An Extreme Example

Ezekiel 4: ¹² Eat the food as you would a loaf of barley bread; bake it in the sight of the people, using human excrement for fuel.” ¹³ The Lord said, “In this way the people of Israel will eat defiled food among the nations where I will drive them.”

¹⁴ Then I said, “Not so, Sovereign Lord! I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have never eaten anything found dead or torn by wild animals. No impure meat has ever entered my mouth.”

¹⁵ “Very well,” he said, “I will let you bake your bread over cow dung instead of human excrement.”

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Hearing bad news is never fun. I mean it seems like I kept hearing things that were so draining, one after another. I had gotten to the point where I only wanted to hear good news so I stopped going to churches that told me I was doing “bad” stuff and only went to places that would motivate me. I mean who needs to hear about all that “sin” stuff anyway?

• Sometimes I do not want to hear the whole story of GOD.
• Sometimes I do not want to hear about the wrath filled GOD.
• Sometimes I do not want to hear about the consequences of “my” sins.

Can’t they just say “GOD forgives” and leave the sin part out? No! GOD spoke through Ezekiel the prophet to show just how far gone HIS people were. HE had them exiled and allowed seven generations to die off. GOD wants sin eradicated, but how can I do this with a built in sin nature?

• GOD says to me “I AM the way the truth and the life” meaning I have to turn to HIM for the answer to sin.
• GOD says to me “I stand at the door and knock if anyone opens it I will come in and sup” meaning HE pursues me, all I need to do is answer.
• GOD says to me “If anyone hears MY voice” meaning I have to listen for HIS voice.

Sin is definitely hated by GOD. HE cannot stand to be around it and HE is not to be ignored. HE DOES mind when I sin, but HE does forgive me for all my sins. HE wants me to know the extent of my need so I will go out and make disciples of HIS everlasting love.

• Are you pointing your fingers at other people?
• Do you think your sin is less than theirs?
• Will you look at your sin as extremely harmful to your relationship with GOD?
• Will you ask GOD for help since you do not have what it takes to stop sinning?
• Can you accept HIS grace today and allow HIM to raise you up to the height HE wants you?

Serious Responsibilities

Ezekiel 3: ²⁰ “Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. ²¹ But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself.”

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Snooping around my desk was the action I despised the most of this particular person. I was working on a project and refining my numbers. I left the wrong numbers on my desk and went home to correct the information. The next day this person tried to take credit for my work in a meeting but they were using the wrong numbers. “Serves him right” I thought to myself. I sat there without saying a word and watched him flounder.

• There have been times when it felt good to watch someone else’s demise.
• There have been times when it felt good to see someone “get their just rewards.”
• There have been times when it felt good to observe someone fall especially if they have been bugging me and others.

Watching someone else fail while I sit there with a hands off attitude feels good because it is not “my fault” if they fail. I mean they shouldn’t be doing what they are doing in the first place, right? Well, maybe not. What does GOD have to say about this?

• GOD says to me “Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin and I will hold you accountable for their blood.”
• GOD says to me “Have compassion on those who hold you in contempt and I will give you words of peace.”
• GOD says to me “Bless those who curse you and I will bring about salvation for those who heed your words.”

My desire was wanting this person to fail in the first place so taking a hands off approach not only enabled his failure, but it made me look better. GOD wants me to raise people up just as HE raises me up. HE wants me to enable success and let HIM worry about their actions and attitudes. My warnings need to point people to GOD and leave the rest to HIM. GOD wants me to open my mouth and say something that will grow HIS kingdom.

• Are you sitting back and watching “that” person fail?
• Do you feel satisfied when someone gets what is coming to them?
• Can you change your attitude and be part of their success?
• Will you tell the righteous person to turn from their ways and give them the compassion of GOD?

Speak Up Anyway

Ezekiel 2: ⁴ The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ ⁵ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. ⁶ And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.

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“Take over this ministry at work” someone said to me. One person was supposed to speak an encouraging message over voice mail daily and they wanted me to be that volunteer every once in a while. “We’ll see” was my response meaning “No” in reality. I mean what would those above me think?

