Passion to WIN! -- Let’s Dance!

Thursday, September 30, 2010
Read 2 Samuel 6:16-23
By Kevin and Cori Barclift

“And I will be even more undignified than this” were the words of King David as his wife Michal tried to rebuke his actions when he danced before the Lord. These actions were taking place as the Arc of the Lord was brought into the city of David. These were bold statements made about a man that was passionate about his God.

 

Now I know we are Baptist and the thought of dancing before the Lord brings shivers up some of our spines. The thought of me dancing in any fashion scares me. However, I can just picture David in my mind getting almost giddy because of his knowledge that he was in the presence of the Lord. You see kids become giddy on Christmas morning, because they are so excited about the gifts they are about to receive. Jesus Christ’s gift of eternal life is a gift worth getting giddy over. My prayer is that our passion will increase for the Lord, and that we will even at times become giddy over the love we have for our Savior!

 

• Think of a time when you have seen someone become excited for the Lord?
• Do you find yourself desiring to be more excited about the Lord?
• What can you do to increase your excitement towards the Lord?

Passion to WIN! -- Passion for Church!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Read Hebrews 10:24-25
By Kevin and Cori Barclift

Black Friday is the day after thanksgiving and is a “holiday” to many people, who line up hours before stores open in the hopes of snagging a good deal on a TV, or are just trying to get a head start on Christmas shopping.

A lot of us have done it. We saw some great deal that was going to take place on a certain item on “Black Friday” and we got up really early and went to line up outside the store to get this “deal of our lifetime” on this great product. Unfortunately many times they would be sold-out of it, before we even got to the item! That is some dedication there.

Imagine a world where that kind of excitement and that kind of drive was found in our attendance to church. Imagine us getting there early, because we did not want to miss out on something. I believe that is what a passionate church looks like!

• How can your passion to be in church increase?
• What does a passionate church look like to you?
• What does a passionate church look like to you?

We Are Pleasant Valley!

We are Pleasant Valley! And we are made to WIN! No, we are not perfect, but we are, on purpose, desiring to be a church that WINS! God has been so good to us over the last few weeks! We have been learning to be more intentional as a church and are rallying together around some basic fundamentals of our Christian faith. God is using the Sunday School lessons, Daily Devotions, and Worship Services to challenge and encourage us to WIN Together. As a matter of fact God has been good to us for the last 101 years! And as we begin another year of ministry as a church, we must be a church on purpose more than any other time in our history. I am excited about what God has done, is doing, and will do as we rally together to WIN!

Here are some encouraging words from some of our people:

Steve Tucker commented, “It is amazing how God used so many different individuals to write about many different topics but yet maintain the same direction in all of them..."A Winning Church by becoming Winning Individuals.”

Rebecca Cox wrote, “I am SO excited about our children's choir! On our first Wednesday night meeting there were 24 children. At our second Wednesday night practice, there were 25!! There is nothing shabby about this group of kids - OUR kids - and we are going to have a children's choir that WINS!”

Will and Sharon Moore left a prayer on our blog: “We are thankful for fellow Christians that use their talents for your glory. We know the jewels are in the fields. Help us to be quick harvesters! A crown without jewels doesn't have much sparkle. Pleasant Valley wants their crowns to really, really shine! Help us to win for Jesus....In Christ's Holy name...Amen.”

Gail Williams wrote, “I feel a change going on in my own heart for GOD’S Glory. I am learning to listen more to the Holy Spirit, I am learning to apply truth in circumstances of life. I am working on purposeful and intentional participation, stepping out of my comfort zone!! I’m in the process of learning to be more prepared to be used for GOD’S purpose to increase God's Kingdom… I am excited to see what GOD is doing at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.”

Looks and sounds like a Winning Church to me!
We are Pleasant Valley! And we are WINNING!!

Privileged to be the pastor of a Winning Church,
Pastor Keith

Passion to WIN! -- To Be That Passionate

Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Read John 10:10
By Kevin and Cori Barclift

These guys are passionate about Duke Basketball. So passionate they paint their bodies and act crazy! Are you this passionate about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

There is a name given to the fans and students of Duke University. They are called the “Cameron Crazies”. They camp out for tickets, and paint themselves, and are even known for standing up for the entire basketball game. They are devoted followers of Duke Basketball. Really, you can’t blame them, because it seems that almost every year the Duke Basketball program is ranked very high in the rankings.

 

In no way am I saying we should paint ourselves, and go crazy for church every Sunday. However, if we would even show a little bit of this excitement and passion for the one that hung on the cross of Calvary, and died for our sins, so that we might have life, I believe we would be doing well. Let’s get passionate for our Savior.

• Is Jesus worth getting excited over for you?
• What in your life do you get more excited about than Jesus?
• How can you become more passionate about our Savior?

Passion to WIN! -- What Are Your Passions?

