Help the part of me that doesn’t believe!

Mark 9: ²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

   “From childhood,” he answered. ²² “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

   ²³ “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

 ²⁴ Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

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Being raised in a family who believed in GOD enabled me to understand who HE was at an early age. I was privileged to have parents who read and understood the Bible and who taught me to do the same. But my teenage years hit and I questioned the validity of what they taught me and of their belief.

Life happened and troubles flared. There was a part of me that disowned GOD until I was on my own facing the largest trials of my life at that time. Upon returning to GOD I asked for help, but I had disowned HIM.  I mean I didn’t believe HE would forgive me and I didn’t feel like I deserved to be listened to.

• I believe GOD created the world and everything in it but sometimes I question how.
• I believe GOD became a human to fulfill HIS decree but sometimes I ask why.
• I believe GOD allows me to sin yet HE remains sinless and gives me pure love but sometimes I turn my back on HIS forgiveness.

Humans cannot and will not understand who and what GOD is. HE revealed a little of HIMSELF by giving me the Bible but this is only a glimpse of HIS true and marvelous power.  HE is all knowing, all seeing and is everywhere and has all power. Part of me believes that, yet I try to steer my destiny.

I do believe everything is possible to those who believe. I have seen some marvelous things in my own life that can only be attributed to GOD. My only prayer is “LORD help the part of me that doesn’t believe so I can stop trying to steer my own life so much!”

• Are you trying to do things GOD is supposed to be doing?
• Will you allow HIM to fix what is broken in you?
• Can you ask HIM to help the part of you that doesn’t believe?

Ashamed of GOD?

Mark 8: ³⁵ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ³⁷ Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

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Our missions trip was scheduled and we were getting packed to go to a different country this time. I went to work to verify my vacation time and my boss at that time asked me “what are you going to do on your vacation?”

My mind quickly went into defense mode. I thought of all sorts of statements that would satisfy his curiosity without letting on that I am a follower of CHRIST who wants to preach the gospel. “We are going to teach English” I blurted out. This was no lie but that wasn’t the primary reason for the trip. Why was I so ashamed?

• At times I don’t want to be embarrassed so I hide my light for CHRIST.
• There are times when I feel like business is business and my CHRIST life is separate.
• Many times I have worn my title as a businessman on my sleeve but when it came to my CHRIST life I tried to hide.

It’s amazing how many times I have thought about telling someone about CHRIST or even that I am HIS follower but didn’t because I was too embarrassed. I mean I don’t want to be viewed as some sort of weirdo otherwise I might not get that promotion.

I stripped all service related items from my resume and tried to look as generic as I could to the world. Business is business right?

• GOD does not like when I act ashamed of HIM.
• HE desires that I act different than those who do not follow HIM.
• GOD wants my business life to point to HIM as well.

Everything I do should point to GOD.  I should never be ashamed of talking about HIM or living for HIM.  HE is the reason for my existence and I should never forget that. My soul should never be exchanged for my pride.

• Are you trying to hide your relationship with CHRIST from “that” group of people?
• Why do you feel ashamed sometimes and not ashamed other times?
• Can you be bold for CHRIST today?

Fitting “in” can get me thrown “out.”

Mark 7: ²⁰ He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. ²¹ For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, ²² adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³ All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

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A few of us guys were standing around the bar after the long hard day of following meticulous detail ensuring everything was done right at the convention. As the drinks poured the conversations became more and more interesting.

Wanting to fit in, I joined in on the laughter even though drinking was not my thing. The cruder my jokes the more I fit in. Soon I was considered one of the crowd but I think I discussed everything on this list, with the exception of murder.

• My heart has some terrible behaviors in it.
• My heart fights against GOD daily.
• My heart can get hard when I practice “evil thoughts.”

It’s true that misery loves company. More and more, people want to do their own thing and it seems like morals are a thing of the past. You will find it hard pressed to watch a movie or television show that doesn’t mention or glorify at least four things on the list in this passage.

