Growing Up Quietly

Psalm 131: ¹ My heart is not proud, Lord,
    my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
    or things too wonderful for me.
² But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.

³ Israel, put your hope in the Lord
    both now and forevermore.

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Memories are absolutely amazing, dancing around my head like little videos. My earliest memory is reaching for my bottle and knocking it over only to hear the sound of it shattering on the floor. Yes, it was glass. My weaning period from the bottle was difficult. I took to a famous cartoon character of the time, holding a facsimile of a blanket and sucking my thumb. The entire family tried to steer me from the dreaded thumb. Then one day, I just stopped and grew up.

• When I was a child I thought as a child.
• When I was a child I had to go through a weaning period.
• When I was a child I moved from one stage to the next, not knowing I could not stay at the last stage.

Growing up is sometimes difficult. The array of situations that can arise in life are vast, some great, some not so great. During these life events, I can run around screaming or I can relax and go through it in a different way.

• GOD wants me to get rid of any pride I may have.
• GOD wants my eyes to not desire the material things of this world.
• GOD wants me not to worry about matters HE is taking care of.
• GOD wants me to grow up.

Putting hope in GOD enables me to grow up. The harder the situation, the more I need GOD. I can no longer expect to drink from the bottle of life as a baby. GOD wants me to turn to HIM fully and place my hope in HIM always. GOD handles the matters that are greater than me.

• Are you still a child?
• Do you feel your life is out of control?
• Do you not know where to turn next?
• Can you place your hope in GOD?
• Will you stop concerning yourself with tomorrow and let GOD handle the “things too wonderful” for you?

Waiting Takes Patience

Psalm 130: ¹ Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
²     Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

³ If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
⁴ But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

⁵ I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
⁶ I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

⁷ Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
⁸ He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

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It was a normal game of hide and seek and this may have been my first time. I ran to some close location and hid partially, anticipating the “seeker” to go and look for others. As I stuck my head out from a bush, I was immediately caught. “You have to have patience” is what someone told me. “Waiting takes too long” I replied.

• When I want something I sometimes cannot wait.
• When I am seeking something I sometimes cannot wait.
• When I desire something I sometimes cannot wait.

Multiply my impatience by one thousand when it comes to, what I call a crisis. When I perceive things going wrong, I spring into action planning, executing mitigation and yes, praying. Sometimes I get immediate response and sometimes the response comes years later. I don’t like waiting for years!

• GOD says to me “Wait on the LORD” which requires patience.
• GOD says to me “MY strength is made perfect in your weakness” which requires fortitude.
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid for I AM with you always” which requires trust.

Rifling through my mind, trying to remember my sins is a waste of time, especially when I am forgiven. If GOD reacted to every one of my sins I would never have come out of my mother’s womb. Yes HE wants me to sin “less” so I can trust “more.” HE wants me to wait on HIS delivery without throwing in the towel on HIM. GOD is where my hope lies.

• Are you impatient?
• Do you think GOD has left you or forgotten you?
• Can you remember that HE said HE would NEVER leave you nor forsake you?
• Will you continue to place your hope in GOD no matter how misguided it is?

Getting out of the Trap

Psalm 129: ¹ “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,”
    let Israel say;
² “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth,
    but they have not gained the victory over me.
³ Plowmen have plowed my back
    and made their furrows long.
⁴ But the Lord is righteous;
    he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.”

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“Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. Bullies on the left and poverty on the right, was a thought I had in eighth grade. “Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. This time, difficult teachers and no help or direction prompted my thinking in high school. “Will I ever get out of here?” I sat and thought. This time I had a very boring job in a town I despised and I had no contacts.

• There are some places in life that seemed like I would remain forever.
• There are some places in life that seemed like I would never leave.
• There are some places in life that seemed as if I was stuck with no way out.

Looking forward during those difficult times, the road seemed endless. I mean who can do four whole years of high school, my young mind could not conceive. Looking back at that trial is only laughable compared to the trials of an adult. GOD had a plan for me.

• GOD is always there for me when I question the road HE has me on.
• GOD is always there for me when the road seems bleak and I have nothing inside of “me” to resolve the current situation.
• GOD is always there for me when things seem impossible to me.

When I look at my power and assess my skills I quickly get nervous. I compare what I know with what’s ahead of me and immediately feel like giving up, BUT GOD has shown to be ever faithful. HE says “When you are weakest, MY strength is made perfect.” GOD is my salvation, whom shall I fear?

