Embarrassing Hypocrisy

 Embarrassing Hypocrisy

Galatians 2: ¹¹ But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him in public, because he was clearly wrong. ¹² Before some men who had been sent by James arrived there, Peter had been eating with the Gentile believers. But after these men arrived, he drew back and would not eat with the Gentiles, because he was afraid of those who were in favor of circumcising them. ¹³ The other Jewish believers also started acting like cowards along with Peter; and even Barnabas was swept along by their cowardly action. ¹⁴ When I saw that they were not walking a straight path in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you have been living like a Gentile, not like a Jew. How, then, can you try to force Gentiles to live like Jews?”

 

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Complaining about what other people were doing had become a skill of mine. It felt pretty good when people would listen to how I could point out the wrongs of someone else. But one day, I found myself on the other side of the problem equation. I had made a mistake and my “perfect” record was smudged. The very thing I said other people were doing wrong, I was doing.

 

• I did not know I could be at fault because I was thinking too highly of myself.
• I did not think I would be wrong because I did not factor in my infallibilities.
• I did not consider I could be the problem because I was too busy trying to get or please a crowd.

 

Peter was passionate in all he did. Unfortunately, he acted like a hypocrite, causing many to do the same. Paul pointed out Peter’s hypocrisy in front of everyone. He said nothing about Peter that he did not already point out for himself. Course correction was needed.

 

My Observations

• We are all sinners which makes every human a hypocrite in GOD’s eyes.
• My hypocrisy needs to be placed in front of JESUS so HE can guide my tongue away from it.
• GOD enables me to self-examine so the HOLY SPIRIT can open my eyes to my hypocrisy.

 

Embarrassing is the only word I can think of when it comes to hypocrisy after realization. I mean, I may be thinking everything is going smoothly until things tumble down on “my” words or “my” actions. It is easy to sit back and say someone is doing something wrong or saying something not aligned with “the truth” but only GOD knows the deepest truth.

 

HE knows the hidden motives of those who are deeply steeped in hypocrisy. GOD calls us to look at only one human for perfection, namely JESUS who is GOD that dwelt amongst us.

 

When I compare myself to others, using my own measuring tape, I come out looking pretty good. But when I compare myself to JESUS, I am rotten to the core, then I see that even my comparison measurement is hypocritic. I am glad JESUS is willing to forgive my hypocrisy.

 

Challenge

• How would you have handled the situation between Paul and Peter?
• What was the writer trying to convey?
• Have you ever been embarrassed publicly and been wrong?
• Will you ask GOD to help you search your heart to see if there are any ways that HE needs to remove so you can acknowledge HIS grace that is sufficient for you and others today?

Detached

 

Detached

1 Corinthians 12: ²¹ So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” Nor can the head say to the feet, “Well, I don't need you!” ²² On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker; ²³ and those parts that we think aren't worth very much are the ones which we treat with greater care; while the parts of the body which don't look very nice are treated with special modesty, ²⁴ which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it. ²⁵ And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. ²⁶ If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.

 

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Walking into church, someone greeted me by name. I had no clue what his name was so I politely greeted him and kept going. This surface conversation was replicated with several people until service was over. I went home with no one knowing me or the circumstances I was going through.

 

• It was easy to be detached from other people’s problems.
• It was easy to smile in a group when everything was going wrong inside.
• It was easy to put up a front in church because others were doing the same.

 

Paul continues explaining the “body” of CHRIST. He flips from those who felt lesser than others to those who feel superior to people. “I don’t need you” is the mistake Paul is trying to correct. This brazen line of thinking is fostered by pride  and societal structures that naturally form hierarchies.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to break down hierarchies.
• GOD wants me to value what everyone brings to HIM.
• GOD wants me to know that when one person suffers, it is my obligation to suffer “with” him or her.

 

Detaching from people is easy and sometimes necessary. Carrying too many burdens can cause one to fall into despair. On the other hand, being detached puts up a façade that everything is alright, meanwhile life keeps getting messier and messier. GOD wants the “body” HE made to be there for one another.

