Provision to Know, Believe and Remember

 

Provision to Know, Believe and Remember

Exodus 16: ¹¹ And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹² “I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ”

 

¹³ So it was that quail came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp. ¹⁴ And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as frost on the ground. ¹⁵ So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was.

 

And Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat. ¹⁶ This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: ‘Let every man gather it according to each one’s need, one omer for each person, according to the number of persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent.’ ”

 

============

 

A couple of weeks into the journey from Egypt, the children of Israel began complaining. GOD heard the complaints and told Moses what HE would do. HE wanted the people to know HE is GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Knowing that GOD is powerful and is loving and caring, seems to be important to HIM.
• Believing that GOD wants humans to succeed seems important to HIM.
• Remembering what GOD did for mankind seems important to HIM.

 

The children of Israel had a mindset that cruel slavery was better than freedom with GOD. “At least we had meat” was their sentiment. Their complaint was probably taken by GOD as an insult to HIS methods and intelligence. As if to say, “YOU obviously don’t know what YOU are doing.”

 

GHOD heard the complaint and did not say if HE liked it or not. HE simply provided and said that HE wanted to be known. Knowing GOD in this instance includes believing in HIS power and trusting that HE knws what HE is doing at all times. Their complaint placed them over GOD. They felt they knew what was best for them and could tell GOD to fix the deficit.

 

GOD made the deficit and needed the children of Israel to change their mindset the Egyptians forced on them. GOD takes free will seriously. HE allows us to complain, sin and walk away from HIS loving protection. To us, it’s strange, to GOD it’s love.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE said about the children of Israel?
• Have you complained and GOD provided for you anyway?
• How will you know, believe and remember that GOD is GOD over your situation?

Where is the Lamb?

 Where is the Lamb?

Genesis 22: ⁶ So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. ⁷ But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!”

 

And he said, “Here I am, my son.”

 

Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”

⁸ And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.

 

============

 

Isaac must have seen Abraham sacrificing lambs to GOD his whole life. Abraham may have gotten this desire to share an animal with GOD from his father Terah. Terah may have heard from Shem that Abel sacrificed an animal, following the LORD’s example. Abel may have done this in acknowledgement that GOD was right for throwing Adam and Eve out of the garden.

 

Abraham may have carried on this ritual of sharing an animal with GOD. But Isaac did not see a lamb this time. He was carrying the wood and saw the fire, but no lamb.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham did not know he was saying a prophecy of JESUS being the Lamb for mankind.
• Abraham believed his son would somehow be brought back to life.
• Abraham questioned GOD before, but not this time.

 

Being willing to give up someone he loved dearly because GOD told him to was incredible. GOD only needed one human, Abraham, to do this. During this difficult situation, Abraham still realized that GOD would provide what was needed. Same with you and me.

 

We think the situation is impossible. But we may have to do something that GOD told us to do that seems counter to what the world would say. GOD will provide “for HIMSELF” the lamb. HE did indeed and HIS name is JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about this conversation between Isaac and Abraham?
• Did GOD give you strange instructions that seem counter to HIS plan?
• Is GOD attempting to grow your faith by having you do something counter to the culture?

For or Against

For or Against

Acts 13: ⁶ Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, ⁷ who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. ⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. ⁹ Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him ¹⁰ and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? ¹¹ And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”

And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. ¹² Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

============

Wanting a certain person on my team, I reached out to meet. Instead of asking questions about my team, she inquired about another area of the company. Slightly hurt, I was tempted to suggest the benefits of my department. I had a decision to make. Tell the truth and say “Go pursue the other department” or slander the other department.

• There have been times when I really wanted my way.
• There have been times when I considered using slander as a tactic to get my way.
• There have been times when I wanted to overlook the truth in order to get my way.

Sergius Paulus sought to hear the truth about GOD and heard Barnabas and Saul were in town. Unfortunately, there were other people who wanted to remain in power and spread lies about them, trying to turn people from the faith they preached. Saul, who is also called Paul, was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and saw through his evil attempt.

• GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to guide me in truth.
• GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT so I can speak love, not slander.
• GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to fight the temptation of getting my way, instead of seeking the truth.

Listening to the HOLY SPIRIT and doing what HE says is highly important. When I choose to get my way over doing what the HOLY SPIRIT says, I am actually fighting GOD. Even when I do not seek to hear the HOLY SPIRIT, I am choosing a path that may be against GOD.

Everything I do is either for GOD or against GOD. That’s as plain as I can put it. This may only seem extreme when I am against GOD, trying to get my way. GOD wants to mature me to see HIM in everything, not just the things I want to put HIM in. I am grateful HE grows me at a pace I can handle.

• Are you trying to get your way?
• Do you have something in your heart that is causing you to lie or slander?
• Will you ask GOD to remove the thing that keeps you from telling the full truth and fill you with the HOLY SPIRIT so HE can use you in a mighty way today?

Invited

Invited

John 8: ²¹ Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.”

²² So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?”

============

Adorned with gifts, my boss made their last appearance. It was my boss’s last day, so the tradition was to have a last meal dinner. About a year and a half later I got in touch with the person. “Want to come over to this company?” was the question. “Absolutely” was my answer.

• It felt great to be invited.
• It felt great to be thought of in a positive way.
• It felt great to be part of someone’s group.

JESUS says to the church leaders, who did not believe in HIS position as GOD, “I AM going away, and you will seek ME, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.” HIS words were not inviting.

• GOD invites me to be in HIS family.
• GOD wants me to see with my heart that I need HIM.
• GOD seeks me especially when I sin so I can be forgiven.

Being invited gives me the option to say, “No, I do not want to attend.” Unfortunately, the church leaders of that time said just that. They held onto the Bible’s words so tightly, that they missed the heart of what was said. When JESUS, the Messiah showed up, they indignantly refused to believe in HIM.

JESUS invites everyone, even me, to believe they are sinners in need of salvation from eternal separation from GOD. Satan’s pride of trying to be GOD would not be tolerated by GOD. HE threw Satan out of heaven, along with his followers. HE seeks HIS creation who are being fooled. I am grateful HE invited me to seek HIS family members.

• Do you wander around aimlessly?
• Do you feel you are not part of a family even though you were born into one?
• Will you accept GOD’s invitation as HE knocks on the door of your heart today and seek those HE wants to find?

Acknowledgement

John 3: Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.’

============

“May I meet with you?” was my question. This person was polished in their speech, but not so polished that they could not be trusted. They were genuine and seemed to get along with everyone they met. Somehow this person could remember every person’s name and facts about each person. I wanted some of that.

• There have been people I’ve met who I admire.
• There have been people put in my path who seem to have it all together.
• There have been people I had to admit were stronger than me, faster than me and better at things than me.

Nicodemus sought JESUS out in the cover of night. This leader of the church leaders had to admit that JESUS was something special. “No one could do what YOU are doing if they were not from GOD” he admitted.

• JESUS wants me to seek HIM as someone special to pursue.
• JESUS wants me to acknowledge HIM daily because HE has all power.
• JESUS wants me to praise HIM everyday knowing HE is worthy of praise.

Acknowledging JESUS is extremely important. In fact, my acknowledgement that JESUS is GOD and that I deserve to be eternally separated from HIM, but HE chose to save me, gives me eternal life. I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe that JESUS is my savior and I confess all my sins to HIM so they will be forgiven.

• Who do you admire?
• Can you place more admiration in JESUS today?
• Will you acknowledge GOD’s power over your circumstance right now?

Unrecognized

Luke 24: ¹³ Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. ¹⁵ As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; ¹⁶ but they were kept from recognising him.

¹⁷ He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’

They stood still, their faces downcast. ¹⁸ One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, ‘Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?’