Monday, September 27, 2010
Read Galatians 2:20
By Kevin and Cori Barclift

What are you passionate about? That’s a question we all ought to ponder. In order to really answer that question, we must ask ourselves a couple other questions. What do we think about when we awake in the morning, and what does our mind drift to when we are relaxing or have some down time. If we ask ourselves these two questions and answer them truthfully, we will often times find what we are passionate about. This can be quite revealing to ourselves, if we are honest. What did you come up with? Baseball? Football? Electronics? Music? Movies? TV shows? It’s not bad to enjoy any of these things individually. However, when we become passionate to a point that it fills out minds and hearts with these things, that’s when it becomes dangerous. The reason I use the word “dangerous” is because it can easily become an idol at that point. So, we have to be careful not to allow anything to be placed higher than Jesus Christ.

In Galatians 2:20 Paul says he is “crucified with Christ, it is no longer him who lives, but Christ who lives within him”. If we live with that mentality, then our life will be a life filled with the right things. Fill your life with Christ

Appling Truth as an Individual
What are the things that your thoughts are filled with when you awake in the morning? And when you have free time?
What can you do to keep your thoughts on those of Jesus Christ?

Applying the Truth as a Church
What do you believe our church’s passions are?
How can you help to direct our church to be completely passionate for Jesus Christ?

Practice to WIN! -- Develop Good Habits

Sunday, September 26, 2010
Read Colossians 1:9-14
By Jason Wade

I am my biggest problem. I had a lot of bad habits. They were hard to break. How did I get them? I didn’t just wake up one morning with them. It was a process that developed over time. So, it took time to break them. How did I do it? I have found that the best way is to develop good habits. It takes commitment to doing good things daily. It may be hard and awkward at first, but it will eventually become part of daily life. I found that when I began developing good habits, then bad habits were crowded out of my life.

• Examples of bad habits: laziness, procrastination, not giving my best, making excuses, carelessly spending money
• Examples of good habits: daily Bible study, praying without ceasing, giving sacrificially, giving my best, being punctual

Bad habits are driven by self. Good habits are driven by the Spirit. We must remove the bad habits and replace them with good habits if we want to win.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
Do you have any bad habits you need to break?
Pray and ask God to help you break them and to develop good habits.

Applying the Truth as a Church
Are bad habits preventing PVBC from preparing for the Lord’s work?
How can PVBC develop good habits and teach them?

Practice to WIN! -- Those Poor Centers

Saturday, September 25, 2010
Read 1 Timothy 4:-16 and 2 Timothy 1:6
By Sandra K. Wade

A few seasons back Jason was watching the Heisman Selection show on television. The Heisman Trophy is awarded for the most outstanding college football player. (That much I knew. I still remember all the press when Herschel Walker won back in the 80’s.)

As Jason was watching, I began to question him about certain aspects of the award. I learned that usually the award goes to players of certain key positions like quarterback or running back. That just didn’t seem right to me. My football knowledge may be limited but common sense tells me that it takes a team of gifted players to give those Heisman nominees a chance at winning the award. I did some research. Of all the winners listed not once has a safety, tackle, nose guard, tight end, kicker, place holder, long snapper, kick returner, punter, upback, gunner, wedge buster, or center been selected as the Heisman Trophy winner. Statistically, if a player wants the Heisman he better hope that he isn’t assigned the job of center. Yet, try to get the play off with a poor snap. I’d say a great center is very important. The center must practice to be the best he can be.

If you are a Christian you have been given gifts to equip you to work as a part of the body. Like the game of football, the body of Christ has many different positions. Some positions will be easily visible and even have a certain prominence about them. Yet, it takes the whole “team” working together to be victorious. Each position is important and may require specially designed practices.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
If you are a Christian, do you know what your Spiritual gift(s) is?
Are you using your gift for the good of the team or for the “Heisman trophy”?

Applying the Truth as a Church
What would our team look like if every player gave their all while “playing” their position?

Practice To WIN! -- The Local Church Strengths

Friday, Sept. 24, 2010
Read 1 Corinthians 1:10
By Tim Jordan

In this scripture Paul urges the people of Corinth to be of one mind, thought, and purpose. Does this mean we should all be alike? No, that would be ultimately impossible. We are all different! We each have different gifts provided to us by God our Father. But as fellow Christians at PVBC we should be alike in our purpose, winning souls for Christ and glorifying God with praise, giving and worship.

Let us each look at ourselves and truly seek out the gifts we have been blessed with. Then let us look at others for their gifts. With this mixed group of blessings, let us then come together seeking to use All we have been given for the ultimate goal and purpose, Building up the Kingdom of God for His Glory.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
Do you know your gifts or talents?
Are you using them for God’s purpose?

Applying the Truth as a Church
Are we willing to combine our talents with those of others for one purpose?
What is the purpose of PVBC?