 

No one is greater than another person. Only GOD is greater than all. We are made to share our hurts, pains, sins and point people to JESUS for salvation. Looking good in front of people is not the answer. Sharing JESUS as the healer, is the only way to truth. I am grateful for and need the body of CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel it is easier to do things by yourself?
• What do you notice about the term “I don’t need you” in this explanation?
• What are your thoughts on “division?
• ”Will you seek help or seek to be helpful to someone today?

Religious-ship

 

Religious-ship

Romans 10: Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. ² For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. ³ Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. ⁴ Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

 

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Dressed in my “Sunday clothes”, I went to church. Songs were sang from a book that smelled like a musty cave. Announcements were made about upcoming events. I sat and listened to a person talking about an old car. I walked away remembering there was an event that would serve frappe. I liked sherbet and 7 UP!

 

• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I went to church.
• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I looked the part.
• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I sang the songs, quoted the speaker and attended the events.

 

After being beaten, slandered, and stoned by the Israelites, Paul says his desire is that they may be saved. He remembered his own zeal to persecute anyone who didn’t act “religious.” He watched men women and children being murdered because they weren’t doing GOD right, at least according to his way. BUT GOD had another way.

 

• GOD wants me to have a real relationship with HIM through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to submit to GOD’s righteousness through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS one and only SON so HE can declare me as righteous.

 

Reading the bible every day and quoting scriptures does not save me.  I mean, if I read the words and say them without truly believing them, I may as well read and quote any other manuscript that makes me feel good. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

JESUS died for me just to have an everlasting relationship with me. No one else has ever done something so wonderful for me. HE said things that have been true all my life like; “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and “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.” I no longer want religion, because I have a relationship with JESUS.

 

• Are you looking at people, thinking they are doing GOD the wrong way?
• Do you feel you know GOD better because you listen to songs and read scripture a lot?
• Will you ask JESUS into your heart so you can desire HIS salvation for those who persecute you today?

Identified in the Line-Up

 

Identified in the Line-Up

Romans 3: ⁹ Well then, are we Jews in any better condition than the Gentiles? Not at all! I have already shown that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. ¹⁰ As the Scriptures say:

“There is no one who is righteous,
¹¹     no one who is wise
    or who worships God.
¹² All have turned away from God;
    they have all gone wrong;
    no one does what is right, not even one.
¹³ Their words are full of deadly deceit;
    wicked lies roll off their tongues,
    and dangerous threats, like snake's poison, from their lips;
¹⁴     their speech is filled with bitter curses.
¹⁵ They are quick to hurt and kill;
¹⁶     they leave ruin and destruction wherever they go.
¹⁷ They have not known the path of peace,
¹⁸     nor have they learned reverence for God.”

 

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Years of music gone. Someone broke the back window of my car and stole all my mix tapes. Yes I said tapes. How dare they! Having watched a lot of TV shows about cops, I thought “maybe they can dust for prints or pull up a book of usual suspects or put people in a line-up where my neighbors can point out the culprit.”

 

That did not deter me from going out that night, trying to “steal” someone’s girlfriend at the bar.

 

• There were times when I wanted justice when something happened to me.
• There were times when I wanted to point at what others were doing wrong.
• There were times when I wanted forgiveness for my wrong but justice for theirs.

 

Paul gets very real about this sin situation. He talks about those who think they are “good” but are not. He states a list that is harsh and when reading it, the tendency is to think of other people. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

• GOD wants me to see myself as a person who would never choose HIM.
• GOD wants me to know I need HIM by identifying with the sin that naturally flows from me.
• GOD wants me to understand that my heart needs daily cleaning.

 

“No one is righteous” when compared to JESUS. There are a lot of people who do nice things, but no one is sinless down to the motive. But there was one who remained sinless, namely JESUS. HE became a human, lived to adulthood and was murdered, all without committing a single sin. I identify with the list of sins and I am grateful JESUS forgave me.

 

• Are you mad at someone and think you are “righteous?”
• Do you see the faults in others and not your own?
• Will you ask GOD to look at your own heart to show you how much “you” need HIS grace today?

Adjust the Approach

 

Adjust the Approach

Acts 26: ⁹ “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. ¹⁰ And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. ¹¹ Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

 

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After learning a little about the Bible, I wanted to put the information to use. When told about a couple living together, my immediate response was “They shouldn’t be doing that” in a condemning tone. This was way after I had sex without being married in college. I figure that I could tell people what they were doing wrong, now that I learned something.

