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!

Oil on Aaron’s Beard
Psalm 133:1-2; Lev. 8:10-12 Introduction: Some of you may have heard or studied this image in scripture of oil soaking Aaron’s beard and dripping down all the way to his toes. This comes from Psalm 133:1-2 & Leviticus 8:10-12. I sensed the Lord was putting this in my heart and mind and what the significance…

Nothing Formed
Isaiah 54:1-17 Introduction: The last verse of Isaiah chapter 54 is one of the verses we lean on frequently. NLT – Isaiah 54:17 ‘But in that coming day no weapon (turned, formed, forged) against you will (succeed, prosper)’. ‘You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants…

Harvest Seed
2 Corinthians 9 Introduction: Last weekend I spoke to you about Sabbath rest and how (Labor Day) was one of those days as a day of extra ‘rest’. Labor Day is also known as the last (unofficial) weekend of the summer. That’s the natural time (God’s time) we are moving into. The first official day…

Why Rest
Labor Day today is a welcomed day not only because it recognizes workers/labors, but because it gives us an extra day of ‘rest’. Judaism[edit] Main article: Shabbat See also: Hebrew calendar Jewish Shabbat (Shabbath, Shabbes, Shobos, etc.) is a weekly day of rest, observed from sundown on Friday until the appearance of three stars in…

The Big Stick
Exodus 15:22-16:27 Introduction: Trustin God during Bitter Times ‘The people complained and turned against Moses.’Meaning: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest or lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide 2) to grumble, complain, murmur…

The Big Wave
Exodus 14:15-31 Question: The ‘Big Wave’! God told them to tell Pharoah,‘to hold a feast’ better interpreted ‘make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feast’ Exodus 5:1, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the wilderness.’ Exodus 6:6-7 Ancient…

The Big Sun
Introduction: New series, ‘Understanding the Impossible’. Joshua 10:12-14 parts taken from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/joshua-10/ Context: There are two things contextually to bring to your attention. From this point on, there would be two kingdoms of Hebrews: in the north – Israel, and in the south – Judah. The Israelites formed their capital in Samaria, and the Judaeans…

The Big Fish
Introduction: New series, ‘Understanding the Impossible. Book of Jonah The book of Jonah recounts the story of a disobedient prophet who, upon being swallowed by a whale (or a “great fish”) and vomited upon the shore, reluctantly led the reprobate city of Nineveh to repentance. The Bible’s plain teaching is that, yes, Jonah was truly…

Colossal Truth Finale
Introduction: Final Installment of Colossal Truth(s). By way of Review: It is combative in tone and abrupt in style. False teachers have undercut the major doctrines of Christianity: the deity of Christ, lordship, and sufficiency of Christ. Colossians is about setting up the Supremacy of Christ. Supremacy hinges upon Jesus’ uniqueness as God’s eternal, beloved…