Showing Praise

1 Kings 5: ² Solomon sent back this message to Hiram:

³ “You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the Lord his God until the Lord put his enemies under his feet. 

⁴ But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. ⁵ I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the Lord my God, as the Lord told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’

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“We are adding more stock options”, the person said to me in a meeting.  I began planning a lavish vacation for me and my family. I mean I worked hard and I deserved a little time off. Also, I didn’t buy much for myself but I could probably use some new gadgets. Oh, and while I thought about it, I could now fix this and that in the home.

Wow, this extra bonus sure didn’t go very far!

• Distractions in life sometimes blind me.
• Some of my choices place me in situations where I’m distracted into blindness.
• Sometimes what I raise up to importance is only a distraction which makes me blind.

There is nothing wrong with vacations and stuff but sometimes they distract me from interacting with GOD on a deeper level.  Just the thought of needing to rest to recharge my batteries for more work is a distraction from GOD. HE wants more.

• GOD desires some quality time to focus on HIM when HE gives me rest.
• GOD wants me to be at peace so I can spend more time with HIM rather than filling it up with distractions.
• GOD loves when I carve out special time for only HIM and me.

GOD doesn’t need my money, my buildings or special programs. HE can raise up people from the dead who don’t need food or shelter so HE really can do without me. BUT GOD chose to have a relationship with me and wants me to “want” to be with HIM. In times of peace, GOD wants me to commune with HIM and show my appreciation for HIM.

• During peaceful times, do you show GOD appreciation?
• When is the last time you made a pledge to HIM directly?
• Can you give GOD a gift today by helping someone?

GOD knows science

1 Kings 4:²⁹ God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 

³¹ He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. ³² He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. ³³ He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ³⁴ From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

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Staring at the test, my mind raced. “Should I answer the question with my belief?” was my quandary. The question was steeped in evolution and, while I had not been in church, I was taught that GOD created everything. I answered the question the way I was supposed to and received a good grade, but felt a sense of loss, kinda like I betrayed GOD.

• I have strived to be “smart” but I was pointed in the wrong direction.
• I wanted to gain “knowledge” but it didn’t carry faith.
• I desired to “understand” but at the end of each road I was left with more questions.

In my opinion, belief in GOD isn’t as popular as it used to be. Scientific discoveries mixed with the endless possibility of money seem to drown out the message of GOD. It’s easy for me to blend in rather than stand out, BUT GOD wants recognition.

• GOD is the source of wisdom so I must credit HIM with all I know.
• GOD is the source of knowledge for it is HE who made everything.
• GOD is the source of understanding because HE sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live inside of me to lead and guide me in HIS ways.

Scholars, business people and those who are highly respected would scoff at my beliefs, approaches and practices. Instead of relying on the world, GOD wants me to ask HIM for direction first. HE even sends unlikely people my way and says “here is your person.” EVERY time I have listened to GOD’s strange ways, I came out on top!

• Are you seeking to be “smart” or “wise?”
• Is the knowledge you are seeking on GOD’s path?
• What will you do with the knowledge you acquire?
• Won’t you ask GOD for wisdom, knowledge and understanding so HE can use your talents for HIS purposes?

What would you ask for?

1 Kings 3: ⁵ At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

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⁷ “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. ⁸ Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. ⁹ So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

¹⁰ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ¹¹ So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, ¹² I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 

¹³ Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. ¹⁴ And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”

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Each of my “very” big steps began with a feeling of inadequacy. Could I rise to the task or will I be a huge failure? Many times I just dove in “hoping” for the best.  BUT GOD wanted me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM for HIS strength when I feel inadequate.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for wisdom instead of another bill payment.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for a discerning heart to be able to see HIM working in spite of my sins.

Yeah, I know, “ask for the cash” sounds great, but GOD knows something about money that I don’t.  HE knows I’m corruptible and weak so HE would rather have me ask for HIS wisdom so I can follow HIS way. If HE decides to pour out wealth on me, then I will have the wisdom to use it to further HIS kingdom rather than building one of my own here on earth.

• Are you in need?
• What are you asking GOD for?
• Can you ask HIM to open your eyes to what HE is already doing in your life?
• Won’t you submit yourself to HIS guidance?

