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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

Watch What I Say

Proverbs 18: ²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.

²² He who finds a wife finds what is good
    and receives favor from the Lord.

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Words are extremely important I have found over the years. When I say something harsh to my wife it seems like the whole house gets filled with gloom. No matter how simple the word or how complex the thought if the words are negative the whole world will know about it.

• Sometimes I have had words of complaint.
• Sometimes I have had words of disgust.
• Sometimes I have had words of distrust.

The tongue can be filled with poison and tear up my family. I mean I don’t have to be a cream puff if something is going away from GOD rather I have to watch what I say and say it in love.

• GOD wants me to see HIS example when HIS own creation blamed HIM, HE prayed for them.
• GOD wants me to know the power of the tongue can bring life or death.
• GOD wants me to understand that my words will be replayed to me when I am standing in front of HIM one day.

My words have to be chosen carefully so instead of responding quickly, I have to place my words before GOD and ask HIM to modify them before I speak. Only HE can tame my tongue and make it breathe life.

• Are you a harsh speaker?
• Do your words bring life or death?
• How many people have you torn down with your words?
• Can you examine your words and place them before GOD today?
• Will you accept the prayer that any words you say will fall back on you tenfold?

Taking the test

Proverbs 17: ³ The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.

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Looking at the other students take their test was all I could do as I did not know many of the answers. I sat there perplexed, staring at the paper. “LORD, please bring something to mind” I desperately asked. Nothing came. I handed in my test and slumped away from the class. To my surprise I got a “D” instead of failing. The entire situation felt pitiful.

• Sometimes I look at tests wrong.
• Sometimes I think tests are awful.
• Sometimes I feel tests are not my thing.

When I hear the word “test” I still cringe to this day. I mean I do not like tests because they do not seem like they are in my favor. It seems like all the information flies out of my  mind and I can’t recall whatever I need at that time only. Doe GOD treat me that way when HE “tests” my heart? NO!

• GOD’s test for me is refining like silver in a crucible.
• GOD’s test for me is refining like gold in a furnace.
• GOD’s test for me is refining through situations and circumstances.

A heart full of sin is GOD’s specialty. HE takes my heart through the fiery furnace of life, allowing it to feel the heat so the things that don’t belong can melt away. GOD takes away the things that distract me from HIM and leaves me in that furnace until my heart is fully refined. HE burns away fear, doubt, lust, envy, anger and replaces it with love, joy, peace, humility, kindness, grace, mercy and forgiveness.

I have to admit, I don’t like the process of having to go through the fire, but I love the results that only GOD can bring.

• Are you in the fire?
• Do you want to get out of the fire before you are fully refined?
• Will you let GOD take you entirely through the situation?

Plans for Success

Proverbs 16: To humans belong the plans of the heart,
    but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

² All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
    but motives are weighed by the Lord.

³ Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.

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Seated by last name I would most times end up in the back of the class. I was labeled as “The Professor” and my neighbors spied my tests with gaping eyes. One day, the teacher moved me next to the “smartest” in the class. She naively left her test uncovered. “I wonder if I should copy a few answers from her test” ran through my mind.

• Sometimes my plans were not pure.
• Sometimes my plans were not based with the right motive.
• Sometimes my plans were not innocent as they seemed.

Desire does not provide an excuse for me to do things the wrong way. I mean just because the road is hard doesn’t mean I should cut corners or slack in my plans. What should I do?

• GOD says to me “I want to bless all of your plans so put them in front of ME first.”
• GOD says to me “I can see your motives so I will bless your plans based on them.”
• GOD says to me “Give me your desire and I will make your path straight.”

My plans may not have the right motive. Instead of asking GOD for clear sight to be able to copy from my neighbor’s test, I should ask for a clear mind to prepare me for my own. In my life, GOD has never given me an easy route. It seems like HE won’t allow me to prosper when I think about stealing, cheating, lying or cutting a corner.

GOD wants me to place my plans in front of HIM and no matter how hard the situation, believe HE will guide me through the difficulties. GOD will establish my plans as long as I give them to HIM.

• Are you planning something?
• Do you have a certain picture in your mind of how things should go?
• Can you ask GOD if the way you are going is right?
• Will you ask GOD for direction, resources and fortitude to continue?

