Is there anything “sacred” in my life?

Titus 1: ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. ¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

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“Church is so boring today” I thought to myself. I glanced outside and noticed some of the other kids walking down the street to the candy store. “What a great idea” I thought. The next week, I thought of my lie to get out of sitting in the sermon with my parents.

I took my offering money and went to the candy store. Unfortunately for me we lingered just a tad too long. When we arrived back at the church my parents were standing there waiting with “that” look on their face.

• When I make GOD common I treat HIM like HE is not supreme.
• When I make GOD common I pray out of habit not out of worship.
• When I make GOD common I give when I feel like it or for tax purposes.
• When I make GOD common I guess at HIS ways without learning them.
• When I make GOD common I prey on HIS humans for monetary or lustful gain.

There is a fine line between being extremely judgmental of others and honoring GOD in the way HE wants me to.  The Pharisees made an extreme number of rules that by appearance seemed to be “worshipping GOD” when in reality they sought to be noticed and adored by their congregations for their religious prowess.

GOD is supreme, holy and requires us to view HIM as GOD, not as “the wish doctor.” HE isn’t something we turn to only in troubled times, rather HE is the one and only creator with extreme unmatched supernatural powers. HE is all seeing, all knowing, is everywhere and has always lived.

JESUS, who is GOD, became a human, was murdered and was raised from the dead. This simple fact deserves remembrance, sacred worship and should never be taken lightly. Unfortunately sometimes I think church is for me instead of bowing to my LORD and savior. GOD deserves reverence so I will attempt to do this without judging people around me.

• What way do you treat GOD special in your life?
• Do you set aside time to talk to HIM or learn about HIM?
• Do you brag to others about how good you are or can you let GOD be the judge of your actions?
• Can you elevate GOD and stop treating HIM as common in one area of your life today?

What does a Godly person “look” like?

Titus 1: ⁷ Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁸ Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

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When she came down the stairs I said “wow” to myself. “This woman is fine!” We were just friends but I noticed her a little more this time. Pretty on the outside is one thing but is she pretty on the “inside?” I guess the conversations had paid off and this “friend” could very well be “the one” I said to myself but are my “insides” good enough for her?

• I can be ugly when I am “always” seeking to get “my” way.
• I can be ugly when I snap and get angry at the tiniest tiff.
• I can be ugly when my drunkenness clouds my better judgment.
• I can be ugly when I want to resolve arguments with fist fights.
• I can be ugly when I seek to scheme my way into money.

This list shows what a very “ugly” person looks like to GOD. When I act like this, it’s a wonder that HE even listens to my prayers at all. There is an old saying… “GOD don’t like “ugly” and it’s true.

• GOD wants me to be “hospitable” and open my home to many people.
• GOD wants me to love “HIS ways” which are the only example of good.
• GOD wants me to have “self-control” so that temptation cannot easily throw me off my game.
• GOD wants me to be “upright” so others can follow my example.
• GOD wants me to be “holy” so HE died for me and declared me holy.
• GOD wants me to be “disciplined” enough to read HIS Bible regularly and speak the truth always.
• GOD wants me to “learn the Bible” from humble people and teach soundly not from my thinking.

My insides are very important to GOD because that’s what HE uses to draw people to HIM. I can spend a lot of time working on the outside to remain attractive, but if my insides are ugly then what good am I? I am GOD’s property so I should act like it.

There is nothing wrong with physical beauty BUT GOD wants me to shine inner beauty first to attract people to HIM rather than ogling over me.

• Are you attractive to GOD?
• Does your personality and behaviors attract people to “you” or GOD?
• Can you search your heart today to see what “ugliness” you can get rid of?

When all else fails.

2 Timothy 4: ¹⁷ But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Let’s see… it’s 5:25 A.M., I can get five more minutes of sleep” I said to myself. My plane was going to leave at 7:45 A.M. and the drive was only an hour away. As the alarm went off, I hopped up, got ready in no time and jumped in the car. Everything was going as planned until I hit traffic right at the airport.

I was only two blocks away and at that time there were no cell phones. Sounds ancient doesn’t it? The partner to the firm was going to brief me on the account during the flight I was about to miss. As I arrived at the gate I could see the plane slowly backing up. I disappointed my boss.

