The theory behind The Butterfly Effect comes from mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz who determined that by the simple flapping of a butterfly’s wings it could set molecules in motion which in turn set other molecules in motion which would in turn cause a great weather disturbance in some other part of the world. To learn more about this theory click here.

Now along comes Andy Andrews who wrote the book The Butterfly Effect. Mr. Andrews took this theory of the Butterfly Effect and applied it to everyday life.

After reading the book, it became so clear about how every action we make will in some way or form affect the future. God equipped the butterfly with a simple pair of wings. What has God equipped you with? We are here for a purpose. God has given us gifts and talents for a purpose. My question is why are we not seeing more results from our actions? This quote from The Butterfly Effect answered my question: “There are generations yet unborn whose very lives will be shifted and shaped by the moves you make and the actions you take today. And tomorrow. And the next day. And the next.”

There are a few more quotes from this book that basically turned it around for me:

“Every single thing you do MATTERS.”

“Your life…And what you do with it today…

 MATTERS FOREVER”

“Every single thing you do MATTERS.”

“Every single thing you do MATTERS.”

“Every single thing you do MATTERS.”

Don’t you get it now?  Because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ there is nothing too impossible for us.  We have been placed on this earth with a purpose.  It does not matter whether we get to see the results.  We are because He is!  Every single thing you do MATTERS because it MATTERS to God!

Acts 17:28

New International Version (NIV)

28 ’For in him we live and move and have our being.’

Exodus 33:14
King James Version (KJV) 
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

 A few days ago I was sitting in my den and I heard a sound I had not heard in a few years. The chirping of birds.

After my husband died in 2007 I remembered that was a sound I would hear every morning as I drank my coffee. Hearing that sound I knew everything would be fine. The birds’ chirping was God’s way of letting me know all was well.

When I heard those birds last week I was curious about where they had been. God immediately asked me where had I been? He said the birds had not gone anywhere but I had stopped listening.

On my flight back from Canada, God began to download words to me. As a writer for God this is what He wanted to let us all know. I have not gone anywhere but you have become too busy for me. Stop and breathe in Me. I love you so much. You do not believe your dreams will ever come to past but I say only believe. I have given you a great task and I will also give you what you need to do it. Keep your heart pure and your eyes focused on what I have called you to do.

That’s it. What are you waiting for? Go do what God has called you to do!

Exodus 33:14
King James Version (KJV) 
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. 

Be blessed and remember never lose sight of the vision God has given to you!

Ephesians 3:20

The Message (MSG)

 20-21God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Sometimes God is just waiting for us to acknowledge the fact that He is able and can do anything. Not only can He do anything but He is waiting on us to ask.

We all have big dreams. Don’t let it be just a dream. God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

You do have a purpose!

Whatever you think you can accomplish just know that God can do anything.

If you think you can’t just know that God can.

If you don’t get anything else this year, Get This!

Ephesians 3:20

The Message (MSG)

 20-21God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Prophetically Speaking!

Many of you have decided that it is too late to do anything. Whether it is because of age, sickness, finances or you name it. Take the limits off of God because He has taken the limits off of you. Decide that you will trust God. He has given you a dream. It is time to take action. God won’t fail you because He can do anything!

John 15:16 (NIV)

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

The word “chapter” is defined as a main division of a book or a period of time or an episode in a person’s life.

The word “chosen” is defined as having been selected as the best or most appropriate.

The word “appointed” is defined as decided on beforehand.

God decided beforehand that you were the best to do what He called you to do.

God knows where you are. He knows all about you. He also knows what chapter you are on. He knows if you are ready to go to the next chapter of your life. Is He trying to get you to turn the page?

Distractions in life can cause all of us to remain on the same page for years without realizing that we have been reading the same words over and over. Then when we realize it the first thing that comes to mind is “I can’t” or “I’m too old“ or “I do not have enough money”. I can keep going with the excuses but I’m pretty sure you understand what I am trying to say. But what does God have to say?

Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)

God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

In a previous article I wrote about our comfort zones. Without realizing it, being comfortable in our environment can keep us from going to the next chapter.

Fear of the unknown is one of the biggest deterrents to moving to the next chapter. The one thing you must realize is that you have been chosen and appointed by God. Deterrent is defined as a thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something. Don’t let fear keep you from turning the page.

John 15:16 (MSG)

You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.

Prophetically Speaking!

There will always be challenges to deal with but know God has chosen you and appointed you to spread the Gospel, share His love and to be that example of a well-read book with many chapters to go. He has given you gifts that are unique. Don’t try to become like someone else. Take what He has given to you and use it.

What is the definition of “comfort zone”?

Webster’s dictionary defines it as the level at which one functions with ease and familiarity or a place, situation, or level where someone feels confident and comfortable.