Getting What I Ask For

Proverbs 15: ¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.

¹⁷ Better a small serving of vegetables with love
    than a fattened calf with hatred.

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“Meet the new boss” were common words at this particular company. I invited him out to dinner to get to know him so I could find out who I had to become now. Fortunately for me, my previous bosses were avid followers of GOD without distractions from their work, but this one was different. Our first conversation went down the direction of drunkenness and wild parties. Is that what I should become now in order to keep my wealth? I had a choice.

• Sometimes my wealth was the deciding factor of my path.
• Sometimes my wealth was the focus of my protection.
• Sometimes my wealth was the fear that was great to me.

The more wealth I accumulated the more I needed to protect it. This meant becoming the bosses right hand. Sometimes the hand was not as clean as it needed to be. I could feel the HOLY SPIRIT saying something to me. “No, not this time” were the words that started me on the path back to GOD.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM no matter what wealth status I am at.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for just being with HIM, not for how much HE gives me.
• GOD wants me to know HIS love over wealth and HE will lead me in the way that is right.

It is better to have a little and be with the LORD than to be wealthy and be without HIM. I mean where would I go? HE is everywhere and HIS wrath is at the end to those who choose to not follow HIM. GOD blesses me daily with HIS love and protection.

• Are you seeking wealth?
• Are you trying to manipulate GOD in order to get wealth?
• Have you asked yourself “how did I get where I am” lately?
• Will you get back on HIS path?

When the Chips Fall

Proverbs 14: ³² When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
    but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

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Exhausted was the only way I could describe this particular year. Two broken cars, failing grades, girlfriend trouble, and a job cleaning toilets. Some people said, “Let’s go hang out in another city.” I knew what “hang out” meant so I said “of course!”

• When things got rough I sought relief.
• When things got tough I sought an instant way out of the pain.
• When things got harsh I sought a group who could make me laugh for only a moment.

We didn’t get into any wildness that weekend. Some would say it was fate. BUT GOD changed the circumstances such that we would not do anything outrageous. It was a much needed outing and I returned with my mind refreshed. During that time GOD actually said “I have a different way for you.”

• GOD wants me to seek HIM when problems arise.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face when issues flow.
• GOD wants me to seek the kingdom when troubles knock on my door.

Life is never guaranteed. One minute I have been on top and the next on the bottom. BUT GOD has shown me that HE is faithful no matter where I am. HE loves me dearly and protects me through trouble and pain. HE feels worse that I do when I hurt and wants me to see relief. No matter what I’m going through I seek GOD.

• Are you seeking relief from your situation?
• Have you sinned while seeking relief?
• Will you allow GOD to clean up your mess?
• Will you allow HIM to truly change your heart?

Knowing it All

Proverbs 13: ¹³ Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
    but whoever respects a command is rewarded.

¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
    turning a person from the snares of death.

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Whenever someone came to me with a question, I had an answer. It felt good knowing all there was to know about my department. In fact, I knew it all about everything. But one day, GOD changed my circumstances and I found out just how much I knew. For the first time in a long time I had to swallow my pride and go out and ask questions. It seemed like the simplest tasks were hard and I struggled.

• My pride makes me not hear.
• My desire to be on top makes me blind to instruction.
• My “know it all” attitude makes me scorn instruction.

Giving instruction is easy, but grasping instruction is usually harder when I want to be the “answer person.” It feels great to be the go to person and not so great being the person who is in need. BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says to me, “I will bless you for seeking.”
• GOD says to me, “Ask and you will be given.”
• GOD says to me, “I will give you the right words at the right time.”

I no longer have to be the answer person. GOD is the one who provides me with instruction. HE sends the right people to me at the right time where I can find many answers. This keeps me from thinking I am on my own. As long as I have ears to hear, I can get instructions that will help me grow.

• Are you avoiding instruction?
• Do you think you know it all?
• Can you ask GOD to send people to you that you can hear from?
• Will you drop your guards in order to hear sound instructions GOD has for you?

Work Hard

Proverbs 12: ¹⁴ From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.