Desiring to “fit in” I absorb the words and actions like a sponge. GOD listens to every word I say and every action I take.  HE sees my heart and knows exactly what I’m thinking. HE knows my pitiful efforts to balance the bad with a little good but HE wants me to think differently.

• If I put my mind on GOD on purpose then I will reduce my sinful thoughts.
• If I put my mind on GOD on purpose then my words will change from evil to graceful.
• If I put my mind on GOD on purpose then maybe, just maybe my heart will soften enough to be used by GOD for HIS purpose.

“Fitting in” isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be especially when I have to fit into this list. I could gain a world of friends and lose my true GODLY value. GOD knows the evil lurking in my heart and applauds when I follow HIS ways in spite of what the crowd thinks.

• Are you trying to fit in to the crowd?
• Is the crowd doing anything on this list?
• Are you doing or have you done anything on this list?
• Do you believe JESUS died to remove every sin listed in this passage?
• Can you celebrate what HE has done for you?

You are welcome here.

Mark 6: ¹¹ And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

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Many times I have felt unwelcome in a place. The group would not ask any questions about me or talk to me or have conversations with me. Even if they would include me, it felt like I was on the periphery rather being inside.

I don’t know if it were cultural differences or if it were something I was saying or not saying, but the result was the same, I wasn’t supposed to be there.

• GOD wants me to tell people about HIS SON through my experiences.
• GOD wants me to share HIS wisdom through my circumstances.
• GOD wants me to embrace people who HE sends to me.

I cannot reach every person, nor was I designed to. Quite honestly, there are places that do not want to hear what I have to say.  At one point I used to lose sleep trying to steer cold hearts to CHRIST thinking it was me who was doing the saving.

• If my approach is humble, generous, warm and loving yet not accepted, then it’s time to go.
• If my approach is sincere, gracious and merciful yet not accepted, then it’s time to go.
• If my approach is prayerful, kind, patient and GODLY yet not accepted, then it’s time to go.

I noticed one thing about this passage. The people were “sent” out, not sitting and listening. When GOD sends me out to tell people about HIS SON and it they will not listen then I need to prayerfully leave and take my message to those who are willing to be drawn to HIM.

Notice I said “prayerfully” because I believe it takes discernment, wisdom and patience to understand know when to leave. This isn’t a call to give up on “that” person GOD has in your life, rather if I am sent and not listened to, then I can move on.

• Have you accepted GOD’s calling to “go” and teach others about HIS great news?
• Have you run into a group of very stubborn people who you know in your heart will not listen?
• Are the people you are serving draining you spiritually?
• Is it time to listen to GOD and move on?

JESUS is still supernatural!

Mark 5: ²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, ²⁸ because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

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Growing up in a large city in modern times has made me cynical towards GOD. I have dentist, doctors and medication available to me to make me feel better.  If one of my vital organs stops working I can just go to the supermarket and have the cashier put in a new one. Okay, I know it’s not that simple but you get the picture.

I hear the questions “Is GOD real” or “Does HE still perform miracles” or “Did HE really do all the miracles stated in the Bible?” My answer is a resounding YES!

• Just because I didn’t see GOD do the miracle doesn’t mean it never happened.
• Just because I didn’t witness JESUS’ resurrection doesn’t mean it isn’t significant.
• Just because I don’t understand how and why JESUS makes things out of nothing doesn’t mean HE can’t.

GOD sometimes seems quite random to me when I look at HIM through my sinful eyes. HE heals some and lets others die. Some people get rich while others struggle. Isn’t there a way to control GOD with my prayer to make HIM less random?

• GOD is the most high and does not bow to humans.
• HE is supreme in HIS decisions because all HIS decisions are based on pure, sinless love.
• GOD has a perfect and pure plan that redeems any human who believes in HIS SON.

