Preface and Dedication:

In the winter of 2007, my ten year old son, Weston, was diagnosed with brain
cancer. He is my only son as my wife and I could not conceive children as easily as
others. As you can imagine, our family was given an opportunity to stand upon
the word of God and experience His living word like never before. Each one of us
handled this trial in uniquely different ways.
As the father, I knew it was my duty to lead the family in faith. My wife, Jeanette
approached things with great practicality and care though she was very shaken.
My daughter, Grace tried to live as normal a life as possible and focus on her
schooling. Weston, showed a sense of calm in the midst of the storm. He endured
much, yet amazed us with his whit and patience.
I was totally impressed on how my home church, Fremont Wesleyan
surrounded us with prayer and support. God showed the right people what to do
and how to do it at the exact time and in the right place. As our family was thrust
into the middle of this healing journey, family, friends and people of God filled the
voids we were not even aware of.
Now that we are sailing out of the storm and looking towards a bright new day
for our family, I wanted to share several things I have learned during my Christian
life and in recent years related to our healing journey.
I pray and hope that this small group study guide based on seven points of
victory will be a great help to you and an encouragement to you to always choose
faith.
Our small bible study group already piloted this publication and were very
helpful with the fine tuning. I was glad to witness it stretch our hearts and minds
in very unique ways.
With all that said, I dedicate this publication to my church family at Fremont
Wesleyan.

"Choosing Faith" Seven Points to Victory is a publication of

NewPage Publishing
and copyrighted 2010. All rights reserved.
Do not strain to have the I have had many opportunities in my life to approach Jesus with
perfect ideal of faith. circumstances that needed His attention. Fortunately, I learned from a very
young age to take my cares to Jesus without hesitation. I learned from my
Take the faith you have
Sunday school teachers and elders that God was interested in even the little
and put it in Jesus’ hands. things in my life.
Is it possible for God to know the number of hairs on your head, yet not
care about your daily human challenges? It is hard to fathom why the creator
of this universe would concern himself with some of the temporary issues we
fret over. Yet, he loves us more than we can comprehend.
A few years ago when I was a substitute Sunday school teacher, a boy in
my class shared a unique prayer request. He asked that God would heal his
sick coon dog. I made an effort not to chuckle and respectfully brought his
need to God in prayer. Later that day, God witnessed to me that the coon dog
was just as important to Him because it was important to one of His children.
Coon furs were valuable at that time and a boy could use the income for
Scriptures: many things. That boy reaffirmed my faith that my Father in heaven shares all
our concerns, no matter how big or small.
Matthew 14:14 Coon dogs, financial needs, relationships, sore throats, and leaky roofs -- is
Mark 5:24-34 there anything that God does not want us to bring before him in prayer? I am
Matthew 8:5-10 convinced He would rather have us share a bad hair day with Him, than see us
Luke 18:35-43 suppress our cares with a bag of chocolate chip cookies and an old Pink
Panther movie.
Open your bible and see how Jesus was approachable. So much so that he
had to hide at times to get a little rest. I am fascinated by the variety of people
and situations that confronted him. Each person was unique and had an
equally unique expression of faith. As we are told not to put God in a box, I
can clearly see that He does not put us in a box either. He has designed us all
differently and does not expect us to be carbon copy Christians.
Do not underestimate your ability to touch the heart of God and receive a
touch back from Him. Do not compare your faith with others, but trust the
Lord to take the little faith you have and reveal how awesome He is. He is
ready to meet you where you are.
 Point 1
Jesus will meet you where you are.
Be sure to read the scripture references on the preceding page before continuing.

Press through the crowd -

What are the obstacles

that come between us
and Jesus today?

Approaching Jesus -

How do we expect Jesus

to respond to our pleas?

Explain.

Choosing Faith -

What burdens are you

ready to put in the hands
of Jesus?

Until we meet again:

Do not underestimate your ability to touch the heart of God.

