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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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?

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“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.

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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.

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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?