Honor Devotional

Keep Courage!

2012-02-23T06:19:00.001-08:00

Acts 27: ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

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With my heart racing I slowly crept down the stairs. You could smell the mild scent of mold and mildew in the air. It was dark but I could identify my surroundings. I avoided the puddle and managed not to knock anything over. Step by step I made it all the way to the back of the basement in our home.

I had overcome a fear that something was living in our basement when the lights were out and this person or thing was out to get me! What an imagination at ten years old.

There are going to be situations that cause me to have great fear.
There are going to be times when I doubt that GOD can handle the situation.
There are going to be circumstances that are way out of my control and I have a choice between faith and worry.

Walking through life is like walking through that dark basement. Yes the surroundings can be familiar but I am not always sure of where I am stepping. My mind races and tries to resolve the fear I have and just when I think I have defeated it, something else happens to make me cringe all the more.

“Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I walk in unknown territory.
“Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I sense danger or distress.
“Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I feel anxious and cannot resolve the current situation.

Paul and the shipwrecked crew felt lost. With no food or supplies all seemed lost. BUT GOD said “Keep up your courage” to Paul and that’s what he told everyone. They landed safe just like GOD said. I am glad GOD says to me “keep up your courage!”

Are you feeling anxious?
What circumstance is too big for GOD?
Didn’t HE say “I will never leave you nor forsake you?”
Can you give GOD your fear and trade it for courage that HE will bring you through the circumstance stronger and wiser?

I hope I can persuade you

2012-02-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

Acts 26:²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

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“Get away from me with that “gosh darn” stuff; only his words were harsher than I can write. I tried to tell a person caught up in gang living to turn their life over to CHRIST. My naïve approach was ineffective because he may have perceived that I was talking “at” him, not to him.

It’s obvious that I don’t care for some people when I wish them harm.
It’s obvious that I don’t care for some people when I judge them or misjudge them.
It’s obvious that I don’t care for some people when I deafen my ears to what they have to say and only care about getting my point across.

Paul showed he actually cared about every soul he met. He was driven and determined to have any and every one turn from their sins and believe in CHRIST. It didn’t matter what they had done he wanted them to seek JESUS. HE had compassion.

When I approach people with true humility I get GOD’s results.
When I approach people after I have served them I get GOD’s results.
When I approach people after dropping my sins I am more effective because I can tell them “I was in your shoes and JESUS forgave me, HE will do the same for you.”

This is my prayer to the reader… “LORD please show this person YOUR might and strength today. Help lift their burden and let them know everything will be fine and YOUR plan is on time. Help them drop the sin that plagues their witness and open their mouth to shout about the greatest gift namely JESUS dying for our sins and being raised to forgive us! Amen

Am I drifting away from GOD?

2012-02-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

Acts 26: ¹³ About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. ¹⁴ We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

¹⁵ “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶ ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.

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Drifting seemed like a harmless thing to do when it came to this “GOD” stuff. I mean everyone else seemed to be living full lives with their drinking and sexual exploits and I wasn’t a heavy drinker and my sex was held to a minimum. Comparatively I rated myself as “pretty good.”

My drifting turned into occasional visits to church, then no visits. I drifted into “deserving” to unwind after a hard week’s work so a few of us would go to the clubs which drifted into flirting and “going out” with a woman here and there. I still rated myself as “pretty good.” I mean I wasn’t trying to harm anyone and “everybody” was doing it.

Drifting away from listening to GOD leads me into places “I” think are harmless but they are truly harmful to me.
Drifting away from listening to GOD makes me assess myself as “pretty good” comparatively but I fail to take the time to admit I need HIM.
Drifting away from listening to GOD puts me in a place where it requires HIS correction.

GOD wants a “hot” or “cold” person to work with and my drifting had put me in a “lukewarm” state which is impossible to change. What I mean is I thought I was “pretty good” and therefore needed no improvement yet I was “harmlessly” drifting little by little away from HIM.

After a while I was producing no fruit for HIS kingdom and found myself “needy” on occasion. I would scurry to pray to GOD when I needed HIM and would go back to living without HIM expecting everything to go well for me. GOD said HE wanted something different.

GOD wants a full relationship with me, not one where I try holding onto my life.
GOD wants my full attention, not distracted or chasing things that are against HIS will.
GOD wants me to stand with HIM, not fold into the world and fight against HIM.

“Wait a minute… how am I fighting GOD?” you ask. The war inside of me starts where I am told by GOD to live for HIM in order to spread HIS message yet I choose to live the way I want to live. The only “drifting” I need to do is drift towards HIM not away.

Do you find yourself drifting away from GOD?
Has your time with HIM minimized because of school, work or a relationship?
When is the last time you have produced “fruit” in “your” life?
Are you purposefully living your life for GOD?

They just don’t understand

2012-02-20T05:53:00.000-08:00

Acts 25:¹⁸ When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. ¹⁹ Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. ²⁰ I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.

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“Shocked” was the look many people gave me when I told them I was going on my first missions trip. “Why now?”, “why you?”, “don’t we have enough problems here?” were only a few of the questions I got as I discussed my plans. Funny, these questions were from people who claimed to follow CHRIST.

It seems like there are times GOD has me do some unusual things that benefit the kingdom.
It seems like there are times GOD directs me to do things people don’t understand that benefits the kingdom.
It seems like there are times GOD leads me to places I would never go but it benefits the kingdom.

GOD desires that no one will perish and HE wants anyone who is willing to go out and spread HIS message of love, grace and mercy. HE wants me to be open to going to my neighbors, my city, other states and even other countries if HE tells me to. This openness is the beginning of compassion for “all” humans not just the ones I would choose.

Many people will question the timing, method or reason for me serving GOD. It seems like each time I have gone on a trip, money was an issue or some event was in conflict or some other reason was a better option. Even writing down a daily devotional is questioned as people ask “why do you do that?” or “why make yourself look bad?” There is a harsh reality to relaying HIS message that must be coupled with “love.”

GOD’s message will remain strange to those who are not seeking HIM but I must try anyway.
GOD’s method will be doubted by those whose faith is small but I must have faith anyway.
GOD’s timing will seem inconvenient to people but I must accept HIS timing and HIS plan.

Paul tried to explain JESUS’ resurrection to people who could care less. They treated him like some religious fanatic and he was ostracized. GOD desires HIS simple message of love to be given even though people may not receive it.

Are you trying to live for GOD and people do not understand what you are doing?
Are people confused by your decision to serve GOD more and more?
Can you stay the course while delivering HIS message with love, compassion and grace?

Character

2012-02-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Acts 24:¹⁶ So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

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We were all walking back from a special program that my school had recommended me for. I was taking High School math in eighth grade. Everyone was proud of me and it made me work harder. On this day we stopped by a local department store to look around. We wandered to the back of the store and lo and behold there were “naked” magazines back there!

I quickly ripped the cover off of one and took a fishing magazine cover and placed it over the pornographic magazine. I wonder how proud my parents and teachers would have been at that moment!

I can look good in front of humans, but do I look good in front of GOD?
I can make people believe I am “good” but what does GOD say about my character?
I can pretend I am walking the straight and narrow but how many times has GOD seen me fall off the path?

Sin and a clear conscience can never go hand in hand. I noticed a very important word Paul uses in this very short scripture namely the word “and.” His conscience was clear before GOD “and” humans. In other words if you read his text messages or burst in on his conversations or read his Facebook page you would see him doing the same thing, living for GOD.

GOD sees the times I sin “and” HE sees when I live for HIM.
GOD knows the times I force serving HIM “and” the times when I am sincere.
GOD looks at my mistakes “and” HE values my character.

There is nothing I can hide from GOD! HE knows every action and every thought. The only way I can bear HIS fruit is to admit my sins to HIM “and” turn away from them little by little. HE wants me to have character in other words HE wants me to act the same when no one is around looking at me.

Are you acting with character?
Are you stuck on the cycle of blatantly sinning and asking for forgiveness?
Are you hiding your sin and waiting on someone to confront you?
Won’t you claim victory over your problems by admitting your sins to GOD?
Do you realize that sin has no power over you if you admit and begin to turn away from them?

The plan for evil will fail against me.

2012-02-16T06:19:00.000-08:00

Acts 23:²⁵ He wrote a letter as follows:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias,

To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

Greetings.

²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. ²⁸ I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin.

²⁹ I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. ³⁰ When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.

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Rumbles of headcount reductions rippled through the organization stifling any productivity. Rumors of who was going to stay or go had many paralyzed. Some of my peers resorted to “slander” as their defense and they even attacked me just as the nation had been attacked by terrorists just weeks before.

I got a phone call that said, “I would like for you to come with me to the west coast.” Wow, they chose me over those who were trying to slander me!

I will never know how many evil plots GOD has protected me from.
I will never know how often GOD steps in to keep HIS plan intact.
I will never know how GOD uses someone’s evil plan to complete HIS good and perfect plan.

Paul was defenseless against the plot to kill him. His message of JESUS’ salvation threatened the lifestyles of the Sanhedrin rulers and forty men vowed to not eat until Paul was killed. GOD intervened and had believers and those who did not believe in JESUS, help Paul to safety.

In other words GOD said, “MY plan for Paul isn’t finished!” HE does the same for me. There is no evil plot that can go against me until GOD’s plan for me is complete. Yes, some lies against me may work for a minute and I may fall down a couple of times with their sin and sins of my own, BUT GOD’s plan cannot be stopped!

GOD’s plan for me is definite.
GOD’s plan for me is unpolluted.
GOD’s plan for me is impenetrable by evil so I can have no fear of failing!

Every plot against me will fall back on the plotter, maybe not right away, but it will. I don’t need to see the revenge, I just have to believe GOD’s plan is great!

What is GOD’s plan for you?
Are you being attacked?
Can you realize that your attacker means evil BUT GOD will use the plot for good?

Take Courage GOD is right there!

2012-02-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

Acts 23:¹⁰ The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

¹¹ The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

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Tossing and turning I spent one night futilely trying to get to sleep. The speech was on my mind because I had to explain why things weren’t working. When I got out on stage I could see the hostile faces. It seemed like everyone wanted to rip my heart out. “LORD where are you?” I thought to myself.

There are times when humans will get mad at me and I feel I have no place to turn.
There are times when humans will be disappointed with the way I act or something I did.
There are times when humans will make me the fall guy because it’s convenient.
There are times when humans will be hurt by things I have said or actions I have taken.

I have been in violent situations but never a mob circumstance like Paul. He was trying to change the minds of those who were blind to GOD and treated HIM like a figurehead rather than the leader of their lives. The Pharisees and Sadducees talked about GOD and even went to church weekly but never turned their lives over to HIM.

