Hearing a Story

Matthew 13: ¹⁰ The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

¹¹ He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. ¹² Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ¹³ This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

¹⁴ In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
¹⁵ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’

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“But what will I do about my family” were the words the employee said to me as I prepared to let them go. Someone told me I had to be tough to handle this type of work.

• I have been in positions where a heart of stone was necessary.
• I have been in roles where a cold heart was applauded.
• I have been in organizations where callouses on the heart were welcome.

“Business is business” was the mantra, yet many were getting hurt by calloused hearts. What was I to do?

• GOD said to me “Open your heart and let ME in.”
• GOD said to me “I will turn your stony heart into one that can hear MY words.”
• GOD said to me “When you can hear MY words, I will provide you with abundance.”

Blind, deaf and mute was my path when my heart was calloused. I could not see GOD, hear HIS direction or speak on HIS behalf, yet I was “successful” in human terms. GOD wants me to have “treasure in heaven” which does not rust or moths cannot eat. HE desires me to have a heart for HIM.

• Do you love you more than GOD?
• Do you find your heart getting colder and colder towards others?
• Can you ask GOD to ignite your heart for others so HE can provide you with abundance?

Becoming a Farmer

Matthew 13: ³ Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

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Overlooked in this passage is the farmer. There are many qualities of the farmer that stick out to me.

• The farmer had a purpose, namely to sow as many seeds as he could.
• The farmer did not care where he spread the seeds because he had plenty to spread.
• The farmer had seeds of potential that could produce huge crops from only a few.

JESUS was so busy explaining what the seeds were for that could not get to the point where HE revealed HIMSELF as the farmer.  HE had plenty of seed to spread but sometimes I could not allow them to grow in my life. BUT GOD did something wonderful in my life.

• GOD tilled my rocky soil heart to become softer.
• GOD fertilized my barren heart to become ready.
• GOD watered my dried up heart to grow HIS seeds.

Farming is the example in this parable that is often overlooked. GOD wants me to spread HIS seeds wherever I go.

• Does your life have purpose?
• Can you stop caring about who you spread GOD’s message to and go where HE sends you?
• Will you take one “seed of potential” and place it in someone today to grow GOD’s kingdom?

We are Family

Matthew 12: ⁴⁶ While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. ⁴⁷ Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”

⁴⁸ He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” ⁴⁹ Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. ⁵⁰ For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

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Outcast was how I felt when going to school. I mean other’s fit in and I stuck out like a sore thumb, or at least I felt that way. Ridiculed and unpopular, I trudged through my daily routines. Fortunately for me, I met a group who pulled me in as one of their own.

• Regardless of what I look like, I am part of GOD’s glorious family.
• No matter how I have sinned in the past, I am part of GOD’s wonderful family.
• Irrespective of what I want to be, I am a person in GOD’s family.

Belonging is what I craved from the world but the requirements were too steep. I had to look like the trendiest people and act like people who acted like brats. I could not be quirky in my humor or just relax when I wanted to. BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “I made you just how you are.”
• GOD says to me “I created you with a purpose that only you can fulfill.”
• GOD says to me “I love you so now you belong in MY family.”

Being part of a holy family is a breath of fresh air. I can be valuable just by being me. GOD expects me to treat others the same. HE wants me to see their value as part of an amazing family that HE created and purposed. I belong.

• Do you feel like an outcast?
• Is your immediate family torn apart?
• Can you give your life to GOD so you can be part of an amazing family who are still sinners yet forgiven?

Unoccupied House

Matthew 12: ⁴³ “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. ⁴⁴ Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. ⁴⁵ Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

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Someone told me it would take one hundred days to start or break any daily habit. I had plenty of “bad” habits so I chose a few and stopped cold turkey. Ninety eight, ninety nine, one hundred was my countdown. I did it I thought to myself, but after a while, I missed my old habits.

• Sin can become a habit.
• Sin can overwhelm the thoughts.
• Sin can fill an empty void.

After sweeping out my house and putting everything in order I still felt empty so I chose to fill the void with more sin. After a while it seemed like I was in worse shape. What was I to do?

