Divine Street United Methodist Church

September 8 through October 19, 2008

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH YOUR LIFE?
. . . REALLY SATISFIED?

It's often said that Christians have every reason in the world to be optimistic. We know that God is on our side, after all, and according to Romans 8:28, he's promised to work all things for our good because we love him.

And yet, if we were really honest about it, we'd admit that life can still be a challenge. Days can still seem either overwhelming or just ho-hum, rather than the awesome adventure we secretly long for.

Ever been there? Ever thirsted for more?

If so, here's the exciting news you've been waiting for: Our church family is about to embark on a forty-day study that can literally change the way you feel about prayer, church attendance, acts of service, and even financial giving. By the time it's all said and done, you'll be able to see your relationship with God in a whole new way, confidently understanding how to "live all the days of your life," per the well-known Irish blessing.

So where do you come in? First of all, know that the church-wide study will involve more than just a series of Sunday-morning sermons. You'll also read a book called Treasures of the Transformed Life, with forty days of lessons and insights that can help you define just what it is you're really thirsty for,and how to go about satisfying that thirst. You'll be given the opportunity to openly discuss what you're learning during weekly Sunday evening gatherings and/or small group meetings, and you'll hear inspired messages each week to tie it all together.

We'll end the study together on Commitment Sunday, October 19, when you'll have a chance to put your faith into action.

Please don't miss this church-wide opportunity to grow in faith and stretch your spirit. Make plans now to participate in this discipleship experience.

And know that the transformed life that results could be your very own!

Beginning on Sunday, August 17, you may purchase your copies of John Ed Mathison's book, Treasures of the Transformed Life, and the study guide.Because of generous underwriting, you can purchase both books for just $6.00 a set.
The books are a forty-day study that shows us what we're really thirsty for, and how to satisfy that thirst. You could go about this study one of several ways:
First, you could ignore it. You could allow the books to gather dust on your nightstand table, and figure that you'll get the main points by hearing the pastor's sermons or listening to the discussions in small group.
Or you could read the entire week's lessons in one sitting, maybe even on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. That way, you figure, you can catch up and still know what everybody is talking about.
Or you could set aside a little bit of time each day, going over the daily readings and prayerfully considering the answers to the probing questions. You could allow God to speak to both your heart and mind. You could openly discuss what you're learning in your small group, and you could gain from the insights of others as you find yourself sharing in humility, as well.
Really, the choice is yours. This isn't school, after all, with someone looking over your shoulder and grading you on your level of participation. No, this is between you and God.
You could look at this as simply one more thing to do in your already-busy schedule, or you could see it as the chance of a lifetime to press in and know God as you've never known him before.
E. Stanley Jones said once that, "Life in our hands is life on our hands, a problem. Life in the hands of Jesus is no longer a problem; it is a possibility."