Every prayer is heard

Revelation 8: ³ Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. 

============

After reading this passage of scripture, it makes me want to change my prayers.  I mean some of my conversations with GOD are full of complaints of how things are not going the way “I” want them to. I wonder if I need to change my perspective on prayer.

• GOD is sovereign which means HE has the highest authority over me and my wishes.
• GOD is all knowing which means HE knows when I am requesting something harmful that I think is innocent.
• GOD is everywhere which means HE knows about the person who wants to harm me as well as those who will provide relief.
• GOD is all powerful which means HE is far more than a wish granter rather HE is a “will” maker.
• GOD is all seeing which means HE sees right through my plans.

My prayers need to praise GOD while petitioning HIM to change the situation. JESUS showed many times that HE was moved by the difficult circumstances humans face. Somehow my prayer translates to faith in the one who can do something about the situation. My prayers should not be wasted on complaints rather they should point to GOD’s majesty.

• How do you speak to GOD?
• Are you treating HIM as a common human or as GOD?
• Can you praise GOD in the middle of your circumstance?

Why I persist

Revelation 7: ¹⁶ ‘Never again will they hunger;

never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
¹⁷ For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

============

I have to admit, I absolutely love the promises of GOD.  Since I have built in self-preservation, I wonder about where my meals will come from and will I remain sheltered.  Even when I stock pile cash for retirement, it’s all for eating and living comfortably.

• GOD promises I will never have to worry about being hungry.
• GOD promises I will never have to worry about being thirsty.
• GOD promises I will never have to worry about shelter from the elements.
• GOD promises I will never have to worry and HE will wipe every tear from my eyes.

I love these promises and I live for these promises. CHRIST does not build HIS kingdom here on Earth; rather HIS kingdom is in Heaven and will be inhabited by those who remain faithful to the belief in the SON.

Eating, drinking and living in shelter only bring temporary satisfaction and I will worry about them tomorrow, but GOD’s kingdom is eternal and I will never have to worry again.  This is where I place my faith and why I persist.

• Are you focused only on today?
• Do you believe GOD is concerned about you here on Earth as well as eternally?
• Can you split your focus on today as well as helping to build GOD’s kingdom by telling others about the gift the SON gave us?

How much longer?

Revelation 5: ⁹ When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. ¹⁰ They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”

¹¹ Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.

============

We traveled by car to go on “vacation” and the scenery was not appealing and it wasn’t really a vacation. We were headed to some relative and it was going to take a million hours to get there! “How much longer” I would ask only to be met with “relax, we’ll get there.”

This impatience spread to other parts of my life. When will I graduate? When will I get promoted? When will I get married? When Will I get a new job? When will this problem ever end? LORD, how much longer was my question.

• When I’m in pain I cannot see the destination, only my present location.
• When I’m challenged I’m blinded to my journey because it felt like I was standing still.
• When I’m feeling lost I think everything around me is lost as well because I can’t see the big picture.

One false expectation I have is I can make a sliver of heaven here on this cursed planet.  If I could just get the right amount of cash and if people would just act right and if my stuff would just last and if my health would just be good enough then I will believe GOD has HIS hand in it.

GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “no matter how difficult the road, stay on the path.”
• GOD says to me “ you've come this far by faith, no turning back.”
• GOD says to me “I have a white robe for you, which means your sins are forgiven.”

When life is filled with desperation GOD is calm and still because HE knows HIS great plan for me cannot be disturbed. In this dystopian society GOD is my focus.

• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Are you ready for “this” to be finished?
• Can you focus on GOD who holds the beginning and end of your situation?
• In the middle of your situation can you reach out to GOD to gain strength to help others?

Purpose

Revelation 5: ² And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” ³ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.

⁴ Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. ⁵ But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

============

Scrawny, scraggly, and scared described me well. It seemed like everyone else “fit” and I didn't.  I mean my quirkiness and rough appearance did not draw a crowd.  I wondered “what good was I.” Do I even have a purpose? JESUS had a purpose.

• I’m not sure of the timing but I wonder if the scrolls were made when Satan wanted to be GOD.
• I’m not sure of the decree BUT GOD must have said only a sinless person can open the scroll.
• I’m not sure what was at stake BUT GOD placed HIS trust in HIS SON.

