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September 1, 2014: Volume 3, Number 22
In This Issue
PRAY FOR UKRAINE
Feature: ARE YOU A BUILDER? YES!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
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30 60 100 MINISTRIES

September 21-24, 2014

FCCI International Conference
Amelia Island, FL

30 60 100 MINISTRIES COACHING

   * Interactive Group Planning

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   * Leadership Transition

   * Conflict Resolution

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FCCI Latin America leaders at
30 60 100 workshop in July


Dalton & Vicki up close The word "change" may cause your hands to sweat and stomach butterflies to flutter. Or maybe you're among those who thrive on continual change ... or still others who try to ignore it.

Regardless to your reaction, change presents a choice. You'll read about it in today's feature, Change - Is It a Pain or Is It a Gain?
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Let us know your thoughts about change when you send us an email. And always keep growing!
LOOKING AHEAD: PRAY FOR UKRAINE 
30 60 100 MINISTRIES is considering potential dates to travel to Ukraine in late 2014 to present Spiritually Healthy Leader workshops. You'll recall our spring trip to Ukraine was postponed due to political unrest.

We are staying in close contact with our contacts in-country who would like to see us come in November - pending the political situation.

Will you  join us in praying for this nation and its people, especially in this time of turmoil?
  • Pray that bloodshed would stop
  • Pray that leaders seek a peaceful compromise
  • Pray for unity among believers
  • Pray that the Ukraine will remain open to the Gospel
  • Pray for the safety of our ministry partners in Ukraine, specifically Pastors Shav, Alexander, and Sergey
We are receiving requests for training in other remote areas across the globe, which we plan to pursue throughout 2014 and 2015 as God moves and provides.

Thank you for your gifts and your prayers as we work to equip Christians in remote areas.
featureFeature: CHANGE ... IS IT A PAIN OR IS IT A GAIN? 

Ashley peered through the windshield at the detour signs. The new route took her off the interstate. I could get frustrated ... or I could enjoy this, Ashley thought. The picturesque drive wound through the rolling countryside and deposited her back on the highway, adding just a few minutes to her normal drive. Ashley smiled. A different attitude could have ruined her day. Instead, her choice to enjoy the route change left her energized.

Tim and his wife studied his job transfer packet. His new position would mean a move to another state, away from their home and community of ten years. Yet the move would also bring them closer to extended family and to the beach, and Tim would be challenged in his new job. Let's see what God has for us in this new situation, Tim and his wife agreed. As they looked back a year later, the couple saw their combined positive attitudes allowed them to grow closer together, navigate a difficult transition to put down new roots quickly, and thrive.
 

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Image: Patriot Post

Change presents a choice.

The Choice You Face About Change 


Ebbs and flows are part of life. Like Ashley and Tim, each of us faces changes - some small adjustments to routine, others more significant life events.

Changes large and small are inevitable. The choice is not whether you will confront it. Rather, the choice you face lies in how you view change.

You choose one of two paths: change means pain or change can mean gain.

The two paths trigger two different chain reactions which affect your behavior ... and even life's outcomes.

The Path of Loss: Change Is Negative


If you see change as a loss, ask yourself why. You may be embracing something other than God first - perhaps a personal agenda, individual comfort, or preconceived notions. The threat to your ideas can lead to negative attitudes like insecurity, restlessness, fear, and doubt. By deciding that change means pain and loss, you allow death to take root - death of hope, death of relationships, death of opportunity, or death of purpose. If your mind and heart head down the "this-change-is-not-good" path, check your motives. Chances are you're placing your own plans before God's desires.

The Path of Gain: Change Can Be Positive


When you ask God to reveal His purpose in your change and move forward with a heart open to Him, He cultivates life. Even when the change is difficult you can cling to the promise God works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). This approach breeds an upbeat attitude of excitement, anticipation, hope, and strength. You are inspired to focus on what you can do to help accomplish the change, investing your efforts and energy in productive activities. Because this path is rooted in God's promises for your gain, you can be purposeful and fulfilled.

The Choice Is Yours


Can't the choice about change be simply avoided?

Not for Christ-followers ... because God sets the choice before us. For instance, He challenged the Israelites to choose how to view challenges they would face upon entering the Promised Land. "I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses," Moses said to Israel just before they left the desert. "Now choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19, NIV).  

By avoiding a decision, you unintentionally make a choice - one of denial and rebellion and death.

By consciously deciding that change will mean gain, you choose life.  

Does change mean pain - or can change mean gain? The choice is yours. 


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Growth Point
 
 
You choose whether change means pain or gain.

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Scripture

I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life. (Deuteronomy 30:19, NIV)

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Prayer Points

  • Consider a simple change to your routine that you faced in the last day or two. Did you see it as potential loss or a potential gain?
  • How is viewing change as gain different than mere "positive thinking"?
  • Consider a significant upcoming change in your life. Ask God to show you how to view it as a gain. 
whatpeoplearesaying   What People Are Saying ...
smiling couple "I want to thank you both so much for investing in my life...our lives. The coaching, the profiles, and the books have been the most helpful tools we have received in our marriage. We went to counseling for two years and it just wasn't helpful in teaching us how to communicate. We can't thank you both enough. We plan to refer couples to you."

T and L M.


leaf iconHear more testimonies from Christians in remote areas served by 30 60 100 MINISTRIES staff here.

leaf iconFind out more about equipping, coaching, and training opportunities with 30 60 100 MINISTRIES here.