• GOD said to me “I will continue to knock on your heart and will enter if you allow ME.”
• GOD said to me “I will pursue you as one of MY lost sheep.”
• GOD said to me “I will fill you up until you are overflowing.”

Filling my emptiness with the things of the world left me in a very bad spot. BUT GOD did something different. HE filled me with HIS HOLY SPIRIT which gave me purpose to do HIS will. The void was gone and something overflowed, namely CHRIST.

I realized I would never become “clean” but I can be “forgiven.” Now thanksgiving fills my heart knowing that I am redeemed.

• Are you trying to do “self-help” techniques without GOD?
• Do you think you can “clean” yourself up and get your life on track by yourself?
• Will you stop trying to do things under your own power and seek GOD’s face?

Passed the Sign

Matthew 12: ³⁸ Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

³⁹ He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. ⁴⁰ For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ⁴¹ The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. ⁴² The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.

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Wow, this sure feels wrong said my internal compass. I looked down and checked the GPS and saw the words “Rerouting” over and over. I had accidentally turned the volume down and could not hear my phone begging and pleading for me to turn around. Meanwhile, I had passed a massive sign that would have easily shown me the way, even without a GPS.

• There have been times I have ignored the signs.
• There have been times I have turned down the volume and listened to my own direction.
• There have been times I wanted to see a sign when the sign was already given to me.

When I say to GOD “Just give me a sign” I may have already passed up the sign HE gave me. I am then forced to turn around and travel a very uncomfortable road, relearning lessons I should have paid attention to in the first place.

• GOD has given me HIS ultimate sign, namely JESUS.
• GOD has already done enough to show me HIS love, all I have to do now is praise HIM.
• GOD is greater than any prophet or king and HE came to earth in the form of a human to be murdered just for me.

When I want GOD to give me my way, I scream out “just give me a sign” or I hunt for signs that give me evidence of HIS love. HE has already given me plenty I need only to ask HIM to “Open my blind eyes to YOUR blessings” daily.

• Are you blinded with your desires that you have already passed GOD’s sign for you?
• Can you ask GOD to open your eyes to do HIS will and to stop seeking the comforts of this day?
• Will you turn to CHRIST so HE will be your sign?

Heart Words

Matthew 12: ³³ “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. ³⁴ You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. ³⁵ A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. ³⁶ But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷ For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

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“I hate that person” blurted from my sophomoric mouth along with a few expletive words. Once said, I could never put them back in my mouth or erase them from someone’s ears.

• I have said some very harmful things.
• I have said some very slanderous things.
• I have said some very foul things.

In an effort to be funny or fit in, I have said words that needed a warning label, not once thinking of how harmful or destructive the words could be. How could I change my words?

• GOD wants my words to come from the heart.
• GOD wants my heart to come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to speak about HIS kingdom in a heartfelt way.

Instead of blurting out random thoughts, GOD wants me to be purposeful with my words. Since my heart is desperately wicked, I must take the lessons I have learned about GOD and apply them to the words that come from my heart. After a while, GOD starts rebuilding my heart to be HIS.

If my heart is full of garbage then garbage will flow from out of my mouth. Suddenly I will find myself without GOD’s fruit. BUT GOD is gracious enough to place HIS SPIRIT in me, enabling me to speak sincerely about HIM.  I want GOD’s fruit, not mine.

• Are you seeking to be the center of attention?
• What foul words are proceeding from your mouth?
• Can you ask GOD to enter your heart so your words will change?

Caught in the Act

Matthew 12: ²⁹ “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

³⁰ “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. ³¹ And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. ³² Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

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“Where did you get the ice cream?” was my parent’s question. I had no answer as I had stolen the money from them. Thus ended my life of thievery. “What are you looking at?” was my gym teacher’s question as I was caught peeping at the girls locker room. Thus ending my, well I don’t know where that was going.

• I have had premeditated sin.
• I have been caught in the middle of my sin.
• I have actually planned out my sin without thinking of the consequences.

When I got out “on my own” I was free to do as I pleased. I could lie, steal, and peep at who I wanted to. Something felt different though. Each conquest felt more and more empty. Something had to change.

• GOD died for me in the middle of my sins.
• GOD rose for me and received all power.
• GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT on me because I believe I needed a Savior.

