Summer Reflections: What Are You Reflecting on?
Last week we asked you to email questions or thoughts you’ve been reflecting on this summer. Today we look at some of those questions and issues including finding direction in life, dealing with criticism, and finding the right pace of life.
Listen Online: What are you reflecting on?
Sermon Notes
I (Douglas) am not The Answerman, but I hope I can share with you some insight from scripture and personal experience.
1) When we don’t see the promises of God being fulfilled in our lives, how do we know whether we need to change something or to simply wait?
- Look at your options. Am I misunderstanding the promise? Am I hearing God wrong?
- Is this a timing thing? Isaiah 55 says God’s ways are not our ways. God could be shaping you in the process or preparing the right circumsances.
- Sometimes we just won’t know why. Hebrews 11:13. Many of people of the Bible like Abraham never saw God’s promises to them fulfilled in their lifetime.
- Seek objective opinions from outside your circle.
2) How do you respond when people question whether you are a true Christian?
- The natural reaction is to become defensive or combative. Scripture says a soft answer turns away wrath.
- Who is bringing this to you? A friend or someone who is out to get you?
- Why are they saying this? What is the motive?
- What are they saying? Use a discernment filter. Not everything said about you is true. Think objectively whether God is speaking to you through this person or not.
3) Do you have any advice for pace-of-life issues?
- The Bible says to watch your life and your doctrine closely. More people ruin themselves by not watching their life and trying to do too much. Each of us needs to determine:
- Who am I?
- What is my life going to be about?
- What must I do?
- When a new opportunity arises ask yourself if it is consistant with who you are and what you want your life to be about.
- 6×6 list - What 6 things do I have to do in the next 6 weeks to ensure that I stay on track with my life goals?
Next Steps
- If you are struggling with the decision of whether continue what you’re doing or start in a new direction in your life, pray and ask people outside your regular circle for an objective opinion.
- If you have received criticism, consider the who, why, and what of that criticism.
- If you struggle with your pace of life being too fast, think and pray about creating a life mission statement so you know who you are and what your life is going to be about.
- Create a “not to do” list.
- Develop an accountability partnership with someone who can help you to do the things you want to do and stop doing the things you don’t want to do.
- Take some time to walk with God and talk with Him about what’s on your heart.
Contact Us
If you have any comments or questions about this message, or if we can be of further assistance to you in this area please contact us. We will keep your message confidential and make sure it gets to the right person.
July 8th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Tim and I were touched big time with the message today. At the end pastor had said he wasn’t sure which question to pick and he chose the one dealing with death. We are very grateful he did. Tim has had a very close cousin pass away and it is hard for him to deal with. He looked at me as though I texed it in and I didnt. I also there is anouther couple who is dealing with a death an they didnt text it in. So, to whom ever texed it in I pray it gave you a little encouragement as it did tim and I. And to pastor thank you for following the guide of the Holy Spirit and picking that question.