• Are you nervous?
• Are you feeling frightened by your surroundings?
• Can you be still for a moment today and listen to GOD?
• Will you accept the peace HE has for you this day?

Where it all starts

Psalm 128: ¹ Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
    who walk in obedience to him.
² You will eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity will be yours.
³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.
⁴ Yes, this will be the blessing
    for the man who fears the Lord.

⁵ May the Lord bless you from Zion;
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life.
⁶ May you live to see your children’s children—
    peace be on Israel.

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Zero words, zero advice came from my high school counselor, but I never asked the right question. I was told to “Go to college” so I did because I feared the future. No direction, no roadmap came from the college I graduated from, but I never asked for help. I was told by others to “Dress for success” and to be impressive in the interview, so I did because I feared not getting the job.

• Fear has driven many of my decisions.
• Fear has driven many of my questions about life.
• Fear has driven many of my mistakes and successes.

Blame was the first thought that came to mind when it came to a direction I chose. I mean, why wasn’t someone put in my path to simply tell me what to do so my fears would be taken care of? Some paths I chose felt right while others felt dreadfully wrong. Where does true success come from?

• GOD tells me “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are all who fear the LORD.”
• GOD states “Do not fear those who can hurt the body but cannot hurt the soul. Fear the ONE who can destroy the soul.”

Fear of GOD means I need to hold HIM in the highest regard. HE needs to be number one in my life no matter what goes on around me. HE gets praise first and my plans need to be placed in front of HIM before I move forward. HIS direction, HIS path and HIS timing are all great in my mind and my fear needs to be channeled to pleasing HIM.

GOD is not needy or mean. HE simply wants me to stay away from anything that isn’t of HIM. Instead of fearing “stuff” I need to fear the LORD, this is the beginning of GOD’s blessing.

• Do you have fear in your life?
• Do your fears seem greater than your fear of GOD?
• Can you stop blaming GOD without fearing HIS consequence of complaining?
• Will you fear GOD today by seeking HIM first?

Each Request has to be Blessed

Psalm 127:¹ Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
² In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

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Broken glass and missing tapes were the only evidence of my problem. It took me years to collect this group of sounds. I started over. I locked my car like a warden and hid my collection under the seat. Five years of amassing a wealth of music, broken glass, a dent and missing tapes showed that my efforts of protecting my precious melodies were in vain.

• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” wealth.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” possessions.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect “my” ideas.

Many times I have run into situations where “I” thought “I” could think my way out. I would plan, put contingencies in place and execute my plan only to have that plan fail. I roll around on the ground asking “what went wrong?” GOD answered.

• GOD says to me “Unless you include ME in your plans first, they will not succeed."
• GOD says to me “The bigger the plan the more reliance you will have on ME.”
• GOD says to me “Don’t worry about stuff that can rust or moths can eat, think of ME.”

Having a relationship with GOD is so much more important than getting “my” way. When GOD is involved in my life, my plans become HIS. When HIS plans are enacted, no one or nothing can stop them. Unless GOD is involved, my labor is in vain, but when GOD is involved the fruit is plentiful!

• Are you losing sleep?
• Do you feel exhausted?
• Can you give your efforts over to GOD and let HIM solve the problem?
• Will you take your hands off the situation and stop thinking you have to be in control?
• Will you be content with GOD’s way of solving the problem?

Not Missed Until it is Gone

^Psalm126:4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

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Embarrassed but content was how I felt about my mustard yellow rust bucket of a car. The front end was torn to pieces and the headlights didn’t want to work at the same time. I would shrink away from those who would laugh at it, sometimes wanting a car that looked better. When the accident happened, I was back on foot. “Man I wish I had my rust bucket back.”

• When I complain about something, I am not appreciating it.
• When I complain about something, I think I deserve something better.
• When I complain about something, I look at the complaint as justified.

Instead of being grateful, my embarrassment turned into frustration, which lead to complaining. When my car was gone, I could no longer complain about it. I was back on foot, without the means to get around. GOD doesn’t like complaining. I have never seen an instance where GOD looked at complaining as an endearing quality. In fact, HE took things away from complainers leaving them begging for the little they had.

When GOD wipes out fortunes HE isn’t being mean or hateful. HE wants and deserves thankfulness for what HE has given me. HE deserves all the credit for anything HE provides.

• GOD provides for me and I should praise HIM for the little before I can praise HIM for plenty.
• GOD can give or take away the fortune HE has for me because it is HIS in the first place.
• GOD restores to who HE pleases, when HE pleases and it is up to me to be content wherever HE has me.