To those who believe, JESUS sends THE COMFORTER to live inside them. An early warning system named THE HOLY SPIRIT is installed which guides me away from the wrong path and back onto one following CHRIST.

I have a choice, believe in the SPIRIT or not. If I do not even believe in the need for a CHRIST, how can I believe in the HOLY SPIRIT? I find it impossible. The HOLY SPIRIT has a tirelessly thankless job of begging for my forgiveness before the FATHER. GOD wants me to be with HIM and the HOLY SPIRIT is my guide.

• Is it difficult for you to comprehend the existence of THE HOLY SPIRIT?
• Are you aware that the HOLY SPIRIT is GOD dwelling inside of you?
• Can you allow yourself to be led by the SPIRIT today.

Multiplication and Division

Matthew 12: ²⁵ Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. ²⁶ If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. ²⁸ But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

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“Divide and conquer” was the advice of my boss. I heard it all the time and even used these words. It may have been used in a harmless way at the time to tackle a problem. Division can also have extreme consequences.

• I have seen families divided to long term hurt.
• I have seen neighborhoods divided to long term degradation.
• I have seen churches divided to eternal consequences of someone observing.

Divisive tactics begin by slander followed by justification of a point. “First let me show you how stupid that person is” followed by “Here is why I am right.” Blindly I followed these tactics. It was called “The Game.” GOD was not pleased with those tactics.

• GOD wants me to see others with the value HE sees I them.
• GOD wants me to be with HIM instead of being against HIM.
• GOD wants me to multiply instead of divide.

Living together in peace with people who are against me is difficult but worth it. They may look different than me or even have very different views, BUT GOD wants me to remain and be HIS servant.  HE wants me to pray for the different just as much as I pray for my friends and family.

GOD wants me to bring people together so we can multiply HIS kingdom in unity in CHRIST.

• Are you divisive?
• Do you find yourself brooding over someone?
• Can you stop your pouting and join them so you can bring the kingdom to more people?
• Will you ask for GOD’s strength to stay where you are and reach your different neighbors?

Amazing Hate

Matthew 12: ²² Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. ²³ All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?”

²⁴ But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”

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Hatred is bewildering and amazing. I mean when I don’t like a person, there is not much “right” they can do.

• Hatred blinds me.
• Hatred makes me unable to see any good.
• Hatred takes me to s place where grace cannot live.

I may justify my words and say “I don’t hate the person” but if I am constantly thinking of their wrongs and talking about their missteps, I hate them, plain and simple. What can help me with this hatred?

• GOD says to me “Love one another” is the greatest command.
• GOD says to me “How can I show you grace if you cannot show others grace?”
• GOD says to me “Pray for your enemies for it is easy to pray for those who love you.”

Even a slight margin of hatred can breed a war. I tussle with GOD when HE tries to get me to do the right thing. GOD wants me to turn my amazing hate into amazing grace. When I do this, HE gives me rewards that I cannot imagine!

• Are you on the path to hatred?
• Is there someone in your life or on the news who you talk about constantly in a negative way?
• Can you stop your hatred and get on the road to grace?
• Will you ask GOD to heal your wounds and channel you anger towards GOD’s love?

Simply Be

Matthew 12: ¹⁵ Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. ¹⁶ He warned them not to tell others about him. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁸ “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
¹⁹ He will not quarrel or cry out;
    no one will hear his voice in the streets.
²⁰ A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
²¹     In his name the nations will put their hope.”

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When yet another request came from the church I was reluctant to say yes this time because I was the trustee chair, deacon, accountant and teacher. My, get it done, attitude had caught up to me and now I was weary. “Does GOD want me to carry all this weight?” I asked.

• Sometimes I try too hard to please GOD.
• Sometimes I feel the more I do, the more GOD is pleased.
• Sometimes I anticipate GOD’s love through my actions.

Facing burn out, I finally had to say “No!” Does GOD want us to work our fingers to the bone trying to be forgiven for our sins? NO! In fact GOD made it easy.

• JESUS became the chosen servant for me whom the FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT delight.
• JESUS proclaims justice to the nations through me whenever HE sends me to HIS people.
• JESUS brings justice, victory and hope to all nations; this is where I place my trust.

