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Thanks to my friend Leif Hetland, who travels the nations, for the following teaching. Leif's ministry site is LeifHetland.com .
YOU HAVE BEEN UPGRADED!
by Leif Hetland
If you have ever flown hundreds or thousands of miles at a given time, you know what it's like to be tired and weary after a long trip. No sweeter words can you hear in an airport than when they call your name to come to the ticket counter, and say, "Mr. Hetland, you have been upgraded to first class." It's just a different world up there. The food is better, it's much quieter, and the sleep is more relaxing.
UPGRADE = an improvement in or enhancement of the condition, status, etc. of a person or thing; something that has been improved or enhanced; to raise in importance, value, esteem, etc.; to enhance or improve one's condition, status, capabilities, etc.
He showed me TWO things that he is upgrading in the coming year:
1. WISDOM
2. FAVOR
I believe with all my heart that these are the two most important ingredients for 2012 that will bring the greatest year that we have ever seen!
JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE
“ And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52
JESUS GREW IN WISDOM:
This is the Intellectual Development.
As you can see, Jesus exemplified the epitome of intelligence when He confronted the teachers, masters of the Law of His day, the Pharisees, and everyone who wanted to test His knowledge as a recognized Teacher of His day. They were amazed and astonished with His answers.
JESUS GREW IN FAVOR WITH MEN:
This is the Social Dimension.
As we mature in our walk with Jesus, notice that the circle of unbelieving friends in our life become smaller. Is this good? No, we must function like Jesus. He always came in contact with sinners, healing the sick and oppressed, teaching and telling about the Kingdom of heaven. Was He not branded to be a friend of sinners and the gluttons, and drunkards, and prostitutes and lepers?
JESUS GREW IN FAVOR WITH GOD:
This is the Spiritual Development.
This aspect of your life is part of a larger process. Jesus said it very clearly in Matthew 6:33 -" But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
YOUR UPGRADE IS ALREADY HERE,
IT'S NOW TIME TO WALK IN IT!
I. WISDOM
is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8
1. What is the principal thing?
· Not tongues
· Not baptism of the spirit
· Not soul winning
· Not money
· Not fellowship
· Not having a great marriage
· Not having a successful business
All are important, but still not the "principal ” thing according to Scripture.
The MAIN thing is the PRINCIPAL thing:
WISDOM
2. What is wisdom?
The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight. Common sense; good judgment. The sum of learning through the ages; knowledge. The Fear of the Lord.
Wisdom has two parts here:
1) One – is knowing what God wants
2) Two – is doing what God wants.
It’s not enough to give mental accent to the truth, but to put that truth into action moves me to the wisdom of God.
Not just “common sense”
Not just “book smarts”
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. “ James 3:13
Godly Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge. You gain knowledge by looking around; you gain wisdom by looking up. “Wisdom is the God-given ability to perceive the true nature of a matter and to implement the will of God in that matter”.
3. Why is it so important?
Knowledge without wisdom leads to chaos and all kinds of problems. We’ve all known people who are very smart and intelligent who were unable to carry out the simplest of tasks. They can run computers, but cannot run their own lives. Man can build a rocket and fire it to the moon, but he has yet to figure out how to keep a teenager off of drugs, or a man from beating his wife.
Here’s why – God’s reality and Man’s reality are often very different.
4. Consider the Value of Wisdom
Wisdom is greater than:
A. Monetary Power.
"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
Proverbs 3:13-17
"On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask! What shall I give you?" And Solomon said to God: "You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. "Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude."Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?" And God said to Solomon: "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life – but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—“wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like."
2 Chronicles 1:7-12
You don’t have a money problem today, you have a wisdom problem. You can have all the money in the world, but if you don’t know why you have the money, it will destroy you.
Natural wisdom says to tithe only if you feel like it, only if there’s enough left over to do all the things you want to do. Spiritual wisdom says it’s a command, it’s a trust issue, and it’s the right thing to do no matter how you feel.
THINK ABOUT THIS –
Experts have studied the histories of past lottery winners and have discovered that an alarming number of them went bankrupt. These studies revealed that many lottery winners lacked the experience and knowledge to handle a sudden increase in wealth. Unable to cope, they mismanaged their resources till they ran dry:
Some Lottery Winners Who Splurged Their Lottery Payments:
• Evelyn Adams won the NJ lottery twice (1985, 1986), but was unable to save and now lives in a trailer.
