Welcome Back!

Our blog site is back-up, after some minor technical difficulties.  I'm happy to say we will be restarting the daily THRIVE YEAR posts tomorrow.  Talk to you all then!

#ThriveYear Reading Sunday November 29

Numbers 14-15, Psalm 90. The people rebel.
Today, we see our first Psalm in our chronological reading plan.  As we continue on in the coming weeks, we'll see the daily reading plans become more complex. Remember, we're reading through the Bible in the order in which events occured, or when the Psalms/Proverbs/Prophecies were written.  Our reading plan has been pretty simple to date, but in a few weeks time, it will become more and more complex.  You're going to love this!

It's Sunday...Thanksgiving weekend.  Have an awesome Sunday in Church, if you are at home.  If not, be sure and check out the Champions Centre live streaming of service today.  www.championscentre.com and click on Live Streaming.  11:30AM Pacific time.
 

#ThriveYear Reading Saturday November 28

Numbers 11-13. Big reading day today.  We see God's provision, dealing with authority issues, and the infamous report from Canaan.  I think one thing we can take away from today's reading is that God takes leadership seriously!  Leadership is not confined to a position or title...leadership is something we can all do.  God dealt with someone who opposed a leader he had established.  And he also sent leaders from every tribe to go and explore their new land.  But their report and leadership when they returned was disappointing.  A man named Caleb tried to take leadership...but it wasn't enough.  We'll see tomorrow the effects that weak leadership had on these people.

It's the weekend.  Looking forward to seeing everyone in Church, if you are in town.  Have an awesome Holiday weekend!

#ThriveYear Reading Friday November 27

Numbers 8-10. God's GPS System.
Probably my favorite part of today's reading is the direction God shows to His people through the cloud over the Tabernacle. Have you ever been lost? Have you ever not known where to go? That is quite possibly the worst feeling in the world! God gave His people incredible direction here on a daily basis.  It challenges me to look at my life...and make sure I am daily relying on God's direction in my own life.  I don't want to be too busy to take time to hear something new!

Happy Black Friday. Get started on that Christmas shopping...and pray for my wife, she's at the Mall of America today!

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Thursday November 26

Numbers 7. Dedication of the Tabernacle. Moses hears from God.
I love the final line of this chapter... Verse 89: "When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony. And he spoke with him."  The God of the Universe wants to know and speak to us today. Take advantage of that today, and talk with God.  He might just respond!

Have an incredible Thanksgiving today.  I know I will be eating a good amount of Turkey...and my favorite are the side dishes. Have fun...eat a bunch...watch football...take a nap....get ready to be in line at your favorite store far too early tomorrow morning...whatever you do.  Happy Thanksgiving.

#ThriveYear Reading Wednesday November 25

Number 5-6. Rights and Wrongs. Blessings and Sin. The story of our need for Jesus continues.
I hope you are seeing the same picture here that I'm continuing to see as we move through the Bible.  As the law continues to get more and more specific, I continue to see our need for a Savior.  We never could have made it on our own!  Thank God for Grace in the end!

Many of you are probably travelling today, or getting ready for the big feast tomorrow.  Safe travels...enjoy your weekend.  And keep the reading strong!

#ThriveYear Reading Tuesday November 24

Numbers 3-4. Ministry assignments given out to the Levites.
As we read through these parts of the Bible, it always amazes me how much the things of God's House matter to Him.  He is always specific...always intentional...wanting to see His House be be everything it can be.  The House of God carries a much different role for us today than it did in the time of our reading.  But we can't forget that His House still plays a crucial role in our world.  There is no greater picture of Jesus and His greatness than when His people come together for corporate worship...in the House!

Have an incredible Tuesday. Be sure and write something on Twitter today about how the THRIVE reading is impacting you.  Make sure and include #thriveyear in your post.

#ThriveYear Reading Monday November 23

Numbers 1-2. A census is taken & living instructions are given. God's zoning laws.
I love how God organized His people.  He organized them in families, and set them around the Tabernacle...with the House of God at the center of their organization.  How often do we see people dillute God's House to a place to attend on Sunday, rather than a place to center our lives around.  I think God's people had it right here in Numbers.

