Don’t give up!

1 Corinthians 15: ⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

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 It was rainy and cold and it seemed like we would never get home. Finally the bus came but most of the seats were wet because the windows were open so we stood up on this leg of the ride. We got a bright idea that if we walked to the beginning of the line on the transfer of the next bus then we would be guaranteed a seat thus getting the rest we anxiously dreamt of.

The rain seemed to come down harder and as we walked our spirits were dampened. Finally after arriving at the beginning of the next leg of our trip, a bus drove through a large puddle drenching us from head to toe. “I give up” I thought to myself!

• I feel like giving up when life doesn’t quite go my way.
• I feel like giving up when life proves to be a bit more difficult than expected.
• I feel like giving up when I look at “what is” versus seeing “what can be.”

GOD tells me to “stand firm” because HE knows life will not be easy. Once HE placed HIS judgment on the earth for the sin of one man, HE could not revoke it. The decree was life would be difficult and even HIS only SON was not spared from its challenges. GOD decided to die in my place to make things better and take on the punishment that HE decreed for me.

• GOD says “Stand firm” when life gets tough.
• GOD says “Stand firm” when I face trials and troubles.
• GOD says “Stand firm” when I am at the end of my rope and cannot find a way out of my bind.

“Let nothing move you” is the message that tells me to “always” follow what GOD is saying. Whether it is a message of “peace” or “persecution” I should listen to GOD and follow HIS lead.

• Are you waiting for some relief?
• Are you tired of holding your breath and want to “exhale?”
• Can you give you trial and trouble to GOD?
• Are you willing to hang in as long as it takes for GOD to handle the situation the way HE wants to?

What is important?

1 Corinthians 15: ³ For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.4 5 

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Awake, worried about the test I finally arose and studied. Awake, worried about the presentation I finally arose and prepared. Awake, worried about my family I finally arose and paced the house to clear my thoughts. How much time have I spent distracted?

• I spend way too much time worried about the future I cannot control.
• I spend way too much time thinking about what “if” instead of thinking about what “is.”
• I spend way too much time trying to make sense out of the senseless.

When I get shaken or beat up by the world I panic and try to develop a plan to fix everything. All the while I have missed the main point of my existence namely CHRIST.

• CHRIST is more important than anything I can worry about.
• CHRIST is more important than anything I can aspire to achieve.
• CHRIST is more important than anything I can hope to have.

Sometimes I make the mistake and think JESUS is only for my death. I mean I mistakenly think HIS only purpose is to save me from Hell and only focuses on heaven, but what about now? JESUS died for my sins and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live with me daily. Each and every day I can consult with GOD to understand where to go and how to get there.

HE isn’t just the GOD of the future, HE is the GOD of the past and present as well. HE brings me peace today and has great plans for my future. HE is what I should focus on as being important.

• What are you worried about?
• Are you focused on what is not important?
• Can you believe GOD has a great plan specifically made for you?
• Will you believe HE is not trying to harm you but help you?

Disorganized and confused

1 Corinthians 14: ³³ For God is not a God of disorder but of peace —as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

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Rumors spread rapidly about who was going to become the next CEO when the one, at that time, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. We were already reorganizing as a company but this just threw everything into a tailspin.

No work was done that week because everyone speculated our next move. To tell you the truth, I didn’t sleep much during this confusion.

• When I try to see into the future I get confused and that is not from GOD.
• When I feel disorganized and too many people are weighing in I lose my peace and can’t function well.
• When I am in the middle of political factions and power struggles it’s hard for me to find my direction.

“GOD is not a GOD of disorder.” HE does not scramble up my day in an effort to mess with me.  In fact it is usually my perception of how things are going that messes up my day.  It’s how I choose to see the “mess” that makes things disorganized.

• If I expect things to go wrong yet remain optimistic then GOD will grant me peace.
• If I can release what I expect and know GOD has it handled then HE will grant me peace.
• If I slow down or even stop for a moment and ask GOD for help then HE will grant me peace.

“GOD is not a GOD of disorder” BUT HE is a GOD of peace. HE leads me beside still waters HE restores my soul. HE wants me to give HIM my worries, doubts and fears. HE wants me to stop using my power so HIS strength can shine. The bigger the problem the more I need HIS power.