• There were times I have hidden my relationship with GOD because of my ambitions.
• There were times when I thought it was better to completely separate my beliefs from the workplace and only share them in a couple of hours on weekends.
• There were times when I thought it was not popular to speak about GOD so I didn’t.

I figured people would know my beliefs simply because of my actions. I mean I’m a pretty “good” person, right? Wrong! My actions were no better than the next and no one could tell I was any different than other people who supported “charities.” Something had to change.

• GOD said to me “Go serve MY people and feed MY sheep.”
• GOD said to me “Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people.”
• GOD said to me “I AM the first and the last, careers are so far beneath MY blessings.”

No matter what the situation is, GOD wants me to make it known that I AM HIS. HE wants me to not only show examples, but open my mouth in tough situations and say “GOD should decide the path.” Too many times “money” has decided the path when GOD should have. HE wants more shepherds to bring people to HIS ark. The laborers are few and HE wants me to be one.

• Are you ashamed of GOD?
• Do you feel you should not mix your beliefs where you learn, work or hang out?
• Why are you silent about GOD?
• Can you open your mouth about GOD in spite of what’s going on around you? 

Filled with Awe

Ezekiel 1: ²⁶ Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. ²⁷ I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. ²⁸ Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

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Rumbles of the storm were now distant. The sun was out and I saw the most brilliant rainbow, then another. I figured I would visit it so I ran over to the next block, it moved. I ran further and the elusive rainbow stayed its distance.

• When I was a child I did not understand what true power was.
• When I was a child I did not understand the forces that were around me.
• When I was a child I did not understand what it meant to just be in awe.

Instead of marveling at the wonder, I went to touch the rainbow. I don’t know if I wanted to grab it for bragging rights or if it were simply curiosity, but I wanted it. Now that I have grown up I admire the stormy gales and rushing winds. When it all clears I am in awe at GOD’s mighty power and serenity HE brings by placing a rainbow as a sign that HE would never again flood the earth to get rid of mankind.

• GOD’s awesomeness is all around me every day.
• GOD’s mighty power can be seen by me if I would only open my eyes daily.
• GOD speaks to me daily through the wonders of nature if I would only stop and listen.

Busy days blind me to GOD’s awesomeness. Mad paced deadlines and due dates keep me from sitting and looking at what GOD made. BUT GOD is still awesome. HE is still there whenever I simply look up and see HIM. HE is to be awed, there is no one like HIM!

• Have you taken a moment to stop and see GOD’s awesomeness?
• When is the last time you gave GOD credit for what HE has done?
• Can you stop for a moment today and look outside to see what GOD is doing all around you?
• Will you be filled with the awe of the LORD?

Plea for Restoration

Lamentations 5: ¹⁹ You, Lord, reign forever;
    your throne endures from generation to generation.
²⁰ Why do you always forget us?
    Why do you forsake us so long?
²¹ Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return;
    renew our days as of old
²² unless you have utterly rejected us
    and are angry with us beyond measure.

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“Blunder” was the only word to describe my first experience training people. I did not have charisma, anecdotes or clever jabs to spice up my dry material. As I stood in front of the dead crowd I could feel their pens mark poor on the evaluation. This came true and I was pulled off the assignment. “Please let me try again” was my reply.

• There were times I needed to be restored.
• There were times I fell flat on my face and needed help getting up.
• There were times I had to admit failure and needed to prove I would do better on the alternate path.

Outcast, outlier, and outside the group feels rotten when I am the one who made the mistake. Not only do I have to admit I made a mistake, I have to try doubly hard to prove I am on a different trail. BUT GOD is different.

• GOD gives me second, third and fiftieth chances to get it right.
• GOD says to me “Ask and it will be given to you.”
• GOD allows me to make mistakes and is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanses me of all unrighteousness.

