1. Shift Soldier

2. So much of life Is response and reaction Rather than decision Based on who I am And what I'm about

3. Causes, beliefs Actions and words

4. Causes, beliefs Actions and words Cognitive Dissonance

5. What is my life about? What do I pursue As my primary goal Based on time, attention, worry…?

6. What if what ought to be the Most important thing in my life Is the thing I take for granted Because it'll always be there?

7. And instead of letting it Direct the course of my life I do what I want And ask God to bless it?

8. The single-minded Pursuit of Jesus Brings Strength and Clarity to the Christian Life

9. …the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it - Jesus, Matt. 13

10. Last letter to a beloved Son in The Faith - No spirit of fear - Guard…entrusted to you - I've been betrayed

11. You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus

12. - Psych myself up - Act brave - Believing…happens for a reason - by the grace that is in…Jesus

13. If grace is just forgiveness I've missed what God has done And is doing in my life

14. Grace isn't past…it's present Grace is Presence and Power Grace brings Acceptance And Effort

15. …be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus I find God's grace when I Stop seeking elsewhere What only God can provide

16. The single-minded Pursuit of Jesus Brings Strength and Clarity to the Christian Life

17. …and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also

18. Entrust 4 Levels Deep Faithful Able to pass it on Discipleship= Matt. 28

19. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus Single-minded focus On serving the Commanding Officer well

20. Active suffering: beatings Passive suffering: betrayal

21. …do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you - 1 Peter 4

22. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus Purpose- for Jesus Power- to endure

23. We miss the Presence and Power of Jesus When we curse our trials and Pursue a way out

24. Paul's trials: At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!

25. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me- 2 Tim. 4

26. That's grace in action But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me- 2 Tim. 4

27. The single-minded Pursuit of Jesus Brings Strength and Clarity to the Christian Life

28. Soldier, Athlete, Farmer Pursue Jesus/his call exclusively There are no shortcuts It will be hard work

29. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him Goal of life: Glorify God

30. entangled in civilian pursuits - Great causes - Human needs - Culture wars - Political pursuits

31. Civilian pursuits… On the cusp of great persecution Jews want freedom Taxes are causing suffering All good causes

32. Please the one who enlisted him Glorify God: - Bear fruit - Love God and people - Make disciples

33. Oh, it's a good thing? Does it help me Glorify God? Can I glorify God in it?

34. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do - John 17:4

35. Personal experience - Responding and reacting - Brings causes and passions

36. Personal experience Brings causes and passions Submit it to the Lord

37. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him

38. Single-minded: - What's your desire, Lord? I have to believe God is good And what he wants is greater

39. Single-minded: - Can I glorify Christ in it? Am I currently? If not, what needs to change? Will I?

40. Single-minded: Help me reach? Grow? Draw People to Jesus? - Is it part of discipleship?

41. Single-minded: We make a difference in this World because we care, But Our allegiance is to another - Which Kingdom?

42. Anything that keeps me from Pursuing Jesus fully It outside God's will for me

43. The single-minded Pursuit of Jesus Brings Strength and Clarity to the Christian Life

44. Soldier, Athlete, Farmer Pursue Jesus/his call exclusively There are no shortcuts It will be hard work

45. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules Clarity and purpose

46. "God wants me to Make a difference So I'll make up some juicy details About my life before Jesus"

47. I cannot go Outside the will of God To accomplish the Purpose of God And expect God's blessings

48. Soldier, Athlete, Farmer Pursue Jesus/his call exclusively There are no shortcuts It will be hard work

49. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops It won't be easy, but worth it

50. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything- 2 Tim. 2

51. The single-minded Pursuit of Jesus Brings Strength and Clarity to the Christian Life

52. Single-minded pursuit God will supernaturally enable You to do what he's Called you to do: Strength

53. Single-minded pursuit God will give you the calling and Freedom to live a life that counts For something more than Just you: Clarity

54. Don't tap out yet Don't sit down too soon Don't pursue a good thing To the neglect of a God thing

55. What is my life about? What do I pursue As my primary goal Based on time, attention, worry…?

56. What is the primary pursuit Of my life?

57. Pray about Causes Pursuits, Entanglements What needs to be refined? What needs to be cut?

58. Entrust

59. …and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also

60. Layman exists to make disciples Who change their world For Jesus Because it's not about us

61. Does it fit the Mission? Word, Prayer Fellowship, Worship

62. Q and A

64. 9 AM Plus…how many services?

65. Carowinds Youth Trip Pray for Safety, Unity God glorified

66. Charlotte Bike Trip Saturday, Sept. 20

67. Guest Cards