• Are you confused?
• Do you feel problems, troubles and pressure from all sides?
• Can you take some time to stop and listen to GOD?
• Will you listen to some of HIS promises that state HE has a wonderful plan for you?

In Loving Memory of Robert Washington

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

In Loving memory of Robert Washington

Trying too hard to be “special”

1 Corinthians 14: ²⁰ Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

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Once I was told that “If I believed enough then GOD would wake me up without an alarm clock.” I wanted to believe in GOD more so I “put HIM to the test.” I slept so well that night. In fact I overslept by a lot! “I must not be special” I thought to myself.

• Thinking I’m not special is actually childish.
• Thinking I’m not special causes me to seek accolades from humans.
• Thinking I’m not special makes me want to feel special by the wrong people.

When GOD made me, HE made me special. No one can do what I do or reach who I will reach. I don’t have to be jealous of someone else’s gifts or talents because HE gave me my own.  There are those who can speak in multiple languages to tell people about CHIRST but I am not gifted that way. I am thankful they exist because I can’t do what they do.

• Instead of wanting to be someone else I should want to understand how special GOD has made me.
• Instead of desiring someone’s gifts and talents I should discover what special things GOD has in store for me.
• Instead of wishing I was special I should believe I am special because GOD made me.

Spiritual gifts are nothing to envy but should be desired. The more gifts I possess the more I can spread GOD’s word. But I should not try “too hard” to be viewed as special otherwise I will forget to spread HIS “unpopular” messages and seek a crowd instead of telling the truth.

When it comes to GOD, I should grow up. When it comes to evil I should remain an infant.

• Do you believe you are special?
• Are you seeking GOD or are you seeking attention?
• Can you believe you are already special in HIS eyes?
• Won’t you begin seeking HIM instead of seeking the spotlight?

GOD’s definition of love

1 Corinthians 13: ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.5 6 7 

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Is “Love” a feeling or an action? This thought crossed my mind as I read the passage so I did a “Love inventory” and found my shelves to be empty. I mean I enjoy “feeling” loved when GOD dishes out these things to me, but am I showing others the same? Probably not.

• Let me check my inventory:
• Patience, I have slim to none.
• Kindness, I could use a lot of work here.
• Envy, I have plenty of that.
• Boasting, I’m the best!
• Pride, check out my awards.
• Dishonor others, just cross me and see.
• Self-seeking, check out my lust list.
• Not easily angered, these words made me mad!
• Keeps no record of wrongs, I remember everything and they will pay!
• Does not delight in evil, and I was waiting for my enemy’s demise.
• Rejoices in truth, except when the truth is about me.
• Always protects, I throw people under the bus.
• Always trusts, I’m quite suspicious.
• Always hopes, I get nervous.
• Always perseveres, I give up!

When I look at what GOD expects me to show others I get quite embarrassed. On a good day, I may show two or three of these qualities. HE always shows HIS love for me and uses this list consistently.  HE wants others not to reject this list and turn towards HIM.

HE forgives and takes my sin and throws it away. HE has been extremely patient with me and always protects me, always is faithful, always delivers and always perseveres through difficulty. GOD loves me and wants me to show love to others.

• Have you taken a “Love inventory?”
• Do you think your “provision” or “intellect” or “financial status” is showing GOD’s love?
• Can you recalibrate your love to add more of HIS type of love?
• Can you forgive yourself long enough to show others this type of love?

I need “you”

1 Corinthians 12: ¹⁵ Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.
^18 .But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be

¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

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Do it yourself shows are a favorite of mine because I can learn how things are made and pick up a few tricks. To save a few bucks I think I can do anything until I actually start the project and quickly realize I’m in trouble.

I wind up getting an expert who costs twice as much as my original estimate because they have to repair what I broke. I still wonder how I made it home when I tried to repair my own brakes!

• None of us is as good as “all of us.”
• I may think my talents are great until I try to do everything.
• I sometimes have to admit I need “that” person.

GOD made me incomplete.  Yes I am complete in my relationship with HIM but HE made me need other people. I must recognize their GOD given talents and experiences and welcome their help instead of complaining to GOD that I am not made a certain way.

