Seasons.... Is God 10,000 Steps Ahead Of You?

How ridiculous is it to surmise from having a flat tire that now you’re heading to the dealer to buy a new car? It’s true that a flat tire may slow you down from your destination, but it’s bizarre to conclude that you need a new vehicle just because your tire was punctured from a foreign object.

There are times some come to a similar conclusion; they have lost air pressure in their faith and confidence in God. They’ve hit a tough season in life so it must be time to make a change. You don’t look for a new spouse just because you are walking through a tough season in your marriage. “86% of unhappily married couples who stuck it out found out that 5 years later their marriage were happier.” You shouldn’t start looking for a new job because you had a run in with somebody at work. Should you start looking for a new church just because the church is in a tough season?

God says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Eccl 3:1)  I’ve watched people change the trajectory of their career all because they had a tough start.  I have pastored Oceanway Assembly now for 30 Years. If I would have changed churches every time I experienced a hiccup or a storm situation, I would have left Oceanway Assembly several times.

Somewhere in life, you have to plant your feet in His amazing love and grace and say, “This is the place that He has called me.” Why don’t you rise up and say, “I am what I am by the grace of God.” I can’t take the credit for being here these 30 years. It’s only been by His  cup of grace that He has given me the faith, confidence, courage and tenacity to press forward in the tough seasons of life. Some pastors haven’t set a good example for their people. They hop around the country every 3 ½ years because of a tough season. That’s the average stay of pastors in America.

Somewhere you have to decide that I’m going to learn whatever I need to see in this season that He has designed for me. God is a God of the EXACT. He doesn’t make mistakes. Many times we get flustered, frustrated, annoyed, lose heart, lose confidence and courage to go the distance. The same God who saved you with His grace is the same One who can give you the grace to brave through your storm. Paul was in a tough season but He told him, “My grace is sufficient for thee.”

Refuse to be stubborn with God. Realize He can steady your footsteps. Running from your problems isn’t God’s Answer. The reason I’ve survived some of my brutal seasons is that I have learned where the “Delete Button” is on the keyboard. When Satan puts a thought in your head to give up, hit the Delete Button and respond, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”

When the enemy says, “You won’t make it this time,” Say “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” Remember, God is always 100 x 100 steps and more ahead of your plans and the enemies’ plans against you. Say today, “No weapon formed against me will prosper.” Will you choose to change your attitude instead of your location? God has a great cup of GRACE to complete this season in you. “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”(Phil 1:6)

Proverbs 6 "God’s Top 7 Hate List"

I don’t know many parents who don’t love their kids. Because we love them so much, we hate to see them involve themselves in anything that would bring harm or damage to their life. When my sister Pam was five years old, she picked up a hot iron. No matter how many times mom said, “Pam, don’t touch that HOT iron,” she still had to experience the touch of that iron. God in many respects says to His children, there are things that I know will harm and hurt you .Listen closely to those things that God hates to see you touch. By the way, my sister Pam never tried touching that iron again for play! Study with me now as we dive into chapter six, all because He loves us. 

1-5     God hates the Mismanagement of finances

6-11    God hates Laziness

12-15   God hates Discord

16-19     god’s top seven hate list

17a   Haughty eyes

17b   a lying TONGUE

17c   Hands that shed innocent blood

18A   Hearts that devise wicked schemes

18b    feet that rush to evil

19     a false witness

19b   those stirring up dissension

20-35  God Hates Adultery

Let’s ask the Lord and the Holy Spirit of God to HELP us to stay clear of those things that will bring harm and destruction to our lives.

Seasons... Does God Always Get It Right 100% (2)

Seasons; they come and go, But out of the 51 largest cities in the United States, Minneapolis, Minnesota has the coldest winter weather, based on average daily temperatures. It’s the only American city that normally remains well below freezing throughout the day during December, January and February. Ummmm, If I lived there, I think I would be packing my bags in the Winter! But in contrast, during the Summer, they have some of the most beautiful, relaxing weather with 10,000 breathtaking lakes. I think we Floridians call those folks “Snow Birds.”

