On the path to destruction

1 Corinthians 3: ¹⁶ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.17 

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Driving down the street minding my own business when that “idiot” wanted to speed up, swerve in front of me and barely miss my car and the truck in front of me. What an “idiot.” Arriving at work I noticed a group of people not doing what they were supposed to be doing. What “lazy” people. When a famous sports figure fell to drugs or adultery I would think, what a “waste.”

• When I think other people are wrong and “I” alone am right then GOD has issues with me.
• When I believe “that” person should be punished and I should be praised then GOD has issues with me.
• When I “those” people have problems and I don’t then GOD has issues with me.

“Wait a minute” you might say. “They are the ones doing the stupid things, why am I involved?” GOD wants me to view each person as another section of HIS temple. There should be no part of the building that I hate.

• GOD sees every person as part of HIS temple so I should treat everyone special.
• GOD does not want to see any person destroyed because HIS temple is sacred.
• GOD wants me to treat HIS temple as being sacred so I must treat everyone, even my enemies, with the thoughtfulness of GOD.

Yeah, I thought this verse was about staying away from sex, drugs and rock and roll, but I missed the words “you together are that temple.” This statement means I have to drop my prejudice, hatred and selfishness and replace them with love, peace and generosity. GOD will destroy the divisive. HE wants me to build HIS kingdom up instead of tearing it down.

• Are you trying to tear someone down?
• Are you tired of “those” people?
• Can you hear GOD asking you to stop looking at their problems and help them?
• Do you realize that no one wins unless all of us win?

Am I led by the SPIRIT?

1 Corinthians 2: ¹² What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

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When speaking about the HOLY SPIRIT I sometimes feel like a nut.  I mean can I really tell others that I actually hear something that tells me what to do without sounding crazy? Well, let me tell you, the HOLY SPIRIT tells me stuff to do all the time, sometimes I listen.

• When I’m tempted to sin the HOLY SPIRIT warns me against the sin.
• When I want to be mad at that person, the HOLY SPIRIT says forgive just like you were forgiven.
• When I want to treat myself to something nice, the HOLY SPIRIT says give that extra cash to someone in need.

The problem I have with the HOLY SPIRIT is I want to do what I want to do and most times I don’t want to listen to HIM. HE is always going to tell me to do something I don’t want to do, yet when I listen to HIM my heart is filled.

• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT, I never go wrong.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT, it’s scary at first then I realize later I’m on the best path.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT, I do things I normally would not do but it furthers the kingdom.

I have seen people burn down buildings or kill their families saying GOD told them to do it. Now to me that’s crazy. The HOLT SPIRIT says to me “Be compassionate to your enemy” or “Go serve when you don’t feel like serving” or “Give even when you feel nervous about giving.” None of these items are news worthy but I can tell you, each time I obey, I understand GOD a little more.

• Are you led by the HOLY SPIRIT or are you doing what you want to do?
• What are you doing to step out on GOD’s faith?
• What part of GOD’s kingdom is HE nagging you about?
• Is there someplace or someone GOD is telling you to serve and you are ignoring it?
• Won’t you listen to the HOLY SPIIT today and obey HIM?

I’d rather be foolish

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written:

   “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

   the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

 ²⁰ Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

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Technology is a difficult field to field to preach the gospel to.  I mean exact sciences look for answers in exact locations and GOD just hasn’t been in the places scientists look. I started to question GOD’s existence. I mean why the invisibility? Why the silence? Why the lack of aroma or taste? And most of all why hasn’t HE touched me?

• GOD is visible in all of creation so if I open my eyes I could see HIM every day.
• GOD speaks to me daily through HIS Bible, people and circumstances so if I open my ears I could hear HIM.
• GOD spreads the smell of sacrifice throughout the earth so if I would take a whiff I could smell danger to dodge, fear to fight and success that saves.
• GOD gives HIS message freely so if I would speak about HIS SON I could taste the sweetness of HIS love.
• GOD reaches out to me daily so if I would reach out and hug that person who is in despair, give to someone in need or pick up the person who has fallen I would feel HIM.

My five senses have been cursed to deteriorate. My spiritual senses need to grow in order to relate to GOD in the way HE wants me to.  My senses will play tricks on me causing me to lose faith, BUT GOD wants me to simply believe without seeing. HE wants my faith to be based on more than faulty senses. HE wants me to believe in HIM alone.

