May we have God's wisdom to see the opportunities placed before us. n What is “opportunity?”

May we have God's wisdom to see the May we have God's wisdom to see the opportunities placed before us.opportunities placed before us.

What is “opportunity?”What is “opportunity?”


What is “opportunity?”What is “opportunity?” It is defined as: "a combination of It is defined as: "a combination of

circumstances favorable for the purpose.”circumstances favorable for the purpose.”


What is “opportunity?”What is “opportunity?” It is defined as: "a combination of It is defined as: "a combination of

circumstances favorable for the purpose.”circumstances favorable for the purpose.” The key word here is "purpose." What may The key word here is "purpose." What may

be an opportunity to one would be a be an opportunity to one would be a disadvantage to another. disadvantage to another.


Often the opportunities presented to Often the opportunities presented to Christians would be considered as burdens Christians would be considered as burdens to the world.to the world.


Suffering is an opportunity to the Christian! Suffering is an opportunity to the Christian! Why? Why? (1 Pt 4:12-14, 19)(1 Pt 4:12-14, 19)


(1 Peter 4:12-14 NKJV)(1 Peter 4:12-14 NKJV) - “Beloved, do - “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some which is to try you, as though some strange strange thing happened to youthing happened to you;; {13} {13} but rejoice to but rejoice to the extent that the extent that you partake of Christ’s you partake of Christ’s sufferingssufferings, that when His glory is revealed, , that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.you may also be glad with exceeding joy.


{14} {14} If you are reproached for the name of If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed Christ, blessed are you, are you, for for the Spirit of the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon youglory and of God rests upon you. On their . On their part He is blasphemed, but on part He is blasphemed, but on your part He your part He is glorifiedis glorified.”.”


(1 Peter 4:19 NKJV)(1 Peter 4:19 NKJV) - “Therefore let - “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of those who suffer according to the will of God God commit their souls commit their souls to Him to Him in doing in doing goodgood, as to a faithful Creator.”, as to a faithful Creator.”


Can we see where our real opportunity lies?Can we see where our real opportunity lies?


""A problem is a concentrated opportunityA problem is a concentrated opportunity. The . The only people I have ever known to have no only people I have ever known to have no problems are in the cemetery. The more problems problems are in the cemetery. The more problems you have, the more alive you are. Every problem you have, the more alive you are. Every problem contains the seeds of its own solution. I often say, contains the seeds of its own solution. I often say, when the Lord wants to give you the greatest when the Lord wants to give you the greatest value in this world, He doesn't wrap it in a value in this world, He doesn't wrap it in a sophisticated package and hand it to you on a sophisticated package and hand it to you on a silver platter. He is too subtle, too adroit, for that.silver platter. He is too subtle, too adroit, for that.


He takes this big value and buries it at the heart He takes this big value and buries it at the heart of a big, tough problem. How He must watch of a big, tough problem. How He must watch with delight when you've got what it takes to with delight when you've got what it takes to break that problem apart and find at its heart break that problem apart and find at its heart what the Bible calls, "the pearl of great price." what the Bible calls, "the pearl of great price." Everybody I've ever known who succeeded in Everybody I've ever known who succeeded in a big way in life has done so by breaking a big way in life has done so by breaking problems apart and finding the value that was problems apart and finding the value that was there."there."

Some Facts about OpportunitySome Facts about Opportunity

All have them! All have them! (Jn 15:1-2, 6-8)(Jn 15:1-2, 6-8)


(John 15:1-2 NKJV)(John 15:1-2 NKJV) “”I am the true vine, “”I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.and My Father is the vinedresser. {2} {2} “Every branch in Me that does not “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruitbear fruit He takes away; and every He takes away; and every branch branch that that bears bears fruitfruit He prunes, that it He prunes, that it may bear more may bear more fruitfruit.”.”