They felt threatened when someone tried to correct them in love and never once admitted they had a problem. In fact they rioted to keep their lifestyle because it was lavish and cushy and respectful. I mean how could you go wrong talking about GOD and getting paid for it? They didn’t have to “believe” in the stuff, just talk about it right? Wrong!

GOD wants me to stand firm even if it means I get embarrassed in the process.
GOD wants me to admit to others I sin regularly, but I am sinning less and less.
GOD wants me to point people to HIS perfection and take eyes off of me.
GOD wants me to understand HE is right here next to me in the middle of any trouble.

I just noticed it wasn’t an angel who came to talk to Paul it was JESUS. HE said “take courage!” and HE meant it. HE wants me to have courage to face any situation without running away! HE has the power to fix, heal and mend any problem I have.

Are you busy drawing attention to yourself?
Are you busy holding onto a lifestyle that you know in your heart is against GOD?
Do you realize it take admission of a problem in order to be healed?
What problem is too big for GOD?
What sins are you trying to take to the grave with you?

GOD’s protection

2012-02-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

Acts 22:²⁵ As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”

²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

²⁷ The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes, I am,” he answered.

²⁸ Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

“But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

²⁹ Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

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Project after project I was determined to do my best but it was difficult. It seemed like I kept running into one of those bosses, who wanted to be an obstacle, but somehow they would disappear and I would still be placed on the best projects.

This angered my belligerent boss. I sensed he was out to get me so I worked harder to win him over. The harder I worked the madder he got. He insulted, yelled and screamed at everyone and I was no exception. I was in a bad position but somehow I got promoted. It was because the head of the department knew I was part of a Bible study of a good friend of his.

I had no idea I was being watched by the family.

GOD protects me especially when I am being mistreated.
GOD watches over me when things go wrong.
GOD uses a chain of events that I cannot perceive to guide me, watch me and guard me.

Paul never knew he would be protected just by being born as a Roman citizen. GOD used this link in the chain of events know as Paul’s life to protect him to do GOD’s will. HE has done the same for me many times when I look back but I couldn’t understand HIS protection while I was going through the trial.

Are you going through a trial that seems hopeless?
Have you noticed GOD protecting you during your trial?
Won’t you stop feeling like “woe is me” for a moment to notice GOD’s love for you?

My sin is only an excuse

2012-02-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

Acts 22: ¹⁹ “‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. ²⁰ And when the blood of your martyrStephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’

²¹ “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”

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Groggy and a little disoriented I woke up and decided to go to church. I was a Sunday-School teacher now but I figured my single lifestyle didn’t have to be hampered with that detail. As I walked down the steps with my class I heard a voice all the way across the entrance of the sanctuary.

“Hey, we had a great time at the club last night! Did you get her number? ” What made him yell “that” in church? And whose number was he talking about? And most of all, what will my class think of me?

My sin tells me that I am broken and can’t serve GOD.
My sin tells me to remain broken and tries to get me to believe I can’t be fixed.
My sin tells me to hide “it” and look good in front of everyone.

When I listen to my sin I sometimes feel small, ashamed, weak, and low down. I see my imperfections and I think, GOD can’t possibly want a broken person like me to tell others about HIS goodness. I mean “I’m not a preacher, I don’t know the Bible and I’m chasing women… I can’t change” or at least that’s what I thought!

GOD saw “all” of my sins and chose me anyway.
GOD knew every mistake I would ever make and still gave me a purpose.
GOD understood I would face many obstacles so HE filled my life with the HOLY SPIRIT to protect me and guide me and comfort me.

Broken people are exactly what GOD uses the most. HE looks at my life and sees nothing but perfection because HE is looking through me and sees the HOLY SPIRIT HE place inside of me. HE no longer sees my sinful outer crust but looks at a washed, cleaned and dusted off soul.

I heard this weekend that change is a lifelong process. I should examine my lifestyle and give “every” element to CHRIST. Little by little I should give my sins to HIM and exchange them for telling people about HIS SON. My sinful lifestyle should no longer be an excuse to living for JESUS.

Are you busy trying to look good in front of people?
Are you trying to serve GOD “and” keep your sinful lifestyle?
Won’t you give up your sins little by little?
Will you start telling people about GOD’s forgiveness even in the middle of your sin?

Why “not” me?

2012-02-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

Acts 21:³⁰ The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. ³¹ While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. ³² He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

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Tired from a hard day’s work I just wanted to get home. I made it from the train to my car and noticed my car had been dented and the window broken out. “Not my tapes” I thought to myself. (Yes I mean cassette tapes!)

The music I meticulously collected for years was now gone. GOD, “Why me?”

When I started following GOD I expected nothing to go wrong in my life.
When I started following GOD I expected things to go smooth.
When I started following GOD I expected never to be in pain again.

Wow was I wrong about my expectations of GOD. I thought by believing in JESUS, my problems would be gone. It seems to be quite the opposite.

When I live for GOD, many obstacles will get in my way.
When I live for GOD, the road will become more difficult.
When I live for GOD, there will be times where it seems like the entire world is against me.

Life is not fair and I should expect difficulty when I live for CHRIST. I’m not saying that GOD wants life to be harder, rather HE understands that all people choose to go their own way which causes a problem in the relationship with HIM. I run away from humility, love, kindness, joy and compassion and run towards lust, envy, jealousy, anger and the things GOD doesn’t want me to have and the world loves me.

When I leave the things alone that the world wants me to have I suddenly find myself in a fight. The more I tell people about the great news about JESUS, the more angry the world becomes because it wants to hold onto sin tightly. I have a new expectation namely I expect the world to be mad at me for trying to follow GOD.

Are you stuck in your sin?
Are you trying to live for GOD but are trying to keep your sin too?
Are things going wrong now that you have chosen to live for GOD?
Won’t you choose to live for GOD through difficult times?

Sold out for GOD

2012-02-09T07:18:00.000-08:00

Acts 21:¹⁰ After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

¹² When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

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Cartoons depicting an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other are a good example of how I have lived my life in the past. It seems like a temptation would pop up in front of me and I would have a choice. Go with what seems to be fun or remain pure to GOD which usually seemed boring.

Well after being burned, hurt and left empty GOD’s way seems to be a better way.

Some of my sins seem so harmless so why should I change?
Some of my sins are too much of a habit so why should I change?
Some of my sins are because of someone else or something out of my control so why should I change?

Excuses for me not changing my mind will be taken up with no one else BUT GOD! HE wants me to be sold out for serving HIM and desires me to live a victorious life. HE does understand my flaws and knows I will fail time after time BUT HE desires that I change my ways little by little until I can do HIS will without fighting HIM to do my will.

Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than helping someone else understand the freedom HE has given me.
Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than telling others GOD forgave me and HE will forgive you.
Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than believing in HIS SON and following HIS will.

No person, no job, no trinket, no safe feeling, no self-preservation and especially no sin should be placed in front of doing GOD’s will. Now, I have to tell you that all of these items I have just listed are a struggle; BUT GOD has patience with me and helps me get it right. HE loves the way I am “becoming” sold out for HIM!

Are you completely sold out for God or are you reserving most of you for you?
What is holding you back from doing more for HIM?
When will you give up a little of your lifestyle and start living for GOD more?

What is my purpose today?

2012-02-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

Acts 20:²² “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³ I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

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Sitting on my couch in a daze was about all I could handle at the time. My mind had conjured up what I thought was the end of the road. With bill collectors calling, car on the fritz, school not going well and working a dead end job I wondered “where was all this going?” I mean was this it? Was this where I was going to end up?

Sometimes my circumstances make me want to give up.
Sometimes my situations seem larger than what I can handle.
Sometimes my current position can seem bleak and cause me to despair.

Something… okay it was the HOLY SPIRIT who told me to “get off the couch and do something about the circumstance for there is a purpose for your life.” “Go talk to the school, go talk to the bill collectors, learn how to fix your car and work the job like it’s supposed to be worked.” Wow! You mean I don’t have to believe everything is a mess and I have a purpose?! Absolutely!

Faith in GOD has shown me to wait and watch HIM a little longer because HE always comes through!
Faith in GOD has taught me to there is no circumstance that is not in HIS control.
Faith in GOD has never failed; in fact I have been quite amazed at how HE works things out.

When I live my life with “purpose” there is no failure especially when my focus is on GOD. No matter how bleak the situation is I can trust GOD knows about it and has complete control. I can continue serving HIM through the circumstance and watch HIM do some amazing things in the lives of those HE directs me to.

GOD has given me purpose to reach those HE has given to me. There is no situation, circumstance or trouble that can thwart HIS plan for me.

Is your situation bleak?
Are you feeling troubled?
Do you realize that by holding on a little while longer HE will deliver you to your purpose?
Have you asked GOD “please show me my purpose?”
Are you willing to tell people about CHRIST in spite of your troubles?

How do I sell my soul?

2012-02-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

Acts 19:²⁴ A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. ²⁵ He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business.

²⁶ And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.

²⁷ There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

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Looking back I see how hard I worked to have a “good life.” Once I worked in vain thirty six hours straight on a proposal for a company who did not land the project. Why did I put myself through all that torture? Was it cash or a title or both? All I know is I didn’t see my family nor did I eat right and most of all I did not talk to GOD one minute.

When I am too busy for GOD then my work is a god.
When I am driving for something without GOD my drive is worthless.
When I am motivated for cash instead of living for GOD then my motives will turn evil quickly.

I have lied for cash, stolen cash, and slandered for cash. Okay, most of what I did would be considered mild comparatively BUT GOD doesn’t compare me to another person; HE compares me to HIS SON when checking for perfection. HE quickly sees my flaws and it infuriates HIM when I put other things in front of HIM.

GOD demands HE should be first in my life above any job or amount of cash.
GOD wants me to actually love being with HIM rather than feeling obligated and resentful.
GOD directs me to never ever consider another god to be greater than HIM!

It’s a huge mistake to think a human, or a piece of metal or a fortune or a celestial fragment could be more powerful than GOD HIMSELF. Anything that gets in the way of GOD can and will be torn down so my focus needs to be on HIM as best I can.

What are you most concerned about in life right now?
Are you putting a sinful lifestyle before GOD?
Do you truly think that getting more of what you are seeking will satisfy you?
Can you reduce your pursuit of earthly happiness and increase your pursuit of eternal bliss?
Do you realize wealth is fine but if it is all you pursue then it is a god?

I admit it I did it

2012-02-06T06:40:00.000-08:00

Acts 19:¹⁸ Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. ¹⁹ A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. ²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

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“Spray paint!” I thought to myself. I searched the garage vigorously to see if I could find a can that matched. Believe it or not I did! Well it sort of matched. I backed the car into the garage and began my body work on my mothers’ car. I tried to cover up the dent from the accident I was in.