Worries seem to hover around money. I mean when I don’t have enough, I worry about bills. When I have too much I worry about losing it and spend an exorbitant amount of time protecting it. GOD says to me, “I AM your fortune. Seek ME first and I will provide your needs.” GOD restores and I am grateful!

• Has GOD wiped away your fortune?
• Do you feel like you are in a hole financially?
• Can you place your total trust in GOD instead of looking at riches?
• Will you follow HIS plan for you so HE can restore you fully at HIS time?

Experience Brings Trust

Psalm 125: ¹ Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be shaken but endures forever.
² As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people
    both now and forevermore.

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Nervous and unlearned I took the entrance exam to high school. I fumbled through a prayer and heard nothing. Weeks later, the principal called several names over the loud speaker inviting us to his office. Immediately I knew I had got in! Traveling to school I lost some money due to a hole in my pocket and had no way to return home. I prayed and looked in the grass and found a crisp one dollar note that took care of the entire day’s trip.

• Looking back on GOD’s delivery helps me have faith that HE will carry me through.
• Looking back on GOD’s delivery helps me have hope that HE has not forgotten me.
• Looking back on GOD’s delivery helps me gain trust in HIM that HE knows what HE is doing.

Situations that are out of my control are the most difficult to face. I mean no matter what level of planning or action I could ever conceive; it still boils down to me being a spectator rather than a competitor in life’s struggles. This lack of control points me to a better place.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me and has a wonderful plan for me.
• GOD wants me to know that when I put my trust in HIM, HE will come through abundantly.
• GOD wants me to know I can have confidence in HIM because HE surrounds me with HIS strength.

GOD is absolutely amazing! HE has brought me through so much I cannot name it all. HE has protected me from dangers, traps and snares. HE has delivered the right people at the right time and has always been there when I need HIM. My trust in HIM cannot be shaken for HE has shown me too much. I place my trust in GOD!

• Are you nervous?
• Have you lost your way and feel that life is out of control?
• Can you put your trust in GOD?
• Will you add confidence, hope and reliance on the all faithful, everlasting GOD?

Narrow Escapes are the Norm

Psalm 124: ¹ If the Lord had not been on our side—
    let Israel say—
² if the Lord had not been on our side
    when people attacked us,
³ they would have swallowed us alive
    when their anger flared against us;
⁴ the flood would have engulfed us,
    the torrent would have swept over us,
⁵ the raging waters
    would have swept us away.

⁶ Praise be to the Lord,
    who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
⁷ We have escaped like a bird
    from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
    and we have escaped.
⁸ Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Like Hollywood I “woke up” just in the nick of time as I drove my car off the expressway and onto an exit ramp! Another time my friend and I made it onto the bus just in the nick of time, as a fight broke out amongst the thugs the driver closed the door behind us. A speeding car almost crashed into mine once.  I was told not to travel the week prior to every plane being grounded due to terrorist attacks. The list goes on and on.

• People have said to me “You are lucky.”
• People have said to me “You have skill.”
• People have said to me “You must be living right.”

Life-threatening narrow escapes have happened to me many times throughout the years. Looking back, I don’t know that I have always been thankful.

• GOD wants me to acknowledge that HE was the one who brought me through all of my troubles.
• GOD wants me to recognize that only HE can protect me even in the direst situation.
• GOD wants me to open my mouth and praise HIM for the way HE is handling things during my trials, not after.

I love what the writer says “Our hope is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Only HE can pull off safety and security. Nothing on this earth provides protection like GOD. HE breaks chains made by humans and enables freedom from traps.

• Are you waiting on your escape?
• Has it been prolonged?
• Will you praise GOD for taking HIS time?
• Can you recognize that GOD has given you your daily bread?
• Will you look back on your life to remember the narrow escapes HE provided you?

Looking in the Right Place

Psalm 123: ¹ I lift up my eyes to you,
    to you who sit enthroned in heaven.
² As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
    as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
    till he shows us his mercy.

³ Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us,
    for we have endured no end of contempt.
⁴ We have endured no end
    of ridicule from the arrogant,
    of contempt from the proud.

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One request and one request alone is what I noticed in this passage, “Have mercy on us.” The writer of this Psalm describes the people who are in prayer as “slaves” which I find interesting as well. Here is what I pondered.

• I should look at GOD from a different viewpoint of being elevated instead of being on the same plane.
• I should look to heaven for my cure rather than those around me.
• I should look at my approach to GOD subtracting demands and adding humility.