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After hanging out all night, I felt it necessary to get my rest. I mean I went to bed around 2:30AM and had to be at work downtown at 7:00AM. Since I did not have much money I had to be there earlier because there were three parking meters that were missing and I could park all day for free if I got one of them. I stumbled in at 6:30AM, chose my favorite stall in the restroom and went to sleep.

• There were times where my work ethic was not high.
• There were times when my thoughts about work were of lower priority.
• There were times that I stole time from work doing my own thing.

Immaturity made me think the world owed something to me. I mean can’t “they” understand that I am young, single and full of life? They must understand that I “need” to be out late to grow my social skills, right? Wrong!

• GOD wants me to be diligent in the work HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to produce for whoever I work for, even if they are a “bad” boss.
• GOD wants me to work as unto HIM even thought I may not like the job.

My attitude had to change, fast! GOD changed my heart towards work and enabled me to mature. HE gave me praise on my lips about jobs and showed me HIS might. GOD give me my reward for my positive attitude.

• Are you complaining about your job?
• Do you think your job owes you something?
• Will you start praising GOD about your job instead of complaining?
• Will you become more diligent about working because you are working for GOD?

Getting What’s Due

Proverbs 11: ⁸ The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
    and it falls on the wicked instead.

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“I found a checkbook” said a friend. “Let’s go buy some groceries!” He said. I thought this was a great idea since my bank account was more than nil. We bought all kinds of groceries and piled them in my junker of a car. On the way back to my apartment, my car broke down. I had to get a tow truck and the cost of repairs was exactly half the cost of the groceries.

• Sometimes my action causes trouble.
• Sometimes I am involved in evil plots.
• Sometimes my ways are not GOD’s ways.

It seemed like people could “get away” with stuff and I couldn’t. Every time I tried something evil, it seemed like I would get in trouble for it and they wouldn’t. Was I supposed to be learning something?

• GOD says to me “If you follow MY ways, I will guide you to the best path.”
• GOD says to me “Drop your wicked ways and follow ME.”
• GOD says to me “A little sin is like yeast, it rises up and ruins the entire batch of dough.”

I was on the wrong path, BUT GOD saw fit to intervene and put me back on HIS path. No get-rich-quick schemes or theft shall win the prize. Following GOD is the way to go. I was a teen at a crossroads and GOD said follow me or die. I chose GOD and HE has blessed me tremendously ever since!

• Are you dreaming up wicked ways?
• Do you have a scheme you are trying to secretly do?
• Do you understand that every wicked action from you will fall on you tenfold?
• Will you stop scheming and start following GOD?

Monetary Blessings are Nice

Proverbs 10: ²² The blessing of the Lord brings wealth,
    without painful toil for it.

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Cold had snuck up on me so I pulled out a jacket I hadn’t worn since the prior season. When I stuck my hand in the pocket I found a nice crisp five dollar bill. Another time I was walking to my car in the parking lot of my local grocery store when suddenly a wind blew several one dollar bills around. I looked for the person who lost them and there was no one in the parking lot. I picked them up and went on my merry way.

• Sometimes GOD has surprised me with money I didn’t expect.
• Sometimes GOD has given me money I was not looking for.
• Sometimes GOD has blessed me with wealth I did not imagine.

GOD is capable of blessing me with tremendous amounts of wealth, but am I ready for it? I mean HE said, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” Should I “look” for monetary blessings?

• GOD says to me “Use your wealth to bless others and I will never leave you wanting.”
• GOD says to me “Bless others as I have blessed you.”
• GOD says to me “When I do bless you with wealth, do not hide where it came from.”

There is no such thing as a “self-made” person. GOD gives and HE takes away. HE isn’t a bookie who wants HIS cut. HE wants sacrifice to HIM and to others. GOD blesses me as HE wishes and I praise HIM for it.

• Are you asking GOD for money?
• Do you feel the squeeze of life on you?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to other blessings HE is doing for you in order to get your relationship with HIM straightened out first?

Teach those who can be taught

Proverbs 9: ⁷ Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
⁸ Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
    rebuke the wise and they will love you.
⁹ Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
¹¹ For through wisdom your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.
¹² If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

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Hat pulled over his eyes and a drooped head showed me just how much this person was interested in my lesson. I thought to myself, “Maybe I need to liven up the material” I mean it is Sunday School. The next week I brought in props and decided to cater to this one person. I think I juggled fire and swallowed broken glass.

