FULFILLMENT

FULFILLMENT

“Quality of Life Series”

11/15/04 11/10/05

LEADER: What are you full of?

Beans? Mischief? Joy? Anger? Peace? Love? Sense of accomplishment?

What fulfills you?

If money were no object…what would you want?

Is it something you need?

It’s healthy to dream, but not covet;

To set goals and not be slothful;

To use the gifts God has given us to fulfill His will for our life;

And like Paul be fulfilled in plenty and in little.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Philippians 4:10-12

¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #1

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Fulfillment

“People want riches; they need fulfillment.”

Robert Conklin American Teacher, Author, Speaker

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #2

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Fulfillment

“My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions but in the fewness of my wants.”
J. Brotherton, Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #3

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Fulfillment

“A man should always consider how much he has more than he wants...”

Joseph Addison 1672-1719, British Essayist, Poet, Statesman

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #4

http://www.entwagon.com/cgi-bin/quotes/quotes.pl?cat=Fulfillment

“Let not your mind run on what you lack as much as on what you have already.”

Marcus Aurelius 121-80 AD, Roman Emperor, Philosopher

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “In Search of Fulfillment”

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68075&ContributorID=10687

Where Can I Find Fulfillment?
I remember being in a doctors office once, and a football game was on. One guy ran the ball and was tackled – the ball came loose on the 5 yard-line. A guy for the Jets scooped it up and ran like crazy, 95 yards for the touchdown. He was going crazy in the end zone, jumping up and down. . . until he discovered none of his teammates were celebrating. The guy who fumbled the ball, the ref had ruled, touched the ground first. Just when he thought he had success, he found out that it didn’t count.
As you look around, you’ll find people that are like that: They’ve finally got their dream, only to find out that it doesn’t count for fulfillment – it doesn’t count for satisfaction.
Someone said it like this: Many people spend their whole life climbing the ladder of success, only to find out it’s leaning against the wrong wall.”

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ordering Your Priorities for Max Fulfillment”

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687

Fans of the American Wild West will find in a Deadwood, South Dakota museum this inscription left by a beleaguered prospector:
"I lost my gun. I lost my horse. I am out of food. The Indians are after me. But I’ve got all the gold I can carry!"

LEADER: What are your priorities?

“Ordering Your Priorities for Max Fulfillment” #2

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687

Priorities are crucial. Priorities determine:
1. Your success vs. failure.
2. Your fulfillment vs. emptiness.
3. Your home in heaven vs. hell.
4. Your effectiveness vs. frustration.

HAVE SOMEONE READ:“Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #3

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687

Here are some examples about how priorities can really impact your life:
1. If you spend an average of 2 hours a day watching television, and you live to be 70, then you will have spent 5.8 years watching television.
2. In our nation, a 40-hour work week is typical. But if you decide to spend 10 hours more each week at the job, you will have spent 4.15 EXTRA years at work!
What COULD you have put those years into?
A survey was taken recently of many people who were 70 years and older. They were asked, “If you had your life to do over, what would you do differently?” Three responses dominated:
1. I would risk more.
2. I would do more things that lived on after I’m gone.
Priorities allow you to focus NOW on the things that really matter in life.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Right Priorities = Life Fulfillment” #1

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68211&ContributorID=10687

Fulfillment doesn’t come with anything that the world has to offer. Even the people that have reached the level that they were reaching for, have found that it doesn’t fulfill. For instance,
Roman emperor Septimius, said, "I have been everything, and it is worth nothing.”
There’s a guy who was one of the most powerful men and wealthy men on the planet, and it didn’t satisfy. But it’s not just men from 2,000 or 3,000 years ago.
Patricia Bosworth, in her biography of actor Marlon Brando, recalls this quote from Brando: "I’m a balding, middle-aged failure. I’ve tried everything. . . .(sleeping around), drinking, working. None of them mean anything."
I know that’s not the way you want your life to turn out. Everyone wants to have significance. Everyone wants to matter, and wants to make a difference with their life.
The CEO of Apple Computers looked at the guy who was President of Coca Cola, and said, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?”
The guy from Coca-Cola signed up to change the world.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Essentials of Spiritual Fulfillment”