The request from the writer was not specific at all. It did not have a timeframe, a dollar amount nor a person to get rid of. It just says “Have mercy on us.” This takes all of the control out of the prayer and puts it in GOD’s mighty hand.

• GOD do what YOU will, but show us YOUR mercy.
• GOD flex YOUR might, but show us YOUR mercy.
• GOD provide in YOUR way, but show us YOUR mercy.

Arrogance and pride are the contempt of the LORD. HE threw Satan out of heaven because of Satan’s pride. GOD sees the seed of HIS deliverance and it cannot contain my arrogance upon reception. I cannot boast or brag that I deserve GOD’s deliverance, I can only say “HE had mercy on me.”

I know I have heard the preachers say “GOD is your friend” and “JESUS is my brother” but I am careful to know I need to lift them up and treat the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT with respect rather than any old way. The right place to look at GOD is “up” for HE knows every situation and is in control.

• Are you treating GOD as common?
• Do you think HE is against you?
• Will you elevate GOD to the right place and let HIM “show HIS mercy” on you?
• Will you drop all arrogance and pride and flow with HIS plan?

Words are Mighty

Psalm 122: ⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
⁷ May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
⁸ For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
⁹ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

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Filled with rage, my poisonous words spewed out of my mouth. The problem was that the words kept coming out and soon I had filled the room with spiteful malicious paragraphs that I could never take back. Later, a thought popped in my mind. I wonder if this person is a follower of GOD.

• When my words are filled with hurt, they are not pointed at the kingdom.
• When my words are full of fear, they are not pointed at the kingdom.
• When my words are packed with pain, they are not pointed at the kingdom.

Words can go two ways, to build someone up or tear someone down. The latter of the two is very easy, especially when I am trying to get a point across. What I have found is these words do not bring peace. Yeah, “I” may feel better, but am I bringing peace to “that” person?

• GOD wants me to pray for security for people no matter how insecure they may be.
• GOD wants me to pray for peace for people no matter how contemptuous they may be.
• GOD wants me to pray for GOD’s prosperity which may mean a kingdom full of people rather than a bank full of money.

David was already very wealthy but he said “For the sake of the house of the LORD our GOD, I will seek your prosperity.” David knew that sacrifice was needed in order to lead a group of people who put their trust in the LORD. These people were excited about GOD and loved to worship HIM at all turns. GOD wants me to celebrate those who put their full trust in HIM. HE wants me to add peace to those who seek HIS face.

• Are your words pointing people to the problem or to the kingdom?
• Do you find poison in your words or can you point people to peace?
• Will you try adding GOD to every conversation you have today? 

Serious Security System

Psalm: 121: ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

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Returning home from a two day trip I came in through the garage like I normally do. A jolt of fear shot through my body as I noticed that I had forgotten to lock the front door! Thoughts ran through my mind. “Wow what if someone tried the door? They could have come right in and helped themselves!”

• Sometimes I think that locks prevent theft.
• Sometimes I think security systems deter thieves.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect my stuff.

Thieves have stolen from me, vandalized my stuff and gotten away with my earthly treasure in the past. Well, at least they think they have gotten away with it. I’m not saying to go around with your doors unlocked but I am saying I had to let go of the stuff in order to not fear it’s loss.

• GOD wants me to let go of my earthly possessions in order to see HIM and depend on HIM fully.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to prune away “stuff” so HE can show HIS marvelous work.
• GOD wants me to know HE watches over me when I sleep, when I’m awake, when I travel and when I stay.

It’s amazing how much I worry about the “stuff” in my life. BUT GOD understands and HE knows my needs. HE provides HIS grace, mercy and peace at the right time!

• Are you worried about losing your stuff?
• Do you fear thieves will take your belongings?
• Can you let go of your stuff enough to let GOD handle protecting it?
• Will you build up your trust in GOD enough to let HIM handle the precious things, and people, in your life?

Protected From Liars

Psalm 120: ¹ I call on the Lord in my distress,
    and he answers me.
² Save me, Lord,
    from lying lips
    and from deceitful tongues.

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“That will be about $1500” the dentist said as I looked dismayed. “Would you like me to take care of that now?” she asked. Something didn’t feel right about what she was saying. In fact my whole being felt alarms go off. “No, not right now” was my reply. I took my, so called, cracked tooth to another dentist and they did not find any problem. The new dentist cleaned my teeth and any pain I felt went away. “Your insurance will cover that” he said.