• People will disappoint me when my plans are focused on this world.
• People will not be there when I really need them.
• People will deliberately harm me when I expect them to do good.

Humans are very hard to depend on because each one of us is somewhat selfish. I’m no exception. Many times I have truly wanted to keep my promise or be there for another, yet something would get in the way thus disabling my attempt. This news seems disheartening, who can I depend on?

• GOD said HE would “never” leave me nor forsake me.
• GOD shows me HIS love in the middle of my sins.
• GOD can’t wait to protect me and I have no idea how many times HE has rescued me.

The Bible shows many examples of extreme situations that GOD has rescued HIS people without them asking for help. HE knows what trouble I can get into way before I get there and develops a plan to protect me from harm. Why does HE do that?

• GOD made my life for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to proclaim HIS greatness thus giving me a purpose.
• GOD loves me.

I know I have let people down even when I didn’t mean to, and I know others will let me down, BUT GOD will ALWAYS be there no matter what the circumstance.

• Who do you depend on?
• Are you setting “that” person up for failure by putting false expectations on them?
• Have you put your faith in GOD instead of humans?
• Are you trying to control the situation or can you let GOD handle it?

I don’t think I like that sermon!

2 Timothy 4: ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

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Driving down each street I noticed signs and marquis advertising clever sermons from a number of churches. We were looking for a church that “fit our needs.” My criteria was a large group that had many programs for my kids to learn the Bible, coffee bar, comfy seats, and a cool message that I could hear every Sunday. Sounds nice, right?

But there was something missing from “my criteria” namely “my desire” to learn about GOD for the purpose of being trained to teach others. I was far too busy for that! I mean, I travelled ever week and barely saw my family. I just wanted to go to church, listen to a man tell me I’m wrong “a little” and live my life the way I want to live.

• In the last days I will want church to be a self-help group instead of learning about JESUS.
• In the last days I will want sermons to be preached about growing the congregation but not stretching me to grow.
• In the last days I will demand the preacher to preach what I want to hear, not what I’m supposed to hear.

So many boards and congregations are steering pastors to preach about marriages and families in a therapeutic way which seems to be a nice thing to do. BUT GOD wants me to see a much larger picture of HIM.

• GOD wants me to know the Earth and surrounding solar system as far as the eye can see is cursed.
• GOD wants me to know I am cursed at birth just like every other human except one.
• GOD wants me to know HE made a way to salvation by volunteering to take my punishment.
• GOD wants me to preach or teach others not to reject JESUS as the only savior.

Well, that sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Then why are there so many churches and one Bible? Why are some churches tied to politics and others tied to wealth? Why are races and languages separated? The only reason I could find was “me.” I am the barrier when it comes to hearing GOD, not my church.

When I stop seeking GOD “my way” and begin listening to “sound doctrine” then I will hear sermons that encourage me, rebuke me and grow me for the purpose of growing others to believe in JESUS as the one and only savior.

• Are you reading the Bible for your own growth?
• Are you seeking for things to be “better” in your life or can GOD do what HE wants to with the life HE gave you?
• Is GOD supreme in your life and can you praise HIM through trials?
• Do you grade sermons or are you preparing yourself to teach or preach to people GOD has delivered to you?

Make a decision, follow GOD or follow you!

2 Timothy 3: ¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

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Our meeting was finished and some of the men huddled over in the corner discussing where they would go for the night’s festivities. “Come on and go with us to the strip club” they said. “Nah” I replied. Then they asked the question that is always so profound… “Who will know you are doing this?”

• When I rely on my own thinking I follow my lusts instead of following GOD.
• When I rely on my own thinking I follow the crowd to get my way.
• When I rely on my own thinking I follow my plan and never once ask GOD “what do YOU want?”

There comes a time in every person’s life where they will have to decide to follow GOD or follow themselves. This was one of those moments and I had to decide whether I was going to hide something in my marriage for my own pleasure or follow GOD. I decided to follow GOD this time but unfortunately there are many other times in my life I have chosen sin instead of GOD.

The scriptures have been given to me as a guide to follow through this murky thing called life. With most people following their sin nature instead of GOD, it gets difficult for me to sometimes make the right decision, especially when the crowd is going one way and GOD says go the other.