By Donnie Martin EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=60912&ContributorID=7699

One of man’s innate desires is that of fulfillment. However, fulfillment means different things to different people. To some, fulfillment might mean accomplishing some dangerous or heroic feat. To others, fulfillment means acquiring large sums of money, or attaining an elevated social status. What fulfills one may not fulfill another.
What does fulfillment really mean? Basically the word refers to a condition of satisfaction. But though people are constantly in pursuit of satisfaction, it would seem to allude many of our day. Mick Jagger, lead singer for the Rolling Stones, made popular the song, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction,” in which he laments the frustration of unattained fulfillment.
In spite of all the affluence that our world enjoys today, many people are still dissatisfied with life. But then, real satisfaction and fulfillment isn’t found in material gains, climbing the social ladder or experiencing the next thrill. True satisfaction—true fulfillment is found only in Christ.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Romans 12:2

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Essentials of Spiritual Fulfillment” #2

By Donnie Martin EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=60912&ContributorID=7699

One of the goals of every Christian’s life should be to conform to the image of Christ:
On a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait with the following inscription: “James Butler Bonham—no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom.”
No literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the Son who makes us free can be seen in the lives of His true followers.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Colossians 2:7-10

⁶ Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
⁷ having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. ⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. ⁹ For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, ¹⁰ and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Single Satisfaction” Our Daily Bread 10/06/95

http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/odb/odb-10-06-95.shtml

A friend of mine, Elizabeth-Ann, is in her sixties, single, and radiantly contented. "But how is that possible?" she is often asked. To answer this question she wrote a book titled Complete As One, which is based on Colossians 2:10. She recalls being challenged years ago by a comment about a friend: "You know what I appreciate about June? She's so satisfied with Christ."

That phrase, "satisfied with Christ," left a profound impact on Elizabeth-Ann. She was 21 at the time and had been converted 3 years earlier. Her friends were getting engaged and married, and she was happy for them. But she was hearing comments like, "Have you seen how radiant Mary is?" and "I've never seen John so happy." This set her to thinking: These friends are Christians. Certainly it is appropriate for them to radiate happiness, but why do they have to get a partner before they experience the joy and fulfillment Christians should have? So she began praying, "Lord, I don't want to marry until I have learned to be satisfied with You."

Even though Elizabeth-Ann is still single, she believes that God has answered her prayer. She is rooted and built up in Christ. And that's the key to completeness--whether married or single. (JEY)

The world is filled with so much good
That brings us joy and pleasure,
But Christ can fill our lives with joy
Above all earthly treasure. --Sper

For lasting satisfaction, put God's will first.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Facing Loneliness” Our Daily Bread 1/21/04

http://higherpraise.com/illustrations/fulfillment.htm

In his book Facing Loneliness, J. Oswald Sanders writes, "The round of pleasure or the amassing of wealth are but vain attempts to escape from the persistent ache...The millionaire is usually a lonely man and the comedian is often more unhappy than his audience."

Sanders goes on to emphasize that being successful often fails to produce satisfaction. Then he refers to Henry Martyn, a distinguished scholar, as an example. Martyn, a Cambridge University student, was honored at only 20 years of age for his achievements in mathematics. In fact, he was given the highest recognition possible in that field. And yet he felt an emptiness inside. He said that instead of finding fulfillment in his achievements, he had "only grasped a shadow." After evaluating his life's goals, Martyn sailed to India as a missionary at the age of 24. When he arrived, he prayed, "Lord, let me burn out for You." In the next 7 years that preceded his death, he translated the New Testament into three difficult Eastern languages. These notable achievements were certainly not passing "shadows."

LEADER: How about fulfillment in your work?

READ: “Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #1

By Ray Ellis EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=49902&ContributorID=7303

How much do you value your work? Are you bored by what you do? Do you believe that God cares about your work? According to God’s Word, Your work does matter to God.
Do you work to…
· To find self-fulfillment?
· To meet goals you have set in life?
· To become successful?
For the Christian, success is, knowing the will of God and doing it.

