What Are You Expecting In 2015?

A young business man had just set up and rented an office with beautiful furniture. He saw a man come into the outer office. He wanted to appear busy; the businessman picked up the phone and started to pretend he had a big deal working. He threw huge figures around and made giant commitments. Finally he hung up and asks the visitor, “Can I help you?” The man said; “Sure, I have come to hook up the phone system.” There’s no pretending when we’re anticipating God to hear us with our expectations.

David was in a tough season of his life where he was being hunted down by King Saul who was jealous over the anointing of God on his life. Sometimes we face seasons where things go from bad to worse. David had just returned from a battle when he came home to Ziklag. The city had been burned with fire leaving nothing but smoke. When David and the six hundred men came back, they had lost their families, homes and all their valuables. What would David do now? (I Samuel 30:1-31) reveals at least three things David would need in order to move forward.

·  DAVID NEEDED A RENEWED SONG OF HOPE. Early in life, David had received a song of Salvation, but when trouble came his way, he needed a renewed song of hope. The Word says when trouble knocked at his door;”David encouraged himself in the Lord His God.” When man doesn’t stand with you and when nobody else will assist and help you, “GOD CAN.” David lifted his voice to heaven which would change his focus, confidence and the outcome of his dilemma.

·  DAVID NEEDED A REDEMPTIVE WORD FROM HEAVEN. David said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring me the ephod!” So Abiathar brought it. This is what the Priests wore in fulfilling their calling. David wanted God to know that he wasn’t able to carry on without hearing a direct word from God himself. ⁸ Then David asked the Lord, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the Lord told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!” David started out with 600 men but 200 of them became exhausted and only 400 men stayed the course. Not everybody who starts with you will continue in the battle. David lost 1/3 of his army, but it didn’t stop him from chasing after the will of God in winning the victory that was in his future.

 ·  DAVID NEEDED A PLAN OF RECOVERY. As David set out to find the enemy, they come in contact with one man from Egypt. This was one of the raiders at Ziklag who became sick and was left behind in a field. He was the one man who revealed exactly where the enemy had gone. Friend, God can use one phone call, one friend, one divine connection, one prayer, one request, one act of humility, one setback to become your all time comeback. This one man led them to the very place where they would defeat the enemy and recover everything and everyone that had been taken.  Friend, don’t lose hope, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Expect God to do Great things in your 2015.

SHINING BRIGHTLY ?

Have you had days that you struggled to let your light shine before men? The roof caves in at home, your kid comes home with bad grades, your work place decides to lay off workers, and you find out at the end of the year, you’re one of them. Jesus never said that life would be fair and always be smooth sailing.

Christ came to a chaotic world to bring peace to all men. But where does the world SEE peace in this present evil society? If Jesus came to bring peace, where will people see it?

42% of people in America admitted they seldom or never go to church. Most people won’t ever hear a Gospel message preached from a pulpit. Most won’t experience a worship service. Many will never understand what “communion” is in a worship service. Many don’t understand why Christians are passionate about Jesus Christ. Why do Christians get up on a Sunday Morning to go to church when they could be fishing, hunting or going to the Sports stadiums?

Most people in the world don’t read their Bibles but they are reading YOU and ME. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” NLT (John 5:14) Are we being a light to those around us?

When everybody at work is complaining about their pay and benefits, don’t chime in with them, rather say; “I’m so thankful that God has opened a door for me to have a job.

When somebody pulls in front of you, and takes the parking place you have been waiting for, don’t get into a bumper war with them say instead, “Lord, I’m thankful that I have two good legs to walk the distance I need to walk to go shopping today.

When a storm rages in your marriage, health, or your finances, don’t get a bad attitude about how nothing seems to go right in your life, Rather say; “And we know that all things work together for the good to them who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) “In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

I believe that God does allow it to rain on the just and the unjust so we can be a light in a dark world. The world may never read the Bible but they will get an opportunity to read if this Joy, Peace, Patience and the Love of God are authentic in us. May God help us to keep the light BURNING in spite of all our hiccups and hurts that come our way. “Greater is He that is in us than He that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) Stay Connected to the One who keeps the bulb burning on and on and on. You never know who may be watching you today.

