Whole Earth Praise

Isaiah 24: ¹⁴ They raise their voices, they shout for joy;
    from the west they acclaim the Lord’s majesty.
¹⁵ Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord;
    exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel,
    in the islands of the sea.

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Driving down the street at my normal accelerated pace a jeep turned left in front of me and there was no way to stop. After the head on collision I got out of my junker slightly dazed and shocked that this had happened. “My car is totaled! How am I going to get around?” I thought to myself.

• There are times when things happen.
• There are times when I have lost “stuff.”
• There are times when things break, get lost or stolen.

As I surveyed further I noticed one of the passengers’ from the other car was laying on the ground still. I did not know what to do. Somehow the police just showed up with an ambulance. Everyone was fine. No one was extremely hurt. What did GOD want me to learn?

• GOD wanted me to shout for joy that the other passengers and I were spared.
• GOD wanted me to see HIS protection in the middle of calamity.
• GOD wanted my first reaction to be to think of HIM and how HE is working constantly in my life.

Praise is what was lacking from the story. I should have been praising GOD rather than thinking of my raggedy car. Lives are so much more important than the junk I can accumulate.  Every day I have a reason to praise GOD. It’s up to me to notice.

• Are you in the middle of a situation?
• Have you spewed out poisonous blame and doubt?
• Can you turn your thoughts back to GOD and let HIM revive you HIS way?
• Will you open your mouth and audibly praise HIM?

Climbing the Ladder to Profit

Isaiah 23: ¹⁸ Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes.

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Stock option discussions were plentiful. Chatter about the latest gadget or the latest house type came into view at every turn. “What type of phone do you have” was the question of the month as it seemed like we changed that often. I still have a box of old phones.

• There were times when I look at materialistic things as a show of success.
• There were times when I thought the latest and greatest was a show of success.
• There were times when I met “the right people” as a show of success.

When I rubbed elbows with these people I soon realized I was out of my league, but I was on my way. I mean, if I could only get that wine cellar and the humidor, even though I don’t drink or smoke, then things will be fine. The people who are connected would “keep” me in their circle. BUT GOD showed me different.

• GOD wants me to focus on people who HE send me.
• GOD wants me to give instead of store.
• GOD wants me to look for treasure in heaven rather than throwing away the next to latest phone.

Having material things is not bad; the problem comes when they have me. I mean when I cannot do without “that” thing or I depend on a bank account for my security or self-esteem then I have faltered. GOD wants me to focus my attention on pleasing HIM rather than running after those who could care less about HIM. GOD wants my generosity.

• Are you chasing the dream?
• Are you trying to make it big?
• Do you worry about money a lot?
• Can you put your trust in GOD long enough to quiet down and listen to HIM?
• Will you start storing up treasure in heaven today?

Remembering is Important

Isaiah 22: ¹⁰ You counted the buildings in Jerusalem
    and tore down houses to strengthen the wall.
¹¹ You built a reservoir between the two walls
    for the water of the Old Pool,
but you did not look to the One who made it,
    or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.

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Night after night I worked hard on the project. When I finished I was invited to attend the convention. “My” project was such a success that they gave me a reward and a huge bonus. “I” did it, I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I think I am the one who accomplishes things.
• Sometimes I think I am the one who deserves accolades.
• Sometimes I think I am the captain of my fate, master of my soul.

When I put in a tremendous amount of effort I tend to forget GOD. I mean I know HE is there, yet I forget to turn and acknowledge HIS involvement.

• GOD wants me to acknowledge HIS presence every step of the way.
• GOD wants me to see HIS miracles daily so HE can do marvelous works around me and possibly through me.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM for the tiniest things this way I will be appreciative of larger things.

Many times I thought “I” was the one who deserved the pat on the back, so I poked my chest out. BUT GOD was gracious enough to take the back seat for a while. HE was patient with me and made me realize that I need HIM not the other way around. HE should get all the accolades for every accomplishment I get. GOD is awesome!

