Showing posts with label Appearances are Deceiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appearances are Deceiving. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Desire to Liar

 Desire to Liar

Genesis 27: 18 So he went to his father and said, “My father.”

 

And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

 

19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.”

 

20 But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?”

 

And he said, “Because the Lord your God brought it to me.”

 

21 Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.” 22 So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him.

 

24 Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?”

 

He said, “I am.”

 

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Jacob followed his mother’s instructions to the letter. He went into Isaac and said he was Esau. He then said he had the wild game that he was sent out to get.

 

My Observations:

  • Jacob lied about being /Esau.
  • Jacob Lied about catching wild game.
  • Jacob really desired to get the blessing, so he lied to get it.

 

Jacob seemed like he would do anything to get what he wanted. But little did he know, GOD would eventually change his deceptive ways. It’s quite amazing how GOD chooses sinners like you and me.

 

GOD cannot stand sin. HE sees deception, lies and manipulation as a problem. BUT GOD also knows when HE can use someone who has been lying and cheating. GOD’s grace is amazing HE would bless this liar, despite his ways. One day his ways would have to change.

 

Challenge

  • Why does GOD tell Moses about what HE allowed Jacob to do?
  • Have you ever lied to yourself or others?
  • Is this the day you are changed to follow GOD wholeheartedly and without fear?

Friday, June 20, 2025

Scheme Released

Scheme Released

Genesis 27: 11 And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. 12 Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.”

 

13 But his mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.” 14 And he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and his mother made savory food, such as his father loved. 15 Then Rebekah took the choice clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. 16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. 17 Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

 

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Jacob presented flaws in Rebekah’s plan as if to say “How in the world will dad believe I am Esau? He’s covered with hair.” He was also afraid of getting caught and losing everything in the process. Rebekah told Jacob she would take the blame if Isaac were to find out.

 

My Observations:

  • Jacob agreed with the deception, but was afraid of getting caught.
  • Rebekah believed she was doing the right thing after hearing from GOD about who would be the chosen one.
  • Esau and his wives still lived with his parents, so Rebekah heard and saw everything they did.

 

After thinking of everything, the scheme was put into place. Jacob brought the animals and Rebekah took the animals and made tasty food for Isaac. She then went into Esau’s closet and pulled out his stinking hunting clothes and gave them to Jacob.

 

She then took goat pelts and put them on Jacob’s hands and neck because Esau was very hairy. They thought of everything, but maybe they didn’t. Jacob was becoming better and better at getting his way through deceit. Wow! One son who could care less about his family inheritance, and the other, scheming to get what he could. Despite all of this, GOD would bless the family.

 

Challenge

  • Why would GOD tell Moses about the scheme Rebekah and Jacob put together?
  • Have you ever tried to over-spiritualize the actions of the people in the Bible?
  • Can you see that GOD uses sinners, who mean things for evil, to do good for HIS purpose?

Friday, September 27, 2024

Not Fooled

Not Fooled

Revelation 20: 4 Then I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given the power to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been executed because they had proclaimed the truth that Jesus revealed and the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image, nor had they received the mark of the beast on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and ruled as kings with Christ for a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over.) This is the first raising of the dead. 6 Happy and greatly blessed are those who are included in this first raising of the dead. The second death has no power over them; they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they will rule with him for a thousand years.

 

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Being gullible was a problem I faced. I took what was said as face value. I repeated some of the words without checking whether the information was right or wrong. “Do you know what you are saying?” someone challenged me.

 

  • I was saying things that contained half-truths.
  • I believed in what people said without checking their character.
  • I was fooled quite easily, because I wanted to be part of a crowd.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw thrones of people given power to judge. They had not been fooled by the beast or the false prophet or Satan. All things that looked glamorous but took people away from CHRIST, did not penetrate their hearts and they remained followers of JESUS, even unto death.

 

My Observations:

  • It takes prayer to not be fooled.
  • It takes giving up “my” desire to have a kingdom to hear the truth from GOD.
  • It is worth losing the world and gaining my soul.