The scrolls written here are the judgments GOD has on the Earth and Satan. Only a sinless human could open the scrolls. JESUS volunteered to become that sinless human. I have no idea what HE gave up but HE sacrificed HIMSELF for me.

Satan thought he could prevent the scrolls from being opened so he tempted the first humans and ruined all of humanity. BUT JESUS was different. HE was born as a human through the SPIRIT and has no sin in HIM. HE is the only one worthy to open the scroll.

Now what does this have to do with me?  HIS salvation has given me purpose. Just as JESUS entire life had purpose to save humanity, HE has given me purpose to reach at least one person with my life if not more.  HE wants me to tell people they don’t have to work hard for their salvation because JESUS already took care of that.

Place your trust in HIM and that’s all you need!

• Are you wandering through life without a purpose?
• Do you believe GOD made you special with tasks that can only be completed by you?
• Can you follow JESUS’ lead and live your life with purpose?
• Do you understand GOD wants you to rest and let HIM take care of things?

HE is definitely worthy!

Revelation 4: ¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord our God,

    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

============

GOD is worthy to receive glory from me which puts HIM highest in my life and I revere HIM in wonder.

GOD is worthy to receive honor from me which puts HIS name as the one with authority in my life accepting HIS integrity and knowing HIS quality is highest.

GOD is worthy to leverage HIS power in my life for only HE has power over all forces and actions.

GOD has always existed, still exists and will always exist.

GOD created everything and they only exist because HE wanted it to exist and was pleased by what HE made.

GOD has no evil in HIM only pure love.

By understanding GOD a little more maybe I should translate the fact that everything I have is HIS. Every bite of food I take, HE provided. Everything I accomplish, HE ordained.

GOD is definitely worthy!

I need to go shopping!

Revelation 3: ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

============

“There, how does that fit?” the sales clerk asked. “Perfect” was my answer to my new tailored suit. After spending thirty minutes picking out the perfect tie I was now ready to show off my new garments. After wearing the suit twice I noticed a thread coming loose. Even worse I had a snag in my new silk tie. The suit looked old and I hadn't worn it much. I better find a new place to shop!

• Castles, cars and coins rust and deteriorate yet I still crave them.
• Clothes, caps and capes show others I’m successful but they cannot hide my sin from GOD.
• Cruises, champagne, and concierge made me feel special but blinded me to the hurt that was all around me.

Many say “there is nothing wrong with having stuff as long as stuff doesn't have you.” But I find it difficult to have stuff and not let the stuff have me. I mean if I purchase a car it has to be paid for and maintained, same with a house or a gadget.

Also, I did convince myself I deserved a first class vacation because of my neglect to my family by working all the time. When something went wrong I didn't have the words of CHRIST rather I threatened to take my “money” elsewhere. I wonder if I was blind.

• GOD says “buy from ME gold refined in the fire” because it is free of impurities and reflects HIS very nature, this way my wealth is in people not items that can break.
• GOD says “buy white clothes from me” which is the garment of confession, truth, wisdom and purity all of which HE uses to cleanse my unrighteousness.
• GOD says “buy slave to put on your eyes, so you can see” this way I will no longer be blind to how my sin is hurting me and others and I won’t pass by someone in need.

GOD wants me to visit HIS store instead of lusting over the things of this world. I haven’t figured out a way to not let “things have me” but I do realize focusing on GOD brings me legitimate wealth.

• Are you struggling to keep your stuff?
• Do you find yourself wanting more stuff or the latest gadget or the best garments?
• Can you let go of the stuff for a moment and help someone?
• Won’t you seek GOD’s heart and be wealthy HIS way?

Curiously walk right through the door

Revelation 3: ⁸ I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

============

Trembling, I sat in the waiting area ready to meet the group of executives and reviewing my background in my mind. When they brought me in I felt at ease and we had a good conversation until they asked me “that” question. “How do you feel about downsizing half the staff here?” “Rotten” was the answer. Immediately I saw the door shut and that opportunity went away.

• Sometimes I build up expectations in my mind and I get slammed down to earth with reality.
• Sometimes I want something so bad only to find I can’t have it and I get disappointed.
• Sometimes I try for the prize only to realize my efforts weren't good enough.