• Are you trying to rationalize GOD out of your life?
• Are you trying to figure GOD out so you can manipulate HIM?
• Won’t you open your eyes and ears to GOD today and watch HIM do HIS wonders?
• Can’t you believe GOD is everywhere, knows everything, and is all powerful?

I have all I need to succeed!

1 Corinthians 1: ⁷ Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸ He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Sometimes I think GOD gets disappointed with my actions and HE corrects me to be “good” by punishment.  Well I don’t have all my thoughts worked out on how accountable I should be regarding my sinful actions, but this verse truly is uplifting.

• GOD gave me spiritual gifts to be used until JESUS returns.
• GOD is protecting me so I can remain firm to the end.
• GOD has forgiven me so that I will be blameless when JESUS returns.
• GOD is faithful so all these promises are written in stone and I can firmly believe HE will do just what HE said.

There is no guess work when it comes to GOD.  HE gets thoroughly excited when I follow HIS ways and speak about HIS SON.  HE wipes away my discouragement and gets me to focus on HIM rather than circumstances. There is no issue too great for HIM and HE owns everything I am trying to acquire.

GOD is faithful. HE will never leave me and HE loves me dearly.

• Do you know GOD loves you?
• I mean do you really know HE loves you?
• Won’t you drop your guard and watch HIM work in your life?
• Can you share your spiritual gifts with others today and help someone understand GOD’s ways?

Can my success get in the way?

Romans 16: ¹⁷ I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸ For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

¹⁹ Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

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Becoming “polished” was a goal of mine after being turned down for yet another promotion. I attended as many leadership and public speaking classes that I could find but I still got no results.  One of the “successful” people said to me “You see things too personally, loosen up your standards and you will go higher in the company.”

I tried it and he was right. All I had to do was “lower my quality standards” and increase my delivery rate. I then learned how to cover our mistakes by smooth talk and flattering words. I was now polished but at what cost?

• Human success may cause me to drop my standards with GOD.
• Human success may cause me to divide instead of unify.
• Human success may cause me to buy into a cover-up rather than admitting fault.

Success was something I tried to attain at all costs. I mean I would rather leave my family by the wayside and become successful than following what GOD would want for me.  I figured the success would make things better. I quickly found out the smooth talk doesn’t work on my family.

GOD wants me to sincerely serve and not “flatter” people into HIS kingdom. HE wants me to be wise about HIS ways and innocent about evil and corruption. No cover-ups, just full disclosure. HE wants me to be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.

• Are you trying to be successful at all costs?
• Have your morals decreased and your standards regarding GOD decreased?
• Have you bought into “smooth talk” and “flattery” and left GOD to pursue your success?
• Do you realize it is not too late to turn your face back to GOD’s ways?

Watered down messages

Romans 15: ²⁰It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

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There are some great authors out there who write about their experiences with GOD, some I agree with and some I don’t. I have tried the techniques they prescribe to spread the gospel and failed miserably. What I found is I took their message without full understanding and watered it down.

• When I view someone else as being responsible for spreading the gospel, I don’t prepare.
• When I think someone else is better at spreading the gospel than I am, I don’t seek to spread the gospel.
• When I feel there are some religious practices that I don’t know or understand, I feel inadequate to spread the gospel.

Sometimes I hear preachers tell their congregations, “Just bring people here and I’ll do the rest.” While that takes the ownership from me I think GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to seek people who are open to hear about HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to be ready, willing and able to tell people about JESUS at the drop of a hat.
• GOD wants me to believe it’s my responsibility to tell as many people about JESUS as possible.

Paul was tired of fighting “religion” and simply wanted people to believe in JESUS.  What I mean is he wanted people to believe JESUS is GOD along with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS volunteered to die for every human’s sin and has been raised from the dead. The great news about this act of love is now I can be with HIM forever. My sins are forgiven.

It is my responsibility to fill the world with GOD’s message, not my pastor or radio personality or television personality. GOD has equipped me with just the right words to reach the people HE delivers to me.

• Are you anxious to tell people about CHRIST?
• Do you have ambitions of spreading GOD’s message to those who are lost and confused?
• Won’t you open yourself up to opening your mouth and telling people about HIM today?

My prayer for you

Romans 15: ¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Since GOD owns “hope” I truly hope you put your trust in HIM today.

Since GOD owns “joy” I truly hope you focus on HIM instead of your circumstance today.

Since GOD owns “peace” I truly hope for an overabundance of peace so you can tell people about HIS SON.