He still sat there with his hat pulled over his face in true defiance of the lesson. Meanwhile, everyone else was now distracted and did not learn that day.

• Sometimes I want to please everyone.
• Sometimes I want to win them all.
• Sometimes I want to get “that” person to believe right in front of me.

One person said to me “You can’t win them all” and he was right. That should not mean I will stop trying. Some people need another person to reach them.

• GOD says to me, “Go, teach and baptize.”
• GOD says to me, “Fear MY ways and hold them with the highest esteem.”
• GOD says to me, “Do not cast your pearls before swine.”

The “swine” that GOD speaks of were probably the religious leaders of that day. They were lower than pigs to HIM and could not be taught. They mocked JESUS and would not change their heart. GOD says try to reach as many as you can but realize there will be some who you will not be able to reach. “Seek those who can hear MY words from you and I will bless you and them” says the LORD to me.

• Are you trying to change that person?
• Do you think they have to utter the words of salvation right in front of you?
• Can you continue to pray for them and ask GOD to bring the right person in their life to reach them?
• Will you continue to seek more and more people to reach with GOD’s message HE has given you?

What to seek

Proverbs 8: ³² “Now then, my children, listen to me;
    blessed are those who keep my ways.
³³ Listen to my instruction and be wise;
    do not disregard it.
³⁴ Blessed are those who listen to me,
    watching daily at my doors,
    waiting at my doorway.
³⁵ For those who find me find life
    and receive favor from the Lord.
³⁶ But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
    all who hate me love death.”

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Clothes! That was my first answer to what I should seek in life. I worked hard and bought knit ties, Mandarin collared shirts and two toned glasses. I would be accepted right? Not yet. I went to a fancy barber and bought some new shoes. Am I accepted yet? Not yet. I wonder if I start wearing cologne, would I be accepted.

• Sometimes I think outer appearances win me results.
• Sometimes I think outer appearances are attractive.
• Sometimes I think outer appearances enable me to receive favor.

It seemed like the beautiful people would always get their way and “I” would be left out. I was seeking a superficial crowd and I could not fit in. BUT GID wanted me to seek something else.

• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom which lets me know I am beautifully and wonderfully made.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom which enables me to be in HIS favor.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom which keeps me from harming myself.

GOD has all the answers, not the crowd. HE provides wisdom at the right time. I only have to seek HIS face and HE provides more wisdom than I could ever get from the crowd.

• Are you seeking worldly wisdom?
• Do you think that GOD is weak or just a concept?
• Will you turn your thoughts to HIM and allow HIM to resolve your problems?

Wisdom from GOD

Proverbs 7: My son, keep my words
    and store up my commands within you.
² Keep my commands and you will live;
    guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
³ Bind them on your fingers;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”
    and to insight, “You are my relative.”
⁵ They will keep you from the adulterous woman,
    from the wayward woman with her seductive words.

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Walking back from a friend’s house I heard a car speeding down the street followed closely by a police car. As they tore down the alley I was near, I saw them throw something from the car and thought nothing of it. Later that night the phone rang and I picked it up. A woman was on the phone and she asked if I had seen anything. I told her I had not and she began to say seductive words and asked if I had a car. “Wow! No one had ever said stuff like this to me” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I fell for seductive words.
• There were times where I wanted to be seduced.
• There were times where I would fall for just about anything.

Gullible was written all over my forehead as I did not question how this person even got my number connecting me to an obvious crime. My teenage hormones raced and all I could hear were those words. Is there a warning?

• GOD says to me “Keep MY commands and you will live.”
• GOD says to me “Guard MY teachings as the apple of your eye.”
• GOD says to me “Adopt wisdom as your sister and insight as your relative.”

I would like to say this was the only incident that I fell for, but alas it wasn’t. I think I lost my class ring and some hard earned cash to other smooth talkers within the next year. GOD wants me to fully grasp that HIS direction is meant for my protection, not to prevent me from having “fun.” GOD wants what is best for me and asks that I keep HIS ways.

• Are you being fooled?
• Are you listening to seductive words from someone?
• Can you stop listening to those words and follow GOD today?

Does GOD Hate Me?

