Filled with Wonder

Isaiah 4: ² In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. ³ Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. ⁴ The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. ⁵ Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. ⁶ It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

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As I looked at this passage this morning I noticed that I was left out. I’m not saying that I’m not included in the promises. I am saying I don’t have anything to do but sit here and watch.

• The LORD will be beautiful and glorious.
• The LORD will wash away the filth, HE will cleanse bloodstains.
• The LORD will create.

Sometimes I think GOD is just sitting around doing nothing but watching HIS experiment to see if I will make it out of the maze of life. As I sin, it equates to running into a wall and if I get lost it is similar to going into a dead end section of the maze. BUT GOD wants me to take off my blinders.

• GOD wants me to see only HIS glory so I won’t use my own.
• GOD wants me to see only HIS power so I won’t think I need any of mine.
• GOD wants me to see only HIS promises so I won’t get caught up pouting over what I don’t have.

Looking at GOD does not always mean looking at the answer guy who just sits and waits to fix my problems. HE is the way, the truth and the life. GOD is active in my life on a daily basis. Minute by minute HE is there. Sometimes I just need to see only HIM and nothing else.

• Can you look at GOD today?
• Will you seek only HIS face and try to please HIM?
• Will you ask HIM to show HIS might today?

You are Doing Well

Isaiah 3: ¹⁰ Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
    for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

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Sometimes I just have to say to myself, “You are doing well” just to keep things into perspective. The world has a standard that is ever changing and a dream that is insatiable. In this world of “inadequacy labeling” and positioning for riches, power and fame, I sometimes feel lower than the low. Then someone said, “You are good at…” and that’s all I needed to hear.

• GOD says to me “I made you perfect for the plan I have for you.”
• GOD says to me “I will bring many to you if you would follow MY path.”
• GOD says to me “I love you more than anyone could.”

Living amongst greedy, power hungry people makes me want to do the same. BUT GOD says hold fast onto MY ways and I will reward you for it. Following GOD is easily shown by the fruit I have in my life. I praise GOD for blessing me!

Are you trying to change?

Do you think you are inadequate?

Can you focus on the purpose GOD has given you?

Will you see yourself as righteous only because GOD has done marvelous things for you?

Who Do I Trust?

Isaiah 2: ³ Many peoples will come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
    so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
    the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
⁴ He will judge between the nations
    and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
    and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
    nor will they train for war anymore.

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²² Stop trusting in mere humans,
    who have but a breath in their nostrils.
    Why hold them in esteem?

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“Get that ‘_____’ Bible off of your desk” were the words of the managing consultant. He went ballistic enough for me to immediately comply. No one that I knew complained, he thought it would make us lose the contract. “Get away from me with that ‘____’ ” were the words of a gang member as I tried to invite him to church. In fear of getting shot I complied.

• Many times I have felt intimidated enough to hide my beliefs.
• Many times I have hidden my beliefs in order to get ahead.
• Many times I have gone with the crowd who could care less about GOD, in fear of being ostracized.

It seemed right to listen to self-made millionaires. I mean they have themselves together right? I soon found out that in many cases they suggested that I put this “GOD” thing on the backseat and learn how to “subordinate” to the people who had contacts. This was a crazy road that I actually considered. BUT GOD had a different thought in mind.

• GOD wants me to fear HIM instead of bowing down to “connected” humans.
• GOD wants me to elevate HIS position in order to fully respect HIS power.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS plan so I will be open to HIS masterful plan.

Fear of humans still occurs in me, but with GOD’s help I am less and less fearful of those who would harm me with physical, political or mental abuse. GOD wants me to turn my eyes from humans and turn to HIM.

• Are you following someone?
• Do you fear you will lose your position if you cross “that” person?
• Will you stop fearing people and start fearing GOD?

Because I Don’t Want to Listen

Isaiah 1: ¹⁵ When you spread out your hands in prayer,
    I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
    I am not listening.

Your hands are full of blood!

¹⁶ Wash and make yourselves clean.
    Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
    stop doing wrong.
¹⁷ Learn to do right; seek justice.
    Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
    plead the case of the widow.

¹⁸ “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.
¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient,
    you will eat the good things of the land;
²⁰ but if you resist and rebel,
    you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

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“How do you know it is GOD that is speaking to you?” someone asked me. At one point I used to think GOD was speaking to me when a thought would pop into my head or when a situation “I” felt was good would happen. This immature view of GOD lead me down sinful paths with random success.

• There were times when I thought I was listening to GOD but I was listening to myself.
• There were times when I thought GOD was speaking to me and I was really being tempted.
• There were times when I thought just because “it” was said in “church” that “it” must be GOD.

Confused and duped were places I have landed because I sought groups of people who said what I wanted to hear. I went to a church who lusted after money, never once hearing much about salvation through JESUS who is the CHRIST. How can I get out of this confusion? I mean, I don’t like reading.

• GOD said to me “Seek MY face daily” which means I need to communicate with HIM in prayer.
• GOD said to me “Seek MY kingdom” which means I need to actively go out and look for people to bring into HIS house.
• GOD said to me “Seek MY wisdom” which means I had to overcome the barrier of reading HIS word, so take it in small chunks.