Practice to WIN! -- More than Mediocre

Thursday, September 23, 2010
Read Ephesians 1:13-19
By Sandra K. Wade
Recently I was listening to the podcast of Family Life Today. The guests were a couple whose marriage seemed doomed from the beginning. The wife, Star Molegraaf, remembers sitting across from a marriage counselor who wanted to talk with her about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Star says, “He looked at me again real intently in the eye; and he said, ‘Do you believe that God took that dead man out of the grave, raised Him to life so that He could save you?’ I said, ‘Yes! I believe that.’ He said, ‘You think God can take a dead man—raise Him to life again to save you—but you don’t think that same God can heal your marriage?’ It was my moment.”

Although I may not face the same challenge, Star Molegraaf’s testimony reminds me that as a believer I have been given all I need to practice to win at whatever challenges I may face. The passage in Ephesians reminds me that I was given the equipment that will give me the ability to win. When I heard the Word of Truth (the Gospel) and believed, I was marked with the promised Holy Spirit. I can know the hope to which he has called me, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparable great power (the kind of power that can raise the dead).

We may call ourselves practicing but many times we are not giving our all. We aren’t even using all the equipment provided for us. No wonder we keep playing a mediocre game.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
Are you practicing like a marked, empowered follower of Christ? Do you feel like practice is pointless because you’ve already lost so many games?

Applying the Truth as a Church
Is our local body content with mediocre practices? How can we encourage one another to give each practice our all?

Practice to WIN! -- Ability to “War a Good Warfare”

Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-5
By John Smith

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a soldier? Do you envision a weak, frail or feeble person? Certainly not! As Paul encouraged Timothy to be strong in the grace of Jesus Christ and be a good soldier, his writings also reminds us that we are not members of a losing army. However, there are certain requirements that will test the ability of a good soldier. One such requirement involves enduring hardships.

Back in early 2009, many hardships came on our family. Kim and I lost a baby, Ben had been hospitalized for a short period of time, and someone was snooping around our home while we were there. These events occurred within a month-and-a-half period. Relying on my own strength and my personal ability to lead my family would have been a weak, frail and feeble decision. However, the captain of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ led us through these hardships, because we realized it was only through His ability and strength that we could battle.

If your initial response to the question in the first paragraph involved the picture of a man or woman in uniform with a strong physique, then you are not alone. God also desires us, His children to be strong spiritually (good soldiers of Jesus Christ). It is not our ability to fight that makes us a winner individually or collectively, but the aspiration we have to please Him who has chosen us to be a soldier. We cannot win in the fight in spiritual matters while being entangled or tripped up by the (temporal) hardships in this life. Look to Jesus Christ, who has chosen us to be a soldier – the One who gives grace to help in our time of need.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
How does it make you feel to know you are a chosen soldier (v. 4) in Lord’s army?
What sin(s) or busy work - or as the scripture would put it, what affairs of this life hinder your service as a soldier?

Applying the Truth as a Church
How can we use this scripture reading to encourage the fellow soldiers in our company (brothers/sisters in Christ at Pleasant Valley)?

Verse 5 refers to our ability to win, but to do so by competing fairly. How do you think this is communicated to us as a body of believers (soldiers)?

Practice to WIN! -- Natural Talent

Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Read Matthew 25:14-30 and I Corinthians 12:1-12
By Carmel Jackson

I asked a group of teens I was preparing to coach on the first day of practice, “Do you believe there are people who are just natural athletes?” They all answered yes. Then I asked them to tell me how naturals were different from others. Some of their comments were that naturals had gifted ability and were able to play better than others from the start.

I responded, “So you’re telling me they didn’t have to practice to have this ability. They were born with it?” They replied, yes! I then asked, “Do you know someone who is a natural that never had to practice to be the best?” They all looked at me and said no! To be the best even a natural would have to practice. Do you believe in natural talent? Whether it is physical, musical, mental, etc..? Does God give some of us more ability than others from birth?

Applying the Truth as an Individual
After reading the passage, does God give each of us talents?
Does He give us all the same amount?
Can someone lose a talent, if so how?
Can someone gain more talents, if so how?

God does give natural talent or ability. He gives one or many. The clincher is you must use the talent or it will be taken away. Use equals practice! I don’t know about you, but I hate the thought of losing any talent that God has given me.

Applying the truth as a Church
Whose responsibility is it to find out what your gifts are?
Do you know what your gift or gifts are?
Are you using them?
Does God want to bless you with more?

The blessings are deeper and wider than you can image. I challenge you to find out what God wants you to be doing in His church today! The key to getting started! As Hebrews 12: 1-2 says, “We must lay aside every weight, and sin which so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

Practice to WIN! -- Local Church Strengths

Monday, September 20, 2010
Read Matthew 16:18
By Sandra Lambert

In August of 1993, Bill and I moved to Hampton, Georgia and began jobs in the Atlanta area. We moved on a Saturday and I still remember how hard that day was. James and Teri Moody had bought our home here and since they were a part of the Young Married Couples Sunday School class we taught at Pleasant Valley, many from the Sunday School class came to help move us out and move them in. When the u-haul was finally loaded; they all lined up single file to hug us and send us on our way. I hugged family and friends and got in the car to follow Bill in the u-haul to Atlanta. I was at City Boulevard before I stopped crying! However God had a plan for us and that plan was for us to become integral members of Liberty Hill Baptist Church. We came to love those folks “almost” as much as we loved Pleasant Valley!

