Serving in the Sweet Spot - "iGeneration"

We live today with some incredible technology. Apple products include the iPhone, iPad, iMac, iTouch and iCloud, and coming on the Horizon is the iWatch. It’s interesting that it’s a fit with the way most people in the world view their individual life. I remember many years ago when Burger King changed their philosophy about the way they make their hamburgers. Their new slogan and jingle was, “Have it your Way.” That may work for businesses wanting to please their customers, but it goes against the grain of a God in heaven who created us for His Purpose. Jesus says, “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for Me, you will find true life.” (Matthew 16:25) The most fulfilled people on the planet are those who have given up having it their own way.

Those who are Living in the “Sweet Spot” are those who have lived by, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3)

Each of us will find that we’ll either live life with a sense of: Entitlement or Responsibility

Can you imagine standing behind Billy Graham at the Judgment Seat of Christ and hearing, “Next”? And then you say, “But you see Lord, I couldn’t serve because I had to watch the Jaguars. I had to work 60 hours a week to pay for my car, home, and jet skis and other toys and I had to take my kids to dance, t-ball, and basketball”. And on and on you go. What will the Lord say to you and me on that day? Jesus gives us some insight of the man who had three servants in (Matthew 25:14-30) NLT. One was given five bags of silver, another, two bags of silver and the other one bag of silver. Notice that each of them were only responsible for what they were given. Yes, the first produced five more bags of silver; the other multiplied two more bags of silver. But Jesus stresses the point; that ONE did nothing with his one bag of silver. He buried it in the ground and then blamed his owner saying, that “I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.”

That was not a pretty day for that servant, ²⁸ “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. ²⁹ To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. ³⁰ Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

The problem was that the last servant NEVER assumed RESPONSILBIITY for what he had been given. Ask yourself today, “Have I accepted Responsibility for what the Lord has given me IN SERVING?”

Sweet Spot Series - "Serving with a Sense of Urgency or Procrastination"

Most of us will always remember where we were on September 11^th 2011. Ben Laden and his trained terrorists were on the loose as they hijacked and rammed our passenger planes into the World Trade Centers and our Pentagon. Nearly 3000 people were killed but President Bush said,”Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” Everything changed from that day. Airport security, a new TSA processing your luggage and check, check, check, here we go.

Phone surveillance and our Intelligence budgets have skyrocketed to $52.6-billion! “We're broke." The last U.S. budget surplus was in fiscal year 2001. The national debt now is more than $17 trillion -- or about $53,000 per person. “Ground Zero” is no more. Eight years in the making, the 104-story 1 World Trade Center is poised to open early this year in Lower Manhattan.  On 9/11 there was a Sense of URGENCY in the Air, but what about now? Are we being lulled to sleep again?

In the early days of the Church, the Book of Acts reveals a movement of Spirit filled believers on fire. After Christ rose from the dead, He ascended into the heavens. The Church moved forward and was aggressive in proclaiming “Jesus is alive, He is not dead”! Yes, Revival spread throughout the World. But has the church now lost its Sense of URGENCY? Are we concerned that Satan continues to steal, kill and destroy lives? Esther, David, and Nehemiah all served with a sense of Urgency. It breaks my heart every time I hear of another murder, rape, or child abuse victem and one who has been taken and sold into sex slavery.Human trafficking victims have been identified in cities, suburbs, and rural areas in all 50 states. They are forced to work or provide commercial sex against their will in legal and legitimate business settings as well as underground markets. The most cited statistics on trafficking come from the U.S. State Department's annual reports on trafficking in persons. According to the 2005 report, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year, with 14,500 to 17,500 trafficked into the U.S.

As I was in prayer a few days ago, I felt the Lord speak to my heart and say, “People will either serve me with a Sense of Urgency or Procrastination” I must confess, there have been times I have put off my wife’s “Honey Do” list, cleaning the garage out, fixing that leaky pipe under the sink, but yes, also things that could affect a man’s eternity: Is TIME RUNNING OUT? Am I moved to SERVE my God with my heart, hands and feet in changing people’s eternity?