Lean In and Listen "Joseph"

One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears based on standard hearing examinations. Revelation 3:22 says; "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches." Hearing with the natural ear is important and costly to correct, but even more crucial is hearing with your spirit man what God is saying to you. Have you LEANED IN AND LISTENED?

Joseph heard something that would forever not only change his life but the world. “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. ²¹ And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20, 21)

What would Joseph need to do to move forward with the Plan of God?

Joseph would need DIRECTION. Too many people in life attempt to live their life without Godly Direction. The results are confusion and living disoriented which is only the beginning of a chaotic life. I wouldn’t know how to rest in peace at night without knowing that I was moving in the right direction in life. Joseph was about to change his whole trajectory based on a “God Word” that came to him in a dream. The natural thing would have been to run away from Mary as far as he could, but God gave him specific directions to take Mary as his wife.

Joseph would need FAITH. God tells each of us, “You can’t please ME without using your faith”. It was a word from Heaven that gave him the faith to move forward. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Have you listened to what the Lord has directed you to do? I have never done anything that was in God’s will that didn’t require faith. It’s crazy to think you can move forward into His divine plan by using Zero Faith! When my wife and I moved to Lakeland FL to go to Southeastern University, we had been married 3 weeks; no money, no place to live, no jobs. Everything said with a loud megaphone, “It’s not going to work.” I had to make up my mind that I would either LEAN IN AND LISTEN TO GOD or give in to my fears and miss God’s will and plan. Thank the Lord, God made a way where there seemed to be no way.

Joseph would need COURAGE. When you have heard from the Lord, God will give you boldness, tenacity and bulldog, snapping turtle power to hold on and not turn loose until you have seen the baby delivered. That is what Joseph and Mary had to overcome: the doubts, fears, and people’s chatter and suspicion about their relationship. They moved forward with courage because they both Leaned In and Listened. Friend, be courageous and move ahead with the ‘Rhema’ word He has placed in your heart as He did for Mary and Joseph. There will come a day of rejoicing when the Baby comes!

Waiting?

Waiting on God can be one of the greatest challenges in life. What are you waiting on today? Are you waiting on your spouse, son or daughter to come to Christ? Are you waiting on your breakthrough in your health? Maybe you’re waiting on your door of ministry to open up. God says; “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12) Friend, don’t allow your weariness to cause you to miss God’s plan and blessing. God says; “Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season you shall reap if you faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

Elijah prophesied to King Abab during the days of Israel’s backsliding; "As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives--the God I serve--there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!" What was God doing?

God was getting Israel’s Attention. Israel had been chasing after other gods instead of Jehovah God. During this season came a time of great famine. Cattle, donkeys, horses, were dropping dead. Everybody was struggling with their farming. Growing food and staying alive with shallow wells was a challenge. This famine made life very difficult and painful.

God knew how to Shake things up. God says; “When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. (Hebrews 12:26, 27) I have watched God shake people up in their money matters, health, family, job, and many other things to bring about CHANGE. I heard John Maxwell say; “Three things will cause someone to make a change.

 

•  When people HURT enough they have to,
•  When they LEARN enough they want to,
•  When they RECEIVE enough they want to.”

      God would Show His Might and Power. When Elijah prayed at Mt Carmel, He prayed; “The God who answers by fire is the one true God.” When he prayed, fire fell down from heaven that proved to Israel who the real God of power and might was. After that day, God sent His rain that ended the drought. Nobody said WAITING was easy, but those that will wait on the Lord will see Him prove and show Himself strong.

What are you waiting on? Are you waiting on the rain to end your drought? Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Don’t give up but rather wait on the Lord and start Anticipating and Expecting God to send His rain on your life.

Lean In and Listen "Mary"

Just how important is it to LEAN IN AND LISTEN to the voice of God? The first warning of a possible Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor arrived, January 27, 1941 in a coded cablegram from the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Joseph C. Grew and was addressed to The US State Department. Grew’s cable reported that “the Japanese military forces planned to attempt a surprise mass attack on Pearl Harbor.” A State Department Japanese-language specialist believed the warning and urged his superiors to treat it as such. However, Grew and U.S. intelligence specialists dismissed the report as a wild rumor.