¹⁹ ‘What things?’ he asked.

============

Calling out my name, a person emerged from the crowd with a huge smile. They asked about my family by name and then encouraged me. I smiled back but did not know who I was talking to.

• Many times I have run into people I was supposed to know but did not recognize them.
• Many times I have been recognized by people and I had no clue as to who they were.
• Many times I failed to recognize someone who was supposed to be important to me.

Cleopas and another person was walking to Emmaus, speaking about JESUS. They did not recognize HIM as HE joined them in their walk. In fact, they wondered if HE was the only one who did not know what was going on as they sulked about the death of JESUS. BUT HE was alive!

• JESUS wants me to recognize what HE is doing in my life on a daily basis.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS blessings on my life.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS love for me.

Recognizing JESUS can be difficult at times. I mean when I haven’t walked with HIM in a while, I forget what HE looks like and think the blessings I have come from me. BUT HE walks with me anyway. JESUS would rather have me open my eyes to HIM on a daily basis. I am grateful HE is always beside me.

• Are you having trouble recognizing what GOD is doing in your life?
• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Would you stop thinking you can do things on your own and allow GOD to work in your life today?

Save Me

Luke 23: ³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’

³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷ and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’

³⁸ There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’

⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’

⁴² Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

⁴³ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’

============

One of the exercises was to hold hands and walk in a large circle in the swimming pool. This created a mild vortex and my hands could not hold onto my neighbors. As I tried to use some of the techniques the swim teacher showed me, I found myself being pulled into the deep. Moments later I felt an arm around my waist pulling me to safety.

• Many times I needed to be saved.
• Many times I have been helpless.
• Many times I have been in so much trouble that I felt like I was drowning.

The church leaders thought they had gotten rid of JESUS. They sneered at HIM and said “If YOU are who YOU say YOU are then save YOURSELF.” The guards mocked HIS title of being the King of the Jews. But one criminal said “Save me when YOU get home.”

• JESUS says to me “I will remember you and those who believe in ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Do not take MY name in vain or mock ME.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the only way to the kingdom of heaven.”

Acknowledging the fact that I need GOD is the primary condition of my sickness. Just like being in an ocean without knowing how to swim, sin tosses me around and drowns me. BUT GOD did something amazing. Without me asking for help HE saved me.

GOD pours out HIS amazing grace on me daily. How can I hold onto bitterness if GOD gives me grace? GOD deserves praise not “If” statements. HE is the Most High, all powerful, all seeing and all knowing. JESUS is my savior with whom I am grateful.

• Do you need a Savior?
• Do you think your plans will save yourself?
• Will you allow GOD to penetrate your heart so HE can work in your life today?

Tempting Words

Luke 22: ⁶³ The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. ⁶⁴ They blindfolded him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’ ⁶⁵ And they said many other insulting things to him.

============

“If YOU are GOD, then…” were the unfortunate words I have said or thought many times. I mean “IF” YOU can do what YOU say YOU can do then do exactly what I’m thinking.

• Many times I have lacked faith in GOD.
• Many times I wanted GOD to do what “I” say.
• Many times I questioned GOD’s timing, motives and power.

The men who guarded JESUS mocked HIS position as GOD. They blindfolded HIM saying “Prophesy! Who hit YOU?” In so many words they were saying “If YOU are GOD then do what I say or what I am thinking.”

• GOD says to me “I AM the LORD your GOD, do not put ME to the test.”
• GOD says to me “Believe in ME as a child and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “I know your thoughts and they are not MY thoughts.”

JESUS chose to be beaten even though HE could have easily wiped out those who sought to harm HIM. So why don’t I question that? I mean that doesn’t make sense either. GOD’s plan is full of grace mercy and love, which doesn’t make sense to a sinner like me.

GOD is very much GOD, no “if” statement needed. In my blind state, I cannot actually see what GOD is doing. All I know is I need to put my trust in HIM. I am blindfolded like JESUS was and I trust HIS plan.