• I should thank GOD for other people because HE made them just as they are.
• I should thank GOD for different opinions because GOD lovers variety.
• I should thank GOD for diverse thought because my thinking can be faulty.

The words “I need you” should pour out of my mouth on a regular basis because I can’t do it all. I must appreciate those who provide the help.

• Do you think other people are better than you because of their title?
• Can you examine yourself to see why you think a position in the church is greater than another?
• Won’t you put your trust in GOD who loves a wide variety of people?

Appreciate Others

1 Corinthians 12: ⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ^{6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.}

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“I’ll just do it myself!” are the words I find myself using when someone isn’t meeting my standard.  I mean instead of having it done “wrong” I’d rather do it myself. Then I got extremely busy and someone volunteered to do something for me. They did it their way and not mine and it actually turned out fine.

• It’s arrogant for me to think everyone should have my gifts.
• It’s arrogant for me to not recognize the gifts GOD has given others.
• It’s arrogant for me to think my gifts and talents are complete and that I don’t need others.

GOD has given “everyone” gifts and talents to be used for HIS purpose. When HE made “that” person HE was just as excited as when HE made me. I should not look down on what others are doing for the LORD rather I should appreciate each task they do.

• Thank GOD HE made other people see things different than I do otherwise there would be no variety.
• Thank GOD HE gave others talents different than mine because I am incomplete without them.
• Thank GOD HE bestowed gifts on others so I can recognize I have no means to brag or boast.

Appreciating differences takes practice and patience. When I want to run fast and this person wants to walk slowly I should recognize their talent for moving at the pace GOD gave them. In other words GOD says “it’s all good to ME.” It’s easy to recognize differences in the way things are done but GOD wants me to “appreciate” rather than “frustrate.”

• Are you focused on what someone is doing wrong?
• Can you appreciate the differences they bring to the table?
• Do you see you are incomplete and need “that” person’s help?
• Won’t you seek a different opinion that is opposite yours instead of trying to validate your opinion?
• Can you see the talents GOD has given others?

A special meal

1 Corinthians 11: ²³ For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, ^{24 “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”}and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ^{25 “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”}In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ²⁶ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

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For years I wondered “why should I eat the “LORD’s supper?” I mean isn’t it just eating and drinking? Then I realized GOD wants me to recognize a few things about HIM and myself.

• GOD wants me to remember JESUS’ sacrifice for the sins I commit daily.
• GOD wants me to remember JESUS was the only human who never sinned.
• GOD wants me to remember JESUS needs to be praised all the way until HE returns.

Before I take this sacred meal I should examine myself. I actually should remember that I’m not “all that” and confess my sins to GOD and move on knowing HE has forgiven my sins. This is not an act of trying to account for every sin because I don’t believe I will remember every one.

• I eat this meal to worship the SON.
• I eat this meal to remember how and why I am saved.
• I eat this meal to examine myself while prayerfully asking to get back on the right path with GOD.

This meal should never be taken lightly and I should revere the time I spend with the LORD. HE just wants to be remembered because in my busy schedule I would definitely forget.

• When is the last time you worshipped GOD outside of going to church?
• Are you taking some special time between you and HIM?
• Have you examined yourself instead of examining others lately?
• Won’t you take a moment to talk to the LORD about what you have done?

Unity rather than liberation

1 Corinthians 1: ¹¹ Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. ¹² For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

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Sorry, I do not have a person example today but lately I have noticed a “ripping away” from one another. The movement is subtle and deemed necessary. We have more “men’s” and “women’s” groups sprouting and it seems like we are trying to run towards people who speak our language and understand us better.

• Usually when I’m with a men’s group it’s not a subset of a larger group.
• Usually when I’m with a men’s group we have no goal of unifying our thoughts with the women and children.
• Usually when I’m with a men’s group I participate without accountability to a women’s group.

Paul is trying his best to tell us that everyone is important in GOD’s eyes. The balance is in CHRIST and life is not meant to be working in separate groups where I “feel” better. GOD wants us to work towards unity so I can show others how we love.  HE wants a person to observe my love for others for a specific purpose.