This week, pray about things that you were convinced

God was not interested in. Or ask God for a blessing that
you have convinced yourself you are not worthy of.
When you have the Long before my 10 year old son encountered cancer, God had been
offering me many opportunities to make the choice between fear and faith.
choice of fear or faith,
always choose faith. Five years into our marriage, Jeanette and I still had not conceived a child
and was praying for a baby to fill our arms. We were open to adopting, but not
Envision the outcome you
having the finances to afford the adoption process we were not sure how we
desire and cling to the could ever make it happen. God gave me a peace about the whole situation
promises of God. and assured my heart that he would make a way. Soon thereafter, a family
that attended our church was foster caring a premature baby girl with several
health and developmental concerns. She was the sweetest little thing, and we
began to ask questions about her. Her foster mother had been praying that
we would show interest and encouraged us to apply for adoption.
During this time, In Michigan there was a nationally televised adoption
custody battle that made people question how secure adoptions really were.
People warned us to proceed with caution, yet we totally invested ourselves
in faith that God would guide us and see us through. To make a long story
Scriptures: short, due to her classification as a special needs child, we were able to
receive financial assistance to adopt our daughter. Grace is now a lovely
Matthew 19:26 teenage girl who has overcome her vision and breathing problems caused by
the premature birth.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Hebrew 11:1 Now, fast forward to the day my son showed me strange tremors in his
right hand that made piano practice difficult. After our local doctor inspected
Matthew 12:20 a scan of his brain, he surmised that Weston had a cancerous tumor that was
effecting the right side of his body. "Whoa." We began a roller coaster ride of
emotions and challenges that only an omnipotent God could see us through.
Prompted by the Holy Spirit, I specifically prayed for and anticipated Weston's
complete healing from that day forward. I realize that God is not a vending
machine for miracles, but I do believe that faith makes all the difference, and
am determined to stand on the promises of God for my family.
As Weston's healing journey continues, God has generously met our needs
time and again. My son has grown six inches in recent years and is living the
life of a normal 13 year old boy.
I encourage you to choose faith and look forward to becoming a
testimony of God's living word.
 Point 2
Choose Faith.
Be sure to read the scripture references on the preceding page before continuing.

Hebrews 11 continued -

If you could add another

verse to Hebrews 11,
what would it say?

Rock Solid -

What makes our faith

substantial in the eyes of
God?

Choosing Faith -

Faith and God's word,

what is possible when
they work together?

Until we meet again:

Start growing a miracle. Plant your seed of faith in Jesus.

It's not how much faith you have, it's who you invest that
faith in that makes all the difference. Expect God's word to
come alive in your life as you place your faith in him.
Don't be afraid to let While my son was in the hospital (5 weeks), opportunities to share the
hope that was in me were plentiful. Meeting with the surgeon and his staff, I
others know where your proclaimed, "We have a winning team. I am confident in you and the skills of
help comes from. your staff, plus I know that Jesus the great physician will be with us all the
Be ready to give an way." Then I added. "I believe the surgery to remove my son's brain tumor will
answer for the hope that be successful and I look forward to good reports."
is in you. James 5:16Why did•I not
KJV Readsay, this
"God'schapter
will be done. He knows what is best for my son.
the outcome is in God's hand." I have struggled with that outlook since I was
a teen. God showed me how he has entrusted those who believe in him to
take his promise’s literally and how we have Jesus’ mandate to put those
promises into action. I do believe that God's will is sovereign, yet I also believe
he invites us to boldly stand on His promises.
To everyone who told me that they were praying for Weston, I answered
with "I can feel your prayers and they are making a big difference." And if they
asked how Weston was doing, I would say, "He is getting better everyday. God
Scriptures: is Good!"
The power and presence of God fortified me daily. I don't believe I smiled
1 Peter 3:15 and connected with more people at any other time of my life. I was
Psalm 121:1-2 determined not to be shy in witnessing to others on how God was making a
James 5:16 difference in our lives. I also knew it was vital in winning the battle against
cancer. As a family, we were not going to cower in fear. Cancer does not have
Psalm 35:28 the power to take my son from me. Only God can whisper the words, "Come
home." to bring us into His eternal presence.
As believers in Jesus Christ the words we speak have power. Why else are
we called to make a public confession of our faith? God has put the power in
our tongues to change reality. Just by speaking a few words in love, we can
change the course of someone's life. Yes, God is in control, but he gives us an
active part in fulfilling His will. His word will not return void. That means when
you share the gospel or sing out praises to His name, something is going to
happen. We are activating God's word when we speak it aloud.
Don't let fear of embarrassment keep you from making your hope known
to friends and strangers. God will open many doors for you to reveal his
greatness.
 Point 3
Be Bold.
Be sure to read the scripture references on the preceding page before continuing.