Trouble will happen while we live on this earth. I will get emotionally and physically hurt someday I will even die. BUT GOD has given me eternal life and healed my soul of the eternal disease called sin. I have seen GOD do supernatural things. That doesn’t make me special, it makes HIM special.

• Do you believe GOD can heal you or “that” person?
• Even if HE doesn’t is HE still GOD to you?
• Can you grow in your excitement toward the most HIGH GOD?

Faith to move forward

Mark 4: ³⁰ Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. ³² Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

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Great Bible heroes actually made me sad when I was younger. Stories taken out of context always painted these people as super great. It seemed like these supernatural things would never happen to me or I would never witness some of the great things GOD has done to get our attention.

One day we went out in a tough neighborhood explaining who CHRIST was to anyone who would hear it. I met a young man who told me he did some terrible things and wanted to be forgiven. GOD’s words were all I needed saying “JESUS forgives any and all of his sins.”

The young man believed and accepted the fact that he did not deserve CHRIST to save him but GOD did it anyway. The young man was now saved from eternal separation from GOD. Two weeks later I went to check on him and found out he had been killed.

• I sometimes put false expectations on GOD.
• I sometimes expect GOD to send fire from heaven when I command it which would serve no purpose than drawing attention to me.
• I sometimes pout and threaten to not serve GOD when I don’t get my way when I pray for something.

Faith is a very strange thing to have. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. In other words I must depend on the fact that GOD knows what is best and my tiny acts of faith will produce a mountain of fruit.

• When things are falling apart, the tiniest bit of faith moves GOD to produce fruit through me.
• When things are tough and everything is going wrong, the tiniest bit of faith enables GOD to turn my pain into joy.
• When things are not as they should be, the tiniest bit of faith allows me to see GOD has a better plan for my life.

No matter what the circumstance, whether the loss of a family member, job or relationship, GOD is there to help me because of the tiny faith I have in HIM.

• Do you have the tiniest faith to continue to move forward?
• Will you use your tiny faith to help someone today?
• Can you believe that GOD will never leave you and HIS plan only needs a tiny bit of faith?

In loving memory of Uncle Vernon.

Who is my family?

Mark 3: ³⁴ Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵ Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

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Arguments ensued as the discussion over my grandmother’s house was the topic. Several uncles and aunts were ready to disown family members, especially those who stepped up and paid for the property. I was caught in the crossfire and I fully understood this passage of scripture.

• Once I accepted CHRIST I joined a new family.
• Once I believed I needed to be rescued by JESUS I joined a new family.
• Once I acknowledged JESUS as GOD who died for my sins I joined a new family.

Over the years I have heard about mothers trying to kill their kids, fathers walking out on families, brothers attacking each other sisters hurling insults at each other. If the hate runs that deep then they aren’t family. 

Personally I have hundreds of sons and daughters who are not my flesh and blood relatives rather they are my relatives through JESUS who unites us. I have several earthly mothers and fathers but we all have one HEAVENLY FATHER.

• Those whom I serve or who serve me are my family.
• Those who sincerely call on the name of the LORD are my family.
• Those admit they are sinners rather than those who pretend to be perfect are my family.

I have family members I have met from all over the world in various races and denominations of worshipping GOD. This is a great family!

• Are you feeling left out of your family?
• Do you need to be accepted?
• Have you tried JESUS and HIS family?
• Are there some in the church who do not act like your family?
• Are you acting like a family member of GOD or are you starting or causing problems?

I “look” better than you.

Mark 2: ¹⁷ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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While listening to the news I heard of many who raped, burned and pillaged our towns. “How dare they” I said from my extremely high horse. “Tsk, tsk, tsk” I thought to myself “I’m pretty good.” I mean I go to church and I’m nice and I’m this and I’m that. My arm got a little tired from patting myself on my back.

• When I compare myself to others I’m actually looking for something to be wrong with them.
• When I compare myself to others I am trying to justify my sinful life.
• When I compare myself to others GOD is not impressed with the comparison.

