Un-trapped

Un-trapped

James 1: ¹² Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, “This temptation comes from God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. ¹⁵ Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

 

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Having a mountain of homework made me a bit nervous. But seeing the naked girls had me distracted the rest of the day. The boys locker room was connected to the girls locker room by a double wooden door. Some smart-aleck fashioned a hole between the doors from which we could see. Taking turns, we ogled and commented.

 

• I had work to do, but I could not do it because I was distracted.
• Instead of thinking of solutions for the work I was supposed to be doing I dreamed of ways to beat they guys and get in front of the line.
• My mind was trapped and I got caught by a teacher because I did not notice him standing behind me.

 

James gets rid of the blame game humans play with GOD. He mentions that during difficult times, humans have a tendency towards sin. He tried his best to paint a picture of how acting on our own temptation can cause us to justify our own sin which leaves us trapped.

 

My Observations:

• Temptation comes from the enemy to take me off the path of solutions for GOD.
• Remaining focused to what GOD wants me to do helps me stay out of the traps of my own desires.
• GOD does not tempt me BUT HE does guide me back to HIM if and when I fall.

 

Temptations can be tough. I mean, food, gambling, hoarding, substance and sex are all sticky temptations humans can fall into. When stressful times arise, the temptation can rear its head as a temporary solution. Unfortunately this only brings on more pain and problems. BUT GOD has an answer.

 

JESUS provides a different path. HE not only saved me from the consequences of sin, which is death; he also gave me things to think on to pursue HIS Kingdom. When my mind is focused on what HE wants me to do, I can reduce the pressure of the trial and focus on GOD’s voice. I am glad GOD forgives me when I fall and is willing to pick me up and place me on HIS path.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain temptation?
• Have you ever been under pressure and done something regretful?
• Will you take the pressure off yourself by knowing JESUS forgives you if you fall to temptation, so you can hear HIS love enough to choose HIS path versus sin next time?

Awake and Sober

Awake and Sober

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁴ But you, friends, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. ⁵ All of you are people who belong to the light, who belong to the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, we should not be sleeping like the others; we should be awake and sober.

 

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After the discussion about expensive ties, I wanted to fit in, but did not have the money. I found a discount store and bought suits and ties. I got compliments. We all went to lunch. On the way, a homeless person asked us for money. “Sorry, I don’t have anything” was my lie. The others mumbled “Get a job” after we walked away.

 

• I was drunk with trying to fit in with “successful” people.
• I was following darkness by withholding from someone in need.
• I was asleep to serving the Kingdom of GOD.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy continue the discussion about the “Day of the LORD.” They bring great news that believers will not be surprised by the coming of the LORD. They also explained that believers belong to the “light” and to the “day” and warned everyone to remain “awake and sober,”

 

My Observations

• Living in darkness feels right and acceptable, BUT GOD wants my sins to be brought to light.
• Getting drunk on fame, fortune, power, politics, money, mayhem or substances can hurt me, BUT GOD wants me to sober up to see HE is the answer.
• Falling asleep to hurt, pain, and agony of others can make me experience the terrible side of the “Day of the LORD” BUT GOD rescued me by belief in JESUS an d wants me awake to see HIS people.

 

Awake and sober means something special to GOD. I mean, when life truly gets hard, it is easy t want to fall asleep to all the trouble others are facing. When I go into dark places, I get feel more comfortable getting drunk on what the world has to offer. BUT GOD wants me to remain awake and sober.

 

HE not only wants me to wait on the coming of the LORD, but also be actively pursuing HIS Kingdom when HE returns. Life gets hard and the answer is the LORD. I am glad HE is the Day and the Light to shine on my path.

 

Challenge

• What does “belonging to the day” mean?
• What warning do the writers give?
• Have you ever been asleep about something important or drunk with something not good for you?
• Will you remain awake and sober to see others in need and to see the return of JESUS some day?

