURCH
ILLUS – DRIVING A CAR IN HEAVEY SNOW.
THE SOLUTION
WE CAN HAVE GOOD VISION IF?
1. WRITE IT DOWN.
 
All God originated visions ARE SHARED VISIONS.
 
AN EFFECTIVE  VISION WILL HAVE FOUR COMPONENTS:
1.  a problem.
2.  a solution.
3.  a reason something must be done.
4.  a reason something must be done now.
 
“Write the vision

And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry. –

Habakkuk 2:1-4 (NKJV)
2. CLEAN IT UP.
The Ministry Of Margin
ESSENTIALS IN CREATING MARGIN RESERVES.
INVEST TIME   with those who charge your battery
“…a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Pro. 27.9 (The Message)
Leave room for margin –
Reserve some down Time –
Plan for lead Time –
Seek solitude –
Find a sacred Space –
  “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31  (niv)
A cleaned calendar is like a carrot for your eyes.
“I see people like trees walking”

 They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into[a] the village.” – Mark 8:24 (NIV)
3. PRIORITIZE PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION.
 
Jesus went back a second time and then the man could see clearly – 
Don’t give up on the process just because things are not perfect right now.
 
 
4. TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE.
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

Exit the Freeway
In their book, Finding the Open Road, the founders of Roadtrip Nation talk about their RV journey crisscrossing the United States interviewing all kinds of different people. In one of the chapters they talk about exiting the freeway. They were driving through western Montana and they decided to exit I-90 and check out the Clark Fork River. When they got to the river they ran into a trucker and they were somewhat surprised to see him skipping stones. Truckers are notorious for getting as far as they can as fast as they can. That’s how they make a living. They asked him what he was doing and he told them that his wife passed away from cancer the day before and he realized how impermanent life is. He said, “For thirty-five years I’ve driven by this exit a million times, and I’ve never stopped.” They said the look on his face was part regret and part enlightenment.

I think I was so busy getting where I wanted to go during my twenties that I didn’t enjoy the journey as much as I could have and should have. Too many of us suffer from destination disease. We’re so focused on tomorrow that we fail to enjoy today. When we’re in high school we can’t wait for college. When we’re in college we can’t wait to graduate. When we’re single we can’t wait to get married. We can’t wait for kids. We can’t wait to climb the corporate ladder. We can’t wait to make money. We can’t wait for retirement. And when we finally retire we wish we were young again!
“Nothing slows us down like trying to get ahead of God.”
 
“The Scenic Route”) questions whether we’re the most impatient people in the history of mankind.  He adds that “we wear busyness like a badge, like an honor roll bumper sticker.”
If you are dependent on whatever is next to make you happy, you are suffering from destination disease.  You are trying to get ahead of God.  But, by God’s grace, the journey needs to be enjoyed too.  The journey is the destination.

Mark asks when the last time was that you exited the freeway and took the scenic route.  While the freeway shortcut is the path of least resistance and well-traveled, the scenic route is less traveled, takes longer, and is “an uphill climb both ways.”  However, the scenic route creates a spectacular view from the top!

Goals must be accomplished step-by-step.  You can’t rush and get ahead of yourself- or get ahead of God.  Although you need to establish God-sized goals it is important to remember that the goal you set really isn’t the goal.
the goal you set is the habit that helps you get there.
Your responsibility is not to figure out where to go or what to do- that is God’s job.  Your only job is to keep in lockstep with the Holy Spirit.
Here is a little maxim for anyone who seems anxious about missing the will of God:

“God wants you to get where God wants you to go more than you want to get where God wants you to go.”

juice-it

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Discovery Church, Discovery Prescott

JUICE IT – Part two – MARRIAGE

Here are the notes from this message.
“Marriage should be honored by all.”  Hebrews 13:4
 Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor—since they’re already “one” in marriage. Ephesians 5:25-28 The message
Health Benefits Of The Mango

1.  Prevents Cancer: 
Research has shown antioxidant compounds in mango fruit have been found to protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. These compounds include quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat, as well as the abundant enzymes.

2.  Lowers Cholesterol: 
The high levels of fiber, pectin and vitamin C help to lower serum cholesterol levels, specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein (the bad stuff).

3.  Clears the Skin: 
Can be used both internally and externally for the skin. Mangos help clear clogged pores and eliminate pimples.

4.  Improves Eye Health: 
One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 percent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight and prevents night blindness and dry eyes.

5.  Alkalizes the Whole Body:

The tartaric acid, malic acid, and a trace of citric acid found in the fruit help to maintain the alkali reserve of the body.

