The Battle is Not Yours

2 Chronicles 20: ⁵ He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

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Worry on one side, fear on another, sleep escaped me and I was awake again. This was my pattern when something very “big” was going to happen. I would think about it and rethink it until I would get myself all keyed up in a tizzy.

• Sometimes I can’t see any fix to a problem.
• Sometimes I think I have no way out.
• Sometimes I think I have to fix everything with no tools, skills or resources.

Fear, doubt and worry come from me trying to fight my own battles. Sometimes it also comes from me fighting GOD. What can I do when I feel afraid?

• GOD says “Do not be afraid for I am with you.”
• GOD says “Do not be discouraged over something that seems huge.”
• GOD says “The battle is the LORD’s.”

GOD knows my fears, doubts and worries. HE even knows when I can’t let go of the think I am supposed to give to HIM.  HE relaxes me and sits me besides still waters. HE restores my soul.

• Are you worried?
• Do you doubt that GOD will not deliver you and that is causing you to be more anxious?
• Can you relax and know that GOD can AND will deliver you?
• Will you praise HIM today and allow HIM to do HIS work?

Bargaining with GOD

2 Chronicles 19: ⁷ Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

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“I will NEVER do that again” were my words to GOD as I had just left “that” particular sin. I desired something so I tried to refrain from sinning to obtain my longings. I waited and waited and did not get my way in the time I wanted. I got angry at GOD. I mean, “what good is it to be ‘sinless’ if those who sin seem to get their way?”

• Sometimes I think I can manipulate GOD by refraining from certain sins for a short period of time.
• Sometimes I think GOD owes me something for being “good.”
• Sometimes I think I can be “sinless” for any period of time.

One mistake I have made is thinking “I” can be sinless for a month or a week or even a day. I may give up specific blatant sins and commit others I am not aware of. My motive behind refraining from sin ends up “being” sin because I want my way. 

• GOD wants me to realize HE treats people I don’t like with love.
• GOD wants me to understand I cannot change HIS mind with my sinfully motivated righteousness.
• GOD wants me to know HE already loves me to HIS fullest so when I try to manipulate HIM to get my way, it’s saying to HIM. “I don’t trust YOU.”

‘I will do THIS again and again LORD, but only YOU can help me in my path” is a new thought. I will never ever be sinless while I am on this earth. JESUS knew that my birth was flawed with sin so HE took my death and placed it on HIM. HE wants me to open my eyes to show me HIS impartiality.

I have consequences and grace just like every human HE has ever created. That crazy boss or the thief who stole my tapes or the thugs who robbed me are all loved dearly in GOD’s eyes. HE has a plan for me that cannot be tarnished with my bribery. I need to trust that HIS plan for me is great.

• Are you trying to bribe GOD?
• Do you think you can manipulate GOD by being “good” for a period of time?
• Can you trust GOD enough to let HIS great plan unfold in front of you?

Can GOD Fool Me?

2 Chronicles 17: ¹⁸ Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing on his right and on his left. ¹⁹ And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?’

“One suggested this, and another that. ²⁰ Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’

“‘By what means?’ the Lord asked.

²¹ “‘I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,’ he said.

“‘You will succeed in enticing him,’ said the Lord. ‘Go and do it.’

²² “So now the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours. The Lord has decreed disaster for you.”

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No time for prayer I worked to keep my position. “I can do this on my own” was my action, not my thought. Armed with information, I felt confident as I took the stage. The group had prepped me and I practiced my speech and prepared answers to anticipated questions. When I got on the stage, I noticed the questions were very different than what I prepared for. In fact the questions were on a totally different path.

I was ambushed and the people who fed me information backed away from me quickly.

• Sometimes I am fooled into thinking I can do life by myself.
• Sometimes I am fooled into thinking my talents are “my” talents.
• Sometimes I am fooled into thinking I am self-made.

I don’t know how or when I reach a stage in which I think I am “all that.” I soon get too busy for GOD and HIS people and when the battle surrounds me I think I have enough might to fight my foes. GOD says something different.