Restoration is not only about confession, it’s about a different attitude. I must resolve that I may not be restored to the height I once was when I make a serious blunder. It is thoroughly up to GOD to raise me to where HE wants me to be and lower me if need be. When I ask GOD for restoration I must ask it in a way that is not demanding but humbly. It is up to HIM to restore me and HE always has been faithful to do so!

• Have you made a serious blunder and are afraid to admit it?
• Will you face your sins and confess them to GOD today?
• Can you ask GOD for restoration without expectation and allow HIM to elevate you to where HE wants you?

Coming out of the Trial

Lamentations 4: ²² Your punishment will end, Daughter Zion;
    he will not prolong your exile.
But he will punish your sin, Daughter Edom,
    and expose your wickedness.

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Six weeks seemed like forever when they told me about the boot camp. I mean I had to get trained on Saturday’s too! Eight hour working days turned into twelve. It was now week six and there was an extensive test at the end of the week. After taking the exam, I could feel a weight fall from my shoulders. Looking back, six weeks only seems like a day compared to some other trials I have been through.

• Some trials feel like forever when I am going through them.
• Some trials seem to drag on and on when I am going through them.
• Some trials appear to be huge until the trial is ended.

GOD takes me through trials in order to grow me. Sometimes I feel like saying to HIM, “Can’t I just remain an infant?” HE knows exactly what it takes to make me into what HE desires.

• GOD’s yoke is easy for me as long as I am not trying to run from HIM.
• GOD’s blessings pour out on me readily and HE heals my wounds during every trial.
• GOD’s plan for me includes some trials that grow me and makes me stronger.

Going into a trial seems dark and scary. I mean “When will it ever end?” is always on my mind. BUT GOD says to me “I will not prolong your exile.” HE sent HIS COMFORTER to be with me before, during and after the trial. I am never alone.

• Are you still in a trial?
• Does it seem like it is going on forever?
• Can you lift your head up to heaven and thank GOD for growing you to do something spectacular?
• Will you allow HIM to shape you into a new person?

Great is THY Faithfulness

Lamentations 3: ²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

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Chirping birds woke me this particular day. Like one of those apocalyptic movies, yesterday’s horrors were over and it was a new day. I had come through yet another one of life’s trials and had a good night’s sleep. It was indeed a new day.

• Every day I have the opportunity to praise GOD.
• Every day is a new day full of new adventures if I allow it.
• Every day is filled with GOD’s compassion and the sins of yesterday are long past.

Each and every day is a new day in GOD’s eyes. HE segments my sins somehow and renews my mind, body and soul daily. HE pours out HIS compassion on me and bathes me with HIS mercy. GOD challenges me to accept HIS kind acts of love. I can wake up with problems on my mind or I can start the day with my mind on HIM.

I chose to say “The LORD is my portion therefore I will wait on HIM.”

• Can you choose GOD to renew your mind today?
• Will you spend some quiet moments with HIM and wait on HIS small still voice to guide you?
• Have you thought about waking up and immediately praying in order to ease your mind?

It is Allowed

Lamentations 2: ¹⁷ The Lord has done what he planned;
    he has fulfilled his word,
    which he decreed long ago.
He has overthrown you without pity,
    he has let the enemy gloat over you,
    he has exalted the horn of your foes.

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“What next?” was my question as it seemed like one thing went wrong after another. It was one of those periods in my life when everything I tried to do “seemed” destined for failure. Pulling it together, I got up and went to work. With headphones on I said to myself, “This isn’t so bad” then I opened one of the stalls and someone had smeared poop everywhere. It took most of my shift to clean it up. I guess “this” was next.

• There are times when it seems like everything that can go wrong will.
• There are times when it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
• There are times when it seems like burdens are piled higher than the blessings.

GOD’s people had stopped following HIM which aroused HIS anger. There was no trust, faith or hope in the living GOD, only lust, greed and selfishness. HE sent them into exile which seemed harsh but really was not. HE let them experience what it felt like to “be on their own” and the entire nation fell, same with me sometimes. GOD allows me to go through trials, some ordained to bring me back to my senses.

