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Circles of Importance Dec 13, 2021

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To me, there is nothing more important I could share with you right now than these circles of importance. 2021 is almost over, but it is not over yet. This is an amazing time to asses our priority and value system and then see how we've done this year with our words and actions. But we can also start making efforts, changes, today and start the New Year in stride!
If you were asked to write do the four most important things in the world to you, in order, what would that look like. I don't mean what people say you should write, but what you feel in your heart. Let's do that today. I'll show you mine first. But then we need to be ready to face God with that. And we need to build lives around those choices. And the things that didn't make the list... should be used to support the things that did!
- What are your "circles of importance"?
- Why is it important to pray through these choices before acting on them?
- Has your year been used in a way consistent with those circles?
- What can be done next year to align your life with your values?
- Exactly how beneficial are healthy relationships in your life?

Winning In Mind Dec 06, 2021

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Lanny Bassham was an olympic gold medalist in rifle shooting. He holds tons of records and is a National champion. Throughout his life, he has interviewed and studied winners. He sought to unlock the mentality within those who reached their goals. The results are a book called "With Winning In Mind." I highly recommend this book, especially for athletes.
As we explore it today, there is one idea that stands above the rest: process not outcome. We will dig in on that, and apply it to long term goals as well as game day performances. It turns out, winners don't always have winning on their minds... they have a mind that knows how to win. There is a huge difference, and that difference will bring your focus in to the daily steps and trusting the process.
- Why do 5% of people do 95% of the winning?
- Is talent the number one factor on winning?
- If all I can focus on is my goal and how it will feel to attain it, will I attain it?
- Why is process infinitely more important than the results?
- How can "execution not results" help me with big goals as well as game day performance?

Bull Named Fumanchu Nov 29, 2021

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A friend of mine just learned that he has terminal cancer. He wrote a letter to his church friends and it was tremendous. He doesn't regret what he didn't do. He's only sad that he cannot continue doing what he has chosen for his life. That is powerful to me. Would it be that way for me? How about you?
If you knew this was your last weeks on this earth, what would you do? This episode explores that important territory: how to live like you were dying. Maybe I would ride a bull named Fu Manchu... probably not. But I would certainly love deeper. Let's talk about that and get the main message: Do. Those. Things. Now. While you can.
- Where is the "bull named fumanchu" reference from?
- If you were told you had only weeks to live, what would you do immediately?
- Why do you think so few have the courage to follow their passions?
- Why do we leave love unfounded and words unsaid until it's usually too late?
- How can I live with urgency right now and make relationships richer while there is still time?

Early, Often, Less Nov 22, 2021

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If you are interested in watching Chuck Durham's lessons, or viewing his slides, please reach out to me: emersonk78@me.com. You can also find them at www.lindalechurchofchrist.com.
Also, I highly recommend Lakita Garth's book: "The Naked Truth about Sex, Love and Relationships". You can find it on Amazon. Her success story is a benefit to us all.
Few topics are more important to us than the wellbeing of our kids. You and I play an enormous role in shaping who they become. We have important work to do. It is not easy. But there is some great news: harder work now will lead to less work, and incredible results, later.
- How important is discipline in your home?
- What happens to children who get what they want when they are little?
- How does infrequent discipline usually just make things worse?
- Why is immediate and repeated attention to a problem lead to long term solutions?
- What about you? Are you employing early + often = less in your own life?

The Zebra Stripes Nov 15, 2021

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What's the deal with zebra stripes? They stand out in their environment. So why haven't the lions eaten them all. The answer is important for Christians. We too stand out in the world, at least we should. And the lion is seeking someone to devour - and that means you and me! So what is our best defense against him.
Let's look back at the idea of "taking the stairs" and consider the influence of other is our walk, in the steps we take. Can you do it alone? Are you strong enough to fight the devil by your self? And will digital discipleship bridge the gap?
- Have you been taking the stairs this past week?
- What role do Christians play in your ability to do difficult things that you know are right?
- What is the risk of staying away from Christians and marching the stairs on your own?
- What if a zebra decided it didn't need other zebras?
- What if zebras had cell phones and didn't get together in person?

Take The Stairs (pt. 2) Nov 08, 2021

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Let's keep talking about those stairs! This week we dive back in on the concept of personal discipline. Did you pick a quality and apply it last week? If you did, maybe you noticed how hard it was, or how many staircases were around every corning. I want to share a conversation I had with a friend who tried this last week. He found it harder than he thought, but almost immediately rewards. I saw God at work in his life.
But look, you can't do this alone. You need help. Are you willing to acknowledge that? So let's look at two others who might tell you to "take the stairs": people in your life, and the God who loves you more than anyone. They want to see you succeed and you need them to do so.
- How did your growth go last week in the quality you chose?
- Were you mindful, intentional, and directional in your week?
- How important is it to have an inner circle of supporters who push you?
- In what ways does God sometimes eliminate the escalators in your life?
- Do you feel like you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you?

Take The Stairs (pt. 1) Nov 01, 2021

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Are you the kind of person who takes the stairs? Or have you been the kind of person who doesn't even think about how important they are? Is the easy way the best way in all things? The world is full of people looking for shortcuts. The problem is, they are shortcuts to nowhere. They don't achieve what they want. They don't get to where they want to go, because they weren't willing to do the little things. They only did what they wanted, so they didn't get where they wanted to be. We can do better. We must. With some simple imagery, and a few tools: M.I.D., you can make each day a part of who you are becoming.
- Why do more people take the escalator over the stairs?
- Do little choices, like a flight of stairs, really matter?
- Do little things we choose to do say big things about who we are?
- How can mindfulness, intentionality, and direction make all the difference?
- Which did you choose this week? (Faith, Moral Excellence, Knowledge, Self-Control, Perseverance, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, Love)

Surprising Self Confidence Oct 25, 2021

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Self Confidence is defined as a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment. Each of us have a measure of self confidence, and I would argue that it is designed by God to be good. But it is not always good. Sometimes it is driven by pride and built upon the wrong idea, high self estimation. This does all kinds of damage. But when self confidence is built on something else, something amazing from God, then everything about it is wonderful. And you can have more of it, in the name of Jesus, than ever before.
- What is "self confidence"?
- Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
- What happens when my confidence is based upon pride?
- Is it possible to have high self confidence and be a humble person?
- What role does God's Grace have in your self estimation and confidence?

Make Evangelism Easy Oct 18, 2021

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Why is evangelism so hard for so many of us? And why have so many churches failed to create a culture of evangelism? God has a plan for His people - to spread the Word through us. But another sermon telling people to do it won't amount to anything. We need to show people how to make it easy, make it automatic, and make it doable by everyone, not just a few. Today we will look at Jesus interacting with the woman at the well. Here are seven wonderful tips on evangelism that anyone can do, shown to us by our Savior and King.
- See Opportunity Everywhere
- Establish Common Interest
- Make Spiritual Connections
- Build Rapport Patiently
- Suspend Just Condemnation
- Stick to the Issue
- Accomplish Something Definitive

No What Ifs Oct 11, 2021

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People seem to be afraid of everything! Some things are dangerous, but why in the world would we add the Fear Of Missing Out? How much is there to fear I am afraid of everything in the world I am not doing? Wow. God has a better plan. He wants you to live a life of joy and purpose, where you aren't burdened by "What If?" God directs us to pick holy paths and make them as great as possible in the short time we have here.
- What is the FOMO?
- Why are people afraid of paths not taken?
- What does that do to the life you are now living and where you now are?
- But what if the path we have taken so far is not a good one?
- How does being right with God always represent a fearless pathway?

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