• GOD says “I will make you believe your lies if you do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says “I will harden your heart if you do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says “I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all ‘his’ prophets if you do not turn to ME.”

Ahab found religious people who would say what he wanted to hear, not what he needed to hear. He wanted to win in battle so that’s what they said. He needed to hear, “turn back and repent.” Ahab died that day. This made me think… “Am I drinking my own elixir?”  Is GOD fooling me? Here is how I can tell HE is working for me.

• GOD says to me “acknowledge that I AM GOD and you need a savior.”
• GOD says to me “believe in MY SON and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “confess and you will be saved.”

Those are the A – B – C’s of understanding how not to be put in a position in which GOD helps me “not” believe in HIM.

• Is GOD trying to ruin you?
• Do you believe GOD will help you sin?
• Can you confess to HIM and begin trusting in HIM today?

It is Time to Teach

2 Chronicles 17: ⁹ They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.

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“I could have said that better” is what I thought as the old man stammered through his words. I looked around and saw people asleep. When they asked for volunteers, I said “of course!” I prepared a very entertaining speech and of course added some scripture for flavor.

As I filled the hour with my rhetoric, I kept everyone awake but someone came up to me and asked me to explain the deeper meaning of the scripture. I stammered and couldn’t explain.

• GOD said “Go Baptize and Teach” to me.
• GOD said “Teachers and preachers will be held to a higher standard” to me.
• GOD said “Do not think more highly of yourself” to me.

I had surface knowledge of GOD’s word and thought it was boring, outdated and irrelevant so I figured I would spice it up with entertainment. GOD says, “Do not add a jot or a tittle to MY word” meaning I don’t need the flash and fanfare.

GOD wants us to understand that we no longer live by the Law, but HE hasn’t thoroughly thrown it away. HE actually wrote the Law on every human’s heart to show how serious HE is about what HE said. GOD then cleared the confusion by summarizing the entire law through this statement… “Love one another as I have loved you.”

GOD volunteered to die for me so HE became a human to do so. HE allowed HIMSELF to be accused, slandered and murdered by pastors, ministers, preachers, missionaries and teachers who misinterpreted HIS true purpose and twisted HIS word for their convenience.

To teach means to live GOD’s word. It means saying all the promises along with the consequences. It means saying things that apply directly to me before they apply to who I am saying it to. GOD holds me to a high standard so I must be careful with my words.

• Are you complaining about someone?
• Do you think they are crazy?
• Do you think GOD is calling you to become the teacher instead of the complainer?
• Can you begin looking at GOD’s truths more deeply so you can begin teaching?

People Can Only Do So Much

2 Chronicles 16: ¹² In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.

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Feeling lonely I would frequent the gym. It seemed more bearable when I was around people. I struck up a conversation with some of the guys. We began lifting weights together and one person suggested we go hang out at a bar. Something inside of me said I should not do this because the guy seemed to be doing steroids, but I really wanted to meet people.

The night was going well until the guy started to pick fights and looked at us like we were supposed to jump in.

• Sometimes I join the crowd when I want a solution to my problem.
• Sometimes I join the crown when I want to feel better about my decision.
• Sometimes I join the crowd when I want to do things on my own and in my own time.

Whether it is an ailment or a problem at work, many times I have not sought GOD for HIS deliverance. I think insurance or a physician or the best consultants money can buy will help me out of the situation. BUT GOD says something quite different.

• “Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I am meek and lowly at heart and you shall find rest unto your soul” is what GOD says to me.
• “Turn to ME” is what GOD says to me.
• “I AM a jealous GOD” is what GOD exclaims to me.

GOD is jealous not selfish. HE wants me to seek HIM for even the tiniest problem and trust that HE has the best in mind for me. All blessings flow from HIM and my efforts to circumvent HIS timing and methods will always fail. GOD is excited to help me grow into the being HE created.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you despise the timing and length of your pain?
• Can you hold on instead of giving up?
• Can you find GOD and pray to HIM for even the tiniest items today?
• Will you add “trust in the LORD’ to your plan today?