Proverbs 6: ¹⁶ There are six things the Lord hates,
    seven that are detestable to him:
¹⁷         haughty eyes,
        a lying tongue,
        hands that shed innocent blood,
¹⁸         a heart that devises wicked schemes,
        feet that are quick to rush into evil,
¹⁹         a false witness who pours out lies
        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

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Looking at this list made me ask the question, “Does GOD hate me?” I mean I have done a number of these things on the list and each time I suffered consequences. Everything I did on this list seemed to fall back on me, or come out into the open when hidden.

• When I sin I want to run away from GOD.
• When I sin I want to hide from GOD.
• When I sin I become god by saying what HE will do or won’t do.

The list is not exhaustive. GOD does not measure sin in increments. To HIM, sin is sin. There is no such thing as a small sin or a large sin, it’s just sin. So what can I do? I mean I sin daily.

• GOD said to me “I hate the sin but love the sinner.”
• GOD said to me “I cannot be in the presence of sin so I made you a new creation.”
• GOD said to me “I have washed away ALL of your sins by MY death and I AM alive creating a place just for you to live with ME.”

Sin is appalling to GOD so HE would rather that I try my best to reduce it as much as humanly possible. But here’s the great news. GOD forgives me when I fall. HE picks me up when I am down. GOD forgave me because I believed that JESUS did not die in vain rather HE is alive and cares about every detail of my life more than I can ever know! Does GOD hate me? NO! GOD loves me so much that HE lives inside me!

• Do you doubt GOD’s love?
• Do you think GOD is trying to make you fail?
• Can you stop thinking negatively about GOD?
• Will you reduce your sin without judging others and increase your praise of GOD today?

Better Them than Me

Proverbs 4: ²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

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Fitting in was my desire, no matter what group. The guys in the locker room were always talking about their latest “conquest” and laughed at my lack of “adventure.” They described girls by their body parts and soon I was part of their joke. Not willing to stand up for my beliefs, I caved and joined in with the group. It was easier to have them ogle the girls than take the ridicule.

• There have been times when my faith got challenged and I lost.
• There have been opportunities for me to stand up for what is right and I failed.
• There have been situations where my character could have shined and I chose the crowd instead.

Peer pressure was not the dynamite rather it was only the fuse. In other words the lust was already there. All it took was a few words to ignite the flame that exploded almost immediately. GOD knew and wanted me to change.

• GOD wants me to guard my heart for HE knows I will fall deeply into sin if I don’t.
• GOD wants me to know everything flows from my heart so I need to place HIM in it rather than things that do not please HIM.
• GOD wants me to keep corrupt talk from my lips which is tied to my heart.

It took some of life’s beatings to recognize that it is not worth following the crowd. One sinful joke, leads to many which in turn degrades my character. Soon I end up in a place that I wonder how I got there. BUT GOD is gracious! HE forgave me and made a way to escape. HE blessed me with HIS protection and guided me through the darkness. GOD is my guide.

• Are you trying to fit in?
• What perverse words are you using?
• Can you ask GOD to change your heart so you can change your words?
• Will you join GOD in expanding HIS kingdom rather than fulfilling your lust or complaint or slander or hatred?

No More Wise Guy

Proverbs 3: ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
⁸ This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones

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“You are the best” people told me. Soon I had an attitude that I was the best. I received a number of awards and people were asking me questions daily. “They will never get rid of me, I’m too valuable” I said to myself.

• Sometimes I trust in my abilities.
• Sometimes I trust in the things I can control.
• Sometimes I trust in me and my book learning.

I loved being the answer man. People would have to line up to get the answers from me and it felt quite nice. I mean who cares that some people did not like me. They were just jealous, right? Wrong!

• GOD wants me to have HIS wisdom which include humility.
• GOD wants me to have HIS wisdom which does not include fear of humans rather fear of the LORD.
• GOD wants me to have HIS wisdom and not calculate what is wrong, rather see that GOD can perform miracles.

I have seen people in my family with incurable diseases get healed. I have seen dire situations go from extremely bad to wonderful. GOD is the only being I can trust when things seem to go wrong. I cannot trust my thinking because it will let me down. I cannot trust my ability because upon observation, they are severely lacking. BUT I can trust in the LORD and lean not on my own understanding.