I must confess that I’ve had some seasons where I was ready to pack my bags and seek out a place of relief. “YES”, I think we’ve all questioned God in our difficult seasons. I have said, “God, where are you in all this?”

Mary and Martha experienced a difficult situation with the sickness of their brother Lazarus. They sent word for Jesus to come because their brother Lazarus was at the point of death. And yet, Jesus stayed in the same place another two days.

 
Why?” Are we not important to God in our hour of stress and pain? You may say, “I thought God cared about me in every situation I went through. Didn’t God say, “He would never leave us nor forsake us?” Didn’t He say, “When you walk through the waters I will be with you?”

Satan is a master of shooting and spreading bullets of doubts, lies and disbelief.  Lazarus does die! Martha and Mary are upset beyond words. When Jesus shows up four days later Martha went as far as to say, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.” To blame the Lord Jesus Christ, that’s pretty heavy. But in all honesty, many of us have also questioned God’s timing and motives in our own deepest pain.

Have you accused the Lord of being inconsistent with your difficulty, season, and situation? “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” (Eccl 3:1)  Everybody has seasons in their life. Each of us struggle with seasons that God brings our way. A mom faces the season of pregnancy for nine months. Yes, there are challenges during those months. But then comes the joy and excitement of her newborn. Others may face the loss of their job, go through a divorce, a health setback, etc. All in all, God knows how to bring you forth in victory.

Jesus knew right where Lazarus was in his sickness, But He said to His disciples, “And for your sakes, I'm glad I wasn't there, for now you will really believe. Come, let's go see him." Jesus knew at the end of the day that Martha, Mary and each disciple were about to see that God’s ways are higher than our ways. Jesus spoke these words, “Lazarus, come forth!” His body began to move. Then Jesus said, “Loose him,” Can you imagine the joy of that moment in their hearts. God knows what He’s doing when we don’t. It all boils down to a matter of “Trusting God” in your season. He has you and your season in the palm of His hand right now!

SEASONS... Does God Always Get It Right 100% (1)

The United States Postal Service is the 3^rd largest employer in America behind the Federal government and Walmart. They employ 574,000 workers and mail 660 million pieces of mail to as many as 142 million delivery points. What if 1% of the mail was delivered to the wrong place? That would equate to 660 thousand pieces of mail sent to the wrong mailboxes! Have you ever gotten the wrong mail in your mailbox? “Ahhh, Yes.”

GM recalled about 800,000 of its small cars due to faulty ignition switches which could shut off the engine during driving and thereby prevent the airbags from inflating. GM has linked this to 13 deaths involving defective ignition switches. As of June 30, 2014, GM has also issued 45 recalls which have involved nearly 28 million cars worldwide. In 2014, GM sold almost 3 billion cars and trucks in 37 countries under thirteen brands. Have you ever bought a GM car that had a defect? What if GM got it wrong 1% of the time? That would be nearly 3 million GM cars that had a defect of some kind.

On the Korean Air Lines Flight 007 from New York City to Seoul via Anchorage on September 1, 1983, the airliner was shot down by a Soviet Su-15. The pilot had gotten off course by just 1 degree into Soviet air space and The Soviet Union claimed they thought it was a spy plane. Sadly 269 people died in that passenger’s plane. Getting it wrong even 1% of the time can be deadly.

We are all humans and we each have the propensity or tendency to make errors and mistakes. Many times that bleeds over into our trusting others and even God Himself.

Have you ever questioned “The Season” that you’re in? Have you ever been suspicious that God may have gotten it wrong? You’re not alone if that’s the case.