When I focus on me I get quite worried. I have doubt and fears. When I focus on GOD who holds what I need, I receive hope, joy and peace.

Thank you for “always” being with me LORD. Amen

I want hope

Romans 15: ⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

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Towards the end of a track meet I wanted to give up. I was tired of running. Towards the end of school I wanted to give up.  It seemed like I had been in school forever and I was tired of learning. Towards the end of a major project I wanted to give up and just crawl into some hole and watch the world pass by for a while.

• Life will have difficult moments that I must endure.
• Life will have tough situations that I must go “through” not around.
• Life will have extreme circumstances that sometimes make me want to “give up.”

Every once in a while I survey the horizon of my life and see holes, land mines and snipers in my way. Where did all these obstacles come from?  I mean at one point in my life it was smooth sailing. GOD knows I will face challenges and HE has made provisions for my safety.

• GOD knows I will face difficult circumstances so HE sent the COMFORTER to help me.
• GOD knows I will face trials and I will want to give up so HE gave me HIS promise that HE would be with me always.

There is not a single problem that GOD is not aware of.  HE knows every circumstance and has listed similar circumstances in the Bible. When I go back and see how other people felt like giving up and how GOD rescued them at the right time, it gives me hope.

I see the extreme situations people endured and it makes my circumstance seem smaller. GOD brought them through and HE will do the same for me. HIS promises give me hope.

• Are you going through a trial?
• Are you facing a difficult circumstance?
• Do you realize there is nothing more powerful than GOD and HE knows your circumstance?
• Will you place your trust in HIM?

I’m trying to trip you up.

Romans 14: ¹³ Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

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When I feel someone has wronged me I place a grudge in their way.  I mean even if they try to apologize reconciliatory actions have to be proven to me in order for me to believe they are sincere before I can move forward. I’m right aren’t I?

• GOD does not want any barriers to HIS kingdom especially how I treat people.
• GOD does not want me to judge others so they can be free to come to HIS thrown.
• GOD does not want the way I dress, eat, sing or dance to cause someone to stumble so they can be drawn to HIM.

Selfishly I want people to treat me a certain way. When they act out of the ordinary I push back and come out swinging.  This is an obstacle to hearing GOD’s great news from me.  I should know, ask my family.

• GOD desires that I show humility so others can see HIM in me.
• GOD desires I drop my judgment so others can be drawn to HIM.
• GOD desires me to go and serve people instead of making wars with them.

No matter how I am treated, GOD wants me to make peace and show love. Judgment can be an obstacle to HIS love.

• Are you putting things in the way of someone who is trying to reconcile with you?
• Are you holding a grudge that could patch up your relationship?
• Can you let go of the situation and let GOD do HIS work?

Leave them room to grow

Romans 14: ¹Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. ² One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.

³ The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. ⁴ Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

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Wow what a great dream I was having. As I slept I noticed music playing and people began talking. When I woke up I finally came to my senses. I was in church and had missed the sermon. Well, glad that’s over, now it’s time to have some fun. I jumped in my parents’ car with anticipation of going home.

• From the outside other people look like a mess to me.
• From the outside people aren’t treating GOD like “I” think they should treat HIM.
• From the outside I see some folk’s effort and think to myself “Come on, you have got to be kidding about your service to the LORD.”

I love the statement GOD said directly to me “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” In other words how can I judge the person HE put in place?  GOD is the one people serve, not me. HE is so gracious that HE looks at the slightest bit of service as if it were a royal coronation.

GOD wants sincere service and when I try to make people serve the way I serve, I take their eyes off of HIM and place them on me. I’m not saying I shouldn’t teach people more so I shouldn’t expect people to follow my every move.

• GOD has enjoys their worship and forgives me for doubting what they do.
• GOD has accepts them and HE even accepts me.
• GOD has made them stand and HE even stands me up.

The key to helping others is to seek GOD myself. I don’t have to look over at what others are doing rather I must serve GOD fully as HE has instructed me.

• Are you judging how someone is or isn’t serving GOD?
• Do you think you have “more faith” than “that” person?
• Are you willing to let GOD work HIS plan for “that” person?
• Can you focus on your own faith to see if it is sincere in GOD’s eyes?

Wrong way signs

Romans 13: ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

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Everyone was drinking and I held my ground “not” to do the same. It felt good for a while but after the seventeenth meeting under the same conditions I felt I should loosen up.  I mean everyone is doing it and I wanted a promotion. No, I didn’t dive into drinking but I jumped in on the drunken conversations.