• Do you think GOD should be doing something different in you life?
• Do you believe GOD has only punishment in mind for you?
• Can you ask GOD to reveal HIS loving plan for you in the middle of your difficult situation?

Said and Done

Luke 12: In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ² For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. ³ Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

============

Having the title of a church leader was quite an honor. I mean now I had to step up my game when it came to being “good.” I dressed in the nicest suits and upon entering the building, I kept my dirty mouth outside. Everyone who saw me thought I was doing great at this “GOD thing.”

• There have been many times when I looked clean on the outside and was dirty on the inside.
• There have been many times when I wanted to look holier than I was acting.
• There have been many times when I desired to be revered more than simply following GOD.

JESUS points to the hypocrisy of the church leaders. They could say scripture, attend church regularly and give a lot but were also great at hiding their sin and making others admit theirs. JESUS tore through their charade and says, everything said and done will be proclaimed.

• GOD says to me “Admit your sins so they will have no hold on you.”
• GOD says to me “Acknowledge MY power to forgive sins so you can be free indeed.”
• GOD says to me “Avoid hiding sins too deeply by admitting them to yourself and to ME.”

Maturity means being truthful with myself. It is the understanding that sin has consequence and I need to admit, I have sinned a lot. From lying, to lust, from hatred to hypocrisy, from greed to gross behavior, I have done it all. BUT GOD did something fantastic.

HE saw that I admitted my downfalls to HIM and gave me the ability to speak freely about my sins. HE is the only one who cleans me up and HE can do the same for anyone who comes to HIM. I live defiled, BUT GOD is my savior.

• What sins are you hiding from yourself?
• Are you scared of admitting even you are a sinner?
• Can you stop thinking lowly of others and start admitting your need for GOD on a daily basis?
• Will you open your mouth and admit sins so others can be loosed from their hidden sins today?

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.

============

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?

Enough is enough

Zechariah 7: ¹⁴ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the Lord Almighty, ¹⁵ “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. ¹⁶ These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; ¹⁷ do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.

============

Being held after school was a strange feeling. The teacher knew my friend and I were nerds, but I just wanted to see what it would be like to be one of the “bad” kids for a change. She didn’t hold us there for very long. In fact when it was nearing the time to let us go, she helped us with the upcoming test!

• There were times that I was punished for my actions.
• There were times that I had to face the consequences of my misdemeanors.
• There were times that I experienced justice and I did not like it.

Being put on the right track was important to this teacher. She told us how disappointed she was in our actions, but showed us the right way to go. GOD does the same to me.

• GOD says to me “I have determined to do good again.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD says to me “Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely.”

I actually knew I deserved to be where I was, in detention. I did not beg to be released or to have my sentence shortened. The same goes with GOD. I mean sometimes GOD sees me trying to go down the wrong path and HE allows consequences to flow in my life. Then HE says “Enough is enough!” and stops the disaster.

GOD shows me HIS mercy and puts me on the right path. HE tells me “Now that I have your attention, treat people with truth, sound judgment and plans for good not evil.” GOD hates liars who try to trap people with twisted words and does not want me to go down that path. HE brings me back to HIM and promises to be the “Faithful and Righteous GOD.”

• Are you being punished for something you have done?
• Have you angered GOD?
• Can you stop trying to hide and confess to GOD today?
• Will you say “I deserve what GOD has dished out” instead of trying to squirm out of HIS grasp?
• Will you look forward to HIS mercy and deliverance?

True Acknowledgement

Hosea 8: ² Israel cries out to me,
    ‘Our God, we acknowledge you!’
³ But Israel has rejected what is good;
    an enemy will pursue him.
⁴ They set up kings without my consent;
    they choose princes without my approval.
With their silver and gold
    they make idols for themselves
    to their own destruction.

