“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Eccles. 3:1)

When I was a teenager, I spent a couple of wonderful Alaskan summers commercial fishing and living with Joe Redington, Sr., and his family. Those summers were Alaska at its best!

A note on the door

It all started when I was 14. On the last day of school, I returned home to our log cabin in Rabbit Creek, Alaska, only to find a note on the door. The note informed me that my parents had moved to California. It also instructed me to go to the Emard Cannery in Anchorage to meet Joe Redington, who would be waiting for me there. After recovering from my initial shock, I followed their directions and found Joe exactly where the note said he would be.

Working with Joe was a wonderful experience and a privilege! Joe is an Alaskan legend and the “father” of the Iditarod dogsled races. I helped him on his fishing boat, “The Nomad,” I fed his dogs at his home on Flathorn Lake, and I loved watching him practice dog sledding even in the summertime with sleds equipped with wheels!

Joe was a great mentor to me

He and his family lived in a big house next to Flathorn Lake, where they lived completely off the grid. They didn't have electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing, but they didn't miss any of it! We collected seagull eggs, hunted, and fished. I helped him deliver groceries and supplies to folks out in the wilderness. On long Alaskan summer days, we commercially fished Cook Inlet until we had a full load of salmon. Then we made the long twelve-hour trip to Emard Cannery in Anchorage to deliver our load. 

I suddenly lost my footing! 

One day, when we had a big load of fish and were about halfway across Cook Inlet, we stopped for a rest and dropped anchor. Joe went below to take a nap, and I was alone upside. Part of my job was to keep the fish from drying out. I hauled up seawater with a bucket on a rope. This time, as soon as I lowered the bucket over the edge into the water, it filled up, but I lost my footing, and the weight of it pulled me overboard! The water immediately filled my hip boots, causing me to sink even deeper. My boots stuck to my legs, and I couldn’t get them off. I couldn't swim with them! I was quickly running out of air.

Something miraculous happened!

Then I felt something grab me by the top of my hood, pull me up to the surface, and back onto the boat! It was Joe! Joe told me he had just awakened from his nap. He came onto the deck just in time to see me fall overboard and disappear under the water. He was able to grab the gaff pole to reach for me. It was miraculous that he came on deck at exactly the moment he did and was able to snag the top of my hood. It was a miracle!

God is the God of perfect timing!

“God sends Angels  to minister to them who will be heirs of salvation.” (Heb. 1:14)

“My times are in Your hands – deliver me . . .” (Ps. 31:15)

“You are my hiding place; you will preserve me from trouble.”(Ps. 32:7a)

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their habitations. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:26-27)

Home and neighborhood one

When Susan and I were first married, we lived in a new single-wide trailer in a beautiful tree-filled park next to a picturesque duck pond. It was perfect, and we loved it. We were thrilled and content there. Then Susan’s father saw a documentary on television about trailer fires. It scared him, so he presented us with a handful of papers to apply for a home loan. We loved where we lived and didn't think we needed to move, but we completed the paperwork anyway in order to please him.

Home and neighborhood two

We were completely surprised when we received loan approval and soon moved into a brand-new home in a new neighborhood. We lived there happily for several years.

Home and neighborhood three

When we had our fourth child, it became obvious to us that we needed a larger home. We looked for months, and nothing seemed right, so we stopped looking. Then, a friend we knew casually mentioned that his family had just decided to sell their home. We went to see it, and it was perfect for us. We bought it and still live there today!

We could tell that God had led us to each home and neighborhood location!

Each location brought us into new relationships with productive ministry. God put the right connections together so that the right things could happen at exactly the perfect times. We saw a number of our neighbors come to Christ, some into full-time ministry, and we could clearly see His hand in all of it.

It is no accident that you live when and where you do!

God has placed everyone in the world according to his perfect plan!

What we learn from Acts 17:26-27 about WHEN, WHERE, and WHY we live on earth:

·      God created all people from one man, Adam. “From one man he made all the nations.”

·      To fill the earth. “That they should inhabit the whole earth.”

·      He appointed when they should live. “He marked out their appointed times in history.”

·      He appointed the exact places where they would live. “The boundaries of their habitations.”

·      For His stated purpose of reaching them for Himself. “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”

And He even created us with certain abilities and talents to enable us to do His good work

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10)

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” (Matt. 18:19)

Over the years Susan and I have claimed this agreement promise in many situations.

Recently, we were considering a large purchase and had the amount we wanted to pay for it set aside in the bank. Then we found the item, but it was a couple of thousand dollars higher than what we had agreed together to pay for it. So, we prayed together once again and said, “God, we have agreed on the amount we want to pay for this item, and we have that money set aside. If this is the correct purchase for us, let us know by providing the extra money in unexpected ways. In Jesus' Name, amen.”

Then we waited

If this was the item for us, the money would come. If it wasn't for us, the money wouldn't come, and we'd keep looking for it elsewhere to become available at our agreed on  price.

The answer came in two parts

First, we got a phone call from our insurance company saying they were returning to us $1,000 that we'd paid earlier to them as a deductible on a claim for damage that had occurred during a power surge. They said the power company had unexpectedly decided to take care of the deductible amount. So, they were returning it to us!

Secondly, we called to double-check the price of the item we wanted, and they told us they decided to reduce the price by $1,000!

So, we had our answer!

We made the purchase with complete confidence.

