Before and After
Philippians 3:12
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. (Phi 3:12 NKJ)
Transition: Just before we end the year.
I. Reflection
Hag. 1:7, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!’ (Hag 1:7 NKJ)
• Who you are, ans what kind of person you are.
• What you’ve learned about yourself from the things you’ve experienced day by day
• Whether you’ve challenged yourself to grow by questioning you thoughts, beliefs, and notions anbout you own life.
1. Morally
2. Socially
3. Spiritually
Transition:
II. Release
1. Failures/Disappointments/Frustrations – There is nothing that we can do about these areas other than make a commitment to attempt to fix/remedy/strengthen these areas of weakness.
2. Future – We cant ultimately ‘control’ our tomorrow. We can plan and prepare but we have to understand that we can’t and won’t have a perfect tomorrow (financially, physically, emotionally, etc.) so just turn it over (release it) to God’s goodness, sovereignty and consequent grace to be what we need when we’ll need it.
Transition: Once we’ve considered and released, I think a good third step is to restructure.
III. Restructure
1. Priorities
2. Goals /Dreams
3. Stewardship – Matthew 6:21, ‘where you treasure is, there will you heart be also’.
Transition:
IV. Renew
2 Cor. 5:17, ‘If any man be in Christ…’
1. Wake Up
2. Step Up
3. Stay Up
4. Push Up (or at least maintain pressure)!
Conclusion: If we believe the ‘best is yet to come,’ then let’s begin with reflection, let the past speak for itself, restructure our plans, direction and purpose and lets be renewed in our spirit!

Participation
Introduction: Week Two. Preparation. Question: Have you ever wondered what Mary / the Virgin Mary did in preparation for what the angel pronounced to her about being with a child? Luke 1:3, ‘You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus’. (NLT) I will get to Mary and that…

Anticipation
Introduction: Well, the Christmas season is here! When fall has given way to winter and snow covers the ground while lights twinkle from house to house, you know Christmas is coming. Decorated Christmas trees are everywhere you look. Presents a crowd for space under the tree and families come together for a turkey feast. Christmas…

Grateful For Missions
Introduction: Missions, Missionaries, The Great Commission, Missions Trips, Outreaches, etc. Missions Heroes William Carey William Carey is regarded as the “father of modern missions”. Trained as a shoemaker, William Carey became known as the ‘father of modern missions’ for his missionary work in India. The story goes that in 1787, he suggested that all Christians…

That All Might Hear
Introduction: Missions, Missionaries, The Great Commission, Missions Trips, Outreaches, etc. ‘A Christian missionary is someone who dedicates their life to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serving others in His name. It is a challenging and rewarding path, but one that can transform lives, both the missionary and those they serve. ‘Missionaries are individuals…

A Person
Matthew 1 Introduction: Week 3 – Biblical Israel – The Person. We have finally arrived at the story of Jesus, which will bring the entire biblical story to a climactic fulfillment. The arrival of Jesus will introduce a massive twist into the drama, but it’s one that we’ve seen coming. In fact, to track the…

Biblical Israel – A Promise
Introduction: Genesis 12:1-3 ‘Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will…

Biblical Israel
A People Introduction: Given all the news about the War in Israel, I decided it would be important to spend a few weeks sharing what the Bible has to say about Israel: The People, The Promise, The Person, and The Plan. It could very well be that not only do our children not have an…

Pleasing Faith
Hebrews 6 taken from – https://www.gotquestions.org/faith-vs-belief.html Introduction: On one hand, there is no difference between faith and belief. The two terms are often used interchangeably. On the other hand, in popular English usage, the word faith often has a deeper meaning. Application: Most people believe it is important to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly; however, most…

Keeping it Lit
Introduction: On last week on what we’ve been discussing about preaching the gospel because the last days are getting nearer and then judgment. Transition: Matthew 25 is a continuation of chapter 24 as Jesus continues to teach about being aware and prepared. I ended last week on Matthew 24:14 The rest of chapter 24 looks…