Seizing Divine Opportunities: Embracing God's Journey

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Divine Opportunities

God often places unique opportunities in our lives that align with His Word, are supported by circumstances, stir our hearts, and have the potential for great good. These divinely orchestrated opportunities can change the trajectory of our lives if we recognize and seize them. The story of King Cyrus of Persia allowing the Israelites to return and rebuild their temple is a powerful example of how God can move through unexpected sources to fulfill His will. It is crucial to be attentive and discerning, understanding that these opportunities are rare and require us to step out in faith. [50:55]

Isaiah 45:1-3 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed: 'I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt a stirring in your heart. How did it align with God's Word and circumstances around you? What steps can you take today to discern if it is a divinely orchestrated opportunity?

Day 2: Letting Go of Comforts

To seize God's opportunities, we often need to let go of our current securities and comforts. This act of trust allows us to grow and experience God's faithfulness in new ways. Just like learning to skate requires letting go of the rail, embracing God's plans often means stepping out of our comfort zones. The Israelites had to leave behind their lives in Babylon to embrace the uncertain journey back to Jerusalem. This journey, though uncomfortable, was divinely orchestrated and led to the rebuilding of the temple. [01:07:24]

Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you are holding on to comfort and security. What would it look like to let go and trust God in this area? How can you take a step of faith today?

Day 3: Building God's Church

Our role in God's plan is crucial. Each of us is a unique stone in the spiritual temple God is building. Our experiences, talents, and even our struggles contribute to the completeness of His church. We must actively seek to bring others into this assembly, understanding that our presence and participation are vital. The broader mission of building God's church goes beyond physical structures; it involves creating a spiritual community where each member plays a significant role. [01:22:33]

1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV): "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on your unique gifts and experiences. How can you use them to contribute to the spiritual community around you? What steps can you take to actively bring others into this assembly?

Day 4: Facing Challenges

Seizing divinely orchestrated opportunities often involves facing challenges and opposition. These difficulties are not signs that we are out of God's will but are part of the journey that strengthens our trust in Him. The Israelites faced significant opposition when they returned to rebuild the temple, yet their perseverance and faithfulness were crucial to fulfilling God's plan. Challenges are opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God. [01:27:03]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity to grow in your faith and trust in God? What practical steps can you take to persevere through this difficulty?

Day 5: Returning to God

For some, today is a unique opportunity to return to God. No matter how far we've drifted, God is always ready to welcome us back. This return involves aligning our lives fully with His will and embracing the journey He has for us. The call to return to God is a call to rebuild what needs rebuilding in our lives and to accept the challenges that come with seizing these turning points. God is calling us to trust Him fully, let go of our fears, and embrace the journey He has laid out for us. [01:31:05]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

Reflection: Reflect on areas of your life where you have drifted away from God. What steps can you take today to return to Him and align your life with His will? How can you embrace the journey He has for you with trust and courage?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the concept of divinely orchestrated opportunities and how they can serve as turning points in our lives. We began by discussing a grand vision for planting churches in Poland, emphasizing the excitement and privilege of being part of God's work. We then transitioned to the main theme: recognizing and seizing opportunities that God places before us. Using the example of the Israelites' return from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, we examined how God orchestrates circumstances to align with His will, often requiring us to step out of our comfort zones.

We delved into the story of King Cyrus of Persia, who, despite being a pagan king, was moved by God to allow the Israelites to return and rebuild their temple. This historical event underscores the importance of recognizing when God is moving in our lives, even through unexpected sources. We discussed the criteria for discerning these opportunities: alignment with God's Word, circumstantial support, a stirring in our hearts, and the potential for great good.

The journey God calls us to is often uncomfortable and requires us to let go of our current securities. This was illustrated through a personal anecdote about learning to skate, emphasizing the need to let go of the rail to truly learn and grow. Similarly, the Israelites had to leave behind their lives in Babylon to embrace the uncertain but divinely orchestrated journey back to Jerusalem.

We also touched on the broader mission of building God's church, not just as a physical structure but as a spiritual assembly. Each of us has a unique role to play, and our presence is crucial to the completeness of God's temple. The call to action is clear: we must be willing to take the journey and do the job God has set before us, even if it involves cleaning up messes we didn't make or facing opposition.

In conclusion, today is a divinely orchestrated opportunity for some of us to return to God, rebuild what needs rebuilding, and accept the challenges that come with seizing these turning points. God is calling us to trust Him fully, to let go of our fears, and to embrace the journey He has laid out for us.

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Key Takeaways

1. Divinely Orchestrated Opportunities: These opportunities are rare and require discernment. They align with God's Word, are supported by circumstances, stir our hearts, and have the potential for great good. Recognizing and seizing these opportunities can change the trajectory of our lives. [50:55]
2. The Importance of Letting Go: To seize God's opportunities, we often need to let go of our current securities and comforts. This act of trust allows us to grow and experience God's faithfulness in new ways. Just like learning to skate, we must let go of the rail to truly learn and grow. [67:24]
3. Building God's Church: Our role in God's plan is crucial. Each of us is a unique stone in the spiritual temple God is building. Our experiences, talents, and even our struggles contribute to the completeness of His church. We must actively seek to bring others into this assembly. [82:33]
4. Facing Challenges: Seizing divinely orchestrated opportunities often involves facing challenges and opposition. These difficulties are not signs that we are out of God's will but are part of the journey that strengthens our trust in Him. [87:03]
5. Returning to God: For some, today is a unique opportunity to return to God. No matter how far we've drifted, God is always ready to welcome us back. This return involves aligning our lives fully with His will and embracing the journey He has for us. [01:31:05]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:06] - Opening Prayer
[47:41] - Introduction to Turning Points
[48:31] - The Penny Doubling Example
[50:08] - Could Opportunity Be Knocking?
[50:55] - Old Testament Context: Israel's Turning Points
[53:02] - The Prophecy of King Cyrus
[55:26] - The Role of Predictive Prophecy
[56:18] - The Israelites' Return to Jerusalem
[57:44] - Recognizing Divinely Orchestrated Opportunities
[62:10] - Ephesians 5: Making the Most of Every Opportunity
[67:24] - Personal Anecdote: Learning to Skate
[71:23] - The Uncomfortable Journey
[74:28] - Jesus' Call to Make Disciples
[82:33] - Building God's Spiritual Temple
[87:03] - Facing Opposition and Challenges
[91:05] - Returning to God
[94:35] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ezra 1:1-5 (NIV) — > In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’” Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.

2. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
> Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

3. Zechariah 1:3 (NIV)
> Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.

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Observation Questions

What did King Cyrus of Persia proclaim regarding the Israelites and the temple in Jerusalem? (Ezra 1:1-5)
According to Ephesians 5:15-16, how should believers live and why?
What promise does God make in Zechariah 1:3 to those who return to Him?
In the sermon, what personal anecdote did the pastor use to illustrate the need to let go of current securities? [01:07:24]

Interpretation Questions

How does the story of King Cyrus allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem demonstrate God's ability to use unexpected sources for His purposes? [53:59]
What does it mean to "make the most of every opportunity" in the context of Ephesians 5:15-16, and how does this relate to recognizing divinely orchestrated opportunities? [01:02:10]
How can the promise in Zechariah 1:3 provide comfort and motivation for someone who feels distant from God? [01:31:05]
Why might divinely orchestrated opportunities often involve discomfort and challenges, according to the sermon? [01:04:51]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to step out of your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [01:07:24]
Are there any current opportunities in your life that align with God's Word, have circumstantial support, stir your heart, and have the potential for great good? How can you discern and seize these opportunities? [01:00:34]
What are some securities or comforts you might need to let go of to fully trust and follow God's plan for your life? How can you start letting go this week? [01:03:17]
How can you actively participate in building God's spiritual temple, as described in the sermon? Identify one specific action you can take this week to contribute to your church community. [01:22:33]
Have you ever faced opposition or challenges when trying to follow God's will? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? [01:27:03]
Is there an area in your life where you need to return to God and rebuild something that has been neglected or broken? What steps can you take to start this rebuilding process? [01:31:05]
Think of someone in your life who might be a "missing stone" in God's temple. How can you reach out to them and invite them to experience God's love and truth? [01:24:03]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Turning Points are those times in our life. We don't always know when they're occurring, but the trajectory of our life is starting to shift. It's starting to change. It might be going in a positive direction. It might be going in a negative direction. These Turning Points are usually catalyzed. They're usually started by perhaps a new person comes into our life, and maybe their influence is very positive, very Christ-like." [47:41] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Sometimes opportunity is hard to discern. It's not easy to see, much less to seize. So the title of today's message is this. Could opportunity be knocking? And I ask that personally to you because here's the truth. I said this in the first service, and I mean it again from my heart. Absolutely. Absolutely today will be a turning point in some of your lives. Absolutely." [50:08] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "There are divinely orchestrated opportunities that come about in our lives. They don't come regularly. I have to be honest. They're actually pretty rare. They are divinely orchestrated. In other words, it's the perfect storm of circumstance and the moving of God's spirit and his word and his will. All these things converge. And it is critical that you and I see these opportunities because they don't come much, and they are big." [57:44] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Our God is absolutely faithful. He doesn't do what He says to do. No matter what circumstances we encounter, He somehow gets us through and we come out of it better. We come out of it a little bit more Christ-like, that is if we're really clinging to Him in trust, staying faithful to His word as well." [01:08:57] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus said this in Matthew 28, after he had risen from the dead, he said, Jesus came to him and said, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me, therefore, God has always taken us on a journey. Go, go, go, and do what? Make disciples where? Of all nations, anybody, anywhere. Jesus is always pushing us out, calling, let's take this journey." [01:14:28] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Does this align with God's will as revealed where? In his word, okay? I have to have substance. I have to have the word of God that's assuring me this is the will of God. They had that. Cyrus, this pagan king, he says, you know, the Lord, the Lord of Israel, he's put on my heart. To rebuild his temple. They had the word. The word of God had come to Cyrus. The people knew it was the word of God." [59:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Divinely orchestrated opportunities rarely are immediately beneficial to us personally. They generally are long range in their impact, and they benefit multitudes of others long term. But for us, frankly, they can feel a little challenging. We'll get into that a little bit more. But anyway, this is giving you kind of a guideline to start with." [01:01:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If I'm willing to take the journey, I guarantee you it will deepen my trust in God. And that is one of the most important things we can ever develop in this life. We come back to God by putting our trust in Christ. And becoming His followers. But then for the rest of eternity, our trust in God is just going to deepen. He's going to be constantly teaching us to live as He Himself lives and love as He Himself loves." [01:05:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You say love, I'm going to love. You say give, I'm going to give. You say forgive, I'm going to forgive. Whatever it says, that's a major decision. That's a journey with some uncertainties and some difficulties and some discomfort, but it stretches and develops our trust because here's what I know that all of you in here know, or at least the vast majority of you know. Our God is absolutely faithful." [01:08:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You have a task. I have a task. I have a God-given, God-orchestrated task. You have a God-given, God-orchestrated task. Ephesians 2.8 says there's literally a set of good deeds that God has foreordained for you. They got your name on them. Nobody else can do them but you. And for me, I'm the only one that can do them. And we are all perfectly equipped to do those. But there are opportunities that if we don't seize, they won't happen. And everybody loses. Everybody loses." [01:25:33] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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