SIMPLIFY
Rising Above- Week 3

Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)

“God’s kingdom only can be sought when it is sought first; he who does not seek God’s kingdom first does not seek it at all.”  Kierkegaard

Warning Systems for Your Life

i. When Close RELATIONSHIPS Begin to SUFFER.

2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.   Romans 12:2 (NIV)

 ”The health of this great country will not be primarily determined by what happens in the White House, but rather by what happens at your house.”  Barbara Bush

ii. When There Is a Diminished JOY.

10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”  Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)

TRUTH: The devil TARGETS and SABOTAGES your joy.

12 Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.   Psalms 51:12 (GW)

iii. When Acquiring Your Dream Requires COMPROMISE.

17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.  Galatians 5:17 (NIV)

22 The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22 (NLT)
Three Simple Principles

1. The Principle of MARGINS.

“The choice before us is plain: Christ or chaos, conviction or compromise, discipline or disintegration.” Peter Marshall

2. The Principle of PRUNING.

8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”  Psalms 32:8-9 (NLT)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.    Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

23 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Psalms 139:23-24 (AMP)

3. The Principle of SABBATH.

8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, 10 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you.       Exodus 20:8-10 (NLT)

Sabbath accomplishes three purposes:

• It restores your FAITH.
• It restores your FOCUS.
• It restores your FLAME.