• Do you think “you” accomplished what you accomplished?
• Do you think “you” are being held back by someone?
• Can you stop and acknowledge GOD in your plans today?
• Will you turn and thank HIM for all HE has done in your life?

Overcoming Fear

Isaiah 21: ⁴ My heart falters,
    fear makes me tremble;
the twilight I longed for
    has become a horror to me.

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Do not be afraid are words I dread to hear. It makes me think of all the things I need to be afraid of. When faced with jumping off the high dive in my swim class the instructor said “do not be afraid” and I was terrified. When problems hit and I see the words in the Bible “Do not be afraid”, I am calm for about three seconds then I panic. What is the problem?

• Sometimes I get scared.
• Sometimes I have fear.
• Sometimes I am filled with nervousness.

Fear happens when my mind takes the extra step. I mean when I start thinking about something bad happening as an outcome to the situation then I panic. What should I do?

• GOD says to me “Hold every thought captive” which means I should not step too far into the future with my thoughts.
• GOD says to me “I am with you always” which means that I am not alone.
• GOD says to me “You are wonderfully made” which means I am in the most powerful family.

Trusting in GOD means taking life a little at a time. No ultimate solutions to problems. GOD wants me to see HIM daily. HE wants me to understand that when HE says “Do not be afraid” He is giving me a weapon versus scolding me. GOD is handing me the shield of protection as if saying “Do not be afraid, your HEAVENLY FATHER who loves you is right here.”

• Are you afraid?
• Are you tired of people telling you to trust more?
• Can you give just a little fear to GOD by telling HIM what you are afraid of?
• Will you face your fears instead of having HIM remove them so you can grow beyond them?
• Can you praise GOD in the middle of your fears?

Extreme Example

Isaiah 20: ² at that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, “Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.” And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot.

³ Then the Lord said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, ⁴ so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and old, with buttocks bared—to Egypt’s shame.

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Obedience in GOD seems strange. I have never seen any example in the Bible where a person goes to church for an hour or two, writes a check and does some amazing things. In fact it seems quite the opposite. Isaiah was to be used as an extreme example, warning people about what HE was going to do. Isaiah had to walk around naked for three years!

• Sometimes I think GOD only wants to use me the way “I” want to be used.
• Sometimes I think GOD only cares if HE gives me “my” way.
• Sometimes I think GOD only works when I “feel” blessed.

Who wants to be called crazy? I sure don’t. Walking around naked these days would get me locked up in most places. Speaking boldly about JESUS seems crazy to a lot of people these days too. Speaking about the demonic world seems even crazier and has been replaced by marriage seminars and family dinners in churches. But what does GOD want?

• GOD wants to use me if I let HIM do as HE pleases.
• GOD wants to give me an extreme example if my trust in HIM is strong.
• GOD wants me to focus on spiritual treasures not earthly comforts.

I am not saying that GOD has given me something extreme to do. In fact, the things GOD has me doing seem quite tame. I am saying that I need to be open to HIS leading, which may be extreme for me at times. HE may say give up everything and follow me.

People would look at me like I was crazy. HE may say pray constantly, give to the needy or “be” the needy. I don’t know what HE has in store for me, but I must accept HIS path with wide open arms!

• Are you being used on your own terms?
• Do you think of GOD in a small way?
• Can you allow GOD to be bigger and bolder in your life?
• Will you listen to HIS guidance today through HIS word and not on your own thoughts?

Enemies Will Be Friends

Isaiah 19: ¹⁹ In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. ²⁰ It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.

²¹ So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. ²² The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

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After seeing belligerence I had to throw the person out of my meeting. After seeing no work produced in the time I wanted, I had to fire this other person. After seeing a report about this person’s performance, I had to put them on notice. Years of management had taken its toll. This great land called corporate paid me well to make enemies.

• There were times when I was the oppressor.
• There were times when I was the heavy.
• There were times when I was the bearer of bad news.