Many lives were lost the 7^th of December, 1941, and a great deal of pain came as a result of ignoring the warnings. The assault, which lasted less than two hours, claimed the lives of more than 2,500 people, wounded 1,000 more and damaged or destroyed 18 American ships and nearly 300 airplanes. There are several things that can cause us to “Lean in and Listen.”  Sometimes it’s passion; other times it’s pain and there are times it’s pressure. Just how well are you Listening to the Lord’s words to you?

Mary was just a young virgin girl who Leaned In and Listened to God’s message through an angel of the Lord named Gabriel; He appeared with a pertinent message for Mary. (Luke 1:26-35)

·             “The Lord Is With You.” That was the first thing that God spoke to her. Mary would soon realize just how important that statement was in giving her courage and faith in the days ahead.

·              “Don’t Be Afraid, You Have Found Favor with God.” Where would you be today without the favor of God on your life? Mary was chosen for an assignment that would change the world. Did you realize you can achieve great things for God, not because of your gifts, but because of His favor on your life?

·             “You Will Conceive and Bring Forth The Son Of The Most High.” Can you imagine what went through her mind that day? She said, “That’s impossible, I’ve never been with a man.”

·             “The Holy Spirit Will Come Upon You, And The Power of the Most High Will Overshadow You.” God’s word can be unthinkable, unexpected, extraordinary, and mind boggling. She was leaning in to listen to this incredible word that would forever change and bring hope to the world.

Can you imagine what Mary would have MISSED had she rejected God’s plan for her life? I hate to think what I would have missed in life if I had not learned to Lean In and Listen to God’s still small voice. It was at a burning bush that Moses heard God say, “Go tell Pharaoh the King of Egypt; let my people go.” When Elijah was running in fear from Jezebel, God showed up in the cave where Elijah had hidden. God said, “What are you doing here? I’m not through with you; go back and anoint the King of Syria, the King of Israel and anoint young, upcoming Elisha.” Listening and obeying is essential for each of us.

Mary could have run from God’s plan, but instead decided to hang tough through the pressures of people’s suspicions, doubts, reservations and unbelief. What if she’d refused to accept God’s plan of bringing Christ into the World? Would God have found someone else? I can’t prove it, but I personally do believe God would have moved forward with His plan. However, Mary would have missed the joy of being a part of God’s plan in bringing Christ into the world. Will you Lean In and Listen to what God is saying to you? Your greatest JOY in life is doing things God’s way.

"Lord I’m Amazed At Your Power To Liberate" 2

Several years ago our family dog “Tera”, an English Springer went missing for 3 days. Our kids and I went up and down the neighborhood calling out her name; still we came up empty, disheartened and discouraged not knowing if we would ever find her.

You may have a son, daughter, mom or dad that is still living in the sin and you wonder when, where, how will you do it, Lord? Friend, God’s ways are higher than our ways. Here are some things to keep in mind when you want to see your loved ones come home to Christ.

Let God LIBERATE them HIS way. When God healed the blinded man, never before in history had the Lord used this method in healing. Jesus spit on the dirt and made clay and put it on the eyes of the blind man. What if the man had of said, “What are you doing to my eyes? I not only can’t see, now there’s this sticky mess on my eyes.” He not only allowed the Lord to use His plan and method, he also followed His instructions to go wash off the mud in the pool of Siloam. (John 9:6,7)

Mom and Dad, allow God to save your child the way He wants to. He has a design and knows the where and when and how it will happen. He knows how to open blinded eyes.

STAY out of the Way and Let GOD liberate them. I’ve watched many times people get in the way of setting someone free. Moses couldn’t stand seeing the mistreatment of the Jews and he took matters into his own hands and killed an Egyptian solider. From that point, Moses ends up running for his life. He lived on the backside of the desert for 40 years. Let God do the LIBERATING HIS WAY. Afterward, God does liberate Israel from Egypt His way and still uses Moses in the great deliverance.