6. May Help with Diabetes: 
Mango leaves help normalize insulin levels in the blood. The traditional home remedyinvolves boiling leaves in water, soaking through the night and then consuming the filtered decoction in the morning. Mango fruit also has a relatively low glycemic index (41-60) so moderate quantities will not spike your sugar levels.

7. Promotes Healthy Sex: 

Mangos are a great source of vitamin E. Even though the popular connection between sex drive and vitamin E was originally created by a mistaken generalization on rat studies, further research has shown balanced proper amounts (from whole foods) does help.

8. Improves Digestion: 
Papayas are not the only fruit that contain enzymes for breaking down protein. There are several fruits, including mangoes, which have this healthful quality. The fiber in mangos also helps digestion and elimination.

9. Helps Fight Heat Stroke:
Juicing the fruit from green mango and mixing with water and a sweetener helps to cool down the body and prevent harm from overheating. From an ayurvedic viewpoint, the reason people often get diuretic and exhausted when visiting equatorial climates is because the strong “sun energy” is burning up your body, particularly the muscles. The kidneys then become overloaded with the toxins from this process.

10. Boosts the Immune System:

The generous amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A in mangos, plus 25 different kinds of carotenoids keep your immune system healthy and strong.
 
Just as the mango injects the needed nutrients in our bodies there are some amazing ingredients in God’s words that will give life to your marriage.
Like three super foods we are going to look into three amazing ways to energize your marriage so we can squeeze the most out of it!
Here are three super foods for you marriage: – Thoughts/Words/Time
 
 
Cherish your spouse with your thoughts.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”Philippians 4:8
 
* Choose thoughts that recognize your spouse’s high value.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

“So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh,
but nourish- es and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church…”(Ephesians 5:28-29 NASB)
 
* Remain grateful by maintaining a mindset that it’s a privilege to be married to your spouse.
“Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in your wife all your life.” – Proverbs 5:18
 
 
Cherish your spouse with your words.
 
“Many couples have never learned the tremendous power of verbally affirming each other.”
“A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.”Ecclesiastes 7:1-2
 
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
 
“Our spouse will usually interpret our message based on our tone of voice, not the words we use.”
“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart,
and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person;
but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”Matthew 15:17-20
Here are 4 practical ways you can honor your spouse with your words.
 
* First, offer regular, sincere compliments throughout the day.
“I liken you, my darling, to a mare harnessed to one of the chariots of Pharaoh. Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.
We will make you earrings of gold, studded with silver.”Song of Solomon 1:9-11
 
* Second, speak a blessing over your spouse with an CHERISH list.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…” Philippians 2:3

* Third, read your CHERISH list out loud in front of family and friends.
“Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.” Song of Solomon 2:4
 
* Fourth, practice an CHERISH bombardment.
“…outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10
 
Cherish your spouse with your time.
 
“Empathetic listening is an awesome medication for the hurting heart.” Dr. Gary Chapman
Expand the time you just listen. 
Recent research has indicated that the average individual listens for only seventeen seconds before interrupting and interjecting his own ideas.
* First, a daily delay prioritizes 15-20 minutes to keep short accounts.
15 to 20 minutes a day to just focus on each other.
“My lover is to me a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi.” – Song of Solomon 1:14
 
* Second, a weekly withdrawal prioritizes date night.
“Listen! My lover! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag.
Look! There he stands be- hind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice. My lover spoke and said to me,“
Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me.”Song of Solomon 2:8-10
* Third, the annual abandon is a retreat out of town to refresh and recali-brate.
“Come, my lover, let us go to the countryside, let us spend the night in the villages Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded,
if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom—there I will give you my love.”Song of Solomon 7:11-12
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Discovery Church, Discovery Prescott

JUICE IT – PART 1- PRAYER

Our newest series of messages JUICE IT – February 5 -March 7
Squeezing the most out of your life and faith.

In this series we will looking at how to squeeze the most out of:
PRAYER – (Apples Perspective, Possibility and Prevention)
MARRIAGE – (Mangos fertility and drive to keep your marriage alive)
TIME – (Blueberries superfood)
CHURCH – (Carrots (vision) Pomegranate )
PARENTING – (Bannans – Parent panel)
FINANCES – (Grapes – Abundance)

The purposes of JUICING:
1. It’s the best way to get your DAILY SERVINGS of Fruits/Veggies.
2. It allows you to absorb nutrients BETTER with less digestion.
3. It strengthens your immune system
it allows you to MAKE SURE you are getting ALL your body needs to live in health and wellness.

Vitamines in an apple.
A/B/C

Right from childhood everyone has learned the saying “An apple a day keeps doctor away”.
Expectant mothers are given apples in large quantities so as to improve digesting of mother and health of their yet to be born child.
It is believed that a child would have least skin defects if the mother eats apples before the birth of child.

