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Dear Saddleback Family, 

Use the Message Action Plan below to help put the things you learned this weekend into practice. If you missed last weekend's message, click here to watch it online.

 IGNORING THE NAYSAYERS
A Toolbox for Life: 8 Skills You Need To Succeed - Pt.1
Rick Warren
Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2015

"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is neededbut SKILL will bring SUCCESS." Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NIV)

NAYSAYER: "A person who says something won't work or isn't possible; a cynic who habitually expresses pessimistic views."

4 NAYSAYERS DAVID FACED BEFORE GOLIATH
1 Samuel 17:1-52

1. HIS DAD HELD HIM BACK - DELAY
   
   "Now David was the youngest of Jesse's eight sons . . . His three older brothers enlisted in Saul's army . . . but David washeld back to care for the sheep in Bethlehem."    1 Samuel 17:12-15
2. EVERYBODY ELSE WAS AFRAID - DISCOURAGEMENT
   
   "Each day Goliath would stand and shout at the ranks of Israel's army, 'Why do you come out here and line up for battle? . . . Choose one man to fight me. If he's able to kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I kill him, you'll become our subjects and serve us.' Day after day Goliath taunted them saying 'This day I defy the ranks of Israel!' When Saul and the Israelites heard this, everyone was deeply shaken and paralyzed with fear." 1 Samuel 17:8-11
   
   "For forty days, twice a day, morning and evening, the Philistine giant loudly berated the Israelite army."1 Samuel 17:16 
   
   "As David talked with his brothers on the front line, he saw Goliath start shouting his usual threats to Israel's army. When the army heard Goliath, they all ran away in terror."  1 Samuel 17:23-24
3. HIS BROTHER QUESTIONED HIS MOTIVES - DISAPPROVAL
   
   "David asked, 'What's the reward for killing this Philistine and ending this disgraceful abuse?' . . . When David's older brother heard this he burned with anger at David and said 'Why are YOU even here anyway? Why aren't you taking care of your scrawny little flock of sheep? You cocky little brat. I know how conceited you are!' 'Now what have I done?' said David. 'Can't I even ask a question?' "  1 Samuel 17:26-29
4. THE EXPERTS DOUBTED HIS ABILITY - DOUBT
   
   " 'Don't worry about a thing,' David told the King, 'I'll fight this Philistine!' 'Don't be ridiculous!' Saul replied. 'There's no way YOU can go against this Philistine! You're only a boy, and he's been a professional warrior all his life!' "    1 Samuel 17:32-33

HOW TO DEFEAT NAYSAYERS IN YOUR LIFE

1. REMEMBER THEY ARE NOT GOD 
   
   "The fear of human opinion disables; but trusting in God protects you from that." Proverbs 29:25 (Mes)
   
   "It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you ..." Proverbs 29:25 (TEV) 
   
   "Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty. He alone is theHoly One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else."  Isaiah 8:13 (NLT)
   
   ACTION PLAN:  This week during your quiet time, examine your motives to see if you are motivated by the approval of others or the approval of God.  Ask God to reveal to you who you may need to stop hanging around because of their constant negativity and undue influence on you.  If you struggle in this area, make an effort to memorize Isaiah 8:13. 
   
   

   Who I am allowing to play God in my life?

2. DON'T GET DISTRACTED
   
   Nehemiah: "So I replied by sending this message to them: 'I am 
   doing a great work! I cannot stop to come and meet with you.' 
   Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the 
   same reply." Nehemiah 6:3-4 (NLT)
   
   Jesus: "Don't be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be
   out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are."Matthew 10:26 (Mes)
   
   ACTION PLAN:  Make a list of all the worldly things you do that are not important to your family or your career.  Make a list of all the godly things you do that bring you closer to your Lord and Savior.  Which is longer?  If God is second, then start reducing your worldly list.
3. NEVER ATTACK BACK
   
   "It is foolish to speak scornfully of others. If you are smart, you 
   will keep quiet." Proverbs 11:12 (TEV) 
   
   "When they hurled their insults at Jesus, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)
   
   ACTION PLAN:  Identify a time recently that you responded without thinking when attacked.  Make a plan and resolve to remain silent next time.  "You are most like Jesus when you remain silent under attack." 
4. STAY FOCUSED ON GOD & HIS PROMISES
   
   ". . . bitter people spoke against David and talked of stoning him, but David found strength in the Lord."   
   1 Samuel 30:6 
   
   "The Lord is for me, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Psalm 118:6 (NLT)
   
   "Show me how much you love me, Lord, and save me according to your promise. Then I can answer those who insult me because I trust in your word." Psalm 119:41-42 (TEV )
   
   David: "I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart . . ." Psalm 119:11a (Mes)
   
   ACTION PLAN:  During your quiet time this week, repeat Psalm 118:6 (above) several times.  Memorize it and share it with your small group during your next meeting.