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 15:5)

‘Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27)

Stay on the job until you succeed

In his book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill tells the story of how Automobile genius Henry Ford once came up with a revolutionary plan for a new kind of engine which we know today as the V-8. Ford was eager to get his great new idea into production. He had some men draw up the plans, and presented them to the engineers. As the engineers studied the drawings, one by one they cane to the same conclusion. Their visionary boss just didn't know much about the fundamental principles of engineering. He'd have to be told gently--his dream was impossible. Ford said, "Produce it anyway." They replied, "But it's impossible." "Go ahead," Ford commanded, "and stay on the job until you succeed, no matter how much time is required." For six months they struggled with drawing after drawing, design after design. Nothing. Another six months. Nothing. At the end of the year Ford checked with his engineers and they once again told him that what he wanted was impossible. Ford told them to keep going. They did. And they discovered how to build a V-8 engine.”

Has God given you a dream?

Throw off everything that hinders you, fix your eyes on Jesus, and proceed on the path God has created you for and has marked out for you!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:1-3)

Do it God’s way!

“God's work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s supply.” – Hudson Taylor

“So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.” (Gal. 6:9)

The value of courage, persistence, and perseverance has rarely been illustrated more convincingly than in the life story of Abraham Lincoln!

Abraham Lincoln’s story of persistence

·      Failed in business – at age 22

·      Ran for Legislature--defeated – at age 23

·      Again failed in business – at age 24

·      Elected to Legislature – at age 25

·      Sweetheart died – at age 26

·      Had a nervous breakdown – at age 27

·      Defeated for Speaker – at age 29

·      Defeated for Elector – at age 31

·      Defeated for Congress – at age 34

·      Elected to Congress – at age 37

·      Defeated for Congress – at age 39

·      Defeated for Senate – at age 46

·      Defeated for Vice President – at age 47

·      Defeated for Senate – at age 49 

·      Elected President of the United States – at age 51

Therefore

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chron. 15:7)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9)

 Persistence!

 “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” – Calvin Coolidge

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Phil. 4:6 )

This passage is a four-step formula for success for any and every situation.

No matter what you're dealing with at home, at work, or in every and any situation, apply these four steps.

• Step one - “Don’t  worry”. Worry is the opposite of faith and is a tool of the devil to stop you. But don't let it! DECIDE NOT to worry! That’s right! It's a decision. Take control of it! Immediately make a conscious decision at the onset of any situation, regardless of its appearance. Use God’s Word as your weapon to fight it (it’s the sword of the Spirit). "Do not be anxious about anything; but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7).

• Step two - “Pray about everything.” Most of the time we don't use the biggest resource we have in our hands, prayer! If you don't use it, you lose it! As a child of God, you can come boldly to Him at any moment and instantly discuss anything with Him. And you must do so immediately and boldly in the time of need. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16)

• Step three - “Tell God what you need.” Come right out with it! Be specific and tell God exactly what you need! He cares about you and wants to help you, but you must ask! “You have not because you ask not.” (James 4:2). “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7:7)

• Step four - “Thank Him for all that He has done.” Thank Him for the many times He has helped you previously in the past. Thank Him, too, for the thousands of promises He has already provided for you in the Bible, which cover virtually every possible need you could ever encounter! God has already thought of everything and provided for it. Many times we ask God for things he’s already provided for us in the Bible. When problems or challenges come along, find specific promises in the Bible that already apply and then thank Him for them! “And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises.” (2 Peter 1:4). “All the promise of God are yes, through Jesus.” (2 Cor. 1:20). “And God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

So do it!

“Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John R. Wooden

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all." - Dale Carnegie

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb 13:6)

While traveling in our RV during a turbulent political season in our country, police abruptly rerouted us to back roads to avoid the riots that were going on in a city that we were about to travel through. As we switched on our radio, we became aware of the plight of innocent individuals being attacked along our intended route. Anger-fueled mobs were stopping cars on the freeway, yanking people out, and causing them serious injuries. We were grateful for the warning and for the alternative route.

Scary things do happen!

Today, It's impossible to pick up the newspaper, turn on the television or radio, or even look at social media without being bombarded with all kinds of fearful news! And yes, it can be frightening. But fear doesn't have to rule us because we have a constant helper! And it's none other than God Himself! Check out the following promises!

God’s hand will help you!

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

 When you cry out to God, He will answer!

“In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul.” (Psalm 137:3)

“For he will deliver the needy when he cries for help, The afflicted also, and him who has no helper. He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy he will save. He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, And their blood will be precious in his sight.” (Psalms 72:12-14)

Therefore

“But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.” (Psalm 37:39)

Jer. 33:3 “Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

I attended a business seminar a while back, and the speaker emphasized over and over again the importance of asking questions because, as he said passionately, “You don't know what you don't know!” He was certainly right about that! Asking questions of experienced businesspeople who have important knowledge about things, you can avoid serious mistakes and move ahead faster and with fewer problems.

God’s people can get in trouble for lack of knowledge!

It is important to ask questions in business matters! But it's also important to seek knowledge in other areas of your life!

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6a)

Wise people seek knowledge from God!

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Prov. 18:15)

God gives knowledge to those who ask

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Prov. 2:6)

Fools reject knowledge

It's foolish not to ask God for wisdom and knowledge about things!

“Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices.” (Prov. 1:29-31)

Knowledge is pleasant and will guard you

“For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.” (Prov. 2:10-11)

Quote

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:8)

No worries

Knowing that God has given me “all sufficiency in all things for every good work” makes my life function a whole lot better without unnecessary stress or worries.

The family business and CEO

I think of myself as one of God's kids, as one of Jesus's little brothers. A joint heir with Him and a worker in the “family business.” And, my Heavenly Father, the creator of “the business,” and Jesus, the CEO of it, will continually guide me to do what is needed to make it thrive and prosper.

Therefore

I expect Him to, and He does, give me exactly what is needed at the right time, according to the exact specifications needed, to get the right things done at exactly the right times. (Eph. 2:10).

Things work much better!

Looking at things this way makes me successful and happier because, if any problems do arise, personally or business-wise, and they do occasionally, I let the CEO of “the family business” handle it!

Therefore

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)