What does GOD want from me? What does HE want me to do? How often should I do it? Should I sell everything and live in a desert, proclaiming HIS name? all of these questions raced through my mind. GOD says to me “Just Be.”

“Be the person I made you to be” is what GOD says to me. HE made me with a purpose and I am the only one who can reach “that” person with the message of grace from JESUS. Serving is nice, wearing myself out is not. GOD wants me to simply “be.”

• Are you trying to make GOD do something by working harder?
• Do you think GOD will love you more or less depending on how much you work?
• Can you place your total trust in JESUS’ salvation so your works become a gift rather than an obligation?

Higher Habit

Matthew 12 ⁹ Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, ¹⁰ and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”

¹¹ He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? ¹² How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

¹³ Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. ¹⁴ But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

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Getting up and going to church was a real struggle for me. I mean after hanging out in the clubs with my “friends” I felt I owed it to myself to get some sleep. When I started going to church, it felt weird at first but soon became a habit. Soon I was a regular attendee and decided to tell “those sinners” they should do the same.

• I used to think church was the destination for sinners.
• I used to think church was a place to go that I could check off my list each week.
• I used to think church was the goal and getting “cleaned up” was the prize.

Taking my disgusting habits to a place where I could dump them off seemed like the right thing to do. Follow a few rules, sing a few songs, listen to someone tell me how wrong I was felt like the right thing to do to get my life on track. BUT GOD wanted so much more than that.

• GOD wants me to see HIM as the destination beyond church.
• GOD wants me to worship HIM daily not just minutes on a given day.
• GOD wants me to “be” with HIM rather than going to HIM.

Don’t get me wrong, going to a church that serves people through GODLY words and habits is great. BUT GOD wants more. HE wants me to open my eyes to HIS kingdom around me to tell people about the Good News. Church should not be a habit rather GOD should be a “relationship” that drives me to go to church and beyond.

• Are you judging someone because you attend church regularly?
• Do you feel you have made it because you go to church?
• Can you stop thinking more highly of yourself and seek those who need GOD today?

Look at Them

Matthew 12: At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. ² When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”

³ He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ⁴ He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. ⁵ Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? ⁶ I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. ⁷ If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. ⁸ For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

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“Look at those people sinning” I sneered. I was talking about “that” church with all of “those” people. “They aren’t following the Bible” I quipped.

• I have been judgmental.
• I have been condemning.
• I have been a stickler for the law and not for grace.

After stopping a few sins, I felt I ‘earned” the right to point out someone else’s flaws. I mean I was near perfection right? Dreadfully wrong!

• GOD wanted me to know “All have sinned and fall short of HIS glory” and I am included in the “all.”
• GOD wanted me to know HE desires mercy not sacrifice.
• GOD wanted me to know the law is fulfilled through JESUS, not through my actions.

I follow GOD’s laws because of JESUS, not the other way around. I cannot get more righteous by following a few rules and breaking others. GOD wants me to seek HIS mercy for me and those around me.

• Are you commenting on “those” people?
• Are you pointing fingers at someone else?
• Can you stop condemning others before GOD condemns you?
• Will you seek GOD’s mercy today for you and those around you who you are accusing?

Stressed Out

Matthew 11: ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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Meeting after meeting, my day was full. If I wasn’t in meetings, I was answering my voicemail or replying to some scathing email left by the arrogant. After a while I found myself without sleep. I would wake in the middle of the night thinking about work. The speed in which I had to reply to issues was ridiculous. Was there any relief?!

• I have been stressed out in the past.
• I have had extreme pressure in the past.
• I have had to face situations where it seemed as if no one was in my corner and I did not know where to turn.

Feeling like no one cares can lead to even more stress. After a while I even asked the question, “GOD do you care?” HE gave me HIS answer.

• GOD said to me “I care so come to me with whatever is stressing you out.”
• GOD said to me “I love you so I will yoke myself with you and pull when you cannot.”
• GOD said to me “I died for you and now I live so with the power that has been given to ME, I will give you rest.”