• There are times where I have lied.
• There are times when I felt I had to protect myself at all costs.
• There are times in which I have not stated the truth in order to get my way.

“Lying lips” are something GOD does not like. HE cannot stand when I lie to someone, especially to get my way. Lying is the ultimate form of manipulation. Even lying to myself causes problems between me and GOD. HE can see through any delusion I put up about someone or some situation. HE drills down to the core when it comes to lying.

• GOD wants me to tell the truth to others and to myself so I can worship HIM in spirit and TRUTH.
• GOD wants me to believe HE will protect me from those who lie about me or slander me or try to get the best of me.
• GOD wants me to know HE will protect me from liars and HE does not want me to be included in the lying.

“Put off your childish ways” is what GOD says to me. When I was a child, I would tell my parents “I don’t know” when I fully knew what I did, yet got caught. BUT GOD wanted me to grow up and to face my mistakes. HE wants me to be able to confess my wrongs, knowing HIS grace is on the other side of admittance. GOD not only protects me from lies, HE pursues those who attack me. I do not want to be pursued by GOD for lying. GOD answers my prayers of protection.

• Are you being deceived?
• Are you deceiving someone?
• Can you ask GOD for forgiveness of your deceit, even the deceit you have about yourself?
• Will you ask GOD to protect you from liars and to heal you from lying?

A Nice Prayer to Start the Day

Psalm 119: ¹⁶⁹ May my cry come before you, Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word.
¹⁷⁰ May my supplication come before you;
    deliver me according to your promise.
¹⁷¹ May my lips overflow with praise,
    for you teach me your decrees.
¹⁷² May my tongue sing of your word,
    for all your commands are righteous.
¹⁷³ May your hand be ready to help me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.
¹⁷⁴ I long for your salvation, Lord,
    and your law gives me delight.
¹⁷⁵ Let me live that I may praise you,
    and may your laws sustain me.
¹⁷⁶ I have strayed like a lost sheep.
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten your commands.

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What I noticed about this prayer is the person asks for help following GOD. Sometimes people tell me “follow GOD” but it is not always that easy. My sinful heart prevents the easiest tasks listed by GOD and soon I find myself not praising HIM or lifting a finger to grow HIS kingdom. BUT GOD wants me to act differently.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM for understanding of HIS word so I can apply it only to me.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to accept my prayer for it is arrogant to demand anything of HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to teach me HIS decrees so I can praise HIM when I get the knowledge.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to change my stony heart to enable it to accept “all” of GOD’s word.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for help when I start following HIS path.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for the abundant life HE promises me so that I can praise HIM.
• GOD wants me to confess to HIM that I go astray daily and I need HIM to seek me for I would not seek HIM.

This is a marvelous prayer and I am glad GOD inspired Taw to write it. 

The Other Side of a Whooping

Psalm 118: ¹⁵ Shouts of joy and victory

    resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
¹⁶     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
¹⁷ I will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
¹⁸ The Lord has chastened me severely,
    but he has not given me over to death.
¹⁹ Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

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Driving to my apartment I realized I was on my own. No more parents to answer to, no more professors to get graded by. I was free to do what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. I can join the crowd and fit in! When I did, it seemed like stuff would happen to me and no one else. I mean when I would do what everyone else was doing, something “bad” would happen to me and it seemed like everyone else would get away with whatever they were doing!

• My sins have consequences on earth.
• My sins have consequences that harm me.
• My sins have consequences that spring up in “crops” of seeds I’ve sown.

The old saying “what goes around comes around” is based on a Psalm that says “Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them…” In other words, it seems like I can’t do what other people can “get away with.” GOD has a different standard for me.

• GOD holds me to a higher standard because I am HIS child.
• GOD treats me different because I am supposed to represent HIS holiness.
• GOD chastens me to a point, not because HE hates me, but because HE loves me and wants me to stay on HIS path.

GOD’s whooping is not a fun whooping and doesn’t always seem one for one. I mean sometimes the sin may be “small” but GOD sees something bigger in me and will not stand for it. Yes HE has grace, but HE also has wrath. HE demands my attention and desires that I follow HIM, HIS way. This is not arrogant since HE did so much for me.

The great thing about GOD is, HIS wrath for me is never eternal. HE pulls back and picks me up and says, “I love you.” HE opens the gate foe me to HIS house and I will praise HIM!

• Are you being chastened by GOD?
• Does it seem pretty harsh?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you and will not destroy you, but make you stronger?