With sober mind I listened to the flirtatious words and silly sophomoric jokes about body parts. “Hmm” I thought to myself. “Who would know?” as I joined in.

• There is nothing I can hide from GOD.
• Sometimes I treat GOD as a being who doesn’t see what I do.
• Many times I ignore the fact that GOD wants me to maintain self-control and I go the “wrong way.”

Knowing what GOD wants was something I tried to avoid because then I could do what I wanted without consequence. It’s called “plausible denial.” BUT GOD wants so much more from me.  HE wants me to learn of HIS ways so I can act like HIM in the “night” just like I do in the “day.”

What I mean is can you imagine me talking about body parts and flirting in front of my wife, kids, parents or in church? Well I can’t. So why do it when no one who would actually care isn’t around?

• GOD forgives me for lust but somehow a blessing is blocked here on Earth.
• GOD throws my sin away from me as far as the east is from the west but somehow the consequence of my actions still linger.
• GOD saved me eternally by dying for my sins but somehow my sins get in the way of HIS full use of me here on Earth.

Feeding my lusts, acting jealous, desiring more and more of stuff and less and less of GOD doesn’t take me away from GOD but somehow my usefulness diminishes.  Yes I will see heaven but that is no longer a goal to shoot for.  In order to be used fully of GOD, HE wants me to be open, honest and true to HIS ways. HE wants me to go the “right way.”

• What lifestyle are you living?
• Are you trying to do things your way instead of following GOD’s way?
• What are you hiding?
• Can you turn your life over to HIM little by little?

Respecting Leaders

Romans 13: ¹Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

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Death number two had come within the span of one year and while everyone mourned, I could see people positioning themselves to take on their responsibilities. When the new CEO was announced the ripple effect throughout the company was greatly felt. I got a new boss and I really did not like this guy.

“How can we take this guy down?” wasn’t said but it showed in our actions.

• When I disrespect leaders I am really trying to escalate my opinion.
• When I drag my feet trying to create inertia I am actually trying to make the leader fail.
• When I complain about the leader I complain about GOD’s decision.

Sometimes the leader who was placed above me wasn’t as talented or moral as the last but they were placed over me for a reason.  My responsibility to that leader is to make them look as good as possible while continuing to maintain my integrity.

• I can still have ambition to become a leader, but until GOD raises me up I should serve with fervor.
• I can still desire to have a boss who thinks like me, but until GOD delivers that person I should learn to work with a person who has a different opinion.
• I can still like to have the work done towards my standards, but until GOD changes everyone’s mind I should work with the consensus of the group.

Politics, jobs, school teams and households all have leaders who don’t do their jobs well. GOD has placed people in authority as HE saw fit and these people require my full respect as an act of worship to GOD. HE will hold the person HE puts in place accountable.

• Are you balking about a new boss or political figure?
• Can you use the words you think and say about “that” person on yourself?
• Are your actions honorable towards “that” person?
• Will you continue to do your best even if “that” person is difficult?

Bad Bosses and Bullies

Romans 12: ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

   “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Over the years I have had some great bosses and some not so great bosses. One in particular was always snooping around my desk when I was out of the office.  I had no idea what he was looking for so I planted some bad ideas and false information. He used this information and got in trouble. It felt good until I was dragged into the mess.

Maybe I should have just communicated with him in the first place.

• I will continue to run into bosses, peers and employees who don’t have my best interest in mind.
• I will continue to run into people who will do anything to get their way.
• I will continue to run into those who will take me down just for the fun of it.

I got tired of being bullied and decided to fight back and during each battle someone lost. Being a fighter is what I had become and that’s not where GOD wanted me to be.

• “Vengeance is mine” says GOD because HE doesn’t want anyone to harm me or them.
• “I will repay” say GOD because HE wants to give the oppressor ample opportunity to change their ways.
• “Feed your enemy” says GOD because HE wants to show HIS mercy to all.
• “Give your enemy something to drink” says GOD because HIS grace is complete so serve a complete meal, drinks included.

Well, I didn’t read that I should “feel” like doing all of the above, it just says do it.  The more I serve my enemies the better I become at serving from the heart. GOD’s message to me is “put evil in its place by doing what is right.”

• Is someone bullying you?
• Do you seek revenge on “that” person?
• Can you “leave room for GOD’s wrath?”
• Will you let GOD’s vengeance fall on that person while you show him or her love?
• Can you find it within yourself to do what is right in GOD’s eyes instead of doing what feels good?

