Addressing Blame

Addressing Blame

Exodus 22: ⁹ “For any kind of trespass, whether it concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, or clothing, or for any kind of lost thing which another claims to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whomever the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor. ¹⁰ If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies, is hurt, or driven away, no one seeing it, ¹¹ then an oath of the Lord shall be between them both, that he has not put his hand into his neighbor’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept that, and he shall not make it good. ¹² But if, in fact, it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to the owner of it. ¹³ If it is torn to pieces by a beast, then he shall bring it as evidence, and he shall not make good what was torn.

 

¹⁴ “And if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it becomes injured or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make it good. ¹⁵ If its owner was with it, he shall not make it good; if it was hired, it came for its hire.

 

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GOD continued with HIS discussion with Moses. HE provided rules to guide people in dealing with conflict.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew people would have selective memories when it concerned conflicting situations that needed to be resolved.
• GOD allowed humans to deal with their own situations versus inserting HIMSELF.
• GOD seemed to also be addressing a mindset of blame.

 

Being responsible for an accidental death of an animal meant paying for the dead animal because it was in the care of someone else. This applied to lost or stolen items as well. I believe GOD wants us to see two things, namely blame and responsibility.

 

Before taking on the care of an animal or a thing of value, know that you are responsible for it until it is returned. Blaming the person who put the thing in your care does not go well with GOD, so do not accept the responsibility. The same goes for the person who needs someone to care for something.

 

The owner of that thing needs to be responsible for placing something of value with people who may or may not care. The owner had responsibility of not blaming the caretaker. I believe GOD was demonstrating the care we should have in spreading the Gospel.

 

GOD gave this extremely important message and wants us to care for it without accidental death. HE wants us to be joyful in spreading the Gospel versus blaming HIM. The mindset of blame had to be addressed and turned into a mindset of responsibility.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS rule or responsibility?
• Have you examined your tendencies to see if you blame others easily?
• Are you blaming GOD for anything that you should be responsible for?

Given Responsibility

Given Responsibility

Titus 1: ⁵ I left you in Crete, so that you could put in order the things that still needed doing and appoint church elders in every town. Remember my instructions: ⁶ an elder must be without fault; he must have only one wife, and his children must be believers and not have the reputation of being wild or disobedient. 

 

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When a person left the company, suddenly my coworkers were asking me for direction. I was used to someone else telling me what to do! The confusion and direction had to be handled, so I took a deep breath and dove in.

 

• I was scared of having responsibility.
• I was not ready for leadership
• I did not know what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Paul gives Titus specific responsibility so there would be no confusion. In case Titus was wondering, Paul tells him the reason for leaving him in Crete. Maybe Titus was wondering what he was supposed to be doing or why he was in Crete in the first place. That is a question for us all.

 

My Observations

• GOD has given humans the responsibility for spreading the Gospel.
• It us up to me to take that responsibility seriously.
• GOD wants HIS SON known throughout the world.

 

Spreading the Gospel seems passe these days. I mean, during times of turmoil where it seems like humans are ready to tear each other apart, GOD’s ultimate plan still holds strong. HE wants each of us to simply mention HIS SON as the living Savior. Why is this so hard?

 

Personally it is sometimes scary to be responsible for the task of telling a world about JESUS who seems to want to fight against HIM at every turn. Fighting is tiring! GOD wants me to see HIS plan as spreading love versus fighting. I gladly take on the responsibility of spreading GOD’s love and lay aside my fears to do so.

 

Challenge

• What is the purpose of the writer?
• What is your purpose in life?
• Will you take a deep breath and participate in seeking GOD’s Kingdom today?

Internal Bootcamp

Internal Bootcamp

1 Timothy 3: ⁸ Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; ⁹ they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. ¹¹ Their wives (or Women helpers) also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything. ¹² A church helper must have only one wife,(or married once) and be able to manage his children and family well. ¹³ Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

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Seeing the issues management faced, I thought of things that could have been done better.  I voiced my suggestions, only to have them be met with “maybe later.” But then I was put into management and as the fires raced at me, someone had a suggestion that had nothing to do with my current blaze. “Maybe later” was my response.

 

• I was not prepared for the problems.
• I was not prepared for the responsibility.
• I was not prepared for the issues that would suddenly arise while maintaining the day to day.

 

Paul gives Timothy a list to help people get prepared versus being judged or graded. Since no one was perfect and many people would fail the list, it was easier to point people towards areas to work on internally. If people were willing to do this, they would “do their work well.”

