Ambition

Ambition

Colossians 1: ⁹ For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. ¹⁰ Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.

 

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After a taste of “success” I wanted more. I figured I could “help” more people if I obtained a certain title. I worked day and night climbing the ladder of “success.” While I was working, I was too busy to help those who I intended to help.

 

• I was blinded by ambition.
• I thought the title was more important than my actions.
• I believed I knew what could help people.

 

Paul indirectly addressed the human will. He knew humans could be blinded by the world’s ambitions, justifying selfish actions along the way. There was only one way to please GOD, namely be filled.

 

My Observations

• Knowledge of GOD is important for me to seek.
• Wisdom from GOD helps me with discernment.
• Understanding from GOD provides me with better actions to help me grow.

 

Ambition is a very deceptive foe. I mean, on the surface it looks quite innocent and the world loves an ambitious hero. BUT GOD’s will speaks softly and will not compete with the human will. HE, unfortunately, allows us to try to reach our desires, which HE knows can take us off HIS path.

 

BUT GOD is forgiving and wants us to succeed. When I empty myself and allow HIM to “fill” me up, I can please HIM through HIS wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I am glad GOD enables me to produce HIS fruit.

 

Challenge

• What good deeds is the writer speaking of?
• What does “growth in GOD” look like?
• Will you seek GOD’s will so HE can give you wisdom, knowledge and understanding to do “good deeds” that are pleasing to HIM today?

New Identity

 

New Identity

Philippians 3 ⁴ I could, of course, put my trust in such things. If any of you think you can trust in external ceremonies, I have even more reason to feel that way. ⁵ I was circumcised when I was a week old. I am an Israelite by birth, of the tribe of Benjamin, a pure-blooded Hebrew. As far as keeping the Jewish Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee, ⁶ and I was so zealous that I persecuted the church. As far as a person can be righteous by obeying the commands of the Law, I was without fault. ⁷ But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for Christ's sake. 

 

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Being ridiculed, I did not want to be seen or known. But after being recognized for positive achievements, I craved more accolades. The more “I” achieved, the higher “I” went. Soon my entire identity was wrapped in ”my” title.

 

• My thoughts were only on my title.
• My plans centered around my title.
• My conversations, lack of sleep, decisions and time were based on my title.

 

Paul sounded harsh on those who pushed the need to be circumcised as an implied closeness to GOD. This male oriented action was debunked by Paul as he admitted his own faults. He was extremely zealous for following the scripture but lacked its true meaning, namely CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When GOD made me, HE said “Very good.”
• My identity is made whole by pointing all lives to CHRIST.
• Only CHRIST deserves the attention and my achievements mean nothing.

 

Having a title or lineage or popularity is not bad unless I place it over what GOD wants for me. I mean, GOD gives me free will to choose HIM or “me.” When I choose “me” I get the spotlight, the accolades and “my” name is mentioned more than HIS.

 

Fortunately GOD understands this and HE gently guides me back to a place of true peace. HE opens my eyes to the need for CHRIST to have the honor of the spotlight. My achievements, accomplishments and accolades mean nothing in comparison to JESUS. I look at the immense time I have wasted as loss and I am grateful GOD hs given me a chance to speak about HIM now.

 

Challenge

• Can you sense regret from the writer?
• Have you ever wanted the attention, maybe even in a passive way?
• What do you cry out to GOD for?
• Will you seek a new identity by placing JESUS over every aspiration in your life today?

Competition

Competition

Philippians 2: ³ Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. ⁴ And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.

 

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Wanting to get promoted, I worked hard. When I did not get the promotion, I was upset. I asked “Why/” I was told that I did not self-promote well. I started telling people about the “great” job “I” was doing but it still did not work. Then I was told to let other people know how “bad” my peers were doing.

 

• I really wanted to get ahead by being promoted.
• I wanted to be known for “my” expertise.
• I felt “I” deserved to be in charge because “I” knew more and “I” worked harder than others.

 

Paul addresses something that is deeply embedded in everyone, namely selfishness. From birth, humans desire things for themselves. GOD revealed to Paul that selfishness could lead to ambition which could lead to the same pride Satan had when trying to become GOD.

 

My Observations

• Selflessness is a learned behavior GOD wants me to acquire from JESUS.
• Being humble towards other people is something GOD wants me to act out so HIS voice can be heard.
• Looking out for other’s interest is a focus GOD wants me to include while looking out for myself.