It seems like I get a little mad at GOD when I compare myself to others. I see people who seem to get their way through lying, cheating and stealing and I seem to struggle when I follow GOD. “What’s the deal GOD” I scream at HIM. “Look at them and look at me! Shouldn’t I be the rich one?”

• GOD wants me to compare myself to JESUS.
• HE wants me to understand my soul is in an unhealthy state.
• GOD wants me to need and want HIM to cure my sinful ailment.

The only way for me to be “cured” is to admit I’m a sinner.  But you say, “I’ve done this before and nothing changed.” My heart needs to be worked over a little more than some I guess. I can get a little haughty and judgmental when things are in my favor and contrite and humble when things go wrong.

GOD wants me to be consistent in my worship of HIM. HE wants me to admit my sins to HIM while showing grace to the multitudes. My only comparison should be with JESUS, when I do that I bow my knees and admit, “I am a sinner.”

• What are you “demanding” from GOD?
• Are you comparing yourself to others?
• Do you think you deserve more?
• Can you spend some time admitting to GOD where your life is right now?

Drop everything and follow GOD right now!

Mark 1: ¹⁶ As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him.

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In my mind there will always be something “better” to do than serve GOD. The game takes hours to watch yet sometimes I don’t allow a few minutes for GOD. In fact I spend an enormous amount time not focusing on GOD. I wonder if there is a better way.

• When it came to school I said, “I need to study and I don’t have time for GOD.” 
• When I got out of school I said, “I have a new job and I have to focus on that and I don’t have time for GOD.”
• When I changed jobs I said, “I’m in another city and I don’t have time for GOD.”

Many times I have placed situations, circumstances, jobs and people in front of GOD. I wonder how HE felt about my decisions.

• GOD loves when I drop everything to worship HIM.
• GOD adores when I think about HIM first before I get too busy.
• GOD is elated when my biggest concern is pleasing HIM.

Whether it is a short prayer before I start my drive or reading one sentence out of the Bible, GOD is pleased when I take time to pay attention to HIM and HIS greatness.  Jobs and humans will come and go, but GOD is the only thing in my life that remains forever.

• Have you thought about how you are following GOD?
• Are you too busy to serve HIM?
• Can you reduce some of you busy life to have a conversation with GOD?
• What do you think HE will say to you?

Adventurous life doesn’t happen when I hide!

Matthew 28: ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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Several times in my life it seems like I have taken a beating. I mean a beating on all fronts, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. During these rough patches I easily get into a rut.

Drained of energy, I easily move with the tide of life. Even the problems become hum-drum. This is when I just feel like hiding from everyone until everything blows over.

• I don’t feel like serving GOD or anyone when I’m feeling low.
• I don’t feel like being cheerful when I have “this” or “that” problem hanging over my head.
• I don’t feel like faking my smile when there are glaring issues in my life.

Issues in my life take my eyes off of GOD.  When I don’t see what HE can do for me then I run and hide from everyone hoping my issues will go away. Unfortunately things just get worse when I do this. The best thing I can do is come out of hiding and focus on JESUS.

• JESUS said “go” not “stay put” because nothing can harm my soul.
• JESUS told me to make disciples of “all” nations not just my own kind, this rids me of prejudice.
• JESUS stated that I should “baptize” or have people publicly declare that HE is LORD of all.
• JESUS articulated my teaching is valuable no matter how much or little I know the Bible.

JESUS has been given “ALL” authority in heaven and on earth and “NOTHING” can stop HIM. HE wants me to have an amazing life and it starts with coming out of hiding and telling all who I know about HIM, HIS FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT. 

I don’t mean teaching in a judgmental, nut-bag way. I mean teaching from a sincere loving graceful way that draws mankind to GOD. When I came out of hiding, I have had the best adventure each day!