While we were at Liberty Hill, Pastor Jeff Gongwer preached a series of sermons on the guiding values of a church which I want to share with you. I think they are relevant for both Pleasant Valley and Liberty Hill.

GUIDING VALUES OF A CHURCH

• Worshipping Church – We affirm that God deserves worship and people need to worship. (Hebrews 13:15; I Peter 2:5)
• Evangelistic Church – We affirm the real need of every person is to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:1-4)
• Discipling Church – We affirm that growing toward godliness is the goal of our discipleship. (II Timothy 3:16-17)
• Fellowshipping Church – We affirm that we grow and minister best in the context of God’s love; therefore we will enjoy opportunities of wholesome Christian fellowship. (John 13:34-35)
• Ministering Church – We affirm that the New Testament model of ministry is a shared ministry; therefore each member will seek to discover and develop spiritual gifts and talents to minister in and through Christ’s body; the church. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
• Missions Church – We affirm that the mission of the church is global in its scope. (Acts 1:8)

Prepare to WIN! -- Standing Firm (Conviction)

Sunday, September 19, 2010
Read Daniel 3
By Arlene Thomas

The sun that hardens clay to brick
Can soften wax to shape and mold;
So too life’s trials will harden some,
While others purify as gold.

I am very passionate about saving the earth. My husband isn’t quite as passionate as I am, and thinks I’m eccentric when I bring my reused Styrofoam cup with me to Hog-n-Bonz on Saturday mornings. But I have a deep conviction to reduce, reuse, and recycle!

This made me think. No one has ever accused me of being eccentric about my faith. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were certainly eccentric about their faith. They stood firmly by their convictions to the point of death. Impressing the king did not cross their minds. They chose to be purified as gold!

Applying the Truth as an Individual
Have you ever been ridiculed for your faith? Is that because you aren’t standing by your convictions? Do you come through your trials purified like gold?

Jesus said we are blessed if we “are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” Let’s make it our goal to me persecuted. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But who are we trying to impress, people or God? We must stand firm in our faith!!!

Applying the Truth as a Church
PVBC has been ridiculed numerous times throughout our community because of our mistakes, stubbornness, and self-serving attitudes. Let’s unite to become a winning church!! Let us be ridiculed because we are a people of conviction, unwavering, undivided, and unstoppable. We can be this and more through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prepare to WIN! -- Confidence

Saturday, September 18, 2010
Read Joshua 1:1-9, 3:7
By Arlene Thomas

God called Joshua to lead Israel into the Land of Promise. Moses had died, leaving Joshua to carry the responsibility of this enormous and dangerous task. God promised to be with him and make him successful. Certainly the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and uncertainty were hurled at Joshua by the enemy. That’s when Joshua raised his shield of faith, believed God, and moved ahead with confidence.

God-confidence comes easily when the way seems clear. But the enemy is full of wrath and never rests. When we move forward for God, we will run into obstacles. Let’s seek the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and minds so that we may live confidently the life He has in store for us.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
We have all lived in God’s presence when we were in a right relationship with Him. In our heads we know He can be trusted. So why do our hearts quiver with a lack of confidence when He is saying, “Go. Be strong and courageous.”

Applying the Truth as a Church
The Israelites were ready to win! They placed their confidence in God and the man He had chosen to lead them. Will PVBC march forward in unity and confidence behind the man God has chosen to lead us? Are we really ready to win or will we continue to live in defeat and apathy?

Let’s pray Joshua 3:7 for our pastor. “Heavenly Father, magnify Pastor Keith in the sight of all PVBC that we may know that God is with him.”

Prepare to WIN! -- Commitment

Friday, September 17, 2010
Read John 16:33; Luke 9:57-62
By Arlene Thomas

Serving Jesus is like driving down a dirt road. When the road is smooth, it’s easy. But when the rains come and wash away the dirt, leaving bumps and washouts, it becomes difficult.

Through the trials of life our commitment wavers. We struggle with the sacrifices of service. In today’s passage there were three people that thought they wanted to follow Christ. Jesus realized they weren’t truly willing to put aside their own ideas, plans, and desires and embrace His.

Our commitment must be whole-hearted. There’s no place in the kingdom of God for half-heartedness. Jesus rejected these three people because they didn’t really believe the rewards would be worth the cost of commitment.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
Do you think more about tangible or intangible things? Do your resources go toward building your kingdom or God’s kingdom? Where is your commitment?

Joyce Meyer wrote, “You can suffer the pain of change or suffer remaining the way you are." Are you ready to pay the cost to change? It is going to take whole-hearted commitment.

Applying the Truth as a Church
Jesus was committed to people. To what are we committed? Maintaining comfortable and beautiful buildings? Our financial statement? Or maybe we’re all about making sure things at PVBC run as we want them to?

It is extremely important that we stay committed to the word of God. But we can learn to be flexible in our approach.