After I started truly seeking GOD instead of seeking the stuff I had put in my mind and blamed it on GOD, I started noticing a difference. I noticed fruit. People were opening their hearts to GOD and actively pursuing HIM. I also noticed I was doing more and more things I did not want to do. I was giving more and reading more and praying more.

My temper had to be doused and my graciousness had to grow. I had to get rid of fear of humans and instill the fear of GOD. Most of all I had to listen to HIM!

• Are you turning your ears away from GOD?
• Have you placed something in the way of you being able to listen to HIM?
• Are you listening to yourself and blaming it on GOD?
• Can you turn from your ways and start seeking HIM today?

Get Up!

Broken dreams, broken hearts, broken finances and broken limbs have been reported to me over the past year. As I sat with the LORD this morning, I realized that the attack is on and we have not armed ourselves for a battle.

Today please take a pledge to do the following:

1. Ask GOD to have you stop focusing on the problem and to move your eyes to the solution (HIM).
2. Act with the passion of your youth before your got hit in the face.
3. Stop trying to fix and allow GOD to fix you first.
4. Say NO to being tired and GET UP!

GOD is all powerful and HE invites you into HIS home. HE made you and of course you are being attacked by the enemy who is jealous of your relationship with HIM. Stop focusing on what is wrong and exclaim what is right today!

• Pray with someone today and you will feel a release of the thing that is holding you back.
• Tell someone about GOD today and you will see the blinders fall from your eyes.
• Believe again and you will see the deliverance of GOD.

Do Well

Ecclesiastes 12: ¹³ Now all has been heard;
    here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
    for this is the duty of all mankind.
¹⁴ For God will bring every deed into judgment,
    including every hidden thing,
    whether it is good or evil.

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Confused about life, I just sat at the edge of my bed wondering “what am I supposed to be doing?” I mean, I had desires but life was difficult for me at this particular time. Even the people I went to see for help were there only to talk “at” me, not “to” me. I wondered why I was, where I was. I could get no answers.

• There have been times where I felt lost.
• There have been times where I felt distressed.
• There have been times where I felt as if I had no hope.

Confusion is the curious word that I wondered about. Why was I confused? I found out that confusion is caused by unmet expectations coupled with strong desires. This leaves a huge gap that keeps me from going with the flow. BUT GOD has a plan.

• GOD said to me “I AM the author of peace, not confusion.”
• GOD said to me “I CAN guide you to rest and peace if you would follow MY ways.”
• GOD said to me “I WILL be with you always, even when other people fall away.”

I soon started following GOD again and soon realized that my confusion came from following the world. When I started helping people instead of helping myself my deeds changed into blessings for many, including myself. I started thriving again.

• Are you confused?
• Do you think you are worthless?
• Can you believe that GOD made you for a purpose?
• Will you stop looking at the circumstances and start looking at GOD who will give you strength?
• Will you add a tiny bit of belief to your day?

Life is Too Short

Ecclesiastes 11: ⁹ You who are young, be happy while you are young,
    and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
    and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
    God will bring you into judgment.

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Miserable was probably the best word for how I felt. I sat there and thought to myself “Woe is me” for at that time it seemed like everything was going wrong. I was not doing well in school, I had no guidance and bills were not getting paid. Things looked pretty bleak.

• There were times when I felt things looked pretty bad.
• There were times when I felt miserable while it seemed like “everyone” else was happy.
• There were times when I felt the situations were too difficult for me to handle.

Gloom and doom led me to think, “Maybe I should quit, do whatever sin feels right at the time and let things happen as they may.” I wonder where that thought came from. It seemed like a good excuse at the time to do what I wanted to do anyway. I mean I deserve it since things were going so bad, right? Wrong!

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in good times and in bad to keep myself even keel.
• GOD wants me to see life in a positive light rather than being miserable.
• GOD wants me to see blessings instead of curses and then I can feel HIS awesome power.

It is quite amazing that GOD allows me to have a choice. I can choose to be miserable, in which HE cannot do marvelous works through me, or I can choose to be excited! I finally chose the latter and within a short time, everything I fretted over cleared up nicely.

I not only graduated but I had a new outlook on life that made me appreciate difficult times instead of dreading them. GOD blessed me with a new outlook that includes amazement of HIM.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you feel miserable and blaming someone else over your misery?
• Do you realize that some of your misery may be coming from your heart?
• Will you turn your heart over to GOD and allow HIM to add gratitude to it?
• Will you stop focusing on “what isn’t” and get excited about life and focus on “what is?

Keep Going!

Ecclesiastes 10: ¹⁰ If the ax is dull
    and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed,
    but skill will bring success.

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Confusion filled my face as my boss tried to give me instructions on what to do. I did not know how to program and my first job was a programmer. I sat at my desk with a couple of books and read them cover to cover.

Meanwhile I could hear the murmurs of my boss feeling they had made a mistake hiring me. Eventually I learned what I was supposed to do and I gained confidence. Even later, I learned more and more and became one of the best in the department.

• There have been many times when I was in over my head.
• There have been many times when I did not know what to do.
• There have been many times when I felt overwhelmed and simply lost.

Embarrassment was how I felt by not knowing what to do. I did not even consider they could fire me. I stayed up until two or three in the morning trying to make things work until I got it right.

• GOD blessed me to be put in positions where people were patient with my folly.
• GOD blessed me to have opportunities that I could not brag about “my” skills.
• GOD blessed me to be protected from those who lost their patience with me so I could keep going.