Have an incredible week!

#ThriveYear Weekly Reading - November 23-29

THRIVE YEAR READERS,

Alright, we're wrapping up another month of THRIVE YEAR reading.  Congrats to everyone who's been on board from the beginning...and welcome to anyone who is new.  Our goal is to read through the Bible in a year, so jump in and go with us.  A new week = a new book... Numbers.  Lets go after it!

Monday November 23 --- Numbers 1-2
Tuesday November 24– Numbers 3-4
Wednesday November 25 --- Numbers 5-6
Thursday November 26 --- Numbers 7
Friday November 27 --- Numbers 8-10
Saturday November 28 --- Numbers 11-13
Sunday November 29 --- Numbers 14-15, Psalm 90

It's Thanksgiving this week. I hope everyone has an incredible time with the turkey this week.  See you around... Happy Thanksgiving!

#ThriveYear Reading Sunday November 22

Leviticus 26-27. Rewards for obedience & Redeeming what is the Lords. The tithe.

Today we finish Leviticus.  To be honest, this book always brings mixed emotions for me.  While so many of the technicalities in this book do not have a direct reference to us today, the implications of this book are huge.  Look at what we've been redeemed from.  God's law is something that none of us could live perfectly on our own.  I'm glad we live in a New Testament world of God's grace through Jesus.  But at the same time...this book makes me want to be better.

It's Sunday.  As we said last week, "Anything can happen today." Let's believe for salvation in people's lives, and God's House to be built.  See you in Church (or on live streaming - 11:30am Pacific time).

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Saturday November 21

Leviticus 24-25.  Instructions for worship and work.

A resource I'd like to point out to you today is Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.com).  This is a great site that not only will give you any translation of the Bible, but will also give you some incredible resources for additional reading (commentaries, word studies, etc.).  These can be great tools for understanding the Old Testament in a greater degree.

It's Saturday - see you at Church this weekend!

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Friday November 20

Leviticus 22-23. Feasts and assemblies are established.

Today's reading is always very interesting to me.  There was so much purpose and order to the worship of God's people in this day.  So much reverence.  There was time for work...time for worship...and time for party.  Let's make sure to stop regularly to rest, worship and celebrate God's goodness.  That is a good habit for God's people.

Have an outanding weekend!  Invite someone to Church this weekend...and work on who you will invite to Church in December for "At the Movies"!

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Thursday November 19

Leviticus 19-21. The punishment of sin.

As I have discussed with my own CLG recently, we must remember that the Bible says (in the New Testament) that all scripture is useful for teaching and encouraging.  Every individual scripture we read is beneficial for our lives.  However, we must also remember that while the Bible can be looked at verse by verse, it must also be looked at as one complete work.  When the writers for the various Bible books were writing, they did not write in chapter and verse.  They wrote as one complete work.  

The Bible has large themes that unfold over the course of several books.  The Old Testament is continually pointing us toward our need for Christ.  Today's reading about the punishment of sin should make us eternally grateful!

Take some time today to post a thought online about our reading up to now....Twitter, Facebook, blog, comment...it doesn't matter!  Let someone know what you are doing!

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Wednesday November 18

Leviticus 16-18. Atonement, and instructions on sexual relations.

As we have said often in this section of scripture, our lives today look much different then in the days we are reading about.  However, let's take away the principles that scripture offers for us.  In the section on Atonement...we see how serious of an issue this was for God.  God cannot exist in a place where sin is allowed.  This is why atonement was required.  Thank God that Jesus offered Atonement for us once and for all.  Now when God sees us, all He sees is Righteousness!

We also see here how damaging unhealthy sexual relations can be.  Sexual brokenness is a very real, and current issue in our world.  We're going to see this topic unfold over the coming months in our reading.

Hope you are having an incredible week! Wednesday Night means it's ANTHEM252 night. Hope to see you there!