Yes it was the guys’ fault but he had no insurance and I had no experience in making sure he paid for the damage. I figured I would just paint the car and explain everything later… much later!

When I try to hide my sins I can’t get better.
When I try to hide my sins I never grow up in following GOD.
When I try to hide my sins I don’t admit I need JESUS’ help.

Hidden sin is the worst sin. At least if I were blatant with my sins, someone could approach me with correction then I would have a choice to follow GOD or not. When I sin and try to hide it, the HOLY SPIRIT says to me “you shouldn’t have done that.” HE never repeats HIMSELF but let’s me know I am forgiven when I admit my maleficence.

Admitting sin is never easy at first but gets easier the more I do it.
Admitting sin lifts all kinds of burdens from my conscience.
Admitting sin doesn’t give me the license to sin more but helps me identify areas of weakness that I need accountability for.
Admitting sin enables me to live a victorious life because I have GOD on my side.

It’s funny how GOD works. HE tells me I must confess my sins and believe HIS SON died for them. I can never be good enough or strong enough to break my way into an eternal relationship with GOD. Confession says “GOD I need you” rather than “I will hide my sins and try to make it on my own.”

I can now say “LORD, I admit I am wrong in YOUR eyes and I want an everlasting relationship with YOU.”

Are you hiding something?
Are you trying to cover up your sin?
What do you think you will gain by trying to hide any sin from GOD?
Do you know the embarrassment of admitting your sin is far better than a broken relationship with JESUS?

I must plan the right way

2012-02-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Acts 18:²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

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“I will call” or “I will be at that event” or “I will achieve that certain level within so many years” was my style of talking in the past. The funny thing was I didn’t call, or I may have achieved the level but the grass was dead at the top and I missed “that” event I promised I would attend.

Why is the future so uncertain?

When I plan without considering GOD, my plans fail.
When I plan without considering what GOD is doing, I get in the way of what HE is doing in my life.
When I plan without considering how GOD has blessed me in the past, I move forward with fear.

“If the LORD is willing and the creek don’t rise” was a statement my elders used to say. This colloquialism is to say “If GOD allows me to.” Many times I failed in my plans because I didn’t see what GOD was doing. I ran fast and steady while being blind to GOD.

“If it is GOD’s will” should be said before I make my plan.
“If it is GOD’s will” should be said when a desire pops into my head.
“If it is GOD’s will” should be said about any movement I make.

What happens when I do something without it being “GOD’s will?” GOD allows my plan to move forward and HE allows the consequences of my failure to fall on me. HE doesn’t do it in an “I told you so“ fashion like I would rather HE has already been in the future and doesn’t want me to run into the wall.

GOD’s plan is full of compassion for my mistakes. When I follow my own plan it’s like telling GOD “YOU are stupid and I know better.” GOD wants me to ask HIM “LORD what do YOU want me to do?” rather than telling HIM “I’m going in this direction, will you please help me?” Acknowledging HIS plan is the best way for me to make my plan.

Are you planning something?
Have you asked GOD “do YOU want me to do this?”
When you get the thing you are praying for how has it benefitted the growth of GOD’s kingdom?
Are you sure your prayer isn’t an attempt to manipulate GOD into following you?
Are you willing to accept “no” or “try this thing instead?”

Do not be afraid!

2012-02-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

Acts 18: ⁹ One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. ¹⁰ For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” ¹¹ So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

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“What would the crowd say about me?” was my thought as my mind raced thinking about the possibility of boos and hisses. I asked my boss for advice and he said “just stay focused on the issues and solutions and you won’t have a problem.” I went on stage and presented just that. The questions and discussions actually weren’t bad. You mean it wasn’t about “me?”

Fear of the unknown can truly stifle me.
Fear of the unknown can cause my mind to wander to worst case thinking which leads me to worry.
Fear of the unknown can make me think even GOD can’t get me out of “this” situation.

Sometimes situations seem bleak at work or in the neighborhood or with family. “Life happens” all around me and in most cases I can do nothing about it. When I turn on the news a flood of depressing stories bombards my mind ripping peace away from me. How can I find peace?

When GOD says “do not be afraid” HE means HE has already taken care of the situation before it started.
When GOD says “keep on speaking and do not be silent” HE means in spite of the situation and in spite of my sin keep spreading comfort and encouragement.
When GOD says “For I am with you” HE means “I dare someone to go against ME while I am protecting you for there is no power greater than ME.”

GOD knows when I need a word of encouragement to move forward and HE did the same for Paul. Opposition will try to take praise out of my lips and attempt to break me down BUT GOD says “persevere and the reward will be great because I’M on your side!”

What are you afraid of?
Is fear preventing you from something?
Is fear holding you back from serving GOD?
Is fear holding you back from truly and sincerely changing your ways to get a deeper relationship with GOD?

I’m right here!

2012-02-01T06:38:00.000-08:00

Acts 17:²⁶ 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 lands. ²⁷ 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. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

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Sliding on ice took on a new meaning when I couldn’t get control of the car. It seemed like everything happened in slow motion as my sister and I approached the light post. Even though we were buckled in her head hit the windshield and my hand was bruised from hitting the steering wheel.

“GOD where were you? Why did this have to happen to us?” I exclaimed.

When I seek my way I can’t see GOD.
When I seek my definition of perfection I can’t see GOD.
When I seek my view on protection I can’t see GOD.

In college I did everything but seek GOD. I blamed my parents and I blamed my professors and I blamed the cops and landlords and bill collectors for how life was mistreating me. I wondered where GOD was when I had troubles and I never stopped to thank HIM when times were good.

Women and parties and being the big man on campus seemed fun and a lot of people knew me BUT GOD wanted something different.

GOD created me with free will to choose HIM and HE knew I would turn my back on HIM.
GOD created me knowing I would choose sin yet HE forgave me anyway.
GOD created me at to serve in this point in time with this family in this city because HIS purpose is pure and sincere.

Seeking GOD is difficult when my motives for seeking HIM are selfish. HE wants me to admit my sin to HIM and turn away from them as best I can and acknowledge I need HIM. I got so busy looking for GOD that I couldn’t see HIM protecting me and guiding me every step of the way.

Now after admitting my flaws to HIM, HE continues to take the sin that I clutch onto so tightly away from me. HE does it so gently because HE desires a perfect relationship with me.

Do you feel distant from GOD?
Do you think you are not being shown grace?
Have you considered that maybe GOD is showing you extreme grace?
Will you consider changing your ways and specifically seek GOD today?

Be ready for opposition

2012-01-31T07:50:00.000-08:00

Acts 17:² As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³ explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. ⁴ Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.

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“This is the wrong class” I said to the teacher. I was supposed to be in Honors English but they put me in the regular class. I had to fight this for two weeks. Finally I was placed in the correct class. The Honors English teacher was tough and very unforgiving; in fact she gave me an “F” for the quarter because I had missed a major assignment during the two weeks I wasn’t there.

“Hey that’s not fair” I said to her. Her reply was “life’s not fair.” What was I to do? I had to study harder.

Life will dish out situations that are not fair.
Life will dish out circumstances that are against me.
Life will dish out challenges to my path even though I am trying to do what is right.

Paul and Silas were trying to preach about JESUS but the religious politicians felt their wealth and power were at stake. They falsely accused Paul and Silas and started a riot. After this incident a lot of unfair things happened but Paul and Silas held their ground and preached about CHRIST in spite of being falsely accused.

Even though life may be unfair, I have to persevere towards CHRIST.
Even though life may be unfair, I must continue to preach about JESUS’ unconditional love.
Even though life may be unfair, I need to depend that GOD has the situation handled.

Any time I take on the challenge of living for CHRIST, I will face opposition. Things will break and relationships will sever. BUT GOD will heal all and fix all with HIS might, grace and love.

Are you facing unfair situations?
Do you feel you are being wronged?
Have you examined your life to see if you are living for CHRIST?
If you are living for CHRIST then “why don’t you expect opposition?”

What to do when being attacked.

2012-01-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

Acts 16:²² The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. ²³ After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. ²⁴ When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

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Country Western and Blues seem to be how I can describe various times in my life. You know lyrics like “my dog died”, “my horse left” and “my woman burst into flames.” It seems like there are times when I am trying my hardest to live for CHRIST yet situations come up that feel like I am being beaten with rods. What should I do?

There are going to be times when it seems like everyone is against me.
There are going to be times when it seems like I should give up and stop trying.
There are going to be times when it seems like there is no way out.

Paul and Silas actually praised GOD during their beatings. Wow! You mean they were trying to live for GOD and got beat in public for trying to do what is right? YES! They were publicly humiliated and physically beat for preaching about JESUS.

GOD does not want me to be harmed but knows I will face opposition.
GOD does not want me to feel like giving up especially when the going gets tough.
GOD does not want me to turn away from HIM even when I’m boxed in with no way out.

Praising GOD is amazing! I mean when all circumstances look bleak praise HIM. When everyone around you is losing their heads and blaming it on you, praise HIM. When the road seems to be invisible and speed bumps keep getting larger, praise HIM.

Paul and Silas had a miracle happen when they praise GOD in the midst of their troubles. I have seen the same happen to me.

Are you at the end of your rope?
Do you feel many if not all people are against you?
Do you believe in GOD’s strange tactics?
Have you tried praising GOD?

Do you consider me worthy?

2012-01-27T06:17:00.000-08:00

Acts 16:¹³ On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. ¹⁴ One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

¹⁵ When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

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Construction school taught me a lot as I searched for a profession outside of technology. But while I learned a lot, I was inexperienced and I knew no one would hire me at top dollar. I felt I was not worthy of my wages.

The first job I took paid pennies on the dollar. I truly needed to hone my craft so I could eventually charge top dollar. I had to ask to serve as an apprentice.

Many times I think people will want my service just because I offer it.
Many times I have the misperception that “these people” should feel privileged because I am serving them.
Many times I behave like my service is worthy of many pats on the back but I never ask “am I worthy?”

Lydia showed an approach to serving that I feel I am truly missing. I mean I arrogantly jump in there and start serving without asking “what do you need” or “how do you want me to help?” She asked to be examined to see if she was following the LORD and if so “then” she would serve. Wow, I never thought of that!

When serving others I can’t look down on them because GOD thinks highly of them.
When serving others I must be confident in my skills without being arrogant in my approach.
When serving others I have to ask them “am I worthy” to serve you and accept “no” as the answer sometimes.

False humility is a flaw in my service. I believe “asking” how I can serve will help.

Are you arrogant in your service approach?
Do you really think you are doing “that” person a favor?
Are you worthy to serve?
Can you have someone examine your approach to serving others and provide you with constructive feedback?