Your Work Will Be Rewarded

2 Chronicles 7: ⁷ But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

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Shocked is state in which I found my aunt as the news of my uncle’s passing took everyone by surprise. Everyone’s mind began to race into “do stuff” mode and the plans began. I went to a conference and had planned to stay there until the end of the week until I heard that my mother and brother were going to arrive two days early.

I went to the conference to make business contacts and was tempted to stay. I woke up from the temptation, quickly changed my flight plans and handed over my assignments. I need to be with family.

As I looked at my watch I noticed the shuttle was a bit late but my anxiety level did not rise. I asked the driver “how many stops?” “Five” he said. My anxiety level didn’t climb that high but it was awake.

When I arrived at the airport that I used to travel through regularly, I got a bit turned around and could not find check in nor could I find the correct line for security. My anxiety level rose pretty high! The clock was ticking down as I raced to my gate. The agent handed me my seat assignment and I got on the plane and went to sleep.

I woke up and the woman headed to Belgium struck up a conversation. She pointed out a book she was reading about GOD. We got into a wonderful conversation. GOD gave me some great words to tell her about going there with a purpose. She was timid and nervous about sharing GOD, but something in her made her strike up a conversation.

She then told me that GOD is amazing and supplies all needs. I was in shock. We discussed how GOD puts the right person in the right place at the right time. We even prayed together about peace for all the grieving and for her family. She then told me that she was not supposed to be on that plane but her flight was canceled and she had to be on that flight or she would miss her Belgium connection.

• This reminded me that GOD is involved in every detail.
• This reminded me that GOD can speak even when I am not looking to hear HIM.
• This reminded me that GOD is all powerful, all knowing and all COMFORTING.

I don’t have to try so hard to follow GOD. HE is right there if I just open my eyes and ears to HIM. This was a wonderful unexpected reward here on earth.

A Prayer for the Powerless

2 Chronicles 14: ¹¹ Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against you.”

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Surrounded on all sides again, GOD’s people felt scared, worried and full of fear. There seemed to be no way out. BUT GOD fought the battle again.

HE wants full reliance on HIM. Mere mortals will not prevail against GOD’s wonderful plan for me.

Rely on GOD

2 Chronicles 13: ¹⁸ The Israelites were subdued on that occasion, and the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.

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Judah was part of Israel, yet they had separated from the group and it brought upon fights. Israel was not following GOD at the time but was much larger in number. They had Judah surrounded on all sides.

The people of Judah cried to the LORD and GOD intervened. HE fought on Judah’s behalf and they were victorious.

GOD fights my battles.

GOD listens to me when I cry out to HIM.

GOD can defeat any problem I face so I must cry out to HIM daily.

Relying on my own power is always a mistake. Relying on GOD means I am still in the battle, but I know the battle is won by HIM.

Humble Is Great Medicine

1 Chronicles 12: ¹² Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.

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Desiring a promotion, I observed how “those on the move” would talk. They would take credit for other folks work and brag about themselves. I thought, “Let me try that.” “I” did this and “I” did that was added to my speech. I wish I could remember who said this to me but someone looked at me disappointed and said “I thought you were different.”

• When I am insecure I point to myself to get praise.
• When I want status I point to myself to get noticed.
• When I desire accolades I ask people to tell me how great I’m doing to grow my ego.

One problem with pointing at me is it takes the eyes off of GOD. Many people begin looking at me and even marveling at my title, status and stuff, meanwhile they are distracted from who really is providing the blessings.

• GOD wants me to humble myself in order to point people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to lower how I think of myself in a healthy way.
• GOD wants me to consider HIS strength in all my plans so that I can never brag or boast.

GOD doesn’t want me to take credit for any accomplishment I have achieved. In fact I am truly supposed to give HIM praise for everything I have. Humbling myself also means I do not “deserve” any blessing I get. I don’t deserve great service but should be thankful when I get it.