Breaking Old Habits

Breaking Old Habits

Ephesians 4: ¹⁷ In the Lord's name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless ¹⁸ and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. ¹⁹ They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint.

 

²⁰ That was not what you learned about Christ! ²¹ You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. ²² So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. ²³ Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, ²⁴ and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

 

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Scared and shamed, I peeped through the hole in the door of the women’s locker room at school. This made me want the “real thing.” In college I progressed to “the real thing”, but did it under the cover of night. Someone said to me “I saw your car parked overnight in front of a certain dorm.” He was proud of me.

 

• I was no longer shamed.
• I was progressing down a path where I was led by my desires.
• I was ready to defend the dangerous path I was on in an ignorant and stubborn way.

 

Paul is very direct with his words as he addressed a concern with those who had given up on following purity as a means of worshipping GOD. Their lying minds had put them on a path where they were no longer ashamed of their actions, rather they had found a crowd who accepted their deceitful desires.

 

My Observations

• Only GOD can provide a new heart and mind for me.
• When life seems hopeless, I have a new self I can put on that is made by GOD.
• GOD’s likeness is a way of life that I can strive for.

 

Getting rid of old habits is not always easy. I mean, when life’s pressures come knocking on my heart, I want to throw away self-control and indulge in the ways of the world for a moment of pleasure. BUT GOD wants different.

 

HE offers a better way that is full of life. GOD has a life that is full of truth which is upright and holy. HIS path is always right and HIS rewards will never fall away. I gladly surrender my life to GOD, daily.

 

Challenge

• Was the message of the writer shocking to you?
• Is there any part of you that seems to keep you from growing up that you struggle with?
• Will you believe GOD gives you another chance daily because HE is willing to wipe away your sins?
• Will you remain encouraged and ask GOD for HIS help with keeping you on HIS path so you can put on the “new self” as the answer with a new heart and new mind today?

Repairing Self-Destruction

2 Corinthians 7:1 All these promises are made to us, my dear friends. So then, let us purify ourselves from everything that makes body or soul unclean, and let us be completely holy by living in awe of God.

 

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Feeling like a failure, I needed some “fun.” With a mountain of debt, a broken down car, kicked out of school again and being dumped, I wanted to feel good for a moment. I went to a convention and there were wild parties everywhere. But for some reason, I could not get into it this particular time.

 

• I thought I could relieve myself if I did some things that I could hide.
• I felt like I was already low, so sinning wouldn’t make me any lower.
• I wondered if there was an alternative to the self-destructive path I was on.

 

Paul speaks softly regarding purity. He doesn’t rant or yell, rather tries to convince everyone that JESUS made promises that were everlasting. These eternal promises should be recognized, but sin blinds us to that well deserved recognition. Paul give a better way of looking at purity. Be in awe of GOD.

 

My Observations

• JESUS did an amazing thing by volunteering to die and be raised from the dead, just for me.
• GOD’s mercy is amazing because HE sees the sin I hold onto tightly and still forgives me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT amazingly lives in my body, seeing every thought and action and pleads on my behalf for forgiveness.

 

“Stop sinning” is easy to say when everything is going right. I mean, when the world seems to be falling apart, sin seems to knock on the door of my heart with its grimy hands at my most vulnerable time. BUT GOD sees all and loves me when I’m low.

 

HE understands every situation and cleanses me of all unrighteousness when I ask. But what if I ask and sin again? HE forgives me and cleanses me over and over and over and over and over again. He fills me with another chance each day and gives me a better path to walk on. I am in awe that GOD’s grace “is” sufficient.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer limit the boundaries of purity?
• Is there any difference between using slanderous words and sexual sin?
• What do you notice about the individual walk implied in this passage?
• Will you remain in awe of GOD’s forgiveness and allow HIM to cleanses you of all unrighteousness today and again tomorrow?

Free at Last

Free at Last

Acts 12: ⁵ Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. ⁶ And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. ⁷ Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. ⁸ Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” ⁹ So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

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Waking up with no meetings felt strange. No email to check and no phone calls to make was new to me. The elimination of the position I held was now real. All of the things I said I had no time for was brought to mind. I’m not talking about a “to do” list, rather GOD was asking me “Do you have time for ME now?”

