THE STUFF THAT REALLY MATTERS

(Message Notes from Sunday, December 28, 2008)

Matthew 6:33 (NKJ), …seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT), [God] will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.


FOUR THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER

• T – TRANSFORMATION

Mark 1:35 (NIV), Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Luke 6:12 (MSG), At about that same time he climbed a mountain to pray. He was there all night in prayer before God.

Mark 6:31 (NIV), “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”


• L – LOVE

John 13:34-35 (MSG), “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. 35This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”


• C – CALLING


• J – JOY

John 15:11 (NLT), I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

Philippians 4:4 (NIV), Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Psalm 118:24, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.


Five Steps To Making A New S.T.A.R.T.

1. S – Stop Making Excuses.

Proverbs 28:13 (LB), A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.


2. T - Take Stock.

Psalm 77:1-6, I yell out to my God, I yell with all my might, I yell at the top of my lungs. He listens. 2 I found myself in trouble and went looking for my Lord; my life was an open wound that wouldn’t heal. 3 I remember God—and shake my head. I bow my head—then wring my hands. Selah
4 I’m awake all night—not a wink of sleep; I can’t even say what’s bothering me.
5 I go over the days one by one, I ponder the years gone by. 6 I strum my lute all through the night, wondering how to get my life together.


Questions To Ask At The Beginning of a New Year:

1.) What have I learned?

2.) What are my assets?

3.) Who can help me?

4.) What is God doing in and around my life?


3. A - Act In Faith.

Matthew 9:29, According to your faith will it be done to you.


4. R – Refocus.

Proverbs 4:23 (GN), Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.


5. T – Trust God.

Zechariah 4:6 (NCV), `You will not succeed by your own strength or power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.