Humbleness adds a level of gratitude that enables GOD’s blessings to flow.

• Are you demanding?
• Do you think you “deserve” to be treated better?
• Can you humble yourself and open your eyes to the blessings GOD is pouring out on you already?

In memory of Willie Edwards

Rage Controlled

2 Chronicles 11: ² But this word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God: ³ “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, ⁴ ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your fellow Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.’” So they obeyed the words of the Lord and turned back from marching against Jeroboam.

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Tired of this guys’ annoying ways, I stormed into my boss’s office and demanded justice! I mean this guy was loud and obnoxious and something had to be done. He handled the situation smoothly but I noticed I was getting passed over for promotions. I asked what was going on and he suggested I attend a leadership class.

“What would another class do?” I thought to myself. I mean I already know more than all of my peers in the department! I went and one of the first questions they asked was “Do you have rage?” As if I were in a twelve step program, I had to admit “yes.”

• Rage is a buildup of tiny bits of anger inside of me.
• Rage is a stack of bad memories that causes me to react negatively.
• Rage is a backlog of unmet desires coupled with disappointing results that causes me to be furious.

Rage is a wild animal inside of me that wants to tear the place down and stand on the burning rubble. The problem with rage is that it is very short sighted and blinding.

• GOD wants me to seek HIS face first each day in order to turn my rage into positive momentum.
• GOD desires that I give my rage to HIM and let HIM deal with the entire situation.
• GOD wants me to recognize what is causing me to have rage in the first place and allow HIM to replace it with grace and peace.

GOD doesn’t desire that I have rage pointed in the wrong direction. Rage at my own sin versus rage at a misinterpretation of someone’s intentions is the path that enables me to mature. The more I can seek GOD’s face without fear, the more GOD grows me to control rage, take a deep breath and ask GOD for grace.

• Do you have rage?
• Are you furious?
• Can you take a step back and ask GOD to help you identify why you are full of rage?
• Can you let go of your rage for a moment and give GOD your disappointment?

Reaching for Powerful Titles

2 Chronicles 10: ¹⁴ he followed the advice of the young men and said, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” ¹⁵ So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.

¹⁶ When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king:

“What share do we have in David,
    what part in Jesse’s son?
To your tents, Israel!
    Look after your own house, David!”

So all the Israelites went home. ¹⁷ But as for the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still ruled over them.

¹⁸ King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram, who was in charge of forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. King Rehoboam, however, managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem. ¹⁹ So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.

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Power is something I didn’t know I wanted. “When I am in charge of this department, I will fire several of these people” I thought to myself. I worked hard and jumped through political hoops and became the head of the department. My plan was in place with one flaw, I had not considered GOD’s grace and soon I found ‘myself’ leaving the company instead of them.

• At one point in my life I thought a title would enable me to get my way.
• At one point in my life I thought things would be better if I had the title.
• At one point in my life I thought the title meant people had to follow what I said.

True leaders do not depend on titles. In fact the most powerful person I met was the administrative assistant to the CEO. Yes, my title was higher than hers, but her authority kept me from seeing him and if she didn’t like me, I would be tossed out of the company. Where would I get my “power” from then?

• GOD says to me “I AM alpha and omega, beginning and end.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the most high. There is no authority greater.”
• GOD says to me “I AM.”

GOD’s authority, title and power should be recognized by everyone. I must seek HIS face and point all power to HIM. I can get no credit for my success and no blame to HIM for my failures. GOD is the one who is in charge and HE will not be taken lightly. HE wants me to lead HID people with the same grace HE bestows on me.

While leadership is difficult, following GOD is not. HE said “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

• Are you trying to obtain power?
• Are you busy trying to get your way?
• Can you seek GOD’s everlasting power?
• Won’t you turn to HIM today and let HIM bless your efforts?

GOD Does Big Things

2 Chronicles 9: ²² King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.23 All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.

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Sitting on my couch worried if I would ever graduate, I took a rare moment and prayed. I mean things were a mess in school and all around me in my life. I could not see how I was going to get out of the mess that I was in. At the time the mess seemed insurmountable, yet one year after I graduated with a high paying job.

