Before and After

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!

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Post Resurrection

Post Resurrection Options

John 11:25-26 Introduction: Now that Resurrection Sunday is behind us, what’s next? Question: What happened with the people and the disciples after the ‘dust had settled?’ “Doubting Thomas” refers to Thomas the Apostle, one of Jesus’ disciples who famously doubted the resurrected Jesus’s presence. He initially refused to believe the other apostles’ claims of seeing…

Risen

Resurrection Life

Easter Sunday 2025 John 11:25-26 Introduction: The Power of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is seen as a powerful affirmation of God’s victory over death and sin. What we need to understand is that there was a tremendous demonstration; a magnificent display of God’s power at the resurrection of Christ from the dead, which…

palm

On His Way

Palm Sunday 2025 John 12:12-16 Jesus On His Way Introduction: This message provides a detailed account of significant events leading up to Palm Sunday 2025, emphasizing the miracles performed by Jesus, His teachings, and the importance of Bethany in His ministry. Miracles and Blessings: Jesus performed numerous miracles, including raising Lazarus from the dead and healing…

By His Stripes (1)

By His Stripes

Isaiah 53:4; James 5:13-15 In the context of Christian faith, the command to “lay hands on the sick” refers to the belief that believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can participate in healing through prayer and the laying on of hands, as seen in verses like Mark 16:18 and James 5:14-15. NLT  Mark 16:17-18  ‘These…

Mercies

New Every Morning

Lamentations 3:22-24 Introduction: (NLT) ‘Because of the Lord’s Covenant Faithfulness, we do not perish. His Mercies never end; they are new every morning, how great is your faithfulness oh God, “the Lord is my inheritance, I will put my hope in Him”’. NKJ – ‘that we are not consumed’ Deuteronomy 4:31 ‘For the LORD your…

Hold on Tight!

Hold On Tight

Isaiah 35:3; Hebrews 12:12 NKJ Isaiah 35:3 ‘Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees’. NLT Isaiah 35:3 ‘With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees’. NKJ Hebrews 12:12 ‘Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees’, NLT Hebrews 12:12 ‘So take…

Missions Window by Lauren Becker - Missionary to Thailand

Called and Appointed

John 15:12 John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 “Greater love has no one than this, than1 to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 “No longer do I call you servants,…

hobo

Onesimus – The NT Hobo

Book of Philemon Introduction: For some, especially the young, the word or term ‘hobo’ might not be familiar. Growing up there was an understanding in my mind that there were actually hobos who would jump onto trains to get them to and from wherever they were going. What is the history of the hobo? They…

Black and Orange Modern Festive Sunday Worship Church conference Instagram Post (1920 x 1080 px)

Me and My Church

Introduction: There is the Church Universal And then there is the Local Church. Question: What is the Local Church. Place of gathering; The Location (could be at the beach), the structure or the building or the facility where one gathers for: •        Worship and teaching: A place to regularly gather for worship, prayer, and hearing…