There is no issue too great for GOD. There is no problem GOD cannot solve. There is no situation that causes me stress that GOD cannot handle. Whether GOD is my first choice or the last, I can always go to HIM and give HIM my burdens.

I can also learn HIS word so in times of stress I can use them to navigate the unwieldy times. GOD cares enough about me that HE wants me to have peace. All I need to do is seek HIM.

• Are you stressed out?
• Do you face situations that have you deeply worried?
• Can you talk to GOD about what is stressing you out?
• Will you connect yourself to HIM and learn HIS word so you can navigate through stressful times?

No One Knows

Matthew 11: ²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

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At one point I used to use “GOD” generically. I mean other people worship “god” aren’t they simply talking about the same GOD I’m talking about? No! This scripture caught my eye this morning.

• JESUS said “All things have been committed to me by MY FATHER” meaning HE is GOD.
• JESUS said “No one knows the SON except the FATHER” meaning HE is part of the holy trinity.
• JESUS said “HE chooses to reveal the FATHER to people.”

Knowing GOD is more than book knowledge. There is a supernatural gift of knowing who the FATHER is. JESUS gives anyone this gift if they believe in the need for the gift. What I’m saying is I must believe that I was on my way to being eternally separated from GOD at one point.

I had to acknowledge that I do not deserve a relationship with GOD but I could have one if I believe the SON became a man, was murdered for my sins, was raised from the dead and was given all power. This I truly believe and I could only believe this because the SON has given me the gift of salvation.

No one knows GOD except those GOD has revealed HIMSELF to.

• Are you lost?
• Are you trying to relate to GOD your own way?
• Can you stop trying to do things your way and follow GOD through JESUS who is GOD?

Hidden Messages

Matthew 11: ²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶ Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

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“You are so smart” was the compliment I loved to hear. This meant “I” was special. I worked hard to hear those words again and again. Finally, I reached a point where I was with the top people in my class. “Why are you hanging out with ‘those’ people?” they questioned me. “What people?” I replied. “The ones who will not get into college.” Hmm, is this the right crowd for me?

• There were some very smart people I admired.
• There were some very clever people I followed.
• There were some very intellectual people I tried to emulate only to find it was yet another class trying to exclude.

“Those people” meant it was them against “us.” It felt kind of good for a minute; I mean being hated by the troglodytes who slumped through the hallways. Unfortunately for me, GOD was hiding HIS message from me.

• GOD wanted me to see “People” not “Those people.”
• GOD wanted me to know “The smarter I got, the dumber I got spiritually.”
• GOD wanted me to understand that HIS power is infinite, confusing to humans and shown only to those HE chooses.

It took a while for me to stop worshipping the next genius that came along and start focusing on GOD’s power. Instead of trying to emulate them, I was bound to follow the examples of JESUS. The stuff that HE had me doing did not make sense. Soon I had gone to countries around the world, spreading HIS message of salvation.

While this did not make sense to the intellectual community, it made sense to GOD and that is what matters most!

• Are you trying to be noticed by your intellectual prowess?
• Have you lowered GOD into a thing “those” ignorant people worship?
• Can you open your eyes to GOD’s infinite power to create and sustain human life?
• Will you seek the hidden messages from GOD today?

Miracles Have Purpose

Matthew 11: ²⁰ Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. ²¹ “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²² But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

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Desiring to see a miracle, I asked GOD to do some of the stuff I read about. “Part a river” or “Heal ‘this” specific person” or “Heal my eyes.” I wanted to see GOD in action. I was met with silence.

• There were times I did not have faith in GOD.
• There were times I wanted GOD to prove HIMSELF to me.
• There were times I wanted to do my own thing and seeing a miracle may not have changed me.

Looking back I can see my lack of maturity in how I thought of GOD. I figured HE was not as much of a GOD if I could not see the stuff “I” wanted to see. Fortunately for me GOD works differently.

• GOD performs miracles on a daily basis; I need to open my eyes to what is going on around me.
• GOD shows me HIS power each and every day; I need to be willing to accept what HE is showing me.
• GOD speaks to me every day; I need to have a willing heart to hear what HE has to say.