Giving up would have been easy then. No one was willing to help me since I was supposed to be this great asset to the company yet I was a detriment at the time. BUT GOD had me “keep going” until I learned what HE wanted me to learn. With HIS intervention I grew up.

• Are you facing something large?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you stop looking at the big picture and look only at today’s accomplishments?
• Will you ask GOD to give you the energy to keep going?

Have Quiet Words

Ecclesiastes:9 ¹⁴ There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. ¹⁵ Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. ¹⁶ So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.

¹⁷ The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded
    than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
¹⁸ Wisdom is better than weapons of war,
    but one sinner destroys much good.

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“There he goes talking again” I said to myself. This man from our church seemed to go on and on about stories of people who lived in the eighteenth century with him. He was usually quiet, but when he got going, there was no stopping him.

One day I went to visit his son to play over his house. The father came out and said some very quiet words that stuck with me… “Where is your faith?” he asked me. “I don’t know?” was my answer. Those were his only words. He got me thinking.

• I have found wisdom does not need a lot of words.
• I have found wisdom does not equal bragging on television.
• I have found wisdom does not mean pontificating to charm a crowd.

Later in life I came to appreciate his stories. He wasn’t just talking about the past, rather trying to impart wisdom to us through stories in his life. He experienced a lot and through his quiet words he passed down knowledge that I am grateful. I was the one who could have torn him down with my words which would have destroyed much good.

• GOD opened my ears to hear wisdom.
• GOD blessed me with people who cared enough to mentor me.
• GOD surrounded me with people who watched over me.

I now recognize my immaturity and I am excited that he was wise and humble enough to share what GOD blessed him with.

• Are you acting foolish?
• Have you spent a lot of hours talking bad about someone?
• Can you go back to those people you have spread slander to and clean up the mess you’ve made?
• Will you seek GOD’s wisdom over a human’s foolish words?

Getting Away with It

Ecclesiastes 8: ¹² Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. ¹³ Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

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Scared to even cuss, I tiptoed around doing “bad” stuff. I went to another school and met more people. They had some great ideas about doing stuff that seemed like “fun.”  Leaving the house without permission was my first test. I had never done that before and it felt great until I got home, late, to worried parents.

I then started trying other stuff. Lying felt pretty good and so did cursing. After a while I asked myself, why was I worried about being “bad?” This stuff did not feel “bad” and besides, I hadn’t killed anyone!

• There were times when I tried sin and it never felt “bad.”
• There were times when I dabbled in sin and the crowd was pleased with my actions.
• There were times when I tested my “sin boundaries” to see what I could get away with.

Little did I know that I was headed in the wrong direction. I was chipping away at my character a little at a time. I did not know I would be out on my own someday with fractures in my character here and there. When I went to my next place in life I faced some difficult times that sin could not fix. What was I to do?

• GOD said to me “Come unto ME all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
• GOD said to me “Return back to me and I will wipe away your tears.”
• GOD said to me “I sent you the COMFORTER who will be with you always.”

Forgiven was the feeling I missed when I was engulfed in sin. I could not do things right and it seemed like my road was getting harder and harder. BUT GOD rescued me and put me back on HIS path. HE said to me “I have a plan for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I believed and HE blessed me thoroughly!

• Do you feel you “got away with it?”
• Are you on the wrong path?
• Can you stop with your plans and start following GOD?
• Will you start looking at GOD as the solution instead of thinking HE is the problem?

In the Spotlight

Ecclesiastes 7: ²¹ Do not pay attention to every word people say,
    or you may hear your servant cursing you—
²² for you know in your heart
    that many times you yourself have cursed others.

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Walking past a group of the “in crowd” I stopped and paused next to them. They were chattering about different subjects that I found relevant and I wanted to be in the clique. I answered a question that was not asked to me and got “looks” from a few people in the group.  Expecting to hear something good, I returned again later. The next time I tried to insert myself into the conversation, I realized a couple of people were talking “about” me and giggling.

• Sometimes I wanted to be part of the crowd a little more than I should have.
• Sometimes I listened in on conversations that I was not welcome.
• Sometimes I eavesdropped when I should have kept to myself.

It is not a bad thing to seek friends, but choose them wisely is what someone taught me. I wanted to be in the spotlight with a crowd of people who did not care about me or anyone else. I was even willing to change my personality in order to fit in with the group. BUT GOD guided me away.

• GOD wants me to join a crowd of people who are serving HIM.
• GOD wants me to accept people the way they are.
• GOD wants me to be the person who brings people together and throw my slanderous tongue away.

Instead of being like people GOD wants me to be like HIM. HE cares infinitely about me and wants me to do the same for HIS people on a smaller scale. GOD wants my tongue to be encouraging and my ears closed to negative conversation. I pick and chose conversations to join in on.

• Are you an eavesdropper?
• Do you listen in on conversations that you may get your feelings hurt?
• Can you step back and add GOD’s discernment to whether you should be listening?
• Will you start your own crowd of followers of GOD?

Why Continue?

Ecclesiastes 6: ¹² For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow? Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?

“Why continue?” I thought to myself. I don’t mean why continue with life, I meant school was tough and I was not doing very well. I did not have help and did not know how to seek it. I sat in my apartment and wondered if I should even finish.