Ask Abraham about waiting on his promised son Isaac. Ask Moses about his season in Egypt. Ask David when he was being chased down in the wilderness by King Saul. Ask Job who lost everything but his trust and confidence in his God. God says, “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Yes, there have been times that I have questioned the Lord, “What in the world is this about?” The real question is, “Will you believe that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you?” Will you believe that, “No weapon formed against you will prosper?” That “All things work together for good to them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose?” Will you believe, “That His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts?” Will you believe that His plans are greater, better, bigger, wider, superior, larger and broader? We may not comprehend His ways, but I still believe that God gets it right 100% of the time. Choose today, in this season to TRUST GOD with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding!

Proverbs 5 "A High Cost For Cheap Living"

Someone once said, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.” Satan never will show you the pain, sorrow nor the agony of where your temptation will lead you.

Many people through the years have walked into temptations that lead them to the graveyard. It started out with such pleasure, fun and the time of your life; but then in the end it leads them to their destruction. God reminds us that the pleasure of sin is only for a season.

God warned Lot and his family to leave Sodom and not look back. As God came to their rescue, Lot’s wife was tempted to look back. When she did she turned into a pillar of salt. Jesus' very important words were, “Remember Lot’s wife.” Friend, there is a High Price for Cheap Living. Listen to THIS CHAPTER that gives us full warning of going down the wrong road. There is a way that seems right but the end is the way of destruction.                                                        

 There’s A High Cost For Cheap Living

                       BE ALERT:

1-2     To Maintain Discretion

3        Sin Looks Inviting

4-6     Immorality will drown you

7-8     Avoid The Wrong Path

9-10    Immorality Leaves A Mess

11-14   There’s Great Pain In Sin

15-19   Keep Your Eyes On Your Own Blessing

20       Why Settle For Less Than Gods Best?

21       God Is Watching Us

22       Sin Holds Us Captive

23       Without Discipline You’re A Sunk Skunk

PROVERBS 4 "8 Apps Of God's Wisdom"

Apple Iphone has 1,400,000 apps that can be used with the IPhone. The IPAD has available 750,000 apps as well. Pretty nifty that apps can keep up with your heart beat, running with a GPS, a flashlight, The Bible with 27 different versions, Banking, Twitter, Facebook, Urbanspoon even helps you find the best Shake and Burger in the middle of the desert in Arizona! (Ask me how I know that? It was one of the best I have ever eaten.)

God also has apps to help us get where we need to go in this life. Proverbs 4 will show you and I that we don’t have to miss God’s blessings and favor on our life. You don’t have to live in the fog. God’s Word is our radar to help us focus on where we need to be and do what we need to do so we can have blessings and success in this life. Here is an outline of apps that will help you navigate your life.

1-4    YOU’LL HAVE PURPOSE

5-6    YOU’LL HAVE PROTECTION

7-9    YOU’LL HAVE HONOR

10     YOU’LL HAVE LONGEVITY

11     YOU’LL HAVE A STRAIGHT LIFE

12-17 YOU’LL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE

18-19 YOU’LL HAVE LIGHT

20-22  YOU’LL HAVE HEALTH

                WE MUST GUARD

23     OUR HEART

24     OUR TONGUE

25     OUR EYES

26-27 OUR FEET

 

Seasons.....Is God Ever Late? 1

If you’ve walked with the Lord very long, more than likely you have questioned God’s timing in being there for you in your nightmares of life. Is it possible that the Creator of the heavens and the earth with all His brilliance, power and omnipotence could really show up late in your crisis?

Possibly today you are facing trouble with your marriage, work, finances, kids, health or just finding your destiny. God says, “But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:29, 30) So are the facts being confused with your fears, frustrations, feelings and worries? I’ve learned that our Thoughts lead to our Emotions and our Emotions lead to our Decisions. It’s a DECISION whether or not you’re going to trust in your God.

Joseph faced a TOUGH season for approximately thirteen years. His brothers became jealous over his spoken dreams and decided they would get rid of him and his dreams. They came close to killing him in a pit, but a caravan of Ishmaelites came their way. They ended up selling him for twenty pieces of silver. Where was God?