• Whether I show independent or dependent love for others I am being watched.
• When I put people in large categories it doesn’t show love for the individual.
• When I believe a person is not capable because they are in a large category then I am not showing GOD’s love.

Yes men and women are different but together we form a bond as an act of worship to GOD in order to draw people to HIM.

• Are you seeking unity?
• Are you looking to bring together large groups rather than retreating to splinters of humans?
• Are you seeking more “power” as a reason for joining a group?
• Won’t you try to unify groups for GOD’s purpose?

I am weak when I think I’m strong

1 Corinthians 10: ¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

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Hard work and innovation wasn’t enough to be in “the club.” I mean I had delivered some fantastic things for the company; shouldn’t I be promoted based on merit? I was careful with my budget, growing people and deriving new ways to grow but “the club” was elusive.

I went out with “the club” and they started talking about women’s body parts. “Is this my entry into the club? Maybe I should join in!” was the tempting thought that popped into my head.

I was finally in “the club” but at what cost?

• When I think I got it together is when I am the weakest.
• When I believe nothing can touch me is when I will be attacked.
• When I look at my achievements instead of my pitfalls I open myself up to temptation.

There is always a way out of temptation but are my desires blocking the exit door? Temptation doesn’t seem to come straight at me rather it lurks behind some other desire. Temptation also doesn’t seem to attack me when I can truly see I need GOD.

• GOD will always make a way out of temptation no matter how many times I fall.
• GOD gets excited when I get back up and follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to understand I need HIM instead of depending on my strength.

Every human has and will be tempted.  JESUS was tempted in more ways than I can even imagine. Being the all-powerful GOD yet remaining subject to human insults showed incredible restraint that only JESUS could perform.  HE did not fall to temptation to flex rather HE went to HIS execution for me. That is real strength.

• Do you think you have it together?
• Are you focused on your own accolades?
• Are you ready for today’s temptations?
• Will you let GOD be your strength instead of depending on yourself?

What prize are you seeking?

1 Corinthians 9: ²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

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Our church did a challenge where they put some extreme ideas on cards and placed them in a basket. Each person selected one and was supposed to pray about actually doing the thing that was on the card. I thought this was a way for the church to get me to do some sort of service so I accepted the challenge. I reached in and pulled my card and it said “Run a marathon.”

Now I’m training for a marathon. It takes hours of preparation and mental fortitude. I wonder if I should apply any of this to how I serve others.

• I work hard at “work” only to receive a little more money.
• I work hard at “play” to perfect my golf or bowling movements only to receive satisfaction.
• I work hard at “training” for the marathon and I only hope to finish the race.

I spend a lot of time working and scheduling relaxation time and doing many things in life that will only get me a prize that will “not last.” All the money I have earned, the house, clothes and cars I bought, and the trophies and knick knacks I have achieved will one day be thrown away.

I’m not saying not to strive for perfection nor am I saying that it’s not worth the effort to achieve things. I am saying GOD wants me to focus on HIM being the greatest prize that I can seek. I should seek HIM now, not later. Many times I put GOD on hold while I achieve what I set out to achieve. HE wants me to stop my busy schedule and make time for HIM.

• Do you seek GOD’s rewards more than you seek human awards?
• Are you busy trying to get the approval of humans rather than serving people the way GOD wants you to serve them?
• Won’t you serve a person who is thirsty, a cup of GOD’s water today?

My strength may be my weakness

1 Corinthians 8: ⁹ Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?10 

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Some songs I listen to have catchy beats but their words are not always edifying to GOD. Some shows I watch have content that is not pleasing to GOD. We could argue about the pros and cons of isolating myself from these things but my concern is am I causing someone else to stumble by what I listen to or watch?

• When I do something that people may abstain from out of knowledge that I am forgiven I may be causing someone to stumble.
• When eat during a period of other folks fasting I may be causing someone to stumble.
• When I wave meat in front of a vegetarian I may be causing someone to stumble.

I never realized my actions may affect someone else. I mean aren’t they responsible for their own actions? GOD wants me to be aware that while I am forgiven and have freedom from my sins I should be careful to exercise my freedom around those who do not understand how free I am indeed.

