Text: Mark 10:46-52
Theme: Sometimes we get ourselves into a form of boredom called "a rut." There are ways we can get out of these ruts that detract from our quality of life.
I. INTRODUCTION.
A. Are you tired all the time? Do you have trouble sleeping? Maybe you are not really tired but bored. Doctors tell me that boredom is the most prevalent cause of tiredness especially as we grow older.
B. Some of this boredom and depression stems from a lifestyle without adventure.
C. I’m not suggesting a new partner or any such wild and /or wacky change.
D. Ruts can wreck us. Ex mountain biking on motorcycle trails.
E. So what can we do about ruts that derail us?
II. BODY.
A. Assume responsibility for your own life. Mark 10:47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
1. Blind Bartimaeous knew who Jesus was. His faith made him whole
2. Assume the starting position that you are where you are because of you and you are the one responsible for your life.
3. Throw yourself on God.
B. Believe you can change. Vr 51 "Lord that I might receive my sight."
1. Do you really have a heart faith or a mind faith?
C. Clarify what you really need. Vr 51
1. What is it you want?
2. What do you need to change?
3. Do you think you can change?
4. Do you try to figure ne angles or always use the same tired thinking processes?
D. Stop worrying about what other people will say. V 48. "Many charged him that he should hold his peace."
1. Peer pressure is tough for adults as well as youth.
2. We often do what we do to gain the approval of others rather that the right thing to gain our approval and/or God’s approval.
3. Talk is cheap.
E. Stop waiting for the ideal circumstances. V 46, 49. ‘As he went out...a great number of people..."
1. The right time may never arrive.
2. The ideal rarely happens
3. Seize the moment.
4. What are you waiting for?
F. Do something bold and dramatic v 50 "And he, casting away his garment..."
1. Faith into action
2. Action is the hardest
3. Rather talk and gripe?
G. Do it now v 50 "And he...came to Jesus."
1. Sometimes setting a date is good, but beginning now is the best.
2. Plan and do with faith in Him
III. CLOSE.
A. What ruts do you need to repair or change?
B. Are you willing do make the changes to be triumphant?