• Sometimes the road seems dark.
• Sometimes the path seems invisible.
• Sometimes the trail seems so narrow that I can’t see it or feel it beneath my feet.

Life has many murky times. There are times when I feel like throwing up my hands and giving up or times when I want to panic and flail my arms around screaming for help. BUT GOD does things a bit different.

• GOD made me and said “You are beautifully and wonderfully made.”
• GOD created me and said “I have a plan for you, plans to prosper you.”
• GOD saved me and said “No one can pluck you out of MY hand.”

In the darkest times GOD stands there as the ONE and only light. When GOD does something HE does it big! HE gave Solomon so much wisdom that humans were baffled. GOD does the same thing for each of HIS humans. HE made me with a special purpose and HE knew I would sin, yet HE chose to save me and build a wonderful plan for me.

GOD never does anything small in my life. All I need to do is trust HIM.

• Have you received bad news?
• Do you think your world has crashed around you?
• Can you look to GOD for HIS great deliverance?
• Will you put your trust in HIM today?

Small Steps

2 Chronicles 8: ¹⁶ All Solomon’s work was carried out, from the day the foundation of the temple of the Lord was laid until its completion. So the temple of the Lord was finished.

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Two o’clock in the morning I was awake pondering all of the items I had to do to nail down my business. There were several people still left to contact all kinds of documents to create and the thing we were building seemed to have numerous starts and fits. “When will this ever be done?” I asked GOD.

• Sometimes it seems like the road gets longer and longer.
• Sometimes when I think I am nearing the end another twist gets added and I have to wait.
• Sometimes I see the road ahead and I think there is too much.

Overwhelmed is the feeling I get when I look too hard at the “big” picture. I mean when I try to fit all the pieces together they just don’t add up. There seems to be this or that to do and something inevitably gets broken. When will relief come?

• GOD says to me “Be anxious for nothing” which takes trust.
• GOD says to me “I will lead you besides still waters” which relaxes my mind.
• GOD says to me “I will always be with you” which removes my doubt.

When I had a long way to run, it seemed impossible but when I focused on taking the first step then the next and the next, I soon looked back and had run nine miles for my practice. My mind cleared and GOD said to me “take small steps and see how far you will go.” GOD’s path is not filled with anxiety. HIS road is filled with faith, obedience and trust which enable me to let go of any worries.

• Are you feeling overwhelmed?
• Do you have anxiety?
• Can you relax a moment and talk to GOD about your worries out loud?
• Will you let the SPIRIT of peach overcome you in a way that surpasses all knowledge?

Asking for Forgiveness

2 Chronicles 6: ²¹ Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.

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Laughing at the escapades of a friend, the teacher came in and saw what he was doing and immediately grabbed his arm to get his attention (yeah I know, this is back in the day). She said he would have to stay after school fifteen minutes. The laughter stopped but a giggle still remained on my face.

She then turned to me and asked “what’s so funny?” Then the words of devastation came from her mouth “You stay too! And when the time is up I want you to apologize.” Parents knew how long it would take us to get home and if we weren’t there we were questioned. And besides, why do I have to apologize? “I didn’t do anything wrong” I said to myself.

• Many times I don’t see myself as being guilty.
• Many times I rationalize what I’m doing to justify my actions.
• Many times I think I am innocent when I am really guilty.

GOD said “Your righteousness is like filthy rags” and HE is right. My acts of service have sin at the core. Even my prayers come from a sinful perspective because GOD knows I will do the same sin again and again. But there is something amazing that happens with GOD when I communicate to HIM.

• GOD says “All have sinned and have fallen short of MY glory.”
• GOD says “Confess sins. I am faithful and righteous to forgive sins and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.”
• GOD says “I truly love you so put your trust in ME.”

Admitting to GOD that I need HIM instead of being on the path I am on helps me see HIM in a different light. Instead of blaming the ONE I need I have to humbly ask for forgiveness especially when I think I haven’t done anything wrong. The Pharisees never could see they were wrong so they could never confess.