• There were times when I just wanted to be free.
• There were times when I didn’t want responsibilities.
• There were times when I dreamed of being on my own schedule.

Peter was heavily guarded and bound with chains between guards. Those who did not believe in the resurrection of JESUS, may have thought this measure of security would prevent any deception from happening. BUT GOD never deceives. HE sent an angel to free Peter.

• GOD wants me to be free indeed.
• GOD wants me to be loosed from strongholds.
• GOD wants me to be lifted out of addictions.

Life has many holes for me to fall into. Desires for more stuff or lust over people, power or positions can cause me to get stuck on things that bind me, never seeing GOD in my daily walk.

GOD wants me to be freed up so I can speak about HIM another day. The pursuit of wealth and pleasure can bind the soul, but the pursuit of GOD’s kingdom frees the spirit. I am grateful JESUS has set me free. I am free indeed.

• Are you stuck in or on something?
• Do you feel locked up and want to be free?
• Will you give your life to JESUS so HE will become your purpose and you will be free, even in the place you want to run away from?

Unknown Change

Unknown Change

Acts 7: ²³ “Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. ²⁴ And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. ²⁵ For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. ²⁶ And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ ²⁷ But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? ²⁸ Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ ²⁹ Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.

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“No thank you” was my reply to the normal question “Do you want to hang out in bars tonight?” I was trying something new and wanted to see what a different life would look like. I interacted with a lot of people and they all seemed to ask me similar questions. People knew me as a bar hopping, flirty, fun guy and I wanted them to know I had changed.

• I stopped doing habits that I learned were not pleasing to GOD.
• I stopped doing some known sins so I could listen to GOD.
• I stopped doing what I used to do as a surrender to GOD.

Moses had changed. While he was considered an Egyptian, he was really an Israelite. Stephen explains how Moses killed the Egyptian, thinking everyone would know his honor for his people. They could not see how he had changed, for only GOD knew his heart.

• GOD wants me to change to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM without worries of what people think about me.
• GOD wants me to sincerely live for HIM in spite of the perception people have of me.

Having a personal relationship with GOD changes people. I mean HE gently guides me away from things I thought were pleasurable, knowing they were harmful. When I explain my change to those who participated in the pleasure with me, they look at me as if I have become some kind of judge, questioning if I have become yet another hypocrite.

BUT GOD sees my heart. HE painfully and gently pries the harmful habit or people from my hands and places HIS love in them. HE shows me grace when no one else will. HE is my forgiver. In HIM I place my trust.

• Are you scared to change because of what other people will think?
• Have you walked away from GOD because of a hypocrite?
• Will you return to GOD so HE can heal your broken heart and give you a loving purpose today?

Mistakes Used Powerfully

Mistakes Used Powerfully

Acts 3: ¹¹ Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. ¹² So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. ¹⁴ But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, ¹⁵ and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. ¹⁶ And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

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In a hurry, I stopped by the cleaners to pick up my clothes. No one was around so I left the car running. Unfortunately, habit kicked in and I locked the car as I got out. When I returned to the car I could not get in. I had to call the police. Afterwards, I warned people to turn off their car even at short stops.

• When I learn from my mistakes, I warn others.
• When I have felt the sting of a mistake I tell other people so they won’t do it.
• When I make a mistake that is costly, I plea with people trying to convince them not to fall into the same trap I did.

The crowd was amazed that Peter healed the man who was lame. They rushed at him and probably started worshiping him. Peter warned them of their behavior. He told them of their denial of JESUS and reminded them of their choice to keep a murderer alive. Peter also had denied JESUS, but was blessed with restoration. He could now tell them the power comes from JESUS.

• JESUS wants me to be open with my sins so others will feel free to admit theirs.
• JESUS wants me to tell other people that I have made mistakes so they will not be bound by theirs.
• JESUS wants me to be brave enough to admit sin publicly so the sin no longer has power over me or whoever hears it.