• GOD wants me to read and follow HIS Bible to teach people the right direction.
• GOD wants me to read and follow HIS Bible to rebuke those who can listen to me in order to change their ways.
• GOD wants me to read and follow HIS Bible to correct who are about to choose a different path that is opposite of GOD.
• GOD wants me to read and follow HIS Bible to train people in righteousness to equip others and myself to do good works.

GOD’s bible is “breathed” or inspired by HIM so it cannot be wrong. Instead of following the crowd, I choose to follow GOD.

• Are you following your plan without consulting with GOD?
• Is your plan better than GOD’s plan for you?
• Do you come crawling back to GOD when your plans go wrong over and over again?
• Can you proactively follow GOD instead of following you today?  

The birth of JESUS

The Birth of Jesus

 ¹ In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.
 ⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
 ⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
 ²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

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Why is this important? Because HE rescued me! Have a Merry Christmas.

Give the gift of a “new” you this year.

2 Timothy 3: ¹ But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

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“Wow, what a harsh list” I thought to myself as I read this scripture in the middle of the night.  What in the world am I going to write about that could possibly be encouraging about this scripture? This particular scripture was on my plan and there was no way around it.

When I pondered over it, I saw it wasn’t so bad. In fact I saw a wonderful Christmas list I could give my family and neighbors.

Here are the top twenty (20) gifts I could give this year:

1.    Do not be a lover of myself rather love my family and neighbors.

2.    Do not love money instead I can be content with GOD’s blessings.

3.    Do not be boastful rather when GOD blesses me with plenty I should remain humble.

4.    Do not be proud instead I can allow people to serve me and admit when I am down.

5.    Do not be abusive rather include my family in decisions leveraging their strengths.

6.    Do not disobey my parents instead listen to their wisdom for they have been where I am going.

7.    Do not be ungrateful rather be thankful for all the blessings GOD has given me.

8.    Do not be unholy instead focus on GOD’s love and remain pure to HIS word.

9.    Do not be without love rather love those who can’t or won’t understand my love.

10.  Do not be unforgiving instead I should be the quickest to forgive and ready to do it again.

11.  Do not be slanderous rather hold my harsh tongue when I’m ready to ridicule someone else.

12.  Do not be without self-control instead control my thoughts, eyes, and obsessions.

13.  Do not be brutal rather be gentle with the souls GOD has placed in my care.

14.  Do not be evil instead be a “lover of good.”

15.  Do not be treacherous rather remain positive and focused on GOD’s ways.

16.  Do not be rash instead remain calm and patient especially when things go wrong.

17.  Do not be conceited rather think humbly of myself and my capabilities.

18.  Do not be a lover of pleasure rather than a lover of GOD.

19.  Do not have a form of godliness instead worship GOD the way HE wants to be worshiped.

20.  Do not deny GOD’s power instead throw all my doubts away and remain true to the faith.

Have a very merry Christmas being a new you!

What do you mean I’m arguing?!

2 Timothy 2: ²⁵ Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

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During a meeting a coworker began to rant and sway everyone to “his” side so much so that he became disruptive. Applause broke out when I dismissed him from the meeting. Unfortunately the damage had been done. All day I found myself in little quarrels that seemed to be quite irritating.

On the way home I noticed everyone driving exceptionally stupid. “Why is that person driving so slow and why is that person coming into my lane?” When I arrived home I noticed a number of things that were not accomplished or out of place.   “What’s wrong with everyone today?” I thought to myself.

·         When I feel like arguing everyone can be wrong and only “I” am right.

·         When I feel like arguing logic diminishes and seeking to get “my” way grows.

·         When I feel like arguing even GOD can seem wrong to me.

There are times when I want my way and GOD has designed a way for me to get it. When I have an opponent I need to be gentle in my approach rather than seeking to get my way.  GOD wants me to handle arguments differently because HE wants to “win” people not arguments.

·         When someone opposes belief in CHRIST, GOD wants me to be gentle not argumentative.

·         When a statement escalates to an argument, GOD wants me to seek reconciliation not revenge.

·         When a person is flat out wrong, GOD wants me to love and let go rather than argue and aggravate.