GOD’s steps to prosperity

1 Kings 2: When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.

² “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, ³ and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go ⁴ and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

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Days can become difficult and one can lose heart so GOD says “Be Strong” to me so I won’t become discouraged.

Fast paced life and busy times can blind me so GOD says “Observe what the LORD your GOD requires” so I can slow down, open my spiritual eyes and see how HE is working in my life.

Temptation flaunts itself in my face daily so GOD says to me “Walk in obedience to HIM, and keep HIS decrees and commands, HIS laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses” so the more I follow HIM the clearer my path becomes.

It is very clear that large amounts of money should not be my destination. This turns many people away from following GOD.  Wealth blinds and after a while the only purpose I am left with is to protect my “stuff.”  GOD wants something very different from me.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM no matter what’s going on around me.
• GOD wants me to be delighted in HIS path rather than sulking about what I do or do not have.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways so HE will bring many to me to point people to HIM.

“Purpose” is part of the prosperity GOD gives me. When I live my life for HIS purpose I am forever wealthy!

• Are you bowing down to the god of wealth?
• Do you feel nervous about money for yourself or someone else?
• Do you think cash will bring happiness, health and security?
• Can you turn your thoughts to GOD rather than focusing on the things of this world?
• Will you let GOD dictate your wealth based on your generosity?

Power Struggle

1 Kings 1: ⁵ Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses^[a] ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. ⁶ (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.)

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³⁹ Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” ⁴⁰ And all the people went up after him, playing pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound.

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After my second promotion I thought to myself, “I have cracked the code.” After years of missteps and false declarations, I was finally on my way. A couple of years later I received another promotion followed by another. Soon I could actually see myself at the very top of the organization.

The top person got wind of my desires and we began to lock horns. He surrounded himself with many other department heads. I was locked out.

• When I’m climbing up to the top, I sometimes forget I need people to pull me up.
• When I’m trying to reach the top, I sometimes forget I can’t get there on my own.
• When I’m focused on the top, I sometimes forget I was once on the bottom.

Self-declaration is dangerous in any situation. Confidence and competence must be exuded, however, arrogance and know it all behaviors soon become old and can blind me to where I need to be. Fortunately GOD has something different to say about the climb to the top.

• GOD wants me to raise HIM above everything.
• GOD wants me to climb up to HIM rather than seeking titles.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as the ultimate destination without regarding the pride of humans.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all these things will be added to you” GOD says to me. In other words, crushing the opponent and making sure they are homeless and desolate shouldn’t be on my agenda. GOD wants me to remove my mild brand of hatred of my opponents and seek HIS face.

• Are you seeking a title?
• Do you want power?
• Can you focus your attention on GOD’s true power?
• Can you stop self-declaring and start declaring GOD’s power?

Being Conceited

2 Samuel 24: Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”

² So the king said to Joab and the army commanders^[a] with him, “Go throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and enroll the fighting men, so that I may know how many there are.”

³ But Joab replied to the king, “May the Lord your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?”

⁴ The king’s word, however, overruled Joab and the army commanders; so they left the presence of the king to enroll the fighting men of Israel.

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¹⁵ So the Lord sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. 

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“They won’t cut us!” I rationalized to my group.  We are the technology group, “They need us” I said to my team. As I walked the halls, I didn’t feel worried at all; in fact I started getting the papers together to grow my team from groups who would have large cuts.

Of course when the dust settled, twenty five percent of my team was gone and we had to work harder with fewer people. Morale was in the dumps and I had to explain how life was going to be “better.”

• When I think I can’t be touched, I am blind.
• When I think I can’t be taken down, I am on my way out.
• When I think I can’t be beat, I am already defeated.

David wanted to see how powerful he had become for the simple purpose of feeding his ego. I too had my ego fed as I walked around, having a team who could cater to my every whim. It actually felt good to strive to get to the top and actually reaching it. The problem was I thought the title was the destination.

• GOD raises me up for HIS purpose not my ego.
• GOD places me above what I can handle and wants me to take my responsibility seriously.
• GOD brings me groups of people to point to HIM rather than pointing to myself.