Go back and help.

2012-01-26T06:43:00.000-08:00

Acts 15:³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”

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“This party was going to be great” I thought to myself. I had just purchased a new shirt and that coupled with my new cologne was a winning combination to get the ladies to notice me. One of my fathers asked me “what are you doing with your money?” What a strange question, but I was quick on my feet. “I don’t know” was my retort.

He showed me how to invest and kept following up with me. Wow, what drove this man? I wish I could do something like that!

People need me to mentor them even though I may not have much to offer.
People need me to reach back and show them the path especially when I fall off it.
People need me to develop them and I need people to develop me.

The HOLY SPIRIT told Paul and Barnabas to preach the great news about CHRIST. They were obedient, preached and went on their way. GOD said, “that’s not enough.” Go back and check on them and see how they are doing.

Mentoring takes time but it’s worth it.
Developing others to achieve great things is wonderful especially when coupled to CHRIST.
Growing someone to follow the ways of JESUS is the ultimate action I can take.

GOD wants me to seek mentors and be a mentor to someone. With the love I show for others someone will believe in HIS SON.

Are you actively seeking a mentor?
Do you think you are too old for a mentor?
Do you think you do not have anything to offer someone by being a mentor?
Are you purposefully seeking ways to grow people in CHRIST?

Stop making GOD a religion!

2012-01-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Acts 15:¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ¹¹ No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

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Appreciation for worshipping in a different style was an acquired taste. I was a self-appointed church critic who gave many reasons why I didn’t attend churches. “This one was too loud” while “that one was too quiet” and “those people were too dressed up” and “those people were not dressed up enough” or “their music just isn’t my music.”

My list had grown quite long. I wonder if I can find a church who can meet my “high” standards!

My false expectation of what church should be gets in the way of hearing GOD.
My false expectation of how GOD should act takes my eyes off of what HE is doing around me.
My false expectation of who should be in “church” makes me seek “comfort” instead of seeking “GOD’s kingdom.”

Rules without grace do not equal a relationship with GOD. Whether it’s a dunk tank versus the ocean it’s still baptism. Whether its rock or rap it’s still singing. The “church” is not a building rather it is a group of broken people gathered together to prepare ourselves for JESUS.

I need to listen to what GOD is saying instead of criticizing the preacher.
I need to understand that GOD will deal with preachers who preach falsely so it’s not my job to be a critic.
I need to treat the gathering of broken people to turn our sins over to GOD as a very sacred time that GOD cherishes.

GOD is much more powerful than my rules; in fact HE doesn’t “need” my teaching, money or prayers. HE gets excited when I willingly gather with people who don’t look the same or act the same but we all are there for the same purpose namely to praise our LORD and SAVIOR who is JESUS.

Do you have expectations of what “church” should be?
Are you seeking GOD or are you looking for a club to belong to?
Can you drop your expectations on how you should “hear” GOD and just listen to HIM?

How committed am I?

2012-01-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Acts 14: ¹⁹ Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

The Return to Antioch in Syria

²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

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Being part of “the club” was an aspiration of mine. After a number of golf lessons I was actually accepted but only on the perimeter of “the club.” I overheard a conversation talking about the body parts of specific coworkers. “Should I join in and compromise the values I stood for?” “Sure” I quickly thought to myself. I was finally in “the club” but at what cost?

One reason living for GOD is so tough is because I want my sinful way.
Another reason living for GOD is so difficult is because I want the things GOD doesn’t want me to have.
Yet another reason living for GOD is so hard is because I don’t want to be uncomfortable or mistreated because I am associated with HIM.

“The Club” represented wealth, great food, and incredible vacations at exotic locations. What it did not have in it was faith, purity, and love. These strange things meant I had to actually give up being in “the club” in order to live for GOD.

I actually tried using faith, purity and love in “the club” and noticed I was placed back on the perimeter and finally I was out of “the club.” The more committed to GOD I became the more “the club” opposed me. I wasn’t even trying to convert them or even win them over nor did I judge their actions. After a while “the club” viewed my kindness as weakness and they hurled stones at me.

Thank GOD for rescuing me out of the club because now I can speak about HIM without worrying about what others think of me.

Are you trying to be in “the club?”
Are you following behind others who are not committed to CHRIST?
Are you actively seeking GOD and things are getting harder for you?
Won’t you “hang in there” even if life gets more difficult?

Who likes rejection?

2012-01-23T06:43:00.000-08:00

Acts 13:⁴⁷ For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“‘I have made youa light for the Gentiles,

that youmay bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

⁴⁸ When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

⁴⁹ The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. ⁵⁰ But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. ⁵¹ So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

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Walking across the dance floor seemed like the longest walk in the world. I don’t know how but the boys always ended up on one side and the girls on the other. With confidence I asked someone to dance and with dejection I lurked back over to my friends who were busy laughing.

I mean all I wanted was a dance. Why did I get rejected in front of my friends?

Many times I don’t speak about CHRIST because I don’t want to get rejected.
Many times I don’t speak about CHRIST because I want to keep my status.
Many times I don’t speak about CHRIST because I don’t want to look like a religious fanatic.

Memories of public rejection actually helped me become bolder about speaking about JESUS. I mean actually it was quite funny when I replay the rejection in my mind. Hair uncombed, untrendy clothes and glasses as large as windshields made for a situation comedy that I later learned to laugh at.

When I don’t take myself too seriously I can share my issues with others and speak about JESUS.
When I understand that some people will accept what GOD has to say and others won’t, it makes it easier to speak about JESUS.
When I drop “my way” and understand “GOD’s way” then I know the person is not rejecting “me” but they are rejecting GOD’s message.

Paul and Barnabas fully understood their words would be twisted but they insisted on telling people about JESUS and spoke to those who would listen.

Are you afraid of being rejected?
Are you afraid of looking weird because you speak about JESUS?
Are you more afraid of humans or are you afraid of not following what GOD wants you to do?

How can I hear GOD?

2012-01-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

Acts 13:² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

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“Man, the women are going to be premium!” a coworker said to me. I had never been to a strip club before so I said “sure, why not?” It had been years since I went to church and I was fresh out of college. Then I heard “that” voice say to me “Don’t go in there.”

Of course I quickly ignored the voice because I didn’t want to look like a punk and I wanted to see what I was going to see. After seeing the sad scene of married men ogling over women who really seemed miserable I heard “that” voice again. “Leave and don’t come back.” Okay, this time I better listen.

GOD speaks to me all the time I just refuse to listen.
GOD speaks to me all the time I simply ignore HIM to get my way.
GOD speaks to me all the time I just don’t want to hear what HE has to say.

When the HOLY SPIRIT was placed inside me because I believed JESUS took my punishment in my stead, I now had a leader who speaks softly but firmly. The HOLY SPIRIT tells me exactly what to do and what not to do. All I need to do is listen.

When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I show grace when it’s clearly the other person’s fault.
When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I pray for the person who doesn’t deserve prayer.
When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I step away from the sin I am about to commit.
When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I serve people out of love not obligation.

Fasting doesn’t make me any holier than anyone else only hungrier, but when I fast, my hunger reminds me to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT. Prayer doesn’t change GOD’s mind, but when I pray I can hear the HOLY SPIRIT calming me down and taking charge of the situation. Praising GOD doesn’t take my problems away, but when I praise HIM, the HOLY SPIRIT clears my thoughts to face each problem head on!

The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me that GOD is so much more powerful than any person, any situation or any sin I have committed. HE is my guide to whom I need to seek and listen to.

Can you hear GOD?
What is HE saying to you?
Have you tuned HIM out to get your way?
Do you believe HE can use your broken body for some marvelous works?
What are you doing to “seek” GOD today?

There is no problem that GOD can’t handle!

2012-01-19T07:06:00.000-08:00

Acts 11:⁸ Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. ⁹ Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

¹⁰ They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

¹¹ Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

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Worries, fears and doubts have attacked me throughout the years. Whether it was someone close who was sick or that boss who seemed overbearing, I have wondered in my mind if I was going to make it through “this” situation.

With my mind racing in every situation the only thing I could think of was doom or maybe a little gloom.

In the middle of my problems it’s hard to see GOD.
In the middle of my fears it’s hard to see solutions.
In the middle of my worries it’s hard to understand the positive side.

Problems can blind me into doubting GOD’s power BUT GOD is faithful to deliver me anyway. HE delivered Peter from an impossible situation because HE had another plan for him. GOD says don’t look at the doom and gloom. HE wants me to look at HIM when trouble comes.

GOD is there to rescue me no matter how difficult the situation.
GOD is there to protect me even though there may be danger.
GOD is there to comfort me in the middle of any pain.

I truly believe GOD has major plans for me and no problem or situation can stop HIS plans!

Are you worried about something?
Do you realize the problem you are going through is part of GOD’s great plan for you?
Can you focus on GOD for a little while and watch HIS deliverance?

Am I too prejudiced to tell others about GOD?

2012-01-17T07:09:00.000-08:00

Acts 11:¹⁹ Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.

²⁰ Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹ The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

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Sitting in a room with a group of people it was quite easy to tell I was the only one of my race. My native language was being spoken, but for some reason, I couldn’t pick up on all of the conversation. References to people I had never heard of and places I had never been made me feel inadequate.

I slowly crept back into the shadows. How can I reach others if “they” don’t include me?

Culture will always be a barrier if I let it.
Racial differences will always be an excuse if I let it.
Other differences in the way people live will always be a reason not to love if I let it.

When I assume people won’t want to hear from me because I look and act different from them I am placing my own prejudice in GOD’s way. “They won’t accept me” is the first thing on my mind so I figure “why try?”

GOD can and will use me to speak to any nation HE pleases.
GOD’s message is pure and it’s up to me to keep HIS message pure no matter who HE sends me to.
GOD uses my uncomfortable situation to “scatter” me to places I never would have dreamed and speak to people I never would have spoken to.

When I try to protect my feelings and even my body I reject GOD’s commandment to me telling me to “go” to all nations. HE simply wants me to have compassion for all humans knowing HIS love is bigger than any cultural, racial or lifestyle differences.

I know JESUS is GOD who died because I sinned. HE is now alive because HE was raised from the dead. Now I am free from the eternal consequences of sin. What great news! Now my message is for anyone who will hear that JESUS is the CHRIST and HIS compassion is endless!

Are you segregated in your worship?
Do you feel someone of another race or culture will reject GOD’s message of love?
What is stopping you from speaking to “that” person about JESUS?

LORD I’m scared!

2012-01-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

Acts 9: ¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

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With my mind racing and thinking what could go wrong I entered my boss’s office and asked “why was I chosen to go to the new division I just got on this new project and I want to finish it?” His curt retort was, “my boss’s boss likes you and you are getting a promotion so be happy.”