• William Post won $16.2M in the PA lottery in 1988, but now lives on his Social Security.
• Suzanne Mullins won $4.2M in the VA lottery in 1993, but is now deeply in debt.
• Ken Proxmire won $1M in the MI lottery and within five years filed for bankruptcy.
• Willie Hurt of Lansing, MI won $3.1M in 1989 and ended up broke and charged with murder two years later.
• Charles Riddle of Belleville, MI won $1M in 1975 and had a life troubled by divorce, lawsuits and drug dealing.
• Janite Lee of Missouri won $18M in 1993 and, according to published reports, only has $700 left in two bank accounts and no cash on hand.
• A Southeastern family won $4.2M in the early 90s, bought a huge house and unthinkingly kept helping family members pay off debts till nothing was left of their winnings.
B. Greater than Military Power.
"I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me. There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded. The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good." Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
What we need in Washington DC is not more “Power” of might, but of Mighty Power of Almighty God who gives wisdom.
C. Greater than Mental Power.
"He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you."
Proverbs 4:4-9
Wisdom and knowledge are linked together, but not the same. They are two different words.
How do you get this kind of mental power?
Step One:
A Right relationship with a Person.
People have said that if they could just go to some mountain top and sit at the feet of some wise man, then they will gain wisdom. Many have tried and failed.
What person?
We all need coaches, mentors. But the best is living inside you right now.
He has a name, Jesus Christ!
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
1 Corinthians 1:30
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully.”
Colossians 1:9-11
Some of the smartest people in the world will end up in Hell, because they were not wise enough to do the simplest thing? Give their heart to Jesus.
Step Two:
A Right relationship with a Book.
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet , And a light to my path. “
Psalm 119:103-10
“I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”
Job 23:12
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.”
Jeremiah 15:16
Have you ever just wanted to talk to the author of a book you were reading? How about a How-to book? You have the author of the Bible living inside of you.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16
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Favor with God, a sermon about favor with God and how it unfolds in our lives.
by Eddie Lawrence
Text: Luke 1:6 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” 29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS…..38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (NKJV)
1. An Announcement from God (v26-28)
-Mary was made aware that God was speaking to her. In her case, it was an angel. God has a way of getting our attention when He desires to call us into action for His plans and purposes.
-(List the ways that God can speak to us and briefly share those here in the sermon)
2. A Response of Fear (v29-30)
-Mary was troubled and afraid. We too are initially afraid when God begins revealing what He wants to do. Even God speaking to us can be an intense experience that rattles us.
-(Share a time the Lord spoke to you and you were afraid when you considered what was happening.)
3. A Promise of Favor (v28-29)
-Twice the Lord lets Mary know He has come to favor her. It is important for us to know that God’s intentions for us are always in our best interest. It is a sign of favor when the Lord invites you into what He is doing.
-(share a story of someone who experienced God’s favor because of stepping into God’s plans)
4. A Conception and Birthing
-Mary was told she would conceive and birth a child. With us, there is also the development within us of what God wants to do. It is a step into a process. As we faithfully carry it, it will be brought forth.
-(share how it is important to be patient and allow God to develop things. Use other biblical examples here)
5. A Response of Faith (v38)
-Mary heard, overcame her fear and said "Yes, be it unto me!" She demonstrated faith and obedience.
-Call for people to say yes to what God is speaking to them.
6. A Focus on Jesus (v31)
-Mary’s call was to birth the Christ child.
-When God is at work in us, it is always about forming Christ in us and making him known to others. For us to live is Christ!!!
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FIVE ENCOURAGEMENTS FROM THE FIRST CHRISTMAS SEASON
by Eddie Lawrence
Introduction
– Did you hear about the little boy went Christmas carrolling in the middle of January. He went to a house and a man sitting in his living room heard a thin, piping voice singing, "O Come All Ye Faithful." He went to his front door and opened it, and there was a little boy singing Christmas carols.
He said to the boy, "What are you doing?"
The child replied, "I’m singing Christmas carols."
The man said, "Why, Son, it s the middle of January."
The little boy said, "I know, but I had the measles during Christmas, and I’m just now getting around to doing my caroling."
