Tag Archives: Timing is everything

Timing is Everything When It Comes to God’s Plan

Posted on January 13, 2023 by expressyourself4him

A coincidence is a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection. This is a term that adults use when things align, come together and occur as if there was a divine being working behind the scenes. My high school coach referred to coincidences as God instances where timing is everything when it comes to God’s plan for your life. As angels appeared to shepherds in a field, there was a purpose for this heavenly encounter.

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing ([f]saying) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 So they went with haste and [[g]by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, Luke 2:15-17.

When a famous or wealthy individual shares a story like the shepherds, there is usually some sort of impure motive like the release of a new book, movie or upcoming feature on a similar topic. However, when common people speak of an angelic experience, more people tend to believe their story. Common sense and logic suggest that this person is crazy or this actually happened? God’s plan for the shepherds is revealed in the passage below.

And all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary was keeping [h]within herself all these things ([i]sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart, Luke 2:18-19.

The arrival of shepherds to this barn in Bethlehem isn’t a coincidence. Rather this God instance occurred so that this eyewitness account could be passed down for generations. Instead of becoming arrogant and proud, Mary pondered this encounter in her heart, wondering if everything that has happened to her is real or merely a dream that she’s going to wake up at any time. As King Solomon wrote hundreds of years earlier, God makes everything beautiful in His time, Ecclesiastes 3:11.

by Jay Mankus

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What You Don’t Plant Never Blooms

Posted on May 5, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Planning and Planting share one crucial ingredient: timing is everything. If you plant crops or a garden too soon, cold weather and frost can ruin all of your hard work. Meanwhile, if you wait too long to plant each spring, arid and wet weather can diminish and or nullify every seed that was soon. My last season of snap peas in Delaware never came up due to several inches of rain; swamping my garden for a week.

He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. 5 As you know not what is the way of the wind, or how the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a pregnant woman, even so you know not the work of God, Who does all. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hands, for you know not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will be good, Ecclesiastes 11:4-6.

One of my favorite classes in college was Economic Geography. Most of this class was based upon simulations using natural resources and climate. One unit was farming, using the Farmer’s Almanac to determine what crop or crops you were going to plant based upon previous weather patterns. I decided to diversify, planting two different crops. While I did okay, planting anything involves taking a risk.

Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain—some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty. 9 He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him [a]consider and [b]perceive and comprehend by hearing, Matthew 13:8-9.

In the parable of the Sower, Jesus explains the meaning of this story to his disciples. Most soils that you plant in will have limitations. Some regions are too arid, others too rocky and a few are so wild that thorns and vines can overwhelm anything you try to plant. The goal for any homeowner is to improve your environment (soil) annually. Although the weather may not cooperate for you, what you don’t plant never blooms.

by Jay Mankus

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Not Right Now

Posted on December 31, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The expression “timing is everything” often applies to failures and victories.  When you force the issue, the results may not be what you want.  However, as you wait for the ideal opportunity, success is a likely destination.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia, Acts 16:6.

Whether you are searching for a job, exploring a business venture or starting a ministry, there will always be unforeseen obstacles and road blocks.  One day the apostle Paul assumed taking the gospel into Asia was a prudent decision.   However, as he tried to cross the border into Bithynia, the Holy Spirit denied their entry.

When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to, Acts 16:7.

Whenever the Lord says not right now by failing to answer a prayer request, rejection is a hard pill to swallow.  Trying to comprehend the mysteries of God can be frustrating, especially if you have been a faithful servant.  Nonetheless, there will be head scratching moments in the future when you will receive a silent whisper, “not right now!”

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Presence of An Extraordinary God

Posted on September 30, 2015 by expressyourself4him

The expression “timing is everything” applies to many aspects of life.  Whether its buying a house, finding the right job or waiting to marry the right person, the environment has to be ideal for you to receive the desires of your heart.  Beyond the natural, sometimes the presence of the supernatural can lead you to heights never reached before.

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus, Acts 4:13.

The fear of public speaking is a common struggle for the ineloquent, uneducated and those who are insecure.  Something about talking in front of large crowds can make the confident feel uneasy.  Yet, for Peter and John, fishermen without a high school diploma, these men possessed an uncanny ability to convince their audience about Jesus.  Invisible to the religious leaders, the presence of an extraordinary God spoke through these disciples.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” Matthew 19:26.

If you are like me, you have endured periods of failure,  Despite your dedication, efforts and hard work, success is no where to be found.  This is where Jesus’ words to his disciple come into play, man’s attempts will come up short.  Therefore, when things aren’t going your way, reach out for help.  Then, on the wings of angels and prayer, the presence of an extraordinary God may visit you soon.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Seven Days in Utopia

Posted on November 20, 2014 by expressyourself4him

While its’ unclear actually who coined the phrase, “timing is everything,” this nugget of truth still applies today.  Whether you are engaging in a conversation, watching a movie or reading a book, if the timing isn’t right, your interest will quickly fade.  Such is the case of a film I recently enjoyed, 7 Days in Utopia.  As a channel surfer like most bored Americans, I stumbled across this film a few times in the past, catching it at the wrong moment.  However, last night, shortly after the opening scene, I was hooked til the conclusion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2MZi9M9QrE

Robert Duvall plays a Yoda like character, training Luke Chisholm, a talented but hot tempered young professional, played by Lucas Black.  Duvall takes a person who is a cross between Tin Cup and Happy Gilmore for 7 days to work on his beliefs, mind and perspective.  Trying to overcome the demons in life, Duvall reveals the scars from his past that cut short his own professional career.  With a different focus each day, Chisholm is caught off guard, realizing there is more to life than hitting a little white golf ball into a hole.  On Easter Sunday, this week comes to an end while another journey is about to begin.

Seven Days in Utopia is based upon David Lamar Cook’s novel Golf’s Sacred Journey, Seven Days at the Links of Utopia.  Although, the movie portrays Utopia as a place, its actually a state of mind.  As citizens of earth prepare for an eternal resting place, the power of the Holy Spirit can transform neighborhoods into pieces of heaven on earth.  Whether you play golf or not, I recommend this film to all who seek a higher calling, looking for more than just living 9-5.  May God lead you to a spiritual utopia.

by Jay Mankus

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You Should Have Kept Your Mouth Shut!

Posted on October 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

The phrase “Timing is everything” is a staple within the Hollywood culture.  Even if you do the right thing or say exactly what is necessary, sometimes people aren’t ready for your message or in some cases, its too late.  Planning the perfect words to say is important, yet without the exact moment when the stars are aligned, the desired response you are seeking slips away, unable to make the perfect delivery.

 

Moses experiences a similar feeling within Exodus 5:17-21 as God’s plan appears to have back fired in his face.  When the Hebrew foremen realize Pharaoh’s daily quota is nearly impossible to achieve, they turn their frustrations toward Moses.  “You should have kept your mouth shut!”  Look what you’ve done, making the king of Egypt despise us and likely kill us when our people don’t meet the officials expectations.

 

Whether you are married or single, everyone has tasted embarrassment, open mouth and insert foot.  Although you might have had good intentions, words can blew up in your face like a snow ball fight gone bad.  Thus, its vital to be sensitive to the emotions building up inside another individual.  Therefore, the next time you are compelled to speak out in the heat of the moment, ask God for wisdom to say the right thing when the opportunity arises.

by Jay Mankus

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