 

Competing with other people means someone has to lose. I mean, when “I” get “my” way, and he or she does not, “I” get ahead and someone else is left behind. The world would say “What’s wrong with that?” BUT GOD would say “That is not the path I want you on.”

 

“Selfish” ambition “Cheap” desire and “Boasting” are all qualities that feel so good when used to get “ahead.” BUT GOD sees this as running towards HIS role. HE wants to be GOD while my role is to bring people to HIM. That’s it. I am glad GOD opens my eyes to my competitiveness and shows me a better way.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning from the writer?
• Have you ever pouted when another person got ahead and you did not?
• Have you ever asked GOD “What about me?”
• Will you consider that GOD has you where you are so you can help other people by looking out for his or her interests while looking out for yourself?

No Need to Argue

No Need to Argue

Philippians 1: ¹⁵ Of course some of them preach Christ because they are jealous and quarrelsome, but others from genuine good will. ¹⁶ These do so from love, because they know that God has given me the work of defending the gospel. ¹⁷ The others do not proclaim Christ sincerely, but from a spirit of selfish ambition; they think that they will make more trouble for me while I am in prison.

 

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“Did you see the email!?” I said to a friend in an offended way. There was a scripture mention that raised a huge debate. We went back and forth, adding point and counterpoint. To this day, I do not know what we argued over, and now I don’t even remember the guy’s name.

 

• I was offended easily when I heard something that did not align to “my” thinking..
• I was ready to “argue” about scripture.
• I was a self-proclaimed defender of the scriptures.

 

Paul addressed a touchy subject, namely motive of speaking about JESUS. Some people saw Paul was getting attention and, out of jealousy, spoke the name of JESUS too. Combative quarrelsome motive with the ambition to be noticed or right made more trouble than peace.

 

My Observations

• Love is the motive GOD wants me to have in my relationship with HIM.
• Peace is the offering GOD wants me to give to HIS creation.
• Joy is what GOD wants me to carry during troubled times so others can come to HIM in spite of their circumstance.

 

Fighting over who is right about GOD is futile. I mean, not one of us is right about GOD. There is no one who seeks HIM. BUT GOD did something amazing. HE sought us. HE became a human, died for us and was raised from the dead. I’m talking about JESUS. HE did not do this to cause fights about HIM, rather because HE loved us dearly.

 

Unfortunately, HE knew HIS message of love would split families, communities and churches. Arguments, jealousy and bitterness grows, BUT so does HIS love. GOD’s grace is sufficient and HIS anger is slow. I am grateful GOD is patient with me and gives me a chance to drop my combative spirit.

 

Challenge

• What reasons does the writer give for speaking about CHRIST?
• Have you ever argued over what someone else said or did?
• How are you proclaiming the message of CHRIST?
• Will you be the one who brings GOD’s peace and love to places that contain quarrels and combativeness today?

I Want To

Matthew 23: ³³ “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? ³⁴ Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. ³⁵ And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶ Truly I tell you, all this will come on this generation.

³⁷ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. ³⁸ Look, your house is left to you desolate. ³⁹ For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

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Zealous in my position, I sought out those I could fire. I mean if you weren’t pulling your weight I would have a much needed discussion with you. This was a very long way from where I started. At one time I could not stand to see someone fired.

• Positions were important to me at one time.
• Titles were important to me at one time.
• Authority was what I sought after even at the expense of someone’s demise.

JESUS made it very, very clear of HIS plan to condemn HIS enemies to hell. Those who would do anything for power and authority would have the blood of the innocent heaped upon them. From slanderous words to the act of killing, GOD hates those who hate others. HE sees my actions and knows my ambitions.

• JESUS longs for me to desire HIM.
• JESUS often looks for me to seek HIM.
• JESUS wants me to be willing to receive the rescue HE sends me.

Spiritual blindness can be cured by giving a simple answer to this question, “Do you want to be healed?” The answer from me is “I want to.” JESUS gets delighted by that answer and blesses me abundantly!

• Are you ambitious at some else’s detriment?
• Do you believe you are doing the right thing by tearing someone else down?
• Do you want to be healed of your spiritual blindness?
• Will you say to GOD “Blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD” today?

Empty Promises

Isaiah 36: ¹³ Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! ¹⁴ This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you! ¹⁵ Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’

¹⁶ “Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own cistern, ¹⁷ until I come and take you to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.