Nothing could get in the way of his celebration, and it really didn’t matter what time of year it was. (dabarorg)
Transition– I pray that we will let nothing get in the way of our really celebrating what Christmas means to us. There is so much in the Christmas narratives in Scripture to encourage us. Let’s read from Luke 2:
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
In reading the above passage, let us draw five applications of the text for our lives today that will be a source of encouragement to us during this Christmas season:
1. GOD CAN WORK THROUGH WORLDLY GOVERNMENT TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES
Explain–God actually used a decree and a census from a pagan Roman government to position Joseph and Mary for the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem which fulfilled the prophecies given.
Apply–We are not to be discouraged by what happens in the world around us or through human governments. God is still God and the heart of the King is in the hand of the Lord. He is sovereign and can trump the plans of man in order to fulfill His purposes.
2. GOD CAN WORK THROUGH TRIPS WHERE WE GO HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Explain–Joseph returned to Bethlehem the place of his lineage and what a wonderful event happened while he was there.
Apply–During this Christmas season, be encouraged to know that God can do something strategic in and through you as you return home to be with family. Realize that there may be positive deposits from your heritage of which you are still unaware. Also go with the knowledge that you can be light, love, and life to others.
Relationships are so important and especially within our own family. Maybe there are some among us who will experience miracles during this Christmas season. Have faith that God is at work as you go.
3. WE HAVE TO TRUST GOD’S TIMING CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF WHAT WE CARRY FOR HIM
Explain–I imagine all of us have thought of the how that donkey ride fared for pregnant Mary. Surely it was a tough trip. Yet, it was part of God’s plan and had to happen in order for Christ to be born in Bethlehem.
Apply–We can be pregant with the things of God in our lives as well. We carry something that God has placed within us. At times, we may become impatient thinking, when will this ever happen. It actually can quiet a miserable time. Yet, it is worth the "donkey ride" so to speak, to bring it forth. We simply have to trust God to work and guide us where we need to be to deliver what we are carrying for Him.
4. GOD CAN MAKE ROOM FOR YOU WHEN MAN SAYS THERE IS NO ROOM
Explain–Though the hotel was empty, God’s ability to create a spectacular setting was still at work. Don’t be discouraged if men have shut the door on you. God opens doors that no man can shut. It could be that you are out of a job, or recently relocated, or facing some other obstacle. Allow the movement and work of God during the first Christmas season to encourage you during this holiday season.
5. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE MAKE ROOM FOR WHAT GOD WANTS TO DO IN OUR HOMES THIS CHRISTMAS
Explain–There was no room in the Inn for Jesus. Is there room in our homes for him this Christmas? Are we making sure there is room for Jesus?
Apply–Think of the blessing the Innkeeper missed because he was unable to find room for Jesus.
Illustrate– I heard the story about an event that happened one Christmas in an affluent neighborhood in California. A family decided to go out on Christmas Eve and serenade their neighbors with carols. In one house where they stopped, there was hectic confusion with Christmas preparations and with rushing and tension; so the lady opened the door and said to the singers, "Not now, please; we’re too busy." The gentleman in the standing outside with his family merely said, "Yes, ma’am," and they moved away. It was Bing and Kathy Crosby with their family. If Jesus comes to our house and we say, "Not now, I’m busy," how sad it will be.
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THREE DECLARATIONS THAT WILL ALIGN YOU WITH YOUR FUTURE
by Eddie Lawrence
Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I. I MUST NOT BECOME COMPLACENT WHERE I AM! (v12a)
-None of us have arrived yet, so we must keep changing.
-Complacency will stall you, cause you to struggle, and silence your heart cry for God.
II. . I MUST LET GO OF THE PAST! (v13b)
-Many times our future is hindered by our ties to the past.
-Some people try to drive forward by looking in the rear view mirror. This is the shortcut to the ditch.
-The past is the place that grudges, bitterness, and unhealed wounds are anchored in. They all will hold you back.
III. I MUST KEEP PRESSING ON TOWARD CHRIST! (v12b, 13c, 14)
-A consistent pressing toward Jesus is to be our aim and drive.
-He holds our future in his hands.
-When you press into him, you are experiencing your glorious future.
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Following is another of our sermon outlines about God’s plan for your life. As with all our free sermons, please enjoy it! Also check out our Monday Morning Preacher’s Package!
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
You can be encouraged today by realizing the following truths that are present in this one power-packed verse:
1. YOU ARE GOD’S WORKMANSHIP
What an intoxicating thought, God is at work in your life! Don’t believe the enemy’s lie that
God does not care. Here Paul tells us that God is at work in us!