GOD doesn’t need another noisy person ranting about themselves. HE hates the arrogant and confuses their words. GOD wants me to rely on HIS power, HIS might and HIS everlasting love. HE doesn’t want me cowering in the corner. HE wants me to bravely move forward trusting that HE knows what HE is doing.

• Are you counting your cash?
• Are you comparing yourself to your neighbors or other people?
• Can you trust GOD enough to allow HIM to get the credit for your accomplishments?

True Leadership

2 Samuel 23: ² “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me;
    his word was on my tongue.
³ The God of Israel spoke,
    the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
    when he rules in the fear of God,
⁴ he is like the light of morning at sunrise
    on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
    that brings grass from the earth.’

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Fearing GOD is the mark of a true leader. This person will base major decisions on what GOD wants rather than on men’s desires. For me this means I shouldn’t look at what another leader is doing and point fingers at that person. I need to ask myself, “Am I following what GOD wants?”

JESUS showed HIMSELF to be a true leader on this very day. HE volunteered to take the horrible consequence of mankind’s sin. We have no idea what this means, only that it happened. HIS leadership example shows HE was the ultimate servant.

• JESUS was direct yet humble.
• JESUS was powerful yet frail.
• JESUS was killed yet raised to life.

HE is the mark of a true leader.

• Where are you putting your trust?
• Do you have faulty belief in GOD?
• Do you believe JESUS was raised from the dead and is now placed above everything?
• Can you see that HE loves you and wants a relationship with you?

Sometimes GOD just needs to be praised!

David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. ² He said:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
³     my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
    from violent people you save me.

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³¹ “As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³² For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³³ It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You make your saving help my shield;
    your help has made^[i] me great.
³⁷ You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.

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This is the day in which JESUS was handed over and falsely accused. Preachers, ministers, deacons, deaconesses and elders of the church were the primary accusers of GOD in the flesh saying HE is not GOD. Their expectation of a worldly leader had not been met.

Instead of praising HIM for all of the miracles HE performed, they accused HIM of trickery and deceit. HE said nothing and absorbed the pain hurled at HIM as HIS own creation looked at HIM with wrongful eyes.

• GOD should be praised not blamed.
• GOD should be exalted not hidden.
• GOD should be talked about not implied.

Saying the name JESUS has power. Just speaking HIS name out loud has far more meaning than any “helps” program that could come from any church. Praising GOD means nothing else matters at this moment.

• Are you praising GOD?
• Can you stop asking HIM for stuff for one day and praise HIM?
• Won’t you focus your attention on GOD’s worthiness to be praised instead of looking at what’s going on around you?
• Can you open your mouth and say “JESUS thank YOU for being my savior”?

Right the wrong

2 Samuel 21: During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. The Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.”

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³ David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How shall I make atonement so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance?”

⁴ The Gibeonites answered him, “We have no right to demand silver or gold from Saul or his family, nor do we have the right to put anyone in Israel to death.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” David asked.

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Headed to a nearby college, a fraternity brother and I worked on our relationship and had a good discussion along the way. I rented a jalopy and didn’t get the insurance to save a few dollars. Engrossed in our conversation and in the middle of nowhere, I hit a car who was in the wrong but we would split the damage.

We got out of our vehicles and had a conversation with the other driver. We discovered he was a high school person who had taken his parents vehicle. We originally got in our cars to seek a phone. My frat brother said, “Let’s get out of here” so I took his advice and sped off to our destination of “fun.” Upon my return, the rental company charged me for the damage and I couldn’t pay tuition.

• There have been people I have wronged in the past.
• There have been incidents where I have not been innocent.
• There have been times in which I caused the problem.

As I became more and more mature, I realized it is better to face difficult situations rather than running away from them.  Yes in many instances someone else has something to do with the wrong, but doing another wrong doesn’t make it right.

• GOD wants me to clear my conscience by facing the wrongs I have done.
• GOD wants me to open the wounds so HE can make them heal.
• GOD wants me to admit I need a savior so HE can cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

During dry seasons in my life, I seek GOD’s face and HE clearly shows me where I can right a wrong, no matter if I did it or if it were someone GOD has given responsibility over. GOD simply wants me to follow HIM, HIS way.