 

Relative truth can fool me into deep problems. I mean, when something sort of makes sense, but has a slight dab of lie mixed in, I sometimes cannot tell what is the real truth. Then my desires blind me further to want to believe in lies more than the truth. BUT GOD gave me a way to know the truth.

 

JESUS is the Way, the TRUTH and the life. Following HIM means getting to know HIM. It means I love HIM more than I love “being known” for studying HIM and becoming a Pharisee. It also means that the world has nothing to offer me, BUT JESUS has everything I need. I gladly give up the world’s lies for the TRUTH.

 

Challenge

  • What does the writer mention about the “first raising of the dead?”
  • Has life gotten so difficult that you are willing to believe in a lie?
  • Will you seek the truth yourself by reading the Bible without someone else’s interpretation so GOD can speak to you through HIS word today?

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Not Robbed

Not Robbed

2 John 1: 7 Many deceivers have gone out over the world, people who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ came as a human being. Such a person is a deceiver and the Enemy of Christ. 8 Be on your guard, then, so that you will not lose what we have worked for, but will receive your reward in full.

 

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“Why is he being so nice to me?” was the thought running through my mind. Usually this thug would bully me and this conversation was unexpected. It was cold outside and I had on my snorkel coat. I looked around and saw his goons giggling. Turns out, they were practicing picking my coat pocket.

 

  • I was distracted by the conversation.
  • I was being robbed because I was distracted.
  • I was a prime target because I wasn’t paying attention.

 

John gets right down to business in this very short letter. He wanted to address deception that had become plentiful. People were not acknowledging that JESUS came as a human to be murdered by HIS creation and be raised from the dead. A person who speaks against this is a deceiver.

 

My Observations:

  • GOD wants me to be as wise as the serpent like worldly people, but as harmless as a dove.
  • Believers will receive a full reward, simply by believing that JESUS died and rose from the dead.
  • The reward for my belief is an eternity of peace, no problems and no pain.

 

Being deceived can rob me. I mean, in the past when I have been deceived, it wasted time, money and effort. “I could have done things differently” is usually the regretful thought I have had after realizing I have been deceived. It’s a bad feeling.

 

GOD does not want me to have regrets. HE wants me to choose HIM versus being forced to love HIM. When I choose to believe in HIS love, I experience HIS amazing grace. I am glad I receive HIS reward in full, simply by believing in JESUS.

 

Challenge

  • Who does the writer say is a deceiver?
  • Have you ever been deceived?
  • Will you “be on your guard” by believing that JESUS is GOD and HE became a human to save you and me, and HE was murdered by humans to be raised from the dead to pay for your sins and mine today?

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Inward Truth

Inward Truth

1 John 1: 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

 

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On the way to the picnic, a motorcycle tried to pass me on the shoulder while I was making a sudden right turn. I was an inexperienced driver and I has begged for the car. “What will I tell my parents?” was the worry I felt all day. Arriving home, I found some spray paint that could possibly cover the dented area. Maybe they won’t notice.

 

  • I was not at fault, yet I was nervous and I tried to protect myself.
  • I tried to cover up the problem that was obvious and made the situation worse by using the wrong color.
  • I took a deep breath, told the truth and was surprised that my worst fears were not met.

 

John seemed to be addressing insecure hidden sin. This sticky sin can be hidden from people well, especially if practiced over time. He even addressed the sin that allows us to fool ourselves into believing that we are justified in what we are doing.

 

My Observations:

  • Sin has a power over me when I hide it or cover it up.
  • When I confess my sin, it not only loses its power, but the desire diminishes.
  • GOD is the only one who is faithful in the situation where I need my sins forgiven and cleansed.

 

Not seeing there is a problem is the problem. I mean, when I think I do not have a sin problem, I cannot confess that I have a problem and therefore will not make a change that could address the problem. Fooling myself into thinking I am “right” is a huge problem that GOD is willing to fix.

 

HE wants me to humbly come to HIM with the awareness of myself, so I can confess things in my life that need correcting. HE is faithful and just to correct me, heal me and clean me in HIS way and HIS time. I gladly confess my sins to GOD to diminish the power it has over me.