(John 15:6-8 NKJV)(John 15:6-8 NKJV) “”If anyone does not “”If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw withered; and they gather them and throw them them into the fire, and they are burned.into the fire, and they are burned. {7} {7} “If “If you you abide in Meabide in Me, and , and My words abide in youMy words abide in you, you , you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.for you. {8} {8} ““By this My Father is glorifiedBy this My Father is glorified, , that that you bear much fruityou bear much fruit; ; so you will be My so you will be My disciplesdisciples.”.”


Are you bearing fruit?Are you bearing fruit?


Opportunities must be taken to bear fruitOpportunities must be taken to bear fruit. . Do you see your opportunities?Do you see your opportunities?


"Failure is the opportunity to begin again "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." -- Henry Fordmore intelligently." -- Henry Ford


Must be Recognized.Must be Recognized.


Must be Recognized.Must be Recognized. If we have a keen awareness of what is If we have a keen awareness of what is

important, we will. important, we will. (Mt 6:33)(Mt 6:33)


(Matthew 6:33 NKJV)(Matthew 6:33 NKJV) - “”But - “”But seek first seek first the kingdom of Godthe kingdom of God and His righteousness, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”and all these things shall be added to you.”


We often fail to recognize them because we We often fail to recognize them because we do not want to!do not want to!


"When one door closes, another one opens, "When one door closes, another one opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us." -- Alexander one that has opened for us." -- Alexander Graham BellGraham Bell


They are time related.They are time related.


They are time related.They are time related. Consider the foolish virgins. Consider the foolish virgins. (Mt 25:8-10)(Mt 25:8-10)


(Matthew 25:8-10 NKJV)(Matthew 25:8-10 NKJV) “”And the foolish “”And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us said to the wise, ‘Give us some some of your oil, for of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’our lamps are going out.’ {9} {9} “But the wise “But the wise answered, saying, answered, saying, ‘No, ‘No, lest there should not be lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ {10} {10} “And “And while they went to buywhile they went to buy, the bridegroom came, , the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; the wedding; and the door was shutand the door was shut.”.”


Where do elders come from? They come Where do elders come from? They come from men taking opportunities over several from men taking opportunities over several years. years.


Where do elders come from? They come Where do elders come from? They come from men taking opportunities over several from men taking opportunities over several years. years.

Why do some lament about the difficulty of Why do some lament about the difficulty of reaching the lost?reaching the lost?


"Delay is the deadliest form of denial" is "Delay is the deadliest form of denial" is one of the laws for which Prof. C. one of the laws for which Prof. C. Northcote Parkinson is famous. He was Northcote Parkinson is famous. He was asked to explain it once at a tea. "I will," asked to explain it once at a tea. "I will," replied Parkinson, “in a few minutes.”replied Parkinson, “in a few minutes.”


They must be acted upon.They must be acted upon.


They must be acted upon.They must be acted upon. The foolish virgins should have been more The foolish virgins should have been more

urgent. They acted too late!urgent. They acted too late!


Brethren, we have no promise of tomorrow. Brethren, we have no promise of tomorrow. (Eph 6:18-20)(Eph 6:18-20)


(Ephesians 6:18-20 NKJV)(Ephesians 6:18-20 NKJV) - “praying always - “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;perseverance and supplication for all the saints; {19} {19} and for me, that and for me, that utterance may be given to utterance may be given to meme, that I may , that I may open my mouth boldlyopen my mouth boldly to make to make known the mystery of the gospel,known the mystery of the gospel, {20} {20} for for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”


Often I think of this while holding my Often I think of this while holding my children. I must take advantage of today!children. I must take advantage of today!

Opportunities for the YoungOpportunities for the Young

To be converted to the Lord. To be converted to the Lord. (Ecc 12:1, 13)(Ecc 12:1, 13)


(Ecclesiastes 12:1 NKJV)(Ecclesiastes 12:1 NKJV) - “Remember - “Remember now your Creator in the days of now your Creator in the days of your your youthyouth, , Before the difficult days come, And the Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”pleasure in them”


(Ecclesiastes 12:13 NKJV)(Ecclesiastes 12:13 NKJV) - “Let us hear - “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, God and keep His commandments, For this For this is man’s allis man’s all.”.”


