Our theme for 2009 is based on a book by Mark Batterson called, “In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day.” It is an odd title for
a book and it comes from an obscure passage found in 2 Samuel 23:20 that says, “Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it.” Our theme for the year is, “Chase The Lion!” The question is, “What will you and I do when opportunity roars?” In 2009, will you grab life by the mane and step into all that God has for you?
I personally equate Lions with fear. If I met one on the street or in my community, I would probably run, hide & cower in fear. Isn’t that what we do all to often when confronted by our fears? As we look forward to another year, we have no idea what this year will hold. We do know, though, that there is fear all around us. Fear because of the economy. Fear of losing something important to us. Fear of change. Fear of tomorrow! The Bible says this in 1 Peter 5:8, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” If we are honest, many of us are waiting expectantly to be devoured by the Lions in our lives! While there is a very real enemy that desires to steal, kill, & destroy our lives, there is a very real God that desires to give us life and life to the fullest! (John 10:10) Fear & Faith take the same amount of energy. One causes us to cower and the other causes us to conquer! This year, I challenge you to follow in the footsteps of Benaiah, lock eyes with your lion & let the chase begin! Decide right now that you will face every fear, every challenge & every regret and conquer it by faith! Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn’t chase. Remind yourself of God’s Word that says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Let this reality activate faith in your life so that you can grab life by the mane and experience the promises of God’s provision and His blessings!
To read our full 2009 Winter Newsletter, Click Here