Some thoughts aabout breakthrough

Sermon notes about breakthrough techniques

Last week we looked at finding ways to win and found that conquering the battle of self is key.
In 2 Chronicles 35 we found Josiah first winning the internal battles then taking the stand that gave victory to God’s people.
He remained open and teachable starting at a young age
He found obstacles that had been carried forward from the past and got rid of them
He figured out what he had to give and he gave it
He repented of his own sins and the sins of the people. ( A leader’s responsibility )
He kept a personal commitment to succeed. Faithful leaders will have faithful followers who will learn faithfulness despite their evil desires and history.

Today we look at why it is important for breakthrough to be in the heart of more than just the leader.
2 Chronicles 35:16-19 So at that time the entire service of the LORD was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, as King Josiah had ordered. 17 The Israelites who were present celebrated the Passover at that time and observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. 18 The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem. 19 This Passover was celebrated in the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign.

Without being Spirit led we cannot possibly live victoriously for Christ

Breakthrough timing

In Jim Cymbala’s book: “Breakthrough Prayer” he says that breakthrough timing is all about knowing the exact will of God at any given moment.

If we are willing to be led, God is willing to reveal His will. The God who directed His children through the wilderness for 40 years is able to direct us with His will today.

Acts 16:9-10 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

It is not a matter of finding techniques that work. It is a matter of being led of the Spirit.

There is a place in scripture where God told Moses to stop praying and move out:
Exodus 14:15-16 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16 Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

The best of activities sometimes must come to a halt so that something significant can be accomplished.

God will inject a prophetic word at the right time and we must be open to the prophet.

Three prime times to lead people through to triumph ( Try- Umph )
They are ready when:
1. They hurt enough that they need a breakthrough
2. They learn enough that they want a breakthrough
3. They receive enough that they are able to break through

I need to give learning opportunity, resources, encouragement

I need to pay attention to where people are mentally, spiritually and emotionally

At times I need to give people the “Blessed Nudge” to get them over the hump.

Beautiful life-changing breakthroughs is what God is all about.

Pray it in
John Wesley once observed that God does nothing but in answer to prayer
Ask God to help you to do your part, to reveal other people’s part to them, and to do His part
Qualities of people ready to break through: ( How do we know that timing? ) (From John Maxwell)
1. Vulnerability- They know that they are not able to do it and need God to make up the difference
2. Humility- They don’t care who gets the credit
3. Transparency- They admit that God is working in their lives
That’s a recipe for victory
Important sidelines:
Keep a sweet spirit- many people go thru life with an irritable spirit that is corrosive to themselves and others.
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Someone once stated that glum and despondent believers should be sued for false advertising.Jesus Christ is far greater than they are letting on.
Deuteronomy 12:18 “ ….you are to rejoice before the LORD your God in everything you put your hand to.”
A great prayer and response
1 Kings 3:4-5 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."
1 Kings 3:9-14 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for-- both riches and honor-- so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."

Solomon wanted to serve effectively.

Effectiveness is a result of your love for God