 

My Observations

• GOD doesn’t need me to be perfect before I give my life to HIM.
• I have to recognize that I am not perfect and I need to prepare for larger responsibilities.
• Being prepared may take sincerity, good character, a sober mind, lack of greed, no gossip, honesty, family management and holding to the revealed truth of JESUS with faith.

 

Is this a long list? Yes! But I believe it is not a list for one to observe and judge a person on the worthiness of servanthood, rather “get ready!” Get ready for the things that the enemy will throw at you when you say “Yes” to GOD’s calling. The Devil will throw temptation after temptation after temptation and will not relent. Test yourselves in areas you can easily fall to be ready. I am glad GOD prepares you and me.

 

Challenge

• Are you prepared for the next level of service?
• Have you faced the same temptations, issues or problems over and over?
• Will you accept GOD’s calling to serve and become prepared so you can help others become prepared today?

Responsibilities

 

Responsibilities

1 Corinthians 12: ⁸ The Spirit gives one person a message full of wisdom, while to another person the same Spirit gives a message full of knowledge. ⁹ One and the same Spirit gives faith to one person, while to another person he gives the power to heal. ¹⁰ The Spirit gives one person the power to work miracles; to another, the gift of speaking God's message; and to yet another, the ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. To one person he gives the ability to speak in strange tongues, and to another he gives the ability to explain what is said. ¹¹ But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person.

 

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Sitting in the room, I watched everyone else get responsibilities handed to them. I waited my turn and noticed the person handing out the responsibilities had stopped and I did not get one. “What’s wrong with me?” I thought to myself.

 

• I wanted to be part of the group.
• I wanted to fit in.
• I wanted to participate and contribute my portion.

 

Paul continues to explain spiritual gifts. He states that the HOLY SPIRIT gives each person a “different gift” as HE wishes. This gift is special and unique and to be used to glorify GOD in some way.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in my own unique way.
• GOD wants me to share HIS love in my own unique way.
• GOD wants me to serve HIS people in my own unique way.

 

Being jealous of what other people can do is not pretty. I mean, when I see what someone else can do and I feel less than that person, I may be overlooking my own special gift GOD has excitedly given me. HE carefully gave me a gift that no one else has. HE has done the same for each and every person. I cannot downplay someone else’s gift because it is special to GOD.

 

Getting back to the story above where everyone else got responsibilities and I didn’t. The person came back to me later and apologized for overlooking me. “I had too much on my mind” was the apology and I was given more responsibility than I had imagined.  I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT sees everyone and gives me gifts that make our relationship special.

 

Challenge

• Do you think the list of spiritual gifs listed here is complete?
• What do you think your spiritual gifts are?
• What do you notice about gifts that “do not” come from the HOLY SPIRIT?
• How will you use your GOD given spiritual gift today?

Not Me

Not Me

Acts 8: ⁹ But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, ¹⁰ to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” ¹¹ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. ¹³ Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

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“Who broke this?” was the question angrily asked to me. “Not me” I answered quickly, trying to protect myself. “Who left the window open while it was raining?” “Not me” was my go to answer that I had become good at saying. “Who cleaned up?” was asked in a delighted tone. “Me!” I said proudly as I beckoned for the credit.

• There were times when I wanted to be noticed for good thing “I” did.
• There were times when I did not want to accept responsibility for things others considered bad.
• There were times when I enjoyed the spotlight when things were going well.

Simon was a sorcerer who was able to do things people could not explain away with science. The people of Samaria held him in great esteem, as did he. But when Philip arrived and spoke about JESUS, they turned to belief in the Savior. Even Simon had to believe.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to give GOD all the credit.
• GOD wants me to claim that HE is the only one who is great.

“Not me” are great words to use when it comes to GOD. “Who saved me?” “Not me” will be the answer, because JESUS did that. “Who gave me gifts and talents?” “Not me” is the answer again, for all my abilities come from HIM.

GOD gave me everything I have and placed me in places I am amazed at. HE is my provider, protector and pursuer. I am grateful HE goes after me when I run away from HIM.

• Are you trying to get likes and congratulations from people?
• Do you seek public affirmation for what “you” do?
• Will you start giving GOD credit for your gifts and talents so people will believe in JESUS today?

Blamed or Believed

Blamed or Believed

John 11: ¹⁷ So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. ¹⁸ Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. ¹⁹ And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

²⁰ Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. ²¹ Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. ²² But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

²³ Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

²⁴ Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

²⁷ She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

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As the car in front of me crept through the yellow light, I was forced to stop. “That car made me late for work!” I exclaimed. When finally I made it to the meeting, I noticed they got my breakfast order wrong. “They did this on purpose” I thought to myself. I really did not like the person who was hosting the meeting.