What type of life are you living inside of your comfort zone? According to the above definition you are obviously comfortable and at ease. You are familiar with your surroundings and at ease with whatever situation you are in.  That’s fine unless God has given you a vision. Having worked in Corporate America for over 30 years it was so easy to stay complacent knowing every two weeks you would get paid.  During those years I saw dreams and visions die.  I knew I could not become a statistic.  I knew God had given me a unique task to perform and it could not be accomplished within the confines of Corporate America.

The year 2008 became the year of stepping out of my comfort zone and stepping into the zone of possibilities. For 12 years the reality of the vision God had given to me was only words written.  I knew it was time to step out of my comfort zone. My trust was in God and I knew He would not fail me.

Points to think about:

• If God has given you a vision there will become a time in your life when the decision must be made about stepping out of your comfort zone.
• If God has given you a vision you will begin to see the possibilities.
• If God has given you a vision He will open the doors you need to have opened.
• If God has given you a vision you will truly understand that you can do ALL things through Christ.
• Only with God will you find  peace and contentment.
• Write your vision and dare to believe it!

Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance. Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed.

I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. 

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Everything we do is for the Glory of God.  We have been commissioned and we must step out of our comfort zone!

]]> http://coffeesassy.com/2012/01/01/life-begins-at-the-end-of-your-comfort-zone-3/feed/ 1 http://coffeesassy.com/2011/12/01/make-a-choice/ http://coffeesassy.com/2011/12/01/make-a-choice/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:50:59 +0000 Robert Porter http://coffeesassy.com/?p=775 Share/Bookmark

Do Whatever You Want With Your Life -or- Follow God’s Destiny For Your Life.

Make a Choice!

By

Robert Porter 

I am a 26 year old young adult who can truly say I love the Lord with all of my heart, mind, body and soul.

Growing up in the church, I could not always say that.  To be honest I sometimes took God for granted.  As a child I was taught there was nothing too hard for God.  Only believe all things are possible.  It seemed as a child my prayers were always answered but as I got older my faith in God faded.

At the age of 16, I recorded a Gospel CD entitled “Make A Choice”.  Now that I think about it, I was speaking about my life for the next 10 years.

A year ago I drove a soft top Jeep Wrangler.  That jeep was my Church on wheels and my ministry tool for the young and old.  I only played Gospel rap music through my custom built speakers.  The lyrics of the songs were very clear and very loud. The music coming from the jeep opened doors to witness to others about the goodness of Jesus Christ.  If they appeared interested I would give them one of my CD’s. I had that jeep for 6 years without a scratch on it.

However everything changed in September of 2010.  On my way to work on a bright and sunny day, I hit a deer and lost control.  The jeep flipped over so many times I lost count.  All I could do was to hold on to my seat belt and call on the name of Jesus.  After the flipping stopped, I was able to crawl out without any injuries except to my lower lip which was bleeding from where I bit down while flipping.  I also noticed that if the jeep had continued to flip it would have taken a very deep drop before landing. Witnesses to the accident stopped to call the police.  When the police arrived they thought I had become delirious because all I could say was “Thank you Jesus! Thank you Lord!”  The jeep was totally destroyed but I knew there was a reason that my life had been spared. God had spared my life to serve Him in a greater way.

In the following weeks I knew I needed a fresh start in order to do what God wanted me to do.  With no reservations I felt I needed to change churches.  I had become stagnant and was not doing all that God wanted me to do.  God not only wants us to be faithful in tithes and offering but He wants our time and talents as well.  In my new church I did not hesitate when asked to start a male choir or to volunteer on the praise team or to come to 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning prayer or help clean the church.  This was my reasonable service.

I have seen doors open that only God could have opened and favor from people that only God could have laid on their hearts.  I was “blackballed” from my college theater department because I would not compromise what I believed.  The plays were written with profanity and sex and I knew I could not do it.  It was time for me to leave that college.  God opened a door for me to attend a Christian college and complete my degree.  They accepted all of my credits from the previous college.  God is showing me favor everyday.  It is a joy and blessing to pray before classes and to openly talk about the goodness of God with your professors.

Since my college was 2 hours away from my parents’ home, I needed a reliable vehicle.  My prayers were answered one Saturday when I went car shopping.  I had no money but I had faith that God would move on the heart of the salesman.

This was God’s timing!

The regional manager came up to me while I was talking to the salesman.

He said “I think we need to help this young man get into this jeep today.  We need to put whatever tires on it that he wants.”  The regional manager continued to say “I just came out here to get some keys, but I just feel we need to help this young man.” 

All I could say was look at God!  As soon as I signed my name to buy the jeep, three customers came by wanting to buy that same jeep. One of those customers had called because he had seen the jeep the previous day and was calling to make an offer.

