I thank my God every time I remember you.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
being confident of this, that he who began a good work
in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Observation
• Remember I am praying for you every time you come to mind.
• God doesn't leave you in the condition that He found you.
• Be aware that God will be doing something new in your life today.
Prayer
Almighty Father, I rejoice in the work you are doing in my life.
I thank you for every opportunity and open door.
Continue to shape and sharpen me for your glory.
Help me to respond and react in the best way to life's challenges.
I ask for wisdom and understanding.
I ask for your power and presence all day long.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God,
so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Observation
• To be a victor and not a victim we must stay strong in the Lord.
• The best way to withstand the enemy is putting on the Armor of God.
• The devil wants to bring you down, God will bring you up.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am grateful for the protection you have provided for me.
Help me to stand strong and not fall for the subtle schemes of the devil.
I will put on the whole Armor today.
Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation and Your Word.
I look forward with anticipation of another victorious day.
In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen!
…the righteous are BOLD as a Lion. Proverbs 28:1
I join you in welcoming 2018 with high expectations and anticipation. It is going to be a rewarding and historic year for all of us in the Oregon Ministry Network. There will be new opportunities, new challenges, new endeavors and new accomplishments. I am praying that we will all experience a new spirit of revival and renewal in our personal and public lives.
Acts 4, tells us of a prayer meeting of new believers who gathered to pray following Peter and John when they were arrested for preaching the Gospel in Solomon’s Colonnade in Jerusalem. After their release, Peter and John reported to the people all they had experienced. We read, After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” This prayer meeting ignited the believers and the apostles to continue to carry the call with even greater boldness.
This year's theme word for the Network is "BOLD." Boldness can be described as possessing an attitude of commitment, confidence and courage in the Holy Spirit. 2018 is going to require us to Live – Love - Lead Boldly. I am encouraging you to make this a year of bold action as God would direct you. Across Oregon, I envision tremendous things accomplished in this new year.
For some it will require bold adjustments to their current schedule.
For some it will require bold changes in personal disciplines or lifestyle.
For some it will require bold steps in increasing missions’ support and investment.
For some it will require bold conversations regarding an unresolved issue.
For some it will require bold actions in remodeling a current church facility.
For some it will require bold transitions to a new ministry opportunity.
For some it will require bold commitments to launch a new ministry effort.
“Be bold, be strong, For the Lord your God is with you. Be bold, be strong, For the Lord your God is with you. I am not afraid, I am not dismayed, Because I'm walking in faith and victory, Come on and walk in faith and victory For the Lord your God is with you.” Morris Chapman
What bold step do you need to take in this new year?
God doesn’t want us to be shy with gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. 2 Timothy 1:7 (The Message)
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us
and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Observation
• Make it your aim to love like Christ loves.
• Before your next decision ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?".
• Let your life be a sermon of hope and only use words if necessary.
Prayer
Father, I never stop be amazed at your great love and care for me.
I want to be more like you in my attitude and actions.
Help me today to make the most of every opportunity.
May I be filled with your Spirit.
May I do your perfect will.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
As a prisoner for the Lord, then,
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace.
Observation
• You have been chosen to be a Christ Ambassador.
• Trust and Obedience will lead you to make right choices.
• You are a complement to and significant part of the body of Christ.
Prayer
Lord, today I ask you to help me live my life
in a way that honors you.
I pray for wisdom and discernment
in my conversations and connections.
I look to you for insights and patience.
I look to you for strength and understanding.
I refuse to give into the "victim mentality"
and I am determined to have a "victor mindset".
Help me to contribute to the unity and peace of my family, friends, and co-workers.
In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!
Now to him who is able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask
or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen.
Observation
• God's ability is not limited to time or circumstances.
• Keep praying big, bold and believing prayers.
• As God works in you, expect great things to take place through you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you are an awesome and mighty God.
I trust in you to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine.
Do your work in and through me today.
I will believe you for every need to be supplied, every concern be settled.
Amen! Amen1 Amen!
For we are God's workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Observation
• You are God's work of art to be displayed.
• God has a plan and purpose for your life.
• Your salvation will lead to acts of service that show God's love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for designing me in a specific and intentional way.
Thank you for have a plan and purpose for my life this week.
Continue to work in me so that I maybe a vessel of honor.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in the heavenly realms
with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Observation
• Every benefit and blessing in your life this week comes from God.
• Good news, the Holy Spirit gives you power to do God's will.
• It is good to remember that God's blessings are eternal not temporal.
Prayer
Father, I praise that I am blessed and don't have to be stressed.
I am grateful that you have positioned me to be highly favored.
Every good and perfect gift comes from you.
Today, I begin this work week excited that you are going to do awesome things in my life.
Help me to see my present situation as an opportunity not a disappointment.
Fill me anew with Holy Spirit optimism.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..."
Colossians 3:15
On behalf of Joy and I and the entire Network Leadership Team, family, Merry Christmas. Christmas has always been an exciting time of the year for me. Growing up in a pastor’s home, my parents made every effort to make it a time of celebration and joy.
As a pastor and leader now, I’ve continued to see it as a perfect time to…
- Look back and thank the Lord for his goodness over the years!
- Look around and rejoice at what the Lord is doing now!
- Look ahead with anticipation for what the Lord will do!
Thank you for your loving friendship and prayers for all of us this past year. Your words of encouragement and your expressions of love have been a tremendous blessing. This has been one of the most productive and impacting years for the OMN.
We are now in our 11th year as your Network Lead Pastors. This is the greatest honor and privilege to serve such amazing servants of our Lord. I am confident as we finish 2017 and step into 2018, that we are going to experience a fresh wind and fire of the Holy Spirit. I believe our most impacting days are yet ahead. As you look forward to the coming year, let the words of Jeremiah 29:11 inspire you to believe in God for greater things in your life.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
You are loved,
Bill Wilson Network Lead Pastor
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction;
whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Observation
• If you plant seed to please God, you will reap joy and life.
• Do good and trust God for the results.
• Remember there is always a payday someday.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know you have blessed me.
I want to be a blessing to others.
Help me to plants seeds of love, faith and hope.
Help me to life with Holy Spirit optimism.
Help me to keep going and not give up.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
Observation
• Your old way of living has been exchanged for a new way of living.
• The fruit of the spirit is a natural result of the Holy Spirit's work in you.
• Make it your intent to be a follower of Christ and not just a fan.
Prayer
Gracious Father, I am excited about a new day with new opportunities.
I thank you that no matter what is ahead of me you are working on my behalf.
I give you my concerns and worries.
Help me to respond to my circumstance in faith and not fear.
Help me to align my priorities with yours.
Help me to reflect the Fruit of the Spirit today.
In Jesus Name, Amen!
Because you are his sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
So you are no longer a slave, but God's child;
and since you are his child,
God has made you also an heir.
Observation
• Jesus the Son has made it possible for you to call God your Father.
• Formerly you were a slave, now you are a son or daughter of God.
• As an heir you can claim the promises the Father has given.
Prayer
Abba Father, I worship You and praise Your wonderful name.
Thank You for adopting me into Your family.
Thank you for giving me access to Your promises and Your provisions.
I am amazed and thankful for Your continued love.
Help to learn to enjoy, embrace and express it.
Amen! Amen! Amen!