Saying I have made mistakes is often not easy. I mean who wants to say. “I have lusted” or “I have enjoyed porn” or “I have stolen” or “I have lied?” Most people would not if they were trying to keep up a façade. BUT GOD wants me to admit to all of that and more.

These sins no longer have power over me only because JESUS said “I forgive you of all your sins” to me. HE released me from the consequence of sin and I am filled with joy, I want to tell other people about my mistakes so they will do the same and be forgiven. I admit I have made a lot of mistakes that JESUS cleaned up.

• Are you hiding your mistakes?
• Are you nervous that other people will find out your deepest darkest secrets?
• Will you start small and build up to, what you consider, big sins, admitting them to others so they can see you are forgiven by JESUS today?

Fighting the Struggle

Hosea 12: ³ In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel;
    as a man he struggled with God.
⁴ He struggled with the angel and overcame him;
    he wept and begged for his favor.
He found him at Bethel
    and talked with him there—
⁵ the Lord God Almighty,
    the Lord is his name!
⁶ But you must return to your God;
    maintain love and justice,
    and wait for your God always.

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“Why do I have to know who signed some document hundreds of years ago?” was my question as I struggled with the subject. I gave up on History. “Why do I have to pull myself up only to drop and do it again?” was my question as I struggled to do pullups in gym. I gave up on being strong. “Why do I have to read the Bible and go to church?” was my question as I struggled to balance time. I stepped away from GOD.

• In the past when something was a struggle I would give up.
• In the past when something was difficult I would cave in.
• In the past when something was hard to overcome I would let it get the best of me and quit.

It seemed like even following GOD was too difficult. I mean I tried to be perfect and found I could not, so I walked away. BUT GOD wanted me to see HIM differently.

• GOD wanted me to return to HIM so HE could open my eyes.
• GOD wanted me to maintain love and justice so HE could use the talents HE placed in me.
• GOD wanted me to wait on HIM so I could see the marvelous work HE had in store for me.

When I returned to GOD I found I had more time for HIM than I thought. In fact, the older I get, the more I realize I need HIM daily. I went back to attempting doing a pullup. I could only do one at first then two then many. I started to read the history of GOD’s people gaining understanding of where humans made mistakes. GOD was patient enough to take my struggles and turn them into victories!

• What are you struggling with?
• Do you find yourself on your own?
• Can you stop fighting GOD and turn your face to HIM?
• Will you allow HIM to help you with your battle today by focusing on HIM rather than the struggle?

Redeemed From Abandonment

Isaiah 54: ⁷ “For a brief moment I abandoned you,
    but with deep compassion I will bring you back.
⁸ In a surge of anger
    I hid my face from you for a moment,
but with everlasting kindness
    I will have compassion on you,”
    says the Lord your Redeemer.

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Crying was the only tactic I could pull off at that time. I ran to the parking lot and there was no bus. The group I had arrived with left without me. I felt abandoned. When I won awards and accolades I was surrounded at work. When a new group of leaders came in, no one came around me. I felt abandoned again.

• Sometimes I have felt abandoned.
• Sometimes I have felt left behind.
• Sometimes I have felt lost and alone with no one to guide me.

Trusted people have dropped me out of their lives which left me with the feeling of abandonment, even when I cried out to GOD, it felt like HIS silence was deafening. BUT GOD said “I AM here.”

• When I stopped following GOD, HE allowed me to feel abandoned.
• When I sought GOD’s face HE welcomed me back with open arms.
• When I sought my own path GOD hid HIS face from me.
• When I asked HIM for forgiveness HE poured it out on me like a flood.

Even when GOD allows me to step away from HIM for a minute, HE never leaves me. HE carefully watches over me and still provides for me. HE brings me back to HIM because I would not seek HIS face. HE washes me up and gives me everlasting kindness. GOD is my redeemer.