How to settle an argument

Romans 12: ⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

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Disagreements can happen with love but where do arguments fall? I mean when I argue with my family I feel no one wins.  After a while I can become so good at arguing that the point of companionship is missed. Am I missing something?

• It’s alright to disagree but I lose when “I win.”
• It’s alright to have a different opinion but when my opinion overshadows my relationship I lose.
• It’s alright to get upset at times but when my anger is directed at the people I’m supposed to love nobody wins.

“Love must be sincere” is a statement that just eats at my stony heart. I mean what about “me?” Don’t I have a say in the argument? Well GOD says a lot about how to handle disagreements.

• GOD tells me to “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” so I have to examine myself.
• GOD says to me “Be devoted to one another in love” which causes me to pick and choose my battles.
• GOD tells me to “Honor one another above yourselves” so I have to learn another person’s way.
• GOD says to me “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the LORD.”
• GOD tell me to be patient, faithful, prayerful, generous and hospitable so I will be too busy acting like HIM to even notice the dispute.

This is a difficult list for me to follow. I get cranky, selfish and argumentative. GOD says “Take it a day at a time and watch MY results.”

• Are you at odds with someone?
• Does it seem like your relationship is disintegrating?
• Can you follow what GOD is telling you to do?
• Won’t you try at least one thing HE is telling you?

GOD made you special.

Romans 12:  ³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

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Confidence and competence could breed arrogance at least that’s where I wound up at times. When I first began working I struggled to understand what a corporation was. With GOD’s help I became one of the best programmers but soon I forgot about HIM and thought I did it myself.

I got another job and felt oppressed. With GOD’s help I was able to rise and shine but soon I forgot about HIM and forgot to serve HIM with the same fervor as my job. I mean HE put me there, at the top, HE will understand if I just focus on work, I have a lot of responsibility!

• Titles given to me mean nothing to GOD.
• Levels only mean something to humans not to GOD.
• Responsibility at work is a distraction when I forget about GOD.

Sometimes I think it’s where I graduated from or the profession I chose or maybe it’s my boyish charm that caused me to rise. GOD says “none of the above.” In fact all those things got in the way of me truly seeing GOD at work.

• GOD raises me up and tears me down for HIS purpose.
• GOD is the one who is responsible for putting me places so my arrogance should go away.
• GOD gave me my faith so I have nothing to boast about.

Whatever I have, whenever I got it, GOD is responsible for everything. HE gave me a certain level of faith to be used for HIS purposes.  Sometimes I use that faith for my own personal gain which can be a waste of HIS resources. GOD wants me to accept the heights HE will take me and tell everyone it is HIM who raises people up. I did not make me special, GOD did!

• Are you good at you job and think you are better than “that” person?
• Do you feel you deserve to get that promotion?
• Have you asked GOD is that where HE wants you to be?
• Are you wasting your faith on your own personal gain or are you serving because you love GOD?

Too busy for GOD

Romans 12: ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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Peering at my watch, I only had minutes to catch the next plane. I knew I would make it as I had become a business airport sprinter. I passed hundreds of people not seeing one of them. As I sat on the plane I slept until they announced it was alright to turn on electronics.

I broke out my laptop and began working, never seeing the people next to me. All I knew is I was on my way to “that” promotion. Months later I was passed over for the promotion. I wondered why GOD wasn’t speaking to me!

• Ignoring people is like ignoring GOD.
• Ignoring people makes me just like “the world.”
• Ignoring people creates selfishness in me that blocks me from hearing GOD’s will.

Many times I have heard preachers tell me this scripture is about sex and they are absolutely correct but there is more to it. When my body is in close proximity to another body something special is supposed to happen.  I am supposed to listen to orders from the HOLY SPIRIT to see what I am supposed to do.

• Instead of conforming to the world I should listen to GOD and treat people differently.
• Instead of conforming to the world I should sacrifice some “me” time and please GOD.
• Instead of conforming to the world I should pay attention to the mercy GOD has shown me and show mercy to others.

Rejection will come with the territory.  I mean when I try to speak to “that” person about GOD’s mercy, they may not accept what I’m saying right then and there.  I should listen to GOD every step of the way to determine if my actions, tone or demeanor is getting in the way of this person hearing GOD’s message of mercy.  I should be a living sacrifice to GOD.