Announcement: TAILGATE Party - October 31st - 4PM

With great excitement, we have scheduled another Tailgate Party for Sunday, October 31st at 4PM. Begin planning right now and invite your friends, family and neighbors out for a great time of food and fun to celebrate our winning church. To raise the excitement we will be having judges to determine the best "Tailgate Experience" by rating food, set-up, and fun for each area. It is going to be a blast!

We are going to have some FUN! Come join us!!
October 31st at 4PM 



Prepare to WIN! -- Exercise Our Faith

Thursday, September 16, 2010
Read Hebrews 11
By Arlene Thomas

Visiting the Pentagon in the 1990s with my Army veteran father was a wonderful experience. We walked the corridors looking at artwork portraying war heroes, reading about decisive battles, and reliving American history.

When I read Hebrews 11, I visualize a similar scene – a painting of Noah preaching before the ark; a statuette of Abraham and Sara traveling to Canaan; plaques honoring Joshua’s campaigns to conquer the Promised Land . . . get the idea? These ordinary people chose to step out in faith and obey God. Toward the end of the chapter we meet nameless people that gave all they had, including their lives. They never saw the promises of God fulfilled in their earthly life, but they believed and held on till the end. In the eyes of God they were true winners!

Applying the Truth as an Individual
If you were dancing with God, who would be leading?

Faith is not something we manufacture ourselves. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes from hearing the word of God. Commit to filling your mind with God’s word through Christian radio*, music, books, preaching, websites, prayer and reading the bible. Note: You may have to turn off your TV.

Applying the Truth as a Church
God isn’t asking PVBC to jump the staircase of faith; He wants us to take one step at a time. Will we obediently bond together, taking each step as a body?

*WAWS 91.7, WLPE 88.3, and WECC 89.3 are all local stations. On the internet, search “Christian web sites.”

Prepare to WIN! -- Accountability

Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Read Matthew 25:32-46 and Ezekiel 3:17-21
By Arlene Thomas

In high school basketball, I enjoyed playing zone defense. Any player failing to defend their position around the goal was accountable to the coach. Likewise, God has assigned each of us a “position” for which we are accountable because He has given us everything needed to do the job.

Note in verse 36 of the first passage that Jesus said, “men . . . shall give account . . .” He did not say “unrighteous men” or “righteous men”; therefore, we can assume He is speaking of all men (women included).

In the second passage God held the prophet Ezekiel accountable for sharing His Word with the sinful and displaced nation of Israel. Centuries later, Jesus’ last words hold all believers accountable for sharing His Word with all nations. Our attitude should be, “As long as I am in this world, I will speak of God’s love and grace. I will reach out to those in need and I will go to whomever He sends me.”

Applying the Truth as an Individual
Do you take seriously your accountability to God?
Do you strive to please Him in your words and actions?
Do you use the resources with which He has blessed you to please Him?
Are you sharing Jesus with the people you encounter?

Applying the Truth as a Church
God will hold us accountable for our sins of commission as well as our sins of omission. Just as God’s prophets were the watchmen over the nation of Israel, God instituted the church to be the watchman of a lost world. Are we so concerned with traditions, possessions, pleasing others, and satisfying ourselves that we fail God?

Prepare to WIN! -- We Need Each Other

Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Read Hebrews 10:25
By Arlene Thomas

I have an only child, so I always made sure she got to be around other children. Through playing she learned sharing, fairness, kindness, manners, and so much more. For proper social development, all children need to play and the playground is a great classroom.

Christians also need to “play”, so God has provided a great “playground” - the local church! Is there a better way to grow as a follower of Christ than to be surrounded by God’s word and God’s people? At church we should find instruction, encouragement, discipleship, strong bonds with other believers, and so much more.

Applying the Truth as an Individual
We have been commanded by the Word of God to meet together. Are you being obedient in this area?

There are so many things that can keep you from attending church. I challenge you to make a list. Place it before God while you bow before Him. Ask Him to break your heart if there’s anything on your list that will be burned like hay and stubble when you stand before Him. (1 Cor. 3:11-13)

Applying the Truth as a Church
Churches are built on relationships. Relationships are built on value. Do we value each other? Are we seeking to build relationships within our fellowship? People will go where they feel accepted and valued.

In the book Radical, Dr. David Platt drives home the point that the success of a church can’t be determined by the number attending its services, but by the number going out after the services and sharing Jesus with others. If he is right (and I believe he is), are we a winning church?

Prepare to WIN! -- A Winning Attitude

Monday, September 13, 2010
Read Mark 6:53-56 and Mark 1:35
By Arlene Thomas

When a small boat landed on the shores of Gennesaret, a few heads probably turned. But when Jesus stepped out of that boat people began running this way and that, bringing their sick, and begging for a touch. Their lives were about to be transformed.

The people of Gennesaret had a winning attitude that led to changed lives. All the activity of their busy schedules came to a halt. They made time for Jesus. He was all that mattered at the moment of time. What a great attitude to have!