• There were situations out of my control that were easier to blame someone so I could make sense out of it.
• There were times when it was easier to blame someone else when I did not get “my” way.
• There were times when I blamed the benevolent, misunderstanding their motives because I could not see how someone would care for me.

Martha was hurt that JESUS did not come in time to “save” her brother. While JESUS told her what HE was about to do by saying “Your brother will rise again”, she replied “Yeah, yeah, yeah, resurrection” as if to say, “But what about now?” She blamed JESUS for not being there for her.

• GOD wants me to throw away my blame for others.
• GOD wants me to get rid of blaming HIM for difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS power to sustain, fix and grow me.

JESUS is “The resurrection AND the life.” HE is focused on this life as well as the afterlife. HE is not to be blamed, but praised. JESUS has a great plan for me that sometimes I do not understand. HE gives me the faith to know HE has no harm meant for me but a plan to prosper me.

• Who are you blaming for where you are in life?
• Do you blame GOD easily?
• Will you trade your easy “blame” for easy “belief” in JESUS today?

It’s Not My Fault

It’s Not My Fault

John 5: ⁸ Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. ¹⁰ The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

¹¹ He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”

¹² Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” ¹³ But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. ¹⁴ Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

¹⁵ The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

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Sneaking off to the movies with someone I was amorous with seemed like a good idea. After my day of enjoyment I found myself having to make my way home. Unfortunately, the person lived in a tough neighborhood. I was chased. “How am I going to explain getting beat up and robbed when I wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place?” Then I questioned the strictness of dating when I made it to safety.

• There were times when I wanted to leave out information so I would not get in trouble.
• There were times when I made sure that I was not the person at fault rather it was someone else’s fault.
• There were times when I was caught in the act and quickly thought of ways of trying to not make it my fault.

The crippled man was healed by JESUS but it does not say that he thanked HIM or found out HIS name. He was so excited that he ran off. Unfortunately he ran into the church leaders who judged him for carrying his bed. “It’s not my fault… I was healed” said the man in a self-protecting way. I would have done the same.

• GOD wants me to take responsibility for my sin.
• GOD wants me to understand that I need HIM so I should approach HIM with my ugly hidden sin.
• GOD wants me to stop blaming everyone else and accept the fact that I can mess up and I need HIS help every day.

Being responsible for my actions may include accepting consequence for decisions that may have hurt me or others. GOD shows me grace beyond belief and this is the great news I can share. Back to the man in this slice of history.

JESUS found him in the temple and said “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” I supposed JESUS had a reason for saying this to the man. Probably the man did something sinful to get into the crippled situation in the first place. I can’t tell. But I do know GOD wants me to sin less and less to stay out of HIS trouble.

• Are you blaming others for where you are in life?
• Do you blame GOD for what is happening to you right now?
• Will you start accepting responsibility for your sin and allow GOD to use you today?

Responsible

Luke 23: Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. ² And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.’

³ So Pilate asked Jesus, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’

‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.

⁴ Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, ‘I find no basis for a charge against this man.’

⁵ But they insisted, ‘He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.’

⁶ On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷ When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.

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Slight chuckles was what I heard as the group brought this person over to me and quickly left. This person could not stop talking and I felt stuck, wanting to get away. Not listening to a word, I thought of ways to escape. I searched the room and found my target. “Excuse me. Let me introduce you to someone I think you should meet” I said with excitement.

• There were people I passed onto others because they made me feel uncomfortable.
• There were people I did not help because I did not want to get involved.
• There were people I overlooked because there situation seemed too overwhelming for me.

The church leaders tried to lie to get someone else to prosecute JESUS. Pilate could not find anything wrong that JESUS did because he did not recognize or acknowledge the laws of GOD. “Are YOU king of the Jews?” was Pilates inquisition. Pilate did not want trouble so he sent JESUS to be tried in front of Herod.

• GOD wants me to help people when it is inconvenient.
• GOD wants me to speak with those HE delivers to me.
• GOD wants me to step in when others would leave.

Being responsible for others takes time. I usually have tons of things to do, BUT GOD wants me to focus on those HE delivers to me at inconvenient times. HE wants me to add to my responsibilities those in need. GOD takes care of me and HE wants me to care for others.

• Do people inconvenience you?
• Are you too busy for people?
• Will you step in and help the people GOD delivers to you today?

Ownership

Matthew 13: ⁴⁷ “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. ⁴⁸ When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. ⁴⁹ This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous ⁵⁰ and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁵¹ “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

⁵² He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

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“Step on it” my passenger said to me on a dirty, gravely, tar filled, construction zone road.. I replied, “I don’t want to kick up too many rocks.” I was surprised by the reply. “It’s a rental, who cares what happens to it!” Hmmm, I thought. I spun the tires!