The wisest of the wise will be confounded, but I will follow the LORD and HE will guide my paths.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you think you have the answer or know the cause?
• Can you place your trust in the LORD today and know HE love you?
• Will you let HIM heal your body and nourishment to your bones?

Better than Hitting the Lottery

Proverbs:2: My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
⁵ then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
⁷ He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
⁸ for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.

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“Come on, let’s go play roulette” said a coworker. I went and he gave me some instructions that I could not comprehend. It seemed a bit complicated and simple at the same time. I took a few twenties out of my pocket, bought some chips and placed my bet. The ball rolled around the wheel about five seconds and landed. Next thing I knew the person behind the counter scooped my chips away. My coworker said, I didn’t follow all of his instructions.

• There is a way that seems right to me that is not always right.
• There are instructions I have learned that are better left unlearned.
• There things I have tried that should not have been tried.

Learning is precious. I can spend my time learning about my job or about other people and this will have some gain. But what is the most important thing I should learn?

• GOD says to me “Ask ME for wisdom and I will give it to you.”
• GOD says to me “Take MY yoke upon ou and learn of ME.”
• GOD says to me “Seek wisdom and understanding from ME and I will make you successful.”

GODLY wisdom is very different than book learning. It seemed like the smarter I became in the world,  the dumber I became with GOD. I did not fear HIM or follow HIM. I just went on my own way. BUT GOD rescued me and placed me back on HIS path. HE wants me to learn just how much HE loves me and wants me to follow HIS ways instead of the world.

• Are you struggling?
• Are you learning so you can “get ahead?”
• Will you slow down for a moment and seek GODLY wisdom?
• Will you ask GOD what HE wants from you or for you today?

Seeking Wisdom

Proverbs 1: ⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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“How do I” was a question I asked often. It worked when the person was for me, but then they were against me, I received information with half-truth or flat out wrong information. Then someone I did not like asked me a question. Hmmm, should I give them a half-truth or should I give them wrong information to throw them on the wrong path?

• Sometimes I am faced with the same things that annoy me.
• Sometimes I am tempted to act like “everyone” else.
• Sometimes I desire to be like the crowd no matter how wrong they may be.

Fitting into a group feels great for a moment but sometimes the consequences to my character are devastating. When I seek advice from someone who’s reputation is unsavory, I get their truth which could be harmful. I begin to act like them and soon I forget about being on a good path. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

• GOD wants me to be in the crowd without thinking like the crowd.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and not be affected by those who do not follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to be confident and acknowledge HIM instead of following the crowd and hiding HIM.

GOD wants me to fear hiding my relationship over the glamour of fame and glory. HE wants me to seek HIS wisdom, not mans. HE will provide HIS strength, protection and love when I ask. HIS instruction is best to follow because it baffles those who claim to be smart. I chose to fear the LORD so I can gain knowledge.

• Are you seeking the advice of those who are not following GOD in order to get ahead?
• Do you think you are not affected by acting like them even a short period of time?
• Will you stop believing in lies and start seeking GOD?

Daily Health

Psalm 150: ¹ Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heavens.
² Praise him for his acts of power;
    praise him for his surpassing greatness.
³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
    praise him with the harp and lyre,
⁴ praise him with timbrel and dancing,
    praise him with the strings and pipe,
⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
    praise him with resounding cymbals.

⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord

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Praise is not only a feeling, it is an action. I sometimes feel so elated that I just want to shout with glee. But there are other times where I don’t feel like praising so much. In fact there are times when I feel like complaining. BUT GOD wants me to praise.

• Praising GOD is great to do on a daily basis to keep my mind on “what is” versus “what isn’t.”
• Praising GOD when I don’t feel like it takes effort but helps me minimize the problem to something small.
• Praising GOD helps me focus on HIM and HIS power and HIS love, which in turn helps me understand I am in that same family.

It is time for praise! Like going to the gym, I may not feel like doing it but feel great when I finish. Praise should not be an option rather a time of day. I should not ask myself, “should I praise GOD when I’m going through whatever problem” rather I should ask myself, “what time am I going to praise GOD today.”

• Do you think praising GOD is a choice?
• Do you praise GOD only when you feel like it?
• Can you stop what you are doing right now and praise GOD?