Applying the Truth as an Individual
You have this same opportunity every day of your life! Every day is another chance to come into the presence of the Savior! What are you doing with these opportunities?

Our attitude toward Jesus is revealed by the quality and quantity of our quiet time. Will you make time to be with Jesus today?

Attitude is a choice. Quiet time is a choice. Jesus chose to have a quiet time. What will you choose today?

Applying the Truth as a Church
Chuck Swindoll wrote this about attitude: “It will make or break a company … a church … a home.” What is your attitude doing to Pleasant Valley? Are you helping make or break the will of God for our fellowship?

Play to WIN! -- Playing the Game of Life

Sunday, September 12, 2010
Read Colossians 3:23
By Nichole Boggs

“Ok kids, it’s time to go out and play!”
“Play ball!”
“She will be performing in a play next Thursday evening.”

The word “play” can be used in different ways, meaning different things. But, one thing about playing is it will always involve some kind of activity, it will require energy, motivation, and discipline.

As a senior in high school I was given an opportunity to switch from playing second base in softball to shortstop. In my mind, shortstop was the ultimate achievement. During practice that day I found myself making as many errors as I was clean catches. The coach pulled me to the side and told me that she thought maybe it was too much for me and she would be putting me back on second base. With tears running down my face I agreed. I was so disappointed! Out I went to play second once again and the coach hit me 10 ground balls, one after the other. Do you know how many I missed? None! Now why couldn’t I do that at shortstop? I don’t know. But, for some reason I could play well at second base, and that would enable our team the best opportunity to winning some ball games.

Where has God called you to play? Are you struggling in the place you are at? Are you trying with all your might to do something in your own strength that God has not asked you to do? Do you find yourself in a place not suited for you, and because of pride, like in my case, you choose to stay?

Or, are you playing anywhere? At home, church, the workplace? Are we intentionally playing for God’s team? Are we purposefully playing for the advancement of the Kingdom? As I read the verse above I found it interesting the verses prior to that verse spoke to wives, husbands, children, and bondservants. That covers all of us. We must play in these areas to win if we are to win people to Christ. Let’s play to win with all of our heart, as unto the Lord!

People to WIN! -- Be a Champion for Christ!

Saturday, September 11, 2010
Read 1 Peter 2
By Keith Boggs

Read that passage several times and you will see that we believers have got it going on… not because of “who” we are, but because of Who He is! He has made us a special people! What does it take to be a
Champion for Christ?

A Champion for Christ is a Christian with a Heart for others that is Anointed and Motivated by God to be Passionate about Life displaying Integrity in all situations while Overcoming adversity to be the person Needed in the world today.

C - Christian. Simply, a Christian is a Champion.

H - a Heart for others. So much of the Christian life is about others. You are to be a contributor to helping others win. Do not sit on the bench or in the bleachers any longer, get into the game and give your heart for
others!

A - Anointed. In other words, God’s Spirit is upon them. God is working in them, God is working on them, and God is working through them.

M - Motivated by God. A Champion is motivated to win in. They have an aim, an endeavor. A Champion strives to win, a Champion wants to win. Paul’s motivation was that He might win Christ.

P - Passionate about Life. This Life, the Christian Life is the only Life and it is worth living. May God set us on fire!

I - Integrity. Integrity is honesty, truth, honor, reliability. Integrity is the best friend your friends will ever have.

O - Overcoming. Yes, and all those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Tim. 3:12) To win there will have been times where you have had to prevail, rise above, and conquer any
challenges.

N - Needed. We need CHAMPIONS! Be a CHAMPION today!

Pray to WIN! -- A Challenge to Pray

Friday, September 10, 2010
Read James 5:16b
By Nichole Boggs

Recently Keith and I went on a five day trip to Buchanan, Michigan. We took two planes going there and two planes coming back. To preface what I am about to say, you have to understand that this season in my life has called me to be in the home. And so, I am in the home most of the time. Sometimes I forget the reality of the great amount of people out there from so many walks of life that possibly have no relationship with our Creator and Savior. As I sat in the airport and in the big cities of Atlanta and Chicago and later riding on the busy streets, I saw people everywhere. So many people. Little boys and girls, teenagers, newlyweds, young families, grandparents, widows, and singles all going about life on what seemed to be just a normal day. A burden sat heavy on my heart and I began to ask myself how many of these people know the Lord I serve? How many have an intimate relationship with Him? Is the church reaching these people? Do we care? Do I care? Is it possible that we as a whole have become so self-centered and self-consumed that we are oblivious to the truth that our nation is turning its back on the precepts taught in God’s Word? People are dying every day and will spend eternity in a place that was not created for them. What can we do? One of our most powerful tools is prayer. Pray, believing God is going to bring someone into the Kingdom. Pray, that God would give us an opportunity to speak Jesus into someone’s life today. Not just encouraging words, but Jesus! Pray, that God would send revival in a much needed land. Below is a guide for a possible consistent and intentional prayer life that reaches to the ends of the earth.