• GOD wants me to appreciate the way someone is worshipping rather than being critical of their ways.
• GOD wants me to enjoy the various ways people see what HE is doing in their lives rather than pushing how I want them to see HIM.
• GOD wants me to be an example because actions speak louder than words.

Remaining calm in the storm, remaining faithful in darkness, remaining strong in the face of weakness is what GOD has called me to do but if my strength gets in the way of someone seeing GOD then I must prayerfully try to reduce myself and increase the person who is stumbling. In other words I have to do everything in my power to help them see GOD and not see me.

• Are you in the way of someone seeing GOD?
• Are your rules getting in the way of those who can’t seem to follow rules?
• Can you allow “that” person to grow in GOD their way and not your way?

Keep your mind on GOD as much as possible

1 Corinthians 7: ³² I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs —how he can please the Lord. ³³ But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— ³⁴ and his interests are divided.

An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.

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Sitting in church my mind wandered thinking about the laundry list of things I had to do that week. Something around the house needed repair, banking needed to be done, and the large project I was working on required attention. As I tuned back in the singer was singing something about GOD or something then my mind went back to my list. It was hard to focus that day.

• The worlds list seems to distract me.
• The worlds list seems to get longer and longer each day and there is always something for me to do.
• The worlds list seems to add pressure for me to achieve rather than serve.

I don’t believe Paul was against marriage rather he was “for” following CHRIST as much as possible.  He realized that GOD is the most important being in our lives and that’s where I should spend the bulk of my time. Marriage is great but it comes with distractions away from GOD.

• I should spend as much time with the LORD as I possibly can.
• I should see time is short and my contribution to the world should be on growing GOD’s kingdom.
• I should make time for my family after I have made time for the LORD.

As much time as I can spend without worrying about life I should be thinking about GOD. I know it’s difficult not to let life get in the way BUT GOD has called me to talk to HIM, serve HIM, laugh with HIM and be with HIM daily.

• Are you distracted away from GOD?
• Can you remove your distractions for a moment and pay attention to what GOD is saying to you?
• Will you take time to just “be” with GOD today?

A slave to work

1 Corinthians 7: ²³ You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. ²⁴ Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

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After a few months I realized this boss would be difficult to work with.  I usually absorb my bosses language and mannerisms the more I work with them but this time I noticed I couldn’t get to that comfortable state. His style was belligerent and harsh.  While I could stand toe to toe with him, I just didn’t feel like I should treat others that way but I considered it. “Maybe I was too soft”, I thought to myself.

• It is very tempting to conform to something outside of GOD because of my desire for power.
• It is very tempting to desire earthly status over GODLY status.
• It is very tempting to achieve wealth at any costs even if it means letting go of GOD.

Many times I get envious of the rich, powerful and successful. It seems like the people who seem like they could care less about GOD get the most out of life.  They seem to live lavish lives while I struggle to make ends meet. Should I become like them?

• GOD says to me “Do not become like this world.”
• GOD says to me “Follow ME and I will protect you.”
• GOD says to me “Work like you are working for ME and I will protect and provide for you.”

When I go to work and serve people like I’m serving GOD then my envy dissipates. I would be too busy focusing on what GOD wants me to be rather than trying to mimic people I don’t want to become. GOD gets excited when I remain “responsible” to HIM.

• Are you trying to become something outside of what GOD has made you?
• Do you feel like you are living two lives?
• Can you give up more and more of your life to GOD?

Married folks work it out.

1 Corinthians 7: ¹⁰ To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.11 

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Seven O’clock was approaching rapidly and the guests would arrive soon.  The dimmer switch I had neglected to install was just sitting there.  “I know… I’ll install it now” I brilliantly said to myself!

I mean it would only take a few minutes. Meanwhile, my wife was busy cleaning and preparing for guests to come over. When a wire broke I had a sinking feeling this five minute effort would extend into a much longer venture. It did!

Marriage is not easy but it’s worth it. Marriage isn’t easy BUT it’s worth it. Yes I said that twice. Two personalities coming together to form one is usually met with turbulence and we were not immune. I can only speak for my half of my marriage. I brought baggage that needed to be unpacked.