DON’T LOSE HOPE IN THE WAITING. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12) Waiting can be painful. The father of the prodigal son didn’t run to Vegas to pull his son out of his crazy living. “NO”, he waited till his son came to himself. Let God put the pressure on your lost loved one. He has to power to bring them to himself. Luke 15:17 says;”When he came to himself, he said I will arise and go to my father.” As much as you want to see them saved, bailing them out of their problems may be getting in the way of what God is trying to do in bringing them to themselves.

By the way, 3 days later “Tera” did come home. There’s nothing more exciting than experiencing the return of one that’s lost come home. Remember, some plant, some water but God gives the increase. Only God can transform a life.

“Lord I’m Amazed At Your Power To Liberate! “ 1

Thirty-five years ago under the President Jimmy Carter administration, militant students supporting Iran's Islamic Revolution stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took scores of hostages. Ultimately, 52 Americans were held for 444 days. Minutes after President Ronald Reagan took office, those Americans held in captivity were released. Wow, what a great moment of celebration for America.

You may still remember the moment you were liberated from your shackles of sin. Paul says, “I am what I am by the Grace of God” (1 Corinthians 15:10). You and I really can’t take the credit for getting ourselves out of the bondage of sin. There is a great God of power who had a plan of deliverance for you. Have you thought, “Where would I be today if He had not reached down for me?” I could easily today be enslaved with drugs, with alcohol, puffed up with pride, behind prison doors, or even blinded in sin not knowing the slippery road of eternal death.

“But God who was rich in mercy, for His great love He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).

You may say, “BUT HOW?” Jesus fought Hell itself to save you. When a storm of wind attempted to hinder and sink the boat the Lord was in, He kept going after the man that was possessed by a devil. Not even a wave or wind could stop Christ from His purpose. He rebuked the wind, and set the man free. (Luke 8:22-39) Realize today, Satan cannot stop God's purpose and passion to seek and to save that which is lost.

You may say, “WHEN?” God tells us not to be weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you faint not (Galatians 6:9). God knows the day, the hour, and the moment the Holy Spirit will change and transform a life. We’re only responsible to believe, reach, pray, love, hope, and give. We need to show mercy, grace, kindness and faith. Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6)

You may say, “BUT WHY ME?” God saved you by His grace when you believed. You can't take credit; it is a gift from God. (NLT Ephesians 2:8). God had a plan for you before you were ever created in your mother’s womb. Why don’t you come to the realization that God didn’t create you to LIVE IN DARKNESS as a stripper, drunk, drug addict, politician or a lost preacher? God alone has the power to deliver and set you free. “No,” you can’t do it on your own. Like Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

HE created you for His pleasure and purpose. When will you say, “YES!” to the Masters Voice? “Whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:23).

“Lord, I’m Amazed by your Blessings!” 2

Have you been blessed by the Lord? I have watched many people’s perspective become tainted and toxic through a clouded view of where they are in life. I recently read a story that brings out this great truth.

One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people can be. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" "It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked. "Oh Yeah" said the son. "So what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered, "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to middle of our yard and they have a creek that has no end. We have lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.”
  
“We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.  We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.  We buy our food, but they grow theirs.  We have walls around our property to protect us; they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

Too many times we forget what we have and concentrate on what we don't have.  What is one person's worthless object is another's prized possession.  It is all based on one's perspective.  It makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for the bounty we have instead of worrying about wanting more. Take joy in all you have, but know that friends are the most valuable possessions. (Author unknown).

Why don’t you choose today to say like David, “I will bless the Lord at all times and His Praise shall continually be in my mouth?” (Psalm 34:1). Life only gets better when you see that God is for you and is working all things out for your good.

Feel free to share with me How the Lord has Blessed your life for the good?

"Lord, I'm Amazed By Your Blessings" 1

Ten men were healed by the Lord of their leprosy, but only ONE that was healed returned to the Lord to say, “Thank you.” WHY?  Jesus never tells us why the other nine didn’t return but He does ask, “Where are the Nine?” (Luke 17:11-19)  Is He still looking for those today who will Bless and Praise Him for blessings that have come in their lives?
  

