{"id":189,"date":"2021-01-06T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-06T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/renewinglife.net\/f2wsakgxe3qjed00zrfhvuqln9gofl\/"},"modified":"2024-12-17T19:02:07","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T19:02:07","slug":"f2wsakgxe3qjed00zrfhvuqln9gofl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewinglife.net\/renewing-life-center-blog\/f2wsakgxe3qjed00zrfhvuqln9gofl\/","title":{"rendered":"It Takes Courage to Step"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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Given the losses, frustrations and restrictions that have marked 2020, it takes courage to step into 2021.<\/p>\n

In the Bible, we read about a young man named Joshua who found himself intimidated and overwhelmed by what was before him. God\u2019s words to him may be instructive, \u201cAs I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.  Be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go\u201d (Joshua 1: 6,7, 9).<\/p>\n

You may say, \u201cI\u2019m no Joshua. I\u2019m thankful I was never in his shoes!\u201d But what condition and \u201cshoes\u201d are you<\/em> in? What is before you in 2021? Might God be leading you in this new year according to who He sees you to be, not simply what you see?<\/p>\n

Why step forward in faith? Jesus said, \u201cI have come that you might have life and have it to the full.\u201d <\/p>\n

Here is an invitation to step out in 2021!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step into THE SPIRITUAL FORMATION & DIRECTION INSTITUTE, designed to:<\/p>\n

\u00b7       Take you deeper in knowing<\/em><\/strong> Jesus personally, relationally and intimately.<\/p>\n

\u00b7       Cultivate awareness and an experience of God\u2019s transforming presence with you in how you live and how you lead.<\/p>\n

Key Scriptures that influence the Institute\u2019s design<\/span>:<\/p>\n

John 17:3, \u201cNow this is eternal life: that they may know<\/em><\/strong> you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Philippians 3: 7-8, 10, \u201cBut whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing <\/em><\/strong>Christ Jesus my Lord\u2026I want to know<\/em><\/strong> Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection of the dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Paul, knowing<\/em><\/strong> Jesus changed his life! This \u201cknowing<\/em><\/strong>\u201d is defined as personal intimate knowing of another. It isn\u2019t knowing about<\/em> someone but rather knowing relationally<\/em> through ongoing and intimate connection with another.  In Philippians, chapter 3, Paul tells his transformational story from radical unbeliever to intimate faithful lover of Jesus!<\/p>\n

The Institute aids believers in growing, as Paul did, from knowing<\/em><\/strong> about Jesus to knowing<\/em><\/strong> Him more personally, relationally, and intimately.<\/p>\n

Two students comment on their experience in the Institute:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI count my time in the program as one of the most powerfully transformative chapters of my life. Through strengthening my connection with God, I was able to look deeply into myself and gain valuable insights into knowing who I was, no matter what. The process taught me how to love my wife and family more effectively, freed me from huge portions of fear and anxiety, and gifted me with incredible people to journey with. I am grateful!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe program provided me a safe and sacred community to grow deeper in faith and trust in God. It was God\u2019s answered prayer to me to learn of and receive His love in my brokenness. Gratefully, God granted me opportunities to understand myself and my ultimate dependency on Jesus. The program facilitated God\u2019s invitation to step into His compassionate loving journey of transformation along with other followers of Christ into my identity in Christ.\u201d <\/p>\n

The Institute is a two-year program.  When you complete Year One there is an offer for you to take Year Two.<\/p>\n