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Focusing -> RE: Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord! (1/6/2008 1:05:52 AM)
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Tonight's service was wonderful, we talked about MIRACULOUS. What an awesome subject! [:)]
When considering miracles, consider the following:
What does it take to do the miraculous?
How can we set goals and succeed?
A miracle is a goal so big it will ultimately fail unless God is included.
Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. Matthew 14:22-32
“…Then Peter got down out of the boat …”
Why do we stay in the boat?
How many times do we miss opportunities to do something great?
Do you have a “getting out of the boat” experience?
What holds you back and keeps you from accomplishing the miraculous?
What goal challenges you to get out of your comfort zone?
Sometimes in order to move ahead we have to leave something behind.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
“…and walked on the water…”
When is the last time you did something miraculous or beyond yourself?
What is the last time you attempted the impossible?
You cannot experience the miraculous until you attempt the impossible.
“…toward Jesus…”
What determines your direction in life?
Are your goals God-honoring or self-serving?
What priority do your goals demonstrate?
What would (my life, my job, my relationship, my finances, my fill-in-the-blank) be like if I imitated Christ?
“…But when he saw the wind, he was afraid…”
What distractions take you off course? (are they doubts? demands of life? discouragement? delays?)
What obstables keep you from accomplishing great things?
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
Success isn’t found in the results, but in Whom you rely upon.
Therefore be imitators of God… Eph 5:1
Four Principles in Goal Setting:
1. Chose action v. apathy.
When we start settling, we stop striving.
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph 5:15-17
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:17-18
2. Creativity defeats complacency.
Settling for mediocrity instead of the miraculous.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
3. Choose impact over image.
Rather than seeing obstacles, view them as opportunities.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
4. Faith overcomes fear.
The bigger the goal, the bigger God’s role
And He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. Matthew 17:20
How can I do the miraculous?
1. Make goals radically.
2. Announce them publicly. (This gives you accountability.)
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. Ecc 4:9-10; 12-13
3. Include God daily.
Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. Acts 4:13
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12
I'm ready for some miraculous changes in my life this year!!
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