• Are you lonely even in a crowd?
• Has a trusted person abandoned you?
• Can you forgive that person even though you may never forget?
• Will you allow GOD to bring you back to HIM so HE can pour out HIS everlasting kindness on you?

No More Shame

Isaiah 29: ²² Therefore this is what the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, says to the descendants of Jacob:

“No longer will Jacob be ashamed;
    no longer will their faces grow pale.
²³ When they see among them their children,
    the work of my hands,
they will keep my name holy;
    they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob,
    and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
²⁴ Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding;
    those who complain will accept instruction.”

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“Move out of the way, it’s my turn” were the words that caught my attention as I saw a small group of guys huddled next to doors that were not exit doors. My curiosity climbed so I went to investigate. When I got my “turn” I peeked through a hole carved in the crease of the door. I got a glimpse of nakedness that made me want to stay there the whole day!

• There have been times where I tried to hide my thoughts.
• There have been times that I tried to cover up my actions.
• There have been times I tried to pretend I had not fallen, but I had truly fallen.

Late for class I decided to get a better glimpse. I wondered why there was no one around. Then a gym teacher came in and caught me. I was ashamed. I am glad I was caught, because I was headed down the wrong path.

• GOD says to me “You will no longer be ashamed.”
• GOD says to me “I will open your eyes and heal your heart.”
• GOD says to me “I will help you gain understanding and guide you with MY instruction.”

He simply yelled, “Get away from that door!” and off I ran. He gave me a strange look every time he saw me from then on. They fixed the door and I was glad. BUT GOD fixed my life. HE put me on a better path that includes acknowledging my need for HIM. By confessing, the sin no longer has power over me. I give the power to GOD who in turn gives it back to me.

• Do you feel powerless?
• Do you feel like your prayers are not being heard?
• Can you acknowledge the hidden things in your heart?
• Will you confess your sins and enable GOD to heal your soul?

My Missions Trip Experience (Las Vegas 2014)

Years ago I promised the LORD I would go on a mission’s trip. What is a mission’s trip? Well the ones I went on before were with various churches, each had there own definition. Some built libraries while others worked on homes. Sometimes the mission had a tiny taste of spreading the Gospel of CHRIST, but on each, GOD made me open my mouth and talk about HIS SON.

This was my mission’s year. I promised to go every other year but this time I felt the LORD calling me in a different direction. My son had just won an academic competition and the finals were in Las Vegas. “I thought; why not leverage this trip as a mission.” The SPIRIT inside me leaped. I called a church who we knew and the report was dismal. “People are too cynical to receive the Gospel in a short term way” he told me.

He sent me a list of places to volunteer. I felt rather lost. I didn’t know what my mission was. I turned off the TV the day before my long drive to Las Vegas and prayed. “LORD how can I serve you for a change?”  I went to bed.

NO RENTAL

I called the rental company and realized I had not received a confirmation on my reservation. I had no van and I had seven or eight student’s projects for the Academic Olympics. I felt at peace when the thought came over me “drive your own van." It’s leased and adding 4000 miles wasn’t a thrill but I felt at peace.

ACCIDENT ON THE OTHER SIDE

Playing music was my way to get myself in the mindset of the mission, whatever that was. I felt troubled when I saw a four car pileup on the toll way near my house. I said a small prayer for the people as I saw airbags deployed on a couple of the cars. I called my sister for prayer. She asked, “What would you like me to pray for?” I couldn’t answer.

She then proceeded to pray for protection, but was led to say “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.” She repeated this several times and ended with “the trip is the mission.” She didn’t even know where that came from although we both knew GOD gave her these words. Minutes later I saw a lone grayish sheep with a black head in field. We both thought that was very odd. (I read Matthew Chapter 11 to understand further.)

LESSON

John was the greatest human and lived as the homeless.

Chorazin was worse than Sodom or Las Vegas which gave me hope that someone would believe in CHRIST.

GOD said "I will send my messenger ahead of you, HE will prepare a way."