• Is your life mundane?
• Are you stuck in a rut of problems?
• Will you grab life’s adventure of serving others for GOD?
• Is GOD calling you to a higher purpose?

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Matthew 27: ⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

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“Unless you execute a great final, you will fail this class” my professor exclaimed to me. I went to my room and I was determined to prove him wrong. I now understood the term “cramming” as I tried to shove an entire semester of learning into a few short nights.

An imprint of the book was on my face as I woke up on the day of the test. I sat down, took the test and got a “C” on the final. Unfortunately that wasn’t enough to bring my grade up and I failed the course. It was too little, too late!

• Life is extremely short and sometimes I don’t pay attention to GOD.
• Life is extremely short and most times I want my sinful way.
• Life is extremely short and there are times I fight with GOD instead of siding with HIM.

Those who murdered JESUS really wanted to see if HE would do something supernatural in front of them. They did not believe HE was GOD who had become a man rather they treated HIM like entertainment for their amusement. In many ways I am like them.

When I don’t believe GOD and I set a false supernatural expectation of HIM that HE won’t do, I am treating HIM like those who murdered HIM. I mean when I say statements like “If YOU are GOD then do X Y Z” I am saying I don’t believe HE “is” GOD and I refuse to follow HIS plan.

• There will come a time when I will die and it will be too late to honor GOD.
• There will come a time when I will pass away and I will realize the times I could have served HIM.
• There will come a time when I will be removed from this earth and I will understand how much time I could have spent serving instead of sinning.

Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is GOD, LORD and SAVIOR of the world. I choose to say this before it is too late.

• Do you believe JESUS can save you from eternal separation from HIM?
• Will you change some of your ways today to serve HIM?
• Can you take a moment out of your busy day to thank HIM for what HE has done for you?

Watch out!

Matthew 26: ⁴¹ “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

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“LORD if YOU would just get me out of this situation, I will never to ‘that’ again” are the empty words I have used several times with GOD.  I said these words to manipulate GOD into not punishing me for the sin I had just done.

• When I lie my SPIRIT cries out yet I lie anyway.
• When I lust my SPIRIT cries out yet I lust anyway.
• When I am lazy my SPIRIT cries out yet I am lazy anyway.
• When I am lost my SPIRIT cries out yet I remain lost anyway.

Temptation to sin is like falling into a sticky gooey substance with dirt and junk blowing around getting stuck to me. No matter how hard I struggle it seems like stuff just stick to me.

• In order to avoid temptation I need to watch where I go.
• In order to avoid sin I need to pray for help.
• In order to avoid the traps laid out before me I need to watch out.
• In order to avoid GOD’s judgment on me I need to pray for HIS forgiveness.

“Watch and Pray” are GOD’s words to clean me up while avoiding the pitfalls of life that I can easily fall into. HE wants me to understand myself and know what tempts me in order to stay away from that thing. HE knows if I were around “that” temptation I would easily fall into the sin.

The best thing for me to do is stay far away from that temptation by “watching” out for it and “praying” for GOD’s strength.

• Are you falling into the same sin over and over?
• Do you feel discouraged that you are doing that sin again?
• Can you believe GOD has forgiven you for all your sins?
• Can you relax your mind enough to replace discouragement with “watching” and “praying?”

Living life with “purpose.”

Matthew 25: ²¹ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

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My supervisor had given me the easiest assignment so I could finish my work in half the allotted time. After doing this a few times I saw an opportunity for me to jump in my car, go home, eat, watch TV and return unnoticed.

“I am going to fire you one day” were the surprising words I heard from my boss’s mouth. “How did he know” ran through my mind. I guess it was the smell of food and half done work that gave me away.

• When no one is looking, GOD is watching me.
• When I have something good and I use it for evil, I come out on bottom.
• When my thoughts are constantly on getting “over” on people rather than helping them, I come out on bottom.