• GOD will allow me to be cursed or blessed; it is up to me to choose daily.
• GOD allows me to choose sin or HIS way; it is up to me to choose daily.
• GOD will allow me to fall into the hands of my captors or rescue me on wings of angels; it is up to HIM to decide.

Supremacy is what the Devil fought against. “Why can’t I do what I want to do?” the Devil said as he thought he could be GOD. BUT GOD wasn’t having it. HE threw the Devil out of heaven to return no more. When I compare HIS sentence to the Devil and the teeny, tiny problems I have gone through, there is no comparison. I can see GOD’s rod on my rear sometimes but HIS discipline is short lived.

HE comforts me and leads me beside still waters. HE restores my soul. It is amazing how many people do not want to hear about the GOD filled with wrath. I see HIS wrath and recognize just how good I have it. HE could crush me but instead HE preserves me for another day. GOD blesses me in spite of me.

• Are you going through a period where everything you do seems to fail?
• Do you think GOD has it out for you?
• Can you turn your eyes to GOD and acknowledge HIS supremacy?
• Will you praise HIM no matter what you are going through?

Life of Comfort

Jeremiah 52: ¹² On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, who served the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. ¹³ He set fire to the temple of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. ¹⁴ The whole Babylonian army, under the commander of the imperial guard, broke down all the walls around Jerusalem.

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Sitting in my cabana, I prepared for the day’s events which included sightseeing, lunch, a massage, dinner and then dancing. Yes, this day was truly trying! On that day one of the top executives walked up to me and said he would like me to take a spot on his executive team. I was delighted! “Could this day go any better?” I thought to myself.

• In times of plenty, I have forgotten GOD.
• In times of abundance, I look at my achievements as “mine.”
• In times of great wealth, I thought I was secure.

“What a bright future” I said at that time, but little did I know my demise was on its way. The same people who raised me up forgot me when the reorganization came years later. A new guard came in and broke down the walls and many were carried off into the ranks of the unemployed. Like the king of Babylon, the new guard was unforgiving and onerous. BUT GOD had a plan for that too.

• GOD had to remove the blindness of my wealth to see I am secure in HIM.
• GOD had to remove my false security in titles to see I need humility in HIM.
• GOD had to remove my desire to be wealthy and serve the wealthy in order to see hurting people who need to be served.

Not once did I jump around and praise GOD during my island moment. Well, maybe a little, but my mind quickly raced off into how I was going to lead another large corporation. I did not think of who was poor or needy. I did not think of how I was going to use the extra money to help others. I think I tithed, but it was easy to do. GOD made it very clear to me that the earth is HIS and everything on it.

Every step I take is on HIS earth, not mine. The air I breathe is HIS and every penny as well. Every moment I exist should be given to GOD. I cannot say I give every minute to HIM, but the more I do the more I am blessed.

• Are you seeking a life of comfort?
• Do you constantly look forward to a vacation?
• Can you factor in time to worship GOD?
• Will you praise HIM for where you are right now no matter what the circumstance?

Heart of Revenge

Jeremiah 51: ¹⁰ “‘The Lord has vindicated us;
    come, let us tell in Zion
    what the Lord our God has done.’

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Driving along the highway I noticed a person who decided to pay back a person who cut them off. They got in front of them and slammed on their brakes, causing the other person a huge scare. I thought to myself, “That seems like a good idea!” I mean I got tired of drivers who got in front of me, almost grazing my car, meanwhile the lane doesn’t go any faster.

I decided to try it on the next driver who cut me off. Minutes later it happened. I put my plan into action by sliding over to the lane they left. Suddenly I hit a huge pothole and bent one of my rims. Oh, now I know why the person darted in front of me. My vengeance cost me hundreds.

• Sometimes I want to get that person back.
• Sometimes I want “that” person to fail.
• Sometimes I want to hear about the fall and see them tumble down the mountain.