(I was absolutey amazed at this reference! It was probably more for me than anyone else.)

PEOPLE

(Erica)

Hungry, I stopped to eat. The Country Kitchen diner was my choice. One waitress was pregnant and the other had a broken arm. Both were working very hard in the middle of Iowa. I was prompted to leave a large tip and a note for the waitress with a prayer for her and her baby’s health and to tell her GOD loves her so much that HE gave HIS SON to her.

I drove until it was late and on the road I saw a glowing cross of a church before I turned in.

(Melody)

I woke up in my Colorado motel and Melody was cleaning the lobby, breakfast area and working behind the desk. She told me her back was giving her problems because being over 65, gardening takes toll on the body. The LORD prompted me to write her a note with a prayer for her health and blessings from HIM.

(Kevin)

I arrived at my hotel the next day and decided to take the advice given to me by the local pastor and volunteer. I called the number and left messages and decided to show up at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Kevin met me at the front desk. He was very cautious and had me fill out the application online. I remained prayerful until the Volunteer Staff Coordinator showed up.

Normally the process takes time as they have to do a background and reference check. I prayed “Is this where YOU want me to serve?” I had time so I talked with Kevin. He talked about his addiction story and how he had served time. He then asked for prayer for pain. He had been in a coma and was thankful to be alive.

(Staff – Shannon and Jennifer)

I met Shannon and she told me I could work there that day. I felt relieved as she assigned me to the thrift store. Finally some structure. I don’t know why I needed structure, but I just did. She introduced me to Jennifer who immediately asked me to pray with Candace who just joined the program and is fighting drugs and mental stability.

I also prayed with Roshawnia (Pronounced Roshawna) who struggled with anger.

(Anthony)

Anthony came in later and worked with me straightening up the men’s clothing. He told me of his years of addiction and once even prayed to be put in jail. With four kids by four women at almost 60 he has a three year old and is trying to make it as a single parent. Numerous jail and prison terms, he praises GOD for his salvation and is clean for three years and is a mentor.

(Staff – Marcus)

After eating lunch with those in the program, I met Marcus. He told me that sometimes casinos donate food and on Mondays the airlines. After my day was over at the Thrift Store, Marcus asked me if I was going to stay to serve the homeless. “Of course” I said and I followed the humble giant to the kitchen.

He greeted everyone and prayed over the volunteers and everyone was excited to serve. They asked me to pray when the homeless arrived. This was certainly a day of prayer! I counted 33 tables each with two or three pitchers. We probably went through two or three hundred gallons of water that evening as nearly five hundred people poured through the doors.

I learned not to abhor Las Vegas and not to write it off as Sodom. There are some people there who have hit rock bottom and GOD enabled my eyes to be opened and look beyond the false lights of the strip. Many people serve HIM in this town.

On my way back I admired GOD’s mountains and scenery. I stopped at my last diner and talked with the staff. I was prompted again to leave a note, this time with a prayer of health and wealth. I made it home without incident as many prayed. My unstructured mission will be memorable.

Please pray for all who are mentioned in this report.

Would seeing GOD make a difference?

Exodus 24: ⁹ Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up ¹⁰ and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. ¹¹ But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.

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Mustard yellow, rust, distinct figures hanging from the mirror and a vanity license plate individualized my car. People would often say, “I saw your car” but the reference would be at places and times I probably should have been studying or in bed. I wonder if GOD were standing visibly in front of those places would I enter.

• GOD wants me to have character and perform just like HE is standing right in front of me.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIS plan when no one is watching me.
• GOD wants me to treat HIM as GOD not as a distant possibility.

The elders of Israel weren’t supposed to go see GOD but they did anyway out of curiosity or disbelief is my guess. They actually saw who Moses spoke to and knew he wasn’t making all of this up to control them. In spite of “seeing” GOD and witnessing HIS miracles they could not stop sinning.