God is Good -

What has opened your

eyes to God's goodness
and mercy?

Activate the Word -

You have something to

say. Who needs to hear
your testimony?

Break Through -

What are the obstacles

that prevent you from
sharing your faith?

Choosing Faith -

What is bound to happen

when you start sharing
the hope that is in you?

Until we meet again:

God will open many doors for you to reveal his greatness.

The trial you are going through is an opportunity to point

others to Christ. As each day unfolds, be open to people who
need to know where your hope comes from.
God has many good I have discovered through the years that it is mainly my choice on what
kind of day I am going to have and what my attitude will be before night
things in store for you.
falls. Independent of what I will be facing or what surprises are in store, I
If you do not look for must start with the faith that God will walk with me every step of the way.
them, you might easily
My attitude can be conducive to hope and joy, or it can be conducive
miss them. to apathy and despair. One simple way God has shown me to start out on
the right foot is to meditate on scriptures of promise early in the day.
Also, as the day progresses I sometimes like to sing or listen to songs that
praise God and speak of His greatness. In this way I invite God to
intervene in my daily life.
I am thankful that I was meditating on the promises of God
throughout the very day that God was planning a life changing night of
communion with my soul.
That night I am speaking of, I and my family stayed at the Ronald
Scriptures: McDonald House before the day Weston would be admitted for surgery. I
could not sleep and decided to lay on a couch in the main sun room
gazing out at the cold winter night. I talked to God allot and then stopped
1 Corinthians 2:9 to listen now and then. In the silence I sensed God whispering to my soul,
John 14:27 "Look for a new blessing every day." He was not specific on what that
Philippians 4:19 blessing would be, but he prepared me to be vigilant and see so many
things in a whole new light.
John 10:10
Galatians 6:9-10 Once I made an effort to look for a new blessing every day, God
revealed His love and mercy in many ways. Most of those blessings came
in the form of people. Volunteers, hospital staff, neighbors, friends,
relatives and church family circled us daily waiting for there turn to meet
our needs. Money came in from so many different sources to help us with
immediate needs. Someone volunteered to help me with billing my
clients. A bible study group put together a box of birthday gifts for my
daughter. People throughout the community came together to put on a
dinner and auction to raise funds. And each report of Weston's progress
was more and more encouraging.
And, I found out that many of the things I needed from God were there
all the time. I just had to open my eyes to see them.
 Point 4
Look for a new blessing every day.
Be sure to read the scripture references on the preceding page before continuing.

Open Your Eyes -

Did you see the blessings

God put in your path
today?

An Answer to Prayer -

In what way have you

been a blessing to
others?

Choosing Faith -

Are you ready for what

tomorrow has in store?

Please Explain.

Until we meet again:

Face tommorow in anticipation instead of apprehension.