Watching the speeder who passes me then gets pulled over by a cop feels great until I am the speeder who gets pulled over. The “Heart of Revenge” makes me look at others with judgement in mind. I hope for their demise never once thinking I may be the perpetrator. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE says the LORD, I will repay” meaning I need to stay out of HIS way or I will feel the wrath too.
• GOD says to me “I will take out MY vengeance on those who harm MY people” meaning HE does not need me to fight when HE has been angered.
• GOD says to me “Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that GOD will bless them” meaning let GOD handle the malefactor.

Having a “Heart of Revenge” makes me play the situation over in my mind, not letting go of its deadly poison. BUT GOD wants me to let go. HE wants me to see HIS protection and allow HIM to pour out HIS wrath or grace on the person. HE wants my heart to be filled with grace just like HIM. HE wants me to empty my vengeful heart and fill it with love.

• Are you mad at someone?
• Are you spitting poison as much as you can about other people?
• Can you stop being angry and fill your heart with love?
• Will you allow GOD to handle “that” person and also allow HIM to change your heart?

Returning from Lost

Jeremiah 50: ⁴ “In those days, at that time,”
    declares the Lord,
“the people of Israel and the people of Judah together
    will go in tears to seek the Lord their God.
⁵ They will ask the way to Zion
    and turn their faces toward it.
They will come and bind themselves to the Lord
    in an everlasting covenant
    that will not be forgotten.

⁶ “My people have been lost sheep;
    their shepherds have led them astray
    and caused them to roam on the mountains.
They wandered over mountain and hill
    and forgot their own resting place.

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“What do you want to do when you grow up” someone posed to me. “I don’t know” was all I could say because I had only thought about going bowling with my friends. “You are good at math, do you want to be in my computer class?” “Sure” I said and at that moment I had a path.

Another time I was standing in a building with a very puzzled look on my face. Nervous because of my pending tardiness, I got more and more frustrated. A person approached me and asked “Can I help you find something?” I replied with the address and person I was looking for and the person said “You are in the wrong building.” I received directions and went my way, relieved.

• Sometimes I feel lost.
• Sometimes I feel I have no direction.
• Sometimes I feel there is no one there to guide me.

Feeling lost is much broader than directions from place to place. In fact I use a GPS and haven’t felt lost in a while. But life sometimes makes me feel “lost” in a way that no GPS can bring me out. I wander, stumble and even ask for directions but unfortunately I ask other lost people and they get me more lost. Where can I find directions?

• GOD says to me “I AM the WAY the truth and the life” which means I need only to point my life to HIS and I will never be lost.
• GOD says to me “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and all these things will be added to you” which means I need only to look for GOD whenever I feel lost.
• GOD says to me “I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD” meaning HE is the only one who can confidently guide me through dark and mysterious times.

One reason I feel lost at times is because I have not asked GOD for directions, permission or safety on my journeys. Whenever I do I feel confident, protected and excited. HE guides me besides still waters and on paths of righteousness for HIS namesake. HE gives me a resting place.

• Are you lost?
• Do you feel you have been wandering?
• Can you seek GOD’s direction today?

Restoration after Destruction

Jeremiah 49: ³⁸ I will set my throne in Elam
    and destroy her king and officials,”
declares the Lord.

³⁹ “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam
    in days to come,”
declares the Lord.

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“How can I fire this person?” I thought to myself. It was a difficult decision because I would have to fire a few other people as well. Who can I replace them with? How soon can I make this happen? A mentor approached me and said, do not become “the problem” while fixing things.

• I once thought about destruction.
• I once dreamed about total devastation.
• I once imagined eradication of the “weak” to build up the strong.

My zeal was only pointed towards one department and I did not like any of the people. I mean they were good at being “employees” and not good at doing work! I wanted to get rid of all of them and find people who would work day and night. BUT GOD opened my eyes to another side.

• GOD showed me I had plenty “judgment” and little grace.
• GOD showed me I had plenty “self-righteousness” and little humility.
• GOD showed me I had plenty “conquer” and little restoration.

After I stepped back from my rage I realized I needed people. Instead of firing people I had to grow them and mature them. It was my responsibility to restore people after I disciplined a few. GOD enabled me to add grace to my thinking which means I need to seek restoration wherever I can because GOD restores me quite often.