• It’s up to me to choose GOD instead of being on the wrong path.
• It’s up to me to desire GOD’s way instead of thinking my way is a good way.
• It’s up to me to focus my energy towards GOD’s people rather than catering to those who do not love HIM.

GOD wants me to love HIM and that means understanding HIS compassion for “everyone” not just my exclusive mind. HE desires that I act with character to draw people to HIM.

• Are you acting with character?
• Are your thoughts filled with judgment or compassion?
• Can you focus on what GOD wants you to do instead of wanting to see HIM as some sort of parlor trick or magician?

GOD hears me

Exodus 2:²³ During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. ²⁴ God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. ²⁵ So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.

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“One more mile to go” was the thought in my tired mind. This wasn’t marathon training rather it was my commute home from school. We got off the third bus of our commute and instead of waiting on the last one we decided to walk.  As we began our journey across a massive grocer parking lot we were met with a gang of hoodlums.

We looked at each other, said where we would meet and took off “zigzag” running in opposite directions. Track practice had paid off for us. We joined each other after I was sure the police were on their way.

• There are times where I will face adversity.
• There are times when things will seem like everything is going wrong.
• There are times when I will be sure “this is going to end very badly.”

I used to ask why GOD allows so many problems to happen to me.  I mean shouldn’t I be problem free since I believe in HIS SON for my salvation?  Now that I have matured I realize it’s because of my belief that I will face adversity!  GOD knows this life will be difficult and HE is there for me.

• GOD hears me when I am scared.
• GOD hears me when I am worried.
• GOD hears me when I feel like giving up.

GOD knows exactly what I’m going through.  HIS hand of protection forges my faith in HIM because HE has delivered me time after time.  HE hears my groans and rescues me!

• Are you facing adversity?
• Do you feel like crying out for help?
• Do you realize GOD hears you?
• Can you understand that GOD has a plan for you on the other side of this trial? 

Need a sure thing?

Hebrews 7: ²² Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

²³ Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; ²⁴ but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. ²⁵ Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

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“I’m going to be rich” I thought to myself. I mean this day trading stuff is easy. All I have to do is pick a stock to purchase on the stock market, buy it and watch my money grow.  I asked a few people which stock they liked and after getting my advice I had my sure thing.

I purchased my stock and watched it climb. I had my sure thing! The next week I noticed the value was down a little, then a little more and more, soon it was worthless.  I received a letter stating the company had gone belly up and all who had invested had lost their money.  What happened to my sure thing?

• When I depend on my plan I am not depending on a sure thing.
• When I depend on money I am not depending on a sure thing.
• When I depend on insurance, doctors or my health I am not depending on a sure thing.

Because life has so many inconsistencies, I sometimes doubt that GOD can be a sure thing.  I mean HE can’t possibly forgive me “this time” for “this sin” right? Wrong!

• When GOD said “It is finished” HE meant death had no power over those who believe in HIM.
• When GOD said “My grace is sufficient” HE meant “MY grace is sufficient!”
• When GOD said “No man can pluck you out of MY hands” HE meant that HE knows I am a sinner and HE will hold onto me anyway.

There is only one sure thing that I can truly depend on and that is GOD. I can truly depend on HIS protection from the accuser who mentions my sins before GOD whenever he gets a change. Since JESUS lives forever HE intercedes for me erasing my sin removing it as far as the east is from the west. HE is my sure thing!

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Are you worried about something?
• Can you put your trust in HIM?
• Won’t you let HIM take care of “that” situation?

I have someone who can help

Hebrews 2: ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

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When I compare my temptations to other folks they seem rather mild. Okay, I was tempted to take my parents’ car without permission, look at a body I wasn’t married to, or move ahead in the company while taking others out of my way. People today would say “you are really a wimp” especially since I was really nervous as the temptation popped in my head.

Even though my temptations may seem mild they are temptations nonetheless. Who can help me with my temptations?

• When I am tempted to sin, I try to run away from GOD.
• When I am tempted to sin, I blame GOD for making too many rules.
• When I am tempted to sin, I look at others instead of myself and I justify my actions.