Disappointment places a fork in the road for me. Either I am going to become “discouraged” which will lead to me not listening to GOD or I will choose to be “curious” which leads to life. Of course GOD wants me to choose the latter of the two.

• When I am curious about GOD I seek what HE is all about.
• When I am curious about GOD I look for HIS desires.
• When I am curious about GOD I search for HIS people, HIS ways, HIS situations no matter how much strength I have.

JESUS said “I am the door.” HE also said “What I open no one can shut and what I shut no one can open.” HE has opened the door for me so many times and all I had to do was walk through it. HE shuts the door on my evil desires and opens the door to a path that leads to life.

GOD knows me. HE knows what little strength I have and HE is pleased with my pitiful efforts to serve HIM. HE places the door in front of me and HE wants me to be curious enough to walk through it. My curiosity of HIM grows my faith.

• Have you already made up your mind that GOD can’t use you?
• Is your heart so filled with stone that you cannot follow HIM anymore?
• Are you still curious about HIS ways or do you think you know it all?
• Won’t you seek HIS new adventure or are you convinced you are at the end of the road?

What have you done for ME lately?

Revelation 3: ² Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. ³ Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.

============

Remember when we used to lift some heavy weights we asked each other.  One friend responded “Yeah, I used to be a monster.”  I responded, “Yeah, but do you have any rehab exercises now, my shoulder hurts!” It seemed like our glory days are way in the past. I wonder if I feel like my best “service to the LORD” days are behind me too.

• Sometimes I look back on the things GOD had me do and I think I’m still doing them.
• Sometimes I try to remember how the SPIRIT moved me instead of letting the SPIRIT move me.
• Sometimes I reminisce on my glory days of serving the LORD and think HE can no longer use me.

“I remember when” are the words that came to mind when it came to looking at my service to the LORD.  I don’t mean “when is the last time I went to church” I mean when is the last time I had fire in me that just jumped out of me? When is the last time I couldn't hold my tongue and I could not help doing something bold for CHRIST?

Sadly my service had boiled down to mere rhetoric. What should I do?

• JESUS says “Wake up!” Stop looking at others and start looking inside.
• JESUS says “Strengthen what little remains” by loving others and serving boldly without feeling defeated!
• JESUS says “Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly” revisiting when I first began my walk with HIM and stop doubting HIS love!
• JESUS says “Repent and turn to ME again” and stop looking at the news and current circumstances and watch MY power!

In my mind I had become a superhero because of the things I had done in the past. This gave me license to judge others, BUT GOD asks me a difficult question; “Do you still love ME?” “Yes” I said sheepishly. “Then feed my lambs” HE says to me calmly wanting me to focus on HIM and not anything else.

• Are you feeling like you are barely holding on to the LORD?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Are you living your life contrary to how GOD wants you to live?
• Can you turn to HIM today and recognize HE will always love you even until the end of this age?

I want a new name

Revelation 2: ¹⁷ Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

============

Hey “goggles” someone called me.  Hi “professor” others quipped. I’ve also been called some named that I won’t repeat but I know this was their attempt to label me with a derogatory name. Soon I found myself giving people nicknames.  I wonder if they were positive.

• GOD has a new name for me that is special.
• GOD has a new name for me that is only between me and HIM.
• GOD has a new name for me that defines my new purpose and being.

My parents chose a name that was pleasing to them. I like it but my name doesn’t define my life’s purpose of serving others. My name doesn’t describe how I’m supposed to relate to others or what relationship with GOD I’m supposed to hold.

GOD will put my new name in white stone to make it crystal clear to everyone who sees it. Only HIM and I will understand it’s true meaning because it’s a special gift to me. No one will be envious of my name because they will have their own name on their own stone.

• What is your name?
• Is your name negative right now?
• Can you make a new name for yourself by following GOD?
• Won’t you change your name today by modifying your actions, thoughts and worship? 

I know how you feel

Revelation 2: ⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

============

My parents had given me five dollars to go to the amusement park. Somewhere between here and there I lost my money. I cried and cried because my possibilities of having a fun day turned out to be disastrous.

Now as I look back on this incident I find it humorous. I mean I have traveled to other countries and have seen people who wonder where their next meal is going to come from. How in the world can the poor be rich?

