After returning from a great Ministry Conference, The Gathering of Wesleyan Leaders in Jacksonville last week, I have heard many people ask: "How to we keep or sustain this spiritual momentum?" How do we pass it on?
I have found an old outline I used several years ago and want to share it with you. Actually, many of the thoughts come from Purpose Driven Life and some personal thoughts. Let me know your thoughts...How do you keep pumped up about serving God?
KEEPING YOUR SPIRITUAL MOMENTUM
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. [2] We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven." Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
How Do I Sustain Spiritual Momentum?
1. I will find strength from those who have gone on before me
"Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us."
-What person of faith and godliness can strengthen my walk? Is it a bible character?
-Is it a person from your past? I personally have about 4 or five people that have passed on to heaven that I think about that gives me strength and encouragement as I serve.
-PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I remember a lady in West Virginia that had been a great influence on me that was on her death bed. Her family called and I drove 3 hours to see her. She asked me if I could do her funeral. I responded by telling her that her pastor is out in the lobby and she should be asking him about the upcoming funeral. Her response was: "I already asked him and he said he couldn't do it without weeping." She wanted someone who would lead a celebration...I find strength from this experience.
2. I will put off that which cause me to stumble
* Let go of the UNGODLY
* Let go of the UNNECESSARY
"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. [4] No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer." 2 Tim. 2:3-4 (NIV)
In order to finish well, I need to let go of _________________________________________
3. I will ENDURE and PERSEVERE hardships and persecution until I cross the finish line.
"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Cor. 15:58 (NIV)
4. I will keep a clear and single minded focus.
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."
In order to stay single-minded through the Christmas season, I will _______________________________________
5. I will endure this life so I can see the smile of God in eternity
"I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven."
I am able to endure the present because I know someday
_______________________________________
"So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up."