Work brings frustration when it has no dynamic purpose.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #2

By Ray Ellis EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=49902&ContributorID=7303
Two men were working in the country to install telephone lines. One said, “I’m putting up poles and lines to get paid.” The other man said, “I’m helping to connect the world with a communication system.” The second man saw a vital purpose to his work.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #3

By Ray Ellis EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=49902&ContributorID=7303
Two carpenters are working side by side. One says, “I’m pounding nails into boards to earn my pay check.” The other man says, “I’m doing my part to build a great Cathedral.” The second man believed he was part of a project that had a great purpose and would help many people.

LEADER: “Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #4

By Ray Ellis EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=49902&ContributorID=7303

Work brings frustration when work is divided into two categories, secular and sacred.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #5

By Ray Ellis EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=49902&ContributorID=7303

The Biblical view of work is that all work – all work that is good for the community and helps people and makes the world a better place to live – is blessed of God. God’s blessing is not on the prostitute, drug pusher or professional thief. Most work in of it self is not evil.
To divide work into either sacred or secular brings frustration. God’s blessing is on all work that does not violate the teachings of scripture.
Scriptures do not teach a division between sacred and secular. I Peter 2:9-10 says, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

LEADER: “Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #6

By Ray Ellis EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=49902&ContributorID=7303

Peter is saying, that whether you are a merchant, a servant, or a shepherd, you are part of a royal priesthood. Where you are a teacher, truck driver, engineer, salesperson, pastor, evangelist, or missionary, you are all part of the priesthood of God. All are priests through Jesus Christ. All are in equal standing before God.
It is God’s will for everyone to find fulfillment in their work.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: 1 Corinthians 15:58
⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Psalm 90:17

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Colossians 3:17

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Colossians 3:23²³ Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

LEADER: Remember who your boss is…

READ: “Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #1

By Ray Ellis EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=49902&ContributorID=7303

Regardless of you line of work you find ultimate fulfillment when you work to please Jesus. If your work is really an extensions of God’ work, then it must be done in God’s way. With dignity and responsibility. Your work is primarily a opportunity to do ministry and is your opportunity to give your best to your work. When you realize your work is in partnership with the Lord and Jesus is your boss, you don’t get bored with your work, you find it exciting, challenging, and fulfilling.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Ephesians 6:7-8
⁷ With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
⁸ knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

LEADER: Do you compare your work/time spent/rewards to others or do you do your best without grumbling?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Matthew 20:1-16 (ALL TURN TO)
¹ "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. ² "When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. ³ "And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the market place; ⁴ and to those he said, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' And so they went. ⁵ "Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did the same thing. ⁶ "And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day long?'
⁷ "They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.' He said to them, 'You go into the vineyard too.' ⁸ "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last group to the first.' ⁹ "When those hired about the eleventh hour came, each one received a denarius. ¹⁰ "When those hired first came, they thought that they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. ¹¹ "When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, ¹² saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.' ¹³ "But he answered and said to one of them, ' Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? ¹⁴ 'Take what is yours and go, but I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. ¹⁵ 'Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?' ¹⁶ "So the last shall be first, and the first last."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Search for Fulfillment” By Carl Kolb EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=65587&ContributorID=10915

My wife and I have some friends named Bob & Sara. (names changed)
They are multimillionaires. They weren’t always millionaires. In fact, they grew up on the south side of town; the poorest part of the city. Bob determined at an early age that living in poverty wasn’t for him and he was going to do something about it. So he went to school and earned a PhD in psychology. Almost immediately after graduation he became a professor at a prominent university. He also started a company with two other men that specialized in "honesty" testing for employers to administer to prospective employees. As a matter of fact, Bob wrote the very first test ever used for this purpose.
Life was good for Bob. He was an influential professor, he owned a prosperous company; he was in demand by lots of other organizations because of his innovative work in the field of "honesty" testing. But something was lacking in Bob’s life. One day he said to me, "Even though life was busy and I could have had anything I wanted, something was missing. I was looking for something, but didn’t know what exactly I was looking for. The big house, the manicured yard, the Mercedes, the Rolex watch, all the material things I accumulated didn’t fill the void in my life. I was often the center of attention, and I was the center of attention in my own life. But something was still missing. I remained unfulfilled."