Sometimes the unknown is scary.
Sometimes the unknown seems dangerous.
Sometimes the unknown looks bleak.

The “unknown” is a place that can be filled with one of two things, fear or faith. If I fill the unknown with fear, doubt and worry then nothing good will happen. I will hide in the shadows, not take the risk or even worse not encourage “that” person whom GOD told me to address.

GOD wants me to walk with HIM so I can be fearless.
GOD wants me to walk with HIM and accept HIS plan.
GOD wants me to walk with HIM to watch HIS might, wisdom and love.

Ananias and I have something in common, we both don’t liked to be stretched by GOD, but when I accept HIS challenge, life becomes adventuresome.

Are you afraid of becoming great according to GOD’s plan?
What is holding you back?
Can you drop your fears and live for CHRIST today?

Someone needs your words

2012-01-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Acts 8:²⁹ The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

³⁰ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

³¹ “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

³² This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,

and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

³³ In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.

Who can speak of his descendants?

For his life was taken from the earth.”

³⁴ The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” ³⁵ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

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Disastrous is the best word I could use the first time I went out to “street witness.” I talked “at” people flinging scriptures over their heads and all but stared them down demanding them to accept CHRIST right then and there. Thoroughly ineffective!

GOD wants me to relate to people in order to draw them to HIM.
GOD wants me to share my sins with people to let them know HIS power to save anyone.
GOD wants me to stop trying to be a know it all and get out there and really help people.

People accept the words I tell them at their own pace. GOD delivers people who are seeking HIM directly to me or HE sends me to places where they are seeking HIM. HE actually makes it easy for me all I have to do is be ready and obedient.

Are you ready to tell people about the GREAT News about JESUS?
When is the last time you opened your mouth and told someone about CHRIST?
Do you realize you don’t have to know the Bible backwards and forwards to tell someone about CHRIST?
Have you said the words “I don’t know, but all I can tell you is JESUS saved me?”
Won’t you tell someone about GOD’s greatness today?

What do you do when they are kicking you?

2012-01-11T07:17:00.000-08:00

Acts 7:⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

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Bodybuilding was my excuse for lifting weights but in reality I got tired of being pushed around. I just wanted a peaceful existence but I seemed to attracted “intimidators.” From scrawny to brawny I transformed myself into one of the in crowd. Now I could do the intimidating even to my enemies!

Fighting evil with evil never works.
Protecting myself from intimidators causes me to fight under my own strength.
Feeding my temper and rage only leads to disaster.

Instead of praying for my enemies, I wanted to take them down. My motto became “I’m not going to take this anymore!” I found myself fighting my way to the top and being called “brave” during the ascent. Was it “bravery” or “bullying?”

Obtaining my own strength will wear out, but GOD’s strength remains forever.
Obtaining my own wealth will disappear, but GOD’s wealth will never be stolen or rust.
Obtaining my own pleasure will satisfy me for a moment, but GOD’s way will satisfy me eternally.

I will be the first to say “don’t take my kindness for weakness.” GOD however has taught me that it is HIS strength that makes me mighty. HE will take care of my intimidators, slanderers, and those who seek only their way. My job is to pray for their wellbeing and hope GOD will intervene in their lives so one day they receive the ultimate gift of true salvation through JESUS.

This isn’t easy so HE gives me practice on a smaller scale daily.

Is someone kicking you while you are down?
Are you being intimidated?
Do you know you will be truly blessed by praying for your enemy?
Won’t you let GOD take care of the vengeance and you take care of the grace?

GOD knows

2012-01-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

Acts 7:³³ “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. ³⁴ I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

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On the way back to school I was pulled over for speeding and received a hefty ticket. A month later on the way to court, I was driving the speed limit when a car sped past me yet I was pulled over and given a ticket!

With two tickets under my belt and having barely enough money to pay rent and school I hoped to save up to pay the second ticket which caused a lapse in the fine. Now I owed more! “LORD where are YOU?” I screamed.

There are times when GOD seems to have disappeared.
There are times when GOD seems so far away.
There are times when GOD seems like HE isn’t listening or doesn’t care.

When the pressures of life come crashing at my door I sometimes cave in and just want peace. It makes me want to be silent about the goodness of GOD and slink back in a hole. BUT GOD says something different!

No matter how difficult the situation may seem GOD is there with a plan of salvation.
No matter how tough the going gets GOD is there to fight my battles.
No matter how bleak the situation looks GOD is there to give me peace.

Moses knew he was chosen for something but wasn’t quite ready for what GOD had in store for him. GOD had to take him through the desert otherwise known as “difficult times” to prepare him for true leadership. GOD does the same with me. HE has and is taking me through difficult times to show me HE is in control.

My tiny wisdom and tenacity are useless in difficult situations, BUT GOD’s plans are marvelous and HE is building my faith to follow HIS ways.

Are you trying hard to fix your situation?
Are you trying hard to fix “that” person?
Won’t you let the person or situation go and watch GOD work HIS plan?
Can look at “letting go” as not giving up rather you are yielding to GOD and not seeking credit?

Bad times are being used for good.

2012-01-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

Acts 7:⁹ “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

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Survival was my goal growing up in the city. I weighed as much as a wet gnat, had un-comb-able hair, tattered clothes and my fighting skills included hiding inside of my nylon jacket. After coming though bullies, robberies, threats and other evil sorts, I wonder how I ever survived.

When I’m going through difficult times it’s hard to see the good that can come out of it.
When I’m faced with forces of evil people it’s hard to see GOD at my side.
When I’m placed in unfamiliar territory with mean people I feel trapped and helpless.

Guns, gangs and graft have never been a match for my GOD. I have faced muscle bullies and corporate bullies alike, each meaning harm and sometimes it was personal. While I couldn’t see it then I can definitely look back and see GOD was there protecting me all the time.

In spite of the bullies, GOD protected my passage safely to and from school.
In spite of evil people, GOD raised me higher than most people during my corporate tenure.
In spite of thieves, GOD has provided abundantly for me and my family.

GOD has used evil situations to enable me to turn my face back to HIM. Many times I have lost focus on HIM and HE showed HIS unfailing love for me blessing me in spite of me. Now I know “what was meant for evil is now being used for good.”

Have you been bullied or abused?
Are you being falsely accused about something?
Do you realize your story can help someone who is going through the same situation?
Won’t you tell others about GOD’s blessings in spite of your situation?

What does GOD want me to “do?”

2012-01-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

Acts 6:¹ In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jewsamong them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ² So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

³ Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them ⁴ and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

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“Hooray and thank you LORD!” was my exclamation as my running back ran in for a touchdown. I was down in my fantasy football league and I prayed “LORD let me win this game!” The payout from my winnings enabled me to take my family out to dinner.

All the weeks I had put into studying the stats had paid off. I guess I don’t have to give in order to receive since I received without giving… right?

Life is so much more than what I can get out of it.
Life is so much more than filling my pockets.
Life is so much more than winning.

Please don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to watch football and play fantasy football and there is nothing wrong with it. Life, however has more to it than winning a couple of dollars. Life has broken people who have lost everything. Trust me… I understand the need to blow off steam from the pressures of life, but how much?

Serving others is a sacrifice to the LORD.
Serving others takes a concern away from them and enables them to listen to GOD’s great news!
Serving others really isn’t as scary as I thought and I only have to do what I can handle.

Preachers are always looking for help or money is what I used to think. BUT GOD is truly looking for “fruit” from me. HE wants me to sincerely help others in order to draw mankind back to HIM. My act of service can start in my home and blossom out to my neighborhood and believe it or not GOD will stretch my heart to fit the community and more.

Now that I have served, I do see that I could spend a little less time playing fantasy football and a little more time serving others. GOD is the one who stretched my heart to serve others.

Are you absorbed in what you can get from GOD?
Have you served lately?
Have you burned yourself out on serving?
Won’t you pace yourself in serving?
Will you add serving to your actions today?

Keep praising GOD anyway.

2012-01-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

Acts 5:³⁸ Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. ³⁹ But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

⁴⁰ His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ⁴² Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

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I always wondered if I would have enough faith in GOD to face an extreme situation like the one the Apostles faced with the religious fanatics. I mean they were simply talking about JESUS and what they actually saw with their own eyes. Would I be faithful?

Then the test of my faith arrived but in a much different form when I was challenged to let everyone know my faith or hide it for the promotions. I made it to the top but at what cost?

Anything that stops me from talking about JESUS is not where GOD wants me to be.
Anyone who tries to douse my message of JESUS is not sided with GOD.
Anyplace where I have to hide my relationship with JESUS in order to gain more worldly trinkets is not a place where GOD will grow fruit through me.

I have learned to be excited when I have trials because JESUS and HIS apostles went through extreme difficult times. I can actually see the murky unpopular path that GOD wants me on rather than the clear heavily travelled ungodly path.

If my plans to serve GOD fail, they were not of GOD but of human origin, but if they succeed then those who oppose will find themselves fighting against GOD. The trial is worth it!

Have you ever been persecuted for preaching or teaching about CHRIST?
Have you ever tried to start living for CHRIST and everything seems to fall apart?
Can you stay the course and remain “following HIS way?”

Lying to GOD

2012-01-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

Acts 5:¹ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ² With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ⁴ Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

⁵ When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.

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“LORD if YOU would just get me out of this situation, I will never do that again!” I said as I bargained with GOD thinking HE had caught me in my sin and was punishing me for it. “The escapades the night before must have caught up to me and this is why I have this intense pain in my chest!” I thought to myself.

I laid in my apartment in pain because the doctor’s office near me was closed. A day later I found out It was severe gas coupled with the normal pains of weightlifting.

GOD cannot be manipulated by my false promises.
GOD cannot me moved by my phony act of service.
GOD cannot be impressed by my false humility.

Wanting my way while serving GOD has been a struggle for me for years. I dreamt a sinful dream and ignored GOD in my pursuit. Needless to say I broke my promise with GOD, this time with no immediate consequence. “I bet HE is alright with my sin” I reasoned.

GOD wants me to worship HIM with my heart not just obligation.
GOD wants me to “want” to be with HIM.
GOD wants me to place HIM before anyone or anything.

Second, third and fiftieth chances are what GOD has given me over the years. HE taught me that it would be better not serving at all than serving to manipulate HIM. HE also taught me that serving HIM is supposed to be my pursuit so I should seek purity as best I can.

Have you ever made a false promise to GOD in order to look good to others?
Do you take your promises lightly?
When will you start seeking GOD the way HE wants you to seek HIM?