The devil knows sin blinds me from GOD’s grace. Every time I sin, I can’t see how GOD would love me, nor can I see that I have the right to tell anyone else about HIM.  I mean what would I say? “Follow the rules?” I couldn’t even follow them myself. Wait, maybe that’s what I should say!

• I should tell people I sin and GOD forgives me.
• I should tell people JESUS became a human and understands everything I go through.
• I should tell people GOD desires to help “anyone” who is willing to hear HIM.

GOD loved me so much that HE took my punishment for sin. HE sentenced HIMSELF and allowed HIS humans to murder HIM. Before HE died HE was tempted in every way possible. Yes “every way.” HE never sinned and fully understands my battle. HE is my focus to help me see around the temptation.

• Are you tempted?
• Do you feel like you are not in control of your life?
• Can you allow GOD to comfort you?
• Won’t you believe HE knows what you are going through and wants to help?

I have an arsenal available to me

2 Corinthians 10: ⁴ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.5 

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“Woe is me” I thought to myself many times. I mean “that” person didn’t treat me right or I didn’t win the contest or I was broke again or someone including myself felt sick. “Can’t I ever get ‘my’ way?

• I fight against GOD when what I want isn’t what I need.
• I struggle with GOD when HE delays my deliverance.
• I wrestle with GOD when I lose my faith in HIM and try to go my own way.

There is something inside me that says “this GOD stuff is too hard, give up and go your own way.” The problem with that crazy statement is “which way can I go outside of GOD?” The very thought that I can do better without GOD puts me on the wrong path. Soon my thoughts attack HIS intentions and even still they attack HIS existence. How do I combat this?

• GOD gave me HIS Bible to keep my mind focused on HIS wonderful promises for me.
• GOD gave me five senses to see, smell, hear, taste and touch HIM daily.
• GOD gave me HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and comfort me when things go wrong.
• GOD gave me HIS SON who died in my place giving me free access to the FATHER whom I can ask for anything.

This little situation or that one cannot match the weapons GOD has given me. In fact, once I assess the situation I notice my faith is really being attacked and I am tempted not to use my weapons. GOD says “try ME out and watch the outcome.” HE changes me to be stronger to handle the situation while bringing others along.

The power is with GOD and while I may not get “my” way I will get the best way!

• Are you battling something?
• Is there something in your life making you doubt GOD?
• Can you look at the weapons GOD has given you to protect you?
• Will you help someone realize GOD’s power today?

I am weak when I think I’m strong

1 Corinthians 10: ¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

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Hard work and innovation wasn’t enough to be in “the club.” I mean I had delivered some fantastic things for the company; shouldn’t I be promoted based on merit? I was careful with my budget, growing people and deriving new ways to grow but “the club” was elusive.

I went out with “the club” and they started talking about women’s body parts. “Is this my entry into the club? Maybe I should join in!” was the tempting thought that popped into my head.

I was finally in “the club” but at what cost?

• When I think I got it together is when I am the weakest.
• When I believe nothing can touch me is when I will be attacked.
• When I look at my achievements instead of my pitfalls I open myself up to temptation.

There is always a way out of temptation but are my desires blocking the exit door? Temptation doesn’t seem to come straight at me rather it lurks behind some other desire. Temptation also doesn’t seem to attack me when I can truly see I need GOD.

• GOD will always make a way out of temptation no matter how many times I fall.
• GOD gets excited when I get back up and follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to understand I need HIM instead of depending on my strength.

Every human has and will be tempted.  JESUS was tempted in more ways than I can even imagine. Being the all-powerful GOD yet remaining subject to human insults showed incredible restraint that only JESUS could perform.  HE did not fall to temptation to flex rather HE went to HIS execution for me. That is real strength.

• Do you think you have it together?
• Are you focused on your own accolades?
• Are you ready for today’s temptations?
• Will you let GOD be your strength instead of depending on yourself?