• When I think I am poor I am usually blinded by my ambitions rather than GOD’s blessings.
• When I think I am afflicted I am focused on the ailment or the wound rather than GOD’s sovereignty.
• When I think I am finished I have given up too quickly because my faith in GOD has waned.

There are some situations that are more difficult than others but each time I look back on them I realize GOD was there watching over me. I can’t lie and say I felt this way during the trial, but after I have gone through it I felt stronger.

• GOD says “I know your afflictions” so HE knows when my body is sick or hurt.
• GOD says “I know your poverty” so HE knows when I worry about finances.
• GOD says “Yet you are rich!” so HIS view of being rich is thoroughly different than mine.

Being “rich” is having a large “bank account” of people. The more people I help, the larger my account grows. My account grows even larger when I can help others praise GOD even when I am going through a very tumultuous time. GOD says “I know” which means HE has understands the trial is difficult but HE has it in control and will not let it destroy my soul.

GOD’s plan is sovereign and full of love. Though trials appear my faith in GOD grows.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Are you feeling nervous about your finances?
• Do you believe GOD knows what you are going through?
• Can you stop listening to what “they” are saying about you and focus on how GOD made you perfect for HIS purpose?

Persevere – Keep Going – Don’t Stop!

Revelation 2: ² I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

============

Challenges seemed to be easy for me years ago.  I once stayed at work for 36 hours straight to meet a deadline. Now it seems like challenges want to get the best of me.  I entered a marathon and it seemed like every practice run, no matter how short, was a chance to give up.

I also run a small business and there are days when the challenges mount and I want to give up. Is there any way to remain fueled?

• When a challenge gets put in front of me then it seems like more challenges pile on.
• When an obstacle gets put in my way it seems like my plans fall apart.
• When a situation occurs it seems like GOD doesn't care and HE is only concerned with the after-life, not “my life.”

GOD knew this life would be challenging for me before HE made the world.  HE knew I would need salvation yet HE created me anyway. Please don’t misunderstand, GOD is pure love and wants the best for me and HE also knows this life is going to be difficult.

• When mankind sinned, GOD cursed the Earth, space and everything I can see or touch.
• When mankind sinned, it broke my relationship with GOD and now I need a savior.
• When mankind sinned, it made life difficult and many times I want to give up.

BUT GOD knows my deeds! GOD knows how difficult this life can be and HE wants me to persevere! HE says keep going, do not quit, do not spot! HE says “I know your deeds” and just knowing that HE knows fills me up. HE expects me to not grow weary because HE is my fuel.

With GOD on my side, how can I fail? HE is the source of strength for anyone who wants to keep going.

• Are you getting tired?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Won’t you stop trying under your own might and ask GOD what HE wants for you?
• Can you pursue your dreams while including GOD?
• Won’t you stop your complaints for a moment to see HIS blessings?

Don’t be afraid!

Revelation 1: ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

============

Sometimes I get worried and think “my” situation is “my” situation. I pout and whine and plan and wince and I stay right in the same place, staring at my circumstance. Who can save me?

• GOD said “Don’t be afraid” because there is no circumstance greater than HIS might
• GOD said “I am the living one” which means I can help you right now and tomorrow.
• GOD said “I am alive forever and ever!” so have no fear about what I say today because MY promises can never be broken.

Since JESUS is the FIRST and the LAST, there is no decree or law or situation that can go outside of HIS rule. HE says HE is love and HE means it. My life here on Earth is just as precious as my life after the Earth passes away.

HE speaks to me and says “Do not be afraid.” Even though GOD is almighty and I sin, HE has incredible restraint and somehow translates my broken relationship with HIM into something that is mended and useful.

GOD is the great “I am” so I do not have to be afraid!

• What are you afraid of?
• Can you give your circumstance over to GOD?
• Won’t you surrender your sins to HIM as well?

Who is HE?

Revelation 1: ⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

============

Sometimes I just ponder what and “who” GOD is. I have no story or situation I can relate to HIS being.

The FATHER is GOD

JESUS is GOD

The HOLY SPIRIT is GOD

They never act alone but are in agreement with one another therefore “they” can be referred to as HE and the plural is “GOD”, not “gods” for they are one.