LEADER: This story reminds me of my own emptiness before I found the Lord. I had a beautiful home, everything a man could want by the world’s standards. A wonderful wife and daughter, friends, successful business…and was miserable…totally empty.

LEADER: “The Search for Fulfillment” #2 EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=65587&ContributorID=10915

By the way… Today, both Bob and Sara are dedicated, committed Christians.
Bob is a deacon; Sara is involved in the Christian Women’s Organization. After years of searching for fulfillment they finally found what they were looking for. They realized that it was at Christ’s expense that they were able to experience real and lasting fulfillment in their lives. They surrendered their right to themselves and gave their lives to Christ.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “The Search for Fulfillment” #2 EXCERPT

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=65587&ContributorID=10915

The fact is that our culture would have us believe that we can find fulfillment through a variety of means.
You can find fulfillment through relationships, through your children, through your job, through your charity work, through your material possessions, through your hobbies - through just about anything if you devote yourself completely to the object of your desire.
God says there is danger in searching for fulfillment in the things you create. There’s danger because these things can easily become your idols.
And the most dangerous kind of idol simply because we don’t look at it as an idol, is SELF

You might ask how it’s possible for "self" to become our idol. It’s because our sin nature is full of self.
When we look for fulfillment in what we do or what we own we have made ourselves our own idol, because we boast with an attitude that says, "Look what I have done."

And you take your eyes off of the only true source of fulfillment – God

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Eclessiastes 12:1

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them":

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.”

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Hebrews 13:5

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"

LEADER: “Ordering Your Priorities for Max Fulfillment” #4

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687

How many of you want to do something with your life that LASTS? Well, here’s a great place to start:
Ecclesiastes 3:14 “I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever.”
If you want your life to be lived for something that LASTS, you’ve got to live it for the things that God wants you to live for! In other words, you’ve got two options:
I live for my priorities: MY LEGACY ENDS WHEN I DIE.

I live for God’s priorities: MY LEGACY IS FOREVER.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: 1 Timothy 6:7-8
⁷ For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. ⁸ If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

LEADER: “Right Priorities = Life Fulfillment” #2

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68211&ContributorID=10687

We need to ask ourselves:

1. If I had only one month to live, how would my life change?
2. How is that different from how I’m living now?
3. What priorities does my life reflect today?

Someone said, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.”

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Right Priorities = Life Fulfillment” #3

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68211&ContributorID=10687

A lot of people don’t realize that God wants to be a priority in their EVERYDAY life! They think God wants them to come to church on Sunday, drop a few bucks in the offering, shake hands with the preacher and go home, and that’s it. They think that’s the foundation of fulfillment.
They don’t realize that God wants to give you fulfillment in every part and every day of your life!
This Scripture talks about keeping his commandments. Did you know there are commandments of Gods that help you find fulfillment in:
- Your marriage. (How you treat your spouse.)
- Your raising your kids. (How to do it so that they don’t grow up and break your heart!)
- Your friendships. (How to treat people and be a real friend.)
- Your money. (How to be successful in handling it well.)
His commands tell you all that you need to know to find fulfillment – - IF
- IF You’ll put him first.
That’s the foundation of real fulfillment!

LEADER: First…we must make time for God.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #5

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, Ecclesiastes 3:11
If you want to be fulfilled, you’ve got to turn first to the one who “put eternity in your heart”. When he made you, he made you to be fulfilled by himself, and nothing else.
There’s nothing else in this world that deserves the priority God deserves in your life! Nothing. Period.

LEADER: We must take time for relationships.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “How Are Your Relationships”

By Lynn Anderson EXCERPT

http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200205/20020508_jesus2.html

As the old saying goes,

To live above with those we love,
0, how that will be glory.
But to live below with those we know,
Is quite a different story.

We come into the world in families. Then we must fit into society, schools, and other organizations. And as Stephen Covey says, “We must interact with others for success to come to us in any personally effective way.” Covey cites a study conducted by the Carnegie Institute that found that 60 to 80 percent of job dismissals in the business industry are caused by social problems, and only 20 to 40 percent are due to technical incompetence. In other words, most firings were because of relationship trouble. This study showed that in the field of engineering, only 15 percent of one’s success is due to technical knowledge; the other 85 percent is due to one’s ability to get along with other people.’