• There were times when I felt like giving up.
• There were times where I felt like I had no help at all.
• There were times that I felt lost and had no one to guide me.

“Logic” sometimes lies. I mean logically, at the time, said to me, “quit” and I was leaning towards it more and more each day. Life was tough and sketchy and I had calculated the best route was probably to roll over and sit in the corner and just face failure like the rest of the crowd. BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD said to me “All power and glory are mine” and HE will gladly share it with me.
• GOD said to me “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and HE has never left me nor forsaken me.
• GOD said to me “If you would just follow my path I will make it straight” and HE has guided me to this day.

I decided not to give up and GOD blessed me thoroughly. HE guided me little by little and before I knew it, I graduated. HE showed me that I have to seek HIS face for peace and nothing I do would be too large. HIS power is infinite and wisdom the same. HE grants me guidance when I am lost.

• Are you feeling lost?
• Do you want to give up?
• Can you ask GOD to give you guidance?
• Will you follow GOD to gain HIS strength and stop relying on yours?

Watch My Words!

Ecclesiastes 5: ² Do not be quick with your mouth,
    do not be hasty in your heart
    to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
    and you are on earth,
    so let your words be few.
³ A dream comes when there are many cares,
    and many words mark the speech of a fool.

⁴ When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. ⁵ It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. ⁶ Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? ⁷ Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

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“I promise never to do that again” were the empty words I pledged to GOD to get me out of trouble this particular time. At the time I was scared and did not want any more consequences and I just wanted whatever to be through! I had no plan or thought behind the statement, I just blurted the words out, hoping HE would mop up the situation,.

• There have been times where I promised things to GOD and did not fulfill them.
• There have been times where I promised that I would behave a certain way to GOD and did not change.
• There have been times where I promised something to GOD with good intentions but no plan.

“I’ll pray for you” are words that perk GOD’s ears. HE waits on the prayer I’m going to say for that person yet it never comes out. “I’ll server you more if…” are words that have crossed my mind, as if my service were a bargaining tool with GOD. Squirming is not a good time to make promises with GOD. In fact HE would rather that I wait.

• GOD wants me to develop a plan before I make a vow.
• GOD wants me to think about what I am saying before I invoke HIS name.
• GOD wants me to treat HIS name as holy so making a promise is serious business to HIM.

Fearing GOD means fulfilling the promise I made to HIM. I should not stop until I finish whatever I promised. This could mean sacrificing my wants and replacing them with HIS plans.

• Did you make an empty promise to GOD?
• Is HE still waiting on you to do something you promised?
• Will you go out and fulfill that promise and praise HIM for HIS grace?

Band Together

Ecclesiastes 4: ⁹ Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

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“Come on I’ll run with you” said a member on the track team to me. I was the slowest, most malnourished slug on the team. After running with him for a while I found myself picking up the pace. Weeks later, I could hang with the rest of the group, from behind of course!

• There were times when I was trying to do things on my own.
• There were times when I was discouraged only because I was alone and not accomplishing my goal.
• There were times when I felt like giving up because I was alone.

Loneliness feels heavier when problems come along. I mean, I have faced times where I had no one to tell my problems to who would empathetically put their minds to the issue and determine a real solution. I heard terms like “Have you tried…” or “Why don’t you…” from people who have never faced the situation or who’s minds are not really interested in solving the issue. BUT GOD has a different strategy.

• GOD saw my problem and decided to partner with me.
• GOD saw my need and decided to pair up with me.
• GOD saw my situation and decided to connect with me and supply much needed help.

GOD rescued me in my time of need. HE picked me up, dusted me off and told me I am special. HE had no blame in HIS words and even gave me HIS plan for me. HE wants nothing in return but for me to be joyous enough to tell others about the great news of JESUS. Two are better than one when the partnership is excited about success. I’m glad GOD is excited about me!

• Are you alone?
• Do you feel lonely?
• Can you seek the help from those who want you to succeed and have your best interest in mind?
• Will you seek GOD who always has your best interest in mind?

Mellow Out

Proverbs 3: There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

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Anxious over getting a job I applied for anything. I had been the leader of a large organization but money was getting low and expenses remained high. I heard many saying about “Making things happen” or “Taking control” of my situation. But it seemed pretty difficult and I needed something right then!

• Sometimes I think I can make things happen.
• Sometimes I think I am the one who can change the situation.
• Sometimes I think I am in control of what happens to me.

Somehow my thoughts had me anxious to return to a certain point in my life that had long passed. I did not realize that my time for ruling a kingdom was only for a short period. GOD wanted me to think differently about life.

• GOD wants me to remain focused on HIM and not my short stops here and there in life.
• GOD wants me to be excited about “this” day not those in the past.
• GOD wants me to understand there is a time for me to go through things and a time to have peace.

There is a time for everything and I need to spend my time wisely. Will I grouse about the world or will I jump in and join GOD in HIS plan to save it? Instead of really, really wanting “it” GOD wants me to mellow out and take each day as they come, knowing HE loves me dearly.

• Are you anxious?
• Do you feel nervous about where you are?
• Can you get excited about today and look for opportunities to serve GOD?
• Will you begin your journey with GOD today?

What is the Purpose?

Ecclesiastes 2: ²⁴ A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, ²⁵ for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

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One day I got home after working thirty six hours straight. Yes I stayed awake and worked straight. I finished the work with no commendation, no accolade and quite honestly no appreciation. We did not get the contract and all the work was done in vain.