• Are you “right” in your anger?
• Are you seeking justice?
• Can you seek restoration of that person?
• Will you pray for that person to get to know CHRIST?
• Will you pray for restoration instead of destruction of that person?

When Anger Flares

Jeremiah 48: ⁴⁶ Woe to you, Moab!
    The people of Chemosh are destroyed;
your sons are taken into exile
    and your daughters into captivity.

⁴⁷ “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab
    in days to come,”
declares the Lord.

Here ends the judgment on Moab.

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Childishly I lied about my age. I mean what was I supposed to do when the “experienced” people kept ranting about their importance and I was just starting out? Childishly I lied about my whereabouts at work by saying “I don’t know.” I mean what was I supposed to say when the janitorial supervisor was hounding me? Childishly I lied about my grades. I mean this was the only company looking at me at the time and it was the middle of the semester. They would never know.

• Immaturity breeds my insecurity.
• Immaturity increases my immediacy to sin.
• Immaturity makes me place a higher value on self rather than the truth.

One day I heard someone say the statement “Why did I just lie?” The person also said “What do I have to gain by this lie?” They were joking but I realized I was lying to others and myself. I also realized that GOD was not pleased with my actions and it seemed like everything was going wrong. It seemed like GOD’s anger was getting hotter and hotter at the way I was acting. I felt guilty all the time. BUT GOD was different.

• GOD was merciful to me and brought to my attention the sin I was doing against HIM and others.
• GOD was graceful to me and pardoned me of my sins while I was still committing them.
• GOD was loving to me and allowed me to face the consequences of my sins, yet restored me fully, enabling me to reach heights I never would have dreamt of.

Moab to me is like my sin. I mean it was a place that probably started off innocent but one sin after another got them to a place where GOD was full of anger. I felt the same way. I was headed in the wrong direction. One thing about being a child of GOD is HIS anger brings chastening, but it does not last forever.

HE wants me to recognize HIS power and love at the same time. HE does not want me to continue down a destructive path, yet HE understands that only HE alone can save me because I may not always make the best decision. GOD saved me because of HIS character, not mine.

• Are you acting immature?
• Have you given up on GOD and are headed down a path of destruction?
• Will you ask GOD to place you back on HIS path?
• Are you willing to give up the lie and start over with a firm foundation?

How Long?

Jeremiah 47: ⁶ “‘Alas, sword of the Lord,
    how long till you rest?
Return to your sheath;
    cease and be still.’
⁷ But how can it rest
    when the Lord has commanded it,
when he has ordered it
    to attack Ashkelon and the coast?”

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“Are we there yet?” was my first question followed by “how long ‘til we get there?” Staring at the same cornfield seemed agonizing to me as a child but quite peaceful to me now, but that’s another story. When I went to the dentist, he asked “how long has this been hurting?” Another time I sat through a final exam and wondered “how much longer do I have to do this?” On a boring job I had to stop wearing a watch because the day would creep by in an agonizing way.

• When I am in pain I ask “how long?”
• When I want something to change I ask “how long?”
• When I am in a situation that seems to go on forever I ask “how long?”

Honestly, I really don’t want the answer to “how long” sometimes. I mean if the answer is “a few minutes” the question should not be “how long should I hold my hand in the fire?” “How long?” is a question I ask GOD quite often. The real question I am asking HIM is “Can you hurry up and change this situation in my favor?” HIS answer to “how long” may be “decades more” when I want something cured right away.

• GOD holds onto my future so I do not have to worry about it.
• GOD repairs my past so I do not have to dwell on it.
• GOD stays with me in the present so I can be confident in it.

Time is GOD’s. The writer says “A thousand years are but a day to the LORD.” In other words, HE can be extremely patient with me for as long as it takes. The situations I go through enable me to grow and GOD has just the right amount of time to hold me in the fire, to refine me like gold. “How long?” is a valid question but I have learned to answer the question myself with “Thank YOU LORD for bringing me through this like all other situations.”