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Tuesday November 17

Leviticus 14-15. (Need I say any more about this day?)

On days like today, if you need some inspiration, it's OK to flip over to Psalms or Proverbs.  No one will judge! :)  Unless you have a bathroom mildew problem that needs help, today's reading can be done for the goal of saying I have read the ENTIRE Bible!  Even though you probably won't hear a teaching in Church on these chapters very soon.

It's THRIVE Tuesday.  Make it an outstanding day today!

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Monday November 16

Leviticus 11-13. The Law is spelled out in greater detail.

Part of today's reading is on "Clean and Unclean Food."  It reminds me of when Jordan Rubin was at our Church in the past couple years.  What he took out of this area of the Bible was phenomenal.  Even though we are not under the Law any longer (as a matter of sin), it doesn't negate the fact that the Bible includes instrcutions for healthy living.  This is one such area.

The reason that the title of each THRIVE Year post as a # at the beginning, is that #ThriveYear is a tag that can be searched for on Twitter.  When you post about your reading, make sure and include that hash tag so your comment can be included in the THRIVE conversation on Twitter.  Try seaching for #ThriveYear on Twitter sometime...there's some good stuff in there!

Have an outstanding week!

-B

#ThriveYear Weekly Reading - November 16-22

Thrive Year Participants:

Here is this week's THRIVE Year Reading plan.  As a reminder if you'd like to access the FULL 365 Day reading plan, check out the first blog post to download the document.  

This week we'll finish out the book of Leviticus: 

Monday, November 16 --- Leviticus 11-13

Tuesday, November 17 --- Leviticus 14-15

Wednesday, November 18 --- Leviticus 16-18

Thursday, November 19 --- Leviticus 19-21

Friday, November 20 --- Leviticus 22-23
Saturday, November 21 --- Leviticus 24-25

Sunday, November 22 --- Leviticus 26-27

If you are in a small group, I would encourage you to talk to your CLG Host and discuss how THRIVE Year can play a role in your small group's life.  While we don't have any small groups that are only focused on this reading plan, we are encouraging any small group to use this as supplemental, daily reading for your entire group.   This is something for our Church family to do together, in unison, and read through scripture in an exciting way.  So, consider how this can be added to your group life.

Our reading plan will stay simple for another couple months, and then it will become much more broken up.  You'll really see the "chronological approach" take affect.

Have an outstanding week!

#ThriveYear Reading Sunday November 15

Leviticus 8-10. The ordination of the first priests.  Ministry begins.

I remember the day I was officially ordained as a Pastor.  It was in October 2001, as I was just starting out my duties in full time ministry (youth ministry at the time).  In the Old Testament, the priests were the access point to God for the people.  Today, a church leader's job is to prepare God's people for good works...building God's House.  That is what I pray you take away from reading every day... a desire to be about the Father's business.

It's Sunday! Let's be in Church and build the House today...anything can happen!

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Saturday November 14

Leviticus 5-7.  The instructions for offerings continue. God desires our complete worship.

It is very evident in these parts of scripture that God desires the highest form of worship.  He desires our very best.  As we'll see in Jesus life later, he encountered people in the temple courts who were not bringing their best.  And he had very strong words for them! Even though or worship today looks much different, let's bring our best!

It's the weekend...and we look forward to seeing you in Church.  Who can you bring with you?

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Friday November 13

Leviticus 1-4. A new book of the Bible begins. A look into the offerings of the Old Testament.

Reading days like today are really insightful, as they show us the type of life and worship that Jesus has redeemed us from.  In the Old Testament days, these were required acts of worship. And while there are things to learn from these offerings, the bigger picture shows us that Jesus paid a price for us so that we could worship the Father directly. Awesome.

My question for you today is: How will you worship God today? As Louie Giglio wrote in one of his books, "Worship is THE activity of the human soul."  We were created to worship.  So let's give our best worship to God.

It's Friday.  Have an incredible weekend.  

-B

#ThriveYear Reading Thursday November 12

Exodus 39-40. The work on the Tabernacle is completed...and God's presence is made known.

