It is Monday, and now is the time to begin a 28 day journey of change as a congregation. We will utilize the little book by Dr. Jay Adams written back in the seventies entitled Four Weeks with God and Your Neighbor. I have used this exercise over the years with many families to effect true Biblical change. I define Biblical change this way - there are sin patterns we must put off and Godly qualities we must put on. True change does not occur until both have taken place over the course of time.

Here is the objective of each page in the book. We begin with scripture to establish truth. Then we meditate on that scripture to determine what needs to change, that is, what needs to be put off and put on. Then each chapter ends with the call to a battle strategy or plan of attack. Consider these words in Ephesians 4:25-32.

[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Notice how the put off and put on works together to effect true change. This exercise promises to be personal and provocative. See it through. Do not give up when it either becomes toilsome or even boring. The blessing is on the other side. Stay focused on building a strategy of change. Last week I challenged you to examine your life in the context of Psalm 51. This week my hope is that God will search all of our hearts not merely for the purpose of pointing out our sin but truly reviving our souls.

As a church we can learn the art of the disciplines of grace (prayer, scripture study, and worship). The result of this will be a greater witness for Christ and more open doors to share the Gospel from a first hand experience of divine invasion. Satan will throw the kitchen sink at you since he does not hang around cemeteries. He goes where the enemy (a renewed heart) is actively engaged against him. And that is precisely what these next 28 days will become for you. May God give you His mercy and grace this week as you begin.

I want to invite all of you to post comments on my blog as to what and/or how God is speaking to your heart through this exercise. Feel free to post questions as well. I may not be able to answer them but perhaps other bloggers will. Posting can help edify one another in the Lord. Click here to view the sermon.

In His Grip,
PB

PS. If you did not receive the book, then you should wait to begin this exercise until next week. We have ordered more books and they will be available next Sunday. This blog will be repeated next week and a new one posted throughout the four weeks. In the meantime continue meditating on Psalm 51 and Ephesians 4:17-32.