• Are you going through a dry season?
• Do you feel like GOD is punishing you?
• Can you seek GOD and ask HIM if there is something that needs clearing up?
• Will you seek the kingdom instead of fooling yourself?

Hard Choices

2 Samuel 20:Now a troublemaker named Sheba son of Bikri, a Benjamite, happened to be there. He sounded the trumpet and shouted,

“We have no share in David,
    no part in Jesse’s son!

Every man to his tent, Israel!”

² So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem.

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“The teacher is a drunk” I giggled. Normally quiet, I wanted to break in my new comedy routine but did it quite awkwardly. This particular teacher did not like me nor did I have any great feelings for her. She was mean, but with me, she seemed to go out of her way. My quip made those around me giggle so her investigation almost got me sent to the principal. I was given a choice, keep clowning or straighten up.

• Sometimes it’s not my peers that makes me do wrong things.
• Sometimes it’s not the situation that makes me want to do wrong.
• Sometimes it’s not someone else tempting me when I do something wrong.

It’s a hard pill to swallow when I’m at fault. I mean, I try to convince everyone around me that “they” are doing things to me, meanwhile I thicken my blinders to the root cause, namely me. The limelight feels great but I noticed my crowd quickly disappeared when the heat got turned up. Soon I was left standing there labeled as a troublemaker.

• GOD wants me to admit I need HIM rather than thinking other people are the problem.
• GOD wants me to trust HIS ways rather than speaking against HIM.
• GOD wants me to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.

The attention I sought needs to be placed on GOD rather than myself. HIS path is far greater than any other path I could choose.

• Are you causing trouble?
• Are you talking about someone else without speaking about how you have failed in the past?
• Can you mature and get on GOD’s path?
• Can you check out your words today to see if they have poison rather than praise?

Humble return to the top

2 Samuel 19: ¹⁴ He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind. They sent word to the king, “Return, you and all your men.” ¹⁵ Then the king returned and went as far as the Jordan.

Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out and meet the king and bring him across the Jordan. ¹⁶ Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 

¹⁸ They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished.

When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king ¹⁹ and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. ²⁰ For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.”

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“You have full autonomy” is what they said to me when I was appointed head of a division. “You mean I can do what I please?” I thought to myself. I became super creative and non-apologetic for developing things without the parent departments’ blessing. In fact I may have said some choice words to a few people who got in my way.

A couple of years later the parent department reined us back in. Those who I said “Get out of my face,” where now in my face and in power. I had to eat my words.

• Shimei cursed as David fell which reminds me of my noisy rise in the past.
• Shimei gloated as David fell which reminds me of my thinking “No one can touch me.”
• Shimei threw rocks at David which reminds me of my words as I rose to the top.

When the king returned, Shimei remembered how he mistreated David. I too remember the return to the department. It was an extremely humbling experience. I was told to lay low for about a year in order to repair the negative perception of me. It took five.

• GOD says to me “You shall have no other gods before ME” which lets me know to exalt HIM and not myself.
• GOD says to me “Fear ME, not humans” which makes me give HIM credit for my rise.
• GOD says to me “Do not boast” which means my rise must be humble and not noisy.

It is GOD who raises me up and it is HIM who deserves praise no matter where HE has me.

• Are you cursing someone?
• Do you think your poisonous words will help your rise?
• Can you turn your poison into praise for what GOD is doing?
• Will you add the spirit of appreciation to your thoughts today?

Watch out when fighting GOD

2 Samuel 18: ⁹ Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.

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“I wonder what fun I will have this afternoon?” I thought to myself as I plotted my escape from school. We could go home for lunch and this time I planned not to return. I was a “latch-key” kid meaning I had a key around my neck tied to an old shoe string. Both of my parents worked while I was in school so my plan would be flawless. I would go home to an empty house.

When I arrived, there stood my father. Something had happened that required him to be home. You mean the ONLY time I tried to ditch school was on a day he was there! Yes my plan was small yet huge because I never tried again.

• Looking back I see times where GOD thwarted my plan for evil.
• Looking back I see times where GOD placed an obstacle in front of my plan to ignore HIM.
• Looking back I see times where GOD used something irregular to upset my fall into temptation.

