BRANDON J. SUTTON
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Take Something with You

12/20/2020

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 NIV
 
According to the Collins Dictionary, a survival mechanism is something you or your body does automatically, in order to survive in a dangerous or unpleasant situation. When we go through a traumatic experience or difficult season, we develop survival mechanisms to try to deal with our loss and feelings – these mechanism can be negative (substance abuse, overeating, gossiping, frivolous spending, etc.) or positive (prayer, fasting/meditation, exercising, serving others, etc.).
 
We all lost something this past year. Some of us lost a loved one, while others may have lost their livelihood, home, health or income. Regardless of what you lost, be mindful of the survival mechanisms - the thoughts, attitudes and lessons you are taking with you into this new year. If you do not, you will find yourself in the same place a year from now, trying to figure out how to move forward after a setback.
 
God Knows
 
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. – John 6:5-6 NIV
 
God already knows what He is going to do in your life. What we sometimes perceive as a delay from God, is really a just a test of our faith. Therefore, do not be in a rush to go from one season of your life to another, without first developing some positive survival mechanisms. Positive behaviors, words and actions will strengthen your faith and prepare you for what God is about to do for you.
 
Let Nothing Be Wasted
 
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” – John 6:10-12 NIV
 
When Christ took the five loaves and two fish and fed the five thousand, they all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. There is a lesson to be learned in everything you experienced this year. The disciples left with more than what they came with and you will too if you take the right lessons with you.
 
  • Do not leave your season of singleness without first learning how to love yourself.
  • Do not leave your season of debt without learning how to budget your money. 
  • Do not leave your season of unbelief without learning how to have faith again.
  • Do not leave your season of anger without learning how to forgive.
  • Do not leave your season of poor health without learning how to live a healthier lifestyle.
  • Do not leave your season of grief without learning how to deal appropriately with loss.
 
The difficult lessons you learned this year will be the very thing God uses to bless you in the next season of your life.

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Available

12/13/2020

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"Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in his decrees and obey his commands.” - 1 Kings 8:61 NASB
 
What does it mean to make yourself available to God? I know what it means to make yourself available to another person. I know what it means to make yourself available to drugs and alcohol. I know what it means to make yourself available to food. I know what it means to make yourself available to sex. I know what it means to make yourself available to fear, gossip, unbelief, anxiety and anger but what does it mean to make yourself fully available to God?
 
Availability ultimately comes down to time. Time is something we have so little of, yet we waste it on frivolous things and people. Making yourself available to be accessible for God to use, may present you with some difficult choices. However, by listening to, obeying and believing in God, you will find that making yourself available to Him, will help you achieve things you once thought were improbable.   
 
Listen
 
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” [Jesus] said. – Matthew 14:28-29 NIV
 
You hear that? That sound you hear is God calling you to draw closer to Him. You might be saying to yourself, “I do not hear anything”, but God’s voice is loudest in silence. He calls us when we are sitting alone in our despair. He calls us when we are settling into grief. He calls us when we are isolated in fear. He calls us in the middle of our biggest mistakes and embarrassments. God is always calling us to come nearer to Him and it is our responsibility to discern His voice in the midst of the storms raging around us.  
 
Obey
 
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
– Matthew 14:29-30 NIV
 
Obeying God is scary. Especially when you get out of your boat – your “boat” are those things and people that have become comfortable and familiar to you. It is easier remaining in the boat, in negativity, cynicism and doubt, than to walk on God’s word. Your breakthrough will occur outside of your comfort zone. Make yourself available to God by obeying His commands – even if you are afraid and unsure about the outcome. Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near, and He will never let you drown (Isaiah 55:6). 
 
Believe
 
 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31 NIV
 
If you believe, you will see the glory of God (John 11:40). Believing God will require your devotion - that means having faith in God and not man, or your situation or circumstances. During adverse times, we often place our trust in others instead of God. Never feel bad about choosing your peace and happiness over negative things and toxic people. God yearns for a more intimate relationship with you. Others may have said awful things about you, but believe what God says about you. The report may appear ominous but believe in God’s healing power. The odds may be stacked against you but believe that with God’s help you will do mighty things, for He will give you the victory (Psalm 108:13).
 
Make yourself available to God by listening, obeying and believing. Then you will be ready to get out of your boat and leave those things and people you once settled in behind. Get out of the boat and walk on top of your fears. Get out of the boat and walk on top of your uncertainty. Get out of the boat and walk on top of your shame. Get out of the boat and make yourself fully available to God. 

 
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