Message Notes                                                                                                 

Go Big! How to get Plugged In to God’s Dream for You

November 7, 2004

 

Ephesians 3:20 Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


1) Remember that God uses ordinary people so He gets the credit

Matthew 4:18-20 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.

 

Exodus 4:11 The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?

 

2) Look for markers along your path that point to God’s dream for you

Matthew 4:19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

 

Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

John 21:15d Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

Luke 22:34 Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

 

Galatians 2:9 James, Peter, and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.


3) Remember that God’s dream for you ultimately involves using your gifts and talents to be a part of making disciples of the nations! Everything must be run through this filter.

Matthew 4:19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

 

Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

 

4) The Jesus Factor: One huge key to the successful fulfillment of God’s dream for me is my intimate understanding of Christ and my relationship to Him.

Matthew 14:25-31 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29"Come," he said.
30Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

 

Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

 

John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.

 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Jesus Christ, This is it.  Today I'm starting a relationship with You.  I turn from living for myself to you. I ask You to forgive me for the wrong things I've done. Thank You for forgiving me so I can start to feel closer to You.  I want You to start to show me how to live.  Direct my life.  Please take over my life and guide me.  I have a lot to learn.  Would You please teach me? Help me to live for you every moment of my life. Amen.