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Dear Saddleback Family,

In last weekend's message, Pastor Rick taught us that nothing great is ever accomplished without sacrifice and generosity. As you go through your week, use the Message Action Plan below to help put the things you have learned into practice.

If you missed the message, click here to watch online.

DARING TO GIVE GOD MY BEST
Daring Faith: The Key To Miracles – Part 5

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets tied up in civilian affairs — ­he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. And the hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Think about these three illustrations, and the Lord will help you to understand how they apply to you.
2 Timothy 2:3-7 (NIV/LB)

1. Ask yourself these daring faith questions based on the examples of the soldier, athlete, and farmer. Lessons From the Soldier
   
   • What are you willing to die for?

   "The greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends."
   John 15:13 (LB)

   • Where do you need to sacrifice your comfort?

   Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
    2 Timothy 2:3

   • What distractions do you need to eliminate?

   As Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become entangled in the affairs of this life, wasting time, for then you can't please your commanding officer who enlisted you in his army.      
   2 Timothy 2:4 (NIV/NLT)

   LESSONS FROM THE ATHLETE

   • Are you running to win?

   In a race everyone runs, but only one person wins the prize. So run your race to win!
   1 Corinthians 9:24 (LB)

   • What disciplines do you need to add to your life?

   To win the contest you must deny yourself many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes into strict training just to win a ribbon or medal that won't last, but we do it for an eternal reward that will last forever! . . . So I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.                                      
   1 Corinthians 9:25 and 9:27 (LB/NLT)

   • How could you better stay focused?

   I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step! I fight to win. I'm not just shadow-boxing or playing around.     
   1 Corinthians 9:26 (LB)

   LESSONS FROM THE FARMER

   • How do you need to plant generously in faith?

   Remember this — a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. Then God will generously provide all you need, and you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others . . . For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you! Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously! . . . You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts, and your generosity will prove you are obedient to the Good News of Christ!                                                    
   2 Corinthians 9:6-13 (NLT)

   (Be praying about what God wants you to give to our daring faith offering.)

2. As you think through your answers to these questions, ask yourself what one action you can take to build your daring faith. Start with that one action and build from there!