Joseph is sold as a slave to Potiphar in the process, but within a short time of working in his home, Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce him. Joseph says to her, “How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God." She lies about the incident and Potiphar had him thrown in prison. Where was God now?

Joseph goes to prison. While in prison, Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s puzzling dream of seven fat and seven skinny cows. What does that mean? Joseph declares that it represents seven years of plenty will come but seven years of famine will follow. In that season, Joseph is promoted to Prime Minister of the Land of Egypt. God releases him from prison and through God he becomes the liberator from the famine. This man without a doubt was in the right place at the right time because he refused to get bitter in his season. As a result, thousands and thousands were saved in the famine.

Joseph’s family was also saved in THIS season. When Joseph’s brothers came down to Egypt looking for food that had been stored up during the famine, he could have easily gotten even with them for their evil deeds. But Joseph forgave them and said these powerful words to his brothers. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” (Genesis 50:20) Friend, God knows right where you are, And what the enemy has meant for evil, God will turn for good. Believe that, and you will see what God has seen all along!

PROVERBS 3 "Disciplines That Bring Success"

“Between the Promise and the Payoff is a Process,” (Steve Furick)   Everybody struggles with some discipline in their life. Maybe it’s the way you eat, pray, getting to bed or getting up in the morning, or going to work on time. Is it being consistent in church, reading your bible, taking time to exercise, setting a budget for your finances, or possibly taking small bites towards your dream? Discipline is the process in getting to the Promise God's has for your life.

As we look in Proverbs Chapter 3, there are codes embedded on the keys to pass through the doors of Gods promises. Years ago I was worn out on a trip in Central Florida. After a long presbyter meeting, my mentor minister friend and I ended up in the place. We went up the elevator to the 4^th floor, I went to my room and the key didn’t work. Why, I didn’t have the right code to pass through the door. Thank God the key didn’t work, because I wasn’t in the right hotel. He and I got a big laugh out of it, but Gods doors are right and perfect for each of us.Read through the chapter and allow the Holy Spirit to show you the codes to walk through the doors He has ordained for your life.

·           LEARN TO LIVE BY GOD’S CODE 1-4

·           LEARN TO LIVE BY FAITH 5

·           LEARN TO BE LED BY GOD   6-8

·           LEARN TO BE A GOOD STEWARD 9,10

·           LEARN THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD 11-12

·           LEARN TO MAKE GODS WISDOM YOUR COMPANION 13-26

·           LEARN TO LOVE EVERYBODY 27-29

·           LEARN TO WORK PEACEABLY WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR 30-35

“DISCIPLINE IS GOD'S WAY TOWARDS YOUR DESTINY”

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Proverbs 2 "God's Benefits and Blessings?"

Every three months, I drive to Lakeland, Florida and join another twenty leaders for our Presbyter meeting. Somehow with so much on my plate, I left out that Monday morning to fulfill my responsibility at that meeting. It takes me approximately 3 ½ hours to make the drive. When I walked in, I was greeted by the District receptionist. “Danny what brings you here today?” “I’m here for our quarterly meeting.” She had a big grin on her face and said these painful words, “Danny, the meeting isn’t until NEXT Monday.”

If we’re not careful, we can get so much going on that we get out of sync with where we're supposed to be and what God has planned out for our life. God desires to sync us up with His Blessings. Are you in sync and on track with God’s plan and benefits? Study with me now; let’s see if we are in sync with God’s plan.