Utopia

2012-01-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

Acts 4:³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

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Green grass has been a pursuit of mine for the longest. What I mean by “green grass” is a society in which everyone respected, helped and especially loved one another. No problem would be too great for my dream society. Unfortunately I had to wake up from the dream and I noticed many splotches in my “green grass.”

The world is never going to be perfect.
My dreams will always be challenged by an evil adversary.
When I obtain a piece of my dream something else falls apart.

It seems like I can never achieve “heaven on earth.” People seem to act as individuals instead of banning together when the going gets tough. What should I do?

GOD says continue to testify about JESUS being LORD!
GOD says know the community exists and keep serving in spite of not seeing it.
GOD says seek those in need and lay my treasures at HIS feet.

Utopia on earth does not exist or at least I don’t deserve to be in it. I am a sinner and if there is a Utopian society then my sin would mess it up. GOD says I sent my SON to die for the sins of mankind. Belief in HIM enables me to get a free pass into HIS perfect society!

Are you frustrated because you don’t have your perfect job or home situation?
Are you tired of being sick and tired?
Can you focus your attention on the gift of peace from GOD?
Are you willing to give up some of your possessions to help others?

Speak about JESUS no matter what.

2012-01-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

Acts 4:¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

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At work a person thought it would be a great idea to send a spiritual voicemail to several people. I got on the list and enjoyed the daily messages of inspiration. When the person left the company there was a void and the request was sent to all of us to step up and become the messenger.

The Holy SPIRIT said to me, “go ahead” but I quickly declined in fear of being labeled as some sort of fanatic. I wanted that promotion and got it! Years later the company cut many positions including mine. I wonder what GOD would have done if I had flowed HIS leading.

Telling people about CHRIST takes courage especially when the crowd doesn’t want to hear it.
Telling people about CHRIST is inconvenient and makes people question my lifestyle.
Telling people about CHRIST may mean persecution and when I try to protect myself I get persecuted anyway.

The quest for fame and fortune seems to exclude CHRIST. It is more acceptable to quote a scientific journal than GOD’s words. The world sits back and scoffs at JESUS’ return asking in a sarcastic way, “where is HE” or “why hasn’t HE saved you from your situation?” The answer is clear, speak about GOD anyway.

GOD wants me to tell people about HIS Son even if my dreams don’t come true.
GOD wants me to exclaim from the mountain that HIS Son saved me even though I am a daily sinner.
GOD the FATHER wants me to preach about JESUS because JESUS is GOD the SON.

Wealth and titles created a false world of friends for me BUT GOD has shown me that preaching about HIS SON is the most important thing I could ever do in life. The messages are never popular and most times I don’t want to write them or read them because they force me to change my lifestyle to conform to GOD’s. I am driven to serve HIM no matter what!

Are you scared to follow GOD?
What barriers do you have in your way when it is time for you to tell people about JESUS?
Do you feel the need to tell many people about GOD’s great love or are you busy asking for stuff?
Won’t you change your focus and live for CHRIST today?

It’s not my power!

2011-12-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

Acts 3:¹² When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.

¹⁴ You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵ You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.

¹⁶ By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

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Jealousy of Peter, Paul and Moses is the best word to describe my feelings toward GOD. I mean they did some cool supernatural feats that my puny faith can’t seem to muster up. People I have prayed for died, that person didn’t get the job, or those people got a divorce anyway.

Why does it seem like their prayers were answered and many of mine fall by the wayside?

When I think I have to be “special” to perform miracles then I have the wrong focus.
When I think I have to be “sinless” to perform miracles then I have the wrong understanding.
When I think I have to be “all prayed up” to perform miracles then I have the wrong person.

My problem with performing miracles is “me.” I think I have to be something I am not. GOD performs the miracles whether I am the messenger or not. HE breathes life into people, heals them, raises them to powerful places and kills them under HIS own power. I have no control of any of GOD’s ways.

GOD can do anything and the more I believe the more I see HIM doing miracles.
GOD can solve any issue and the more I point to HIM the more barriers fall by the wayside.
GOD can heal bodies and broken hearts and the more I depend on GOD to do it the better off I am.

No wonder “I” can’t perform miracles. I don’t have the power. GOD has all power and it’s up to me to understand HIS plan and be accepting of HIS direction.

Do you need a miracle?
Can you accept whatever GOD has in store for the situation?
Have you pointed people to GOD for the “little” things HE does in your life so that HE can do “bigger” things through you?

HE is powerful enough!

2011-12-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

Acts 3:² Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴ Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.

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Skepticism was the first word that came to mind when it related to supernatural healing. I mean who in their right mind would believe in healing by a spoken word? That was my immature thinking back then.

Just because I think supernatural healing should happen like in the movies doesn’t mean it isn’t real.
Just because we have doctors who are very competent in the anatomy doesn’t mean GOD’s hand isn’t on every person.
Just because I have doubts doesn’t mean someone else’s faith isn’t greater than mine and their prayer can heal a person.

Healing is such a touchy subject because it cannot be controlled. Science is trying to extend life, but the last time I checked, every human will die. Curing cancer won’t delay death. I once read “every person is appointed a specific time” meaning I will die exactly when GOD tells me to. I also read “you will do greater things than I” meaning GOD HIMSELF expects miracles to be performed through me.

Can this be for real? YES!

GOD expects me to believe in HIM so much that I should expect my prayer to happen.
GOD expects me to believe in HIS supernatural power over disease so HE can win a lost soul.
GOD expects me to believe in HIM to watch over me even through my appointed time to return to HIM.

I act like I don’t want to go to heaven when I say “I don’t want to die.” In reality GOD wants my boldness about HIS SON all the way up to my last breath. Yes I believe in supernatural healing as long as it points solely to GOD.

Are you or someone you know experiencing a need for supernatural healing?
Do you believe GOD can and will still heal people supernaturally?
Are you worried about your health?
Can you give your worries to GOD and watch HIM perform miraculous acts even through doctors?

Do GOD’s words cut you?

2011-12-28T06:46:00.000-08:00

Acts 2:³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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“Church is useless” I exclaimed as I stormed out of yet another place I had condemned in my mind. I mean it seems like these places are full of hypocrites. “The preachers are only after women and money, the women are only there to marry somebody and the guys only want titles! I’m out of here!” I exclaimed to myself.

“I’m not going to church anymore.” I guess I had dreamt up some great excuses for not going to church, or did I?

I am mistaken when I think church is a “place to go” rather than a group of broken people.
I am mistaken when I think church is a “thing to do” rather than a service to GOD.
I am mistaken when I think church is a “time slot to serve me” rather than a gathering of servants with prepared hearts to worship GOD.

It’s easy to say something is wrong with “this” church or “that” church but it’s harder to say there is something wrong with me. I sought after places I could feel comfortable hiding my sins while looking polished and professional on the outside. GOD wanted me in a different “place.”

GOD wants me to worship HIM by admitting my sins to HIM “and” HIS people.
GOD wants me to seek opportunities to serve HIS people rather than always looking to be served.
GOD wants me to voluntarily open myself up to be vulnerable as an act of trusting HIM rather than guarding my life and protecting my security.

Getting “cut to the heart” actually hurts. GOD’s messages sink deep into my soul and I am moved to serve HIS people the way HE wants me to serve them. HE wants me to have compassion for those who hate me, restraint from those who tempt me, empathy for those in need and love for those who sin like me.

HIS message of kindness, patience, persistence and peace resonate in my heart and I feel excited to be around GOD’s humans, seeking those whom I can serve. I’m still selfish, BUT GOD has at least opened my eyes to realize I am gathering with other selfish people to serve HIM.

Are you looking at what “church” can do for you or how you can serve GOD?
Do you look at the gathering of people at “work” as opportunity to be in “church?”
Can you realize the gathering of two people in agreement with the ways of CHRIST “is” a gathering of the “church?”

I’m no longer scared!

2011-12-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

Acts 2:²⁴ But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. ²⁵ David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

²⁶ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will rest in hope,

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Future situations seemed to cause this gripping fear that would cripple me. It was the unknown making me ask “what if I fail,” “what if it doesn’t work,” “what if I lose my life,” “what if I get hurt.” Fear of the unknown seemed to hold me back.

The future can be quite unsettling when I look with my own eyes.
The future can look quite bleak when I pay attention to the news.
The future can seem quite depressing when I lose my way to my dream.

I guess in my past training I was taught to consider the worst case scenario but in doing so I can’t seem to see a good scenario. I panic and only see the bad BUT GOD sees beyond this place of wrath and tears.

With GOD on my side, nothing can go wrong.
With GOD on my side, I can face all situations head on.
With GOD on my side, I can be filled with joy which causes me to rest.

GOD is the one who has the plans and HIS plans never fail. As long as I keep my mind focused on HIS plans I will never fail. HE already suffered the agony of death and was too powerful to remain there. HE is always before me, protecting me and leading me. HE gives me “hope.”

What are you placing your hope in?
Are you waiting for more money?
Are you waiting on situations to change before you start serving GOD?
Will you place your hope in GOD and know your situation has been overcome?
Can you start serving others in the middle of your situation, showing others you have hope in GOD?

Is talking about the “Last Days” crazy?

2011-12-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

Acts 2:¹⁷ “‘In the last days, God says,

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions,

your old men will dream dreams.

¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women,

I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

and they will prophesy.

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So many people have predicted the end of the world as we know it. My skeptical mind shuns their psychic babble as each of their predictions have fallen by the wayside. Will there be an end to life as we know it? The Mayan’s said it is supposed to happen December 21, 2012. I wonder if I should plan a Christmas party next year!

Sometimes I act like GOD will leave everything as is.
Sometimes I don’t believe GOD will destroy what HE created.
Sometimes I think GOD doesn’t really mean what HE says about the “last days.”

Quite honestly I don’t like talking about the “end” of life as we know it. Just speaking about it places me in a group of “crazy” people who seem to have lost touch with reality. BUT GOD says something different.

GOD says HE will pour out HIS SPIRIT on people.
GOD says HE will enable people to talk about how great HIS SON is.
GOD says HE is the only one who knows the true “end” of the world as we know it.

One of the mistakes made when talking about the end is telling people to do something incredibly different when in fact I believe we should “do” the same things but “act” differently. I mean I should go to work and plan vacations but carry GOD’s great news of forgiveness wherever I go.

My concern should be on the present, knowing GOD will return one day, I will focus on serving in the here and now.

Do you believe GOD will return one day perhaps in your lifetime?
Will you live your life in a way that enables others to believe in HIS SON?
Won’t you stop worrying about the future and be present for those who need you?

Is GOD amazing to you?

2011-12-23T05:01:00.000-08:00

Acts:2:⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. ⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?

