How Big?

Happy Sunday!

It's a been a full and exciting week.  We attended the International Faith Conference at Living Word Christian Center and today my daughter Crystal, ran in and completed the Fox Valley Marathon. 

The faith conference featured some of the ministers I enjoy the most.  The theme this year was "Unshakable Faith". Every speaker seemed to build on what the previous speaker said and on what we have been learning each week.

 

Dr. Jesse Duplantis preached the "Power of Focus and Priority".  He recalled a conversation he had with the Lord. He had been praying for God's direction and wisdom for 2015. The Lord asked him four questions that we can ask ourselves.  

How big do you want to dream? Your dream will set your agenda.  God wants you to dream BIG.  He says so in his Word..."God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20 (Message)  

How hard are you willing to work? Proverbs 6 tells us to consider the ant and says, "So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent house guest!"  God created work. He gave Adam a job to do. Work expands your dream and brings you fulfillment.  Not feeling fulfilled in your work? Pray and ask God what your true purpose is. James 1:5-8 says, "If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open." (Message)

How much are you willing to envision? Genesis 11:1-6 tells the story of the Tower of Babel.  You remember that story, don't you?  God came down and saw what man was capable of doing with their imaginations.  He said it himself, "Nothing will be unattainable for them!" (Living Bible)  These people were sinners!  Did you get that?  Jesus had not come to redeem us when this account was written.  If these unsaved, un-regenerated, and un-spiritual people could dream about building a tower to heaven and have God agree that they were capable of doing it, what's wrong with us? Dr. Duplantis said, "God doesn't mind you being blessed, only the church does!"  The Bible says, "God takes care of us richly. He gives us everything to enjoy. - 1 Timothy 6:17

How much of the past do you want to forget? The past is too heavy to carry into the future! Philippians 3:13-14 says,"Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above." (New Century Version)  If you keep thinking about what happened, nothing new will happen.  I mentioned earlier that my daughter completed a 26.2 mile marathon today. After the race, I was telling her about everything I saw.  One lady crossed the finish line and burst into tears. Crystal said, "I wanted to cry, but I told myself crying will consume too much energy and I need my energy to finish this race". It's the same in this Faith race.  Unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment consume too much energy. Leave the past in the past and move forward into prosperity in every area of your life.

Love and prayers, Cynthia