• When it’s not mine, I don’t care what happens to it.
• When it’s not mine, I treat it like it is someone else’s problem.
• When it’s not mine, I could care less about the condition I leave it in after I use it.

From cars to apartments to houses, if I don’t own it, I do not care what happens to it. I may even have a title or a deed, but not “own” the thing in the way I treat it. Same with people, if I do not take responsibility for those around me, then I could care less for what happens to them.

• GOD says to me “Help MY people get into the net.”
• GOD says to me “Help MY people understand MY kingdom.”
• GOD says to me “Help MY confused sheep follow MY voice.”

Ownership in this parable points to the kingdom. The teacher is responsible for speaking about CHRIST as the new covenant, but upholds the laws of the Old Testament. Owning GOD’s word means I see things as “us” versus “them.” “We have sinned” not just me.

GOD wants me to take ownership of HIS people so I can tend to them with care.

• Are you looking at GOD selfishly?
• Do you refuse to pray for “that” person?”
• Can you include more people in your care and provide for them “new treasures” as well as old?

Being Restored

Ezekiel 43: ²⁵ “For seven days you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both without defect. ²⁶ For seven days they are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; thus they will dedicate it. ²⁷ At the end of these days, from the eighth day on, the priests are to present your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar. Then I will accept you, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

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As I pondered this chapter and a few others, I see the exactness of GOD and HIS desire for strict obedience towards HIS laws. But sometimes it seems quite opposite in my life. I mean when GOD says don’t do something, I think “Wow, it sure would be great to do the thing HE just said not to do!”

• GOD gave me HIS SON for atonement for my sins.
• GOD sent me HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live in me and guide me.
• GOD rescued me from sin offerings and became one HIMSELF.

When I imagined the enormity of killing a significant portion of the countries food and sacrificing it to GOD, I gasped. HE made those who had already been in exile do more, as if exile wasn’t enough. HE illustrated how angry HE had become with the sins of the nation and decided to not wipe them off the face of the planet rather to restore them with a little sacrifice to keep them thinking about HIM.

I believe GOD has not changed, though humans have. We do not sacrifice bulls or goats because the SON was the ultimate sacrifice. BUT I still need to admit sin as much as often as I can in order to remain in a place where I recognize the need for GOD.

• Are you in a place where you cannot see or hear GOD?
• Do you feel like you are on the outside of GOD rather than being in HIS love and care?
• Can you confess your deepest sins to HIM and allow HIM to guide you to where HE wants you to be?

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?

Understanding Jealousy

Psalm 73: ²¹ When my heart was grieved
    and my spirit embittered,
²² I was senseless and ignorant;
    I was a brute beast before you.

²³ Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.

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This weekend I was reminded of the many junk cars I drove. It seemed like I was on the side of the road more than moving forward. Once as my car showed the usual signs of failure I pulled over, got out and watched all of the people in fancy cars whiz by. This time I was a bit bitter as I looked at the face of a driver of an expensive car and watched him turn his head as he drove past. “Why do they seem to have no problems and all I have is problems?” I thought jealously.

• Jealousy enters my heart when I compare myself to others.
• Jealousy enters my heart when I am not satisfied or content.
• Jealousy enters my heart when I look at others, wanting what they have.

The real question I’m asking is “Why am I not the wealthy person driving past the poor sole on the side of the road?” I mean would I stop? Would I help if I were rich? No! How do I know… because I have been there too. Being rich brings on challenges that cause me to ignore the poor and protect my wealth at all costs. BUT GOD has shown me something different.

• GOD says to me “Do not love money because it will generate all kinds of evil you do not even know.”
• GOD says to me “Hearts are deceptive and wicked, only I can know it.”
• GOD says to me “Seek MY kingdom first”
• GOD says to me “I will guide you with MY counsel.”

Instead of seeking what someone else has, I should quiet down and ask, “What do you want me to do right now?” GOD has me here for a wonderful reason, one that I cannot ignore. HE opens my eyes to HIM when jealousy tries to blind me. HE shows me that being connected to HIM and going through a difficult situation is far better than being without HIM and thinking my wealth will save me.

GOD does not like when I am arrogantly wealthy nor does HE like a pouting jealous poor rant from me. HE does however appreciate when I acknowledge HIS supremacy, HIS love and HIS mercy for me.

• Are you jealous of something or someone?
• Do you envy certain groups of people and wish for their demise?
• Can you stop wasting your time looking at others and look to GOD who has called you into this situation?
• Will you truly praise GOD for where HE has you and get started on the mission HE has for you?