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Sitting in a church in Mexico I heard a familiar sound, it was JESUS CHRIST. The same happened again in Zimbabwe and again in Shanghai. All around the world in their native tongue, JESUS’ name is being exclaimed!

Sometimes my mind is narrow and I think GOD is only concerned about my country.
Sometimes my mind is narrow and I don’t believe GOD is bigger than my local situation.
Sometimes my mind is narrow and I can’t conceive that GOD can speak to people in other countries.

When I went on a mission’s trip for the first time, I thought I was going to “teach” other people about CHRIST, when in reality I found out that GOD is much bigger than I thought. People were already exclaiming HIS name and their praise put me to shame. As I pouted for more trinkets at home, people who had nothing praised GOD for hours on end.

GOD is truly amazing. HE is the master of the incredible and the beholder of the unlimited. HE is infinitely tiny as HE is infinitely large. I sometimes waste my time trying to figure out how GOD was always in existence. Then my head explodes! I can only be amazed at how powerful GOD truly is.

HE can speak in any language and can reach a person in a war torn country. HE is so amazing HE can use a sinner like me.

Is GOD amazing to you?
Can HE speak through people and everyone hear the message in their own language?
Are there parts of the Bible that you simply don’t believe because ‘you’ have not seen it?
Won’t you turn your doubt into amazement and begin giving GOD more credit for HIS power?

SPIRIT led choices

2011-12-22T06:16:00.000-08:00

Acts: ²¹ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, ²² beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

²³ So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵ to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

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When I got my first job out of college I drove to the small town without directions (typical man). I didn’t know the area or where I worked but I needed to find an apartment. A car cut me off as I drove around my new “strange” town. Stopping to catch my breath, I glanced over and there was a set of hidden apartments, under my price range.

A feeling came over me saying “this is the place” so I immediately put a down payment on the place then I went to check out where I worked. To my amazement my job was only four blocks from my apartment.

I don’t have to see burning bushes to see GOD every day.
I don’t have to see seas splitting open to see GOD working in my life.
I don’t have to see fire rain down from heaven to see GOD steering me and guiding me.

Okay, there are times when I don’t feel comfortable speaking about the experiences I’ve had with GOD. I mean I feel like I will be looked at like I am a nut or people will brush off my situation as a coincidence or belittle it. BUT GOD says something different.

GOD is just as concerned about my “little” choices as much as the large ones.
GOD has a plan for me and has chosen me for that plan.
GOD protects and guides me.

The disciples were very SPIRIT led when making a choice for a new apostle. They relied on GOD to make the choice for them. Please don’t get me wrong, planning is great, just don’t leave GOD out of the plans!

Do you have a decision to make?
Have you considered allowing GOD to guide your direction?
Are you trying to control every aspect of your life?
Which decisions have you left up to the SPIRIT to make?

My super power

2011-12-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

Acts 1:⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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With my hands stretched forward and a towel as my cape I transformed into Superman. Grabbing a decorative post and scaling our house I was now Spiderman. “I bet I can lift that cinder block over my head” thinking I transformed into the Incredible Hulk. My mother gave me an ice pack to place on the hickey on my head from that stunt. I guess I am no superhero.

My misconception of what “power” is causes me to be scared of telling someone about CHRIST.
My fear of being rejected causes me to hesitate and second guess telling someone about CHRIST.
My image or the titles I have achieved causes me to hide my message of telling someone about CHRIST.

I don’t know what I was looking for when I desired to be a superhero. Maybe they would listen to me, maybe they wouldn’t pick on me or maybe I could fix broken things. GOD said “My power is sufficient to help you with all of those things.”

By accepting my weakness I can attach myself to GOD’s power.
By admitting I am a sinner I can receive the most powerful being into my life.
By facing my troubles instead of running away I can watch GOD work right in front of my eyes.
By obeying GOD I can bear as much fruit as HE can give me in my neighborhood, city, country and many other countries.

It seems like GOD does not mind using a sinner like me who carries fear, blame, lust, anger, and other opposition to HIS ways. HE has given me “super” power to go out and be an ambassador to HIS kingdom. Whether it is a simple smile, a silent prayer or words that melt the heart, GOD can use my action when my purpose is focused on HIS kingdom.

Do you want to feel special?
Do you realize GOD made you specifically to reach “that” person and only you can do it?
Can you add GOD’s purpose to your life?
Is GOD telling you to “go?”

Loving GOD, HIS way or mine?

2011-12-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

John 21:¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

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Waiting has been a weakness of mine since “forever.” I mean what was taking them so long? I interviewed with the top executives and the decision should have been clear “I was the man.” Weeks after they told me I wasn’t the man, I walked around work pouting. I even pouted at GOD.

“LORD, why do YOU do things like this?” “Why do YOU put things in front of my face only to snatch them away?” “I don’t feel like serving YOU anymore.” Uh oh, what was I saying?!

Just because I have served GOD in the past, I still need to grow.
Just because I have grown a little, I still have a lot of growing to do.
Just because I have seen a little fruit to my faith, I still need my faith to be strengthened.

Sometimes I think I have “arrived,” in other words I think I have learned all the lessons “I” need to learn, now it’s everyone else’s turn. This is definitely the wrong attitude. GOD shows me my flaws daily so I won’t get my head too puffed up with confidence in myself. Don’t get me wrong, my self-esteem is fine, probably a little too fine!

My confidence needs to be aimed at GOD not in me.
My worthiness only comes through belief in JESUS as being GOD, not in the things I do.
My judgment need only be directed at me enabling GOD to work on others without my interference.

Loving GOD HIS way means “feeding HIS sheep.” The only way to do this is to have the right attitude.

Do you love GOD?
What are you doing to serve HIM?
Are you trying to love GOD your way or HIS way?
What would be the answer if GOD asked you “do you love ME?”
Are you willing to feed HIS lambs, in other words serve people?

It’s easy for GOD

2011-12-19T06:28:00.001-08:00

John 21:⁵ He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

⁶ He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

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Sometimes I think I have become too smart for my own good. There is nothing wrong with learning and education, but there are times when I brush off situations as coincidences or I explain them away with my scientific prowess. Do miracles happen daily and I am just numb to them?

Bullies told me to be scared of them because of their power but GOD said something different.
My professor told me I would never make it in my field of study but GOD said something different.
Scientists told me my child could be born with an illness but GOD said something different.

Throughout the years GOD has been there in my life nudging me along to a much better place. HE raised me to levels I should have never been, HE took me to places I would only have dreamt of travelling to and HE has shown me HIS power over and over again.

Many would chock it up to just being lucky or karma or the “universe” just likes me but I say give credit where credit is due.

It’s easy for GOD to protect me from that terrible accident.
It’s easy for GOD to heal my broken body.
It’s easy for GOD to mend my broken heart.
It’s easy for GOD to handle any and every situation or obstacle placed in my way.

Even the disciples had stopped following JESUS when HE died. They had seen HIM alive again and yet went back to work like nothing happened. HE wants me to know miracles happen daily, just open my eyes, ears and heart and they will happen.

Do you doubt GOD’s power?
Have you placed your belief in other mystical or scientific things outside of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT?
Can you give GOD credit for doing more things in your life?

Stop doubting and believe!

2011-12-16T05:57:00.000-08:00

John 20:²⁵ So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

²⁶ A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

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Confidence is an amazing thing. As my father followed behind me he had let go of my bike and was simply running. I thought he was still holding on. When I was lifting weights some guys pretended to hold each side of the bar but later I discovered I did all the work. I thought they were still holding on.

In either case when I found out “I” was doing what I thought I could not do, my mind overshadowed my faith and I fell off my bike or dropped the weights. I didn’t believe!

GOD wants me to have faith in HIM.
GOD wants me to believe HE has overcome all situations.
GOD wants me to stop doubting HIS methods, HIS motives and HIS love for me.

HE knows when I don’t believe HIM and needs to have patience with me, but HE gets excited when I put my trust in HIM and when I throw away my doubts. HE enjoys when I forget caution, when I stop trying to protect myself and when I fully turn to HIM.

I have not seen GOD yet I believe! HE motivates me and guides me even though my faith is small.

Are you trying to protect yourself?
Are you full of fear?
Can you drop your fears, doubts and worries by “knowing” GOD has taken care of the situation?

Let it go!

2011-12-15T06:09:00.000-08:00

John 20: ²¹ Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

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“Won’t these people move faster” was the thought running through my mind as we were slowly exiting the plane. Suddenly an even more impatient man got up from behind me, grabbed his bag, hit me on the head without excusing himself and pushed his way through the crowd. “I hope he’s late” I thought.

When I look for sins in people I can easily find them.
When I pick at someone’s scab from the wounds of life blame will flow.
When I seek to find how “the problem” began in someone we seem to all get wounded.

One strength that is also a flaw is I know healing won’t begin unless there is true admission of sin and wrongdoing. If the person cannot see they have a problem, they will never seek a cure. My problem is that it is easy for me to see the problems in others and difficult to admit problems of my own.

Forgiving others makes it easier for me to admit my problems to them.
Forgiving others means I must erase the recording that plays over and over in my mind.
Forgiving others frees up my thoughts for lovelier peaceful ones.

This is not an easy task for me. Perhaps it’s a defense mechanism or just a major flaw in my character. When GOD told me to “pray for my enemies that they may prosper” I thought HE was crazy, now I understand that grudges are poisonous and even the slightest glance from me will be filled with venom.

My wife asks me the question sometimes, “isn’t that the past, how do we look at the future?” In other words “let it go!” Sometimes it’s necessary to revisit my old wounds to see how they are healing as long as I can let the scab fall off in its natural time instead of picking at them and bleeding blame.

Is there someone who has wronged you deliberately or by accident?
Are you still holding onto a grudge?
How long will you hold onto that grudge?
Do you realize grudges are immature?
Can’t you look for the peace that GOD wants you to have by “letting it go?”

Do I really know what to believe in?

2011-12-14T06:36:00.000-08:00

John 20:⁶ Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, ⁷ as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.

⁸ Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. ⁹ (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

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Pranks could easily be played on me because gullible was stamped on my forehead. Blind faith was my “strength” and a weakness as the con artist or liar covered their tracks well. Soon my blind faith just turned into blindness toward believing in anything. I didn’t want to be burned again.

Life has a way of making me cynical.
Life has a way of placing negativity in front of me causing me to want to give up.
Life has a way of reducing my dreams turning them into the mundane.

Like a whipped animal with a broken spirit, I moped around thinking “why believe?” I mean what good is church or “believing” anyway when it seems like evil people are easily getting their way?

JESUS died for my sins because HE is concerned about my eternal life.
JESUS sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live in me because HE is concerned about my earthly life.
JESUS is building a new heaven and a new Earth for me because HE wants an awesome relationship with me forever!

