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TITLE: Enlarge My Territory
TEXT: Joshua 14:7-12
PROPOSITION: Our prayers must seek to expand our borders.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Extensions
SCRIPTURE READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
- Territory = coast, borders
- This is prayer for more room, territory, make a greater impact
- Text - Caleb - 85 - still reaching for new territory
- Old Texas cowboy song, Give me land, lots of land, Don't fence me in
Room to grow
Compare to homestead - where the buffalo roam, room to stretch and expand
We are expected to grow - faith, devotion, worship, strength, willingness to work
- 2 Peter 1:5-11 - Add to your faith
- 2 Peter 3:18 - Grow in grace and knowledge
- 1 Peter 2:2 - Babies desire milk to grow
Potted plant - become root-bound - Lord, put me in a bigger pot.
Room to work
A farmer may need more acres to expand his operation
As Christians, we need to expand our territory
Travel to new places - Russia, Central America
- Sometimes God opens doors; provides room for expansion
- We resist - We do not want to go there
We have a larger purpose than what is right in front of us - expand
Move the boundaries - Remove the barriers
Current phrase - think outside the box - think beyond the here and now
Hold a sheet of paper with dot in middle - most see the dot, not the paper
Remove the fence, tear down the barriers, blur the lines
Meet more people
Sit on a bench in a busy mall, table in restaurant
Meet new people - look for opportunities
Listen in line at a check out - There are people crying for someone to listen
Conclusion:
This phrase means - Lord use me; give me more ways to be your servant.
2 Corinthians 12:15 - I will gladly spend and be spent (used up) for your souls
Are you willing to be used up in the service of God?
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