Self Control: New Year Re-calibration: Start the year off right: With Jesus.
Do you know Him personally?
Read: Romans 10:9-10
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Be Reminded of our role with Jesus:
- Dependence – Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
It’s our job to glance at our problems and gaze at God.
BUT…I am exhausted and weary…
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Our weakness= perfect conditions to work with God. Get busy!
- Acknowledge – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Get in the habit of noticing his goodness, so when it comes along, YOU’LL NOTICE!
BUT…I can’t imagine that he wants me to rejoice about THIS!
James 1:2
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
- Trust – Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Don’t simply rely on what you think you know. Ask him for direction. Believe that he is powerful enough to direct you wisely.
BUT… I’m doing the best I can and it doesn’t seem like things are working out!
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
- Listen – Luke 5:5-6
And when [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word, I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.
BUT…what if it still is showing nothing? What if I didn’t hear right?
Story of Balaam. (Numbers 22-24)
Worst Case Scenario- He told you. You heard and DIDN”T LIKE what he said, so you ask again.
HE brought a talking donkey!
Do you need a talking donkey? He knows how to get your attention!
Listen and ACT! Not sure if you are acting in the right direction? Make your best guess. He’ll let you know.
Link to printable version of these notes and the Goal Setting Worksheet
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