 

• There were times when I thought my approach was right.
• There were times when I read the Bible and brought judgment on people.
• There were times when I overlooked my sins to point out the sins of others.

 

Paul confessed he had the wrong approach. He told King Agrippa that he was very zealous about learning the Jewish customs, so he became a Pharisee. He judged people for believing in JESUS as the Messiah, which seemed counter to what he learned. He persecuted many and applauded their death. BUT GOD had a different plan for Paul.

 

• GOD wants me to see people as AHE sees them.
• GOD wants me to give HIM my judgement in exchange for HIS peace.
• GOD wants me to love one another as HE has loved us.

 

Seeing the world as “us” is difficult sometimes. I mean, when people dream of new kinds of hatred and lusts daily, who can teach GOD’s message of love. BUT GOD knows what is going on. HE simply needs me to be consistent in my love to those HE sends me to.

 

GOD sees my heart and knows how wicked it can be. HE cleans it out and places HIS SPIRIT in it. HE gives me purpose, namely to bring people to HIM. HE says “MY grace is sufficient” and I believe it. I am grateful HE cares for people like me.

 

• Are you judging someone?
• Do you easily see their flaws and overlook your own?
• Will you allow GOD to deal with “that” person and ask HIM to adjust your approach to spreading the good news about JESUS, today?

Good At It

Luke 18: ⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰ ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

¹³ ‘But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

¹⁴ ‘I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

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Slapping the winning card onto my forehead in exuberance for all to see was my goal, but alas I did not know how to play the card game. I studied the rules. I played and played until I was good at it, missing many classes along the way. Now, I too could slap the winning card onto my forehead in a shout of victory! I was very good at that game, if I must say.

• There were times when I wanted to feel that I was “good at something.”
• There were times when I wanted to be better at something than other people.
• There were times when I wanted to be superior at something so other people would look at me as if I were special.

JESUS spoke to the crowd about church leaders who thought they were “good at this god thing.” HE spoke about how proud they were to follow the rules and compare themselves to others.

BUT HE also contrasted this example with a person whom everyone hated because of his thieving profession. The tax collector did not see himself as worthy, but asked for mercy from GOD. The tax collector was the one who JESUS said was the humble one.

• GOD wants me to know I can never be “good” enough to meet HIS standards.
• GOD wants me to tell people about my sins rather than trying to put on a front that I am perfect.
• GOD wants me to show people that sinners like me can be saved without having to “pay” or “do” their way into heaven.

The “Good News about CHRIST” is not really good news if every human can’t achieve it. I mean if JESUS’s gift of salvation is based on how good I follow the rules, then I am in trouble. JESUS points out that I need HIM as my savior. I sin daily and walk away from HIM daily, BUT GOD is my forgiver. I will never be “good at” following HIM. That’s why I love GOD.

• Do you think you can reach perfection by dropping off a few sins?
• Do you look down on other people or complain about how they are running their lives?
• Will you stop comparing yourself to other people and look at JESUS’s perfection as your salvation?
• Will you ask for HIS mercy on your mountain of sins today?

Think Like One

Matthew 27: ⁶² The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³ “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ ⁶⁴ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

⁶⁵ “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶ So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

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“What will I say to them” ran through my mind. I thought up my “story” and worked it out in my mind. When I told the person what had “happened” they began to question and I had no good answers. My lie had not gone that far.

• There were times when I lied to cover myself.
• There were times when I made up stories just to be seen in a good light.
• There were times when I tried to get others to say a lie with me.

Unfortunately for the Pharisees and chief priests, they were thinking like liars and thieves. They thought they could cover their murder by sealing the grave. They even agreed on their lie. GOD saw it all.

• GOD wants me to tell the truth even when it hurts me.
• GOD wants me to not hide my sin so others can be healed.
• GOD wants me to stop being a fraudulent religious person and be transparent.

What good is it to be evil and attend church regularly? I mean on the outside I may look good, BUT GOD sees my heart. HE knows when I am covering something up and will not stand for it. “Every hidden thing will come to light” GOD says, so it is better to bring my sins to the surface than have GOD expose them in a more difficult way.