When I was immature in knowledge of GOD it seemed like HE would stop my evil plans in order to keep me on the path. As I grew older, GOD allowed me to fall into the traps I tried to get into.  HE would allow consequences to hit me hard and would always leave HIS arms open wide for my return.

The whole Earth is GOD’s and HE can use any bit of it to make my plans unsuccessful or successful. HE knows when I am trying to follow my own plan which will lead to a destructive path and eventually wind up fighting HIM on all fronts. GOD simply wants me to follow HIM so HIS love for me will be pure.

• Are you fighting GOD on something?
• Can you allow HIM to say “No” or “wait”?
• Do you always have to get “your” way?
• Can you see when GOD is placing obstacles in your path in order to steer you?

What goes around comes around

2 Samuel 17: Ahithophel said to Absalom, “I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. ² I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king ³ and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.” ⁴ This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.

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⁵ But Absalom said, “Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.”

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⁷ Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time.

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¹⁴ Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

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Fed up with being pushed around, I started lifting weights. Soon I gained some nice size and I started hanging with the muscle heads. One guy was particularly mean. Okay, I think he was on steroids. He suggested we go out to a bar with him to have some “fun.” Not knowing what he meant, I agreed.

Another guy said “I don’t think we should go” so I didn’t.  A few days later the bar going guy furiously stormed into the gym. “Why didn’t y’all show up? I had to fight these guys all by myself.”

GOD has protected me many times from bad advice and stupid actions. In this instance I was protected from becoming the bully I longed to get away from. I played out the scenario after the incident and I could see nothing but destruction.

• GOD says to me “Whatsoever you sow you will reap.”
• GOD says to me “Love one another as I have loved you.”
• GOD says to me “Be slow to anger.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE.”

When I am full of rage and fury, my next steps are very important. I can take the full rage and turn it into hatred, spreading poison and death to many or I can follow what GOD says and give HIM my poison and let HIM diffuse the situation. If I choose GOD’s way I must realize HE wants to save “that” person as well. Whatever the choice, I will reap what I sow.

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you have rage?
• Can you let go of your anger and rage and let GOD work it all out?

A healthy fall makes a healthy return

2 Samuel 16: ⁵ As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. ⁶ He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left.

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⁹ Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”

¹⁰ But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’”

¹¹ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. ¹² It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”

¹³ So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. ¹⁴ The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.

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“Humiliation” is the one word I felt during my last days this particular job. I was in the middle of negotiating severance and those in power had to tolerate me until I left. It was planning season and my boss’s boss remarked as I was presenting. “It’s not like it matters” was his statement after I presented the plan for what was soon to be my former department.

I saw several grins and chuckles after his statement from those who cheered my rise to the top. The next week it was over and I had to pack my things like I saw so many before me.

There have been times in my life where I have been humiliated.

• There have been times in my life where embarrassment was only the beginning of what I felt.
• There have been times in my life where I wanted to crawl in a corner and give up.

David’s ascent was amazing but his fall was embarrassing. I can definitely understand how he must have felt. But he did a remarkable thing. He didn’t blame GOD.

• GOD says “I will be with you always” so this means through utter humiliation.
• GOD says “I have a wonderful plan for you” so this includes the high and low points.
• GOD says “My grace is sufficient” so HE wants me to pray for those who don’t have my best interest.

GOD is the one who raises people up and makes them fall. We still have a purpose to serve no matter where we are. Praise GOD for HIS constant pursuit to restore us.

• Are you feeling embarrassed?
• Do you feel humiliated?
• Do you think your humiliation is because you were pointing at your own life too much when you should be pointing your life to GOD?
• Can you give your humiliation to GOD and gain strength from HIM?

It’s not personal

2 Samuel 15: In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him.² He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 

³ Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.” ⁴ And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.”

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I finally got the nerve to have lunch with a very powerful person seeking wisdom. There I sat, not knowing what questions to ask. “What seems to be the problem?” the mentor inquired. “Why am I not getting promoted?” I replied. “Business is not personal. You must do what you have to do to fight against those who will try to take your power away.”