A. Having come to faith in Christ (v 8-9), God continues to give grace to grow you.(
B. You are God’s personal project so to speak. You have heavenly supervision over your life.
C. Since God is the Craftsman at work in your life, you are custom made by God. Exiting isn’t it?
Illus-In the world of fashion, people make a big deal about who designed their clothes, purses, shoes, etc. You are God designed and He does extended warranty work on you until you are called to be with Him. Lifetime warranty!
2. CHRIST IS THE BASIS OF FAVOR IN YOUR LIFE
You have become a join heir with Christ. It was not because of your good works (v9).
A. Because of what Jesus did, you can be saved.
B. Because of what Jesus did, you receive heaven’s benefits.
C. The flow of grace comes to you through Jesus mediation for you.
D. All that Father does for you is rooted in Christ Jesus.
E. Your creation and continued growth is in Christ Jesus.
F. When Father looks at you, He sees you with all the changes
provided by Jesus’ death and resurrection.
3. YOU ARE CREATED TO WORK PROPERLY
It is so important to see yourself the way God sees you–through Christ Jesus.
We tend to focus on our weaknesses and do not move from there into our place of strentgh–in Christ!
A. God is an ace mechanic. As the bumper sticker says,
"God don’t make no junk!"
B. We have under the hood what we need to move down the road of God’s will.
C. Tune ups are necessary as well as oil changes and occassional new tires. (sanctification)
D. God’s plans result in good works flowing from our lives. Not working to get saved
but working because we have been saved.
E. New cars are not meant to sit on the parking lot to be seen. They are created to be driven on the road.
Likewise, Christians have not been created to just sit on the pew in the church, they were created to
go into all the world sharing Christ and his love and teachings.
4. YOU DO HAVE A GOD PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE
Many people struggle with feeling no sense of purpose. God has a purpose for your life. A well thought through plan.
A. This plan was ordained ahead of time.
B. The Christian life manual is the New Testament
C. The best place to start is to study Jesus in the Gospels.
D. See how God worked through Jesus.
E. Realize Jesus said his disciples were to go do likewise.
F. God laid out a plan for your life to walk in. As you walk out
this plan, then His hands position everything into place.
G. Discover the plan of God revealed through Christ Jesus for your life.
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The following is a free sermon outline by Eddie based on Jeremiah 29:10-14 entitled 10 Things to Remember in a Bad Economy. As with all the sermon outlines on this site, it is free for you to use.
10 Things to Remember in a Bad Economy
Ancient Israel found themselves in a severe crisis as a people and a nation. They had been plundered and led away captive. In their disobedience they stood confused about it all. They had been given so many promises, had they lost their value? Had God changed His mind? Was there no hope in their future? Then the Lord speaking through Jeremiah, reminded them of His heart for them and His plans. Read His words:
Jeremiah 29: 10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”(New Living Translation)
There are some truths in the above passage we need to remember in these troubles times as a nation founded on a belief in God and the standard of His Word. An honest evaluation is always healthy.
1. Man’s Sin is Costly – This is just truth. It was Israel’s sin that brought the enemy’s authority into their own borders. There had been blatent rebellion and the serving of idol gods and abandonment of God’s Word on a massive wide scale. The result was the loss of their national security and personal security.
2. God’s Promises are Sure — I am always encouraged by the fact that God is God. He always has the trump card. Heaven never has to meet in an emergency session to try to figure out what needs to be done. I firmly believe the devil is on a leash and God can yank his chain at any moment. Notice v10– "I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised…" Dear friends hang on to the good Word of God. His promises are sure regardless of the circumstances.It sometimes takes time (For Israel it was 70 years), but God will honor what He has spoken.
3.God’s Heart is for Restoration — In v10, He says "I will bring you home again." He did it too. History records for us how Israel came back home to their land. It has happened more than once.
If you are suffering due to a bad choice or decision, please know that God’s heart moves toward repentance. He desires to restore. He specializes in rescuing people from messes.
4. God’s Plans are Good — Notice v11! God states His intentions toward Israel. His intentions toward believers today are clearly spelled out (Rom. 8:28-38). It means so much during crisis to be reminded that God has a plan and it’s intentions are good. Put your stock into the promise of God and bank on the goodness of the heart of God. Everything He does has redemption in it.
5. God Does Not Plot Disaster — Read v11 again. His plans are not to release disaster. Lay that on the devil’s doorstep. God is a good Father and does not plot evil toward His children.