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“I’d like to promote you” were the words of one who felt he was on his way up. Two months later he was fired. “If you would just work a little harder then…” were the promises of another manager. I worked harder and she was promoted and I stayed where I was. “I like your style, I want to promote you” were the words of the next boss. Wait, I think I heard these words before.

• Sometimes I had desires that were not in the best direction.
• Sometimes I had desires that were expressed but not understood.
• Sometimes I had desires that were surprisingly miscalculated.

After I heard the empty words from another manager, I thought I would take my career in my own hands. I climbed the ladder only to find dead grass rather than green grass. The fame and fortune was there but something was missing, GOD.

• GOD says to me “Do not be ashamed of me or I will be ashamed of you.”
• GOD says to me “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.”
• GOD says to me “Do not believe in flattering words, believe in the LORD your GOD.”

Companies threaten to take money away or they flatter with giving more money. I bought into the latter and found myself with less time for GOD and more time for work. BUT GOD was gracious. HE was glorious enough to allow me this away time from HIM. HE welcomed me back with open arms and guided me to HIS safety.

• Are you being threatened?
• Does the situation seem hopeless?
• Are you tempted to give up on GOD?
• Can you return back to HIM and believe in HIS deliverance?

Ambitious Dreams

Isaiah 18: ⁵ In love a throne will be established;
    in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
    one from the house of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
    and speeds the cause of righteousness.

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Ambition struck when I got my first raise and promotion. The increase was not much and the promotion was minor as well. In fact I realized for the first time that I was really the bottom rung on a ladder that seemed to be sky high! I promised myself that I would be on top someday.

• Ambition can make me driven.
• Ambition can make me focused.
• Ambition can make me work harder than everyone around me.

There is nothing wrong with ambition, however ambition will make me make decisions that may not include GOD. I mean GOD says rest, but ambition say go. GOD says give, but ambition says 401k. GOD says serve others, but ambition says judge before squandering money on that slouch. Should I listen to ambition? Not always.

• GOD says to me “I have established a throne” meaning HE is the one who is in authority.
• GOD says to me “I am faithful” meaning I should put my trust in HIM versus ambition.
• GOD says to me “I seek justice and speed the cause of righteousness” meaning I need to serve others in the same way.

Bowing down to GOD’s throne means I give HIM the authority to do with my life as HE pleases. HE can raise me up or tear me down and I will not blame HIM for HIS decision. In fact, I should seek to be ready to give a testimony on HIS behalf at a moment’s notice while serving HIS people. My ambition needs to be pointed to HIM.

• Are you ambitious?
• Do you think you should be higher than you are based on your age?
• Can you accept the blessings of where GOD has you and seek building HIS kingdom?
• Will you strengthen yourself by pointing your ambition towards GOD?

Responding Quick Enough

2 Chronicles 34: ²⁷ Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord. 

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“Toughen up” was the phrase given to me as I was told to fire a person. This was a test to see if I could cut it in management. Everyone around me seemed to be scared of this person but I sat him down with my letter to him and simply said, “Your services are no longer needed here.”

“What was everyone scared about?” I thought to myself. Years later and several fired people later, I ran into a person who I had to “let go” who seemed different. He was no longer a thing that could be fired; rather he was a human with a family. When I “let him go” something bothered me.  I wonder what that was.

• Sometimes my drive keeps me from hearing things.
• Sometimes my determination keeps me from listening.
• Sometimes my position keeps me from having a soft heart.

Now I know why some of the elderly are so nice. After “letting people go” in a cold calloused way, I now see I had to harden my heart in order to be “tough enough” to make it in the position. I don’t mean I would not fire a rebellious or slothful employee, I mean I have to have a different courage.

• I have to have courage enough to listen to GOD rather than letting my ambition deafen me.
• I have to have courage enough to listen to GOD rather than plodding down a destructive course.
• I have to have courage enough to listen to GOD rather than thinking everything will be fine if I don’t repent.

GOD wants me to have a humbled heart. I have to appreciate rather than alienate. HE tells me to live the way HE designed and only HE can determine my course. My action is to have a responsive heart which takes spiritual ears and a humbled soul.

• Are you at war with GOD?
• Do you think you will win the fight against GOD?
• Can you stop the battle and follow HIS leading?
• Will you humble yourself and listen to what HE has to say? 