“Give”, “Forgive”, “Pray” or “Go” are words I often hear and ignore along with many others. GOD tends to tell me things that would benefit HIS kingdom and I ignore what HE says because I am too busy with “my” stuff. I mean what about me, is my pout.

GOD forgives my selfish times too. HE simply wants me to see HIS miracles and repent.

• Are you trying to make GOD prove HIMSELF?
• Is your faith based on what you can see?
• Will you stop looking and start paying attention to who GOD is bringing to you?

Sticks and Stones

Matthew 11: ¹⁸ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ ¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

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“You are a…” were words that used to affect me greatly. I mean the deliverer must be an expert in the matter so when someone delivers the blow, “You are an idiot” I must be an idiot right?

• I have been called many names.
• I have been labeled many things.
• I have been placed in a box by shortsighted people.

Character is something done, good or bad that is not seen by anyone. When I am trying my best to follow GOD’s ways, yet someone labels me otherwise, then I must not get upset because I am in good company.

• CHRIST was slandered and accused falsely.
• JESUS was called all kinds of names because HE did not meet human expectations.
• Our LORD was labeled a sinner, though HE committed no sin.

Insecure people dream of what they can call other people. They take the spotlight off of them in order to place it negatively on another person. GOD does not want me to retaliate with sophomoric retorts. HE asks that I rise above the words and pray for those who shoot the darts.

• Are you the butt of jokes?
• Do you feel insecure because of something a person has called you or labeled you?
• Can you stop listening to insecure people who do not have your best interest in mind?
• Will you listen to GOD who loves you and created you with a purpose?

Transformed into Greatness

Matthew 11: ¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. ¹⁵ Whoever has ears, let them hear.

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A box of awards from various companies sits in a box for non to see. Accolades telling me how “great” I was pale into comparison to what I am going to become.

• Humans declare me “great” because of their sinful lenses.
• Humans defined a measure of “greatness” that only the sinful can achieve.
• Humans have missed the mark in terms of what greatness really is.

Human worship still happens in everyday conversations. People are so stuck on the mishaps of those in the news that no conversation about GOD can pierce the noise. GOD wants something different from me.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS kingdom in the days where it is weird to speak about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to prophecy about HIS SON, meaning telling people of HIS imminent return.
• GOD wants me to stop waiting for something else to happen and start getting HIS kingdom ready.

John the Baptist was the greatest human to live, next to JESUS, yet John would not even be considered “great” in the kingdom of heaven. When GOD transforms my body into a “kingdom” body, I will be “great.” All my earthly deeds will be checked and measured against how I served GOD by serving humans.

Greatness has a different definition to GOD. Pointing my life towards JESUS is the definition of great to HIM.

• Are you ready for greatness?
• Do you seek the accolades of humans or of GOD?
• Can you stop chasing human affirmation and seek GOD’s kingdom that is under fire around you?

Your Story

Matthew 11: ⁷ As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ⁸ If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. ⁹ Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

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JESUS spoke about John in a special way because John dedicated his entire life speaking about JESUS. It made me think… I speak so many wasted words are spoken on a daily basis.

I mean, my thoughts are on family health, work, business, bills and sports all of which are not problems but what should my “story” be?

• GOD wants to brag about how I spoke about HIS SON.
• GOD wants to boast about how I stood firm in my beliefs in HIS SON.
• GOD wants to crow about how I took time out of my day and spread HIS good news about HIS SON.

John is not a person to compete against by saying “I’m going to be better than John,” rather he is one to be admired. I admire that fact that he followed his GODLY purpose to the letter each and every day.

Each person can have a wonderful story that JESUS says “See… look at what ‘my messenger’ did.” GOD gives me a chance, each and every day to craft another chapter in HIS wonderful story for me.

• Are you talking about JESUS on a daily basis?
• Do you seek JESUS on a daily basis?
• Can you start talking about JESUS to other people HE sends you today?

Not Going to Stumble

Matthew 11: ² When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples ³ to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

⁴ Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. ⁶ Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

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Wind propelled pellets of ice and snow in my face. I zipped my coat up to my nose and pulled my hat down to my glasses. The mile walk was long and my foot sunk deep into the mucky drifts. I felt like giving up and turning back. “Keep going” were the words that popped in my head. When I arrived at the bus stop, four busses arrived at once!