A Request for Restoration

Psalm 51: ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

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“Mend the relationship” was the advice I was given from an external mentor. He didn’t work at my company but gave some sage advice to keep my career going. He advised me to take the first step and admit where I had been wrong. I took a deep breath and thought about how I stood toe to toe against my adversarial Senior Executive.  

I invited him to lunch and cringed at the words that came out of my mouth as I mustered up an apology for my challenges towards his direction. He said he didn’t like my approach but respected me.

• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t feel good.
• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t make me leap for joy.
• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t seem like a position of strength.

It is quite humbling to admit, “I am wrong” especially when something large is at stake. I mean the Senior Executive could have had me fired for insubordination when I admitted my opposing views on all of his plans, but I had to seek restoration.

• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I am in a fallen state with HIM.
• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I don’t deserve any mercy so I cannot even say “why have YOU forsaken me” to HIM when things go wrong.
• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I have broken all of HIS laws and need HIS grace in the timing HE will give it and the method HE delivers it.

It is quite arrogant to get angry at GOD, especially when I haven’t admitted that I am the one who needs grace. Fortunately for me HIS grace is quite amazing! HE sees my anguish and gives me exactly what I need instead of what I deserve. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT in my sinful body and rooted out all sin. HE forgave me when I asked HIM to.

• Are you down?
• Are you low?
• Can you confess to GOD what you have against HIM?
• Will you seek restoration by asking GOD to renew and restore you?

When the cover up backfires

2 Samuel 11: ⁶ So David sent this word to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent him to David. ⁷ When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going. ⁸ Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him. ⁹ But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house.

¹⁰ David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” So he asked Uriah, “Haven’t you just come from a military campaign? Why didn’t you go home?”

¹¹ Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”

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“What will I do? What will I do?” I fearfully thought to myself. It was dusk and the light waned quickly.  I searched and found a can that seemed to match. I crept close, spray painted the dented car and went into the house trying to think of my next move.  I didn’t have one!

• Sin makes me not admit things.
• Sin makes me want to cover it up.
• Sin makes me want to not have any consequences.

David tried to cover up his sin, but the mess was too big. The problem was, everyone else around him was acting noble and he was the one who caused the problem.  Eventually he had a person murdered and others died during this massive cover-up. GOD was not pleased.

• GOD wants me to accept HIS consequence for my sin here on earth.
• GOD wants me to admit I need HIM rather than scheming to get away with something.
• GOD wants me to trust that HIS chastening is in love rather than destruction.

JESUS died for my sins and enabled me to have everlasting life. This does not take away the punishment for the things I do here on earth. GOD wants me to follow HIM and trust HIS ways. When I lust, doubt or do other blatant sins, GOD sometimes corrects my course by throwing calamity in my path.

HE knows the sin path leads me to destruction and wants nothing but the best for me. He wants me to come clean with hidden sin.

• Are you hiding something?
• Do you think your sin will not be made known?
• Won’t you start your path to forgiveness by admitting your sin?
• Can you stop pretending the problems you face are GOD’s fault and evaluate what you need to tell HIM?

The blame game

Genesis 3: ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

¹³ Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

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Laughter filled the room as we tossed the couch pillows around. I had no idea how we started but this was fun until we heard the dreadful sound. “Crash” resounded and our laughter turned into fear.  We had broken a vase in the living room.  

Why did my parents have this vase here anyway? I mean it didn’t have flowers or anything in it. We got the only tape we could find, electrical tape. We taped the large pieces together in hopes of not being caught. “Who broke this vase?” they exclaimed. “I don’t know” was our answer.

• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame other people, attempting to avoid consequences.
• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame the one who is in authority because their rules are the problem.
• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame my situation because without it I would obviously be in better shape.

It’s amazing how fast I blame everything else but me when I sin.  It was my parents or my lack of wealth or the professor or the school or that mean person that caused my downfall. GOD wants me to see the situation differently.

• GOD wants me to own up to my sins because this way I can be cleansed.
• GOD wants me to admit my life is headed in the wrong direction unless I believe in HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to confess my wrongs to HIM.

When I blame everyone including GOD, I miss out on the opportunity to grow.  Yes I may avoid a little consequence but failure is my prize when I go down that path. GOD wants me to own up to my sin and this way I can be healed.

• Are you blaming someone else for your circumstances?
• Do you believe your life would be different if it weren’t for “this” person?
• Can’t you open your eyes to see what you’ve contributed to the situation?
• Can you be bigger than “that” person and forgive them?