There’s more to life than my comfort, convenience and my own calm. What are we willing to do to make a difference in bringing light to our dark lost city and world? Jesus said, “He that will be greatest among you, will be a servant” (Matthew 25:23). What do you say? More importantly, what will Christ say as we stand before Him one day at His Judgment Seat? I want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”                                

Serving in the Sweet Spot - 2 - video message

Serving In The Sweet Spot

Most people don’t realize that on February 7, 1994, Michael Jordan was signed as a free agent by the White Sox, played outfield for the Birmingham Barons, the Class AA Southern League affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, but then retired From Baseball: March 10, 1995. What happened? Could it be he knew he wasn’t hitting in his own “sweet spot”? Although Jordan abruptly retired from basketball before the beginning of the 1993–94 NBA season to pursue a career in baseball, he rejoined the Bulls in 1995 and led them to three additional championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.

Gallup has reported that 70% of people in America hate their jobs. Are you Hitting your own Sweet Spot? Many people experience confusion in finding their own sweet spot. It’s normal to tussle and struggle in finding what we’re created for, what we’re really good at and why we’re here.

Consider with me these three things that may help you to Serve in your Sweet Spot?

·             Don’t knock your Season.  God says “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Eccl 3:1) Many greats in the Bible experienced seasons that were just getting them ready for their own Sweet Spot. Consider the different seasons of Joseph, David and the Apostle Paul. Each of them could have knocked their season as if it was unnecessary and pointless for their success. What if they had quit during the “winter” months of their journey?

·             Don’t knock your Setbacks. Again, each of these three individuals had setbacks that could have made them bitter. Joseph, after his pain of being thrown into a pit, prison cell and seemingly forgotten for 13 years says to his older brothers, “What you intended for evil, God meant it for good.” (Gen 50:20)  David said after his own setbacks, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn thy statutes. (Ps 119:71)) Paul said after being beaten with rods, stoned, imprisoned and being shipwrecked, and even bitten by a viper, “All things work together for the good to them that love the Lord, to them who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

·             Don’t knock your Specialty. You are wonderfully and marvelously made by Jehovah God the Creator of this universe. There is not another one like you in the entire world. Why would you knock what He created? No, God didn’t make you to be Michael Jordon, Michael Dell or Steve Jobs. But he did make You to be You. God doesn’t make junk. If you would spend more time appreciating who God made you to be than getting upset with those who are different than you are, you would learn to Love Life and appreciate the Sweet Spot he has created for you. Today, humble yourself before God and Trust His Creative hand to plan out each Season, Setback and Specialty at work every day, so we can all live out our own Sweet Spot in life.

Serving in the Sweet Spot - video message

Top 5 in 2013 "Fires of Temptation"

Have you ever wondered where Solomon went wrong? Was he just bent on love for women?  Why would he have so many wives? Where did this man get off track in his relationship with God?

Solomon was the richest king on the earth at that time. God blessed him with thousands of horses, camels, sheep, silver, and gold just to mention a few of his blessings. He took seven years to build the most incredible temple and thirteen years in building his magnificent personal palace. Where did this man detour from his roots of faith? Where did he go wrong? How could one step in the wrong direction lead him so far from his Jehovah God? (1 Kings 11:1-13)

The Word of God says that Solomon loved many foreign women. So did this guy just have issues with women? God was clear that Israel was not to marry those from foreign nations. God knew that these women's gods would turn their hearts away from their Jehovah God. (1 Kings 11:2)

Why did this king seek after women from other nations? Could it be that if he married Pharaoh's daughter he wouldn't have to war with the King of Egypt? Would not that be a wise strategy in order to secure his nation Israel? What father is going to go after the destruction of his daughter's domain?

The problem with that reasoning is that God never violates His own principals in order to take care of His children. That was Solomon's strategy; it worked with one nation. He also married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from the Hitties.

How did this wise man lose confidence in his Protector? God had promised that as long as he kept His commandments, blessings and protection would be on him and his nation. God says, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23b)

Just as God had predicted, Solomon's wives turned his heart to worshipping other gods. These 700 wives caused him to worship Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. What he did was evil in the Lord's sight; he refused to follow the Lord completely as his father David had done.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Satan works at tempting us with: 

• The Entrance of a thought 
• The Entertainment of a thought
• The Electricity of that thought. 

Solomon was empowered to marry a woman from a foreign nation with One Thought. When it seemingly worked out to marry Pharaoh's daughter, what could be so wrong with marrying more from other nations? He no longer needed to have FAITH IN GOD to be his Protector

Just ONE step in the wrong direction is what will lead you down the road of death. “There is a way that seems right unto man but the end thereof is the way of death.” Be cautious with your steps in life. When you choose your own strategy that opposes the Word of God, you’re about to step on a landmine that will forever change the trajectory that God has purposed for your future. How could one so blessed and so successful turn away from his God?

"Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) "Order my steps in Your Word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me."(Psalm 119:133) Let God's Word and not your own knowledge and wisdom be your guide and compass today. "Without FAITH it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."    NIV (Hebrews 11:6)

Your Focus leads to a Thought to Emotion to Decision to Action to Habit to Character to Destiny          

dannysdevotional.com

Serving With The Heavens Opened in 2014?

Have you thought about what Realignments you’ll make for the New Year? Once something gets out of alignment in your life, it can be a real challenge to get back on track. Most people’s New Year’s Resolutions are a real struggle to keep throughout the entire year. Self-improvement, or at least the desire for it is a shared American hobby. It’s why so many of us—some estimates say more than 40% of Americans—make New Year’s resolutions. But for all the good intentions, only a tiny fraction of us keep our resolutions; University of Scranton research suggests that just 8% of people achieve their New Year’s goals.

 So what is on your list for the New Year? Is it to get closer to your kids and your spouse? Is it to read your Bible and spend time daily in prayer in a more consistent way? Is it to set aside a few days or even 21 days to fast? Today, reflect on what God is saying He has for you in this New Year!

 Is this the year you will seek to know Christ or to renew ‘Why on earth did God put you here?’ God tells each of us to “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. (Ps 92:10 NLT) Too many people live their lives in the fog, being disoriented, distracted and having a distorted perspective. Life is too short to live for nothing. You’re not just anybody, you’re a Somebody that God designed for a reason. When you start living out God’s Purpose,  you’ll find a new zeal, joy, excitement and a force to be reckoned with that you’re not an accident, but God’s design!

 Jesus fulfilled His Purpose, and being baptized in water by John the Baptist, gives us insight for our lives. It’s an example for us to understand and follow. Water Baptism means that the old you is dead and buried and the new life of Christ is resurrected in your life. When Christ was baptized the Word says, “The Heavens Were Opened.” (Matt 3:16) What does that mean? Is that a metaphor of God’s blessings, favor, and His smile upon my life? Yes, but it also gives us a great communication line to HEAR how God wants us to serve. God wants us to realize we have a direct line into the throne room of heaven for clear instructions. It’s no fun in having static on the line or even losing connection.

  “The Heavens Opened” also means we can SEE into the heavens, which give us great strength and encouragement for the assignment He has given us. . When I lose sight of God’s plan and design for my life, I get distorted and disoriented with my steps.

  “The Heavens Opened.” also helps me to better KNOW the One whom I’m serving. He cares more about me than what I can do for Him. Paul was caught up into the third heaven, yet he said “I still want to know Him.” He was greatly persecuted and even bitten with a viper, yet he shook it off in the fire. The question is “Will you SERVE the One who has called you for this HOUR no matter what?”

 Is there anything that is stopping or hindering you from SERVING Christ in THIS hour? God has a personal assignment for each of us. Satan has many ways that he works at keeping God’s people from Gods purpose and assignment. What will you say as He calls you to serve?

Serving With Opened Heavens in 2014 - video message

Top 5 For 2013 Is E Harmony the Answer?

1 Samuel 25:1-44 MSG


God works in unexpected ways to bring about a wife for David. This woman, Abigail, was wise, smart, and had a lot of common sense. Nabal had greatly offended David and his men by reacting selfishly towards all the good deeds and protection that David had performed to protect him and his livestock. God did not take it lightly when Nabal was not willing to even share a meal with David and his men. He showed neither appreciation nor gratitude for David’s good deed.


Abigail knew better than to ignore the grace that had been extended to Nabal and their entire family. She shows up by giving a feast for David and his men instead of ignoring the protection and grace that they had offered to Nabal. The next day Abigail told Nabal what she had done, and how she had taken them a feast. 

It was her act of kindness and generosity that had saved their lives from potential revenge from David. Nabal fell back in his chair with a stroke and ten days later was dead. When David heard what had happened he went back and invited Abigail to be his wife. God works in mysterious ways to bring about blessings and favor and his will for our lives.

Yes…she was a beautiful lady in more ways than one, and God brought her to David as a blessing to be his wife. Friend, allow God to bring about your potential spouse without your having to work frantically to find them. I’m not sure that all your worries, online experiences and connection are what God has in mind to bring about His divine purpose in that area of your life.