Asking GOD for forgiveness is a privilege. It shows HIM I have nowhere to turn and I trust HIS ways.

• Are you in a quandary?
• Do you feel GOD has forgotten you?
• Can you ask HIM for forgiveness and to open your eyes to a stronger relationship with HIM today?
• Can you stop being defeated, put your feelings behind you and start trusting in GOD?

Praise Without Expectation

2 Chronicles 5: ¹³ The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:

“He is good;
    his love endures forever.”

Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, ¹⁴ and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.

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After the phone transferred the call to my answering machine, I could hear the bill collector leave their number. I went to church and they talked about a “cheerful giver” and “praising GOD,” so I tried it. I praised GOD and I smiled as I gave and weeks later, someone broke the window out of my car and stole my cassette tapes.

• When I praise GOD with expectations that HE owes me something, I am trying to manipulate HIM.
• When I give to GOD expecting more cash in return, I am trying to manipulate GOD.
• When I sing to GOD expecting HIM to see how righteous I am, I am trying to manipulate GOD.

I realized the difference between praise and manipulation when I observed a person who had less than nothing approach me and praise GOD on a dirt road in another country. I mean, he wasn’t looking for more stuff, he only sought GOD. In fact he walked twenty miles to hear me talk about GOD and I wasn’t a pastor or a big name.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM because HE is worthy to be praised.
• GOD wants me to keep my praise simple and remove the expectation from my words of praise.
• GOD wants me to enjoy my time with HIM, understanding HIS love for HIS humans.

Praise comes from the heart and if my heart is filled with doubt, fear, lust, anger, lies or thievery then my words can become tainted with “want” instead of gratitude. I must praise GOD and expect nothing in return.

• Are you trying to get GOD to do your bidding?
• Do you feel GOD is not answering your prayers?
• Can you praise HIM without expecting HIM to get you out of the mess you are in?
• Won’t you simply say “GOD YOU are great” and leave it at that?

It Takes Time

1 Chronicles 4: ¹⁸ All these things that Solomon made amounted to so much that the weight of the bronze could not be calculated.

¹⁹ Solomon also made all the furnishings that were in God’s temple:

the golden altar;

the tables on which was the bread of the Presence;

²⁰ the lampstands of pure gold with their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;

²¹ the gold floral work and lamps and tongs (they were solid gold);

²² the pure gold wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, dishes and censers; and the gold doors of the temple: the inner doors to the Most Holy Place and the doors of the main hall.

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Staring out the window I longed to be outside.  Why do I have to fill out this multiplication sheet for homework? It seems so repetitious! Can’t this just be done?! Can’t school just be done?

• Some things seem to take forever to me when I want them to be done.
• Some lessons seem to drag on and on to me when I want to be finished.
• Some parts of life seem to so slow when I want it to be fast.

It seems like the lessons I don’t enjoy take the longest and I this applies to more than education. I mean can’t GOD just hurry up and give me patience? I get so focused on where I think I should be that I can’t sit and wait on GOD’s pace for HIS deliverance. Oh, I believe HE can deliver, but why does HE take so long?

• GOD knows the plans HE has for me, plans to prosper me.
• GOD knows the exact day and time HE wants me to execute HIS plan.
• GOD knows the sin and times I truly worship HIM and HE has factored all of it in HIS great plan for me.

Looking back on times where things moved too fast, I realized I wish they hadn’t. When I got to the position or place, I wasn’t ready. All eyes were on me and I was making mistake after mistake. GOD knows when I am “ready” and HE takes HIS time preparing me daily. HE calms my anxieties and tells me to take one step at a time each day.

• Are you looking for “success” with anxiety?
• Do you think life will be so much better if “this thing” would happen?
• Can you stop looking at the future and enjoy where GOD has you today?
• Will you look at the training GOD is giving you today as an opportunity for HIM to make you great?
• Can you praise HIM for taking HIS time?