 

Challenge

  • Why does the writer use the words “If we say” twice?
  • Have you ever fooled yourself by comparing yourself to someone who is doing “worse” than you?
  • Will you take an inward inventory and confess your sins to GOD so HE will cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Outward Appearance

 

Outward Appearance

Hebrews 9: 6 This is how those things have been arranged. The priests go into the outer tent every day to perform their duties, 7 but only the high priest goes into the inner tent, and he does so only once a year. He takes with him blood which he offers to God on behalf of himself and for the sins which the people have committed without knowing they were sinning. 8 The Holy Spirit clearly teaches from all these arrangements that the way into the Most Holy Place has not yet been opened as long as the outer tent still stands. 9 This is a symbol which points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect, 10 since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time when God will establish the new order.

 

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“You’re too skinny” were the cutting words I did not like. “Your hair is nappy” and “Your glasses look like professor glasses.”  At the time I felt I could do nothing about my appearance, but really wanted to change.

 

  • I found myself insecure about my appearance.
  • I wished that people would have looked on the inside instead of focusing on the outside.
  • I thought that if I focused on the outer appearance, then maybe people would investigate the inner me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer,  discussed the “outer” and “inner” tents that were used by priests and the high priest for sin offerings. Special rituals were performed to atone for sin, but this atonement was temporary. They could never truly cleanse the heart.

 

My Observations:

  • Following the Law temporarily gives me relief from the enemy, but following GOD gives me eternal relief.
  • Trying to do what the Law says makes me look good in front of people, BUT GOD knows my inner heart and is the only one who can cleanse it.
  • JESUS became the sin offering for me and the HOLY SPIRIT dwells in me to protect the inner sanctuary.

 

Trying to be perfect only appeals to the outer appearance. I mean, when I try to look good in front o everyone, yet I carry sin that he or she does not know about, my righteous appearance carries an odor of stench to the LORD. BUT GOD has a way to cleanse me.

 

Through JESUS, I am cleansed. HE does not look at my outer appearance, rather searches deep in my heart. HE then sends the HOLY SPIRIT to dwell in me and cleanse me of all my sins. HE even protects the inner sanctuary from the enemy. I am glad I do not have to look good to GOD for HIM to love me.

 

Challenge

  • What futility is the writer talking about?
  • Have you ever tried to be “good” or look “good” in front of people?
  • If you are focused on your outer appearance, will you begin to ask GOD to cleanse your inner appearance that is naked before HIM anyway?

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Celebration

 

Celebration

Philippians 3:  In conclusion, my friends, be joyful in your union with the Lord. I don't mind repeating what I have written before, and you will be safer if I do so. 2 Watch out for those who do evil things, those dogs, those who insist on cutting the body. 3 It is we, not they, who have received the true circumcision, for we worship God by means of his Spirit and rejoice in our life in union with Christ Jesus. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies. 

 

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Preparing for the celebration was hard work. Lists were made, lots of things were prioritized and budgets were blown. Large groups of people were involved in this frenzied experience. Lost sleep, meetings and stress ensued. “It’s tradition” someone said, trying to make sense out of the madness.

 

  • We had placed high value on ceremonies.
  • We placed a lot of trust in the tradition.
  • We made sure the photo opportunities looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.

 

Paul repeats himself by saying “Be joyful in your union with the LORD.” He then warns everyone about trusting in “external ceremonies” versus simply trusting in the union with CHRIST JESUS. He knew that looking holy did not make a person holy.

 

My Observations

  • My external actions may look good to people, BUT GOD rates my righteousness as filthy.
  • GOD saw my sinful actions and saved me anyway.
  • Only my union with CHRIST JESUS can save me.

 

Celebrating special days or people may have its value, but can sometimes be prioritized over the One who deserves celebration, namely JESUS. I mean, it is alright to recognize leaders or to be circumcised or to celebrate accomplishments, but placing trust in these ceremonies could make us think that we holier than we are.

 

Being “joyful” in union with the LORD can happen every day. No special day or moment is needed. GOD made it possible for me to celebrate the LORD each and every day. Traditions are nice, but I am glad I can recognize CHRIST without the need for anyone to see it.