The greatest opportunities to serve the Lord The greatest opportunities to serve the Lord and lay a solid foundation for life comes at and lay a solid foundation for life comes at youth.youth.


If we could talk to each one here about their If we could talk to each one here about their conversion to Christ, most were converted conversion to Christ, most were converted while young.while young.


If we could talk to each one here about their If we could talk to each one here about their conversion to Christ, most were converted conversion to Christ, most were converted while young.while young.

Young people die too. They also will be Young people die too. They also will be judged. judged. (Ecc 11:9)(Ecc 11:9)


(Ecclesiastes 11:9 NKJV)(Ecclesiastes 11:9 NKJV) - “Rejoice, O - “Rejoice, O young man, young man, in your in your youthyouth, , And let your And let your heart cheer you in heart cheer you in the days of your the days of your youthyouth; ; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.”these God will bring you into judgment.”


To grow in the Lord. To grow in the Lord. (Psa 71:5, 17)(Psa 71:5, 17)


(Psalms 71:5 NKJV)(Psalms 71:5 NKJV) “For You are my “For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; hope, O Lord GOD; You are You are my trust from my trust from my youthmy youth.”.”


(Psalms 71:17 NKJV)(Psalms 71:17 NKJV) “O God, “O God, You have You have taught me from my youthtaught me from my youth; And to this ; And to this day day I I declare Your wondrous works.”declare Your wondrous works.”


The foundational teachings I most use today The foundational teachings I most use today were taught to me while young.were taught to me while young.


The foundational teachings I most use today The foundational teachings I most use today were taught to me while young.were taught to me while young.

As a young person you will find As a young person you will find opportunities to study with good men and opportunities to study with good men and women. Take them!women. Take them!


This world is against our youth. The things This world is against our youth. The things they are encouraged to do are against God's they are encouraged to do are against God's will. Issues such as immorality, drugs, and will. Issues such as immorality, drugs, and violence are loudly taught to our young. violence are loudly taught to our young. (Gen 8:21)(Gen 8:21)


(Genesis 8:21 NKJV)(Genesis 8:21 NKJV) “And the LORD “And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, “I will never again curse said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart imagination of man’s heart is is evil from his evil from his youthyouth; nor will I again destroy every living ; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.”thing as I have done.”


To influence others. To influence others. (Acts 26:4)(Acts 26:4)


(Acts 26:4 NKJV)(Acts 26:4 NKJV) “My manner of life “My manner of life from my youthfrom my youth, which was spent from the , which was spent from the beginning among my own nation at beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know.”Jerusalem, all the Jews know.”


The ones who fervently serve the Lord The ones who fervently serve the Lord stand out!stand out!


The ones who fervently serve the Lord The ones who fervently serve the Lord stand out!stand out!

Those who are younger will likely have the Those who are younger will likely have the greatest chance to influence others for the greatest chance to influence others for the lord than at any other time in their lives.lord than at any other time in their lives.

Opportunities for Young CouplesOpportunities for Young Couples

To make a godly home.To make a godly home.


To make a godly home.To make a godly home. We can overcome the influences of this We can overcome the influences of this

world! world! (Prov 22:6)(Prov 22:6)


(Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)(Proverbs 22:6 NKJV) “Train up a child “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”old he will not depart from it.”


It is important to have the couple committed It is important to have the couple committed to the Lord. to the Lord. (Lk 1:5-6; 1 Pt 3:7)(Lk 1:5-6; 1 Pt 3:7)


(Luke 1:5-6 NKJV)(Luke 1:5-6 NKJV) - “There was in the - “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife Abijah. His wife was was of the daughters of of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Aaron, and her name was was Elizabeth.Elizabeth. {6} {6} And they And they were both righteous before Godwere both righteous before God, , walking in all the commandments and walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”ordinances of the Lord blameless.”


(1 Peter 3:7 NKJV)(1 Peter 3:7 NKJV) “Husbands, likewise, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with dwell with them them with understanding, giving with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as and as being being heirs together of the grace of heirs together of the grace of lifelife, that your prayers may not be hindered.”, that your prayers may not be hindered.”