Tough or thick skinned is what people in corporate called it. Some may even say moxie.  Looking back on things, I can see that corporate land is similar to that of Egypt land. It provided great wealth, but took my eyes off the prize.

• GOD wants me to turn my heart back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to see HIS kingdom first and HE will add what HE wishes to me.
• GOD wants me to send my pleas to HIM so HE can heal me.

Every minute spent chasing Egypt is a minute spent away from GOD. HE wants me to bring HIS kingdom to Egypt on a daily basis. HE wants me to infiltrate my job and pray for those around me whom HE delivers to me. GOD wants me to be in the world while not being part of it.

• Are you chasing “success?”
• Do you spend an exorbitant amount of time trying to “get paid?”
• Can you stop for a moment and dedicate some time to GOD?
• Will you seek HIS kingdom first without seeking something in return from GOD?

Sit and Wait

Isaiah 18: ⁴ This is what the Lord says to me:
    “I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,
like shimmering heat in the sunshine,
    like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

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“Heal my eyes since you are GOD” was my tempt of HIS power. I had just come from a conference and was very young in my quest for knowledge of GOD. I went to bed as prescribed and woke up to the normal blurry vision I always had. They said “Ask for anything and I will receive it” why didn’t YOU do what I said. Silence was GOD’s reply.

Years later, while using an electric saw, a large object popped up and hit my glasses. I was not wearing safety goggles because it was only a quick cut. Thank GOD for needing glasses!

• Sometimes GOD is silent to me.
• Sometimes GOD remains quiet when I request something.
• Sometimes GOD says nothing when I ask HIM for stuff.

Since I do not know GOD’s thoughts, I sometimes ask for stuff that may throw the entire plan off. When I pout about not hearing from HIM, it just shows how little I trust in HIS glorious plan. Even when I make something an emergency in my mind, HE sometimes sits and shows me that it wasn’t as urgent as I made it.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM for the long haul, not just in short bursts.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM in the middle of the storm, not after.
• GOD wants me to trust that HE has a purpose for HIS silence and HE will deliver me when and how HE chooses.

GOD’s silence is good, but sometimes difficult to swallow. HE grows my faith in HIM and helps me focus only on today.

• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Is your faith waning because you have not heard from GOD?
• Will you allow GOD to perform HIS miracles in HIS time?
• Will you take GOD’s silence as an opportunity to grow your trust instead of growing your blame?

Looking at the Wrong Things

Isaiah 17: ⁷ In that day people will look to their Maker
    and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.
⁸ They will not look to the altars,
    the work of their hands,
and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles
    and the incense altars their fingers have made.

⁹ In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.

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Packing was a mystery to me as I went on my second mission’s trip. It took a lot of effort to get pills, attend meetings and get all the stuff we needed. My expectation of the trip was to have crowd of people listen to me and accept the message right away. A few people showed up and even fewer believed in the message. What’s going on?

• Sometimes I measure success in GOD in numbers.
• Sometimes I measure success in GOD with what I can see.
• Sometimes I measure success in GOD in the buildings, programs and people I can count.

Immediate reward is what I sought on many occasion and when I did not see what “I” expected I looked at GOD like HE was crazy. I mean why so much effort for so few people? BUT GOD felt different.

• GOD showed me that the angels shout when one person accepts HIS SON as their savior.
• GOD showed me that it is far more important to help one person into HIS kingdom than to follow the world that will be destroyed.
• GOD showed me that HE cares for people one at a time and it is better for me to have a single relationship than inch deep relationships with millions.

Following GOD seems strange to most. It sometimes means not looking like the rest of the world. It means doing things differently so that my life points to HIM instead of towards myself. It means measuring success that way GOD does. HE sometimes wants me to leave the ninety nine sheep and go look for the one that’s lost. GOD wants me to put my trust in HIM, not in a world that will be destroyed.