They always exist and have always existed and will always exist.

They are all powerful, all knowing and all seeing.

JESUS speaks to us by saying “I am” for HE is the one who became a human and died for my sins. Every sin I have ever committed is erased. HE was murdered by people who attended church but did not believe “in” the church. Yet HE stands. HE forgives. HE blesses.

GOD has all authority.

GOD has all power.

GOD has all glory.

I think I will place my faith in HIM today. Won’t you?

See, I told you so!

Jude 1: ²² Be merciful to those who doubt

============

Sitting in front of the professor I heard the words of doom come from his lips. “Unless you write an excellent final, you will fail this course.” He then followed with these words “Why don’t you consider changing professions.”

That’s all I needed to hear! His words seemed to fuel rage and anger that drove me to outperform many in the industry. What was that professor’s name? Maybe I’ll go back to the university and gloat in his face.

• Just because someone doubts me, doesn't mean their doubt is true.
• Just because someone doubts me, doesn't mean I should treat them differently.
• Just because someone doubts me, doesn't mean my abilities are broken.

There have been many situations in which I have proven people wrong about their doubts in my abilities and skills. I threw the “I told you so” in their face and gloated exponentially. What did it get me? I made an enemy rather than winning over the doubter. I wonder what went wrong.

• GOD wants me to show mercy on people who doubt me and especially who doubt HIM.
• GOD wants me to show grace on people who seem to be going their own way and leaving HIM.
• GOD wants me to show love to people who are difficult to love in hopes that one day they will trade rejection of CHRIST for HIS love.

I have a tendency to distance myself from doubters. I mean they really drag me down. BUT GOD wants me to show mercy so their faith can grow and all eyes will be on HIM.

• Do you have doubters in your life?
• Are you moving away from doubters because you have a hint of doubt?
• Can you show your faith without being judgmental or without gloating?
• Won’t you show mercy to the doubters by helping them grow?

My prayer for you today

3 John 1: ² Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

============

DEAR LORD HEAVENLY FATHER

I am so glad YOU are my FATHER and the FATHER to all who believe in YOUR SON. YOU know my heart and YOU know my ways.

Search me O LORD and eradicate any desires that blind me from seeing YOU.

Heal my ears so they may hear what YOU are saying to me. Guide my hands to bless others.

There are many who hurt, please give them peace.

There are many who are physically battling ailments, please heal them.

There are many who can’t make ends meet, please provide for them.

There are many who can’t forgive, please provide mercy.

There are many who are empty, please fill them up with YOUR love.

Please change all hearts toward “that” person, removing contempt for compassion.

Bless this reader today. amen

You mean I have to do what it says?

2 John 1: ⁹ Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

============

“Don’t you want to go to church with us?” was the question I heard many times. My first answer was “No” and my second answer was “heck no!” I just wanted to get some sleep. Church started too early and they were always bringing me down, telling me how bad I was.

I mean don’t they say “you can do what you want to do as long as you’re not hurting anybody?” “Well… if they don’t say that then they should” was my thought. Is that in the Bible?

• Listening to my own opinion can sometimes put me on the wrong path.
• Living the way I want to live can sometimes lead me away from GOD.
• Ignoring what GOD says is only an excuse for me to do more of what I want to do.

Plainly, I didn't want to learn more about GOD because I thought HE had forgiven me anyway and I just wanted to live the way I wanted to live. I mean this is “my” life anyway so “I” can live the way “I” want to, right? Not quite.

• GOD wants me to love people the way HE loves them.
• GOD wants me to practice forgiveness the way HE has forgiven me.
• GOD wants me to tell people about the ultimate sacrifice of JESUS who gave up everything for me.

When I’m living for me I find it very difficult to live for GOD. My eyes get blind to seeing the necessity of learning about GOD. My teaching turns into items that oppose HIM and my focus quickly turns into “getting ahead” versus growing the kingdom. GOD says “take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME. For MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

In other words “Trust in GOD, couple myself with GOD and learn about GOD” and I will be alright.

• Are you living on sheer instinct?
• Have you stopped to check with GOD to see if you are still following HIM?
• Can you turn away from growing “your” kingdom for just a moment to grow “GOD’s” kingdom?
• Won’t you throw away your suppositions about GOD and “learn” about HIM this year?