 

Challenge

  • Who is the writer warning everyone about?
  • What is the “true circumcision?”
  • Will you celebrate your relationship with CHRIST as often as you can without the need for a special day or person triggering an event?

Friday, March 4, 2022

New Clothes

New Clothes

Galatians 3: 26 It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. 27 You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. 28 So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.

 

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Tattered clothes made me feel ashamed  to be in public. Ridicule from other children made me self-conscious about my garments and I began to second guess my abilities. “What do I have to offer if I don’t fit in?” I thought from my insecurities.

 

  • I was insecure.
  • I was self-conscious about my outward appearance.
  • I was busy looking on the outside of me and I did not like what I saw.

 

Paul concludes his explanation of the temporary use of “The Law.” He mentions that “It is through faith” that we are GOD’s children. Baptism by the HOLY SPIRIT brought all who believed in JESUS as the Savior, into union with CHRIST. Now the promise of being a descendant of Abraham is available to those who believe.

 

My Observations

  • I can be secure in this life when I put my trust in JESUS.
  • Sin soiled and tore my godly clothes.
  • GOD gave me new clothes that are not made with human hands, rather of the SPIRIT.

 

Being adopted into the family of GOD has its benefits. I mean, now I am in union with CHRIST and I can be confident that the Creator wants me to have everything in HIS kingdom. Unfortunately my insecurities blind me to focus on the world and I overlook GOD’s kingdom.

 

I fall into the trap of trying to wear clothes made from humans and I adorn myself in businesses, jobs, titles, political affiliations, social groups and social pressures. These clothes get old quickly, BUT GOD’s clothes never stain or tear. I gladly wear the life of JESUS as a garment I am not ashamed to wear.

 

Challenge

  • What does the passage say about equality?
  • How does this passage address insecurity?
  • Will you accept the security of GOD for this life and the next by believing in JESUS as your Savior so you can put on HIS new clothes of purpose and freedom today?

Monday, January 10, 2022

Authority

Authority

2 Corinthians 10: 7 You are looking at the outward appearance of things. Are there some there who reckon themselves to belong to Christ? Well, let them think again about themselves, because we belong to Christ just as much as they do. 8 For I am not ashamed, even if I have boasted somewhat too much about the authority that the Lord has given us—authority to build you up, not to tear you down. 9 I do not want it to appear that I am trying to frighten you with my letters. 10 Someone will say, “Paul's letters are severe and strong, but when he is with us in person, he is weak, and his words are nothing!” 11 Such a person must understand that there is no difference between what we write in our letters when we are away and what we will do when we are there with you.

 

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Telling people what they did wrong was part of my job. It worked well for the company, but not so well at home. Spotting quality issues and inconsistencies lacked the “grace” needed that companies would scoff at.

 

  • I lacked the ability to overlook, what I thought were, glaring issues.
  • I lacked the ability to see beyond the “outward appearance of things.”
  • I lacked soothing words when confronted.

 

Paul spoke about a strange authority given to everyone. The authority is to “build you up.” This authority was taken for granted. People who belonged to CHRIST were speaking negatively about what each other was doing, or not doing or believed in.

 

My Observations

  • GOD wants me to see beyond the “outward appearance of things.”
  • GOD has given me the authority to build people up, not tear them down.
  • GOD wants me to grow up and use this authority as often as I can.

 

Seeing the “outward appearance of things” is the easy route. I mean, on the surface people make mistakes that seem easily correctable. But what is really going on? Why are the same mistakes made over and over? Maybe its because it is easier to dig a hole and throw someone in versus building people up.

 

It's easy for me to point out mistakes versus taking the opportunity to “build you up.” Frightening people or manipulating them to follow GOD is not the answer. All of us are on the same plane. We have all sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. But what if I were to put a person on my shoulders to get noticed by GOD? The only being that is “up” is GOD. I will take the authority HE has given me to “build you up.”

 

Challenge

  • What dangers does the writer imply by looking at “the outward appearance of things?”
  • How does it feel to be “built up?”
  • Will you take a different tactic and “build people up” so they may see GOD as the answer versus the problem today?

