Today's Focus: A Better You

Last week we asked the question: WHAT DO YOU SEE?

- We learned that you have to see it before you can live it.

-- God told Judah to see Jerusalem while they were still living in Babylon.

-- God took Abraham outside and said, “Look at the stars.”

-- Joshua was looking at the walls of Jericho, and God said, “See! I have given Jericho into your hand.”

- We challenged you to See the Future You Want.

See yourself:
>> Knowing God deeply.
>> Healthy.
>> With peace and joy.
>> Thriving.
>> Succeeding in what God has called you to do.
>> Financially free.

- But here’s the problem. What if you can see the future, but the person you are today isn’t ready to live it?

- What if you want a great marriage but you haven’t become a great husband or wife?

- What if you want greater influence but you can’t handle criticism?

- What if you want God to put more in your hands but you haven’t learned to be faithful with what’s already in your hands?

- What if you want better relationships but you’re difficult to be in relationship with?

- What if you want to lead at another level but you’re still dishonest, undisciplined, selfish, easily offended, unreliable - or just plain mean?

- You can change your address without changing you.
- You can get the promotion and still be you.
- You can get married and still be you.
- You can make more money and still be you.
- You can get the opportunity you’ve been praying for and still bring the same attitudes, habits and character into it.

A BETTER FUTURE REQUIRES A BETTER YOU.

- That’s why the second step to living the future you want is: BE IT.

- Develop the Person. Because God isn’t only interested in where you’re going.

- God is interested in who you’re becoming.

- Some of us have spent years asking God to change our circumstances when one of the biggest things that needs to change is us.

- God has a Future for You and it's the future you want!

- The Future You Want belongs to you.

- Everything God does is from the inside out - who are you on the inside?

- You have to develop spiritually to have the Future You Want.

- How's your FAITH LIFE?

LOVE: that is affection or benevolence— a love feast

JOY: cheerfulness that is calm delight — gladness

PEACE: quietness, rest

LONGSUFFERING: longanimity, forbearance, fortitude — patience

GENTLENESS: moral excellence in character or demeanor — kindness

GOODNESS: virtue or beneficence (the doing of good, active goodness, charity = AN ACT OR GIFT

FAITHFULNESS: the fact or quality of being true to one’s word or commitments

MEEKNESS: humility

TEMPERANCE: self-control

- You have to develop your character to have the Future You Want

- What kind of person are you? A jerk or a joy? Sweet or sour? Solid or shady?

- Live your life examining your behavior, thoughts, and heart.

- No excuses, no blaming anyone or anything, no "whataboutisms".

- Just black and white - what did YOU DO or not do?

- Sometimes those around you can see things you can't.

- Listen to the loving correction of people who care about you.

- Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit moment by moment, decision by decision, day by day!

- Living life from the inside out will lead to you living the Future You Want!

What does a better you look like?

A better you is developing spiritually.
A better you is growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
A better you looks in the mirror.
A better you listens to correction.
A better you follows the Holy Spirit.

A better you enjoys the Future You Want!