                  "God’s Condition's To Blessings"

2:1-4  GOD’S If’s

There IS Blessings for those who take God’s prescription

God’s Bessings are:

5, 6 You’ll understand the Fear of the Lord

7 He will be your shield and Buckler

8 HE WILL PERSERVE YOUR PATH

9A YOU’LL UNDERSTAND GOD’S RIGHTEOUNESS

9B YOU’LL UNDERSTAND GOD’S JUDGMENT

10 HIS KNOWLEDGE IS PLEASANT TO YOU

11 GOD WILL GIVE YOU DISCRETION

12-15 HE WILL DELIVER YOU FROM THE WRONG CROWD

16- HE WILL DELIVER YOU FROM PROMISCUITY

21-22 YOU WILL DWELL IN THE LAND OF PROMISE

THERE IS BLESSINGS FOR THOSE WHO TAKE GOD’S PRESCRIPTION

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“The Power of Two”

Why does God say; “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed?” (Eccl 4;9) Is it true that; “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them?" (Matt 18:20) What is the significance of (Deut 32:30?) “How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?” Is God clueing us in on one of His secrets to success?

Joshua Wolf Shenk doesn't believe in the myth of the lone genius. "What has one person ever done alone?" he asks NPR's Robert Siegel. We think of Martin Luther King, Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs as the great solo creators, But if you look into the details of their lives, they are enmeshed in relationships all the way through. Consider Steve Jobs: Jobs created the Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak, “Flash –forward to the end of his life, a lot of the great work at the height of Apple was done with this design guru, Jonathan Ive. That’s not an isolated story. That is the story of creativity. It’s just not been told well before.” Creativity is most commonly the result of two people interacting in a variety of ways: Complementary collaboration, mutual inspiration, and creative rivalry, whatever you want to call it.

What did God have to say in Genesis about man being alone? In the beginning of creation He made the Light and said “It is good.” He separated the water from the land, He made the vegetation sprout from the earth, He let the waters swarm with fish and other life; He let the earth produce every sort of animals. Each time He created something new, He said, “It is good.” Then He placed man in the Garden of Eden, but for the first time He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.”

·       There are dangers in life in walking alone!

Adam had a Perfect Environment, no drugs, gangs, traffic jams or diseases. Adam possessed everything. No IRS, stress, issues with daily provisions. He had an exalted position with unlimited resources. He had dominion over everything; no insecurities, or pressure to perform. Yet something was still missing in his life. When God says, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” He then follows through with a plan to fix that. He then took a rib from his side and created Eve.

Friend, the point is, God doesn’t expect any of us to Go Alone in this life. Are you the one that God has handpicked to be a friend of encouragement to one who is discouraged? Has God chosen you to go out of your way to pick up someone that has been knocked down with cancer, divorced, lost their job or their best friend? Maybe you’re someone who is on the run because they have lost confidence in their future. Elijah ran for his life when Jezebel sought out to kill him. Discouragement can cause someone to take the wrong path in life.

Why don’t you be a friend to someone today who needs your smile, prayer, and encouragement? You can make a difference that could change the trajectory of their life forever!

Proverbs 1 " Be Eager For Wisdom and a Prudent Life"

If God thought our greatest need was technology, he would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need was knowledge, He would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need was pleasure, He would have sent us an entertainer, but because our greatest need was forgiveness of sin, He sent us a Savior.

Listening to Jesus Christ our Savior is the greatest step you will ever make in your life. So how does God speak to us? Is there something magical about hearing from God? Let’s dive into Proverbs One and see the importance of Listening and Learning God's voice and His path for our life.

Study Outline:

HOW to attain wisdom, discipline, and a prudent life?

Proverbs 1:1-5a    Be eager to LISTEN?

Proverbs 1:5b       Be eager to lEARN?

Proverbs 1:6&7     Be eager to fEAR GOD?__

Proverbs 1:8-19    Be eager to kEEP_gOOD_company?

Proverbs 1:20-23   Be eager to sUBMIT to God’s CORRECTION

Proverbs 1:24-33   Be eager to lay aside every WEIGHT?

·       AM I EAGER TO LISTEN AND LEARN HIS WILL AND PLAN ?

·       CAN I CHANGE TO BECOME MORE EAGER FOR GODS PLAN?

·       WHERE DO I NEED TO CHANGE?

·       ARE THERE SOME FRIENDS THAT ARE WEIGHING ME DOWN?

·       HOW WELL DO I HANDLE GOD'S CORRECTION?