Today we are juicing Apples.

THE 15 PREVENTATIVE HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE APPLE
1. Get whiter, healthier teeth
2. Avoid Alzheimer’s
3. Protect against Parkinson’s

4. Curb all sorts of cancers
5. Decrease your risk of diabetes
6. Reduce cholesterol
7. Get a healthier heart
8. Prevent gallstones
9. Beat diarrhea and constipation
10. Neutralize irritable bowel syndrome
11. Avert hemorrhoids
12. Control your weight
13. Detoxify your liver
14. Boost your immune system
15. Prevent cataracts

JUICE HERE

Prayer like the apple is full of nutrients – B vitamins
Apples are rich source of vitamin B. It contains most of water soluble forms of vitamin B (vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5 and B9).

Vitamines to
Vitamine B-elieve.
Vitamine B-have.
Vitamine B-more.

I want to take us to a prayer squeezed way back in the obscurity of an old testament book called 1 Chronicles.
Just like a big juicy apple hidden way back in the tree…behind all the leaves and branches

There is this prayer that is like a SUPER FOOD FOR YOUR LIFE.

ARE YOU READY?

Turn then with me to 1 Chronicles 4

THE PRAYER JABEZ JUICED

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NIV)

Yeah, Jabez juiced his prayer life …he sqeezed everything out of it.

Jabez wanted to be more and do more for God
 
vs. 9 “Jabez was more.”
vs. 9 “His mother had named him Jabez,  saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.”
In Hebrew, the word Jabez means “pain.” A literal rendering could read, “He causes (or will cause) pain.”
He grew up with a name any boy would love to hate.
IT WAS THE LABEL THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!
1. PRAYER GIVES YOU  A TOTALLY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE:
 
– (juice this)
 
vs. 10 “Jabez called on the God of Israel.”
 
Not happy thoughts…..positive vibes!
 
Prayer is a powerful tool to connect you the creator of the universe and the designer of you.
 
Prayer postures us to begin to see things from a higher vantage point!
Prayer helps you to see your situation from God’s perspective! 
Prayer helps you see  the challenge you are facing from God’s eyes.
 
2. PRAYER OPENS UP NEW POSSIBILITIES:
vs. 10 “bless me and enlarge my territory”
– (juice this)
He looked at his circumstances and concluded, “Surely I was born for more than this!”
God’s Math
For most of us, our reluctance comes from getting our numbers right, but our arithmetic completely wrong.
For example, when we’re deciding what size territory God has in mind for us, we keep an equation in our heart that adds up something like this:
My abilities + experience + training + my personality and appearance + my past + the expectations of others = my assigned territory.
“Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
That means God’s math would look more like this:
 
My willingness and weakness + God’s will and supernatural power = my expanding territory.
It’s in GOD’S NATURE IS TO BLESS
PRAYER OPENS UP GREATER POSSIBILITIES!
You can count the seeds in an apple, but you cannot count the apples in a seed!
That is what prayer does for you!
“with God nothing shall be impossible.” – Luke 1:37
 
O God and King, please expand my opportunities and my impact in such a way that I touch more lives for Your glory. Let me do more for You! When you pray like this, things get pretty exciting.
 
You can count the seeds in an apple but you cannot count the apples in a seed .
Prayer is the seed for more!
JABEZ WAS MORE!
3. PRAYER IS A PREVENTATIVE:
 
vs. 10 “Let your hand be with me, keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”
 
Prayer is not your spare tire for after you ran over the nail in the road…..its your stirring wheel to help you drive around the nail so it doesn’t flat your tire in the first place.
 
 
– (juice this)
THE TOUCH OF GREATNESS – “let your hand be with me”  Changes everything!
 
My birth caused PAIN …..LET YOU HAND KEEP ME FROM PAIN!
 
You have heard, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”
Prayer is like that! – It will give you insight
Prayer has the ability to have HINDSIGHT and FORESIGHT  that naturally cannot be seen.
HINDSIGHT + FORESIGHT = INSIGHT
Like the apple, prayer opens up a whole new world of possibilities and perspective that normally would not be there.
It also helps in the PREVENTION OF SITUATIONS YOU WOULD RATHER NOT BE IN.
 

10 Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NIV)
 
JUICE your prayer life AND GOD WILL GRANT YOUR REQUEST!
THE JUICE IN THIS PRAYER
1.  PRAYER GIVES A NEW PERSPECTIVE!.
2. PRAYER GIVES NEW POSSIBILITIES.
3. PRAYER IS A PREVENTATIVE POWER.
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