• Are you following the world without regard to following GOD?
• Are you having a difficult time getting the success you are looking for?
• Do you desire to human success or GOD’s success?
• Will you stop trying to serve money and turn to serving GOD?

Ambitious Dreams

Isaiah 18: ⁵ In love a throne will be established;
    in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
    one from the house of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
    and speeds the cause of righteousness.

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Ambition struck when I got my first raise and promotion. The increase was not much and the promotion was minor as well. In fact I realized for the first time that I was really the bottom rung on a ladder that seemed to be sky high! I promised myself that I would be on top someday.

• Ambition can make me driven.
• Ambition can make me focused.
• Ambition can make me work harder than everyone around me.

There is nothing wrong with ambition, however ambition will make me make decisions that may not include GOD. I mean GOD says rest, but ambition say go. GOD says give, but ambition says 401k. GOD says serve others, but ambition says judge before squandering money on that slouch. Should I listen to ambition? Not always.

• GOD says to me “I have established a throne” meaning HE is the one who is in authority.
• GOD says to me “I am faithful” meaning I should put my trust in HIM versus ambition.
• GOD says to me “I seek justice and speed the cause of righteousness” meaning I need to serve others in the same way.

Bowing down to GOD’s throne means I give HIM the authority to do with my life as HE pleases. HE can raise me up or tear me down and I will not blame HIM for HIS decision. In fact, I should seek to be ready to give a testimony on HIS behalf at a moment’s notice while serving HIS people. My ambition needs to be pointed to HIM.

• Are you ambitious?
• Do you think you should be higher than you are based on your age?
• Can you accept the blessings of where GOD has you and seek building HIS kingdom?
• Will you strengthen yourself by pointing your ambition towards GOD?

Taking over THE Throne

Isaiah 14: ¹² How you have fallen from heaven,
    morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
    you who once laid low the nations!
¹³ You said in your heart,
    “I will ascend to the heavens;
I will raise my throne
    above the stars of God;
I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly,
    on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.
¹⁴ I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;
    I will make myself like the Most High.”
¹⁵ But you are brought down to the realm of the dead,
    to the depths of the pit.

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Sitting in the audience of a dynamic speaker made me want to attend speaker training. After my lessons I felt I could take on the world! Listening to a sermon and watching everyone around me fall asleep, I said to myself “I could probably say that message with more excitement.”

• When I think more highly of myself, I may be putting someone else down.
• When my confidence turns into arrogance, I may be headed in the wrong direction.
• When I look at other people as the problem instead of them being part of the solution I may be in trouble.

Having a “kingdom” on earth means having followers who believe in “me.”  Whether it’s a kingdom on social media or a crowd who listens to me speak, it is still a kingdom. The problem with having a kingdom is the “end” stops at me. I mean I get the accolades and feel pretty good about myself but that is as far as it goes. What should I be doing?

• Instead of building a kingdom for myself, I should build a kingdom for GOD.
• Instead of having people look at me, I should have them look at GOD.
• Instead of getting the praise, I should have them give GOD ALL the praise.

Accolades on earth can be quite tempting. A group of social friends who “like” my stuff feels good, but if my life is not pointing to GOD, it is a waste. In fact, I start becoming “g”od when I like my crowd a little too much. I start wanting control of my life and blaming “G”OD for my problems. After a while my life becomes filled with blame, remorse and doubt instead of praise, appreciation and joy. 

GOD wants me to elevate HIM to HIS proper place. HE commands respect and desires my love. HE is the MOST HIGH, not me and I should always keep this perspective.

• Are you blaming GOD for where you are?
• Do you feel you deserve better and wish to “take control” of your life?
• Can you give GOD your life and let HIM do with it as HE pleases?
• Will you humble yourself and grow GOD’s kingdom in spite of your circumstances?