My life should have meaning, purpose, goals, but when I squander my life on selfish gain I lose out on GOD’s wonderful blessings. GOD wants to use my life to do some amazing things and HE requires me to be excited about HIM and HIS SON.

• When I use my talents to tell someone about JESUS, the FATHER gets excited.
• When I use my time to focus on worshipping our LORD and SAVIOR I receive blessings beyond my wildest dreams.
• When I use my treasure to further GOD’s kingdom HE not only sustains me, but HE grows my wealth to share with others.

I am not trying to say I need to work my way into heaven, but when I am obedient to GOD’s leadership I have never been disappointed. Being faithful to GOD has truly been a blessing to me throughout the years.

• What talents has GOD given you?
• Are you using them to grow HIS kingdom or squandering them on selfish gain?
• Will you focus a little of your time on serving someone?

My prayer for you.

Matthew 21: ²² If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

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• You are trying so hard but it feels like things aren’t moving in the right direction.

I pray the LORD gives you peace with HIS plan.

• You want a better relationship with that person.

I pray the LORD opens your heart and floods it with HIS love that draws people to HIM.

• You want to perform well in school or your job.

I pray the LORD blesses you with HIS wisdom that surpasses the knowledge of man.

• You are pushing forward taking a risk trying that new thing.

I pray the LORD pours out HIS faith in your soul so you can face the unknown with courage.

• You have a physical ailment and are feeling discouraged.

I pray the LORD heals your body so that you can proclaim the message of HIS SON.

• You are confused, worried and lost in sin.

I pray the LORD comforts you.

• You feel far away from GOD.

I pray the LORD opens your eyes to the HOLY SPIRIT who is willing to live inside you.

• You are worried about finances, job security or something breaking.

I pray the LORD show you the way to joy so you can watch HIM quiet the storm.

If you believe, then this and much more will be added to you.

All things are possible!

Matthew 19: ²⁵ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

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

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Who can be saved? “What am I being saved from” should be the question. I mean won’t I live a rich life then die and cease to exist? Many people have doubted the “afterlife” especially those who attend church.

• Ignoring the fact that GOD has a SON who died for “all” my sins shows I doubt the afterlife.
• Ignoring the fact that GOD is in control of today’s problems shows I doubt the afterlife.
• Ignoring the fact that GOD has appointed a “specific” day and method for my death shows I doubt the afterlife.
• Ignoring the fact that GOD cursed Satan, demons, the earth and the worldly possessions I crave shows I doubt the afterlife.

I fight, fear and worry over today’s life. In fact, I work hard to stockpile a great amount of wealth so that I can feel secure, thinking this will “save” me. GOD says no amount of wealth can save me so I may as well share the wealth HE has entrusted to me.

• My purpose in life is to have a relationship with GOD.
• My purpose in life is to have a relationship with people who believe in GOD.
• My purpose in life is to have a relationship with people who do not believe in GOD, serving them in hopes that someday they will believe in GOD!

Sometimes I assume people know what I stand for so please allow me to clarify.

• When I mention “GOD” I mean GOD the Father, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.
• When I mention “saved” I mean saved from eternal separation from GOD in Hell.
• When I mention “worldly stuff I’m chasing” I mean homes, cars, TV’s, cellphones, clothes, power, fame, fortune and anything else that takes my eyes off of the “afterlife.”

GOD did an amazing thing by saving me. As many sins as I have committed in my life, HE still looked at my life and died for me. Who can be saved? A person like me.

• Are you fighting for security here on earth?
• Do you believe in GOD’s kingdom?
• Are you still lusting over the world’s possessions or are you hoping others will believe in GOD?

But I’m tired of forgiving “that person!”

Matthew 18: ²¹ Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

 ²² Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

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“Why did you do that?” or “how did you fall into that trap?” or “my way of doing things has worked better than the way you do things” are all thoughts I’ve had of friends, neighbors and even my family. It’s called “deflection” when I show the other person’s flaws to make me look good.