I am a very driven person who likes to win arguments, BUT GOD wants me to draw people to HIM rather than repel. HE wants gentle words that contain truth in hopes that the opponent will “come to their senses” and learn the truth. Many times I’m the one who needs the repentance.

·         Do you feel like arguing to be “heard” or can you let GOD nudge them in HIS direction?

·         Can you let go of a few quarrels today and not be “right” for a change?

·         How many arguments can you “diffuse” instead of “ignite”?

Am I “with” GOD or not?

2 Timothy 2:  

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:

   If we died with him,
   we will also live with him;
¹² if we endure,
   we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
   he will also disown us;
¹³ if we are faithless,
   he remains faithful,
   for he cannot disown himself.

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Parking was very difficult around the stadium so we parked a half mile away. This time we weren’t going to see a sporting event rather serving at an outreach crusade. A very famous old pastor was speaking and I wanted to be part of the outreach while he was still alive.

After weeks of preparation I felt capable to speak to strangers who were seeking something different in their lives. He spoke the most simple message I have ever heard. “We are all sinners and deserve to go to Hell, but JESUS died for you and me and believing in HIM gives you eternal life.”

“What? That was it?” I asked myself. “You mean you got us all here to deliver this simple message?”

• GOD’s message of salvation is truly simple.
• GOD’s message of salvation is the only necessity for eternal life.
• GOD’s message of salvation is supersedes any “good” behavior I could ever do.

“Dying to my way” means I stop using worldly logic and start using GODLY faith. In other words my critical reasoning needs to be pointed at GOD not at man.

• If I die to my ways then GOD’s miracles will flourish.
• If I endure trials and troubles then I will reign with HIM in this life as well as eternity.
• If I believe in GOD becoming a human to die in my place I will have eternal life.

The message is very simple yet so complex. All I know is GOD gave me a promise and HE can never be faithless. HE promised HE would “never” leave me nor forsake me. That’s good enough for me.

• What happens to humans when they die?
• Is there “life” after death?
• If so, do you think you can be “good” enough to receive eternal life?
• Are you trying to work hard for your salvation by being “good?”

Ashamed of GOD

2 Timothy 1:  ⁶ For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

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Standing in a bar felt strange to me this time. While the surroundings were familiar, I felt out of place. I had rededicated my life to following CHRIST and wanted to live a life pleasing to HIM. I just didn’t know it was going to be this hard. I was single and just looking to hang out with some friends.

Flirty drunk women approached me. “Of course now they approach me when I’m trying to follow GOD! Where were they when I wasn’t thinking about GOD and serving HIM?” I actually was speechless because I was ashamed of telling them why I wasn’t getting drunk or flirting. I mean, what will the guys think about me?

• Peer pressure says it’s alright to sin and weird to serve GOD.
• Peer pressure lets others feel great about their sins and leaves me miserable in mine.
• Peer pressure can get out of hand quickly escalating my sin into areas that are against GOD.

God wants me to follow HIM without being ashamed of HIM or HIS ways.  I must admit to the logical mind GOD is strange. HE made humans build an ark, march around a city, blow horns to knock it down and walk around naked just to prove HE is GOD and we are powerless.

Nowadays it’s strange to mention the forces of evil, Hell or Satan. BUT GOD wants something different from me.

• GOD wants me to “be bold” not timid about telling people of the great news about JESUS.
• HE wants me to show “love” in a world of lust.
• GOD wants me to have “power” over my sin nature.
• He wants me to exercise “self-discipline” to control myself during temptation.

There have been many times I have been ashamed of GOD. When it seems like the crowd is having fun or making more money or buying more stuff, I get angry at GOD and ask “why can’t I have those lustful things?” Well I really don’t ask “that” question, but I question HIM just the same.

GOD answers, “I love you far more than the things of this world. Focus on ME and you will never go wrong.”

• Are you ashamed of GOD and HIS ways?
• Do you have a plan that seems to be different than GOD’s plan?
• Does GOD have you doing something weird that no one can understand but HIM and you?
• Can you be “BOLD” today and tell others about HIS SON?

I wanna be rich but I’m arrogant!