Steady as It Goes

2 Chronicles 27: ⁶ Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.

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“You need to meet the right people” a mentor told me when I inquired about being successful. I looked around and the “successful” people were drunkards, liars and thieves. One of my coworkers asked me to attend a very “visible” bible study that the “successful” people seemed to shun. What was I going to do?

• Hanging around the crowd seems so satisfying at times.
• Compromising my values seems like the right thing to do at times.
• Desiring something to the extreme makes me want to join the wrong group at times.

When I woke up I actually remembered the mentors’ real statement. “You need to meet the right people within your values” is what he really said but not what I heard. I thought I had to change my value system and become something I was not created for. BUT GOD showed me something different.

• GOD says “I will give you rest unto your soul.”
• GOD says “MY burden is light.”
• GOD says “I will lead you besides still waters.”

I chose the harder route and went to the Bible study. The Bible leader and I spoke to a person about CHRIST and he began crying and accepted HIM with zeal. This was a greater reward than promotions. But that’s not the end of the story. The CIO watched me and so did my bosses boss. They were followers of GOD and I didn’t know it. I was later promoted to areas I never would have believed.

• Are you ready to throw in the towel with GOD?
• Do you think you have to change or compromise your values?
• Are you so desperate for money or success that you are thinking of giving up on GOD?
• Can you choose GOD today?
• Will you continue to walk down the path with GOD no matter how rocky it may seem?

Finish Your Work

1 Chronicles 28: ¹⁹ “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan.”

²⁰ David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.

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Shoulders slumped and head held low, I was trying to get over the news that I didn’t get the top executive position.  I was waiting so long! I moped for days and finally the CEO of the company I interviewed for said “Get your head back in the game. You still have to work.” I did and I actually got a different position which took me on a wonderful adventure I would not have imagined.

• GOD knows my every desire, good and bad.
• GOD knows my every ambition.
• GOD knows what’s in my mind.

A tactic of the enemy is discouragement because the race is pretty long. It seems like the road will never end.  Just when there seems to be signs like the end is coming, it seems like more road is added. This causes me to fear the future. (Like I have the future figured out.) This fear and discouragement makes me question GOD’s plan.

• When I want results in my timing I get discouraged but when I wait on GOD it always works out.
• When I look at the future I get filled with fear but when I focus on today I can see GOD’s blessings.
• When I survey my abilities I feel inadequate but when I seek GOD’s strength nothing can stop me.

David was very clear when he said these words over and over to a very nervous son, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” He said this because the road would seem long sometimes and things would go wrong. Set back after set back will occur. GOD said “Keep going, I will not fail you or forsake you.”

• Are you feeling discouraged?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Are you questioning GOD’s vision HE gave you?
• Can you stop thinking about the future and focus on what GOD wants you to do today?
• Will you ask GOD for HIS strength instead of trying to do this on your own?

Some money isn’t worth it.

Genesis 14: ²¹ The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”

²² But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’

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Day twenty one out of thirty of being on the road and I finally made it home. The company would take any account and since I was trained they would send me anywhere. Promotion possibilities were only whispered to me but nothing solid was spoken.

At that time we had just had our first child and I was stuck with a dilemma, keep traveling or get a new job paying less money and be home each night. “I am making a lot of money” I thought to myself.

• My love of money can sometimes cloud my judgment.
• My love of money can sometimes make me do things that GOD may not want me to do.
• My love of money can sometimes cause my worries to mount and I feel enslaved to those who may not have integrity.

Abram chose between getting richer and integrity and chose integrity. Of course when integrity is chosen, no one puts your name in the newspaper or gives you any awards.

• GOD owns everything and it is up to HIM to take away from me or to give to me.
• GOD is not excited about my worldly wealth but is excited when I follow HIS ways.
• GOD loves when I look to HIM for wealth and not be so desperate that I would do “anything” for a little money.

Integrity doesn’t mean I will be poor, it just means I won’t let greed get in the way of my relationship with CHRIST. Where the money comes from and how I make the money is just as important as getting the money.

• Are you miserable because of lack of money?
• Do you think having new stuff will make you happy?
• Can you look at yourself to see if money is making you miserable?
• Will you look at GOD and trust HIS reason for having you right where you are?

When my ambition supersedes GOD

Genesis 11: ³ They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. ⁴ Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

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“I can run this place” I thought to myself.  I mean if I work hard I will get promoted and they will put me on top. Well, that didn’t happen, but I did notice that when others were promoted, they executed a smear campaign to take the person on top down. Should I stoop to that kind of behavior?