“Wow!” I thought. This seemed cold but let me give it a try.  I watched some of the best use slander campaigns while self-promoting. I tried it and it worked. My power was on its way!

• When I forget I’m dealing with people I focus on power.
• When I think the goal is “up” I focus on power.
• When I work towards the next level instead of raising people up I focus on power.

Power makes me treat “higher” people higher and “lower” people low. It adds fear when I’m supposed to be confident and confidence when I’ supposed to be humble. Fortunately GOD placed people in my life to correct my course. “Raise people up and you will do better” were the words of another mentor. GOD also added some words.

• Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD.
• Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.

GOD also said “in order to be first you must be last.” JESUS, king of all, came to Earth as a servant. HE never begged anyone to follow HIM. HE served. With HIM it was and is personal. Each soul is special and HE wants me to treat people with dignity, respect and love.

• Are you working under the “it’s not personal” way of thinking?
• Do you believe you need to bow to the god of money?
• Can you bow to the true KING?
• Won’t you focus your behaviors on being a servant rather than seeking to be served?

Restoration

2 Samuel 14: ¹³ The woman said, “Why then have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, for the king has not brought back his banished son? ¹⁴ Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.

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Sitting in my apartment, lonely, I thought to myself… “Is this it?”  “This is what all the hard work in college was for?” My heart ached for “fun” but something inside me felt like the “fun” I had before wasn’t really what I was supposed to be doing.

The tug was towards church, but when I got there, I felt no different. I was lonely in a building full of people. I went from church to church looking for something. Finally I stopped at one and the pastor gave me some great advice… “Seek GOD.”

• No matter how long I have been away from GOD, HE seeks me.
• No matter how long I have turned my back on GOD, HE still cares for me.
• No matter how long I have tried my own way instead of GOD’s way, HE loves me.

David had two sons one of which, Absalom, killed his brother and ran and hid from David. For years he was banished until David’s servant convinced him to bring his son back. GOD worked on David’s heart and treats me the same.

• GOD opens HIS arms wide and is ready to restore me when humans cannot do the same.
• GOD knocks at my heart and when I open the door HE comes in and sups with me.
• GOD pursues me constantly and seeks to restore me, HIS way.

Sometimes GOD has to burn off the rough edges and take me through trials to restore me. HE wants my walk to be focused on faith, love and trust. HE restore me to serve a purpose.

• Have you turned your back on GOD?
• Do you think HE no longer loves you?
• Can you seek HIS face today and turn to HIM with total trust?
• Won’t you turn to HIM for full restoration?

Ill intent seeks bad advice

2 Samuel 13: ³ Now Amnon had an adviser named Jonadab son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Jonadab was a very shrewd man. ⁴ He asked Amnon, “Why do you, the king’s son, look so haggard morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?”

Amnon said to him, “I’m in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.”

⁵ “Go to bed and pretend to be ill,” Jonadab said. “When your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘I would like my sister Tamar to come and give me something to eat. Let her prepare the food in my sight so I may watch her and then eat it from her hand.’”

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After being told I would fail the class, I sought the advice of people who could help me. They asked the professors name and the location of the office. These were strange pieces of information, but I told them. They asked very clearly, “do you want the test?”

I considered it. The only thing that stopped me was the fact that I was performing so poorly in the class, that even having the test would not help me. “No” I answered pitifully.

• I can always find someone who will go along with my poor thinking.
• I can always get advice from people who do not have the best plan for me in mind.
• I can always obtain bad consultation from people of bad reputation.

The story of Amnon was tragic. Many were spiritually, emotionally and physically hurt all because of a plan that started off in the wrong direction followed by advice from a person with a poor reputation. It reminds me of many plans I have that were not blessed of GOD. Each plan failed miserably with not so good consequences. BUT GOD has a better plan.

• GOD wants me to follow HIS plan for they never fail.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS ways for they protect and keep me.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS love for me and others and to never mistreat souls who belong to HIM.

When my intentions are focused on GOD I can never fail.

• Are you planning something and getting advice from someone who is questionable?
• Are you providing advice without consulting GOD?
• Can you seek wisdom from a godly person, not just a churchy person?
• Won’t you test all advice to see if it aligns with what GOD says to do?