God is always a few steps ahead of you. He knows just what

you are going to need and what it is going to take to bring
you through another day in victory. Why not trust Him?
Do not hesitate to share Do you admire the determination and grit that the early settlers of the
your true thoughts and west displayed? I love the old movies that take you on an adventure filled
with challenges and obstacles that the pioneers faced in their plight for a
needs with your Christian
better life. Many of us consider that the true American spirit. We really admire
family or your daily people who have the fortitude and resourcefulness to obtain their dreams in
acquaintances. God has the face of all circumstances.
already placed people I grew up in an era when that mind set was in transition. Men used to roll
around you that are up their sleeves, light up a cigarette and spit in the face of adversity. Now the
equipped and able to image of manhood has taken many detours and we find ourselves joining
help you. therapy sessions instead of rugged cattle drives.
My roller coaster life has not paralleled any stereotype. However, I would
say it resembles a powerpoint presentation at a character building seminar
more than anything. Yet as I grow older and wiser, I have made it a habit to
thank God for the many lessons I have learned, and I hope I can help others to
avoid the mistakes I've made.
Scriptures:
One lesson that can be hard to learn is to "Be Real." This takes an extra
effort on your part not to just end every conversation with a cliche. And you
Galatians 6:12 need to have a sense about what people you can be more transparent with,
I Corinthians especially in the family of God.
12:12, 20, 26, 27 My family has had some financial setbacks in the last decade, plus the
advent of cancer. Through it all, God clearly spoke to my heart and said, "Do
not hide the truth. When people ask how things are going, be real."
I have had to admit that I am not a self sufficient master of my own
destiny. I do need help from others from time to time. And that means, yes my
family would be glad to pick the extra sweet corn standing in your garden.
As a result, God has shown me another dimension of his compassion and
character through the people that surround us.
One thing I have strongly stressed to friends and strangers along the way.
Get connected to a loving church. I can not imagine how we would have
made it through the last few years without our church family. And through it
all, God has given us opportunities to bless others as well.
 Point 5
Be Real.
Be sure to read the scripture references on the preceding page before continuing.

The Other Foot -

You may have no

problem helping others.
So, why is it hard to
admit you have a need?

Easy Platitudes -

How are you? Fine. And

you? Just fine thank you.

Why not tell the truth?

Choosing Faith -

If we stop hiding our

humanity with super
spirituality, what is
bound to happen?

Until we meet again:

Ask someone for help. You might find they need your help too.

Fellowship is more than pizza and a bible study. Let your

church group know when your gas tank is empty. Then turn
around and help your neighbor install their storm windows.
God invites us to move As a child of God, did you know that Jesus puts His faith in you? Why else
His heart. would he give us instructions to pray for the desires of our heart. He knows
that His relationship with us will produce a tender loving heart that is
sensitive to God's will. As we ask God to fulfill His promises in our lives, we are
He will not give you a not imposing our will on Him, we are responding to His invitations to "Ask,
stone when you ask for Seek and Knock."
bread. Pray with confidence. Not because we deserve what we pray for, but
because we have a savior that is merciful and understands the situation we
face. The desires of your heart are not trivial. God is full aware of your needs
and concerns. He looks forward to your daily conversation with Him, even if it
sometimes begins with, "Oh Lord, I need..."
When should you be specific in your prayers? At the very time something
important or urgent enters your mind. Here are some prayers I have prayed
specifically throughout my life.
Scriptures: "Jesus, please hold tightly to my hand, because I need you to be strong
for me right now."
1 John 5:14-15 "Dear Lord, this car is rusty and in need of constant repair. Please help
me to get a better more reliable car soon."
Luke 11:1-13
Hebrews 4:16 "Oh Lord, please help me to get home safely. I can not see very well
through this blizzard."
Psalm 37:3-6
"Dear God, I want a wife who loves you, loves me, and loves her family
more than anything. Please prepare the right women to marry me."
"Lord, we can not afford all the adoption fees, yet we believe you will
make a way to fill our arms with a child that needs a mom and dad.
Please show us the way."
"Oh God, my Father, release the grip of that tumor in my son's brain.
Guide the surgeon's hand to remove it without damaging the brain
tissue around it. thank you for your healing touch even now."
God's will is that we would know Him, know His word and live out the
precepts and promises of His word. He freely give us an active roll on how we
choose to do that. And God invites us to move His heart with prayer.
 Point 6
Be specific when you pray.
Be sure to read the scripture references on the preceding page before continuing.