• Sometimes my ambitions drive me to take over rather than achieve.
• Sometimes my ambitions lead me to be on top at any cost.
• Sometimes my ambitions make me say “I can do that better than that person.”

Ambitions can blind me at times.  I’m not saying having goals is a bad thing, but what I am saying is my goals need to include GOD as the direction I am headed.

• GOD needs to be first in my ambition otherwise I will complain that HE is in the awy.
• GOD needs to be the center of my attention otherwise I will sometimes think HE is a hindrance.
• GOD needs to be top of mind in my plans otherwise I will leave HIM out of my plans and go my own way.

Ambition has gotten me in trouble with GOD before.  My plans were not HIS plans, yet HE allowed me to go with my plans. When my plans failed, I came running back to GOD asking for help and sometimes it was too late. GOD wants to be first, not last when it comes to my desires.

• Are you driven to achieve?
• Are you trying to do whatever you are doing without GOD?
• Can you take a moment to add GOD to your plans?

Even GOD rested

Genesis 2: ² By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

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Three O’clock in the morning and I was wide awake.  I may as well do some more work I thought to myself.  I am awake anyway. I finished answering some e-mail messages and went back to bed for a couple of hours. The next day the same thing happened and the next and the next.

Soon a week had passed and I never stopped working. Day and night I persisted. I was getting exhausted and I had not communicated with the LORD very much.

• When I get caught up with work I sometimes forget to rest.
• When I get focused on accomplishing what I want I sometimes lose focus on what is around me.
• When I get my mind wrapped around achieving my goals I sometimes forget GOD has a purpose for me.

GOD made me for HIS purpose and I forget that quite often.  I get a desire in my mind and when GOD says “No” I don’t just accept it.  I keep persisting until I get my way or at least I think I will get my way.  Soon I find myself losing sleep and working harder than ever only to come back to GOD and asking HIS favor. Is there a better way? YES!

• GOD wants me to rest instead of persist.
• GOD wants me to let things go instead of holding onto them tightly.
• GOD wants me to take some time to focus on HIM rather than worrying, doubting and fearing.

When I stop for a moment and give GOD some time HE blesses me thoroughly with peace. I can’t understand where it comes from but HE gives it to me and I can think clearly. Now I actually look forward to my time with HIM.  HE calms me down and suggests next steps through my prayer and reading of HIS words.

The best thing for my worries, fears and doubt is to stand still and know GOD’s power.

• Are you worried about something?
• Are you working hard to keep your stuff?
• Have you tried stopping and sitting still for a moment so you can hear GOD?
• Won’t you increase your time with HIM so HE can communicate with you?

Get prepared

Revelation 14: ⁶ Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

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My robe and cap had arrived. I was actually graduating.  It seemed like such a difficult road but I had made it.  I was now ready to face the world, but with what?

• GOD wants me to use my talents to tell people about HIS SON.
• GOD desires that I focus my fears on HIM rather than fearing something that has to report to HIM.
• GOD craves that I lift HIM up to GOD status and say HE has the right to do as HE pleases.

Worshiping GOD means I have to accept HIS plan the way HE wants it to unfold.  I mean I may not get the thing I want the way I want it, but I will get what I need when I need it. GOD wants me to prepare for an eternal relationship with HIM and I can start right now.

• Are you prepared to be with the LORD?
• Has your faith waned?
• Can you allow GOD to let HIS might plan work in you?
• Won’t you follow HIM and fear HIM today?

Curiously walk right through the door

Revelation 3: ⁸ I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

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Trembling, I sat in the waiting area ready to meet the group of executives and reviewing my background in my mind. When they brought me in I felt at ease and we had a good conversation until they asked me “that” question. “How do you feel about downsizing half the staff here?” “Rotten” was the answer. Immediately I saw the door shut and that opportunity went away.

• Sometimes I build up expectations in my mind and I get slammed down to earth with reality.
• Sometimes I want something so bad only to find I can’t have it and I get disappointed.
• Sometimes I try for the prize only to realize my efforts weren't good enough.

Disappointment places a fork in the road for me. Either I am going to become “discouraged” which will lead to me not listening to GOD or I will choose to be “curious” which leads to life. Of course GOD wants me to choose the latter of the two.

• When I am curious about GOD I seek what HE is all about.
• When I am curious about GOD I look for HIS desires.
• When I am curious about GOD I search for HIS people, HIS ways, HIS situations no matter how much strength I have.