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Keep Away From Them

 

Keep Away From Them

Romans 16: 17 I urge you, my friends: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people's faith and go against the teaching which you have received. Keep away from them! 18 For those who do such things are not serving Christ our Lord, but their own appetites. By their fine words and flattering speech they deceive innocent people. 19 Everyone has heard of your loyalty to the gospel, and for this reason I am happy about you. I want you to be wise about what is good, but innocent in what is evil. 20 And God, our source of peace, will soon crush Satan under your feet.

 

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

 

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Willing to do anything legal for money, I stretched my values to include fine words and flattering speech to get “my” way. It worked. When the company came to me and said it was my job to explain away mistakes made by senior leaders, I got right in line and gave the story the right “spin” to make the $500 million gaff look salvageable.

 

  • There have been times when I used “spin” to justify problems.
  • There have been times when I used fine words to wow the crowd over.
  • There have been times when I used flattering speech to keep the crowd from leaving.

 

Paul uses wisdom to explain a very important subject. Keep away from those who cause division and upset people’s faith. He knew some people would be very polished in their delivery and could grow large crows by their flattery. He also knew they were not speaking or living the Gospel of JESUS.

 

  • GOD wants me to stay away from smooth talkers who do not live for or speak about JESUS.
  • GOD wants me to stay away from the large crowd that seems powerful but is weak compared to JESUS.
  • GOD wants me to recognize when someone is a deceiver based on their words that serve their own appetites.

 

Belief is in short supply these days. I mean it seems like leaders can lie and get away with it. Meanwhile, innocent people are hurt because of the flattering words. BUT GOD sees you. GOD sees those who believe in HIS SON and HE is happy with you and me.

 

HE removes my flattering fine words that would make “me” rich and replaces them with HIS Good News which is quite offensive in most circles. GOD wants to be first so HE will crush Satan under our feet. I am glad the grace of JESUS is with me.

 

  • Are you seeking to be the answer?
  • Will you lose your life trying to please the crowd instead of speaking up for JESUS?
  • Will you leave the crowd that has flattering fine words so GOD can use you to speak about HIS SON today?

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Wet Paint, Hot Stove

 

Wet Paint, Hot Stove

Romans 7: 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.

 

13 Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

 

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“Don’t touch that. The paint is wet” were the words that made me want to touch the wall. “Wet cement” seemed like an invitation to write my initials. “Hot stove, do not touch” seemed like a suggestion to try it out. But I obeyed and did not touch or write my initials.

 

But then someone said “Don’t worry.” Wait. Don’t worry about what? Now I couldn’t stop thinking about the thing I wasn’t supposed to worry about. I worried about my worry.

 

Some things that were brought to my awareness made me want to try it.

Some things that I would have never tried, I did because it was put in front of me.

Some things that should have been avoided, I got into because someone told me not to.

 

Paul talks about how sin used what is good to cause death. The Law was made to protect humans, but sin used it to entice people to do the opposite of the Law, thus causing death. Sin is recognized through the Law.

 

GOD wants me to follow HIS ways.

GOD wants me to learn about HIM so I can be protected from the consequences of sin.

GOD wants me to seek HIM daily so I will not pursue sin that fools me into thinking it is better than HIS way.

 

“Do not worry” or “Do not get angry” makes me more worried and very angry. I mean, how am I supposed to not be afraid of the unknown? Fortunately GOD took care of my problems with following the Law. JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead. By believing in HIS saving power I can follow HIS ways when I fall.

 

When I get worried, GOD enables me to see HIS power and promises. After a while, I’m not so worried. When I get angry, GOD shows me a way to have peace and suddenly the anger dissipates. The wet paint and hot stoves become easier for me not to touch when I recognize GOD is trying to protect me. I am glad HE loves me.

 

Have your desires gotten the best of you?

Do you want things that may be opposite of what GOD wants for you?

Will you surrender your life to GOD so HE can guide you to HIS powerful purpose today?

Friday, November 1, 2019

Available


John 13: 18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

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Working extra hours paid off. I was promoted and given more responsibility. “Do you want to help us serve the homeless?” was a question I could easily answer with the words “No time.” I had too much on my plate. After a while the plate got bigger and bigger. Soon, I missed going to places that asked those that type of question.