• Many times I felt like giving up.
• Many times I thought GOD was a waste of time.
• Many times I questioned HIS plan as if HE were the problem versus the Savior.

Giving up on GOD means I refuse to take the next step with HIM on life’s journey. I gave up on HIM and stopped praying to HIM at one point. I mean “What good is it to pray if HE says ‘No’ all the time?” was my immature thought. GOD was gracious enough to me to have patience.

• GOD opened my eyes to my selfishness and showed me just how blessed I am.
• GOD opened my ears to tell me HIS message and to bring other people to HIM.
• GOD repaired my broken spirit and gave me legs to walk to the poor and proclaim HIS good news!

Difficult times bring on a choice. Either I will choose to cling to JESUS or I will blame HIM for my problems. It is that simple. Stumbling happens. My faith gets shaken when the snowy winds of life hits me in the face. BUT GOD blesses me “when” I do not stumble and show a mustard seed of faith.

• Are you ready to give up?
• Do you think the road is too far and life is hitting you in the face?
• Can you keep going in your faith so you can make it to GOD’s destination for you?
• Will you choose not to stumble today?

You Are Welcome

Matthew 10: ⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

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Listening for the misplaced word or being skeptical was my skill when I attended church. I did not need to know the Bible because I could smell a phony a mile away. “That person is going to talk about money” and many times I was correct. “This place is a sham” I thought to myself.

• I have criticized preachers, teachers and disciples of GOD.
• I have attended church with cynicism.
• I have passed up the homeless thinking “They are just going to use the cash for alcohol or drugs.”

Protecting myself from the dangers of “sneaky people” took me to a place where I could not let my guards down. I was so focused on defending myself that I could not hear what GOD was saying through many people. BUT GOD wanted my heart to change.

• GOD wanted me to open my hurt heart to listen to HIS message through other hurt people.
• GOD wanted me to accept my role of serving others without judging their motive.
• GOD wanted me to give what I have, even if it is only a cup of water in service to HIM.

My heart of stone had to change. It had become cynical, mistrusting and certainly unbelieving. I could not see GOD’s miracles on a daily basis and I wondered where HE was. GOD opened up my heart to trust HIM versus trusting people. HE wants me to listen for HIM instead of listening for mistakes.

Even people with hidden agendas can speak a truth about GOD, so HE wants me to listen intently for HIS words. GOD wants me to welcome HIM by welcoming HIS people HE sends me.

• Are you being critical?
• Do you listen with hurt untrusting ears?
• Are you skeptical of those around you?
• Can you give your hurt to GOD and allow HIM to open your heart to welcome people in instead of pushing them out?

True Dedication

Matthew 10: ³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn

“‘a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
³⁶     a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

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Does GOD want me to bicker and complain about my family? It sure seems like it in this passage, but there may be another view.

• GOD wants me to have total dependence on HIM.
• GOD wants me to have total faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to have total trust in HIM.

If my family, friends or neighbors do not have their own dependence, faith and trust in HIM, then weird things happen. Decisions made on faith will be questioned by those who have little. The cry to spread GOD’s message of salvation will be rejected instead of being embraced.

• GOD does not want me to spread hatred towards any person but HE wants me to let go of those who do not chose to follow HIM.
• GOD does not want me to pick fights with those who are close to me rather HE desires that I focus them on HIM and step back from their relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to place HIS desires for me over any desires I have for myself or others.

Choosing to follow GOD sounds harsh but really is not. JESUS took on the sins of the world and is blamed for what I do daily. The FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT agreed on JESUS volunteering to become a human to save all. It’s no wonder that anyone who does not love this action will be released from GOD’s single act of ultimate love.

GOD wants my total belief and HE wants my family to do the same. If they choose not to follow GOD, then HE wants me to love them but allow HIM to do as HE pleases to guide them back to HIM. HE then wants me to do HIS will daily.

• Are you ostracized by your family or community because you have chosen JESUS as your savior?
• Are you scared to follow GOD’s calling for you because of your family?
• Can you love your family but follow GOD’s calling for you?
• Will you take up your cross daily meaning give up your will daily for HIM?