Equipped to Pray -

We know God's will

because we have God's
word. Now, how do we
put it into action?

Ask, Seek and Knock -

Now, are you willing

to WAIT?

God's timing is perfect.

Choosing Faith -

God's promises are for

you too.

Do you believe it?

Until we meet again:

It's been weighing on your mind. Now put in your prayers.

Praying can be a big step in faith. Some of us avoid it because

we are afraid of a big let down. Don' let fear rob you of this
greatest form of fellowship with God. - Trust Him.
Do not be surprised when King Herod captured Peter with the intention to make an example of
a miracle knocks on your him in due time. The Bible says that the church (small group) prayed
door. without ceasing after Peter was imprisoned. I believe they were full aware
of God's power of deliverance, yet later on in this story I have to chuckle.
After an angel busted Peter out of prison and led him to where the
It is not wrong to expect church was praying, Peter knocked on the door. Then when the young
what you pray for. lady, Rhoda, approached the door and heard Peter's voice, she ran to tell
the others without even inviting him in. They told her that she was crazy,
but to their surprise they discovered it really was Peter and they finally let
him in.
The very miracle they were praying for stood waiting at the door. Like
us, they knew the power of God and that with Him all things were
possible. Yet, they must have doubted their own impact on the heart of
God when they prayed.
In the book of James it says the prayer of a righteous man is powerful
Scriptures: and effective. I believe that means as followers of Christ our prayers do
make a difference and as we pray we unlock the possibilities of God's
Acts 12:1-17 miracle working power.
James 5:13-16 We should never look at an earnest prayer as though it were an entry
Hebrews 11:6 form in a random drawing, or a lotto ticket who's numbers are just
waiting to be called when God feels generous.
God wants us to know that our passionate pleas do tug on the strings
of His heart. The Bible says he rewards those who diligently seek Him. As
people approached Jesus with anticipation thousands of years ago, There
is no reason we can not approach Him the same way today. Now if His
Holy Spirit dwells within us, we carry His promises with us where ever we
go.
Do not hesitate. Pray, believe and look for the miracles
that Jesus is able to bring into your life. It is God's will for
us to stand on His promises. It is God's will to see lives
changed and bodies healed. Don't stop asking, seeking and
knocking.
 Point 7
Anticipate a miracle.
Be sure to read the scripture references on the preceding page before continuing.

It's not a Dream -

Could you be in the

midst of a miracle that is
already in progress?

The Winning Number -

Prayer is not a game of

chance. God has already
chosen you to reveal his
love and power.

Choosing Faith -

Take time to share with

your small group what
miracle you are
anticipating from God.

Conclusion:
After Peter was imprisoned, the Bible says that the church prayed
without ceasing. Sounds like they were determined to see their
miracle. You know, sometimes choosing faith takes tenacity.
Get ready to open the door to a miracle you have been praying for.
 I am a graphic designer by trade and writing is my hobby. When I wrote
this small group Bible study I wanted to incorporate a symbolic image of
faith throughout the pages. Thinking about the hot air balloon, I thought
that faith must have been a strong driving force in the conception,
invention and implementation of this amazing craft.
I do not know the history of the hot air balloon, but I believe it is a
testament of a desire that God has put in man to transform the
impossible into the possible. Many sketches and experiments must have
preceded the final success. An undying vision must have helped the
inventors to forge ahead after many failures.
I want that type of faith to be a trademark of my life. I do believe that
the impossible is possible when you place it in God's hands. And I hope
that this small group study helps Christians to realize they are an active
contributing factor in what is God's will. He whole heartedly challenges us
to move mountains. He gives us the visions to pray and activate His living
word.
My favorite verse (Isaiah 40:31) puts it like this..."But they that wait
upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they SHALL mount up with
wings as eagles..."
- Victor Du Bois