• Sometimes I think I can make this planet a utopia.
• Sometimes I think I can affect my environment to make it a better place.
• Sometimes I think I can work hard enough to make “it” happen, whatever “it” is.

I was very disappointed with that company so I moved on only to find the next company had its own issues. I finally stopped chasing the rainbow.

• GOD told me to “Do your work as unto the LORD.”
• GOD said to me “Your labor will not be in vain.”
• GOD spoke to me and said “Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for my yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

I stopped trying to please bosses and peers and people around me and started pleasing GOD when I did my work. When the boss ranted that “it” wasn’t don’t to his or her liking, I simply asked GOD “How should I handle this” and HE would provide me with a peaceful answer. Soon I found myself working with peace instead of strife. I had a smile on my face daily.

My work became excellent because I wanted to give GOD sacrificial work. I do not need accolades from humans, GOD’s rewards are plenty!

• Are you working hard and getting no satisfaction?
• Have you been passed over one too many times?
• Will you work for GOD instead of working for humans?
• Will you allow GOD to change their heart instead of you trying to?

Look at Past Successes

Ecclesiastes 1: ⁹ What has been will be again,
    what has been done will be done again;
    there is nothing new under the sun.
¹⁰ Is there anything of which one can say,
    “Look! This is something new”?
It was here already, long ago;
    it was here before our time.

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Green and “still wet behind the ears” is what they used to say about me. With no experience I would open my mouth to suggest something new that our group could do. One woman in particular would open her mouth at every suggestion I made and say “Been there, done that!.” I wanted to be included in the discussion but I ran into a brick wall.

• There were times where I did not understand the past.
• There were times where I took history for granted.
• There were times where I detested looking back and I only looked forward.

“History repeats itself. Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” is what I gather from this passage. Without understanding the past, my ideas looked the same as past failures. What should I do?

• GOD wants me to read HIS word to understand how to avoid calamity.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for direction so I can bring forth new ideas.
• GOD wants me to study the fall of mankind so I can understand why I need salvation.

In order to be “successful” I must look at what made people fail. GOD says, pride, foolishness and perversions have caused the downfall of so many so HE laid out what it meant to become successful. HE said “Walk in fear of ME and all you do will be successful.” HE says “Do not be afraid.” HE also says “I will be with you.” All of these great statements are enough to make anyone successful.

• Do you think you have a new idea?
• Can you look back at the past and see how GOD delivered people rather than how “you” wish to be delivered?
• Will you seek GOD’s face by studying why people have failed and fallen away from HIM?

Speak Up!

Proverbs 31: ⁸ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

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

Nervous was only the beginning of what I felt when the company announced they would be making some cuts. I received a phone call from a friend stating “You’d better start calling people because the cuts are going to be deep.” I did not know that many people since I spent all of my days working. “What should I do” I thought to myself.

• There were times where I wanted someone to watch over me.
• There were times where I needed someone to intervene.
• There were times where I desired to speak up for myself but could not.

I made one phone call and someone did speak on my behalf. This rising star spoke up for me and I am deeply indebted to him. It taught me a lesson.

• GOD wants me to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
• GOD wants me to see dishonor and “speak up for the rights of those who are destitute.”
• GOD wants me to “speak up and judge fairly; defending the rights of the poor and needy.”

It does not feel good to be in need. I actually did not know what questions to ask or what to say to pull myself up. I was lost and I could not speak for myself. BUT GOD placed the right people in my life to protect me during times of trouble. HE saw fit to provide many servants who would watch over me.

• Are you speaking up for people?
• Are you being a blessing or a curse to people?
• Do you think GOD enjoys your actions towards people?
• Will you seek out a person to speak up for today?

Ask for the Middle

Proverbs 30: ⁷ “Two things I ask of you, Lord;
    do not refuse me before I die:
⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
    give me neither poverty nor riches,
    but give me only my daily bread.
⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
    and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
    and so dishonor the name of my God.

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

On my way to “extended wealth” I decided to get into day trading. I took some cash and asked one of the wealthy people what stock should I purchase. They gave me their advice and I went off with my purchase. About a month or two later I received a note stating the stock I purchased was worthless and the company had gone out of business.

• Sometimes I am not content with what I have.
• Sometimes the money I have is never enough.
• Sometimes I want more so I expand my thinking of what is poor and what is rich.

The wealthier I became the higher my thoughts were in terms of poverty. I mean my high school net worth could probably be measured in the cost of a sandwich and I thought I was rich. When I started working with very wealthy people, even my large bank account, insurance policies and stock made me feel as if I was destitute. What should I be thinking?

• GOD wants me to be grateful for this day HE has made.
• GOD wants me to be excited about where HE has me now.
• GOD wants me to be full of praise no matter what someone says my wealth status is.

“Easy” is not a place GOD says I would ever be as long as I am alive. HE did promise that HE would provide and HE would never leave me nor forsake me. My dependence is solely on HIM.

• Do you want wealth or a relationship with GOD?
• Are you trying to serve money and GOD?
• Will you stop talking about money for a moment and asses your relationship with where HE has you?
• Are you loving people that way GOD wants you to or are you frowning because you want more? 

