Dream Thieves

21, October 2002

KOZ

Dream Thieves

Introduction:

Thanks for your attention. You are a huge part of D.C.C.

Tonight a few things I really want you to know:

- You are extremely important to God!

- You have a Devine destiny to fulfill.

- You are extremely important to the Church.

- You have an enemy who wants you to doubt everything I just said.

Life seems very long at 13 – 14

James 4:14

13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Romans 14:12

For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11It is written: " ’As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ’every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ " 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

God created you with a purpose and gave you the time to fulfill it.

Ecclesiastics 3:1

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven

Young people tend to be big time wasters. They let the dreams get stolen slowly.

Ephesians 5:15-16

15Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

If you have time to burn you’ll never give the world much light.

Killing time is not murder – It’s suicide!

Psalm 90:12

12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Three Dream Thieves to avoid.

1. Wasting your education opportunity.

The price you pay for goofing off is much higher than you think.

If the call of God is to be a doctor or lawyer you will have a lot of catching up to do.

- Just enough is not enough!

- You are to be the head.

- How you do is a reflection of your faith.

In 1986, a group of researchers published a study of Japanese mothers and mothers in Minneapolis. The mothers were asked to rank the most important things that a child needs to succeed academically. The answers tell a lot about the difference in our two cultures today. The mothers in Minneapolis chose "ability." The mothers in Japan said "effort."

Proverbs 26:11

11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

2. Wasting your church opportunity.

This is where you get equipped.

- Fooling around or leading in the services.

Get involved – grow.

3. Relationship disasters.

In 8 years of youth pastoring I saw this more than anything else mess up dreams.

Whining, Romeo & Juliet, Missing out on fun.

Date but don’t own each other.

Learn what you want in a partner.