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

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While working at one of the worlds most recognized companies we gathered at lunch sneering at those who had been recently let go from their jobs. “I guess they couldn’t cut the mustard or I’m glad ‘that’ person is gone” I thought to myself.

Years later there was another round of reductions and this time it was at ‘my’ level. I was being sneered at and felt the ridicule.  I actually think I overheard someone whisper “I guess he couldn’t cut the mustard.”

• Arrogance equals pride.
• The one thing GOD cannot stand is pride or arrogance.
• Arrogance leads me to treat GOD’s humans in a rotten fashion.
• Arrogance makes me have false confidence in myself and my wealth.
• Arrogance causes me to ask the question “who are ‘you’ in a condescending way?”
• Arrogance generates the desire for me to be viewed as the one in control, not the one in need.

I found out the hard way that wealth ‘is’ uncertain and I should not put my hope in it. I also found out what it meant to be ‘truly’ wealthy.

• To be truly wealthy is to be generous no matter what state of wealth I’m in.
• To be truly wealthy is to focus my wealth on others not on myself.
• To be truly wealthy is to interact with those in need instead of giving mainly to large causes.
• To be truly wealthy is to remain quiet about my wealth but loud about GOD’s promise of eternity.

GOD doesn’t mind blessing me with earthly wealth in fact one could argue that HE made humans with wealth in mind. Unfortunately it’s my arrogance that HE can’t quite get past. GOD wants a humble rich person to serve HIM but arrogance gets in the way. I guess that’s why HE said “it will be difficult for rich people to go to heaven.”

I want to be “rich” but in GOD’s way which includes generosity, the ability to lose everything and numerous ‘good deeds.’

• Do you consider yourself wealthy?
• If not, then have you considered all of the gadgets, clothes and a place to lay your head wealth?
• Are you generous with your wealth?
• Can you start giving to others today no matter what state of wealth you are in?

I wanna be rich!

1 Timothy 6: ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

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“Do you have any stock tips for me?” I asked a very wealthy man. “Not really” he replied “they bounce around a lot, but I did make a boat load on ‘x’ stock last year." I quickly jumped on my computer and began my new get rich quick plan of “day trading.”

Months after the purchase of my penny stock, I received a letter from the SEC stating the company was no longer in business and my money was gone!

Money itself is not evil.

• The “love” of money causes me to do strange things.
• The “love” of money makes me stay in a job that’s bad for my health.
• The “love” of money grows my greed and shrinks my giving.
• The “love” of money increases my envy, raises my insecurity and inflates my ego.
• The “love” of money makes me forget I need GOD.

There is nothing wrong with having money and there certainly is not a problem with having a lot of it, BUT GOD wants me to keep my wealth in perspective.

• GOD wants me to share my wealth so that I would not forget HIM.
• HE always wants me to depend on HIS love, not my wealth or security.
• GOD wants to supply my needs wealth tends to feed my lusts.
• HE does not mind me being wealthy as long as HE is first in my mind, body and soul.

In my wealth, I found myself less eager to pray and more eager for the finer things on life. When people approached me for assistance, I would judge their motive and methods. “Why are they in this position?” I would ask myself in a judgmental tone. In reality, I was just thinking of reasons to keep my wealth.

Fear ensues when I worry about money because I depend on “it” rather than GOD. Now I know HE wants me to depend on HIM rich or poor.

• Are you worried about money?
• Do you depend on money more than GOD?
• Do you think or talk about money more than discussing what GOD has done for you?
• Are you trying to be “good” for a short period of time in hopes to manipulate GOD into making you rich?

My future is bright!

1 Timothy 5: ²⁴ The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. ²⁵ In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

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Huddled over on the side of the order window stood a homeless man counting change to see what he could purchase.  He didn’t notice my presence as I slipped a few dollars into the mix. All I could think about was a sermon that said “you’ll never know when you are entertaining angels.”

On the contrary, I remember stealing money from my parents to purchase ice cream they told me not to buy.

• Sometimes it’s good to hear about the “good deeds” of others.
• The world needs more good deeds because human attitudes are getting worse and worse.
• People are very depressed because no one will do a good deed for them.