So what does this have to do with forgiveness?

• When I hold another person to a higher standard than I hold myself I am unforgiving.
• When I point out a person’s flaws in order to make myself shine I am unforgiving.
• When I constantly point out the mistakes the person makes I am unforgiving.

People will make mistakes and sometimes they will do it over and over and over.  In fact GOD may have given me a gift or talent that HE has not given “that” person and HE expects me to be merciful when they make a mistake in that area. GOD wants me to make the other person shine.

• Instead of blaming “that” person GOD wants me to pray for them.
• Instead of being right GOD wants me to mature “that” person.
• Instead of getting my way GOD wants me to allow “that” person to make mistakes in order to learn from HIM.

Hey, it’s difficult to let go especially when I have the “right” answer.  “If ‘that’ person would have just done it my way then I wouldn’t have to forgive them for ‘this’ mistake” is an attitude GOD wants me to get rid of. HE would rather me watch the plan crash and burn because I forgave rather than serving justice on “that” person.

“That doesn’t sound fair” you say. Well it isn’t, neither is GOD’s constant forgiveness for my daily sins. GOD has shown that forgiveness isn’t about fairness it’s about showing HIS love.

• Has “that” person made a mistake again?
• Will “they” ever do anything right?
• Can you make “that” person shine instead of tearing them down because of their mistake?
• Can you forgive “them” even though you have forgiven them for this same sin yesterday?
• Is there a sin you need GOD to forgive you of?

Is GOD real to me?

Matthew 16:  ¹⁵ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

 ¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.

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As I packed up the family to go to church I wondered if “they” were growing spiritually. I believe I started an argument about them not reading their Bibles enough or not serving enough. Then that small still voice asked me “what are ‘you’ doing for ME?” 

I tried to pull my list of things I was doing for GOD together, but it was a very sad list. I was busy wanting other people to do what I should have been doing all along namely serving GOD with all my heart.

• When GOD isn’t real to me, I try to take over the plan.
• When GOD isn’t real to me, I try to control the situation.
• When GOD isn’t real to me, I try to justify my actions.
• When GOD isn’t real to me, I act without faith.
• When GOD isn’t real to me, I dream small and complain when “that” doesn’t happen.

JESUS wants me to understand that HE died just for me to forgive my sins so that I can spend eternity with HIM in a pure loving relationship. No barrier, no person, no obstacle can separate me from HIS love. Humans will leave me and disappoint me, BUT GOD will never leave me nor forsake me.

• When GOD is real to me, I can step out of the way and watch HIM work in others’ lives.
• When GOD is real to me, I can trust that HIS plan is the only one worth following.
• When GOD is real to me, I will take time to deliberately worship HIM instead of pushing HIM to the side for other priorities.

With GOD in my heart, I can never be lonely, disappointed, hurt or rejected. HE is always there providing comfort. JESUS went away to build a place for me to spend eternity with HIM. HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside me until that time. HE is with me “always.”

• Who is JESUS to you?
• Do you believe HE died for you?
• Are you feeling lonely or rejected?
• Are you trying to control or change others without first changing you?

Let me judge you!

Matthew 16: ¹² Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

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“Crash, Bang, Ha, Ha, Ha” were the sounds in the hallway before the first day of classes. I went out and said “could you hold it down?” At that moment one of the guys crept up behind me and pulled down my pants!

Later that week we were finished with our classes and wanted to enjoy a little music. As I cranked up the decibels another neighbor, who was not involved in the commotion, asked “could you guys hold it down?” “Who does he think he is? Everyone makes noise, he just has to deal with it.”

• When I judge people I am trying to get things my way.
• When I judge people I have a double standard.
• When I judge people I am saying that you do not meet “my” standards.

It seems like everyone else is stupid when I judge others. I mean, “Why don’t they just do it my way and things will be fine.” “The leaders are smart until they don’t agree with me” is the attitude I worked from BUT GOD thinks differently.