David says, “The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.” Tell me what parents don’t really want a response of “Thank You” from their child when they’ve received a gift or a great favor extended to them. It warms the heart of a parent to hear their child say, “Thank you.”

We live in a society today that seems to be thankless for blessings and favors that are extended their way. Is it that we’re so blessed, that we don’t realize what life could be without those blessings? My wife and I went without water to drink out of our house for six months because the community well went toxic. I whined for six months about picking up six gallons of water a week at the firehouse for our home.  In that same time frame, I went on my first mission’s trip to Honduras. It was there I took note of people who waited daily, two to three blocks in line for one small bucket of water from the community well. I went home repenting I had ever complained about anything.

No wonder David said, “It is good to give thanks unto the Lord and to sing His praises.” Praise redirects our focus off of our issues and troubles and onto our Great Jehovah - Elohim our creator, Jehovah - Jireh our provider, Jehovah - Nissi our banner of victory, Jehovah - Rapha the LORD who heals. There’s many Jehovah names, too numerous to write in this blog, but He is greater than most give Him credit.

We are the loser if we ignore to say, “Thank You Lord, for all you do and have already done.” Start thinking of the benefits of Praising and blessing the Lord at all times.

Praising God causes you to “Refocus your Mindset” on the good things He has done. Paul says, ^“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil 4:8) Remember our thoughts lead to our emotions, which leads to our decisions, which leads to our actions, which leads to our habits which leads to our character which leads to our destiny.

One thought can either lead you in an upward trajectory toward God or one thought can lead you to a downward road away from your heavenly Father who loves you. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Choose today to lift your voice in Praise to God who is and has already done great things.

Refuse to be like the nine that Jesus was looking for to receive their gratitude of thanksgiving. Has He blessed you with amazing abundant blessings?  Say like David, “All that is within me Bless His Holy name.”

LORD I'M AMAZED BY YOUR DIVINE CONNECTIONS

Have you ever lost your cell phone or your car keys? Those two lost items alone can cause you temporary heartburn and anxiety. Once you locate your missing item though, there is an immediate sense of relief and liberation to move forward with your day. Connection with God and people can change the way we function in everyday life, but what about when we lose something of great value?

I still think about the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that disappeared on Saturday, March 8th, 2014. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-200ER, was carrying 12 Malaysian crew members and 227 passengers from 15 nations. I can’t imagine the grief and sorrow of the families who were in shock and doubt of what happened to their loved ones. Undoubtedly, they STILL deal with a constant gnawing and hurt from their loss. Only God can give one His peace with loss, but people who care can also make a difference.

Your entire life purpose can be summed up in two streams: we are here to be connected to God and People. You cannot fulfill your destiny without it. God is the person who creates amazing connections in the work place, family, neighbors and those we meet throughout life. Each of the Ten Commandments are wrapped into these two streams. We are to, “Love God and Love People.” What does that mean?

Your connection with God brings joy, peace, love, purpose and His favor over your life. Your connections with People should bring them love, light, encouragement, support, joy and peace.

Jesus says, "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.” (Luke 15:4, 5) God has a heartbeat to protect and connect us to His purpose and passion. Satan is the thief that comes to steal, kill and to destroy, but Jesus has come to give us life and give it more abundantly.

It may be your simple phone call, text, and/or visit to stop and say, “How are you doing today?” Mark Batterson tells of a businessman that was asking God to bring about “divine connections” in his travel. A young teenage girl flopped herself down in the seat next to him on the plane. He could tell she was upset. He simply said to her, “I can tell something is bothering you, but if you need a listening ear, I’m here.” It wasn’t long she began to explain how she told her boyfriend she was pregnant. He told me, “Get rid of it and to go have an abortion.” So I stole my dad’s credit card, and bought a ticket to fly to another city to have the abortion. The businessman knew that God was orchestrating this moment. He encouraged her by saying, “I bet if you called your dad, he would understand and wouldn’t want you to lose that baby.” When she got off the plane, she called home and told her dad what happened. He responded, “You come home baby, it’s going to be alright and we’ll get through this together.”