• Are you going through something?
• Does it seem like you have been going through this situation for years?
• Can you ask GOD the real question “Will YOU change my heart to be YOURS?”
• Will you add praise to your life daily so you can gain endurance?

Peace and Security

Jeremiah 46: ²⁷ “Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant;
    do not be dismayed, Israel.
I will surely save you out of a distant place,
    your descendants from the land of their exile.
Jacob will again have peace and security,
    and no one will make him afraid.

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Waiting on the decision, I could hardly sleep. I interviewed for the top position and they dragged their feet towards telling me if I got it or not. A couple of weeks later I realized the worst. I did not get the position. I did not have peace.

• Every once in a while I lose my peace.
• Every now and then I do not feel secure.
• Every so often I feel threatened.

I felt that getting this position would enable me to get away from those who “opposed” me; instead, I had to remain right under them. This made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I could not help feeling this group did not want me around and I did not know what to do. BUT GOD made a difference.

• GOD gives me peace that surpasses all understanding.
• GOD is my security so I do not have to worry about humans.
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid” because HE is with me.

After I settled down I realized that I was working for the wrong person. I was working for humans who constantly change their minds and have egos as large as an ocean. GOD wants me to do everything unto HIM so I can feel at peace. HE guides me and protects me. GOD gives me peace and security.

• Where are you putting your peace?
• Do you place security in money?
• Can you change you thinking and allow GOD to give you HIS peace?
• Will you put your trust in HIM and HIM alone?

Protection Wherever You Go

Jeremiah 45: ² “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: ³ You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ ⁴ But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. ⁵ Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’”

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Graffiti laced buildings seemed to spring up the deeper I traveled towards my destination. I stared out the window at broken glass, boarded buildings and beat up bums. This was my first day of school and I had to ride public transportation. I wondered if I would make it to school alive!

• There are times when fear gets the best of me.
• There have been times where I have had to face my fears.
• There have been situations that I would never have chosen to be in.

Looking back over many situations in my life, I say to myself, “Wow, I would never do that again!” But should I really say that? I mean the situation was not ideal; in fact many situations were quite difficult. BUT GOD brought me through each one!

• GOD has protected me all of my life.
• GOD has watched over me through very scary and difficult situations.
• GOD has allowed me to escape with my life during some very tenuous times.

Praise is all I can offer GOD for my life. Whether it was a car spinning sideways on an expressway or thugs robbing me, GOD was there protecting me through every step. HE has allowed me to travel to unknown places and return unharmed. HE is where I place my trust.

• Do you need protection?
• Are you going into the unknown?
• Will you allow GOD to guide you?
• Will you ask HIM for HIS protection?

Knowing the TOTAL GOD

Jeremiah 44: ¹⁵ Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were present—a large assembly—and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, ¹⁶ “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord!

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“GOD will forgive me” are probably the truest yet most dangerous words I can say. Yes HE forgave me in the middle of my sins, but HE never said, “I like your sin” to me. In fact, GOD says something very different.

• GOD says to me “Your righteousness is like filthy rags.”
• GOD says to me “You and every human has sinned and fall short of MY glory.”
• GOD says to me “All sin is detestable to ME.”

Quite honestly I gravitate towards certain parts of the Bible. I hover around the promises that say I will be healthy, wealthy and wise. But when it comes to the parts that say, “But if you disobey you will fall down drastically” I want to skip that part and not share it with too many people. GOD wants me to grow up and act differently.

• GOD wants me to accept HIS word totally and follow HIM through difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to stop blaming HIM and start seeing HIS righteousness as supreme.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS way in lieu of my way.

Skipping over or tearing out parts of the Bible means I am saying to GOD “YOU are wrong.”  It almost means I think I can sin as much as I’d like to without consequences, but alas this is not true. GOD sends tough messages to me and it is up to me to listen to them. I must take the sweet promises along with the tough messages in order to see the TOTAL GOD. HE is gentle, compassionate and forgiving meanwhile full of wrath, judgment and chastisement. 