6. God’s Future for You is filled with Hope — When you serve God, you always have something to look forward to. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train!
7. God is Already Planning on Answering Your Future Prayers — v12 This is so encouraging to know especially during times when you don’t even feel like praying or when what you prayed for has not yet happened.
8. God Wants to Be Found by You — v13 His heart is for us to pursue Him and He will let us catch Him. He longs for deep intimate fellowship with us. Seek Him knowing that this is His heart toward you.
9. God will Reverse Circumstances and Restore Fortunes — v14 Wow. What a blessing to know that a comeback is being planned and all the enemy has taken over will be retaken. God will the turn the tables around.
10. God Has a Heart to Gather and Bring Things Together – v14 All through the Scripture you see God gathering things together for His purposes whether its the waters in Genesis One or a nation in Jeremiah 29. God can bring things together for good. We can stake our claim on that!
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Following is a message based on the sermon outline called 3 Steps to Your Destiny. You can see how I took that sermon outline and developed it into a unique sermon. Of course you could use this for a bible study as well. Preach it and use it to teach your congregation or small group.
MOVE YOUR THUMB
Introduction–Most of us have done what a little boy does on a beautiful starlit night standing in the front yard of his home. He holds his thumb up between him and the moon. He moves it until that floating white ball of light disappears. In order to see the moon again, he simply moves his thumb.It is not that the moon disappears, it is that the thumb is in the way of seeing the moon.
Often it is the little problem right in front of us that will blind us to the incredible destiny that awaits us. We can’t see what Heaven offers us for the thumb that is in the way.
So, I am here this morning to say to you: MOVE YOUR THUMB!
Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
Jesus said we could move mountains so surely we can move our own thumbs.
3 Steps to Influence Destiny
1. Imagine it! — God saw the world before He created it.
Rely on the creativity of God that has been placed inside of you. This is the ability to see things before they can be seen and must be a component of any vision.
In 1961 the most powerful man in the world spoke to congress and the world. What he said was astounding and viewed by many to be foolish, but he saw something that he begin to speak out.
In that speech to Congress, on May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy challenged the nation to put a man on the moon before the end of the decade.
A year later, John F. Kennedy gave a speech at Rice University on September 12, 1962 where he began declaring that a choice had been made based on what he said and had seen.
“ We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy – but because they are hard! Because that challenge is one we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone and one we intend to win!”
Less than a decade later on July 20, 1969, Commander Neil Armstrong became the first man on the moon. With a crackling voice carried to the eager ears of the whole world, he said the historic words, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Kennedy’s words came true.
2. Believe it! — Your heart must go with your head. to believe to see the impossible is to partner with God who can do all things. Jesus said nothing is impossible to those who believe.
John F. Kennedy – speech in Dublin, Ireland, June 28, 1963
“ We need men who can dream of things that never were.”
Like God who calls things that are not as though they were, we must learn to see what God wants us to see in the unseen realm so we can agree with it and bring it into the seen realm. This requires faith.
Jesus said, “Nothing would be impossible for us.”
“Science has not yet mastered prophecy. We predict too much for the next year and yet far too little for the next 10.”–Neil Armstrong
Like Armstrong says above, we do tend to want to be involved in something that is going to happen overnight instead of seeing farther but accomplishing something greater. God sees the future, and can lead us how to prepare for it.
3. Do it! — This is what separates dreamers from doers. I am not talking about running off half-cocked. I am saying move into what God has placed before you. There comes a time to break up camp and cross the Jordan.
I think we’re going to the moon because it’s in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It’s by the nature of his deep inner soul… we’re required to do these things just as salmon swim upstream.–Neil Armstrong
It is in our nation to exercise dominion, whether it’s the planets in the galaxy, the other football team, or that vacant lot that we bought. We are made to govern and overcome. The fall causes us to use this in wrong ways, but all of us to possess it.
So we are wired to do it! We just need to be sure that “it” is what God wants us to do. Jesus said, he saw what the Father was doing and that was what he did. This is how we are to operate. We see it (imagine it), we believe it (we trust it is God speaking), and we do it (faith in action).
Conclusion:
So there are 2 Men we studied today –Kennedy and Armstrong
1. Kennedy –The Man who said we’d do it. (He rallied a nation)
John F. Kennedy -- Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.
