We serve a big God who always give big dreams and visions. Any dream that we can accomplish by our own strength is not from God. History tells us that there were great men and women who were willing to dream big dreams and pay the price. Most people want to receive the prize without wanting to pay the price. If you want to be successful in your life, you must begin to enter the "School of Dreams."
People who do not have a dream or vision will have no direction or motivation in their lives. However, after one receives a dream, challenges will flock in. This is when one’s character is developed. Your character is developed not when everything is going your way, but when everything goes the opposite way.
"Character is that quality which causes you to be loyal to a commitment long after the excitement is gone.” (Mark Gorman)
After Joseph received a dream from God, his own brothers hated him. Then he received another dream, and his brothers hated him even more. Then they envied him, betrayed him, and sold him. After the “School of Dreams,” Joseph went through the “School of Testing” where his motives and character were tried. There’s enthusiasm of the moment, or you may go by the feeling of the moment, but it’s going to be character that’s going to keep you loyal to that commitment. When Joseph first received the dream, he was excited, but when he had to pay the price, the excitement began to wane. He had a choice to grow bitter or become better. Joseph chose the latter. You may have been wounded or disappointed in such a way that it cost you your dream. Now is your time to come back!
Four years ago, I remember watching the 2004 Olympics on television. It was held in Athens, the birthplace of the Olympic games. In the final event, the marathon, Vanderlei de Lima of Brazil was leading the race with just three miles to go. It was the strongest run of his career, and spectators were cheering him on. Suddenly, a crazy man burst onto the track and forcefully grabbed de Lima, pulling him into the crowd. Security personnel quickly wrestled the man away, and the shaken de Lima returned to the race lane. But, by then, he had lost his lead to Italy’s Stephano Baldini. While still regaining his composure, de Lima was passed by another runner, but he pressed on toward the goal. Baldini eventually captured the gold medal, and de Lima finished third, winning the bronze.
Professionally, it was his highest disappointment; but personally, it was an amazing achievement. Rarely in Olympic history has the third place finisher been more highly lauded, but everyone knew that Vanderlei de Lima was a winner because he did not quit. And so it is with you who has a dream from God. Difficulties will come, obstacles will block your path, and surprise attacks will threaten to put you out of the race -- but you must never give up!
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phi.3:12-14)
Scriptures Study: Pro.29:18, Gen.37:5-11, Amos 8:11, Mat.27:17-18, Acts 2:17, 7:9-10
Pastor Paul and Joyce Tan
MEMORIAL GETAWAY PHOTOS & VIDEO
UPCOMING GUEST SPEAKER
Sunday, June 15th 2008
Pdt. Yesaya Abdi K. Djajadihardja is the senior pastor of GKMI Anugerah in Jakarta. He also serve as the Chairman of PIPKA, the mission arm of the synod.
Saturday - Sunday, June 21 - 22 2008
Ps. Himawan Djuhana from Los Angeles City Blessing will minister to our church on June 21 -22 (Saturday & Sunday). Detail about his ministrys scheduled will be announced soon.
UPCOMING EVENT
CCBC Summer Picnic on July 5th (Saturday Morning)Details about location will be announced later. Please mark your calendar for this event.
FRIDAY EVENING PRAYER
Friday Evening Prayer Meeting will be held next Friday – June 6th. Meeting will be held at brother Setyadi’s residence (in Addison @ 7 pm).
SERMON OUTLINE
Today’s sermon outline “God Our Father” and power point presetation is available to church members upon request. Please contact Wayan for both outline and slides.
COVENANT MEMBERSHIP
“Covenant Membership” will be held on June 29th. If you feel God puts you in this local body to be your spiritual home, and you want to get involved in serving God with other members, you are welcomed to join this covenant membership. Short session (15 minutes session) for covenant membership will be held on June 8th (after church service at breakout room). Please contact brother Wayan if you want to join our covenant membership.
SATURDAY PRAYER
Every Saturday morning 9.30 am@ Peter Kurniali’s Residence (We would love to have you all join us) And Please feel free to contact us with any prayer requests or if anyone need personal/congregational prayer support, We are Here to Help!
CARECELL
All church members are strongly encouraged to join Care Group Meeting. Care Group is not only a place for fellowship but also for spiritual nourishments and discipleship processes where everybody can learn to minister to others and be part of great commission.
CARECELL CONTACT NUMBER
- South Area - Wijaya/Angie Elham 312-731-4621
- Downtown - Felix/Delia 708-351-0594
- Family Fellowship - Kasih/Tan Fie Listiawan 630-566-8602
- Libertyville, IL - Akiong/Merry Gunawan 847-414-4068
- Schaumburg, IL - Peter/Sunny Setiawan 312-863-9407
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