God used one man to make a difference in not only one life but two. Let him use you today. Your connection with God and people does count.

Lord I'm Amazed at your Creativity!

The night sky may be a lot starrier than we thought. A study suggests the universe could have tripled the number of stars scientists previously calculated. For those of you counting at home, the new estimate is 300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. That’s 300 Sextillion. Van Dokkum’s findings challenge the assumption of what Ellis said “a more orderly universe and gives credence to the idea that the universe is more complicated than we think.”

Genesis 1:1-3 states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.³ Then God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light”. What a marvelous wonderful incredible, indescribable, Supreme God we serve.

The universe "made sense" because it was overseen by a Supreme Intelligence who made mathematical description and prediction possible. Throughout Christianity’s early history, theologians like Augustine and Thomas Aquinas did most of the scientific pondering, and their inquiries were seen as a religious quest. Numerous scientists and inventors were led to believe in the all-encompassing finger of God. There is no question that some of the most famous scientists of all times believed in creation. Ann Lamont has written a book entitled 21 Great Scientists Who Believed the Bible. Kepler, Boyle, Newton, Kelvin, Maxwell, and Werner von Braun, weren’t dummies, and they believed in creation.

What’s more important is to know that Jehovah God not only created the universe, but He also had a plan when He created you. Genesis 1: 26, 27 states, “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.” Jeremiah 1:5 states, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations."

You are not what a man may say about you. How crazy to believe that you came from a monkey. David said, “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it.” (Psalms 139: 14) Paul states, “For we are Gods’ masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesus 2:10)


Satan is always trying to knock off people from their purpose in life. Three Hebrew men were thrown in a fiery furnace, but God had another plan and they came forth without the smell of smoke or one hair singed. Satan isn’t fighting for your present but where you’re going in your future. He will try anything to keep you from your assignment or purpose in life. Have you lost your way? Jonah thought, “I’ll do it my way.” It didn’t take him long to find out that God’s way is the best way. It took wind, a whale and three days in the bottom of the earth for him to wake up and realize God had a better way to live life. Are you amazed today at His Creative Plan He has for you?

Lord I'm Amazed At Your "Right Turns"

UPS has learned a new way of delivering packages. In 2004 they discovered that 53% of accidents on the highway are caused when making a left-hand turn across traffic. When one makes a right-hand turn accidents are only 5-7% of the time. Not only did UPS cut down on their accidents but they also saved 10 million gallons of gas plus saved on emissions, the equivalent of taking 5300 cars off the highway. They also discovered a left-hand turn takes more time waiting in traffic. The more man-hours for labor were unproductive. That’s pretty amazing, all in routing their deliveries to take a Right Hand Turn.

God’s word is also clear about making right hand turns. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT)

You can avoid yourself grief and pain if you will follow God’s Word that is designed by the creator “Jehovah Elohim” the architect of the world and your life. If you refuse to follow His instruction manual, you will waste a lot of time, get-up-and-go and productivity.

Jonah was instructed by God to go to Nineveh. He was to warn them of a coming judgment, but decided to make a left-hand turn and run from the Lord some 2500 miles. That wrong turn caused him a lot of grief and pain and almost cost him his life. God loved him so much that He sent him a wind; whale and a three-day submarine ride in the deep.

Have you chosen to go left in your marriage by running away from God’s plan? Have you taken a left in withholding the 10% of your paycheck that belongs to the Lord? God says; “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse.”(Malachi 3:10a) Spending it on your whims and wants is making a bad left-hand turn from God’s word. The wrong turns will cost you Big Time!

We should all be thankful that God is a God of mercy. Jonah soon woke up to the fact that his left-hand turn was painful and unproductive. God gave him another chance and he changed his course traveling now 5000 miles in the right direction. It’s not to late to do what is right today. Don’t put it off, do it now. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”  (John 14:6a)

Momentum in Reaching People

Henry Ford was very passionate about making it possible for the common man to drive his automobile. He worked his car cost down from 850.00 to 300.00 dollars per car in five years. His first year he sold ten thousand Model T’s, but from 1913-1925 he sold 15 million cars in America and Europe. Can you imagine the momentum that picked up every time someone drove their beautiful automobile down the road?