Often Often this begins before marriagethis begins before marriage! Be a ! Be a strong Christian and marry someone who strong Christian and marry someone who loves the Lord!loves the Lord!

Opportunities for Young Opportunities for Young CouplesCouples

Do you take the time to really be with your Do you take the time to really be with your children? TV does not count!children? TV does not count!


To use your talents for the Lord.To use your talents for the Lord.


To use your talents for the Lord.To use your talents for the Lord. There never has been a more talented and There never has been a more talented and

prosperous generation in this country.prosperous generation in this country.



prosperous generation in this country.prosperous generation in this country. Sadly some couples have given themselves Sadly some couples have given themselves

over to worldliness. How do you spend over to worldliness. How do you spend your money? What do you give to the your money? What do you give to the Lord's cause?Lord's cause?



prosperous generation in this country.prosperous generation in this country. Sadly some couples have given themselves Sadly some couples have given themselves

over to worldliness. How do you spend your over to worldliness. How do you spend your money? What do you give to the Lord's money? What do you give to the Lord's cause?cause?

We need more who will open their homes.We need more who will open their homes.


We need more who will develop their Bible We need more who will develop their Bible skills to be a teacher. skills to be a teacher. (2 Tim 2:2)(2 Tim 2:2)


(2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV)(2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV) “And the things “And the things that you have heard from me among many that you have heard from me among many witnesses, witnesses, commit these to faithful mencommit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others alsowho will be able to teach others also.”.”


Where do Elders come from? Is this your Where do Elders come from? Is this your goal?goal?


Opportunities Missed Opportunities Missed (or The Curse of Permanent Potential)(or The Curse of Permanent Potential)


There was a very cautious manThere was a very cautious manWho never laughed or playedWho never laughed or playedHe never risked, he never triedHe never risked, he never triedHe never sang or prayedHe never sang or prayedAnd when he one day passed awayAnd when he one day passed awayHis insurance was deniedHis insurance was deniedFor since he never really livedFor since he never really livedThey claimed he never died.They claimed he never died.


To influence others.To influence others. (Acts 19:26)(Acts 19:26)


(Acts 19:26 NKJV)(Acts 19:26 NKJV) “”Moreover you see “”Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asiathroughout almost all Asia, this Paul has , this Paul has persuaded and turned away many peoplepersuaded and turned away many people, , saying that they are not gods which are saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.”made with hands.”

Opportunities for Older ChristiansOpportunities for Older Christians

To be an example to the young. To be an example to the young. (Prov 16:31; Isa 46:4)(Prov 16:31; Isa 46:4)


(Proverbs 16:31 NKJV)(Proverbs 16:31 NKJV) “The silver- “The silver-haired head haired head is is a crown of glory, a crown of glory, If If it is it is found in the way of righteousnessfound in the way of righteousness.”.”


(Isaiah 46:4 NKJV)(Isaiah 46:4 NKJV) “Even to “Even to your your old old age, I age, I am am He, He, And And even even to gray hairs I will to gray hairs I will carry carry youyou! ! I have made, and I will bear; I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver Even I will carry, and will deliver you.”you.”


You may not realize the encouragement You may not realize the encouragement provided by those who have lived for the provided by those who have lived for the Lord for years. Lord for years. (Titus 2:3-5)(Titus 2:3-5)


(Titus 2:3-5 NKJV)(Titus 2:3-5 NKJV) “the “the older women older women likewiselikewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not , that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;good things; {4} {4} that that they admonish the young they admonish the young womenwomen to love their husbands, to love their to love their husbands, to love their children,children, {5} {5} to be discreet, chaste, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”blasphemed.”


