More From the Southeaster Leadership Conference: Day 2
Jon Sterns, pastor of Franklin, Tennessee Vineyard Spoke about the Cycles of Seasons.
We all go through season and times of growth as we move through life. Times where we face new challenges and maybe even new directions in where God is taking us. During these seasons, there is a cycle we go through that has four parts.
1.) Cycle of renewal - we have zeal and passion for this new thing that God is doing in us. We are excited and the possibilities are endless as to what God might do.
2.) Cycle of reality- We are met with life's counter punch to this new season. Not that it's all bad, but reality comes and separates what is from God and what is simply our own strength and miss understanding.
3.) Cycle of reality stinks- We begin to bog down and loose momentum in this season. We loose focus and began to question why we are doing what we doing.
4.) Cycle of moving forward or getting stuck - At this point, we began to deconstruct life because it is no longer working for us.
So to put it in a nutshell, Cycle #1 - Go for it! all excited. Cycle #2 - doldrums...the new has worn off. Cycle #3 - cocooning. We close the door and stay home. Cycle #4- Getting ready for the next season.
So what is the answer to the cycle problem?
# 1 - Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your hearts for it is the wellspring of life.
Or, guard your heart because everything you do flows from it. Keep all vigilance and determine to not let every thought meander and grow in the heart.
#2 - Guard and possess what God is entrusting to you. Numbers 13:30- We should go up and take possession of the land,for we can certainly do it.
This was Caleb's response to the others who were to terrified to take what God has given to them. Caleb was all about getting on with this journey and not let fear stop the momentum God had given to the people.
During these cycles, we have to be aware of "voices" that will come to our minds and hearts and speak to us. This really hit home with me as I struggle at times with these thoughts and voices that seem to want to derail what God is doing.
Jon listed 10 voices not to listen to:
1.) The voice that tells you, "you have limited financial and physical resources."
If God has called you into a new season, a new place or a new work that he desires to bring through you. Then he will finance it and he will provide what you need.
2.) Voice of comparison - Causes you to look at others and how well they are doing as opposed to your own screw ups and miss steps. In fact, Jon said that comparison was a sin. Dude! I so needed to hear this one. I find myself looking to others and their success and measuring myself by it. As the Bible so plainly states, "STOP IT!".
3.) Past Failures- Keeps you tied to the past. Even when you have repented and confessed and received forgiveness, the enemy likes to remind us of what a failure we are. don't buy into this one.
4.) Public Opinion- False Belief #2 - I really, really need the approval of others to even feel good about myself. When I don't get that approval....I go into a tailspin.
I will continue this posting tomorrow....Keep you guessing, o.k.?
Have a great Saturday!
God on you....
mb
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