God's people love to build God's House. This has always been the case, and is certainly inspiring for us today. In whatever you to do...build God's House.

Begin to think about who you can invite to Church this weekend. You never know who's life you could see changed!
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Wednesday November 11

Exodus 36-38. An incredible offering for God's House, and the building begins.

Today is Veteran's Day.  We honor everyone who has served in the military, and fought for our freedom.  Take time today, and go out of your way to thank someone in the armed forces. 

Tonight at the Tacoma campus is our weekly Anthem252 service. I'm speaking tonight on "LOST: a call for search and rescue.". We're going to have a great time...come joins us. 7:30pm

Have an outstanding day.
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Tuesday November 10

Exodus 33-35. New direction from God, and offerings in God's House.
THRIVE Night tonight at both Champions Centre campuses. If you're in town, hope to see you tonight. Worship at both campuses begins at 6:30pm.

THRIVE Today!
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Monday November 9

Exodus 30-32. Instructions for Old Testament worship.

As we read through this section of the Bible, let's be reminded of the fact that Jesus came and fulfilled the requirements of the Law for us, so we wouldn't have to. That's a great perspective that will remind you of the miracle of our salvation. 

Have an incredible day.
-B

Thrive Year Reading - November 9-15

Thrive Year Participants:

Here we go an another great week. And here is this week's Bible reading plan for you to print out...put on your bathroom mirror...whatever helps you. As a reminder, this reading plan is designed for you to jump in any time. So, if you are new...jump on board this week.

Monday, November 9 --- Exodus 30-32
Tuesday, November 10 --- Exodus 33-35
Wednesday, November 11 --- Exodus 36-38
Thursday, November 12 --- Exodus 39-40
Friday, November 13 --- Leviticus 1-4
Saturday, November 14 --- Leviticus 5-7
Sunday, November 15 --- Leviticus 8-10

Our goal for Thrive Year is that you would spend about 20 minutes a day reading, as well as some additional time praying, and thinking on God's Word. This is one of the greatest habits that we can develop as God's people.

Exciting things coming up over the holidays at Champions Centre. Plug in...get involved...or let me know how I can help.

See you soon. Enjoy Thrive Year this week.


Brandon Stewart
Champions Centre

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#ThriveYear Reading Sunday November 8

Exodus 28-29.  Instructions for the Priests. It's amazing how ministry has changed! :)

It's Sunday. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Church today (if you weren't here last night of course).  Great worship & word waiting at both campuses.  If you're not connected into a small group, or any part of Church life, please contact me so I can help you connect and grow at Church.

See you today.  Things happen in the House of God that don't happen anywhere else!
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Saturday November 7

Exodus 25-27.  The Tabernacle...the first House of God.  An appropriate topic for the start of a weekend.

As Christians, we love the House of God.  Today, we see the beginnings of this...the first place God instructed His people to build for worship.  This is where it all began. God's House may look much different today (thankfully), you can get a sense through today's reading that building the House of God is something the people of God do naturally.  It is our purpose...our mission...our worship.

It's the weekend!  Consider who you'll bring to Church this weekend.  We have an incredible message waiting on "Armor: Don't Leave Home Without It."  See you there!
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Friday November 6

Exodus 22-24.  God's Law...and His covenant confirmed.

Today's reading is an incredible demonstration of direction by God...through His law, an angel, and His covenant.  You get the sense that God really cares about all aspects of our lives.  We're not living this life on our own.  We have an incredible Father in heaven who wants the best for us.

Walk with God's supernatural direction today.  Ask God what He wants for you today...He might just tell you!
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Thursday November 5

Exodus 19-21.  Mount Sinai...Ten Commandments. 

It doesn't get much more epic than today's reading. The foundation of God's law...our first instructions for living.  We begin to see the first glimpse of God's plan for our lives...and ultimately, how we can never be perfect on our own.  This is the beginning of the way made for Jesus to come.