I Detest That Person

Proverbs 29: ²⁷ The righteous detest the dishonest;
    the wicked detest the upright.

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

After returning to church from years of being away, I decided to clean up my act. I had a long list of habits that I did not want to do anymore. One after another, I dropped certain sins and felt pretty good about myself. I felt so good that I felt I could tell others what they were doing wrong. “If that person would only do x y z then their life would be so much better.” That statement soon turned into “That person is too far gone, there is no hope.”

• There were times where I thought too highly of my “progress” in life.
• There were times where I felt “closer” to GOD than I really was.
• There were times where I added judgement to my righteousness making it like a bloody tampon.

“That person” or “those people” are words that are very easy for me to say. They roll off my tongue like silk and I can say what I want about “them.” Meanwhile I can think “I am better than “them.” Surely “I” would not commit “that” sin like “those people.” BUT GOD saw something different.

• GOD saw my righteousness and compared it to JESUS’s righteousness and said it does not measure up.
• GOD said to me “Do not think more highly of yourself otherwise pride will make you fall.”
• GOD looked at me and told me to “Admit your need for ME and acknowledge ME in all your ways and you will be blessed.”

Now when I see “that person” or “those people” I have to ask GOD “Is that how I’m acting right now?” “Will YOU change my heart to be used in this situation to bring all of us back to YOU?” I need to include myself in “those people” and have compassion.

• Are you laying down your judgment?
• Do you feel justified for not liking “those people?”
• Will you include yourself in the crowd of people you dislike and help them back to GOD?
• Will you ask GOD to remove your stony heart for those you dislike?”

Success in the Making

Proverbs 28: ²⁵ The greedy stir up conflict,
    but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

²⁶ Those who trust in themselves are fools,
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

²⁷ Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,
    but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

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

“What does it take to be successful” I asked my assigned mentor. “You have to be tough, learn how to promote yourself and manage upward” were his words of advice. Since “tough” did not mean going out and starting a fist fight I took it to mean that I had to become brazen with my words and desirous to have more wealth.

Promoting myself meant I had to believe I was the smartest thing in the world. Managing upward meant I had to cater to the whims of the wealthy while ignoring those below. Is this success?

• There were times where I was willing to chase success at the cost of others.
• There were times where I was willing to sacrifice relationships in order to “be tough.”
• There were times where I was willing to be “successful” from a human perspective without weighing the GODLY consequences.

One might say I was justified in fighting with the bullies in leadership. Going toe to toe, meeting blow for blow was heralded as the thing to do. “They” even gave me more money for it! Soon I did not feel compassion for the fallen. BUT GOD wanted me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to see every human as HIS and tells me to put down my knife.
• GOD desires that I seek HIS wisdom and not trust in my own.
• GOD tells me to give to the poor and let the rich worry about themselves.

Human success is quite the opposite of success in GOD’s eyes. HE felt “success” was to become the poorest human on the planet, only to get blamed for my sins. HE never sought riches or power or fame. HE only cared for me and did not care about anything else. GOD loves me to the point of giving everything up for me.

• Are you trying to become successful?
• Do you feel conflicted when you have to dish out words of hidden poison?
• Can you focus on what GOD will have you do?
• Will you ask HIM for HIS wisdom and seek those in need?

Heart Words are Louder

Proverbs 27: ¹⁹ As water reflects the face,
    so one’s life reflects the heart.

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

Tired of being looked over, I decided to do something about it. I had spent the past four years with no one noticing me but this time it would be different. Loaded with a foul mouth and quick quips, I unleashed a new person in college. With razor like precision, I could cut a person up in a moment. I had laughter, but still lacked the group of “friends” I desired. What was the problem?

• My actions have told many stories.
• My daily words speak from a deeper source.
• My status in life reflects something my choices.

Being on the wrong path was actually fatal to my desire. I mean being labeled as the class clown did not generate the results I wanted. Friendship was my quest and I had to mature enough to “act friendly” to others before I could win their trust. I had to learn to replace my poison with honey and change my purpose from being “me” centered.

• GOD wants me to focus my life towards sincerely bringing people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to not be the center of attention rather focus people towards HIM.
• GOD wants me to have HIS heart so others would be drawn to HIM rather than being drawn to the world in me.

I have heard many people say they wish to have a “legacy” and that is not a bad desire. I used to want my legacy to be one of fame and fortune, BUT GOD found me and my heart is different. I want to point as many people to HIM as possible. I now desire to leave a wake of GOD’s kingdom instead of being known. Fame is fleeting, BUT GOD remains forever.

• What will people say about you at your funeral?
• Have you touched lives or been selfish?
• Will you examine your heart and begin focusing on what GOD will have you do?
• Will you ask GOD to put you on HIS path?

Yeah, I’m Talkin’ about You

Proverbs 26: ²⁰ Without wood a fire goes out;
    without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
²¹ As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
²² The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.

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

“It’s ashamed what happened to INSERT NAME” was always the start of a conversation I had no business being in. At first I stayed away because I had been on the other side of the words many times. But I was now “in the club” and I couldn’t pass up these juicy morsels.

• There have been times where I have joined gossip.
• There have been times where I have listened to others rant about someone else.
• There have been times where I have absorbed the strife about another person who was not present.

I could say I never actually “spread” the gossip or that I never actually “initiated” the gossip, but listening is just as bad. What can I do?

