The Secret to Life is One Thing

The Secret of Life is One ThingJanuary 5, 2014What would make 2014 happy?More money?A new job?A new relationship?Losing 5 lbs?

What would make 2014 happy?More money?A new job?A new relationship?Losing 10 lbs?

What would make 2014 happy?More money?A new job?A new relationship?Losing 25 lbs?

What would make 2014 happy?More money?A new job?A new relationship?Losing 25 lbs?

Or is there something more?One thing that could make all the difference??The Secret of Life

Is One ThingThe Secret of Lifeis to follow Jesus wholeheartedly

To know Him intimatelyTo love Him dearlyTo go with Him wherever He leadsOur Vision for ChartwellAs we follow Jesus with all our hearts we will become people who:Live by FaithDevelop intentional relationships that draw people to God and his churchInvest in the mission of the church through our time, treasure and talent Share struggles, challenges and prayer needs in an open and honest wayMake risky decisions that flow from a wholehearted trust in GodAre known by LoveOpen our homes and lives generously to people who are different from usParticipate in mission, as we serve, welcome and care for othersWelcome and include guests in all areas of church lifeBuild ongoing relationships that draw people out of isolation and into communityAnd are a voice of HopeLove people enough that we won't give up on them or leave them where they areUnderstand and share Jesus teachings and the good news with othersShare across generational, ethnic and socio-economic dividesProclaim our love and obedience to Jesus through our gathered times

The question:How do we become like Mabel?Is it by our efforts?

Or by Gods work in our lives?Matthew 724Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Training not Trying24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (1 Cor 9:24-25)

7 train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Tim 4: 7b-8)

Growing in FaithWe live as if growth happens like this:LearnLoveFollowGrowing in FaithBut perhaps its really like this:LearnLoveFollowMatthew 66But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.Jesus model for prayerPray daily, in the quiet of your room

Declare Gods praisesSurrender to Gods willAsk for provision

Dont Start off AskingThe Secret of Lifeis to follow Jesus wholeheartedly

To know Him intimatelyTo love Him dearlyTo go with Him wherever He leadsAnd we can actually do it