Grace Magnet

Greetings lover of God!

As you probably know, the undimming vision of this ministry is to possess the nature of Christ. Yet, even as we've sought to provide training resources as inexpensively as possible, we still felt that there were some to whom the Lord was reaching out to, but were currently low on finances. Yet, the Holy Spirit has burdened my heart that Christ has many whom He desires to train and empower, and that the calling of God should not be limited to only those who can afford it.

As I sought the Lord, it occurred to me that we could offer the complete text of In Christ's Image Training for free. While this opportunity will not include audios, testing or certification, it will put the powerful core training of ICIT right there into your hands.

Let me say something about the training itself. Over the years, many have asked at different times if I would be able to mentor or personally train them. In response, I felt the Lord underscored four realities I personally experienced that were fundamental to my ongoing spiritual development. I'll call these "grace magnets." What I mean is that walking in these four truths actually attract the grace of God to my life. Remember also that grace is not just unmerited favor, it is the workmanship of God in our lives (see Eph. 2:8-10). We are saved by grace and also changed by grace.

So, what things attract grace (that is, the workmanship of God) to our lives? I narrowed my grace magnets to four principle realities:

1). Passion to be like Christ. Rom 8:28-29. God works all things for the good of our conformity to Jesus Christ. If we expect grace to change us, we must have a vision for the goal God has for us. That goal is Christlikeness.

2). Humility. The Bible says repeatedly that God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud. If we want to change, we must desire humility.

3). Prayer. It is one thing to humble ourselves and become dependent upon God, but prayer liberates us to obtain the promises and provisions of God to meet our needs.

4). Unity. Oneness with other Christians is the first expression of spiritual maturity. We must know the power of Christ in us as individuals, but also the corporate manifestation of Christ, which is actually the substructure of revival. We are to be perfected "into a unit" (John 17). Without the revelation of Christ-centered unity, we have no hope of seeing citywide revival.

It is my heartfelt prayer that you will consider taking the In Christ's Image Training course. Please consider the full training as it comes with 39 audio messages and will lead to certification and eligibility for Level II training . Yet, the free course will bring all four of the above themes into focus, attracting the workmanship of God into your life on a new level.

See below for more information.

Sincerely yours

Francis Frangipane

Serve the Lord with gladness and be grateful for all things

Serve the Lord with gladness and be grateful for all things

Submitted by Howard Barnes on Mon, 06/06/2011 - 19:18

"Whenever I'm disappointed with what is happening around me, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott.
Jamie was trying out for a part in his school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. He was so anxious and being 'chosen' meant so much to him.
On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. 'Guess what, Mom,' he shouted, and then said those words that remain a lesson to me: "I've been chosen to clap and cheer."
Whatever God has called you to do this week - even if it's just to "clap and cheer" - do it with all your heart, as unto the Lord.....and to the glory of God.
"Whatever you are called to do, do it with all your heart." Colossians 3:23
God bless
Have a great week!
Howard Barnes

PLAYING YOUR ROLE

John 4:37-38 (NKJV)
For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

Playing Your Role

Your unique characteristics, capabilities, gifts and resources were provided to you with the intent that they be used. More than that, if you are to please God, you must use them in His service. By reading the parable of the talents in light of Luke 12:47-48 we can see that He takes this charge very seriously. Remember, though, that the use of what God has given us, in His service, will fit us well and not feel burdensome. We each fit uniquely into His plan and have a role to play in the spiritual battle that is raging.

All He asks of you is your obedience, using what you have been provided to achieve His goals. Others depend on you, perhaps for their eternal destiny.

Pray
Praise God that He cares about you so much that He created a unique plan for you that relies upon your use of your talents. Ask God to continue to refine you and direct you as you walk in His service.

Ask Yourself
Are you using ALL your talents and resources to His glory? Are there any that you hold back from His service in order to serve only you?

Take Action
Identify one area where you could more fully use your talents or resources in His service. Come up with a plan to use them THIS WEEK in a way that will bring glory to Him. Make sure you pray over their use and ask Him to guide these decisions.