Great people have great habits.  I hope that THRIVE Year is helping you develop a new, healthy habit of reading God's Word regularly.  It's our foundation in living for God.  Enjoy the day!
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Wednesday November 4

Exodus 16-18.  Supernatural provision in the desert, and a leadership lesson from Jethro. 

It's Wednesday...and that means tonight holds an incredible Anthem252 service at the Tacoma Campus.  Make it out tonight, to get some great worship & Word. New month...new teaching topics...new people to meet.  We're pumped.   

Remember, God is your provider.  Trust him for all you need today. 
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Tuesday November 3

Exodus 13-15.  Crossing the Red Sea...one of the great signs of God's power.

It's THRIVE Tuesday.  If you're not a part of a CLG, I hope you'll make it out to one of the campuses tonight for a great groups night.  In Tacoma, we're starting a new time of praise & worship on campus...that promises to be awesome. 

I apologize that our blog hasn't updated in the past couple of days.  It looks like I have the problem fixed, and you should be back to receiving daily updates for THRIVE Year.  

Have an incredible day...walk in God's Power!
-B

THRIVE YEAR - November 2-8

Hello Thrive Year participants! We're into a new month, and I'm excited about where the reading plan is taking us...starting with Exodus.  This is no doubt one of the GREAT stories of the Bible, so enjoy reading it.  Soak up the power of God.  It's an incredible faith builder.

I'm thoroughly enjoying reading this together. But I do want to encourage you to not just stop here, with your involvement in the community of the Church. I want to encourage you to take the step to join or host a small group at Church, as it is the best place to discuss and put God's Word into practice.


Here is this week's reading:

Monday, November 2 --- Exodus 10-12
Tuesday, November 3 --- Exodus 13-15
Wednesday, November 4 --- Exodus 16-18
Thursday, November 5 --- Exodus 19-21
Friday, November 6 --- Exodus 22-24
Saturday, November 7 --- Exodus 25-27
Sunday, November 8 --- Exodus 28-29

Daily updates will continue this week.  And continue to let us know how we can improve this blog and site for your reading...we're here to serve.

Have an awesome week!

#ThriveYear Reading Saturday October 31

Exodus 4-6.  God speaks to Moses and promises deliverance.  Big moments.

It's the weekend...and Halloween.  Hope whatever this weekend brings your way, that you enjoy it to the fullest.  Don't miss Church this weekend...great message and worrship waiting for you at all services.  Plus, it's our opportunity to encourage people who are new to Church...always the highlight of my weekend.

Let us know how we can pray for you.  We can stand together...even online.

See you this weekend.
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Friday October 30

Exodus 1-3. Here we go...the beginning of one of the great adventures of the Bible, and the birth of an incredible leader (in unusual circumstances).

It's Friday.  The end of the week...the beginning of the weekend.  Make sure and take some time today to encourage someone in your world.  You never know what a word in season could mean to someone.

If you're out of town this weekend (or don't live in the Seattle/Tacoma area) make sure and catch this weekend's service via live streaming at 11:30 AM PST. www.championscentre.com

Have a great weekend.
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Thursday October 29

Genesis 48-50.  A big moment between Joseph and his brothers.  And the death of two great men.

Give me some feedback on how you are liking these daily updates.  I'm hoping that a daily post like this will encourage everyone to stay strong in reading all week long. This is good stuff.  If you are new...welcome.

Have an awesome day.
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Wednesday October 28

Genesis 46-47. Joseph leads in a time of famine. In the right place at the right time.

Tonight at Church we have our weekly Anthem252 service (ages 15-30s).  If you haven't been in a while, make sure you get there.  It's a highlight of the week for me...a chance to impact a young person's life.  A night with purpose.

See you soon.
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Tuesday October 27

Genesis 43-45.  The second journey to Egypt, and a family reunion! A dream realized.


When commenting on Thrive Year reading on Twitter, let's start using the #ThriveYear hash tag.  If you're unfamilar with why this is useful, try searching Twitter (in the search bar) for #thriveyear or clicking on the link, and you'll see why!