• Are you covering something up?
• Do you think your lie is not going to be found out?
• Will you stop hiding your sin and confess it so GOD can use it for good?

Keeping Up Appearances

Matthew 23: ²⁵ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. ²⁶ Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

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Scouting out the right desk was the first part of the plan. It had to have lowered light and needed to be at an angle where my back was all that could be seen. I placed a pen in one hand and propped my head up with the other. To anyone who walked past, I looked like I was working but in reality, I was asleep! I mean the job was boring!

• There were times I appeared to be righteous.
• There were times I looked great on the outside but was rotten on the inside.
• There were times I seemed to have it all together.

JESUS told the Pharisees and Sadducees that while they appeared to be holy, they were not. They carried their hidden sin into the church and pretended to have it all together. Meanwhile their pretense did not go unnoticed. GOD sees the same in me. HE sees when I am trying to keep up appearances or “fronting.”

• GOD says to me “Admit your sins before many and it will be easier to admit your sins to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Ask to be cleansed on the inside and I will guide you.”
• GOD says to me “Seek to have people learn of ME rather than trying to appear perfect before humans.”

Smiling on the outside and rotten on the inside is not GODLY. JESUS wants hurt people not those who declare they are well. HE knows only HE can cleanse me of all unrighteousness if I am willing to confess my sins. I may look like a wretch to humans, but to GOD, I am declared clean.

• Are you taking hidden sin into the church and telling others to follow the rules?
• Do you think your sin is not being noticed?
• Can you stop trying to look righteous and ask GOD to cleanse you of all unrighteousness?

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?

Trying to Convince

Matthew 7: ²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

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Scared half to death I read this passage. I mean who can be sure they are saved if this is written? Also, the statement “Away from ME, you evildoers!” seems pretty permanent.

• It is quite possible for me to act righteous and not be righteous.
• It is quite possible for me to preach about JESUS and not believe in HIS position, power or protection.
• It is quite possible for me to actually drive out demons and perform miracles in JESUS name without believing “in JESUS name.”

Mimicking a follower of CHRIST is still effective because GOD’s word does not return void. In other words, even if I did not believe in what I am saying, the words are still true. I can say “GOD sent HIS SON to save the world” but if I do not believe HE saved me, then I have wasted my words. What can make me sure?

• GOD says to me “But the one who does the will of MY FATHER who is in Heaven will enter.”
• GOD says to me “Follow MY SON for who I AM well pleased.”
• GOD says to me “Be led by the HOLY SPIRIT and all will be well with you.

A sigh of relief came over me when I saw what I overlooked. GOD simply wants me to do HIS will and stop trying to impress the crowds by pretending to hear from HIM. GOD speaks to me daily through HIS word and when it says to stop, keep going or stand up, I need to obey immediately.

GOD wants my total attention and while I am still a bit nervous about this passage, HE enables me to clearly see that I can humble myself to obey HIS will. I do not have to “try to convince” GOD that I am doing HIS will when I am doing HIS will.

• Are you mimicking?
• Do you have dishonorable motives of leading a group or getting rich off of GOD?
• Can you stop using HIS people and seek GOD’s will for them?
• Will you stop siding with humans and ask GOD to lead you with HIS HOLY SPIRIT?

An Approach to Life

Matthew 5: ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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Being “liked” or “pleasing” people is not the theme in this list. In fact when I read the “Be” Attitudes I can see a remedy to some of life’s ills.

• When I want to be arrogant I should consider a poor spirit instead.
• When things go dreadfully wrong it is okay to mourn.
• When I feel hungry for power I should back off and seek a meek approach.
• When I have sin on my mind I should seek righteousness as my alternative.
• When someone has been downright disrespectful to me I should show mercy.
• When my motives could go wrong I should ask for a pure heart in the matter.
• When I feel like fighting I should back off and seek peace instead.
• When I am persecuted because of the way I follow GOD I should look forward to GOD’s rewards.
• When I am insulted, persecuted and falsely accused I should rejoice and be glad for great is my reward in heaven!