• GOD says to me “Wanting to hear gossip is just as bad as saying gossip.”
• GOD says to me “Love your enemies as well as your neighbors.”
• GOD says to me “Do not slander or it will fall on you.”

Spreading gossip is offensive to GOD! HE does not like when I speak about someone in slanderous tones especially when they are not present. If I cannot say what I have to say to their face and in front of an impartial group, then I should not say it at all. GOD wants me to change my words from poison to praise.

• Are you gossiping?
• Do you feel the need to talk about other people?
• Are you listening to gossip?
• Will you change your ways and encourage people instead of tearing them down?

Getting Too Comfortable

Proverbs 25: ¹⁶ If you find honey, eat just enough—
    too much of it, and you will vomit.
¹⁷ Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
    too much of you, and they will hate you.

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

“Come to the meeting and take notes” was the invitation of my boss’s, boss’s, boss. As I sat there with all of the people who were high up, I was a bit excited and wanted them to know my name. I kept my cool that day and simply wrote notes. “I wonder if I should tell them about what I’ve done” was my thought. After the meeting I asked someone if I should talk about myself next time. They said “sure.”

The next time, I went to the meeting prepared to talk about myself but a peer was there doing the same. I did not get to say anything. My peer was not invited back.

• Sometimes I am prepared to get too comfortable in my surroundings.
• Sometimes I am ready to “put my feet on someone’s furniture.”
• Sometimes I am primed to overstay my welcome.

I find that I can get too comfortable with places and organizations and suddenly I am not treating them with the high esteem I once did. Instead of following the chain of command, I went straight to the top because I got too comfortable with those in-between. “Oh, they’ll understand” was my excuse. They sometimes did not understand. I had to stop being informal.

• GOD says to me “Say praise for the little things and do not look for the big.”
• GOD says to me “Treat everyone with respect and you will always do well.”
• GOD says to me “Never overstay your welcome, but follow MY lead and I will tell you when to move.”

I must treat my neighbor as a precious gem and not get too comfortable with them. Each place I go, whether it is poor or plush, I should thank GOD for the tiny moment I was there and not desire a moment more. GOD has blessed me with that moment and that moment alone.

• Are you trying to get comfortable in a place?
• Do you think you have the right to spread your stuff out in someone else’s place?
• Can you stop getting too comfortable and thank GOD for the moment HE has you there?

Giving Up

Proverbs 24:

Saying 25

¹⁰ If you falter in a time of trouble,
    how small is your strength!
¹¹ Rescue those being led away to death;
    hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
¹² If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
    Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

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

“This was the final straw” I said to myself. Tired of the nonsense that was happening around me, I decided that I had enough. I gave up on helping because I was making no headway at all. In fact it seemed quite the opposite.

• Sometimes it seems like difficulties can throw me off.
• There are times when trouble can feel overwhelming to me.
• Sometimes I just feel like giving up when I am making no headway.

Quarrels and blame were the mode of operation and I truly got tired of being the self-appointed mediator. I said “What good is my help and it certainly doesn’t seem like GOD cares.” How incredibly wrong I was.

• GOD said “I will be with you always” this means HE stays during times of trouble.
• GOD said “Trouble you will have but I send a COMFORTER to you” meaning HE knows I will got through things so HE gave me protection.
• GOD said “Have the faith of a mustard seed” meaning I must believe in HIM even if it is the tiniest belief.

Giving up is quite easy to do, BUT GOD says to me “stay in there and complete your work I have given to you.” HE wants me to continue what I’ve started and never give up.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you look back on how GOD has rescued you in the past?
• Will you allow HIM to take you “through” the trouble instead of around it?

Wanting what They Have

Proverbs 23: Saying 15

¹⁷ Do not let your heart envy sinners,
    but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
¹⁸ There is surely a future hope for you,
    and your hope will not be cut off.

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

With a scowl, the partner closed his door on us. I always wanted to know what words were said behind those closed doors. I tried to get myself invited to the meeting and I made numerous attempts to get placed at the table to no avail. Why can’t I be like them? Maybe I have to frown more.

• Sometimes I wanted what other people had.
• Sometimes I desired to have what others seemed to get easily.
• Sometimes I craved what someone was.

As I climbed the ladder of success, I noticed I had to take an oath of silence when it came to low moral events. To be “in” the club I had to witness drunkenness followed by who knows what, and not tell. My envy turned cold as GOD opened my eyes.

• GOD says to me “Do not envy those who have gained wealth easily for you know not how they acquired it.”
• GOD says to me “Stay faithful to ME in lean times and in plenty and I will keep your hope strong.”
• GOD says to me “Better to fear ME and do what is right than to forget ME and lose your soul.”

Why gain the world and lose my soul? GOD says to me “I will supply all of your needs” and HE means that. HE provides for me daily and keeps my hope whole.

• Are you jealous of someone?
• Do you think “that” rich person is someone to envy?
• Do you spend your time talking about others and not about yourself?
• Will you focus on fearing GOD instead of talking about other people?

Want to be Rich?

Proverbs 22: ⁴ Humility is the fear of the Lord;
    its wages are riches and honor and life.

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

When I got the promotion, I felt great for a moment. I was far from my goal from being on top. I noticed the people on top were self-centered, egotistical Cretans, or at least that was the labels I could think of at the time. “How do I make it to the top” I asked someone. “You must learn how to embrace the leaders” he said. Embrace was code word for become.