What does all this mean? It means that not merely your success, but also your personal fulfillment — maybe even your survival — depend on your ability to manage and nurture healthy relationships.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #6

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687

There are basically three human relationships in life you’ve got to put priority on.
1. Your husband/wife.
2. Your kids.

2. Other Christian friends.
Here are three tips about how you can make those relationships a priority.
1. Let your wife/husband know you’re thankful for them daily. Spend 5 minutes at the beginning of each day thinking of one way to please him/her that day.
2. Don’t let the TV babysit the kids all evening. Did you know how important God considers taking care of your kids? He considers it as one of your TOP priorities. I’ve heard people talk about their job like it was more important than their kids.
3. Spend time with Christian friends - both inside and outside church. Most churches have a Wed. night service that is great for building relationships. I’m sure you can name several opportunities for Christian fellowship. After a meeting instead of rushing off…try just standing around and chatting for a while. Try being there for someone. Find a need and be a friend.

LEADER: We must take time for work. We discussed work earlier in the lesson.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Ecclesiastes 9:10a

¹⁰ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;

LEADER: We must take time for personal growth.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Ecclesiastes 10:10

If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.

LEADER: “Ordering Your Priorities for Max Fulfillment” #7

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687
You need to grow (sharpen the ax) in three ways:
1. SPIRITUALLY. God created you with something more than just a body and a mind. He created you with a spirit that will live on after your body is in the ground! God wants you to grow that part of you. . . there are several ways to do that:
- Going to church.
- Reading your Bible daily, and obeying.
- Praying daily.
- Sharing with others what God’s done for you.
2. MENTALLY. Keeping your mind sharp, filling it with the right kind of things, is a great way to honor God by growing the great mind that he gave you!
3. PHYSICALLY. God calls you to keep yourself in good shape. A lot of people don’t know that. . . they think that being a Christian is just about coming to church. But being a Christian, and putting God and his opinion as a priority in your life touches EVERYTHING!
God says he doesn’t want us to be gluttons – eating too much.
God says he doesn’t want us defiling the temple of God (your body) – drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.
God says bodily exercise profits a little. In other words, it’s not everything, but it does help!

LEADER: We must take time for ministry.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #8

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687

I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, Ecclesiastes 3:12
Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.

Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
You know, God made you to give out, not just take in! When people take time for ministry, they’re doing one of the things God created them for.

LEADER: We must take time to relax.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

¹⁸ Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward.
¹⁹ Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #9

By Darrell Stetler II EXCERPTS

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon.asp?SermonID=68369&ContributorID=10687
God made us to relax sometimes.
There was a preacher who never took a vacation. When he was older, he had a nervous breakdown. He was basically out of it for several months. He sat down and added it up, and the time that it had cost him was the same as if he’d taken two weeks vacation every year, just to relax.
It’s true – you’ve got to have time to relax.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Matthew 5:48

Be perfect . . . as your heavenly Father is perfect.

LEADER: “Imperfect” By D.D. Emmons

http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?start_pos=1&item_id=178727

I have bad news, and I have good news. The bad news is that I am imperfect, a sinner. The good news is that I am less imperfect than I once was. As a young man I lived a very imperfect life. Everything I did was for my enjoyment and gratification. I had no interest in imitating Jesus Christ or living in his presence. To me, following him would cramp my style, slow my career advancement, and interfere with reaching financial security. I thought there would be plenty of time later in life to deal with issues of faith. I had no clue that Christ is the source of everything. I spent half my life seeking fame and riches, but finally discovered that these provide only moments of fleeting fulfillment.

I know now that God alone provides true, lasting fulfillment. At this point in life, when I should be spiritually attuned and humbly anchored in God's presence, I am only beginning the process. Yet I am finding that despite my imperfections, God doesn't turn from me. God doesn't deny me forgiveness or unconditional love. Each and every day of my life is now focused on reconciling myself to God, who has become the longing of my life. If only I had started sooner!