I know that I know that I know

1 John 5: ¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

============

“GOD please wake me up at 5:00 A.M.” I was told to say as an exercise in faith. I woke at 7:00 A.M. “Heal my eyes” I said with hopes of a self-claimed miracle. I still wear glasses to this day. “Please let my fantasy football team win” I lost. I could have used the cash to buy new golf clubs. I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         Sometimes I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         There are times when I doubt HE even cares because it seems like HIS answer is always “no.”

·         Sometimes I think I shouldn’t even pray because it seems like I’m wrong anyway.

My doubt in prayer leads to doubt in GOD.  It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom when I say to GOD “YOU wouldn’t want to give me what I want, would YOU?” After doubting my prayer then I walk away doubting my relationship with GOD. Then the thought popped in my head, “I wonder if there is a GOD?”

·         GOD says to me “Believe and I will forgive” and HE has never let me down.

·         GOD says to me “I love you and have a great plan for you” and HE has never steered me wrong.

·         GOD says to me “Have a little faith and I will show you MY unfailing, unchanging faith” and I have seen HIS greatness in action.

GOD isn’t a made up being for my amusement and sanity, rather HE is the creator who loves me and guides me daily. I can ask HIM whatever I want that is in alignment with HIS will and HE will provide it abundantly. I have learned to ask HIM “What do YOU want me to have” before asking for my item.

I now know that GOD loves me dearly and HIS answer is usually “yes” but it may be in a form I wasn’t anticipating.

·         Do you believe you will have eternal life through belief in JESUS being GOD and dying for your sins?

·         Do you believe GOD will answer your prayers?

·         Can you start seeking HIS will by asking HIM “is this what YOU want for me?”

I’m slowly becoming me.

1 John 5: Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. ² This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.

³ In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,

⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

============

Combing my hair wasn’t my strength and my clothes may have been a little tattered but I still wanted to participate in “the group.” I changed my clothes, combed my hair and soon found out it wasn’t good enough. I then changed my glasses, lifted weights and I fit in a group I didn’t like.

Will I ever be “accepted” in this world?

·         Sometimes I don’t feel like I fit in.

·         Sometimes I think I would be better off if “that group” would just accept me.

·         Sometimes I fall into the trap of running after people who are not worth running after and I leave GOD out of the relationship.

Many times I beat myself over the head trying to be what someone else wanted me to be. I tried to fit in and found myself not liking “me.” Even in church I had a difficult time being “me” because I felt wrong all the time. I mean it seemed like I was never going to reach my destination anyway so why try? BUT GOD says different.

·         GOD says “Everyone who believes that JESUS is the CHRIST is born of GOD.”

·         GOD says “Everyone who loves the FATHR loves HIS CHILD as well.”

·         GOD says “Everyone born of GOD overcomes the world.”

I then realized GOD made my relationship easy.  HE didn’t lump the burdens of physical buildings and structured programs on me, rather HE gave me a simple message “GOD loves me and HE loves you.” You mean I don’t have to be like those people over there? Yes!

GOD made me special and only I can do the tasks HE planned for me. It matters not how accepting the world is of me, what matters is my belief in HIM who saved me.

·         Are you tired of running after people who are not accepting you?

·         Are you tired of trying to please everyone?

·         Can you stop trying to be something different and be what GOD wants you to be?

Where does my fear come from?

1 John 4: ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.

============

“Come into my office” snorted my gruff boss. “We’re sending you to lead a new division” he grunted with a look of dissatisfaction. “Why? Did I do something wrong?” I replied. I mean, I thought I was doing everything right.  I quickly tried to retrace my footsteps.

“This is a good thing! Quit worrying!” was his reply. I had no idea this move was from the head of the department which was my a few levels above my boss.

• Sometimes I think the worst is going to happen to me.
• Sometimes I think GOD is punishing me because I’m not getting my way.
• Sometimes I look into the future and I see problems, fears and doubts.

When I wake up worrying about bills, job status, or acceptance, I had no idea I wasn’t “trusting” GOD. I believe in HIM and even know about HIM but where is my trust “in” HIM? I am a planner with a flaw. I try to “plan” my way out of situations ordained by GOD and instead of trusting that HE knows what HE is doing, I fret at potential losses and casualties. What can I do about this?