Respecting Authority

Isaiah 13: ¹¹ I will punish the world for its evil,
    the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty
    and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

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 By my calculations, it was time for the person at the top of the department to go. I received numerous votes from very high up people and I felt pretty secure in my resolve. I spoke pretty poorly about the head of the department, saying the ideas were not in the best interest of the company. He fought back and I lost my buy in from other departments.

• Sometimes I am the one who is arrogant.
• Sometimes I am the one who is acting wicked.
• Sometimes I am the one who carries pride and is ruthless.

Blind to the battle, I fought fearlessly as long as I had people to hide behind, but once exposed, I was alone and humbled. My haughtiness was no longer accepted as pleasing to the LORD.

• GOD wants me strong yet humble.
• GOD wants me confident and respectful.
• GOD wants me to stand up for myself without tearing someone down.

Many times I have found myself on the wrong side of GOD. I mean when I examined my actions I realized that “I” was the problem, not them. I had not respected the authority of the department head, nor GOD. I felt I could say anything anyway I wanted to, instead of carefully choosing my words lacing them with respect while telling the truth. GOD wants me to speak to HIM and others with respect and honor.

• Are you speaking to people without respect?
• Do you try to prove your value rather than showing honor to those in authority?
• Can you humble yourself while remaining confident in your abilities? 

Hope Trust and Praise

Isaiah 12: In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, Lord.
    Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
    and you have comforted me.
² Surely God is my salvation;
    I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.”
³ With joy you will draw water
    from the wells of salvation.

⁴ In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done,
    and proclaim that his name is exalted.
⁵ Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
    let this be known to all the world.
⁶ Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
    for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

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As I heard what seemed to be the tenth piece of bad news, I felt worn down. I mean this problem and that problem were not getting resolved. Where can I put my trust?

• GOD wants me to put my hope in HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe HE is my comforter.
• GOD wants me to understand I do not have to be afraid because HE is ALWAYS with me.
• GOD wants me to let HIM be my strength and defense.

Praise is what I should do on a daily basis. In the middle of complaints and problems, I should yield myself to praise and excitement! GOD is absolutely amazing and wonderful! 

Belief in the Return

Isaiah 11: ⁶ The wolf will live with the lamb,
    the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
    and a little child will lead them.
⁷ The cow will feed with the bear,
    their young will lie down together,
    and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
⁸ The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
    and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
⁹ They will neither harm nor destroy
    on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

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Prediction after prediction came and went. One guy had people sell everything because the end of the world was supposed to happen in the 70’s and again in the 80’s and again in 2012. I love reading about the future, but I never get excited about a person’s prediction of the world’s demise.

• I believe that JESUS is GOD who became human to be blamed and murdered for my sins.
• I believe that JESUS spent time on earth after HIS resurrection but has left to build a new place for those who believe in the grace of HIS actions.
• I believe that JESUS will return soon and the scripture listed above will be very real.

Because I believe, I look out for HIM every day. I expect HIM to tear open the sky with power and glory. Until then, my job is to be ready. I must serve people here on earth while doing my job as if GOD were my boss.

• GOD wants me to live for HIM daily and remain prepared for HIS return.
• GOD wants me to never give up on waiting on HIM, but be cautious about false predictions about humans.
• GOD wants me to be useful here on earth so I do not have to give up in order to wait on HIM.

Waiting on GOD means staying focused on those around me. Providing food and shelter and spiritual growth is a daily task. I do not have to stop, sit in a corner and wait. GOD sees every action and HE wants me to make the best of my life.

• Are you sick and tired of your circumstance?
• Have you stopped believing in JESUS’ return?
• Do you think HE has forgotten about you?
• Will you put your trust back in HIM today and remain steadfast in your belief?

Foolish Pride

Isaiah 10: ¹² When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. ¹³ For he says:

“‘By the strength of my hand I have done this,
    and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.
I removed the boundaries of nations,
    I plundered their treasures;
    like a mighty one I subdued their kings.

