I pray that you all had a wonderful Christmas and are preparing to take 2012 by horns and go after your dreams with a bold and Courageous determination. As I reflect on 2011 personally, I can honestly say that it was one of the most challenging, painful, confusing, joyous, uplifting, and down right weirdest years I’ve had in my life. There were SO many blessings and yet with each blessing came an abundance of challenges and none of which were simple to resolve. I am actively working on some of those things as I write. Some times with so many challenges in our lives it’s difficult to see the blessings. In September I shared a message on “Perspective” and used the illustration of David defeating Goliath. Where David’s brothers saw this great BIG giant that they didn’t think they could kill, young David saw a GIANT that was so big that he could even close his eyes and hit the giant with his slingshot. David had a different perspective. Where his bro thers saw defeat, young David saw great opportunity for victory.

As I reflect on 2011 and ALL of the many challenges, it becomes very easy to get angry, start a new session of the blame game, and bask in self pity, but would that resolve the issue? Can you go back and change the outcome? Probably not, but you can press pause, then restart, and perhaps even fast forward and discover what the blessing is in the midst of your challenges. One of my greatest discoveries of 2011 has been the understanding of my purpose here on Earth. Understanding God’s plan for my life, not my own. Embracing this discovery has been the greatest burden of 2011 yet the most fulfilling spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. Now that I know God’s purpose for my life I can be intentional about aligning myself up with His mission for me. All that I do now should be in direct connection and in concert with the purpose that God has for my life. That applies to YOU too. As you resolve to do something different in your life in 2012, lose weight, pray mo re, tithe more, do more outreach, whatever it is, I personally challenge and dare you to truly discover God’s purpose for your life. In ALL that you resolve to do in 2012, I triple dog dare you to see whose life will be better because of your personal resolutions and if you see that no one other than yourself benefits from your resolutions then I challenge you to make your resolution revolve around others well being and not just your own (John 15:12). I encourage personal resolutions, however let your personal resolutions also make someone’s life better because YOU exist.

If you are reading this and don’t have a church home I personally invite you to visit us at Courageous Church. We are a small, yet powerful community of regular people that Love God! Love People! and Prove It!.

Perhaps you are reading this and used to attend Courageous Church, but have been absent for awhile. I want you to know that I personally miss you and would love to see you on a Sunday to simply embrace you and let you know that I’ve been praying for you and the church feels empty without the uniqueness of YOU. You can also personally email ANY prayer request or check in atbrodericksantiago@courageous.tv.

May God bless your New Year and I look forward to serving God with you all.

With God’s Love,

Your Bro Pastor B

1. Make a monetary donation directly to www.atlantadayshelter.org
2. Buy an item on the list below and have it shipped to 151 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
3. Bring your donation to any service in December and drop it in our donation boxHere’s the list:

Christmas Items Needed: (NEW items only, please!)

Payless Shoe Gift Certificates
Radios
Watches (adults and teens)
CD Players
Ipods/MP3 Players
Travel Umbrellas and Ponchos
Large Tote Bags
Suitcases on Rollers
Diapers (sizes 4,5,6 and pull-ups)
Baby Formula
Pajamas for women and children
Bath and Body Sets
Axe Body Spray for boys
Manicure Kits
Perfume and Make-up Sets
Sweat suits (all sizes up to XXXL)
Gift Cards (Kroger, Publix, Walmart)
Jewelry
Coats and Fleece Hoodies
Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D)
Jewelry Making Kits
Undergarments (including boys boxers)
Activity Books (Sudoku and crosswords)
Handheld Computer Games
Travel Games
Action Figures
Lego Sets
Remote Control Cars

BE COURAGEOUS!

We hope that you’ve been able to participate in our Courageous U Growth track. If you missed Church 101 (November 6) or Essentials 201 (November 13), no worries….you can download all of the information here to get caught up or just download as a refresher. We have just 2 sessions left and the next one should be really fun. Discovery 301 will take place this Sunday November 20 and Dream Team 401 will take place Sunday November 27 during service. Courageous U Growth Track

The Courageous U Growth Track is the first step toward becoming a part of The Courageous Church or answering any questions you may have regarding our church, our faith, spiritual gifts, and serving. The Courageous U Growth Track is broken down into 4 areas:

- Church 101 “Discovering church membership at The Courageous Church”
- Essentials 201 “Developing the essential habits of a healthy believer”
- Discovery 301 “Discovering your place in the body of Christ”
- Dream Team 401 “Joining The Courageous Church ministry team”

We’ll offer these sessions every week after Sunday service. More info coming soon.

Barnabas and Saul Are Commissioned

 ¹ Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”^[a]), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas^[b]), and Saul. ² One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” ³So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Paul’s First Missionary Journey

 ⁴ So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.

These verses address the actual launch point for taking the Gospel of Christ to the world.  In these verses, you find the men fasting and praying.  To fast is to literally deny yourself.  During our 21 day fast at Courageous, we are all choosing to deny something, something that we will definitely miss.

When we fast and deny ourselves something, we are introducing reminders to ourselves regarding the purpose of our fast.  When we feel the loss of the thing we are denying ourselves from, we take that moment and focus on our purpose, we open ourselves to God and to hear His whispers through the Holy Spirit.

As our church “reboots”, take the time during your fast to seek guidance regarding your role not just in our church but in the greater church body.  God has a plan for each and every one of us.  Pray often.  Take time to just sit and listen….we don’t have to always engage in prayerful dialog or even ask for specific things; just pray for wisdom and it will be granted.  Don’t anticipate what God’s answer will be, let it be revealed to you….let loose, don’t try…open your heart and mind to Him.

Blessings,

ATLSTV

Thanks,
Justin Dawkins
The Courageous Church, Communications