• GOD wants me to trust HIS plan even when it seems different than my goals.
• GOD desires that I trust HIM especially during difficult times.
• GOD wishes that I trust HIS unfailing love for me instead of looking at HIM as the great punisher.

I guess that’s why GOD doesn’t want me to sin.  Not because when I sin, HE has to punch me in the face rather when I sin, I run away from GOD in fear of retribution from HIM. My sin causes doubt in GOD’s plan and soon I doubt HIS love and I become a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom.

GOD wants me to trust HIM to let HIM take things away from me as well as give me things when I can handle them. HIS perfect love removes my fear.

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you know GOD has a great plan for you?
• Can you believe HE can’t wait to see you succeed?
• Won’t you accept that the FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT are all pulling for you?

It’s as simple as one two

1 John 3: ²¹ Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God

²² and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. ²³ And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. ²⁴ The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

============

“Could you be in this city at this time?” was the question by my company. “Can you serve?” was another question by another group. Another group asked “Can you give a little more?” Then temptations came rushing at me from all sides. I was trying to read the Bible but it seemed like there were too many rules.

This “Christian” life is too difficult! I mean I just want to “be me” but everyone else keeps taking a piece of me!

• Sometimes I mistake serving for following GOD.
• Sometimes I mistakenly think I can actually act righteous so if I avoid temptations I’m following GOD better.
• Sometimes I mistake activity and giving as the only way to serve GOD even if I am thoroughly reluctant to do HIS work.

There are times where I try to manipulate GOD to get my way.  I mean my service is a feeble attempt to erase some sin and maybe, just maybe GOD will see what I’m doing and not whack me over the head. Every time I serve with reluctance I burn out quickly and cause more damage than good. How in the world can I please GOD with all those rules!?

• GOD said “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”
• GOD said “It is finished” meaning “I have taken care of EVERYTHING.”
• GOD said “Believe in the ONE who rescued you by dying in your place, that HE is GOD and loves you.”
• GOD said “Love one another.”

In other words step 1: Believe and love GOD the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT and step 2: Love one another. That’s it. But that sounds too simple, there has to be more. I mean pastors, preachers and priests keep telling me to do more. Well, there is always a need but GOD says “Relax, “be you” for a moment and MY love will pour out of you to many.”

• Are you trying too hard to please GOD?
• Are you trying to manipulate HIM to get your way?
• Won’t you simplify your life by serving others the way HE wants you to?
• Can you stop feeling burnt out and love the people GOD has delivered to you?

I’m on my way!

1 John 3:¹ See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

² Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. ³ All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

============

Finally the program I had written was working flawlessly. I felt quite proud of myself for accomplishing such a task. In fact I thought I needed a promotion. “Who else could do work so masterfully?” I thought to myself. Well, maybe not that pompous, but I still thought “I” was pretty good.

My boss’s boss said I wasn’t ready but he would send me to training. I met some very experienced people in the class and I realized, I needed more time to grow.

• There are times that I think “I have arrived.”
• There are times that I think “I deserve whatever I seek to accomplish.”
• There are times that I think “I’m pretty good, why don’t others see my talents?”

Whenever I think more highly of myself than I should, I fall on my face. My confidence quickly turns into arrogance and I acquire a “deserving” attitude that is quite unbecoming. When GOD watches me pout at not getting my way, HE patiently waits on me.

• GOD has lavished great love on me.
• GOD has made me HIS child and is willing to take care of me.
• GOD has built a place for me and is purifying me day by day.

I am on a journey. My destination is to be like the one who created me. GOD knows I have not arrived. HE knows I will continue to sin and be selfish until HIS SON arrives. HE allows obstacles in my life to strengthen me for HIS purpose. Day by day HE corrects my mistakes and lavishes me with HIS love. I have not arrived but I’m on my way!

• Are you hard on yourself?
• Do you think you have failed?
• Can you realize GOD made you special?
• Do you believe you are the only one who can do what GOD made your for?
• Won’t you accept GOD’s tremendous love for you and ask HIM to open your eyes to your purpose?