Some of the greatest encouragement I have Some of the greatest encouragement I have received have been from the example and received have been from the example and words of older, godly men and women. words of older, godly men and women. (Acts 9:36-41)(Acts 9:36-41)


(Acts 9:36-41 NKJV)(Acts 9:36-41 NKJV) “At Joppa there was “At Joppa there was a a certain disciple named Tabithacertain disciple named Tabitha, which is , which is translated translated DorcasDorcas. This woman was . This woman was full of full of good works and charitable deedsgood works and charitable deeds which she which she did.did. {37} {37} But it happened in those days that But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid washed her, they laid her her in an upper room.in an upper room.


{38} {38} And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring sent two men to him, imploring him him not to not to delay in coming to them.delay in coming to them. {39} {39} Then Peter arose Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they and went with them. When he had come, they brought brought him him to the upper room. And all the to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.while she was with them.


{40} {40} ButBut Peter put them all out, and knelt Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.up. {41} {41} Then he gave her Then he gave her his his hand and hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.”saints and widows, he presented her alive.”


Age Is OpportunityAge Is OpportunityAge is opportunity no lessAge is opportunity no less

Than youth itself, though in another dressThan youth itself, though in another dressAnd as the evening twilight fades away,And as the evening twilight fades away,

The sky is filled with stars invisible by day.The sky is filled with stars invisible by day.-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


Some of the greatest discouragement I have Some of the greatest discouragement I have received has come from older men who received has come from older men who never learned to discipline their spirits nor never learned to discipline their spirits nor their tongues.their tongues.


To continue to grow. To continue to grow. (1 Pt 2:1-3)(1 Pt 2:1-3)


(1 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV)(1 Peter 2:1-3 NKJV) “Therefore, laying “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,and all evil speaking, {2} {2} as newborn babes, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,may grow thereby, {3} {3} if indeed you have if indeed you have tasted that the Lord tasted that the Lord is is graciousgracious.”.”


The best way to become ineffectual for the The best way to become ineffectual for the Lord is to think you have obtained.Lord is to think you have obtained.


You will never stop learning and loving to You will never stop learning and loving to learn if you serve the Lord.learn if you serve the Lord.


You will never stop learning and loving to You will never stop learning and loving to learn if you serve the Lord.learn if you serve the Lord.

It is never too late to begin. (Example of my It is never too late to begin. (Example of my father.)father.)


To build up the church.To build up the church.


To build up the church.To build up the church. We need the maturity and influence of We need the maturity and influence of

godly men. godly men. (Jas 3:13)(Jas 3:13)


(James 3:13 NKJV)(James 3:13 NKJV) “ “Who Who is is wise and wise and understanding among youunderstanding among you? Let him show ? Let him show by good conduct by good conduct that that his his works works are done are done in in the meekness of wisdomthe meekness of wisdom.”.”


Sadly, age does not always mean maturity.Sadly, age does not always mean maturity.


When will this church face another internal When will this church face another internal crisis? The way we overcome our problems crisis? The way we overcome our problems will depend upon the cool heads and careful will depend upon the cool heads and careful actions of older, mature men.actions of older, mature men.


How far you go in life depends on your How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these. -- George have been all of these. -- George Washington CarverWashington Carver


How will we handle opportunity?How will we handle opportunity?


How will we handle opportunity?How will we handle opportunity? We are in the midst of opportunity in our We are in the midst of opportunity in our

selection of elders.selection of elders.


We will take a large step forward if we will We will take a large step forward if we will patiently do the Lord's will.patiently do the Lord's will.



Let us act by faith and not by fear.Let us act by faith and not by fear.



Let us act by faith and not by fear.Let us act by faith and not by fear. Are you ready to take the next opportunity Are you ready to take the next opportunity

in your life?in your life?



Let us act by faith and not by fear.Let us act by faith and not by fear. Are you ready to take the next opportunity in Are you ready to take the next opportunity in

your life?your life? "Fear not that your life shall come to an end, "Fear not that your life shall come to an end,

but rather that it shall never have a but rather that it shall never have a beginning." -- John Henry Newmanbeginning." -- John Henry Newman

May we have God's wisdom to see the opportunities placed before us. n What is “opportunity?”

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Transcript of May we have God's wisdom to see the opportunities placed before us. n What is “opportunity?”