THRIVE Night TONIGHT at both campuses!  Make sure you are here if you're not already in a small group.


Go for it today!
-B

#ThriveYear Reading Monday October 26

Genesis 41-42.  Pharaoh's Dreams & Joseph placed in charge of Egypt. A family reunion like none other is about to take place.



This week we're going to try an experiment (based on strong feedback...most of which is my wife!).  We're going to post the Thrive Year reading daily.  Let me know if it helps you.



Happy reading today.
-B

Thrive Year - October 26-November 1

Hello Thrive Year participants! Another great week has ended...and another begins. This week will find us closing out Genesis, and heading into the incredible book of Exodus (one of my favorites).

I'm thoroughly enjoying reading this together. But I do want to encourage you to not just stop here, with your involvement in the community of the Church. I want to encourage you to take the step to join or host a small group at Church, as it is the best place to discuss and put God's Word into practice.


Here is this week's reading:

Monday, October 26 --- Genesis 41-42
Tuesday, October 27 --- Genesis 43-45
Wednesday, October 28 --- Genesis 46-47
Thursday, October 29 --- Genesis 48-50
Friday, October 30 --- Exodus 1-3
Saturday, October 31 --- Exodus 4-6
Sunday, November 1 --- Exodus 7-9

I want to encourage anyone who is viewing this plan for the first time to jump in and join us!  This Bible reading plan is something that can be started at any time. So, open up the whole plan and dive into it with us.

Have an awesome week! Let me know how I can help you get connected at Church.



Brandon Stewart
Champions Centre

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Participate in Planning for This Weekend's Message

This weekend Pastor Kevin is continuing his series on "God in the Box." It's been awesome so far, and promises to be even better this weekend as he speaks on the Judgment Box ("God's gonna get me") vs. the Grace Box ("God's looking the other way").

We want to hear from you!
We'd like you to submit at least one question that you think people are wondering today. Some of these questions will end up in this weekend's message.  We are looking for questions that represent some of the hot issues in our world today.

For example, ask Pastor Kevin a question like this...
Is it a sin to _________? (Drink alcohol, live together before marriage, get a tattoo, etc)
Can God still forgive me even if I __________? (Commit adultery, cheat at school/work, lie, etc)
How big of a deal is sin to God?


Ways to submit your question:
1. Post a comment on this blog entry.
2. Reply to this e-mail (if you receive updates by e-mail) or e-mail clg@championscentre.com.
3.  Post a question to CLG on Facebook or Twitter (@ message).

We'll pass every question on to Pastor, for possible use in his message this weekend! Make sure and invite someone to Church...it promises to be a not-to-miss series!

Happy reading.

Brandon Stewart
Champions Centre

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THRIVE Year - October 19-25

We're beginning a new week, THRIVE Year Bible Reading continues. It was awesome to wrap-up the story of Job...and get to God's answer of Job's crisis! Now we're continuing Genesis this week.

Monday Oct 19 --- Genesis 22-24
Tuesday Oct 20 --- Genesis 25-26
Wednesday Oct 21 --- Genesis 27-29
Thursday Oct 22 --- Genesis 30-31
Friday Oct 23 --- Genesis 32-34
Saturday Oct 24 --- Genesis 35-37
Sunday Oct 25 --- Genesis 38-40

I want to remind you that our goal is to read for about 20 minutes a day, and set aside some time for prayer. If you're just joining us, jump right into this plan with us. If you've missed a day or so...jump back in! This year is going to be exciting, as we look at scripture from a new perspective.

Have an incredible week! See everyone at Team Church Rally/Volunteer Appreciation tonight. Feel free to let us know how we can connect you to a small group, as well.


Brandon Stewart
Champions Centre

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Quick thought on Trusting God "He will do it"

Genesis 12:1-3
1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”

The emphasis is from God & his "I" statements!!! He wil make it happen!!
God didn't leave Abram alone or tell him "good luck on your life" but he gives him a dream & a passion but comes right along side him & says I will be with you & I will do it!
- my question to us is who are we trusting in to "make it happen"??

