Sunday Sermon 1/27/13 Vietnamese Saddleback Church Young Adult Group

Last Sunday, Lillian talked about how… - “living a life of meaning and joy is more important than being happy…”

For the past two Fridays, Andy talked about how… 1. “If you draw near to God, he will draw near to you…” 2. How to get closer to God -stay away from bad influences -don’t let materialism interfere with your relationship with God -be aware of Satan’s traps -repent you’re your sins & be baptized

Today’s Sermon Theme: Transformation

Today is Sunday, January 27 th, 2013!

27 days ago, we made New Year’s Resolutions!

Activity: Focus on one resolution Turn to a partner and share your #1 resolution.

After time, resolutions begin to fade...and we start to regress back to our old habits.

My goal today is for you to learn how “transform yourself” to accomplish your resolution.

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become…

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become words

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become words, watch your words because they become…

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become words, watch your words because they become actions

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become words, watch your words because they become actions, watch your actions because they become…

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become words, watch your words because they become actions, watch your actions because they become habits

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become words, watch your words because they become actions, watch your actions because they become habits, watch your habits because they become your…

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become words, watch your words because they become actions, watch your actions because they become habits, watch your habits because they become your character

A wise man once said… Watch your thoughts because they become words, watch your words because they become actions, watch your actions because they become habits, watch your habits because they become your character, watch your character for it becomes your destiny.

A wise man once said… Thoughts > Words > Actions > Habits > Character > Destiny

A wise man once said… Thoughts > Words > Actions > Habits > Character > Destiny

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we must take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

OUR THOUGHTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT!!! 1. Live in the context of God 2. Find a desire to change

1. Live in the context of God It’s not about you

1. Live in the context of God It’s not about you “Everyone has a destiny and no matter what doubts or questions you have, fate in some crazy way will take you wherever you’re meant to be to fulfill your purpose in this world.” – Mr. Dalin

1. Live in the context of God It’s not about you Fighting against the plan of God is pointless. He is our creator, he knows us better than we do, you are part of his master plan. “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.” Proverbs 21:30”

1. Live in the context of God It’s not about you SEEK GOD in all your decisions in life

1. Live in the context of God It’s not about you SEEK GOD in all your decisions in life "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone...” Matthew 14:22-23

1. Live in the context of God SEEK GOD in all your decisions in life Jesus understood the value of time spent in solitude Spend more time with God (prayer, reading the bible, writing down our plan + action steps, singing a worship song. Invest in your relationship "Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone...” Matthew 14:22-23

1. Live in the context of God SEEK GOD in all your decisions in life The disciples were on a boat at night, when they saw a figure approaching. They were fearful, thinking it was a spirit. The Lord spoke to them, and Peter replied, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me to come unto thee on the water." And the Lord said, "Come." Peter began to walk, and he was so conscious of the Master, so filled with expectation of getting the Lord, that he was elated. He was looking to the Author and Finisher of faith. He was not even aware that a miracle was taking place. It was a time of life and fellowship with grace. Then, a severe gust of wind came, and Peter took his eyes off the Master. He started to live by his feelings. The moment he became fearful in his emotions, he began to perish. His unbelief and fear of perishing replaced the faith of walking on the water to his Master.

Key Points Live in the context of God I must realize that life is not about me. I have a great destiny to fulfill created by God I must seek God in all my decisions. – Understand the value of solitude – Spend more time with God (prayer, reading the bible, writing down our plan + action steps, singing a worship song. Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths.

OUR THOUGHTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT!!! 1. Live in the context of God 2. Find a desire to change

DESIRE Strong desire is needed to achieve any goal and success. If you don’t truly want something, you won’t get it.

Psalms 37:4 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Delight thyself in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Philippians 4:13

DESIRE Strong desire is needed to achieve any goal and success. Many people say they want something and after a while they lose interest. Why? It is because they don’t know the real reason why they want this specific goal. Why do you want your goal? Is there urgency? Does it give you freedom? Stability? Security? Without strong, burning desire and will power, you will give up quickly, you will not persist and hence you won‘t achieve what you had in mind. Knowing exactly why you want something, helps keep the burning desire awake inside of you at all times and it will lead you to take action.

A wise man once said… Thoughts > Words > Actions > Habits > Character > Destiny

Let’s revisit your #1 resolution Has it changed? Do you have a better sense of what’s need to accomplish it?

In 2013… Let's let God transform us into the person we were meant to be. This year we can be different. If you aren’t taking the steps you need to, then start today.

Prayer Heavenly Father, I look up to you in this time of change. Allow me to have the courage to change my life for the better. Allow all my burdens to be risen up to you as I know that You will see me through. Take time for me today to help with all the trials you have set out for me and allow me the strength and energy to follow you. Help me become closer to you. Bless me with positive thoughts to fuel my desire to change. And from this day forward, be the center of my life.