Message Action Plan
Talk It OverChoosing Better Priorities:
- Is not about right versus wrong 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT), Proverbs 15:17 (NLT)
- Is about order and timing Mark 1:35 (NIV), Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
- Is about my definition of success
My definition of success will determine what I prioritize and where I compromise.
How am I currently defining success?
The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus' mother told him, "They have no more wine."
"Dear woman, that's not our problem," Jesus replied, "My time has not yet come." But his mother told the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
John 2:1–5 (NLT)
Focus on the Four "Fors" of Priorities:
- Foremost: What is God saying?
God speaks through: the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the people of God.
Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the jars with water."
John 2:6–7a (NLT)
ACTION PLAN: Hearing God takes time. This week, set aside 5 minutes first thing in your day's schedule. If that is during your quiet time already, simply add 5 minutes to your usual time. Sit quietly for the 5 minutes and ask God to speak with you. If you hear nothing, don't worry, just keep up this rhythm and see what God does with it!
- For me: Does it have my name on it?
When the jars had been filled, he said, "Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies." So the servants followed his instructions.
John 2:7b–8 (NLT)
ACTION PLAN: Are there any tasks you are currently working on that are not your primary responsibility? Is the responsible party able to do them for themselves? If so, get together with a trusted friend and discuss ideas on how to transition the work from you back over to them. Think about this is a "stop doing" list. Let the friend give you perspective to see if you are on a good path.
- For now: Is there a window to be seized?
The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of the opportunity.
When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. "A host always serves the best wine first," he said, "Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!"
John 2:9–10 (NLT)
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
John 2:11 (NLT)
ACTION PLAN: Is God placing someone on your heart that you know who doesn't yet have a personal relationship with Jesus? Take them out to lunch this week and begin investing in their life to continue building a bridge of love that Jesus can walk across.
- Forever: How much will this matter in the future?