• Are you having a difficult time hearing GOD?
• Are you too busy to hear HIM?
• Have you taken a moment to ask HIM what HE wants to do for your life?
• Have you given up on GOD?
• Can you sacrifice some of your busy time to focus on GOD today?

How cool is GOD?

Romans 11: ³³ Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

   How unsearchable his judgments,

   and his paths beyond tracing out!

³⁴ “Who has known the mind of the Lord?

   Or who has been his counselor?”

³⁵ “Who has ever given to God,

   that God should repay them?”

³⁶ For from him and through him and for him are all things.

   To him be the glory forever! Amen.

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Where did all this stuff come from? I mean the Earth, humans, planets, stars and that blade of grass over there. Most times I just walk past all the stuff around me not even noticing its splendor or how it got there or why it’s there. I drive past people, hills, streams and animals trying to listen to voice mail or making that phone call.  Am I not listening to GOD?

• I miss out on seeing GOD when I can’t even notice HIS creation.
• I miss out on seeing GOD when I focus on my worries.
• I miss out on seeing GOD when I get distracted about a circumstance or situation.

Just stopping and pondering GOD is quite an amazing thing. I don’t want to sound all fluffy but trying to conceive HIM is quite fantastic.  HE has always been around, made everything just by speaking it into existence and knew all about it before HE made it.

• GOD is all knowing.
• GOD is everywhere.
• GOD is the owner of all I have.
• GOD is.

Once I realize that all I have including my phone, or computer or socks and my cup of coffee, are HIS, I can release any dreadful thoughts over what happens to them.  HE can do with my body and stuff as HE sees fit.  The great thing about allowing GOD to “own me” instead of me fighting to do things my way is “I can’t lose because GOD always wins!”

• Have you pondered GOD’s power today?
• Will you take a moment to notice GOD’s creation today?
• Won’t you take time to think about what HE has done in your life?

Grace taken for granted

Romans 11: ²²Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.

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After many difficult experiences, I finally saw GOD at work in my life. HE had brought me through difficult times time and time again. After the difficult times I began to relax.  I mean during the storm I prayed a little longer, served people better and attempted to walk the straight and narrow.

When times were not so difficult I found my prayer time shrinking, my service diminishing and my thoughts about GOD dissipating. “HE won’t mind if I sin this time, I mean HE forgave me for all my sins right?” Well yes but…

• When I think I can freely sin without consequence, I am not on GOD’s path.
• When I believe I can get away with hidden sin, I am not following GOD.
• When I try to get my way more than GOD’s way, I am set for failure.

Grace is a very strange thing, I can’t get more of it nor can I demand it. I have to be pardoned by the one who is just which means I should know what I’ve done wrong in the first place and accept the fact that I deserve consequence for my actions. GOD’s grace covers all my sins but I can reject HIS grace and become demanding which is a very dangerous place to be.

• GOD’s supreme nature is something I should never take for granted otherwise I will become demanding of HIM.
• GOD’s gift of grace is something I should never take for granted otherwise I will be a useless tool that HE will break or throw away.
• GOD’s gift of mercy is something I should never take for granted otherwise I may end up with wrath instead of love.

Fearing GOD is the beginning of wisdom. HE grants grace to whom HE pleases. I can never think GOD won’t or shouldn’t allow the consequence of my sin to go unnoticed. Yes HE threw my sin as far as east is from the west, yet HE said my sins will be made known to “everyone.”

I should not take GOD’s grace for “granted!”

• Are you living a lifestyle that is pleasing to GOD?
• Are you putting any effort into a relationship with HIM?
• Are you trying to get your way?
• Can you let go of your way and ask GOD what does HE want you to do?

LORD please open my eyes.

Romans 11: ⁸ as it is written:

   “God gave them a spirit of stupor,

   eyes that could not see

   and ears that could not hear,

to this very day.”

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After being someplace that I shouldn’t have been it was time for me to leave. “You shouldn’t have been here” was the thought that crossed my mind but it was too late. I looked around for my car keys and for the life of me, I couldn’t find them.  I looked high and low, still no keys.

Where could those keys be? As I reached to scratch my head I hit myself in the face with “my keys!” I was carrying them with me the entire time!

• Sin has a way of blinding me to the truths of GOD.
• Sin has a way of closing my ears to what HE is trying to tell me.
• Sin has a way of distracting me from seeing GOD and hearing GOD on a daily basis.