I came home with a Mango/Tango 2010 4 door hard top Sahara Jeep.  The salesman said that jeep had been sitting on the car lot since September 2010.  That is the same month I wrecked my jeep.  That was confirmation that God had my blessing waiting on me for a year.

Since that time, God has been working miracles for me.  I was able to get a one bedroom apartment 7 miles from college even after I was told I did not qualify for the apartment and I was able to get a night job 10 miles from my apartment even though I was told there were no night jobs available.  I saw God’s favor at work.

Points to leave with you:

• God wants to bless us.
• God’s Word is true.  Just believe.
• When God tells you to move, you need to move.
• Don’t let fear stop you.
• Strive to make God proud of your actions and decisions in life.
• A true Christian walk is sometimes a lonely walk.
• One man can make a difference, Jesus did!

DON’T GET IT TWISTED……..IT’S ALL GOD!!!!

Romans 12:1-2

The Message (MSG)

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

God’s Word  

Exodus 31:1-6 (MSG)

 1-5God spoke to Moses: “See what I’ve done; I’ve personally chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. I’ve filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood-he’s an all-around craftsman.

 6 “Not only that, but I’ve given him Oholiab, son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, to work with him. And to all who have an aptitude for crafts I’ve given the skills to make all the things I’ve commanded you:

How often has someone told you to “stay in your lane”? For me? A lot. But there is substance behind those words.  When Moses was given instructions to build the tabernacle, God provided everything that would be needed.

God’s provisions: 

Skilled labor – Bezalel was personally chosen by God.  Not only that but God filled him with His Spirit, gave him the skill and know-how and expertise to do the job.

Bezalel knew what lane he was in.  He did not try to get in another lane.  The name of his lane was “craftsman drive”.

God provided help for the craftsman – Oholiab had a lane as well.  The name of his lane was “craftsman’s assistant terrace”.

Finally, God provided the “workforce behind Bezalel and Oholiab”. These workers had the aptitude (natural ability) but God provided the skills to make it happen.  The name of their lane?  “Help make it happen Lane”.

Summing it all up: 

If you have found yourself struggling with the vision God has given to you check your lane.

Stay in Your Lane Nuggets:

• You must know that you have been personally chosen by God to complete the task before you.
• You have already been given the wisdom, skill, know-how and expertise by God to do it.
• He will provide who and what you will need to get it done.
• The task will get done as long as you stay in your lane.

Recently I watched a broadcast on the Cooking Channel entitled Cooking School Confidential. This one-hour show followed 4 students for one year recording the blood, sweat, tears and fears of each student. Two of the four students had just begun their training and the other two were preparing for graduation.

Click here for a more complete description of each student and the challenges they faced.

As the school year came to an end, two of the four began making preparation for graduation. There was a sense of excitement for the unknown.

This is an excerpt from the student who was chosen to give the graduation speech:

“Do not be defined by the constraints of what others say is normal. Why should we fit in when we were born to stand out? Follow your passion. Live big and dream bigger. You need to have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Everything else is secondary.”

Then she quoted a small portion of Dr. Seuss from Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact

And remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

And that’s 100% guaranteed.

Note:

Although Dr. Seuss wrote that your success was 98 and ¾ guaranteed the student giving the speech chose to say 100%.

God’s Word

Joshua 1:1-9 (MSG)

 1-9 After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses’ assistant:

   ”Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I’m giving to the People of Israel. I’m giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on-just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River-all the Hittite country-and then west to the Great Sea. It’s all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don’t get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going. And don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you’ll get where you’re going; then you’ll succeed. Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”

Summing it all up: 

God has given all of us a unique task to complete for His Glory. Some of us will accept this task and go forward in faith while others will place it on the back burner until everything else falls into place.   As the student was speaking from the works of Dr. Seuss,  I could hear God saying:

You want success?

Get going!

I won’t give up on you.

I won’t leave you.

Give it everything you have, heart and soul.

Don’t get off track.

Meditate on My Word.

Don’t be timid.

Don’t get discouraged.

I’m with you every step you take.

You want success?

Follow what I tell you.

This is how you will get it.

Hebrews 13:20-21

Amplified Bible (AMP)

20Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament),     

21Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).

In the book Like a Mighty Wind, Mel Tari was preparing for his mission trip to America. He had no money, no transportation and no idea how any of this was going to take place. The one thing he had was God’s assurance that God had called him and God would make the way.

Take note. God would make “THE” way. Normally you might hear the phrase God can make “A” way but reading this I saw God would make “THE” way.

When God calls you to do something that might seem impossible, remember that when He calls He also equips. When He calls He has “THE” way mapped out.

John 14:6

Amplified Bible (AMP) 

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.  

Summing it all up:   

You have a unique task to do for God.  Stay focused on what God has called you to do.  You must believe that God will make THE way for you.  Rest in Him and stop trying to figure out how God will do it.

You’ve been called by God therefore God will equip you!