HAVE SOMEONE READ: John 10:10

¹⁰ "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

LEADER: It’s not too late to get in on living life abundantly. We have choices to make….what will we be full of today, tomorrow and forever? Hope it’s not beans!

Only one life to live…let us live it for Christ.

COMMENTS IF TIME:

STOP AT 10 TILL FOR

PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES:

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Philippians 4:10-12

QUOTE #1

“People want riches; they need fulfillment.”

Robert Conklin American Teacher, Author, Speaker

QUOTE #2

“My riches consist not in the extent of my possessions but in the fewness of my wants.”
J. Brotherton, Author

QUOTE #3

“A man should always consider how much he has more than he wants...”

Joseph Addison 1672-1719, British Essayist, Poet, Statesman

QUOTE #4

“Let not your mind run on what you lack as much as on what you have already.”

Marcus Aurelius 121-80 AD, Roman Emperor, Philosopher

“In Search of Fulfillment”

“Ordering Your Priorities for Max Fulfillment”

“Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #3

“Right Priorities = Life Fulfillment” #1

“The Essentials of Spiritual Fulfillment”

Romans 12:2

“The Essentials of Spiritual Fulfillment” #2

Colossians 2:7-10

“Single Satisfaction”

Even though Elizabeth-Ann is still single, she believes that God has answered her prayer. She is rooted and built up in Christ. And that's the key to completeness--whether married or single. (JEY)

The world is filled with so much good
That brings us joy and pleasure,
But Christ can fill our lives with joy
Above all earthly treasure. --Sper

For lasting satisfaction, put God's will first.

“Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #2

Two men were working in the country to install telephone lines. One said, “I’m putting up poles and lines to get paid.” The other man said, “I’m helping to connect the world with a communication system.” The second man saw a vital purpose to his work.

“Facing Loneliness”

“Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #3

Two carpenters are working side by side. One says, “I’m pounding nails into boards to earn my pay check.” The other man says, “I’m doing my part to build a great Cathedral.” The second man believed he was part of a project that had a great purpose and would help many people.

“Work: Frustration or Fulfillment” #5

1 Corinthians 15:58

Psalm 90:17

Colossians 3:17

Colossians 3:23

Ephesians 6:7-8

Matthew 20:1-16

“The Search for Fulfillment”

“The Search for Fulfillment” #2

And you take your eyes off of the only true source of fulfillment – God

Eclessiastes 12:1

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Hebrews 13:5

1 Timothy 6:7-8

“Right Priorities = Life Fulfillment” #3

“Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #5

“How Are Your Relationships”

As the old saying goes,

To live above with those we love,
0, how that will be glory.
But to live below with those we know,
Is quite a different story.

What does all this mean? It means that not merely your success, but also your personal fulfillment — maybe even your survival — depend on your ability to manage and nurture healthy relationships.

“Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #6

There are basically three human relationships in life you’ve got to put priority on.
1. Your husband/wife.
2. Your kids.

3. Other Christian friends.
Here are three tips about how you can make those relationships a priority.
1. Let your wife/husband know you’re thankful for them daily. Spend 5 minutes at the beginning of each day thinking of one way to please him/her that day.
2. Don’t let the TV babysit the kids all evening. Did you know how important God considers taking care of your kids? He considers it as one of your TOP priorities. I’ve heard people talk about their job like it was more important than their kids.
3. Spend time with Christian friends - both inside and outside church. Most churches have a Wed. night service that is great for building relationships. I’m sure you can name several opportunities for Christian fellowship. After a meeting instead of rushing off…try just standing around and chatting for a while. Try being there for someone. Find a need and be a friend.

Ecclesiastes 9:10a

Ecclesiastes 10:10

“Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #8

I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, Ecclesiastes 3:12
Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

“Ordering Your Priorities - Max Fulfillment” #9

God made us to relax sometimes.
There was a preacher who never took a vacation. When he was older, he had a nervous breakdown. He was basically out of it for several months. He sat down and added it up, and the time that it had cost him was the same as if he’d taken two weeks vacation every year, just to relax.
It’s true – you’ve got to have time to relax.

Matthew 5:48

John 10:10