  • I had made the mistake of filling up all my time.
  • I had exchanged my purpose for a lesser prize.
  • I had forgotten to add boundaries to my pursuits that included serving GOD.


One person would put his pursuits over GOD during the meal. Judas sought financial gain and was blinded by wealth instead of seeing the prize that was right in front of him. JESUS saw through HIS deception of trying to “be good.”

  • JESUS wants to send me to seek those who have lost their way to HIM.
  • JESUS wants to send people to me when I lose my way.
  • JESUS wants me to be available.


Being available means I am willing to serve someone for JESUS sake, at a moment’s notice. This makes me rethink who I am willing to argue with or have combative language towards. JESUS wants my heart open so HE can clean it up and use it for HIS purpose. HE wants real servants, not fake. I receive being sent by JESUS and I look forward to those HE sends to me.

  • Are you sitting in church but not believing that JESUS can solve your problems?
  • Do you put your own pursuits over serving others strictly for GOD’s purposes?
  • Will you make yourself available for GOD so HE can send you to speak about HIS SON today?

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Nice Threads

Matthew 23: 27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

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Adorned with a matching tie, new shoes and socks that went with the suit, I was ready for church. I also had a new, unread Bible. When I arrived, I saw tight skirts and smelled perfume. “I have no idea what was said, but I’m sure I would fit in here” I thought to myself. “I mean I look pretty good too!”

  • Why did I gather when my heart was filled with lust?
  • Why did I attend church when I wanted to be in a club?
  • Why did I look at GOD’s children as something I could eventually mistreat as common.


My attitude towards church was that it was a gathering made for me. If I did not like the message or the way people were dressed, I would eventually leave and try again. I found a place where I could hear about GOD and lust at the same time! What a deal! BUT GOD wanted different.

  • GOD wanted me to care more about my insides than out.
  • GOD wanted me to go to church caring about people not staring at them.
  • GOD wanted me to seek to be cleansed from the inside.


Dead and unclean were the words JESUS used to describe the Sadducees and Pharisees. They would bring business deals, lust for power and lust for humans into the church while wearing nice garments and proud smiles. Respected in the community, they pranced before men.

GOD wants me to act different. HE wants me to go to church, ready to confess at the drop of a hat. HE wants my insides to become clean more than the outside.

  • Do you pay a lot of attention to clothes?
  • Are you trying to dress to please people?
  • Can you stop trying to please others and let GOD clean your insides?




Monday, July 31, 2017

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?


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

The unexpected


1 Samuel 16: 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”

“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.

Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

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Something seemed wrong about the resume, but this person interviewed extremely well. He dazzled my team with his spectacular stories and then he sat in front of me. I asked him piercing questions and he seemed to answer them well. He was well dressed and polished.

There was another person who wasn’t dressed so well but everyone liked him too. He had the qualifications and it simply came down to presentation. I chose the polished person thinking he would be able to present to hostile crowds. He ended up being a horrible hire that didn’t work out in only six months.

  • Sometimes I look at the outside of a person to make my decision.
  • Sometimes I look at the outer shell of a person hoping they will be able to perform.
  • Sometimes I look at the exterior of a person thinking they will be the same on the inside.


Looking at external features can get me in trouble. I place my confidence in the wrong thing and develop a plan that fails. BUT GOD looks at the heart.

  • GOD looks at my heart and places me in high places I don’t deserve.
  • GOD looks at my heart and knows when I am scared, yet HE chooses me to do battle.
  • GOD looks at my heart and delivers me from some very desperate situations.


It is GOD who chooses mankind to be where they are.  I shouldn’t pout when someone gets in office nor should I doubt that I can’t fulfill a role GOD has intended for me. GOD is the one who knows everyone’s heart and has a wonderful plan for each.

  • Do you doubt yourself and what GOD can do in your life?
  • Do you think GOD has forgotten about you?
  • Can you stop looking at your resources and talent and let GOD decide what HE wants to do for you?
  • Can you stop looking at other people and look at GOD?