HE is not a contradiction, rather concrete in HIS convictions. When HE says “Believe in MY SON” my sins are forgiven. When I make up another god and not believe in HIS SON, my sins are not only remembered, I stand chance of being eternally punished. In order for me to accept following GOD I must accept HIS supremacy and know the TOTAL GOD.

• Do you accept GOD’s supremacy or are you complaining to HIM about HIS ways?
• Do you only speak about the gentle GOD or can you see HE also has wrath?
• Will you fear the LORD in a healthy way by following HIS word and stop following your own assumptions?

Freedom to do What I Want

Jeremiah 42: ² Azariah son of Hoshaiah and Johanan son of Kareah and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to settle there.’

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⁴ So Johanan son of Kareah and all the army officers and all the people disobeyed the Lord’s command to stay in the land of Judah.

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⁷ So they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord and went as far as Tahpanhes.

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“Don’t go outside” was my punishment imposed on my infraction. I have no idea what I did, but staying inside the house on a summer day was too great of a sentence. My friend next door said, “Come over and play. Just climb out your window and play for a little while.” I thought, “What would the harm be?” I mean I would be “inside”, just inside my neighbor’s house.

The climb seemed treacherous. The window was a good six feet from the ground. I made it down, played and realized when I returned, I had no way back in. How was I going to explain this?

• There have been times when I have disobeyed.
• There have been times when I have looked at the sentence and said “I do not deserve that.”
• There have been times when I have gotten myself in even more trouble because of my disobedience.

Sin brings on more sin. I heard my mother calling for me and I snuck in the back door and hid. After a while the entire block was looking for me with the police. I emerged from behind the couch hours later to extremely worried parents. My disobedience had now affected over a hundred people.

• GOD wants me to be obedient as much as I can.
• GOD knows I have a sin nature and understands I have to actually decide to follow HIM each day.
• GOD provides me with grace and mercy though I do not deserve it.

My parents released me from my punishment and talked to me instead. I did not understand their words but I’m sure they meant well. I gave the automatic response of “I don’t know” so we could get this conversation over. Looking back I can see that disobedience of GOD is the same. It not only affects me, many others are brought down with me. GOD wants me to follow HIM because HIS path is so much better. I am free to do what I want and the more I choose GOD the better I am.

• Are you tired of following the rules?
• Do you think you deserve better from GOD?
• Can you stop thinking more highly of yourself and become obedient to GOD?
• Will you allow HIM to work in your life by obeying HIS word?

Favorable or Unfavorable

Jeremiah 42: Then all the army officers, including Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest approached ² Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, “Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. ³ Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”

⁴ “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will certainly pray to the Lord your God as you have requested; I will tell you everything the Lord says and will keep nothing back from you.”

⁵ Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. ⁶ Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.”

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Tired of all of the issues I finally said “GOD, YOU win!” I was finally too tired to fight HIM and it seemed like I was not going to get my way anyway. The more I tried to do things on my own, the worse things got.

• There are times when I think I can solve my own problems.
• There are times when I think I have it within myself to come up with a solution.
• There are times when I think I can face any situation and hit it head on with my own strength.

In this world of “individualism” I was king. I mean I was great at not needing anyone and groused at those who did. BUT GOD took me through many situations that had me turn back to HIM. Things were falling apart left and right and eventually I had no place to turn. “GOD help me” was my cry.

• When I cry out to GOD, HE always answers.
• When I say the name of JESUS, HE always comes through.
• When I place my worries, sins, doubts and fears in front of GOD, HE always takes care of me.

There is one caveat that HE wants me to do. When I do turn my face back to HIM, HE does not want me to turn away from HIM again. HE desires that I live a life that is obedient to HIM whether HIS answer is favorable or unfavorable. HE wants full rights to my life and I must give HIM full praise. Ever since I realized this, all has gone very well.

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you seem worried?
• Can you stop worrying for moment and ask yourself “Why do I not trust GOD?”
• What are you fighting GOD about?
• Will you stop being exhausted by trying to steer GOD and ask HIM for HIS favorable or unfavorable direction?