Keep The Change : week 4

Levi Lusko - Fresh Life Church

Like a Hawk
Nehemiah 13

Protect your progress!
Changing is only half the battle.

Nehemiah had a dream.
He was in exile in Persia (formerly Babylon).
He worked for a king. He brought the king his wine glass.
The king would only drink if Nehemiah took the first drink and didn't die.

Someone brought news : the walls are torn down, the people are full of grief. This broke Nehemiah's heart.
Nehemiah acted instantly.
He kept doing what he had been doing while keeping the dream in his heart.

Don't pursue a calling before it's time.
The dream will be unlocked in due season, unless you get impatient.

Bloom where you're planted.

Use what is in YOUR HANDS to release what's in your heart.
A mom - use it.
A baker - use it.
A teacher - use it.

There are always going to be haters when you do something great for God.
Always be ready to defend what God is building in your life.

24 days of revival.
As they built the wall they neglected God.
Time. Money. Relationships. Idolatry.
They were not trusting or honoring God.
During those 24 days they were studying God's word.
Ezra would read the Bible & then explain it to them. Then they would break into small groups and further discuss.

Keep watch over yourself...this phrase is repeated over & over in the Bible.

Your soul doesn't have cruise control.
The moment you're not actively tracking you'll be backtracking.
You will drift if you don't pay attention.

LOSING THE CHANGE BECOMES EASIER WHEN : 

1. You let the wrong people in.
Behavior is contagious.
Fortunately, so is good behavior.
A flock of hawks is a kettle.
Reserving strength, conserve energy, gain altitude, better communication.
2. You are ambiguous about your change.
Exceptions become incredibly easy.
Chip & Dan Heath
Time-based : smart goals : Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant
From here, to here, by when
3. Don't shape your environment for success.
Don't leave everything to will-power.
Make it easy to do the right thing.
Set yourself up for success.
4. You have too much time on your hands.
The problems started when the building (of the wall) stopped.
They were busy doing God's work.
Always keep yourself fired up.
Keep serving, constantly.
The construction is never done.
The power of serving constantly.
5. You misunderstand failure.
The devil tempted them to do it, then he shamed them for it.
Not understanding the nature of God's grace!
Failure is necessary on the road to success.
Failure isn't a place to set up camp & live forever.