Break Out of Our Comfort Zones—Part 1
When I wake up I seldom remember what I’ve dreamed. People amaze me when they can recall not only what they’ve dreamed about, but the details as well.
In a similar fashion, when dreaming God’s dreams, I sometimes find it hard to get them into sharp focus. That’s because He doesn’t always show me precisely what He has in mind. His dreams remain a bit fuzzy. Maybe that’s the nature of dreams.
The Old Testament character Abraham knew what it was like to follow a divine dream without knowing all the details. God had promised that he would be the father of many nations, but as the years progressed, he passed the normal fathering age. Yet Abraham continued to believe the Dream Giver because he considered Him to be faithful. Later in Genesis we see the picture of this old man and his miracle son walking up Mt. Moriah to sacrifice to God. Once again, Abraham must have questioned how God’s dream could be fulfilled if he sacrificed Isaac.
Another picture comes to mind from the New Testament, where people who heard God’s call must have wondered what He was really asking of them. Recall the fishermen (Simon, Andrew, James, and John) leaving their nets because Jesus called to them, “Follow Me … and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). But what did that challenge mean? It would take a lifetime for them to find out. Even so, what a privilege to begin dreaming God’s dreams for them. That sure offered more sizzle than a lifetime spent in the fresh fish business.
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Sunday’s coming. Do you have your sermon ready? Is it relevant? Will it effectively motivate your congregation to walk more in step with the Master? What about that Sermon Series you’ve been thinking about?
Or, if you’re someone who plans well ahead, have you asked yourself what you will preach for your Easter Sermon, your Advent Sermon, your Christmas Sermon?
David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Saturday or Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions.
We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