• Sunday-Self
• Monday-Family
• Tuesday-Friends
• Wednesday-Acquaintances and Contacts
• Thursday-City
• Friday-Nation
• Saturday-World

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” 1 Timothy 2:8

Pray to win every day!

Persevere to WIN! -- Can You Go Farther?

Thursday, September 9, 2010
Read Matthew 26:39
By Keith Boggs

Persevere means “to continue, to keep on, to stick with it.” Perseverance is a quality that is missing in much of life today. There are not many people that are continuing. There are not many who are sticking with it, whatever “it” may be. In our culture as soon as things get difficult, many begin to look for a way out. There are also many that do not continue or stick with it because things are not going “their way.” We do not see that in the life of the Lord Jesus.

If anyone persevered, it was and it is Jesus. He continued, He kept on, and He stuck with it. Jesus has always been there and will always be there showing us the way of perseverance. The verse said that "He went a little farther.” The word “farther” means “to go onward” “to pass on.” He is our example in persevering when it gets challenging and difficult for us. Just remember that, “He went a little farther.”

John Phillips writes, “How far He had already come! Out of ivory palaces, into a world of woe! From the pinnacle of glory to that Bethlehem barn! All the long way from the bosom of the Father to the womb of the virgin.  He had been to Bethlehem, to Egypt, to Nazareth, to Capernaum and the lake country, around and about Galilee, north and south, east and west, as a pilgrim preacher, an itinerant prophet, and homeless stranger in the world His hands had made. And now He went a little farther. He went that dark and dreadful “second mile.” Trace the steps! Measure the length.”

Go on Lord Jesus, go on!

Appling Truth as an Individual
Is there an area in your life where you can go a little farther?

Applying the Truth as a Church
Can you go the “second mile” for your church over the next several days?

Passion To WIN! -- Does Anguish Ignite Passion?

Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Read Ephesians 4:26a
By Nichole Boggs

The word “passion” is unfortunately so tied to Hollywood’s take on it, that we relate it most times to a relationship between a man and a woman. When I think of passion, I think of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If anyone was passionate, He was. In the Bible we see that He is full of love and compassion. He is justice and truth. He is forgiveness and compassion. He is mercy and grace. We are told of a time when He became angry because of the sin of the people (Matthew 21:10-17). So angry, that He went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. Jesus went on to tell them that they had turned the House of God into a den of thieves. Jesus had become angry at the lowly regard these people had for the holiness of the things of God. I also think of the time that Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. As sweat drops of blood fell from His brow as He cried out in agony to the Father. Passion.

A message by David Wilkerson so stirred my heart that I wanted to give you a few of his statements. "Anguish is extreme pain and distress. It is an acute deeply felt inner pain because of the conditions about you, in you, or around you. It is a deep pain. Anguish is not just concern. All true passion is born out of anguish. It is not just a flash of emotion or a great sudden burst of concern that we let die. It is a deep pain that drives us to our knees.” Out of those statements birthed these thoughts; until we have been in agony and anguish over our condition, the condition of the church, the condition of our nation, the condition of the world we will continue to be blind to the lukewarmness of ourselves. When we go from having concern to deep anguish we will find ourselves being driven  to our knees as we weep, mourn, fast, and pray. This is the kind of passion that took Jesus to the cross. The perfect Son of God, out of the anguish of His heart, passionately took on all my sin as if He had done it all Himself because He knew He was the only way that I could live this life in victory and one day be with Him together in glory. May passion drive us to build up walls around our heart and our homes! May passion drive us to reach the lost! When we do these things, we win every time.

Practice to WIN! -- Start a Winning Streak

Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Read Psalm 1
By Keith Boggs

As we move through these days, you will be under constant pressure and temptation to be drawn off course. Developing good habits by practicing certain things each day will go a long way in helping you win as a believer. And if you are winning as a believer, you are helping us win as a body. Sometimes we do things without practicing and we know the results, most times they are not very good. To get better, practice is required. To go to the next level, practice is required. To win, we must practice!

The following areas are where Jesus molded specific “practice habits:”

1. Practice Solitude. Jesus spent time alone with the Father. You and I can do no different. We need to get still and quiet before God so that He can speak into our lives. Begin practicing the privilege of solitude today!

2. Practice Prayer. Prayer is an essential act of the will that demonstrates whether we are really serious about living like Jesus. The posture of the heart is more important that the posture of the body, but prostrating our physical selves before God helps our heart posture. Believe God for the impossible and win in prayer!

3. Practice Knowing and Applying Scripture. It is all well and good to know that the Bible is useful, reliable, and valuable. It is another thing to make it your own in a practical way. Hear the Word, Read the Word, Study the Word, Memorize the Word, Meditate on the Word so that you might Apply the Word and WIN!

4. Practice Accepting and Responding to God’s Unconditional Love. Yes, practice accepting and responding to God’s unconditional love. He really does love you!!! God’s unconditional love and promises are there so that we can find a never ending supply of what we need to live like a winner.

