Resource Details

Scriptures Used
Matthew 10:39 (NLT); Luke 5:8-11 (NLT); Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV); Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT); Matthew 19:29 (NLT); John 6:68-69 (NLT); Genesis 15:1 (ESKV)

To Sacrifice: When I give up something valuable for something of greater worth.
To Treasure: When I hold on to something of great worth.

ACTION PLAN: Before your head hits the pillow tonight, take some time before the Lord in prayer and talk about the last time he asked you to go "deeper". Then read the conversation between Jesus and Simon in Luke 5:1-11. Write in your journal what you learned from your time in prayer and reading the scripture to prepare you for the next time Jesus calls you to go "deeper."

The Sacrifice I Won't Regret

1. Pursue my deepest desires over my strongest desires.

Am I pursuing what I desire most over what I desire now?

ACTION PLAN: This week find a quiet place without distractions, to get alone with the Lord. Close your eyes and lift your hands towards heaven. Pour out your heart to God in prayer and use this prayer as a starting place for your conversation with the Lord to seek his heart for you. Ask him, "Father, give me the strength to resist the strong desires that do not honor you and help me to choose the deepest desires of my heart, those that will bring the best outcome to my life, and will ultimately bring you the honor and glory that you so richly deserve."

2. Invest in what's eternal over what's temporal.

What does my life say that I'm treasuring?

ACTION PLAN: Consider investing in the plans that the Lord has for our church during the Overflow Offering between now and the end of the year. Our three areas of focus are "Reach the Unreached", "Relieve Hardship in Crisis", and "Resource Frontline Ministry". Look at the information available on our website at www.saddleback.com/overflow and begin to ask the Lord how he wants you to participate.

3. Receive the greater reward.

To receive God's greater reward, I must release whatever threatens FIRST PLACE.

What is God asking me to release in order to receive his greater reward?

ACTION PLAN: Matthew 6:19-21 concludes, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." Look at the treasure of your time. Make out a seven-day calendar and identify the times that are committed to, for example your work hours. Indicate other times that are part of your regular schedule, such as church, time at the gym, your small group, or entertainment. Does the way you spend your time help you to get to know the Lord Jesus better? Does it reflect your values? If it doesn't, make a sacrifice of that part of your treasure to better align yourself with God's values.