Let God instruct you and lead you in the way you should go. Little did David know that by his good deeds and just living a Godly life would bring about such a blessing, but it happened. He can do the same for you!

Dannysdevotional.com


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Top 5 in 2013 Praising God Regardless!

Psalms 150:6 “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!”  Everybody in life   is going to face flat tires, leaky roofs, toilet over-runs, IRS tax frustrations, hackers hacking into your email account, and viruses on your computer. The question is “How are you going to respond to your pains in life?”

      How does one change what comes out of their mouth? Peter exhorts the churches in Asia who were under heavy persecution. Nero in Rome was putting high pressure on these new believers and making life miserable in every way possible. Peter says, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.”  (1 Peter 3:10) NLT

 Is it really possible to Praise God Regardless, even when you’re being frustrated, agitated and flustered with life? Let me share with you three things that can help you with your Praise to God.

         Praise Him Regardless by truly Trusting God with all your heart. A very rich man was travelling through the countryside of Scotland heading toward a very important meeting. When his car got stuck in the mud he was stranded in the middle of nowhere. A poor farmer came to his aid; rescued him and gave him a bed for the night. The rich man was so grateful that he promised to pay for a full education for the poor farmer’s son. True to his word the rich man paid for the education. The young man was Alexander Fleming the man who discovered Penicillin. The story doesn’t end there; the rich man’s son was wounded toward the end of the First World War and was saved by Penicillin. The rich man’s name was Spencer Churchill; his son saved by penicillin was Winston Churchill, who went on to be the Hero- leader of 1939-45 England.

         That one act of compassion changed the course of history. Somebody had to Trust that God was using their painful experience for good. Somebody chose not to give in to negativity, complaining and whining. Little did Spencer know that one day his gratitude to a man and to God would be the very investment that would keep his son alive from a brutal wound on the battlefield.

            Praise Him Regardless by sharing your Testimony with those who need Christ. We forget too quickly what the Lord has done for us. He shined His glorious light on us and forever our life has been transformed. Share the light with someone else and tell them what He has done for you.

           I challenge you today to take a 21 day challenge. Wear a band on your right hand and say, “For the next 21 days I will not whine or complain.” If you blow it, put the band on your left hand. Start again the next day fresh and new back on your right hand. With God’s grace we can Praise Him Regardless.

           Praise Him Regardless by thinking about the Time you have left here on earth to Thank Him. What will you be known for when you leave this world? A Whiner, Complainer, a bellyaching barking busybody? Surely that’s not what you want written on your epitaph. The Psalmist encourages us, “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 92:10) With God’s help accept the 21 Day challenge to say, Regardless, “I will Praise Him.” Sooner or later it will become a way of life.

           Dannysdevotional.com

Top 5 in 2013 "New Beginnings"

Genesis 9:1-29

So many in life are overshadowed and are driven by their fears, their hurts, their blunders, their mistakes, their burdens and their hick-ups in life. Noah and his family are now back on dry ground. It's been a rough ride but now God has dried up the waters of the earth. God hangs a rainbow in the sky and says; " Never again will a flood destroy the Earth"

This is a sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you. I'm putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the Earth. (12)

Even God says it's time to move forward. Too many of us in life live in the past instead of our future. None of us can do anything about our mistakes, our failures, our shortcomings, the things we wish we could change in the past. It's time to move ahead.

"Twenty years from now, you'll be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than the ones you did do." Mark Twain

There is a reason that you are still on planet earth. God isn't finished with you. There are still more mountains to climb, valleys to cross, victories to win, storms to overcome, and challenges to conquer. God is taking you and me somewhere. Regardless of the past or the forecast, like Noah; "I have all intention of staying on the boat till I see the sun shine again, and I see the heavens open up over my life and fulfill the mandate and the promises of God in my life.

What are you dealing with today? What keeps lingering in your fuzzy thought life? Allow the Holy Spirit of God to overshadow you with fresh vision, fresh energy and fresh faith to go places you have never been, to do things that you have never done, to become someone that you have never been.

Through the spirit of God within you say; " No longer will I allow my past to overshadow my life, but I will be driven by Christ alone and the faith He has placed in my heart.  He will take the steering wheel of my life, and I will become all that He has created me to become for His honor and glory. In the days He has assigned my life on this earth, "I declare; today is a new day with new beginnings, yes new beginnings."