Introduction

Welcome to Bess’s Brigade:

          A simpler life can bring a peace that surpasses all understanding. When you can finally Let Go and Let God take control of your life—every moment, step, and decision—a weight is almost entirely lifted. This is when you realize you no longer need to worry about making perfect choices or facing the consequences of mistakes. Trials will still come, but you can trust Jesus to guide you along the safest path. While He doesn’t remove every obstacle, He walks through them with you, helping you grow to be more like Him.

          Following Jesus means choosing the narrow path, truly the less-traveled road. While there are fewer people, they are genuine, fellow children of God, sharing your core values and beliefs.  Relationships form quickly, and their roots are deep. Occasionally, you meet someone and feel as if you've known them your whole life. Such bonds are unbreakable. Even if life leads you apart, you'll remember and think about those people until your final day. Rest assured, you'll be reunited someday.

          On that long, narrow road, there might not be many words exchanged, but these are the people with whom you can have truly meaningful discussions and profoundly deep conversations. You can reflect on everything from daily life to global peace. Both of you understand that God lifts the Biblical scales from people’s eyes (in different areas) according to  His timing. Each person encounters unique experiences and progresses at their own pace.

It's refreshing to talk with people who truly understand you. You begin to look forward to those educational discussions that explore different views to develop and improve your understanding of Biblical principles and strategies for evangelism. This is uplifting and provides hope that your loved ones will also be saved. 

          You can shut out the noise—gossip, fake news, demonic songs, and negative TV shows—and focus solely on the Bible, the only book that really matters in the end. 

The Bible provides answers to all of life’s challenges. Of course, no two problems are exactly alike, so solutions naturally vary. That's why you don’t depend on man for cookie-cutter guidance but instead turn to God, your Creator. He alone knows the precise steps needed to keep you on your path. Only He knows the beginning from the end.

          The devil spent plenty of time in your desired destination place. He recalls how Heaven used to be when he was the life of the party—Lucifer, Chief Worship Leader. He was special, beautiful, created by God to be nearly perfect. However, once Lucifer realized his perfection, pride took hold. Like many things, beauty can be both a blessing and a curse. 

          Lucifer and all his fallen angels also know there is a Restraining Order blocking their return—forever. Aware of this, he doesn’t want anyone else to go where he cannot. His jealousy drives him to commit unspeakable acts. Stay as close to Jesus as possible. When you walk with Him, He guides you, illuminating the path ahead and focusing your mind. Even if you don’t see the destination, you can trust the one who is leading you. 

          This allows you to give all your anxiety and depression to God. He will remove each one gradually in His timing, as you learn what He wants to teach you—to become more like Him. 

Book 1, ‘No Not One,’ focuses on aligning yourself with God by committing to walk with Jesus and separating from worldly influences through improvements in your physical, mental, social, and spiritual life. Engage with The Word—study to know what to believe, so you can distinguish the lies from the Truth, build a personal relationship with Jesus, and develop genuine trust in Him. 

Fellowship with like-minded individuals. Forge bonds. Help each other out along the way. Barter services. Share.

          Book 2, ‘No Not One More,’ emphasizes the importance of not being deceived and studying to know what the Bible says… and what it does not say.  This is where you will test yourself beyond your perceived limits. You will commit to letting go of all the worldly attachments that have been accumulated and claiming your place in Heaven.

          While you can’t take your treasures with you, you can send it ahead! Start storing your treasures for eternity today. The second 100-Day Challenge encourages you to prepare for your final Moving Day—destination Heaven Bound!

          You certainly don’t want that trumpet to sound, and still be standing on earth, looking around, confused as to why you were left behind.

          Life is fundamentally shaped by perception. The way you see life influences your beliefs, which in turn define your identity and the person you become. 

          If actions speak louder than words, this challenge will be a true win-win. It comprises twelve chapters, each corresponding to a different area of life, designed to help you lighten your load in every way possible to prepare you for your final journey home to Heaven.

          This is where you have to remember the adage that you have to put the life jacket on yourself first. Only then will you be able to help others put theirs on. So, buckle up, buttercup – we’re going on a journey to meet Jesus! (You’ll want to tidy up to look your best.)

          As you go through each chapter, you are encouraged to peel back the worldly layers that have weighed you down. Prioritize your commitments to removing negativity and sin and make actual changes that will benefit your life… and the lives of those around you.

          No one peels back all their worldly layers without being surprised and saddened by what they find. It appears that to be closer to Jesus, He will have to break your heart for what breaks His. We will need to be broken of our shame, our jealousy, and our pride; Broken of our arrogance, our need to be right no matter the cost, and our need to control as much as we can in our lives.

          Rise up, brush off the dirt (from what you’ve done) and dust (from what you haven’t done) of this world, look in the mirror, and declare IT’S TIME to reclaim your life. Cut free from these things that, in the end, only cause you sorrow and pain. Stop self-sabotaging your life.  Stop it. Stop It! STOP IT!  If God’s brought you this far, then you can do this!

          Philippians 1:6 – “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

          You are the only one who can say that you’ve had enough and you’re not going to take it anymore. Genuinely strive to avoid sin. Do yourself a favor and don't allow the devil to control your life anymore. 

          Refuse to feel ‘less than’ in any way. Know that you may not be who you aspire to be yet, but thank God, you are not the person you used to be either. Every day is a new journey. Living life with Jesus makes the time spent on that journey meaningful. Jesus died to give us life—an abundant life – so, let’s live that life to the fullest. 

          It’s time for us to begin living a life worthy of the sacrifice Christ made and preparing for our future in Heaven with God. Thankfulness and gratitude, along with praise and worship, are the keys to a joyful life with Jesus. 

          Here's an overview of the creation process and how we can begin moving towards our ultimate destination today.

          Genesis 1 depicts a primordial Earth that is "formless and empty,' covered in darkness, with God's Spirit hovering over the  

waters. This illustrates a scene of chaos and emptiness, yet also hints at the potential for renewal and fresh beginnings.

          Taking your life back means overcoming feelings of being lost, unfulfilled, unappreciated, unloved, or weighed down by the circumstances of this sin-filled world, similar to a "formless and empty" state. It recognizes negative influences, like the "darkness over the surface of the deep,' but also highlights the innate potential for change and the hope for something better, much like the capacity for creation. The presence of God's Spirit and His spoken word are vital in transforming chaos into order and life. 

          This 100-Day Challenge involves making a deliberate choice to change, which means recognizing and using one's decision-making skills. It represents a personal "act of creation" in shaping one's life, especially when guided by faith or spiritual influences. 

          Your sacrifice represents a dedication to the process of personal growth, leading to a life filled with purpose, passion, and fulfillment. It involves embracing change, taking control of one's destiny, and shaping a future aligned with personal values and goals. 

          Essentially, both stories—one divine (God creating life) and the other personal (individual decision-making)—illustrate the transition from a state of formlessness and potential to one of order and purpose, driven by a powerful force—whether divine intervention or personal determination.

          The stories reflect the potential for renewal and positive change, suggesting that even amid perceived 'chaos," there is still hope for a new, better beginning. 

          As long as you breathe, it isn’t too late. This 100-Day Challenge is your opportunity to prepare to meet your maker. It’s time to clean up the negative areas of your life to make the best impression possible. Time is of the essence.

          Others are watching. You may just find that you clean up your act and end up inspiring those around you to clean up theirs too… amen. Wouldn’t that be a blessing?

          It’s time to pack up every last little thing that you had always wished you could change about yourself and give it to God. He can remove all that guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression.  Ask Him to help you lighten your load for the journey ahead.  His son, Jesus, can show you the way.

See you there…