2. Armstrong–The Man who did it. (He was sent by a nation)
If we can just have faith in what God has shown us, a mustard seed of faith, and begin to declare what we believe in our heart. It can turn things around and align us with our God given destiny.
Later when reflecting on his trip to the moon, Neil Armstrong make a remark that shows you how things can get reversed when you choose to move forward.
“I put up my thumb and it blotted out the planet Earth.” –Neil Armstrong
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Here’s a brief idea for a sermon. Would make a great guickie when you need to share an inspirational thought to a small group. Or develop it into a full grown bombshell.
1. Imagine it! — God saw the world before He created it.
Rely on the creativity of God that has been placed inside of you. This is the ability to see things before they can be seen and must be a component of any vision.
2. Believe it! — Your heart must go with your head. to believe to see the impossible is to partner with God who can do all things. Jesus said nothing is impossible to those who believe.
3. Do it! — This is what seperates dreamers from doers. I am not talking about running off half-cocked. I am saying move into what God has placed before you. There comes a time to break up camp and cross the Jordan.
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I have a question to ask you today–
Can Words Make Wishes Come True?
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I’d save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you
(Time in a Bottle, Jim Croce)
Key Passage
John 6:60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?
John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him.
John 6:65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
In the passages just before above passage Jesus had been sharing his destiny, his dreams with his followers. He spoke of eating his flesh and drinking his blood. They were offended and confused because he had said he was the bread who had come down from heaven. He challenged by saying, "What if you see me go back up to heaven?" Jesus experienced what we often experience when we share our dreams with people. Today I want to talk about how words can release destiny. How they can make your wished come true.
(You can listen to this message online at www.gracehouse.info and click on sermons)
Warning!
Today we will be studying one principle that will work in two different kingdoms!
There are three challenges I will make to you in understanding how dreams make your wishes come true:
1. Sort it out!
Jesus said there was flesh and Spirit. The Spirit gives life and the flesh profits nothing. How can you tell which one it is so that you can be sure what your sensing as your destiny is from the Lord? Here are some questions to help you.
Your Sort Questions
Is it flesh or spirit? (John 6:63)
Whose kingdom will it serve? (Matt.6:10)
Is it dark or light? (Ps 119:130)
Does it fulfill the golden rule? (Matt. 7:12)
Does it condemn? (John 3:17)
Does it redeem? (Luke 19:10)
Does it destroy the Devil’s work? (1 Jo.3:8)
Is it true? (John 14:6)
What will it do for humanity? (John 3:16)
“Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.”
Horace Mann’s challenge to the 1859 graduating class of Antioch University.
2. Speak it out!
The release of the human voice into the realm of earth is a powerful thing. God created the universe by speaking. The first assignment he gave Adam was to release his voice in a creative way to name the animals. We underestimate the power of our words. It is important to understand when to release these words. God’s promises are powerful and something happens when a person has faith in their heart for a promise and they speak it out.
The struggle of the unspoken thought! –Learning to discern when to share and not to share your dream with someone.
Share your dream with friends.
Speak life over the dreams of others.
The verse of an folk song tells the tale.
Home, home on the range
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day
On the range there are no people so there are no discouraging words!
Let’s commit to stop bashing other people’s dreams just because we don’t understand them.
No Dream Bashing Allowed!
Don’t Expect Everyone to Understand the words you speak
John 6: 60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”
John 6: 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.
3. Sweat it out!
Your path will cross paths with the dream killers. Do like Joseph did when he was faced with what looked like an impossible situation concerning his dream–He just kept doing the right thing and working hard no matter where he was. He went from the pit to Potiphers, to prison, to the Palace of Pharoah.
Saying + doing
Talk is cheap!
The will of God is to be DONE!
John6:68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
Follow in the footsteps of jesus and he will lead you to your dream! Peter basically said, Lord we may not understand it all, but we are following you. We have to have the same revelation and heart as Peter.
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
Anne Frank, while hiding in her attic.
How Can Words Make Wishes Come True?
Fill your heart with God’s best for your life.
Speak God’s best out your mouth.
Expect God’s best in your life.
Serve God’s best from your heart.
I think that’s what it’s like with all our dreams and our nightmares, Martin, we’ve got to keep feeding them for them to stay alive.
Movie—A Beautiful Mind, spoken by Nobel Peace Prize Winner, John Nash
Proverbs 18: 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Watch your mouth and you will see your future!
What Say Ye?
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