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      • Part 1- Better Vision

      Resource Details

      Better Vision

      Andy Wood | January 8, 2023

      So often, in the beginning of the new year, we have a vision of what it means to have the best year ever. But this idealization of what life could be can prevent us from stepping into what God truly has for us. This weekend, Pastor Andy Wood shares why it’s important to pursue a better year instead of a perfect one and the ways we can do that.

      Message Action Plan

      Talk It Over

      Diving Deeper

      Message Action Plan

      Scripture to Read:

      Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
      Philippians 3:12–14 (NIV)

      Key Points:

      Best Vs. Better
      IS ABOUT PERFECTIONIS ABOUT PROGRESS
      IS DEMORALIZINGIS INSPIRING
      IS FOR A FEWIS FOR EVERYONE
      IS RARELY ATTAINABLEIS ALWAYS DOABLE


      But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:7–8 (NIV)


      I will choose …

      1. The DEEPER "WHY" over the SURFACE MOTIVATION.

      Reflection Question:WHY does this MATTER TO ME?

      ACTION PLAN: Draw out a chart with three columns. In the first column, write out a few of your goals. In the second column, write about the deeper motivation is behind your goals. In the third column, write out what God may do in you and through you if you achieved these goals.

      2. The VITAL FEW over the TRIVIAL MANY.

      Reflection Question:What ONE THING, if it were better, would make everything better?

      ACTION PLAN: Spend a few minutes each day this week praying and listening for what areas of your life the Spirit of God is convicting you to make changes. Write down these areas (ideally 2 or 3) and set ONE achievable growth goal!

      3. The DOABLE GAINS over the ILLUSIVE GAP.

      Reflection Question:Where can you make PROGRESS over the next three months?


      4. The BRIGHTER FUTURE over the UNCHANGEABLE PAST.

      The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.                                              Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

      Reflection Question:How does your view of the FUTURE shift knowing GOD GOES BEFORE YOU?

      ACTION PLAN: Make an effort to go somewhere beautiful this week. Sit and reflect on how God helped you make progress in different areas of your life. Bring a journal to write these areas down and, when done, spend time celebrating and thanking God for His goodness and provision, looking forward into the future.

      Never Walk Alone

      By Hillsong Worship


      Every hour, every minute
      You have always been there
      You are faithful and you always will be

      In every triumph, every failure
      You are loyal to me
      You are faithful, and you always will be

      I have never walked alone
      I've never been abandoned
      You are my inheritance
      You are my strength and shield

      And I have confidence
      You go before me
      You're my deliverer
      I know I never walk alone


      Weekly Action Steps
      Check in on your spiritual health: http://www.saddleback.com/healthassessment
      We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or email newstart@saddleback.com for free spiritual resources.
      We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him. Because of your faithful generosity, we have been able to provide food and supplies to over 600,000 people in Southern California during this COVID crisis. Give at saddleback.com/give.
      We meet in small groups to discuss what we have heard. To join a group, text SMALLGROUP to 83000, visit our website at www.saddleback.com/joingroup, or emailsmallgroup@saddleback.com.
      Listen to our "Doable Discipleship" and "The Well" podcasts from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn.


      More from this series

      Talk It Over

      Discussion Guide

      Additional Resources

      Doable Discipleship Podcast

      If you're interested in learning about spiritual growth topics and tools, check out Saddleback's Doable Discipleship podcast. Episodes release every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app and on YouTube.

      Download
      Download

      More from this series

      Better
      January 8 - January 29, 2023
      • Better Priorities
        January 29, 2023
      • Better Mindsets
        January 22, 2023
      • Better Habits
        January 15, 2023
      • Better Vision
        January 8, 2023
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