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After praying a few times, I finally got a promotion. This felt great as it seemed like my career was pretty stagnant at the time. About a year after my promotion, it was time for another evaluation. I had worked pretty hard and felt I needed another promotion. I received an average on my evaluation and was passed up for the promotion. I was clearly upset in the meeting. “Look at all the things ’I’ have done.” I exclaimed.

• Sometimes I think more highly of myself.
• Sometimes I think I am the one with the abilities.
• Sometimes I think people owe me things.

It is amazing at what I became proud of. I was proud of my work. I was proud of my bank account and I was proud of my abilities. I made sure the people around me knew I was the person who should be chosen. BUT GOD wanted me to act different.

• GOD said to me “Humble yourself and I will be your guide.”
• GOD said to me “Turn from your wicked ways and watch ME do a marvelous work in you.”
• GOD said to me “Do not think more highly of yourself.”

Pride is hard to see because my ego blinds. I mean, it is hard to see GOD when I think “I” did things on my own. After a while I think GOD did not put me in the position, rather it had to be “my” own abilities. GOD wants me to credit HIM with everything and accept where HE raises me up or lowers me to. HE wants me to point at HIM for every accomplishment and praise HIM for where HE places me.

• Do you have a problem with your life?
• Do you think you “deserve” better?
• Do you need people to admit things to you?
• Can you examine yourself to see if you have pride and ask GOD to remove it?

Names to think about

Isaiah 9: ⁶ For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.

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Bleeding and bruised, I walked home with a friend after a bully had sat on my chest. Thought he never laid a finger on me, my attempts to escape caused me to scrape up my arm. Waiting on a bus in the rain made me soaked to the bone. Then the bus came and splashed us from head to toe. There were no dry seats on the bus.

Sitting on the side of the road, I waited for my car to work. I would start it and it would only go about 10 miles before dying. The normally two hour trip took nine. How can I praise during these times?

• There are times where things seem to go wrong by the dozens.
• There are times where things seem to go from bad to worse.
• There are times where things seem to go in a really bad direction and I cannot do anything about it.

External circumstances, bad news or rotten behavior of someone else could cause me to carry the problem the rest of the day. I mean did the bus driver really have to run through the puddle? I ask myself. BUT GOD wants me to focus on something else.

• GOD wants me to think about the “Wonderful Counselor” because HE knows I will have bad days.
• GOD wants me to know HE is a “Mighty GOD” and can handle any situation.
• GOD wants me to believe HE is the “Everlasting FATHER” who provides what I need, when I need it.
• GOD wants me to understand HE is the “Prince of Peace” and I can have peace in this situation and the next.

Looking back on the calamity, I can see that GOD was there all along. HE protected me from being harmed even though the situation that I was going through at the time felt very uncomfortable. HE was always there and still is. HE brings me peace in the middle of the storm and shows me mercy I do not deserve.

• Are you so deep in your storm that you cannot hear GOD?
• Is the circumstance you are in so difficult that you feel lost?
• Can you take a moment to call GOD Wonderful, Mighty and Everlasting without expecting something?

Waiting Period

Isaiah 8: ¹⁶ Bind up this testimony of warning
    and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples.
¹⁷ I will wait for the Lord,
    who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob.
I will put my trust in him.

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“Will this person ever stop talking” is what I thought to myself as I wanted the meeting to be over with. “Will this person just move over” I thought to myself as they were driving one mile under the speed limit. “Why won’t they just promote me right now” I thought to myself as I rushed to be at the top.

• Sometimes I am impatient.
• Sometimes I want it right now.
• Sometimes I do not want to wait.

Impatience is something I definitely embrace. It is a heralded quality in business and celebrated throughout the world. The success in business can however be a detriment. It is hard to turn on and off patience as money and time seem to be needed more and more. What am I to do?

• GOD says to me “Seal up MY instructions in people” which takes time.
• GOD says to me “Wait on the LORD for your deliverance” so sometimes I have to remain where I am for a little while longer.
• GOD says to me “Put your trust in the LORD” which means I shouldn’t always jump into HIS plans trying to fix the situation.

