I am so excited. My challenge to you has netted a vast network of hungry souls eager for change. I estimate there are over 250 of you involved in the 28-day journey through Four Weeks with God and Your Neighbor. I also estimate that likely 1/3 of you have been 100% faithful, another 1/3 wants to quit, and another 1/3 have already quit. Please keep this in mind as you struggle through this process that the goal is change - deep personal and God-honoring change. It could be the change of the use of your tongue, your thought life, some addiction, a loveless marriages, submission to your parents, peer pressure and standing alone, contentment, or a plethora of other issues God wants to address in your life.

There are two major reasons why this can be and is so challenging. First, you have threatened any stronghold Satan may have enjoyed in your life for years or even generations. Second, you are using spiritual muscles that may very well have atrophied. This is about the discipline of the twin spiritual graces of the study of the Word and prayer. You have likely noticed that the chapters begin with scripture in an effort to apply that scripture to specific changes you need to make. As we get toward the end of the book, you will also notice many blank pages as the author basically cuts you loose to do this on your own.

Ultimately that is the goal - to teach you how to take the raw data of scripture, study it, meditate upon it, and listen to the voice of God telling you what changes need to be made, what needs to be "put off" and what needs to be "put on." If you have not advanced very far do not be discouraged. Start over again and discipline yourself to this ½ hour per day. It will eventually become second nature where you will not need the book. I will try to have more copies available at the end of the four weeks. I suggest you do this exercise for three consecutive months using the book and then try it without the book.

If you need help on a particular "change issue" email me and I will be sure to get back to you on where to go in scripture to find that issue addressed. I will also keep all of your questions confidential as your pastor, even from other staff members. My email address is drbetters@grpc.org. Don't quit! Don't be disheartened! Stay the course! God made you a promise...

Hebrews 12:1-13 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." 7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

In His Grip,
PB