• A reason GOD loves marriage is it makes me make concessions instead of going full force on my own faulty direction.
• A reason GOD loves marriage is it models a relationship I have with HIM.
• A reason GOD loves marriage is it shows me the need to bring others along rather than being a lone superstar.

Paul told single people he would rather they remain single so they could serve the LORD intently.  I understand but I view marriage as a blessed institution that I should be focused on GOD with similar intensity.

• Problems develop when I am not focused on GOD’s way of doing marriage.
• Problems pop up when I think “I’m all that” instead of being humble in marriage.
• Problems seep in when I focus on issues rather than GOD in marriage.

One thing I’ve learned to ask while being married is “LORD how do you want things to go?” Every time I’ve asked that question, HE has answered with LOVE.

• Are you fighting in your marriage?
• Can you take time to stop and work it out?
• Can you view marriage as GOD’s rather than yours?
• If you are single can you serve GOD intently without looking to be married?

Bragging about sin

1 Corinthians 5: ⁶ Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.7 8 

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“They’ll never know that I took the key” I said to myself. We’ll have our fun, clean up and no one will be wise to our antics. Since I was the office clerk I had access to all the keys in the dorm. This went on for a while and soon I got sloppy and began to brag about how much fun we were having.

The news spread and soon we had too many people for our little hide away. Complaints surfaced and I had caused problems. My explanation was, “We were only trying to have a ‘little’ fun!”

• When I’m acting opposite of GOD’s ways I want a crowd to make me feel good.
• When I’m doing things GOD would not appreciate I want others to say I’m doing well.
• When I’m thinking GOD won’t mind what I do I seek accolades from people involved in the same sin I’m doing.

GOD wants me to examine myself and “get rid of the old yeast” or stop trying to hang with the ways of this world.  It’s tough to go against the tide and the world is asking me to let go of things sacred to GOD.  The world wants me to be greedy, lustful, sensual, and power hungry always seeking the finer things in life.

All of the items I mentioned are like little pieces of “yeast” that rises in the dough of my soul causing me to go deeper and deeper into sin. Soon I woke up questioning GOD, questioning HIS power and I was headed down the path of questioning HIS existence. Fortunately for me, HE had a better plan than the destructive one I wanted.

• Is there some “little” sin you are bragging about perhaps on some social network?
• Are you telling the girls or the guys about your escapades?
• Can you ask yourself if your actions or words are pleasing to GOD?
• Can you back off of “that” sin at least once today for GOD?

Talk is cheap

1 Corinthians 4: ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

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“Thief” was the only word I could think when it came to the sneaky boss who poked around my desk. “I bet I could be a better boss than that” I said to myself. “Slow” was the word that came to my mind when I watched the marathon runner cross the finish line over an hour after the last runner had come in. “I could probably beat that guy” I said to myself.

“Crazy” was the word I had labeled my parents as I snuck around or lied to them.  “I bet I would be better parents than them” I said to myself. Now that I have tried all of these, I take my words back!

• It’s easy to criticize others when I don’t have to walk in their shoes.
• It’s easy to complain about what others are doing when I don’t have to be responsible for what they do.
• It’s easy to point a finger at someone else when there is no consequence to my accusation.

“Talk is cheap” is an expression that means “prove that you can do it.” In many instances I thought my wits were enough to accomplish anything, but when I tried I realized the thing was a lot harder than I thought. Even living for GOD seems to prove more difficult than I mentioned to other people. I criticized others for what they were doing and hid what I was doing.

• GOD doesn’t want me to just talk about HIS kingdom HE wants me to live it.
• GOD doesn’t want me to just talk about HIS kingdom HE wants me to point my life to HIM so others will follow.
• GOD doesn’t want me to just talk about HIS kingdom HE wants me to actively pursue it.

Faith without works is dead. If I say I have faith and hide when the going gets tough then my “talk is cheap.” If I claim to follow CHRIST but treat others with disdain then maybe I’m not quite living as GOD would intend. GOD’s kingdom is powerful! Nothing can stop it, no power can come up against it.

• Are you criticizing what someone else is doing wrong yet you have not examined yourself?
• Have you said you will do something and have not done it yet?
• Do you procrastinate and put off “that” project?
• Won’t you stop talking and start doing things for CHRIST?