Even the disciples who watched HIM heal people, walk on water, create things right in front of their faces and raise dead people, still did not grasp the magnitude of what JESUS did. Quite frankly I don’t either but I know this, HE has done some incredible things in my life!

If given the choice of “my way” or “GOD’s strange way”, I nervously choose GOD’s way to guide my path and relieve my worries, doubts and fears. I choose to believe.

What do you believe in?
Do you have blind faith that GOD will work everything out?
Are you fighting against GOD with your lifestyle?
What are you doing to make changes in your life specifically for serving GOD?

Your problem is finished!

2011-12-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

John 19:²⁸ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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Tears flowed from my eyes, I could hardly drive. I had to make it because my kids were in the car and there was no other driver. Another sharp pain shot through my head which seemed like a bolt of lightning striking my face. After making it home I made a futile attempt at relief from some over the counter medications. My tooth was definitely infected!

When I am going through problems, I can’t seem to see anything outside of the problem.
When I am going through problems, I want relief NOW!
When I am going through problems, I try to fix them and I am not always successful.

My toothache required a dentist and my problems in life require GOD. My worries and distress are like the shooting pains of a toothache. I can’t seem to get my mind off of them. GOD has a plan for my worries.

When JESUS said “It is finished” HE meant HE had fulfilled every requirement it would take to become perfection.
When JESUS said “It is finished” HE meant HE had taken care of all of my mistakes, issues and problems.
When JESUS said “It is finished” HE meant He was and is worthy of planning great things in my life and no “one” or no “thing” can stand in HIS way.

HE knows every problem, every pain. HE knows every doubt, every fear. HE reaches the depths of my soul and sees something great in me that no one else can see. When HE says “it is finished” I can believe it!

What are you going through?
Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
Can you take a moment in the middle of your pain to praise GOD for taking care of your situation even before it’s done?
What greatness is GOD preparing you for?

True Power

2011-12-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

John 19:¹ Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. ² The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe ³ and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.

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¹⁰ “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”

¹¹ Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

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The quest for a title was a journey of mine for years. I thought about the press release that showed me becoming the top of the heap. I wasn’t looking to be bossy or controlling because I was too busy looking for accolades. I wonder how many people would complement me for becoming this great title.

When I seek power the wrong way I look for people to bow down to me.
When I seek power the wrong way I win and someone else loses.
When I seek power the wrong way I dream of a false utopia that doesn’t include GOD.

In my quest for “freedom” to do my thing, I try my best to unchain myself from GOD while consulting with HIM whenever the going gets tough. I want my way, I want my fame and I want to fulfill my lusts and I don’t want GOD telling me about HIS rules! I want power.

GOD is the only one who has power.
GOD is the only one I should connect with for power because I am powerless.
GOD is the only one who I should fear because no human has power.

JESUS showed great restraint and compassion all the way to HIS execution. People say true power is having the ability to crush someone and the restraint not to. The creator showed absolute self-control and wants me to do the same.

HE doesn’t want me to take my salvation lightly by sinning when I want to, nor does HE want me to be judgmental of others in a controlling way. My view of obtaining power should be pleasing GOD and following HIS ways. Maturity in CHRIST brings “true power!”

Are you seeking “control” of your life?
Are your ambitions or lustful desires ahead of what GOD wants from you?
Can you be corrected to follow GOD or are they just being judgmental?
Will you stop following “your direction” and follow GOD’s ways?

Am I Listening?

2011-12-09T06:01:00.001-08:00

John 18:³⁶ Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

³⁷ “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

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Winning is the prime objective in business. If you are not a winner, you are a loser! I took that to heart and “won” quite often. After numerous promotions I was summoned to take on another challenge. Get rid of a large number of employees so the company could remain profitable.

I heard the voice of compassion say “don’t do this.” Was I getting soft? Where did that come from and why now?

GOD speaks to me every day I just don’t listen to HIM.
GOD speaks to me and tells me to serve HIM I just want my way.
GOD speaks to me with love and compassion expecting me to follow HIS example I ignore it and crush my opponents.

People have said to me “I can’t hear GOD” and I tell them I hear HIM every day and ignore HIM often. Because I don’t fully trust HIM or I want my way, I ignore HIS cry to be compassionate or kind, or pure, or loving. But when I do listen to HIM marvelous thing happen!

When I listen to GOD I reach people for HIM.
When I listen to GOD I always benefit.
When I listen to GOD I change my ways instead of getting my way!

Miracles happen in front of my face and situations disappear before my eyes when I listen to GOD long enough. It takes my seeking heart to want to hear HIM.

Are you seeking GOD or your own way?
Have you intentionally tried to follow HIS ways?
Will you try to learn about GOD for the purpose of having a better relationship with HIM?
Do you know the truth?

Another prayer for you from GOD

2011-12-08T06:07:00.001-08:00

John 17:²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

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We arrived five and a half hours late for our ministry outreach. We promised that we would show a movie and reach the community. Upon arrival, the equipment didn’t work and no one was to be found so we canvased the neighborhood. “LORD, why do you have me here?” I cried out in sheer frustration.

I mean I came all this way to serve YOU and everything isn’t going my way! One by one people began to trickle in. Soon the room was full and would you believe the movie projector started working. I don’t even know how to describe how stupid I felt for yelling.

GOD has prayed for me.
GOD has prayed for my message about HIM to be effective.
GOD has prayed for the recipient of my message to believe in HIM and be protected in this belief.

When JESUS prayed for me to deliver HIS message, HE didn’t just leave it there. HE wanted me to act in unity with the people I sent the message to. In other words HE doesn’t want me to just talk “at” people rather HE wants me to act in unity with them so they can change their ways and I change mine.

GOD wants me to remain in HIM to accept HIS protection.
GOD wants me to remain in HIM to accept HIS love.
GOD wants me to remain in HIM to accept HIS salvation from eternal death.
GOD wants me to remain in HIM to be an example to the world.

Unity is difficult. I want my way and they want theirs. Who gives up their way first? After listening to this prayer, I know it will be me!

Are you frustrated at GOD about something?
Do you know GOD has a plan for you especially if you have a message for others?
Are you talking “at” people or have you unified with them to understand them more?
Can you accept that GOD has prayed for you?

GOD’s prayer for you

2011-12-07T05:59:00.001-08:00

John 17:¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. ¹⁷ Sanctify them bythe truth; your word is truth. ¹⁸ As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

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JESUS walked the earth and was tempted in every way that I have been tempted. HE faced life’s struggles with more intensity because HE knows what HE created. HE knows every doubt, every sinful thought, every joyful moment and every sorrowful time. HE has a purpose for me staying here.

Since GOD has the power to snatch me up and place me into heaven right now, why doesn’t HE?
Since the world is so sinful why doesn’t HE take all the believers away and leave those who don’t believe here?
Since GOD knows what trouble I have to go through, why doesn’t HE prevent the pain instead of having me go through it?

Once again my questions are selfish. GOD desires that “no one” should perish. No matter how wild and crazy a person may seem, GOD infinitely loves them and doesn’t want to eternally punish them. HE left me in the world to share HIS grace even though at times it I very difficult.

Since GOD left me here, I should make time to tell people about HIS SON.
Since GOD left me here, I should focus my attention on others as well as on myself.
Since GOD left me here, I should understand HE loves me and is protecting me and is right by my side.

JESUS has full empathy for me. HE knows my every struggle and forgives me for my failure. As HIS follower, I should do the same.

Will you pray for the person who seems to have no regard for you?
Will you stop looking at people with disgust and open your heart to them as GOD does for you?
Will you stop trying to protect yourself or justify your actions enough so “that” person will focus on CHRIST?

Am I missing something?

2011-12-06T05:59:00.001-08:00

John 17:¹ After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

² For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ⁴ I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

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After reading this, I could not find a situation in my life that would do these words justice. All I know is that there must be something really big that I am missing. A flood of questions came to mind.

You mean to tell me GOD is greater than science or the human will?
Can’t I just be good? Yes I sin but compared to “those” people over there I’m doing pretty good.
Why can’t GOD just accept the way I want to worship HIM and make everything good the way I want it?

Then I realized, all of my questions are coming from a sinful position. With my questions, I am trying to make GOD bow down to me while attempting to justify my ways. It’s a difficult thing to say “I need you to save me LORD” if I think nothing is wrong with me.

What I am missing is a full understanding of what sin is.
What I am missing is why I have to go through a sometimes difficult life to get to a place I have never seen or touched.
What I am missing is why I have to be the one who serves or sacrifices my money or gives in to arguments to keep peace.

I mean science says life was created by two mega planets colliding, so what if I’m wrong about this “GOD” thing?

Faith was the one word that came to mind as I asked “what am I missing?”

It’s actually harder for me to reject the “fact” that GOD always existed rather than two objects always existing.
It’s harder to believe I can ever be good enough to deserve GOD’s love rather than GOD showing “pure” love by dying for me.
It’s harder for me to believe everything will be fine on earth when I have seen it deteriorating rather than believing JESUS is building a perfect eternal spot just for me!

Do you believe?

Hope

2011-12-05T06:37:00.001-08:00

John 16: ³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Many times I have struggled with fear, worry and doubt. Whether it was an upcoming test or a short deadline or watching my bank account dwindle, every situation had the same ingredient. I was scared! Each situation seemed hopeless.

I mean once “I” was lost at the amusement park and I lost five dollars and couldn’t ride the rides. I cried! Wait that was kid stuff, what does being scared as a child have to do the big troubles I face today?

Just like a child, I get nervous about situations.
Just like a child, I think the worse is going to happen instead of the best.
Just like a child, I cry when the situation seems hopeless and then I start praying.

When I go through circumstances, it’s hard to see how CHRIST has overcome the world’s troubles. I mean, I’m still going through trials and it just doesn’t feel like GOD has a handle on “insert worry.”

When GOD says “Have peace” HE means for me to sop being frantic and calm down a minute.
When GOD says “Don’t worry” HE wants me to stop letting my mind go wild, thinking negative thoughts.
When GOD says “I have overcome the world” HE means HE has taken care of “EVERY” situation.

JESUS death, resurrection and elevation enables HIM to be “the” authority over any and every situation. What seems hopeless to me is easy for HIM. In, what seems to be, amazing moves, HE orchestrates situations that require me to walk with HIM, talk with HIM along life’s narrow way.

My current pastor says “GOD will make a way when it seems to be no way.” GOD says, “I AM the way so DON’T worry!” The two statements go hand in hand. I can rest assured that GOD has definitely taken care of everything!

Are you worried about something?
Do you know that you will go through troubles?
Since you expect troubles can you trust that GOD will deliver you in an amazing way?