"There is a right time and a right way to do everything, but we know so little!" Eccl. 8:6 (TEV)
WHEN SHOULD I MOVE FAST THIS YEAR?
1. When GOD TELLS ME TO DO SOMETHING
Jesus said to them, "Come follow me . . ." So, Simon and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed him." Mark 1:17-18 (NCV)
"Without delay, I hurry to obey your command." Ps. 119:60 (TEV)
2. WHEN I NEED TO ASK OR OFFER FORGIVENESS
"If you are giving an offering at worship and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your offering and go immediately to that person and be reconciled. Then you can come back to worship and offer your gift." Matt. 5:23-24
3. WHEN I FEEL TEMPTED
"Run away from all evil things . . ." 1 Tim. 6:11 (NLT)
"Run away from the worship of idols . . ." 1 Cor. 10:14 (NCV)
"Run away from sexual sin . . ." 1 Cor. 6:18 (NLT)
4. When I'VE made A PROMISE TO GOD
"When you make a promise to God, keep it as quickly as possible. He isn't happy with foolish people. Do what you promised to do!" Eccl. 5:4 (TEV)
5. WHEN I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO GOOD
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, while it is in your power to act!" Prov. 3:27 (NIV)
Jesus: "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the Father who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end." John 9:4 (NLT)
6. When GOD OFFERS ME SALVATION
"God is ready to help you RIGHT NOW!Today is the day of salvation!" 2 Cor. 6:2 (NLT)
Action Plan: Which of these areas above do you need to focus on this week? If one jumps out, make a plan for yourself on how to move quickly.
WHEN SHOULD I MOVE SLOWLY THIS YEAR?
"It's smart to be patient." Prov. 14:29 (CEV)
1. WHEN I DON'T HAVE ALL THE FACTS
"Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way." Prov. 19:2 (NLT)
"To decide before knowing the facts is shameful and stupid." Prov.18:13 (LB)
2. WHEN I'M HURT OR ANGRY
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19 (NIV)
"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered makes foolish mistakes." Prov. 14:29
3. WHEN MAKING A MAJOR DECISION
"Wicked people bluff their way (through life) but God's people think before they take a step." Prov. 21:29 (CEV)
"Ponder the path of your feet, then all your ways will be sure." Prov. 4:26 (ESV)
"Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later." Prov. 22:3 (TEV)
4. WHEN WAITING FOR A SEED I'VE PLANTED TO GROW
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven . . . A time to plant and a time to harvest . . . a time to scatter and a time to gather . . ." Eccl. 3:1-5
"Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which ones will Grow – perhaps they all will!" Eccl. 11:6 (LB)
God says "At the time I have decided, my words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting – it will happen!" Habakkuk 2:3 (CEV)
Action Plan: Which of these areas above do you need to focus on this week? If one jumps out, make a plan for yourself on how to move slowly.
A PRAYER
"May God keep us centered and devoted to him, following the life path he has cleared, watching the signposts, and walking at the pace and rhythms he laid down for our ancestors." 1 Kings 8:58 (Mes)
Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship continues a series on the parables of Jesus. This week dives deep into the parable of the Prodigal Son. New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen, click here
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over, click here.