The more I do things “my” way the less I see GOD.  In fact I start doubting that GOD is working in other folk’s lives. I point out their hypocrisy not looking at my own. After a while my sin becomes so regular that GOD is only a distant concept. What can help me?

• Asking GOD to open my eyes helps me see the sin in me and the GOD in others.
• Asking GOD to open my ears helps me hear HIM tell me to forgive the person I want to persecute.
• Asking GOD to open my eyes helps me see the person in need I would have normally, selfishly passed up.
• Asking GOD to open my ears helps hear the cry for compassion from those who don’t look or act like me.

GOD will either soften or harden my heart.  The thing that makes me nervous is the fact that HE could help me walk away from HIM. I thank HIM for opening my eyes and ears.

• Are your eyes closed to your own sin?
• Are your ears closed to correction?
• Do you doubt your usefulness to GOD because of some sin or age or physical condition?
• Won’t you release your heart to GOD to soften it instead of hardening it?

HE found me!

Romans 10: ²⁰ And Isaiah boldly says,

 

   “I was found by those who did not seek me;

   I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”

 

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Despondent was the feeling I had coming into work that day. After three sets of interviews I soon found out this large company I really wanted to work at was facing its first layoff in their history. “I guess I will be stuck here” I thought to myself.

 

After a couple of weeks I actually felt better and accepted my destiny of living in the small town and working for the company I was trying to leave. Out of the blue I received a phone call. “We have been looking for you” says the recruiter. You mean they were actually looking for me?

 

• In the middle of my troubles I fail to seek GOD.
• In the center of my sin I turn my back on the one who can help, namely GOD.
• In the inception of my doubts I never look towards GOD.

 

Isaiah spoke about JESUS and stated “HE found me when I didn’t seek HIM.” JESUS is constantly looking for those who are open to HIS love.  HE wants those who are rejected, despondent, lonely and in despair.

 

Only HE can repair the heart HE created because HE knows every aspect of my life.  HE knows every thought, every struggle, and every pain. HE revealed HIMSELF to me but I didn’t fully grasp HIS wealth or power. In fact years later I am still trying to understand HIM.

 

• GOD does not seek my perfection because HE is already perfect.
• GOD does not seek my sinless life because HE died after walking the earth sinless.
• GOD does not seek my righteousness because only HE is righteous.

 

JESUS simply wants me. HE loves me and knows me. There is nothing I can hide from HIM. I owe my eternal life to HIM and that’s what makes me bold.

• Do you think your acts of righteousness will get you into heaven?
• Are you judging someone for what they are doing or not doing?
• Are you feeling rejected, lonely or full of despair?
• Can you allow JESUS to repair your heart and stop seeking the wrong things to fill the void?

These three words

Romans 10: ⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

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We had just returned from our tour of the city and at that moment I knew she was “the one.” Looking at her beauty inside and out made me finally say these three words… “I love you!” Wow, that was great! I finally professed a desire to have a super special relationship with the love of my life.

• I can declare a special relationship to humans easier than I can declare a relationship to JESUS.
• I can tell everyone about loving someone easier than I can tell someone I love JESUS.
• I can speak about my love for a human and not feel embarrassed but hide my relationship with JESUS.

When I’m in a group of people who are doing some things that are not of GOD but looks “fun” I want to join in.  I mean everyone over there is laughing and it seems like they don’t have a care in the world, meanwhile I’m over here struggling to follow JESUS.  Is HE even listening to me?

• The three words GOD wants to hear from me are “JESUS is LORD!”
• The three words that GOD adores me to say publicly are “JESUS IS LORD!”
• The three words that are very difficult to say to those I have “sinned” with are “JESUS is LORD!”

When I say “JESUS is LORD” out loud, with people watching something strange happens. They start watching me. People want to see if I will really try to follow HIS ways and they want to see if oceans will part in front of me. Well I haven’t seen oceans part in front of me but I can tell you HE truly is LORD.

My advice to those watching me is to take their eyes off of me and put them on the one who deserves to be watched, namely JESUS.  I sin, HE never sinned. HE is the only one who can declare me righteous as soon as I call on HIS name. I now have no shame to say “JESUS IS LORD!”

• Can you open up your mouth right now and say “JESUS is LORD!?”
• Does it feel weird saying “JESUS is LORD” out loud?
• Can you get more practice saying “JESUS is LORD” especially around those you sin with?
• Can you look “that” person in the face and say “JESUS is LORD” without being embarrassed?