"These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
Joshua 4:7b

Joshua had instructed the people to carry large stones from the bed of the Jordan River and place them on the Canaan side of the river.  These stones provided a memorial of God’s power, provision and purpose for the children of Israel.  The Israelites would periodically return to this place, Gilgal, to express their gratitude for victories won in this new land.  They were commanded to bring their children with them on these occasions.

Carefully read Joshua 4:19-24.  When the people of Israel were obedient to God’s instruction regarding these twelve stones, it provided a great opportunity to teach and instruct the next generation.  "He said to the Israelites, ‘In the future when your descendents ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’" (Joshua 4:21).  A child’s natural curiosity opens the door for a parent to testify of God’s remarkable power.  Parents should lead their children back to the place where God has demonstrated His timely provision.  It may be a story, a place, or even a picture, but whatever it is, let them see it over and over again until it becomes a defining moment in their lives and a monument to God’s grace.

The X Factor is an excellent opportunity for the entire church body, member by member, to build a "memorial of gratitude."  Communicate to your family members and friends that this memorial is not merely a building or a piece of property; it is, more importantly, the experience of trusting God and seeing Him come through.  Gilgal was not just a pile of rocks.  It was a powerful reminder of our indebtedness to God.  The greatest heritage we can leave to the next generation is such a memorial of God’s goodness.

Prayer Focus: Take some time to reflect on some memories of God’s power and goodness in your life.  Was it an event? A Baptism?  A worship song?  Message?  Was it a special prayer time?  Some special blessing? Remember Him.

“Why is the house of God neglected?  Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.”
Nehemiah 13:11b

When the Olympics came to America a decade ago, part of the experience was to see the Olympic flame.  At each Olympics, a flame is lit from the eternal Olympic flame in Greece and then carried to wherever the Olympics are being held.  The flame made its way to Atlanta for the opening ceremonies after traveling all over America first.

Volunteers and heroes from all over America carried the flame from place to place.  While it was passing through Tacoma, Washington, Harley Sheffield had the honor of carrying it on his bicycle.  As he was crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the expansion grates on the bridge blew a tire out on his bike.  The torch popped out of its holder, fell onto the bridge, and broke into pieces.  The Olympic flame was extinguished.

Sheffield was horrified.  They would have to go all the way back to Greece and start over again!  He would go down in history as the man who allowed the flame to go out!  His panic was unnecessary because a “mother flame” was present in a trailing van as well as a replacement torch.  Thus he could resume his duty, and the Olympic flame traveled onward.

This story provides a great illustration of our walk with God.  Too many times we stumble and allow our flame to go out.  If your flame has been doused, there is not a “mother flame” to restore it.  But there is a “Father flame” who stands ready to light your torch today, and He will keep it lit.

Prayer Focus:  Pray God will light our spiritual torches with the oil of the Holy Spirit.  Pray Impact will always be on fire for the Lord.  Ask God to make your spiritual flame burn brighter (increase your faith).  Our Scripture today tells how God enabled Nehemiah to restore the priests to their duties.  Ask Him how He can help you restore, rekindle, or resume something for Him that will give Him glory.

-          quiet time
-          tithing
-          serving
-          studying scripture
-          forgiving someone

“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”
2 Corinthians 9:13

As we look to the future, we see thousands upon thousands of people all around us who need Jesus.  Some are falling away.  Many, many more are waiting to be reached out to by loving laborers.  Elk Grove and south Sacramento continue to grow with thousands of new residents.  Who will reach out to these precious souls with the good news of Jesus?

We must take on this challenge.  We must invite them in and open our hearts to receive them with love and acceptance.  But we have a difficulty that must be overcome: Our home is not big enough.  We must have more space for more people.  We must adjust what we currently have and make plans for a future move or expansion (that’s the “X”) to bring more people into a relationship with God!  How can we do this?  First, by seeing this as a challenge and not a problem.  This demands the right spiritual vision.  In the days ahead, together, we are going to believe God will give us the insight — and the foresight — to do great things for His sake.

Prayer Focus:  Today, think about a close friend, family member or someone you can see being reached with the Gospel — someone you are praying will one day worship the Lord with us in Impact’s new home. 

Pray about what it will take to get them in the Kingdom.  Then envision them in a seat at Impact.  Awesome isn’t it?  Now envision about 1000 other current attenders at Impact doing the same thing.  Wow!  Where will we put them?  Let that simmer with you and God for a while!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1

The believer must exercise faith by acting in obedience to God’s Word.  As the Apostle Paul explained to the Romans, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, NKJV).  Such a response allows you to enter into partnership with God, and gives the assurance of success even though you may not see the end in sight.

When Noah was directed by God to build an ark, he obeyed by starting a project that lasted for 100 years.  Noah had never experienced a flood, nor had he even seen rain, yet he obeyed the Lord with reckless abandon.  Since the command of God came without a specific schedule, Noah had to believe and act accordingly because authentic faith has no time limit.

Hebrews 11:7 says that Noah, “when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.”  The fear wasn’t fright, but a deep and abiding respect for the Lord and a confidence in His Word.  Faith was the only reasonable response for Noah, as it is for us today.  As we look to the church’s future we can’t see it perfectly (that’s the “X” in The X Factor), but we can know God will honor our obedience to Him in the commitments we make.

Prayer Focus:  Encourage each member of your family or small group to ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do in this spiritual journey?”  Whatever His leading, respond in faith. 

Would you be willing to ask God right now, “Lord, How are you going to challenge me to participate in The X Factor?”  Don’t settle yet… continue the journey and be open to His leading. 

And when He leads… even if it requires faith above your knowledge… above common sense… respond with obedience!

“Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
John 4:35

Imagine this scene....

Jesus is gathered with a small group of followers on a hillside overlooking the area.  With a sweeping gesture of His hand, He says “Some think there are still four months until harvest, but I say, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest.”  The followers squint their eyes, straining to see what Jesus sees, but they recognize no gleaming fields of grain.   With puzzled expressions they turn to Him, as if to ask, “Where exactly is the grain ready to harvest?”  Knowing their hearts, He says, “I’m not talking about a physical harvest of grain, but a spiritual harvest of people.”  Patiently, He continues, “Dear ones, you must look above and beyond the distractions to see the people.  It is to them that I came to give life and give it abundantly.”

Just as He wanted them to see the spiritual harvest, He wants us to do the same today.  And, just as they needed to look above and beyond, so do we.

Prayer Focus:  Right now, at this crucial moment in the history of our church, God is checking our vision.  As we continue this spiritual journey, He’s determining if we can see what He really wants us to see.  And He’s challenging us to be obedient to Him as we carry out what His spiritual vision demands that we do. 

Today, ask yourself, “What can I do to check my spiritual vision and ensure that I see what is right?”  What Do I need to see?  Who do I need to chat with? 

What action should I take?  Where do you want me to go?  When?  I’m open!  I’m saying “yes” before you even ask!