Greed, hatred and lust have escalated to their highest levels I’ve ever seen. Blatant sin is becoming the norm and we have fewer who will take a stand for GOD’s ways. So what does this have to do with me?

• GOD is calling me out of my blatant sin.
• GOD is calling me to do “good deeds” to be an example in this dismal world.
• GOD is calling me to shine a light in a very dark world.

Good deeds don’t make me good. Belief in GOD becoming a human to be murdered for me and being resurrected to be in control of everything makes me good. But now that I am saved from eternal separation, GOD wants more.

• GOD wants more people to believe in HIM so HE sent me to do good deeds.
• The more good deeds I do, the better I am at doing good deeds.
• Good deeds done in secret are the best for me because GOD rewards me greater when I don’t brag.

Yes, I sin and I realize that doing good deeds don’t balance the sins I do or have done. I do good deeds just because GOD wants me to.

• When is the last time you have done a good deed for someone?
• Can you do a good deed today for someone without anyone knowing that “you” did it?
• Can you do something very small for someone just because GOD wants you to?

Family is “my” responsibility!

1 Timothy 5: ³ Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. ⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

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⁷ Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. ⁸ Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

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Crash was the sound that came from the kitchen. When we all went back there to see what happened we found my sister with one foot through the old floorboards of grandma’s house. Once grandma washed my gym shoes and dried them on the hot tin roof melting them in the process.

Later my parents saw the house was no longer adequate for grandma to live in. They bought a house in the state they live in and paid to take care of her on a fixed income. As their money began to dry up, it was now up to me to step in, so I bought grandma’s new house down the street from my parents.

• In many countries it is an abomination to “throw away” older people.
• In other countries people expect to take care of their parents so they plan for it.
• In this country it’s alright to focus on money and less on caring for the family.

My parents taught me an important lesson “family is my responsibility.” This is a tremendous responsibility indeed. Not everyone has the resources to fully pay for the care of their parents, their family and their children’s family, BUT GOD wants me somewhere in the mix trying to take care of them.

• If I don’t have the money to take care of my parents then time is better than money.
• If I don’t live in the same state then a phone call or letter or e-mail will suffice.
• If my relationship wasn’t great with my parents then mending it now is better than waiting until they die.

I have seen my family get into scuffles over taxes, money and visitation, but what is GOD telling me to do?

• GOD wants me to serve my wife and kids.
• GOD wants me to serve my parents in their twilight years.
• GOD wants me to serve my siblings whenever they are in need.
• GOD wants me to help other families in my community.

Preparation for caring for others is very important so I need to think about it today.

• Are you prepared to take care of your parents?
• Can you get past any problems you had with them and follow what GOD says to do?
• When is the last time you have spoken to your parents to ask them how they are doing?

Am I a "good" example?

1 Timothy 4: ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

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“Hmm… there are no cars in front of me and the light is about to turn green.” I looked to my left and then to the right and behind me, “all clear.” When the light changed I took off as if I were in a drag race against a worthy opponent when suddenly I heard a small voice. “Daddy, how fast are you going? Are you doing the speed limit?”

• Whether people see me or not, I am always an example.
• When I do good things, I am an example.
• When I do wrong things, I am an example.
• When I sit back and do nothing, I am an example.

People are always looking at me whether I like it or not. Judgment calls are being made constantly by the current example I am setting.

• I have a choice to gossip about people or to speak encouraging words.
• I have a choice to get revenge and start fights or to show kindness and love even when it hurts.
• I have a choice to complain and tremble with fear or to pray for courage and believe GOD’s methods will work.
• I have a choice to flirt at work and in public or to focus my attention on my wife.

It’s quite amazing how GOD can use very young people to accomplish HIS plans. My children accepted CHRIST at a very young age and I didn’t know this could happen. I have seen kids on difficult mission’s trips telling people about JESUS’s salvation. I found their “example” to be better than mine.

The world can be cold and difficult which causes people to become jaded and lose their faith. GOD can use those who are young and zealous for HIM to rejuvenate broken people. HE can use my excitement as a “good” example.

• What kind of example are you setting?
• Who do you think is watching you?
• Would they say you are showing GOD’s love?
• Are your words, actions, thoughts and faith focused on GOD?
• Can you share the great news about JESUS with the reputation you have built for yourself?