Carpe Occasio

Carpe Occasio

November 7, 2009

LBA Retreat

Introduction

David and Kirk had been friends since high school. They were busy pastors in Florida but one day David called Kirk and asked him to go with him somewhere. Kirk asked where and David replied, “Germany”. Kirk remembers the ease with which he said it, like someone “going to the mall.” (The Stewardship of Life, Nowery, pg. 93)

David wanted to go to Germany because the Berlin Wall was being torn down and he knew once it was down the opportunity would be gone. Kirk decided not to go and regretted it.

Have you ever missed an opportunity?

Missed opportunities are everywhere but many aren’t worth regret. But some are really hard to swallow when we look back and see how fantastic things turned out without us or realize that God showed up in an unusual way and we missed it! The God sized opportunities of life shape families and individuals, nations, and churches. When a church has an opportunity given by God and they miss it, I wonder what happens. On the other hand, a congregation that sees the opportunity and follows the Lord—it’s awesome!

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.

(Message) “So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!

What opportunities must we seize?

1. To connect souls to God (1 Peter 3:15)

2. To connect hearts to hurts

a. Matthew 9:36

b. Matthew 14:14

c. Mark 1:41

d. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

3. To connect hands to action

a. Matthew 14:16-18

b. Matthew 5:13-16

Remember our friend Kirk that regretted he didn’t go to Germany? Three years later Kirk got another call from David wanting to take a trip. This time Kirk didn’t ask where he simply told him yes. (read story from “The Stewardship of Life”, Nowery, pp. 94-99)