• Every human is loved dearly by GOD.
• Every opposing view from others is not wrong.
• Every thought I have towards another person has to be compared with the compassion of GOD.

It’s real easy to hate others or dislike what they do. In some instances I can clearly justify why I think they are wrong because I “followed the rules.” BUT GOD truly wants me to have compassion on those who do not deserve it.

• Is someone treating you wrong?
• Do you want something bad to happen to them?
• Can you have compassion on them even if they are wrong?
• Will you drop the double standard and treat the person the way GOD wants you to treat them?

Watch your mouth!

Matthew 15: ¹⁰ Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. ¹¹ What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

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Anatomy was the favorite topic of the guys. You would think they were doctors by their bold description of a woman’s body. Some of their jokes became funny to me and soon I joined in on the humor.

After a while I could weave together a tapestry of obscenities that would make a pig blush. I was the center of attention and GOD didn’t like it!

• When my heart has evil in it, my mouth will soon follow.
• When my heart has evil in it, my words will be filthy.
• When my heart has evil in it, my actions will match my words.

Fitting in or following GOD is always the difficult choice. I chose to fit in and wound up on a very lonely road.  When problems arose, the crowd left because I hadn’t served anyone but myself.  How did I get here?

• GOD says plant “whatever is true” in my heart and I will have great results.
• GOD says plant “whatever is noble: in my heart and I will always take the high road.
• GOD says plant “whatever is right” in my heart and my lips will not house lies.
• GOD says plant “whatever is pure” in my heart and my words will honestly be clean.

If garbage goes in my eyes and ears, then that’s what comes out.  The more I hang around the wrong conversations, the more I spit out the filth and poison I’ve planted in my heart. I’ll try to justify by saying all people sin, but GOD wants more. HE wants me to clean up my act and follow HIS ways.

• Are your words filthy?
• Do your words have a touch of poison in them towards “that” person?
• How many times have you complained today?
• Can you stay away from the gossipy, lustful, greedy, complain filled poisonous conversations today?
• Will you speak about GOD’s greatness instead?

GOD wants me to have an “amazing” life!

Matthew 14: ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

 ²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

 ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

   ²⁹ “Come,” he said.

   Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

 ³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

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Hollywood and it’s special effects have always amazed me.  In many instances they have tried to help me visualize GOD and HIS power. They used glass to have an actor walk on water and computer graphics to simulate a bush burning but never being consumed.

Peter actually walked on water and GOD didn’t mind that he asked to do this miraculous thing. In his normal “act first” and think second behavior he was able to do something amazing. I thought about this once and told GOD, “If you are GOD then heal my eyes” because I didn’t want to wear glasses. I’m still wearing glasses!

• GOD doesn’t perform “parlor tricks” for my amusement.
• When GOD performs a miracle it is used specifically to draw the attention to HIM not me.
• GOD can tell when my request is selfish and when I want to use HIS power to make me look good.

I have heard preachers speak about the waves representing life’s worries or Peter’s sinking representing taking your eyes off of JESUS. These are great messages, but Peter “walked on water!” Wow! JESUS didn’t mind at all, in fact HE seemed like HE expected Peter to do this and more.

• With enough faith I too can do supernatural things as long as my faith is in GOD.
• With enough faith I can overcome a GOD sized situation because GOD is with me.
• With enough faith I can ask GOD for something in GOD’s will and it “will” be given to me.

In my life I have seen people healed from deadly diseases without medicine, I have witnessed large amounts of money arriving to people who didn’t know where to turn, I have observed the right person being delivered to the right place at the right time and known it was more than a coincidence! GOD wants me to have an “amazing” life and HE is bigger than what I make HIM!

• Have you made GOD smaller than HE really is?
• Do you believe HE can perform miracles today?
• Will you allow GOD to get “all” the attention if HE performed a miracle in your life?