- my challenge is to up our Trust, rely in him & put our hope in him!

As we do the trusting and the walking out of the dream, then will God will "make it happen"

God bless and let's let God "make it a great week"!!
Samuel

THRiVE YEAR - October 12-18

Were coming into another great week of getting into God's word! This weeks reading brings us to the incredible conclusion of Job's story where God Answers Job!

This weeks reading plan Monday October 12 - Sunday October 18
Day 12 --- Job 32-34
Day 13 --- Job 35-37
Day 14 --- Job 38-39
Day 15 --- Job 40-42
Day 16 --- Genesis 12-15
Day 17 --- Genesis 16-18
Day 18 --- Genesis 19-21


Its been great having you join us on Thrive Year! I hope your allowing The Holy Spirit to open up his words to you in new ways every. And as He does, I pray "God give us the strength to apply & DO what it says!" Because that is where the growing in God takes off!!

alright, so were off to this weeks reading, maybe pull a few people together & do the reading together, (it can help with accountability) go ahead make comments on our posts, we'd love to hear what God is showing you as well!

God Bless you; have a good one!
Pastor Samuel
www.twitter.com/samueldeuth
facebook.com/samueldeuth

Quick Compassion Thought - from Job

Job 29:14 I was known for being fair to everyone I met. 15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame, 16 Father to the needy, and champion of abused aliens.

To whom much is given, much is required. As His church we are all called to be extensions of God on this planet.

"God help us to see how we can step in and be the eyes/ears/feet/love to the broken and hurting in our world, today - amen"

THRiVE Year - Perspective

The last few days we've been reading about Job's response in crisis.  I wonder how many times we've been in Job's shoes?  When I read his responses, I see someone who doesn't understand what is going on. I see someone who is tempted to speak out of bitterness, and reject the wisdom of people close to him. I see someone who thought he may have had it all together...and now that foundation has been shaken.

When trials come, how do you respond?  How do you perceive adversity in your life?

Today in the Tacoma area, it is cloudy. The weather was pretty grey this morning. We all know that there is a sun above the clouds, we just can't see it. We also know that if we were to jump on an airplane, we'd see the sun very quickly once we got above the clouds...because we would have a different perspective.

Traffic in the Seattle area is regularly a challenge. We all know the times of day we have to avoid certain areas. Its always helpful to tune into the traffic reports, when driving during rush hour, because you know that there is someone hovering above the traffic in a helicopter. They are at a different vantage point...a better perspective. Even though you can only see a few hundred feet in front of you, you can trust the voice of the traffic reporter...because he can see it much better.

I heard this example once from Ed Young (who was recently with us at Champions Centre):
It is no secret in the New Testament that the Apostle Paul wanted to speak in Rome. This would have been the highlight of his ministry life, potentially...to speak in the cultural and governmental hub of their world. No doubt Paul would have held a big rally, and seen many people come to Christ in his ministry there. But it never happened. Instead, Paul ended up in prison.

Doesn't exactly sound ideal, does it?  I'll bet Paul was discouraged. I'll be he didn't understand why God would allow this to happen. I believe it is because God had a higher perspective. I believe that God knew if he could get Paul to settle down, that Paul would write. And write, he did. Out of that time in his life came many great parts of the New Testament. Ask yourself this: In the light of history, which would have been better? Paul speaking in Rome? Or Paul writing a good chunk of the New Testament? 

God's perspective in life is always higher and better. We must learn to look for His perspective, even when we don't understand.


Keep reading! We've only started. And this is only getting better. Stay in touch.
Brandon Stewart
Champions Centre

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THRiVE YEAR - October 5-11

Here we go...heading into our first full week of THRiVE YEAR.  We're just a few days into this, and already we're reading the book of Job.  I'm already loving the chronological approach to this plan.  Totally new perspective!