Patience means I can sit back and “trust” GOD. I can know that HIS plan will unfold just as HE says. HE is the one who delivers me in HIS way and in HIS time. I should not fret over the current circumstance because HIS plan is too marvelous for me.

• Are you stuck in a situation for a long time?
• Are you losing your patience?
• Can you trust that GOD wants you to grow and HE needs you to place your trust in HIM?

Have Some Heart for Dessert

Isaiah 7: ³ Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. ⁴ Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.

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Returning home from watching a scary movie I opened the gate and walked to the back door of the house. My neighbor decided to play a prank and snarled from the separating bushes of our homes. I screamed and ran in circles! Interviewing for a company that wanted me to “Flip the image of a heart on screen during surgeries” made me nervous. I screamed and ran in circles!

• There have been many times in which I have been scared.
• There have been many situations where I have lost hope.
• There have been many situations that I could not see a good outcome so I backed out because of fear.

Life seems to bring many scary situations, sometimes daily. I almost had a head on collision once. I almost fell off of high places. I almost got hit by a truck. Each scary time makes me think, “Should I just hide in the corner of my house and never come out?” BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “Be careful, keep calm” during situations, so I will not let my mind run away and spiral out of control.
• GOD says to me “Don’t be afraid” especially when HE prompts me to try something that seems extremely difficult or out of my knowledge or comfort zone.
• GOD says to me “Do not lose heart” because HE knows the many journeys HE will have me travel, I will face opposition.

Staying the course is sometimes extremely difficult. I mean it seems like big obstacles pop up at every turn that will make me want to quit. BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than the obstacle. My only weapon in many instances is praising GOD in the middle of the storm. HE is the provider, HE is the power and HE is the hiding place in the middle of the storm.

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you see no way out?
• Can you stop looking at the problem and take a moment to praise GOD for what HE “is” doing?
• Will you “Be careful, keep calm, not be afraid and not lose heart” today because GOD is with you?

Little g or Big G

Isaiah 6: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. ² Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. ³ And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
    the whole earth is full of his glory.”

⁴ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

⁵ “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

⁶ Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. ⁷ With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”

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Looking at the pile of bills made me feel discouraged. My car was broken down, rent was due, creditors were calling and I was not making enough to pay any of them. Where is GOD when I need HIM, I thought. I went back to my ways of trying to fix all the broken stuff in my life. I asked for extra shifts, but since I was a student, I was not allowed. What was I to do?

• There are times when it seems like GOD does not care.
• There are times when it seems like GOD has left me by myself.
• There are times when it seems like GOD doesn’t have the power HE says HE has.

“Why am I so poor if GOD has so much power?” I thought to myself. I mean, look at the rich people who don’t seem to serve GOD at all, who treat people with contempt. Then I told GOD that I had tried going to church, but it didn’t work. I got another bill and no miracle money appeared in my account, so I stopped going. I was looking at GOD as a small being who only solves problems. BUT GOD wanted me to see different.

• GOD wants me to see HIM as THE MOST HIGH.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as ALL POWERFUL.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as THE ULTIMATE FORGIVER.

Having the wrong view of GOD made me think of HIM as a banker or philanthropist. I only saw what I could get from HIM, not what purpose HE had me on this earth for. I pouted and doubted but GOD was merciful. HE had me work day to day, only focusing on the blessings of that day. HE gave me the strength to carry on and eventually I began to serve HIM no matter what.

GOD blessed many and I could then see that HE has me here for more than wealth. GOD wants me to serve HIM and be wealthy in HIS kingdom. I no longer see “god” as my servant but I see “GOD” as needing to be served.

• Are you losing your faint in GOD because of your circumstances?
• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Will you stop focusing on your situation and start focusing on who GOD is and how powerful HE is?
• Can you lift HIM back to the place above your circumstances rather than getting discouraged?