• I have fallen for the trap of the human path to riches.
• I have fallen for the trap of the human path to wealth.
• I have fallen for the trap of the human path to titles.

I soon learned new words like “tough” instead of “heartless” when it came to releasing a group of hard working people who were doing nothing wrong, just to meet my numbers. I learned “smart” instead of “innovative” when it came to keeping things the same and not soliciting new ideas. I learned “team player” instead of “whistle blower” when it came to uncovering the sexcapades or immorality of the leaders. How did I get there?

• GOD says to me “Add humility to your quest and let me raise you up in MY time.”
• GOD says to me “Do not want for anything rather let ME be your guide.”
• GOD says to me “Your humility will bring MY reward and honor.”

There is not title or status worth being without GOD. HE knows my “needs” and provides them daily. Those who scoff at that saying may be like I was before GOD focused me. HE wants a solid relationship between me and HIM. This takes humility.

• Are you arrogant?
• Do you say “I don’t want” when it comes to something that has not taken place?
• Will you allow GOD to handle your situation?

I Stopped Serving GOD

Proverbs 21: ³⁰ There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.

³¹ The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.

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

Frustrated at many situations that were not going well, I chose not to serve GOD. I mean it seems like everyone else was getting “their” way and I was not getting mine. I threw away prayer and did not attend church. I was angry at people who had disappointed me and claimed to be followers of GOD. Stop following GOD was my plan.

• There were times when I rejected GOD’s calling.
• There were times when I did not want to hear about JESUS or the Bible or being good.
• There were times when I felt this “GOD” thing was not working so I should try something else.

I set out on my own and didn’t find many answers. In fact I saw calamity and wound up begging GOD to let me back in the house. Life was falling apart and I was without hope. I did not even have GOD to turn to.

• GOD welcomed me back with open arms.
• GOD forgave me for trying to run away from HIM.
• GOD insisted on blessing me when I stopped blaming HIM for my insecurities.

Looking back on this period I ask myself, “What was my plan?” I mean every movement my body makes cannot be done without GOD. Every breath that I take has to be blessed by GOD and every bite of food I take goes to HIS throne for permission to nourish me or kill me. I took GOD for granted and my immaturity made me think I did not owe HIM a thing rather HE owed me.

My plan to stop following GOD failed miserably. I had to swallow my pride and straighten up my act in order to be used of HIM again.

• Have you given up?
• Do you feel like you deserve to be treated better?
• Will you stop your prideful ways and run back to GOD with a humbled heart?
• Will you serve GOD today?

Who Wants Pain?

Proverbs 20: ³⁰ Blows and wounds scrub away evil,
    and beatings purge the inmost being.

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

Sitting by the window was probably the worst thing I could do. I would stare outside, longing to be in the fresh air, then like a clap of thunder, the teacher would inevitably call me back into reality. “Why do I have to go to school anyway?” I said in fourth grade.

• Sometimes I feel like giving up and taking the easy route.
• Sometimes I want vacation instead of work.
• Sometimes I desire resting in a meadow of laziness rather than plowing a field of work.

I decided not to go to attend class when I went to college. My grades suffered and I was told I may not graduate. I had to buckle down and study. It was painful. I decided to start going to school and found it to actually be easier than I thought.

• GOD has shown me that I need to be disciplined in order to stay on HIS path.
• GOD has shown me that I sometimes need a whooping in order to get focused.
• GOD has shown me that nothing in life comes easy and my focus should be HIM.

Bumps and bruises in life teach me that I need GOD every step of the way. HE takes my evil behavior and turns it into righteousness by allowing a little turmoil in my life. My desire gets purged and I can then praise HIM.

• Are you going through a beating in life right now?
• Have you ever done evil in your life?
• Can you change your course and follow GOD the way HE wants you to follow HIM?
• Will you accepts the blows and wounds as a method of purging instead of punishing?

Giving is Living

Proverbs 19: ¹⁷ Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
    and he will reward them for what they have done.

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

Looking at the time, I realized I was running late. It was cold and I had to park far away. I walked with a bit of a gallop and stopped at a crosswalk of a very busy street. I heard a voice from a person sitting on the ground. “Do you have any spare change” the person asked. I shrugged as the light changed and I crossed the street. I’ll give to them when I return from the gala I was attending. When I got back, the person was nowhere to be found.

• Sometimes I miss the opportunity.
• Sometimes I do not help the poor.
• Sometimes I ignore the needy.

I actually had plenty of time to help the person. I timed how long it would take me to pull my wallet out of my pocket and grab a dollar bill, it was ten seconds.

• GOD wants me to help those HE puts in front of me.
• GOD wants me to give to those who HE prompts me to give.
• GOD wants me to provide for those who HE delivers to me.

GOD said “You will never know if you are entertaining an angel.” Since HE challenges my heart to see if I can handle large sums of money, HE gives me opportunities to see what I will do with small amounts. I can horde it for myself and make excuses for not giving or I can do without for a moment and give. GOD wants me to give and be excited.

Are you a hoarder?

Do you judge the homeless saying they will spend the money on alcohol or drugs?

When is the last time you missed a meal in order to give it to someone?

Will you seek people today to give to?