JESUS said “I am the door.” HE also said “What I open no one can shut and what I shut no one can open.” HE has opened the door for me so many times and all I had to do was walk through it. HE shuts the door on my evil desires and opens the door to a path that leads to life.

GOD knows me. HE knows what little strength I have and HE is pleased with my pitiful efforts to serve HIM. HE places the door in front of me and HE wants me to be curious enough to walk through it. My curiosity of HIM grows my faith.

• Have you already made up your mind that GOD can’t use you?
• Is your heart so filled with stone that you cannot follow HIM anymore?
• Are you still curious about HIS ways or do you think you know it all?
• Won’t you seek HIS new adventure or are you convinced you are at the end of the road?

How healthy am I?

1 Timothy 4: ⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.

¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

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Treacherous was the description of the road as I tooled along at fifteen miles per hour. Snow blowing thwarted my visibility but I was determined to get there. When I arrived I breathed a sigh of relief. I could lift weights in peace because I had the whole gym to myself.

The bodybuilding competition was coming up in a few months and I wanted to be ready. Besides, I could miss church if I worked out too hard.

• Sometimes I put my ambitions in the wrong place.
• Sometimes I place my ambitions higher than the prime objective.
• Sometimes I put my ambitions first and other things fall somewhere down the list.

Health concerns are good. I should rest, eat right and exercise as much as possible, but all these things won’t amount to much if my spirit is not healthy. I mean if I am lazy in my service to GOD then my spirit can get sick and out of shape.

• GOD wants me to take time to speak with HIM to build my faith muscles.
• GOD wants me to take time to read about HIM to build my perseverance and joy muscles.
• GOD wants me to take time to serve others for HIM to build my generosity and love muscles.

It actually requires a conscience effort to pay attention to GOD. I can get so wrapped up in trying to accomplish something that I forget why I’m here in the first place. GOD put me here to be HIS. The more training I do the easier it is to “be” the person HE wants me to be.

• Are you training yourself for GOD?
• Can GOD use a little of your life today?
• Won’t you set some of your ambition aside and focus on what GOD would want you to do?

I was lost

Colossians 1: ²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

²³ if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

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A quick glance at my watch raised panic in my mind. The meeting was going to start in minutes and I couldn’t find the building. I started devising a plan that seemed to be futile and time was running out. I thought “If I could look at the buildings then maybe I could see something familiar.” Finally after looking at maps and driving in circles I found someone to give me directions. I felt peace easing my mind.

• Whenever life gets tough I try to develop plans that don’t include GOD.
• Whenever life gets difficult I try to create my own way excluding GOD.
• Whenever life gets painful I try to generate my own destiny, thinking I don’t need GOD for this situation, I can handle it myself.

In my mind, GOD was cramping my style. I mean HE wanted me to be “good” and to “trust HIM” yet HE didn’t seem to care because HE wasn’t handling the situation the way “I” wanted HIM to. At least that’s what my mind was telling me. BUT GOD acts and reacts much higher than I do.

• GOD saw I would not choose HIM yet HE allowed HIS SON to die for me to save me.
• GOD saw I would walk away from HIM many times yet HE chose to forgive me.
• GOD saw I would fight with HIS plans yet HE continues with HIS plans of love for me.

Whenever I fight with GOD and HIS mighty plan, I seem to get lost. Don’t get me wrong, I may seem to be doing fine from a humans’ perspective but I stop serving, praying and soon believing. I start believing I know better than GOD and after a while I leave HIM out of the picture completely. Then when life gets difficult I run back to HIM like a little baby.

GOD wants me to remain in HIM placing my faith and hope in HIS marvelous ways. Only HIS SON can remove my sins and declare me free from blemishes.

• Are you lost?
• Do you think you have a plan to get you out of your mess?
• Can you turn your life over to GOD and focus on HIS way?
• Won’t you believe in HIS SON who is the only one who can save you?

Peaceful Contentment

Philippians 4: ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

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Money was my motivator. You want me to do something, show me the money. Little did I know I had a greater motivator, namely fear. When the account was slipping away from us I worked extremely hard to keep everything going.

I worked thirty six hours straight, forsaking meals and family. We still lost the account and I found myself on the “bench.” “If I stayed there too long I could lose my job”, I thought to myself. I missed the fact that leaving my family and forgetting my health may have caused problems. 

