Today Derek begins a study confronting us with a decision: Do we want God’s best in our lives or are we willing to settle for second best? In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, there were four types of soil, only one of which produced lasting results. That was the good soil. We must aim to be good soil, for what we achieve will depend on the response of our heart.

Derek finishes his teaching today by looking at Caleb’s reward—the mountain Moses gave him forty years prior. After entering the land, Caleb still had to conquer some giants to possess that mountain, but he succeeded and made his home there. He wholly followed the Lord. Are you, like Paul, striving to follow the Lord—to know what is the mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory?

Continuing on with his look at Caleb's life patterning a dog’s life, Derek encourages us to have dogged faith and courage—faith that will not give up. It is through faith and patience that we will inherit the promises of God, and patience involves waiting. It is a test of character. Who are you on the inside? What stuff are you made of?

Derek speaks about how relationship with the Lord is more important than doctrine. There were times when Jesus simply said, "Follow Me." Using this as the picture, Derek describes Caleb, the dog. A faithful dog loves his master and as part of the relationship he stays near, ever ready to follow his master.

Today we will see how people who despise God’s grace make Him angry. And, though we may be forgiven of sin, it still has its consequences. Wouldn't you rather have God say of you that you "wholly followed the Lord"? This was how God viewed Caleb, "a dog," who wholly followed his Master.

Derek begins this look at the man, Caleb, whose name means “dog.” Along with Joshua, Caleb made a proclamation of faith for entering the Promised Land. The others in the scouting party took the opposite stand by proclaiming fear instead. We will see how both groups got what they said, confirming Derek's teaching on the importance and power of our words.

Derek finishes his message by looking at our Lord's Parable of the Talents. He warns and exhorts us to use what we have been given. Don’t just go and bury it. Each of us matters in the kingdom and the task God has given us is vital for the work to be accomplished on the earth while we are still here. You are blessed to be a blessing!

Today Derek considers what it will be like to appear before the judgment seat of Christ. What will it be like when we face Him on that day revealing what we have done here on earth? God doesn’t ask more of us than we are capable of producing, but He requires that we do our part.

Derek teaches from the book of Revelation concerning the two harvests in the last days. The first is the harvest of grain, which is the harvest of salvation. The second is the grape harvest, which will bring judgment. As night comes on, the work of harvesting souls will come to an end. Until then, we must be busy in the fields while there is still time.

Today Derek continues his study on the harvest by looking at what true prosperity is in the midst of crisis. The purposes of God must be accomplished in the face of intense opposition. Derek calls on the church to understand and walk in the fear of the Lord, using the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the sake of the harvest.