What do other people see when you go about your day at work, eating at restaurants, going to a ballgame, and living your everyday life? Are people attracted to your attitude, actions, and the altitude you live? Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)

The business world spends a lot of energy, effort, and advertising dollars to make a connection with the world they’re trying to reach. Jesus teaches us to make a connection an investment in reaching those who are still lost in their blindness. Do you shine, smile or give out a reflection of God’s goodness, grace and glory?

In Mark 2:1-12, we read the exciting story of four men who brought a cripple man to Jesus.  It was a difficult process. When they got to Jesus, there were so many people there at the home. They had to climb on the roof and take the roof off to get him down to Jesus. When they did, a miracle took place and the man was healed and he began to walk.

How determined are you in getting people to Jesus? God wants each of us to love people right where they are. Jesus never said, “Love people when they get their act together.” Rather Jesus says to Love people regardless if they are a drug addict, drunkard, or a thief. The thief said to Jesus while being on the cross, “Would you remember me when you come into your Kingdom?” Jesus said, “Today you shall be with me in paradise.” Jesus didn’t wait for people to get their act together in order to love and change them. These four men had something unique in getting their friend to Jesus.

·       They had Compassion. Without compassion you’ll never reach those who need Christ. You have to get passed their mess and muddle and see a miracle in the making for their life.

·       They had Determination. There were so many at the house, seemly there was no way to get him to Christ. But, they were tenacious by taking the roof off to get him to Christ.

·       They were Committed. Once these four men started their travel to Jesus, there was no turning back from getting this man to Christ. He is the one who changes lives, not us.

·       They were very Courageous. Fear always tries to hinder us in our getting people to Christ. Their courage wasn’t about to back out from seeing their friend’s life changed

Henry Ford made an investment one hundred years ago that forever changed the world. But there’s no greater investment in life than investing in someone’s eternity.  Is there a co-worker, son or daughter, neighbor or someone God has placed on your heart? You will never regret being tenacious in getting your friend to Jesus. Do it today and enjoy a miracle of Christ in someone’s life before your eyes.

Momentum on God's Assembly Line 3

WHAT DOES GOD SEE WHEN YOU OPEN UP YOUR GIFT PACKAGES IN LIFE?

 YOUR BOLDNESS OR YOUR FEAR? 

Only Joshua and Caleb used their faith as they approached the new space in the Promise Land. The other ten spies were driven with fear as they saw the giants in the land. If you are to move ahead with the gifts that God has given you, you must approach your serving with, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”

Fear leads to hesitation, which leads to a pause, which leads to a direct “NO” to God’s leading and direction. That is why the ten spies said, “We are not able to go in and possess the land.” Their decision ultimately led two million people to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Only the young generation went into the new land and those 20 and older died in the wilderness.

It was Joshua and Caleb’s bold faith and tenacity that said, “We are more than able to go in and possess the land. Let us go up at once.”

What is it that God is leading you to do? Has he placed something in your heart that bigger than what you are? Have you said, “I don’t have the talents, resources, gifting, favor, or the knowhow?” It’s when the dream is bigger than what you are that God can step in and do His part.

When we were building our first buildings on our property here at I-295 and North Main Street in Jacksonville Fl, I said, “God why didn’t you call somebody that knew what they were doing? Don’t you know I’m too young to do something like this?” God said, “Danny, I choose the weak things of the earth to confound the wise.” Friend, when you let him use your weakness, that’s when He gets “ALL the Glory.” Are you ready to be driven with Boldness instead of Fear? When you do, you will see God do wonderful, glorious things.

Momentum on God's Assembly Line 2

I have never seen a gifted baseball team go to a World Series lethargic, bored, unenthused, or wanting to be somewhere else. What I have seen is excitement, enthusiasm, and an eagerness to play ball with excellence and tenacity like no other time in their life.