It is not always easy to “Be” this kind of person, but the more I try the more GOD says “Well done!”

• Are you facing some difficult situations?
• Do you feel that life is difficult?
• Can you clear your mind by “Being” who GOD wants you to be?

Anyone is Welcome

Isaiah 56: ⁴ For this is what the Lord says:

“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
    who choose what pleases me
    and hold fast to my covenant—
⁵ to them I will give within my temple and its walls
    a memorial and a name
    better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
    that will endure forever.

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Holes in my pants kept me from being best dressed, although I confidently wore them in college and fit in. When I arrived at a church with holey pants I did not fit in again. What was going on?

• There were times that I did not feel like I fit into “church.”
• There were some protocols of “church” I disagreed with.
• There were behaviors of “church” I did not feel comfortable with.

My suit was too small because I had not bought one nor had one bought for me since high school. I was appalled at the sneers at my clothing. Someone offered to buy me some clothes and that set me on a path that I stand on to this day. Anyone should be welcome, regardless of appearance.

• GOD says to me “Welcome everyone, no matter how different they appear to me.”
• GOD says to me “Love everyone I send to you.”
• GOD says to me “Go where I send you and give them MY word so I may bless them.”

Since then, I noticed people as being people. What clothes or skin they wear does not matter. GOD wants “all” humans to come back to HIM. HE wants me to be open to serving everyone, not just those who I feel comfortable with.

• Look around, are you serving people who are different than you?
• Have you been sent to a different group of people than yourself?
• Have you welcomed a person who dresses different into your circle?
• Can you allow GOD to send people to you who have differences but love HIM?

Heart Words are Louder

Proverbs 27: ¹⁹ As water reflects the face,
    so one’s life reflects the heart.

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Tired of being looked over, I decided to do something about it. I had spent the past four years with no one noticing me but this time it would be different. Loaded with a foul mouth and quick quips, I unleashed a new person in college. With razor like precision, I could cut a person up in a moment. I had laughter, but still lacked the group of “friends” I desired. What was the problem?

• My actions have told many stories.
• My daily words speak from a deeper source.
• My status in life reflects something my choices.

Being on the wrong path was actually fatal to my desire. I mean being labeled as the class clown did not generate the results I wanted. Friendship was my quest and I had to mature enough to “act friendly” to others before I could win their trust. I had to learn to replace my poison with honey and change my purpose from being “me” centered.

• GOD wants me to focus my life towards sincerely bringing people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to not be the center of attention rather focus people towards HIM.
• GOD wants me to have HIS heart so others would be drawn to HIM rather than being drawn to the world in me.

I have heard many people say they wish to have a “legacy” and that is not a bad desire. I used to want my legacy to be one of fame and fortune, BUT GOD found me and my heart is different. I want to point as many people to HIM as possible. I now desire to leave a wake of GOD’s kingdom instead of being known. Fame is fleeting, BUT GOD remains forever.

• What will people say about you at your funeral?
• Have you touched lives or been selfish?
• Will you examine your heart and begin focusing on what GOD will have you do?
• Will you ask GOD to put you on HIS path?

Getting What’s Due

Proverbs 11: ⁸ The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
    and it falls on the wicked instead.

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“I found a checkbook” said a friend. “Let’s go buy some groceries!” He said. I thought this was a great idea since my bank account was more than nil. We bought all kinds of groceries and piled them in my junker of a car. On the way back to my apartment, my car broke down. I had to get a tow truck and the cost of repairs was exactly half the cost of the groceries.

• Sometimes my action causes trouble.
• Sometimes I am involved in evil plots.
• Sometimes my ways are not GOD’s ways.

It seemed like people could “get away” with stuff and I couldn’t. Every time I tried something evil, it seemed like I would get in trouble for it and they wouldn’t. Was I supposed to be learning something?

• GOD says to me “If you follow MY ways, I will guide you to the best path.”
• GOD says to me “Drop your wicked ways and follow ME.”
• GOD says to me “A little sin is like yeast, it rises up and ruins the entire batch of dough.”

I was on the wrong path, BUT GOD saw fit to intervene and put me back on HIS path. No get-rich-quick schemes or theft shall win the prize. Following GOD is the way to go. I was a teen at a crossroads and GOD said follow me or die. I chose GOD and HE has blessed me tremendously ever since!