============

“Are you saved?” was the strange question posed to me. I was in a crowd and did not know what to say. “Yes I go to church” was my reply, as if to say “Shut up, I’m around my friends, I believe in CHRIST but I’m undercover right now.”

• There have been times when I was ashamed of my relationship with GOD.
• There have been times when I wanted to fit into the crowd rather than standing firm on my faith.
• There have been times when I acknowledged there is a GOD without saying I belong to HIM.

When the crowd wanted to say lust filled jokes I put away my relationship with HIM and joined in on the “fun.” That same crowd would disappear and I would run back to the box I stuffed GOD in and beg HIM to come out, but just for a moment. GOD had to tell me something.

• GOD said to me “If you are ashamed of ME I will be ashamed of you.”
• GOD said to me “There will be many who will say LORD, LORD did we not prophesy in your name? BUT I will say depart from ME, I never knew you.”
• GOD said to me “You cannot serve money and ME at the same time.”

As harsh as those words were, I understood where GOD was coming from. HE wanted me to acknowledge HIM in “all my ways”, not just some. HE wants me to boldly tell others about my relationship with HIS SON JESUS, who is the CHRIST. GOD desires that HIS name tops all others, even my job or bank account. HE wants me to praise HIM rather than pout that I do not have enough. GOD I am yours and YOU are my GOD!

• Are you acknowledging GOD on the surface?
• Do you attend church regularly without meeting someone new and telling them about the great news about JESUS?
• Can you start to acknowledge GOD with your heart today rather than trying to look good in front of humans?

Healed from the Wounds

Hosea 6: “Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
    but he will heal us;
he has injured us
    but he will bind up our wounds.
² After two days he will revive us;
    on the third day he will restore us,
    that we may live in his presence.
³ Let us acknowledge the Lord;
    let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
    he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
    like the spring rains that water the earth.”

============

“You stink” were the hurtful words that came from a friend’s mouth. He meant I literally stank, so I switched deodorants and it worked. “That effort was pitiful, try again” were the pushy words from my coach. He observed my lackluster attitude that day and made me focus to do better.

• There were some harsh words that tore me to pieces.
• There have been things that have been said to me that ripped me up.
• There were some harmful words said to me that, quite honestly, did not feel good at all.

Truth can hurt, but if it is delivered in a helpful way I can hear it. Some people have simply thrown darts at me, not expecting me to recover. Those are words to ignore. BUT GOD may hit me with a message to “straighten up” simply because HE wants to restore me.

• GOD says to me “Acknowledge ME when you drift and I will restore you.”
• GOD says to me “Confess your sins to ME and I will be faithful and just to forgive you of those sins and to cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness.”
• GOD says to me “Repent. I stand at the door of your heart and knock, if you open that door I will come in and sup with you.”

GOD may say “You know what you said to that person was wrong, go and apologize” especially when I don’t feel like it. HE knows “restoration” is far more important than being right or winning the fight. HE treats me with grace and expects me to do the same to others. HE heals my wounds that HE inflicted on me in order to restore me.

• Are you being wounded by GOD?
• Is HE trying to change your attitude and you are resisting?
• Will you allow GOD to change your heart so HE can restore you?
• Can you accept HIS wounds so you will grow stronger?

Corrective Advice

Daniel 4: ²⁷ Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

-------

³³ Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

³⁴ At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion;
    his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
³⁵ All the peoples of the earth
    are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
    with the powers of heaven
    and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
    or say to him: “What have you done?”

============

Feeling like I could take on the world I strutted down the hall confidently. I mean ‘I” was going to save the department from the downward slide. I put “my” plan into action and things started off well, but soon fell apart. What happened?

• There were times when I felt proud of “my” abilities.
• There were times when I felt “I” could accomplish anything.
• There were times when I felt “my” plan could address any problem.

One flaw to my plan was the fact that I looked at “my” abilities as the answer. Having had a taste of success blinded me to where “my” abilities came from in the first place, namely GOD. What was I to do?