Last year my wife and I were excited to give our grand-kids, Caleb and Addison their Christmas gifts. We bought some pedal cars for their little feet to ride and enjoy. It took better than 3 hours to put together each contraption. I approached the BOXES with excitement and tenacity to see their little feet having the time of their life. As I began the project, I dealt with some frustrations and perplexity in completing the job; it’s usually no different in “opening the packages” that God has for our assignment in life.

Joshua, David, Nehemiah and many others opened their life packages, or “callings”, with excitement and enthusiasm which led to many challenges in fulfilling their call and mandate.

           WHAT DOES GOD SEE WHEN YOU OPEN YOUR GIFT PACKAGES IN LIFE?

·      YOUR Eagerness or Procrastination? When we gave our grand-kids their presents, it didn't take them long to sit in their new pedal cars and give it a go. Eagerness has a way of pushing everything else aside and moving you forward. Procrastination has a way of doing more pleasurable things in place of less pleasurable ones, and thus putting off impending tasks to a later time, sometimes to the "last minute" before the deadline. Will you act on God’s calling before YOUR deadline is up? “Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the ones you did do.” (Mark Twain)

·        YOUR EXCITEMENT OR  BOREDOM? Nehemiah launched a new rebuilding of the broken walls in Jerusalem with great enthusiasm and passion. King Artaxerxes had given him permission, provision and a passport to move forward. There was no time to be bored with what God was putting together for Gods people. Have you seen something you can make better? Is there something broken that you can fix? Then ask God to give you favor, provision and a passport to make it happen. Is there a kids class without a teacher, a broken water pipe, a lawn gone ugly, a worship team without a drummer, or someone broken with pain?

·      YOUR EXCELLENCE OR MEDIOCRITY? Jesus said, “I MUST be about my Father’s business.” I doubt when you pass away you will be saying; “I sure wish I had of manicured my yard, worked more hours on my job, or spent more time improving my golf game.” I am sure you will be saying, “Why didn't I spend more time doing what Christ gifted me to do for Him?”

Momentum on God's Assembly Line?

When the Ford Model T was being built, a motor and rope pulled the chassis frame past workers and parts on the factory floor, cutting the man-hours required to complete one Model T from 12-1/2 hours to six. Within a year, further assembly line improvements reduced the time required to 93 man-minutes. The staggering increase in productivity affected by Ford's use of the moving assembly line allowed the company to drastically reduce the cost of the Model T. This accomplishment fulfilled Henry Ford’s dream of making the car affordable to ordinary consumers.

Does God have a dream for each of us? Each of us remembers the Momentum that began in our faith journeys with God. When you first came to Christ, do you remember your joy, confidence, enthusiasm, and excitement you experienced in your relationship with Him? As your development moves forward on God’s assembly line, you begin to experience tests, trials, setbacks and even hiccups that attempt to derail  you from the plan of God.

The way you deal with the hang-ups and setbacks of life will determine how well you come out on the other side. Instead of getting discouraged and resisting the issues that are thrown your way, be determined to let God, the designer, complete what He started. Many in Gods time-line have faced enormous pressures with their own momentum. What’s your attitude when stuff comes? David said; “It is good for me when I have been afflicted so I might learn thy statues.” (Ps 119:71) Paul said, “All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) James said, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2) When you add it all up, God is working something out for your own development, and yes, productivity in your life.

Joshua’s leadership faced the challenge of crossing the Jordon River to take the people of God in to the Promise Land. Once he miraculously crossed over the Jordon, there would be TEN cities that he would conquer.  He probably wondered, God could there be another way, another route, another trajectory you could use to take us forward in the land? No, God ordained the path for Joshua’s development.

God could have used another means and another route, but God was more interested in developing courage and faith in Joshua’s heart. You will never be what God has intended you to be by choosing an easier path. When it came time for our church to build a new sanctuary. I said, “God, why didn’t you call somebody else to do this job, somebody more qualified?”  God wasn’t just interested in us building a new building; rather He was trying to BUILD ME. Each of us needs to quit telling God how to run His assembly line that He has planned for our lives. When I do, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. “ (Eccl  7:8)