• Are you dreaming up wicked ways?
• Do you have a scheme you are trying to secretly do?
• Do you understand that every wicked action from you will fall on you tenfold?
• Will you stop scheming and start following GOD?

Should I Obey GOD?

1 Kings 13: ¹⁶ The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place.¹⁷ I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’”

¹⁸ The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) ¹⁹ So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.

²⁰ While they were sitting at the table, the word of the Lord came to the old prophet who had brought him back. ²¹ He cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You have defied the word of the Lord and have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. ²² You came back and ate bread and drank water in the place where he told you not to eat or drink. Therefore your body will not be buried in the tomb of your ancestors.’”

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It sounds like I’m double-talking when I say “Do what GOD says” and then later I say “GOD’s grace is sufficient.”  It seems like the two statements contradict one another. GOD says if we live by “the Law” then if we break even one, we are guilty of the entire law.

Does this give me the freedom to sin as much as I want? Not quite.

• GOD knows the destructive power of sin so I should understand “the Law” but not depend on it to save me.
• GOD knows the plan HE has for me so I should follow HIS ways and examples but not depend on my righteousness to save me.
• GOD knows I will fail over and over and over so I should be excited about HIS everlasting forgiveness but not depend on “not sinning” as a method to remain close to HIM.

When I believed that I needed to be saved from eternal separation from GOD, I was given the HOLY SPIRIT who lives inside me and will never leave me nor forsake me. Actually, GOD gave this to me before I was born, but that’s another story. Since the HOLY SPIRIT lives in me, I can’t get “away” from GOD.

GOD does however allow consequences to come in my life. My fear shouldn’t be on the consequences rather I should fear “not” following GOD’s ways for many who call on HIS name will not enter HIS kingdom.  GOD wants a real relationship with me rather than one of manipulation to get my way. GOD wants me to obey out of love for HIM.

• Are you walking on eggshells with GOD in hopes to get your way?
• Are you trying to remain ignorant to what HE wants you to do in hopes that HE won’t have a hard task for you?
• Can you seek what HE desires for you so you can truly be successful?
• Won’t you obey HIM today just to show HIM your love?Can you add to your faith that HIS grace is sufficient?
• Can you add to your faith that HIS grace is sufficient?

Churchy stuff doesn’t always help

1 Samuel 4: ³ When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

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“Please pray about the parking lot” were my standard words I read in the announcement at the church meeting. I did not see a barricade to having the high priority parking lot redone so if people prayed then “good”, but if they didn’t then oh, well.  I just thought that since I was in church I needed to say “pray.”

A short time after the meeting, I met with one of the leaders. He confessed to “changing direction” with some of the funds. A battle ensued, I was “kicked out” and to this day I don’t think the parking lot has been finished. I wonder if I was blind to GOD’s plan.

• Just because I use churchy terms doesn’t mean I’m following GOD at the time.
• Just because I spray churchy words around doesn’t mean GOD is excited.
• Just because I hold what I’m saying up with scripture, doesn’t mean I’m directed by GOD.

It is very true that GOD’s word does not go out void, but it is also true that faithless actions will not be blessed by GOD. In this instance, I decided to move forward without consulting GOD, because I figured that it’s for church so it has to be good. I was so caught up in church that I forgot GOD.

• GOD wants my effort to be on prayer rather than programming.
• GOD wants me to place HIM above buildings rather than trying to get more comfortable.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM first and HE will provide the means to sustain those who are reached.

Please don’t get me wrong, I believe the “church” needs to meet in whatever building GOD desires and programs are important. BUT GOD needs to be first, not an excuse. I need to not checkmark prayer and GOD as if those things had to be included as a default. GOD demands to be heard and HE deserves faithful prayer. Without HIM my plans are nothing.

• Are you planning something without truly consulting GOD?
• Are you going through the motions thinking GOD is with you?
• Won’t you stop for a moment and ask GOD if HE will bless your efforts?
• Can you accept “No” as an answer from GOD?
• Won’t you seek HIS kingdom first before you proceed with your plans?