5. Practice Maintaining Accountability. Following Jesus can be lonely so get some close companions that want to win and win together. We need people in our lives with whom we can be open and vulnerable to avoid being blind to our own weaknesses. Find truth-telling friends and be one in return! Get on a winning streak!

Prepare To WIN! -- Prepare or Procrastinate?

Monday, September 6, 2010
Read John 14:1-3
By Nichole Boggs

It is in my nature to procrastinate. I know many well organized and well prepared people. They are able to get things done. And done well, in most cases. Me, I have been known to fly by the seat of my pants with my fingers crossed hoping everything is going to turn out fine. When it doesn’t turn out right, I have had an excuse every time. When in reality it simply boils down to my lack of preparation in putting things off until the last minute. In recent years, because of the dynamic of our growing family I have succumbed to the reality that I must change things. If I want my family to succeed in what we desire to accomplish I must become a woman who prepares. The list has gotten longer over the years, but as a family on the same team we have desired to do it together. Christ said that He has a place prepared for us. It won’t be an, “Uh-oh, you’re here?!” kind of deal. I am reminded of the 10 virgins in the Bible (Matthew 25:1-13) waiting on the bridegroom to come and get them for the wedding day. So many times I have been like those five who were not ready when He came. They heard he was coming and did not have enough oil for their lamps and went out to get it and when they came back he had already taken the other five (who were prepared with plenty of oil for their lamps) inside for the wedding and the door was closed shut… no one going in and no one going out.

To win as a mom, wife, daughter, Christian, I must become one who is prepared. I must study God’s Word so I can know it. I must know God’s Word so I can live it. I must live God’s Word so I can prove it. It does work! We can have victory! I must have my heart set on eternity and realize that I am not a citizen of this world. One day our bridegroom is coming. He is waiting patiently on the Father. It may not seem like it will ever get here. And whether we get to experience His return while living or we meet Him in death… may our lives be such that we are prepared for that glorious place built for us in Eternity. Now is the time!!

Purpose To WIN! -- What's Ahead?

Sunday, September 5, 2010
Read Acts 26:19-30
By Keith Boggs

Purpose brings direction to the vision. It helps everyone on the journey know where they are going and what they can expect. Although a vision will not give you every answer in the beginning stages of pursuing it and that opens the door to faith- seeing the impossibilities turn into possibilities. Paul’s vision on the road to Damascus became the captivating force for his success. The apostle teaches us the power of purpose while he lived for what’s ahead. In that we can see that God’s vision (purpose) for Paul accomplished a number of things:

• It stopped him. Purpose allows us to see ourselves. We see things not as they are, but as we are.
• It sent him. Purpose allows us to see others. We feel compelled to act.
• It strengthened him. Purpose enables us to continue despite struggles and lack of resources.
• It stretched him. Purpose gives us conviction to stand, confidence to speak, and compassion to share.
• It satisfied him. Obedience to this purpose (Let’s Be a Church that WINS!) motivates us to act. It fulfills us.

We are about to be stopped, sent, strengthened, stretched, and satisfied as we seek to be a church that wins. I look forward to winning!

Applying Truth as a Individual
Do you know your purpose in life? There are different seasons in life, what about where you or where you are headed… are you living on purpose?
 
Applying the Truth as a Church
What are some things you see about our church? What kind of church are we? We reproduce what we are not what we do, if that is true, what kind of church are we leaving those who are coming after us? Is what we are leaving for those after us, is it worth leaving?

Just a Few More Days

I am looking forward to what the Lord is going to do as we kick-off a new church year, this Sunday, September 5 at 9 AM for Sunday School, followed by our morning worship service at 10:15 AM. We move into an emphasis that I believe will be life changing for many of us. I know that as we go through the weeks ahead, we will be stretched and strengthened as a body. These weeks will take many of us beyond our normal limitations and that is where we will find God working. I look forward to seeing you in Sunday School and Worship prayed up and expecting to hear a Word from God about Purpose To WIN!

TAILGATE PARTY!!! Come early to set up your grill, tent, chairs, and whatever else you need for the Tailgate Party which will begin "officially" at 5 PM, Sunday afternoon. I have heard that there are some that will be setting up tents a day or two before.  That's the spirit... let's all get ready to be a winning church! Go all out to show your love for Him and His church! Bring enough food and drinks for your family and friends. There will be games and other things to do. Bring a guest with you and help us win!

Christian Index Editor Believes Pleasant Valley Can Win!

Dr. Gerald Harris
Editor of the Christian Index
a Georgia Baptist Paper

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church is employing a very significant emphasis for their church called 'Let's Win!' This emphasis contains the qualities of purpose, preparation, practice and passion. Indeed, these are the ingredients for victory in a life, a family, a church or even the nation. I am looking forward to being with Pastor Keith Boggs and Pleasant Valley at the very height of this emphasis and believe God is going to bless this fine church with a heaven-sent, Holy Ghost revival.

Blessings,

Gerald Harris

http://www.christianindex.org/