·       WHAT WEIGHT DO I NEED TO LAY ASIDE?

 

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Proverbs Study Introduction

Join me for the next several months as we navigate through The Book of Proverbs. I’ll be adding these studies to our dannysdevotional.com site. I will continue my other devotionals as well.

We will also steam the Proverbs Study LIVE on Wednesday nights at 7pm EST in Jacksonville Florida.

 

What is a Proverb?  A Short Compact Truth, saying, comparison, or question that explains a principal or an observation about human behavior from Gods point of view.

Who is Solomon?  David son, the 3^rd King of Israel 1 Kings 3:5-14

What is the theme of Proverbs?  Wisdom for Right Living

 

In Proverbs you’ll find:

31 Chapters – 1 daily

915 Verses

49 Questions

27 Verses of unfulfilled prophecy

67 Sins

66 Things about fools

28 Things about sluggards

22 Things about kings

25 Abominations

215 Commands

120 Promises

27 Blessings

24 Secrets of life

17 Better things

560 Proverbs

Proverbs warns us about:

 

The folly of sin

Strife

Dangers of the tongue

Foolishness

Alcohol

Gluttony

Lust

Immorality

Falsehood

Slothfulness

Wrong company

Contrasts in Proverbs:

 

Discretion & Folly

Righteousness & The wicked

Pride & Humility

Laziness & Diligence

Poverty & Wealth

Love & Lust

Right & Wrong

Life & Death

Wisdom Comes Through:

1.  Learning to Lean on Jesus

2.  Waiting on God

3.  Seeking God’s Truth and Answers
 

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“The Ship That Could Not SINK?”

A dad heading out on a trip or vacation with his family most of the time heads off with a bank of emotions to have fun, creating healthy memories and bonds with those he loves. At the same time he assumes many responsibilities in getting his crew or family safely to their destination. Is there planning, headaches, frustrations, cost factors and time off work for the journey? “YES”
 
I can’t imagine the emotions that must have gone through the Sea Captain of the Titanic, Captain Edward Smith. Was he eager, excited, energized with a rush since it was the first voyage of the new ship? I’m certain there were many apprehensions in his journey across the Atlantic Ocean, with 2224 passengers aboard. He never dreamed that this journey would be disastrous. In Southampton, Sylvia Caldwell asked a porter if the ship was really unsinkable. He said something like "Yes, mum, God Himself could not sink this ship." It’s heart wrenching that 1517 drowned after hitting an iceberg in the frozen waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Each pastor who truly loves people leads with joy and excitement in seeing lives changed and transformed, But he also carries the weight and emotions of the responsibility of helping people get to their destination. Similar to a pilot of a 747, the captain of a ship, or the conductor of a railroad, every company knows its significance. There is a “Weight on their Shoulders” to help people to their destiny. Pastors know the destination is for all of eternity.

None of us really know what was going through the mind of Edward Smith as he saw the waters rushing in over his ship. Maybe, “What could I have done differently?” “Why didn’t I have more lifeboats on my ship?” (It was designed for 68 lifeboats) and “Why did I leave the dock with only 20 lifeboats on the ship?”

Every church ought to realize that Jesus is the Captain of the Church, but He places leaders over his people to protect, promote growth and health in their spiritual well being. Any Pastor or under-shepherd looking over his sheep is always on the outlook for their safety, security and well-being.

Why don’t you say a prayer today for your pastor and support him in every way you can in his heart to lead, care, love, and shepherd the people that God has placed in his care. No pastor wants to see anybody in his care go astray, be defeated or destroyed. “Know the state of thy flocks and look well to thy herds.” (Proverbs 27:23)

Will you be a partner with your pastor in loving and caring for those with whom you worship the Lord? Allow God to use you today in making a HUGE difference in one of God’s children; He has a plan and purpose for their life.”The thief comes to steal, kill and to destroy, but I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Be an instrument in adding LIFE to someone today so they may safely reach their destination.