• GOD wants me to admit I am a sinner before HIM.
• GOD wants me to renounce my sins by doing what is right.
• GOD wants me to renounce my wickedness by being kind to the oppressed.

When I admitted that “my” abilities were not mine I noticed something different. I started praising GOD for HIS accomplishments and HIS provisions. I stopped looking at me and started looking at HIM for the answers. I accepted what HE gave me and stopped demanding that HE do as “I” said. I praise GOD who is the MOST HIGH.

• Are you mad at GOD for where HE has you?
• Do you think you deserve to be lifted higher?
• Can you praise GOD for where HE has you?
• Will you lift your eyes to HIM and acknowledge that you are a sinner and need HIS salvation?

Acknowledge is the First Step

Jeremiah 3: ¹² Go, proclaim this message toward the north:

“‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘I will frown on you no longer,
for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘I will not be angry forever.
¹³ Only acknowledge your guilt—
    you have rebelled against the Lord your God,
you have scattered your favors to foreign gods
    under every spreading tree,
    and have not obeyed me,’”
declares the Lord.

¹⁴ “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. ¹⁵ Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.

============

Staring at the manual I felt lost. Barely making it out of school and having no guidance put me in a losing position. I had to acknowledge that I did not know what I was doing and needed help.

• There are times when I need help.
• There are times when I do not know what I am doing.
• There are times when I am walking down a path and have no idea where the path will lead.

After asking for help, my boss’s boss sent me to training. I absorbed all that I could and went back to the department soon to become one of the best. Grace was bestowed on me and I am thankful.

• GOD asks me to “Only acknowledge my guilt” so HE can provide help for me.
• GOD asks me to say how I rebelled against HIM so I can accept the strange way HE heals me.
• GOD asks me to admit going my own way so HE can put me on the right path.

Acknowledgement is difficult. It says to the higher authority, “I need your grace.” GOD freely gives grace, mercy and love. HE keeps HIS promise and accepts anyone who acknowledges HIS power. GOD welcomes me when I return to HIM.

• Are you busy trying to justify your actions?
• Are you tired of being stuck where you are?
• Will you acknowledge how you have turned from GOD today?
• Will you allow HIM to heal you in HIS strange way?

It Starts With Reality

Isaiah 59: ²⁰ “The Redeemer will come to Zion,
    to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.

²¹ “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.

============

“I don’t know” were the first words I could think of to deflect the wrath of my parents when asked who broke the “insert object.” Spray paint on the dented car was my way of concealing the accident. A friend of mine said these words to himself that made me think about the path that I was on… “I’m lying even when I don’t have to lie, what do I have to gain by that?”

• There were times where I did not want to face consequence.
• There were times where I did not desire to be the blame.
• There were times where I did not want to confess because I might not get my way.

Little did I know that one lie piles on top of another and then another. Soon I was living in a pseudo reality that I cannot remember what the truth looked like. One day I sat at my desk and said “No more lies!” I looked at my resume and took all the false statements of where I wanted to be versus what I had truly accomplished. What do you know, it worked!

• GOD wants me to see that I am a sinner and I need HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to recognize that “I” am the problem, not HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that I need to own up to my sins and accept HIS consequence in order to grow up and truly have a relationship with HIM.

Little by little I started telling the truth in other areas of my life. Soon I was excelling because I could get help from those who had been in my shoes and faced the same problems or overcome the difficulties I was going through. I found people who were there to help me and I soon realized that GOD was doing the same.

HE wants me to confess my sins to HIM, acknowledging that they are against HIM. GOD forgives me when I acknowledge I need HIM.

• Do you need to be forgiven or are you digging in your heals in your reality?
• Are you growing up or do you still have to be right?
• Can you allow GOD to give you the consequence you deserve so HE can grow you?
• Will you open up your eyes to start seeking HIM again so HE will always be with you?