Reading Plan Updates
Here is this week's reading plan.  Remember, for the full version of our plan, head to the first blog post and check out the online plan

Monday October 5 - Sunday October 11

Day 5 --- Job 6-9
Day 6 --- Job 10-13
Day 7 --- Job 14-16
Day 8 --- Job 17-20
Day 9 --- Job 21-23
Day 10 --- Job 24-28
Day 11 --- Job 29-31  

This week, Pastor Samuel and my own small group will be joining me to blog about our reading a couple of times.  Stay tuned, and comment on the blogs.  Looking forward to an awesome week!


Stay in touch.
Pastor Brandon Stewart

Im on a Boat!! (said, Noah)

As we continue the History of Mankind in Gen. chapters 4-7 their are so many things we could pull out like the Generous heart of Able that God wants us to have but i want to highlight the man of the hour, Noah.

Gen. 6:9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.
wow, so simple yet, this is what I believe that God is looking for… men & women who will walk with God despite the broken world that is around them.
You see the choice Noah made to Walk with God…. A walk is a journey, it’s a commitment, to his way and his path. All throughout his story you see God directing him, and Noah's simple response of obedience.

I want to simply encourage us to commit to obedience in our walk with God.

Now Im off to Bold Conference!! God teach the Men of the house to Walk with you!! Amen!!

Samuel

THRiVE YEAR Starts Today

Genesis chapters 1-3.

The first three chapters are the awesome account of creation...God's power on display. They are also, of course, the account of The Fall. The moment we, as humans, became separated from God by sin. It's a pretty contrasting story when you think about it: life in the state God intended it to be...and life in the fallen state we now find it.

These chapters remind me that our humanity is all the same. We all share a common sin nature, out of which flows the various behaviors and thoughts that cause us to miss the mark of God's will for our lives. You've never met a person that was outside of God's love & reach, regardless of their sin. This is because none of us a different, even though our behavior is.

It also reminds me that we have a job to do. Our job, as God's people saved by Grace, is to now reconcile people back to the Father. Life in it's intended place.

Have a great day today...and let's be busy about God's purpose. Walk closely in the presence of God. When you're saved by Jesus, you're back in the place of God's presence you were created for.



Brandon Stewart
Champions Centre

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THRIVE YEAR - Starts Thursday!

This week begins our 365 Day Online Bible Reading Plan we're calling THRiVE YEAR.  We're excited to offer this online reading plan through CLG, as a way for us to all read throug the Bible cover-to-cover together. 


Reading Plan Updates
In addition to having the complete reading plan available on the first post of this blog, we'll also be sending out the weekly reading plans on Sunday evenings for the coming seven days (Monday-Sunday).  Make sure you are signed up to receive these updates automatically, so you can stay on track (e-mail, RSS, Facebook, and Twitter options available).   

Thursday October 1 - Sunday October 4
Day 1 --- Genesis 1-3
Day 2 --- Genesis 4-7
Day 3 --- Genesis 8-11
Day 4 --- Job 1-5
 
As I started to ask around, I began to realize that many people have never read through the Bible like this..and most people wish they had.  Sometimes we get away from the most basic elemets of our faith, so THRiVE YEAR is a back to the basics look at God's Word in a Chronological way (see the complete reading plan for more info on our approach).  Let's take this year and commit to new growth in God's Word.


Here we go - I'm excited.  Stay in touch.
Pastor Brandon Stewart

THRiVE YEAR - A Video Introduction

THRiVE YEAR - Full 365 Day Bible Reading Plan

Open publication - Free publishing - More reading plan

It is here...the THRiVE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN. We're excited to offer this through Champion Life Groups, as a way for everyone to read through the Bible together this year.

We've chosen to read the Bible in Chronological order - differently than how the Bible is organized. Check out the full description inside this document.

We'll start on October 1st together. You'll see weekly plan updates from the team right here on this blog - as well as devotional thoughts.


4 ways to receive regular updates from THRiVE YEAR:

1. Subscribe to this blog via e-mail (link in upper right corner)
2. Subscribe to this blog via RSS feed (also in upper right corner)
3. Become a Facebook friend of "Champion LifeGroup"
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