November 1 2015 Surviving My Schedule

Surviving My Schedule

Wiser- Part 3 

The book of Proverbs gives three keys to reducing the stress of my schedule:

1. Line up MY PRIORITIES

Proverbs 17:24 (GN)"An intelligent person aims at wise actions, but a fool starts off in many 

Proverbs 12:11 (GN) It is stupid to waste time on useless projects."

Proverbs 16:9 (GN) "We should make plans, counting on God to direct its.  "

How clear are my priorities? 

2.  Lighten up MY ATTITUDE

Proverbs 12:25 (Ber) "Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down. 

Proverbs 14:30 (LB)   "A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life. 

Proverbs 17:22 (GN) "Being cheerful keeps you healthy.  It is a slow death to be gloomy all the 

How positive is my attitude? 

3. Lookup TO GOD

Proverbs 10:27 (LB) "Reverence for God adds hours to each day.   

Proverbs 14:26 (LB) "Reverence for God gives a man deep strength.  "

Proverbs 3:5-6 (LB) "Trust the Lord completely... in everything you do, put God and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.  "

How deep is my relationship to God?

Jesus: "What will a man give in exchange for his soul?"  Mark 8:3 7

May 31 2015 Freedom To Change

FREEDOM TO CHANGE

Romans 12:1-2
 
Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask him to remove my character defects. 

Romans 12:1-2 – Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him, and let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.

I. Where Do My Character Defects Come From?

• My biological inheritance.

Genetics explain predisposition but don’t excuse sin.

• My circumstances, or how I was raised.

Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs.

• My choices in life.

Character defects are often positive qualities being misused.

II. Why Is It So Hard To Change Them?

1. Because I’ve had them a long time.

2. Because I confuse my identity with them.

3. Because they have a payoff.

4. Because satan discourages me.

III. How Do I Cooperate With God’s Change Process?

Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

1. Focus on changing one defect at a time.

Proverbs 17:24 – An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.

2. Focus on Victory one day at a time.

Matthew 6:11 – Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:34 – Don’t worry about tomorrow, each day has enough troubles of its own.

3. Focus on God’s power not willpower.

Jeremiah 12:23 – Can a leopard take away his spots?  Nor can you who are used to doing evil now start being good.

BUT…..

Philippians 4:13 – I can master anything with the help of Christ who gives me strength.

4. Focus on what I want, not what I don’t want.

Philippians 4:8 – Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right.  Think about things that are pure.  Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. 

5. Focus on doing good, not feeling good.

Galatians 5:16 – If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence.   

6. Focus on people who help me, not hinder me. 

Proverbs 27:1 – As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.

7. Focus on progress not perfect performance.

Philippians 1:6 – God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His Grace until His task with you is finally finished.

January 2 2011 Building Confidence

Building Confidence

You can't control all circumstances of this new year, but you can choose your responses:

1. Line up your priorities

(Proverbs 17:24 - A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.)

(Proverbs 12:11 - He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.)

(Proverbs 16:9 - In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.)

2. Lighten up your attitude

(Proverbs 12:25 - An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.)

(Proverbs 14:30 - A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.)

(Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.)

3. Look up to God

(Proverbs 10:27 - The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.)

(Proverbs 14:26 - He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.)

(Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.)

(Mark 8:37 - Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?)