• When I am poor I worry about paying bills.
• When I am in the middle I worry about becoming rich.
• When I am rich I worry about losing my wealth.
• When I am discontent I complain about GOD’s plan.

Each of my worries shows my discontentment. GOD couldn’t possibly be right with “this” plan I would think to myself. I mean HE wants me to keep moving forward right? Maybe… but with what kind of attitude?

It seems like I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop. In other words I am always waiting for things to “get better” rather than looking at the greatness that’s going on around me. 

• GOD wants me to have peace in the middle of each storm.
• GOD wants me to be content when HE gives me plenty and when HE takes my wealth away.
• GOD wants me to have peace during times of crisis.
• GOD wants me to be content when things aren’t going quite the way I planned.

From the inconvenient car accident to the bag of money falling out of the sky, GOD wants me to view HIS plan as being great. HE desires that I follow HIM and look to HIM for my strength rather than looking at my wealth.

• Are you seeking more money or more stuff?
• What trinket or gadget or title or group is holding you back from your contentment?
• Can you assess you desire to see if it is greater than your love for GOD?
• Are you willing to leave that thing and accept what GOD wants you to have?
• Can you focus your ambitions on what GOD wants?

Unity starts here

Philippians 2:¹Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 

not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

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After approaching the head of the department about an idea many people had, I realized we were going to get nowhere. I mean this idea was brilliant yet fell on deaf ears. “We’re going to do it anyway” I said to myself.  I obtained outside resources and funding and we marched ahead with our plans. We built a wonderful tool but it caused a battle that lasted for years.

• My self-interested desires can cause discord when I look at others as opposition.
• My selfish ambitions can bring about disagreements when I only seek my way.
• My self-seeking aspirations can make me look good but in the long run everyone loses.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being driven. Goals should be set and the status quo needs to be challenged but it should be done in a harmless way. GOD gives me a better way to success.

• Instead of getting my way GOD wants me to get “our” way by being like-minded.
• Instead of fulfilling my ambitions GOD wants me to seek “our” ambitions by being the same in love.
• Instead of winning as an individual GOD wants me to have one mind which causes me to seek the needs of others.

When I go for the prize I put blinders on and I may accidently step on a few toes. “They’ll get over it when I succeed” I think to myself. BUT GOD says they won’t get over it. HE desires unity as my path rather than winning for myself.

“But that person is an idiot” I retort. GOD sees even “that” person different. HE loves them deeply and wants them to succeed just as much as HE wants me to succeed. GOD wants me to have “one mind” which may mean I have to change my mind in order to unify for the purpose of bringing CHRIST’s love to them.

• Are you ambitious?
• Do you seek to get your way?
• Are you blind to how you are seeking your own way?
• Can you begin asking others what they need or want in order to gain unity?

Am I consistent?

Galatians 4: ¹⁸ It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.

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Lunch was a time we looked forward to.  We would head out with zeal to our favorite grazing areas.  Soon we would think of excuses for taking longer and longer lunches. Our zeal for leisure turned into careful planning. We had developed elaborate games to increase our enjoyment. This required others to tell us when our boss was coming so we could “look” like we were working hard.

“You guys haven’t unloaded that truck yet” my supervisor exclaimed. We thought of some lie to get him off our back then we went back to work. I wonder if they appreciated my work ethic.

• I fail in my character when I am good in front of one group and faulty around another.
• I send mixed messages when I am good sometimes and sneaky other times.
• I misplace my “zeal” when I use it for things that may not be as pleasing to GOD.

My zeal can cause me to act inconsistent. I can want something so bad that I alter my behavior to get what I want even if it is not aligned with GOD. Then I try to “act” good when in reality GOD is watching my every move and knows my faulty plan.

• GOD knows my thoughts so I should control them to focus on HIM.
• GOD knows my actions so I should reduce the things I do wrong and try to focus on what HE wants me to do.
• GOD knows my heart so I should practice placing the right things in it in order to act consistent.

From my appearance to my shallow words I had to “appear” polished as an executive. No matter how bad things were going I had to look as though nothing were wrong. BUT GOD wanted me to act different. HE wants my character. HE wants my consistence. HE wants me to act in the truth.

Character and consistency brings peace to all my actions because I don’t have to remember lies.

• Are you inconsistent with your example of CHRIST?
• Are you one way with some people and different with others?
• Can you become more consistent with your walk with CHRIST?