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"Do not grow weary & faint in acting nobly ..." Gal 6:9

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Overcome the Craziness of Summer

June 13, 2013

Danny Mequet, Small Groups Pastor, dmequet@churchoftheking.com

Growing up, the sound of the ice cream truck and no school meant the official start of summer vacation!  It isn’t the same now as an adult, but the craziness of summertime can still creep in.  Somehow routine evaporates in the summer heat and instead of living life focused on God’s purpose, I succumb to reaction mode.

 

Remember those New Year’s goals?  If you’re like me, you probably set some goals this January. The beginning of summer is the perfect time to review and renew our goals! The apostle Paul understood the importance of being focused on the eternal prize.

 

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do        it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.  I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NLT

 

Successful leaders remain focused on their God-given goals and live out the plan to reach them.

 

1.   Listen:  Pay attention with intention

Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”  1 Samuel 3:7-8 NLT

Samuel had never heard from God but responded to the call because it was a familiar voice.  It’s important to recognize and listen to God’s voice, to make Him first in your life, and obey when He calls.

2.   Obey:  Do what God tells you to do

Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy.  So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed.   1 Samuel 3:8-9

When God speaks you need to obey, even if you do not understand the “why” behind what God is speaking.

3.   Vision:  Leaders bring others on the journey

So Samuel told Eli everything; he didn’t hold anything back. “It is the Lord’s will,” Eli replied. “Let him do what he thinks best.”  1 Samuel 3:18

Clearly communicate your vision with key people in your life so they will follow you and pursue God.

 

Think about it…

Who am I leading to God?
How am I doing?
Am I equipped with the right tools?

 

Prayer point…

Ask God to direct and equip you for your God-given goals. Pray for those He wants you to bring along on the journey.

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Pray It Forward

June 5, 2013

A Small Group Leader’s #1 Priority

Danny Mequet | dmequet@churchoftheking.com

 

I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!    Psalm 116:1-2  (NLT)

 

If I told you that you could quadruple your impact on people by making a simple adjustment to your priorities, would you do it?  “Leaders with a strong prayer life have groups, that on average have more than four times the evangelistic impact as groups led by leaders with a weak prayer life.”  – Jim Egli

 

Research has actually shown that preparation for a small group does not have nearly the impact that prayer does. Apparently, our dependence on God is more important than our dependence on ourselves! This means the #1 priority of a small group leader should be to develop a consistent time of connecting with God.

 

Why does the prayer life of a small group leader make such an impact on people? John 15:5 gives us the answer.

 

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

 

When we live connected to Jesus, we have the source of true life flowing through us. Jesus as our source empowers us with the ability to share true life with others.  We become equipped to speak into other’s lives, affecting their everyday reality, and their lives for eternity.

 

Think about it…

  • How are you personally connected with Jesus?
    • Identify ways in which you will develop an even deeper connection with Jesus.
    • How will your growing relationship with Jesus impact others?

 

Prayer point: 

God, I know you hear my voice in prayer and I ask you to grow a desire in me to continually pray.

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